“Life In The High School Department” By Yasmin Celestine Sengupta

by Bethany Institutions | Feb 4, 2023 | Bethany General, High School

LIFE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

By

Yasmin Celestine Sengupta – French Co-ordinator, Bethany High

I can say without a doubt that the High School staff (or ‘Hi-Cool’ as we are referred to !) are amongst the fittest teachers in the school. Apart from the fact that our department is on the 3^rd floor, we also do a lot of long distance running – to get notebooks for correction or to collect overdue projects.

Some of us have had the pleasure of seeing our students as cute tiny-tots in the
Pre-Primary Department transformed into strapping youngsters whom we look up to, as many are taller than us. These teens are super smart, super talented and super aware of what is going on around them. But above all they are super sensitive. Actually, a lot of our children are basically grappling with the whole business of growing up and the façade of bravado is just to cover up the timid adolescent inside. This makes our role as teachers, counsellors and mentors all the more stimulating.

As we teach them history and maths, drama and economics, they give us a sneak preview on what it is like to be a member of the post – Millenials or GenZ.  We learn about trends in behaviour, fashion, music, language and career options.

What makes life in the high school department so exciting and motivating, is that no two days are the same. Our hectic schedules are packed with academics, cultural events, competitions, class assemblies, crafting bulletin boards and preparing for special events.

But a Department is just a physical space. It is its members who bring it to life. An eclectic group of teachers each unique in their own way. Some senior teachers have served long before the more junior ones were born ! When this group of people of such varied interests, background and skills come together, they have once common mission – to ensure that they give their best to the children entrusted in their care. Co-operation is the foundation to the functioning of the Department, whether it is when substituting for a sick colleague or helping someone write a script.

Time literally flies and all too soon we have to bid our ‘big babies’ farewell, as step out into the unknown. The Valedictory Ceremony is by far the most touching occasions of the year. Our ‘hip’ youngsters who are normally jeans and sneaker clad appear like butterflies – the girls all made up and salon-coiffed in their sarees and the boys in their suits, ties and gleaming shoes.  I sometimes wonder what they do with the photos they take with us !

But it is heartening to see many an ex-Bethanite come back to meet the teachers of their  Alma Mater. And what exciting stories they have to tell. We have met an officer in the Peace Keeping Force, a hi-end fashion designer, an actor on the New York stage and the brains behind an IT start-up. Often they come to shyly hand us their wedding invitation.

It’s then that we know in our hearts that the birds may have flown from the nest but that they like to re-visit what was once considered their second home !

CSR In Schools: How Bethany Is Making A Difference

by Bethany Institutions | Jan 13, 2023 | Bethany General, High School

You’ve heard of CSR but have you heard of BSR? Bethany High School, located in Koramangala, is putting a twist on the term “Corporate Social Responsibility”. Bethany High, which is home to over 2000 students, feels that connecting and catering to each student individually is of the utmost importance. With a dedicated team, Bethany High is determined to motivate and support each and every student, faculty member and support staff member of the school. Bethany Social Responsibility is a concept that was born decades ago and has been implemented in the most efficient manner possible to positively impact the lives of the students at Bethany, as well as the faculty and support staff by catering to whatever needs and matters that require assistance. That’s CSR In Schools in a Nutshell.

“Charity begins at home” is an important phrase when it comes to Bethany High. The school cherishes every single student and has four different projects which have been created to maximize the welfare of each and every member of the Bethany family. BSR began with the conception of the Bethany Special School in 1983. The Special School currently has 68 students who have accomplished a great deal with the guidance of the Bethany crew. There are unique activities conducted for the students which allow them to learn and grow to their maximum potential. These activities go far beyond the classroom teaching which they also receive that include academics, communication skills and social skills which help them in their day-to-day activities. Various projects are undertaken by them, namely, running a bakery, looming, crafts, music, sports and many other fun and simple activities which allow them to exercise the creativeness of their minds and learn new things on a day-to-day basis. Each student is assessed individually and have an Individual Education Plan formulated specially for them at the beginning of every year. Parents are regularly updated and the children bloom in an environment which is loving and nurturing to each and every one of them.

