by Bethany Institutions | Mar 20, 2023 | Bethany General, High School, Music & Drama
Words Of Kindness From Our Beloved Ex-Student Gana
march 28, 2019 bethany high categoriesbethany general, high school, music & dramatagsbethany high, drama, gana, saroop, testimonial
So to start off my testimonial to Bethany, I was one these reserved and kind of invisible kid at school. I never took part in any of the events in school so obviously everyone thought I was only capable of studying and honestly I thought the same. I still remember one day Saroop sir just heard me talk n pointed out that i had a ” radio voice ” but I did brush it off at that moment.
It was almost months later there was an emcee audition in my college n suddenly I remembered what sir said and decided to give a shot at it. To my surprise I actually did really well and ended up being spot selected to host an intercollegiate fest. It was honestly surreal for me. I was apparently selected for my spontaneity and confidence which are two skills that I developed during drama classes. That year I went on to become the president of the college’s science forum competing with some of the most talented candidates.
I also hosted 3 other fests the following year. Drama elective is not just about acting and theatre but it’s more about exploring your hidden talents. It helps you get rid of your insecurities and stage fright which naturally makes you a more confident personality. I was awarded “BEST FEMALE COMPERER OF THE YEAR” on my graduation which was a really proud moment for me.
Who even thought that the invisible girl from school could go out there and host shows with so much confidence? Drama classes really helped me get in touch with my talents and encouraged me to go out there and grab on to my dreams. If it wasn’t for drama elective I would have probably lived life in a cave full of my insecurities.
– An excellent testimonial by Gana, 2015 batch (ICSE), Bethany High, Koramangala
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 3rd 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 !
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.
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.
by Bethany Institutions | Nov 9, 2022 | Bethany General, Bethany Official, High School
BENGALURU: Bethany High School in Koramangala will on Sunday celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of its founder Mignon David by adopting three government schools in its vicinity. Each adopted school will get Rs 50-75 lakh.
“We’ll build modern classrooms, restrooms and train teachers in these government schools to provide quality education to its students. This was the vision of Mignon David, “ said Bethany Institutions director Akash Ryall, who is Mignon’s grandson.
Bethany adopting government schools is much in sync with Mignon’s education journey. Mignon David, who was from Sri Lanka, came to spend her holidays with her extended family in Kodaikanal along with three children – Darell (8), Leonard (9) and Yisult (7). One morning when she went to a post office, she fell in love with Joe David. After their marriage, they went to Sri Lanka.
But due to Joe’s transferrable jobs, the family moved to Chennai. But tragedy struck when their sons drowned while trying to rescue their dog. The family then moved down to her Richmond Townhome. Every evening Mignon would drive the streets of MG Road, Richmond Town, Langford Town and see children struggling for a meal. She decided to adopt them and this led to Bethany Home in 1963. “The children were provided food and educated by my grandmother,” Ryall added.
My mother (Yisult) studied in a private school but because of financial problems, she couldn’t pay school fees on time. My mother was asked to stand on benches the whole day and this angered my grandmother,” Ryall said. She started her own school in 1974 Bethany Home School in Richmond Town that had one child with four teachers with Mignon as principal and invited children of the neighborhood to join the school which now has 4,000 children.
Mignon also opened a school for special children in 1983. “These included children suffering from dyslexia, autism and who were slow learners,” added Ryall. Mignon passed away in 1976.
by Bethany Institutions | Sep 12, 2022 | Bethany General, High School
Nowadays, children need more and more attention in classrooms to help them progress further in their studies and all-round behavioral growth. It is becoming increasingly important that a child has exposure to the best scholarly environment possible, equipped with good teachers. Thus, it is important to make sure that the individuals who are constantly teaching your child new things every day are the best they can be. You may think it’s hard to find the best school teachers in Bangalore, but one need not look further than The Bethany Institutions spread across the City of Bangalore! With over 600 teaching and non-teaching staff, the students at Bethany are well-cared for and here are some of the reasons why they stand out.
#1. Highly qualified
The staff at Bethany are trained with at least three to four years of experience and are required to have a B.Ed. This includes every teacher from the primary department onwards, however, ISC teachers are required to have post-graduate degrees as well as to ensure the best learning for your child. Bethany also has a development program that includes regular staff meetings as well as training sessions. These are held department wise for maximum efficiency. All the teachers are well-qualified and have a wide range of skill sets in order to ensure quality teaching for the children of Bethany. It is one of the main reasons why they are the best school teachers in Bangalore.
#2. Innovative methods of teaching
The teachers at Bethany each have their own unique styles of teaching. No teacher teaches in the same way but they always make sure that every child in the class is able to understand the material taught with ease. Some teachers use the art of storytelling to communicate to the students while others lecture to the point. Sometimes students are asked to read and explain to their peers or even act out the material in certain classes. Teachers also use tools like PowerPoint and online material to supplement the textbook notes so that the students can have a wide range of material to imbibe information from. These are the best school teachers in Bangalore for a reason.
#3. Attention
Teachers all have one goal in common – to both command attention as well as to pay attention. The teaching staff at Bethany make sure every single student understands what is being taught and they regularly pause teaching to check if anyone has any doubts, which are then clarified. At the same time, they also make sure all the children are fully attentive in class and some teachers even keep the class active by asking questions and interacting with the students during lessons.
#4. Personal responsibility
Teachers take it upon themselves to ensure that their students rise up to their maximum potential. Words of encouragement, as well as lessons of wisdom, are continuously bestowed upon the students whenever needed. Teachers help students with their difficulties and offer extra advice if asked. It is important for teachers to know their students personally and to keep themselves as approachable as possible. Fortunately, we only work with the best teachers in Bangalore.
#5. Care factor
The teaching staff at Bethany also have another special factor aside from their knowledge and experience – they are very caring towards the children and treat them as their own. This includes both disciplining them properly as well as gently advising them on certain matters. The female teachers are motherly towards the students and this care factor is important for students to grow in the right environment. Learning becomes easier if the student-teacher bond is strong. Students are always welcome to approach the teachers with any problems they have and the teachers always provide help when they can. Encouragement and support are two things one can always rely on a teacher for.
#6. Special school
The special school at Bethany is equipped with wonderful teachers who have special training and skills to deal with anything that comes their way. The children are extremely well cared for and are treated in such a way that they are able to develop and grow at maximum ease. The special school teachers dedicate their time to making sure every individual child is able to grow in a comfortable environment. They are specially trained and have individual charts and progress reports of the children so that they can excel in what they like doing best.
#7. All round learning
The classroom is a place of learning and growth not only academically but also as individuals. The staff at Bethany make sure that there is overall development in every single student. Lessons are taught to the students about values and the teachers lead by example. Students are disciplined gently and are encouraged to always be the best they can be. Teachers at Bethany make sure every child is involved in the class assemblies and that they are kind to their peers. Academic excellence is not the only criterion for a good Bethanite, it is also the personal development which is ensured by the best school teachers in Bangalore.
Bethany High is a special place for a child to grow and learn in and the teaching staff at Bethany are crucial to the positive growth of the children who study there. Every teacher is valued by the school and its students and their dedication and commitment to their jobs are fully seen in the performance of the children. It is crucial for a child’s learning environment to be as comfortable and nurturing as possible. Both behavioral and academic growth are spurred with the support of a good teacher, and these are readily available if you look in the right places.
