Akshar School, Kolkata
The passion and dedication which the teachers of Kolkata’s showpiece school display for mainstreaming challenged children is in conformity with a growing global movement for inclusive education
Established as recently as 1998 under the aegis of the Rajpal Khullar Memorial Trust to provide quality education to all children, with a special mission to mainstream challenged students, Kolkata’s Akshar School bills itself as a "co-ed inclusive school firmly rooted in the culture of India". The moving spirit behind the school who has made the right of "all children to be included in the mainstream" of primary and secondary education his top priority is Deepak Khullar, chairperson of Akshar and a successful Kolkata-based restaurateur who believes it’s time to move away from stereotypical norms in  |
| Library period at Akshar: inclusive ab inito |
Indian education.
"There was an evident void in the education system when it came to quality education for special children. Akshar was born out of the urgent need for an institution that would provide all children the right to be included in the mainstream," explains Khullar. Teaming up with accomplished educationist Neena Singh and wife Kavneet, a skilled special educator, he set up Akshar as an inclusive school ab initio. And the Khullars’ effort to establish a breakthrough school with special emphasis on mainstreaming challenged children is supported by Prof. Yashpal, well-known scientist and former chairman of the University Grants Commission (the chief patron of Akshar) and a host of other notables including trustee and vice chairperson of the Spastics Society of Eastern India, Sudha Kaul.
"Standardised assessments are inappropriate for children with learning disabilities; hence we assess their potential and make our evaluations based on research and practical work by renowned educators and doctors worldwide," says executive director Neena Singh.
Adds principal Kavneet Khullar: "Right from the start our dream was to provide a platform for regular and special children to mix and grow together thereby contributing to each other’s development. In Akshar we set individual goals for students with special needs whom we welcome rather than discourage into mainstream education." Currently this caring and compassionate school affiliated with the Delhi-based Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) offers personalised education to 380 kindergarten to class IX students instructed by 32 teachers.
Each class whose strength is restricted to an upper limit of 24 students, includes three special needs children. "The ceiling restriction on the number of children per class enables teachers to cater to the specific learning requirement of every child. Moreover each class functions with a trained teacher assisted by a co-teacher, both implementing the curriculum mandated by CISCE. The role of the co-teacher is to supplement the efforts of the class teacher by assisting special needs children, who are given additional tuition in specially-equipped resource rooms as well," says Kavneet.
Although the Khullars and the school are committed to integrating special needs children, they are appreciative of the patience and talents of teachers who have qualified as special educators. "There will always be children for whom mainstream education is not feasible. Children with severe learning disabilities, major physical handicaps or behavioural problems may not benefit from the curriculum of mainstream education. The learning difficulties experienced by these children makes it unrealistic for them to share the regular curriculum. Therefore we have made provision for such children and they are entitled to the best education to the limit of their capabilities," says Neena Singh.
The passion and dedication which the teachers of Kolkata’s showpiece school for inclusive education display is in conformity with a growing global movement for inclusive education. Though most headmasters and teachers in India seem unaware of it, as early as the mid-1980s, the National Education Policy (1986) recommended that every effort should be made to integrate physically and mentally challenged children into mainstream schools and within the community as equal partners, to enable them to face life with courage and confidence. In particular the NEP mandates that "wherever feasible, the education of children with motor handicaps and other mild handicaps will be common with that of the others."
Likewise the Kochi Millennium Declaration, a resolution adopted following a four-day international convention held in Kochi, Kerala in January 2003 which attracted the participation of over 150 delegates from 30 countries resolved: "We call on national, state and local governments and international and donor agencies, to take immediate action to implement the agenda presented in this declaration and ensure inclusive education for all."
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| Classroom scene: upper limit |
Unfortunately despite awareness that this is ‘good practice’, there are very few schools in India which conform to the ideals of integrated education for all children.
At Akshar, the principal and staff are making a concerted effort to attain this ideal. For example special emphasis is given to developing communication skills. The institution fully supports the efforts of any child to interact with linguistically competent peers to develop his/ her language skills. In the case of children with specific learning disabilities like Down’s syndrome, teachers are cognizant of the need to integrate in the early years of schooling. This helps them develop language and cognitive skills faster than those educated in segregated schools for special needs children.
Not surprisingly Akshar’s students give a good account of themselves in inter-school competitions. All students, especially the integrated children, have numerous achievements in other areas of the curriculum such as music, gymnastics and dramatics to their credit. At last year’s annual school event, the entire student body presented a musical, which received excellent public response.
"We believe inclusive education is not just an academic issue, it’s also a human rights issue. No child should be denied access to the normal world of childhood in her community. All children need to grow and learn in the real world and their peers need to grow and learn together with them. Currently there are an estimated 40 million children across India with major and minor disabilities. We are convinced that the overwhelming majority of them have the capability to become full, participative and contributing members of society given the benefit of enabling inclusive education. In Akshar School we are working towards creating a replicable academic environment to make this happen," says Kavneet Khullar.