The Bethany Family Fund was another addition to BSR in 2008. An incident involving a student who had to go hungry due to her financial background struck a chord in the hearts of the Bethany management and faculty. After making sure the child was taken care of, the team set about the task of making sure every child in the school was properly taken care of. It was soon discovered that sixteen families needed help and with the aid of the generous Bethany faculty and parents, these sixteen families soon got the assistance they needed. Basic requirements like medical, rent and provisions are made available to them and students in Bethany take great pride in helping out their fellow peers. Over a four year period, a grant of Rs. 4,95,515 was given to those families who were in a real crisis. Rs. 4,47,875 was sanctioned as loans, and Rs. 1,00,675 was paid toward the school fees, books and uniforms of economically weaker students.

The Learning Lab is also an important component of BSR. Here, students who require it, are mentored and provided with extra guidance in order to make learning simpler and more fun. The “Enablers” at the Learning Lab are entrusted with the care of these students and teach them in such a way that they can imbibe lessons easily and with freedom. Each child at the Learning Lab is catered to individually and their performances are also based on their abilities and efforts. The main goal is to ensure children that their mistakes are learning experiences and that these areas are not ones that we should worry a great deal about. The premise is “It’s okay to not know, but it’s not okay to not try” which holds a great deal of significance to each and every child.

The most recent addition to BSR is the Bethany Helper Fund which assists the support staff at Bethany and enables them to maximize their welfare to its full potential. It was started in 2011 and deals with matters in times of need. The support staff may be assisted with their medical bills if needed and when affected by natural calamities, will be provided with support. If they require help with the payments of educational fees or assistance with their children’s marriage, then Bethany will gladly provide their assistance to anyone in need of it.

Bethany Social Responsibility has positively impacted plenty of people and has helped them abundantly in their social and professional lives. The Bethany family, which ranges from the littlest student to the oldest staff member, is assured that they will be duly taken care of in times of crisis. Bethany focuses not only on allowing a student to strive to the greatest potential they can be academically, but also focuses on the all-round development of each and every child. This includes their individual social responsibility as well as looking out for their peers. By incorporating BSR, they allow the students to grow and develop in an atmosphere of warmth and generosity which will surely spread through generations to come.

How Bethany Is Striving To Be One Of The Most Secure Schools In Bangalore

by Bethany Institutions | Dec 2, 2022 | Bethany General, High School

In this day and age, the safety of our children within school premises can no longer be taken for granted.  Schools need to be vigilant, just as parents need to take extra precautions at home, in their neighborhoods, playgrounds etc. The Bethany management has made a concerted effort to ensure that this is so.  CCTV cameras have been in all campuses, in the high school classrooms, the corridors, the playfield, entrances into the campuses and other vital locations. There are a few reasons why Bethany is one of the most secure schools in Bangalore.

In addition, staff members are on duty during the breaks to monitor the children.  Male staff patrol the areas in and around the school premises at the start and end of school, when children are coming and going.  All male staff have undergone a police verification.  The school uses both male and female security guards.  There is a female physical education teacher who is on the field when the children are at play.

Bethany buses also use cameras and are GPS-enabled.  There is a female attendant who accompanies the children on every bus trip.  Drivers undergo a police verification as well as regular medical and eye check-ups.

All children, teachers and staff wear ID cards and are not permitted to enter the premises without identification.  Parents, helpers and drivers who come to pick up children also have ID cards.   If a child has to leave during the day, a special gate pass is issued that is signed by the class teacher and HOD.  Visitors are not permitted to enter the premises without noting down their details and wearing a visitor badge.  A new Administrative block was created with a separate entrance.  This has greatly reduced the traffic of visitors, vendors and other people into the main school building confirming it’s reputation as one of the most secure schools in Bangalore.

Children are not allowed to be alone in the classrooms.  They wait together in the field both in the mornings and at the end of the day.  Teachers accompany children when they go to other classes such as dance, music or to the labs.

In case a child is sick or has been injured and cannot be cared for in the school infirmary, they are taken in school transport to Acura hospital after informing the parents.  Parents are strongly discouraged to send their children when they are unwell to ensure that we have a healthy environment in the school.

The Bethany management has always been very open to suggestions from parents to improve on the safety measures and continuously work towards maintaining its reputation as being one of the most secure schools in Bangalore.