What we have been doing in MRIS over and above regular scholastic subjects and co-curricular areas for the past few years:
- CREST (Conceptual Learning through Reasoning, Exploration, Skilling and Technology): Modified approach to teaching science and social studies with greater focus on conceptual understanding, application and extension of learning to new scenarios.
- Annual Projects (AP) based on UNSDGs towards understanding in developing sensitivity on social progress, economic development, and environment and climate.
- Makershala STEM curriculum to develop scientific skills and scientific temper.
- Life Skills and Values curriculum to develop self-awareness, human values, behaviours and attitudes.
Adding value to the above and taking learning approach to the next level, we have integrated much of the above areas into a more holistic programme named Future Skills & Sustainability (FS & S).
The basis for our effort at creating the FS & S programme can be found in:
- E2030 Position Paper on the Future of Education and Skills, OECD
- The Future of Jobs Report 2020, World Economic Forum
- UNESCO – Future of Education Initiative
- NEP 2020
The programme is implemented through different verticals such as:
- Tinkering
- Media and Design
- Coding and Technology
- AgriTech
General Information
About 55 hours are dedicated to each of the given verticals over the course of the year. The approach is experiential and inquiry based.
In grades 1 to 5, foundations for scientific approach to problem solving, 21st century skills, life skills, self-awareness and values, scientific temper, and thinking skills are nurtured and built.
For grades 6 to 8, students choose between the verticals of Tinkering and Media & Design. (They will also have the AgriTech vertical from session 2022-2023.).
Tinkering (Grades VI to X)
Focus on:
- Design Thinking, Sketching and Design, Electronics, Physical Computing, Computational Thinking
- Practice and apply the above skills with greater autonomy in projects.
- Projects incorporate design solutions, industry connect, entrepreneurship, innovation, SDG plug-ins (economic, social, climate and environmental), self-awareness and values, 21st century skills, life skills.
Work on projects that fall broadly under:
- Engineering Design
- Understanding and applying processes
- Understanding and applying mechanisms
(The projects link with SDGs and plug in STEM activities.)
Coding and Technology
Focus on:
- Computer related foundational learning and competence development – age appropriate – for employment from around 2030 onwards.
- Addresses and exceeds CBSE/NCERT syllabus requirements, but keeps to global standards.
- Includes development of computational thinking skills through programming languages, app and web development, gaming technology, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning).
Media and Design
Focus on:
- SDG advocacy
- Discernment, expressing, influencing
- Forming informed opinions and acting responsibly on them.
- Evaluating information and learning to think independently.
The above areas are covered by addressing:
Mass communication and Ethics, photography and photojournalism, scripting and blogging, radio and podcasting, anchoring and presenting, video production and vlogging, digital media, graphics and web design, citizen journalism.