The BIG Programme
BIG stands for Battle for Inclusive Growth. This programme aims at creating global citizens, who have been brought up, keeping in mind, the theory of multiple intelligences. Green Valley Academy (GVA) believes in inclusive growth of a child. We firmly believe that comprehensive growth of an individual relies on multiple factors. We renounce the old methods of assessing students merely on the basis of a few test parameters. The BIG programme of GVA utilizes the theory of multiple intelligences developed by Dr. Howard Gardner, Professor of Education at Harvard University. It suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on intelligence quotient testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults. These intelligences are: Linguistic Intelligence, Logical-Mathematical Intelligence, Spatial Intelligence, Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence, Musical Intelligence, Interpersonal Intelligence, Intrapersonal Intelligence and Naturalist Intelligence.
This theory reflects that traditionally schools and cultures mostly focus their attention only on linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence. We often appreciate the highly articulate or logical people. However, this theory says that we should also place equal attention toward individuals who show gifts in the other intelligences, such as artists, architects, musicians, naturalists, designers, dancers, therapists, entrepreneurs, and many others who enrich our world. Unfortunately, many children who have these gifts don’t receive much reinforcement for them in otherwise traditional schools. Many of these kids, even end up being labeled “learning disabled,” “ADD (attention deficit disorder,” or simply underachievers, when their unique ways of thinking and learning aren’t addressed by a heavily linguistic or logical-mathematical classroom.
This is enabled further by bringing international experts on board. These experts take workshops, seminars and lectures physically or online (as they are based all around the world). These are attended by students as well as their parents, since the entire environment around that student must be made conducive for growth. BIG initiative of GVA reflects the school’s commitment toward overall development of students. It also bolsters the will of providing international standards of education.
BIG SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Covid-19 has taught us that traditional education isn’t enough. We need a more holistic, evidence-based, and sensitive pedagogy in today’s world. This is exactly why Social and Emotional Learning is fundamental to the futures of education. Social and Emotional Learning contains training in Self-Awareness, Social-Awareness, Self-Management, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making. An SEL Program must have SAFE elements that instructors and students sensitively and actively practice. Safe refers to sequenced, active, focused and explicit way of delivering the program (Durlak et al., 2010, 2011). At Green Valley Academy, we create partnerships with students to impart SEL skills to them. In addition to a SEL based curriculum, students have workshops thrice a week on Grounding Skills Training, Emotion Regulation, Management of Anxiety, Suicide Prevention, Safety Planning etc.
BIG CAREER LIFT AND ACCELERATE PROGRAM (BIG CLAP)
We often wonder how to land our dream university or dream profession. But, do we even know what all professions and possibilities await us. How about a astronaut sharing his life story and what she did to become an astronaut, or how about an civil servant sharing his learning and best practices of his life that made me reach the Indian/UN Civil Services. Wouldn’t it be nice to hear an Architect share his beautiful experiences of enjoying art and how he understood why and how he wanted to become an Architect? How about Engineers, Doctors and several other professionals coming and sharing their life journey from school to today. How about a platform that lets students ask the simplest and most naive questions without being judged. How about a platform that allows students to know and understand professions and higher education options right from the horse’s mouth. The Battle for Inclusive Growth Programme’s Career Lift and Accelerate Program creates one-on-one interactive sessions for the students of Green Valley Academy. Through this Special Guest Lecture Series students can interact with the leaders of today to shape their tomorrow. These mentors come to share how their stories that led them to become architects, civil servants, etc., started their own company, entered the army, became India’s number 1 sports player etc. Basically, in all the professions students can imagine, can ask, how did these leaders do it?