Wind in your sails!
Admissions and fees
Admission
: Formal entrance exam for senior school (class IX-XI); KG-class 1: Reading, comprehension and math skills are tested conversationally.Fees
: Rs.1,050 per month. Affiliation
: Council of Indian School Certificate Examinations, Delhi. Applied for affiliation with the National Open School for Secondary Education.For further information contact
: 35, Diamond Harbour Road, Kolkata 700 027. Phone: 24492810/3851.
E-mail: aksharschool@vsnl.net.
Shivangini Arora (Kolkata)
RMIT University, Australia
Established in 1887 and situated in Oz's second largest city, this university attracts 8,700 international students and offers 450 professional and job-oriented academic programmes
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| City campus: formidable reputation |
Situated in the heart of Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne, RMIT University enjoys a formidable reputation in Oz and across the world for excellence in vocational and technical education, as well as research and development. RMIT (formerly the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology), offers more than 450 professional and job-oriented academic programmes at several levels including pre-university (foundation), certificate, diploma, bachelors, graduate diploma, Master’s and doctoral research. Its programmes in the fields of applied sciences, engineering and business are particularly well reputed for providing industry-ready and highly employable graduates with specialised skills and knowledge. RMIT also offers over 200 TAFE (technical and further education) and vocational education and training (VET) programmes.
Established in 1887, RMIT currently has more than 57,000 students, 3,000 academics and 8,700 international students on its rolls. With its three campuses in Melbourne, one in Vietnam, two regional sites in Victoria, RMIT offers study programmes in collaboration with over 190 partner institutions around the world. The university is a member of the Australian Technology Network, a powerful coalition of five front-rank Australian technology institutes which share "a heritage of working with industry and a united vision to provide career-driven education for tomorrow’s leaders". Moreover RMIT is a promoter-member of the Global University Alliance, a partnership of eight international varsities dedicated to sharing resources to provide online education throughout Asia.
"Expert teachers, a wide range of facilities and latest technologies assist students to reach their potential. From diploma to doctoral studies, our programmes link theory with practice. Work placement or research in industry-linked projects is an integral part of the RMIT experience," says a university spokes-person.
After 95 years as Australia’s leading technology educator, and having offered degree courses for over 30 years, RMIT was granted formal university status under the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Act 1992. Now formally known as RMIT University, this highly acclaimed institute has been variously known as the Working Men’s College (1887), Melbourne Technical College (1934), Royal Melbourne Technical College (1954), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (1960).
Melbourne. Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne (pop.3.5 million) is a bustling seaport, industrial and commercial centre. Built on two waterways, the Yarra river and Port Philip Bay, it boasts scenic parks and gardens perfect for walks, picnics and relaxation with the city skyline as a backdrop. It is home to immigrants from over 100 countries, has an enviable public transport system and numerous shopping centres.
Within an hour’s drive of Melbourne are some of the most scenic regions of Oz — beaches, rainforest, mountains and lakes. For those interested in the arts, Melbourne offers world-class theatre, concerts and galleries. Exciting nightlife abounds in sophisticated restaurants, cafes, clubs and opulent theatres. Sports lovers have numerous opportunities to witness world-class sporting events such as the Grand Prix, the Australian Tennis Open and the Melbourne Cup.
Melbourne enjoys a mild climate round the year. Summers can be dry and hot, with the average daytime temperature reaching 28oC while winters are usually cool and wet with daytime temperatures dropping to an average of 14oC.
Campus facilities. RMIT has three campuses in Melbourne: the City campus, Bundoora and Brunswick campuses and two sites in Victoria — Point Cook and RMIT Hamilton. The City campus was founded in 1887 as the Working Men’s College and spreads across several blocks with other sites scattered throughout the city. Most of the popular TAFE courses are offered in the Carlton South precinct of the City campus bounded by Swanston, Victoria, Queensberry and Lygon Streets, the latter known as one of Melbourne’s most prominent café and restaurant streets.
The Bundoora campus is a vibrant centre of learning set in a tranquil, semi-rural setting and offers study programmes in applied sciences, education, language and community services, life sciences and engineering. Situated just 5 km from the city centre, Brunwick campus came into existence following the amalgamation of the Melbourne School of Printing and Melbourne Institute of Textiles.
Students enrolled in any of RMIT’s five campuses have access to the university library as well as the State Library of Victoria, research centres, computer laboratories, and enjoy free internet and e-mail access. Sports and recreational facilities include access to over 30 sports clubs, theatre productions, art exhibitions and free movies, excursions to regional Victoria, central Australia and Queensland.
RMIT also has an international campus in Vietnam and offers study programmes in collaboration with more than 190 partner institutions around the world as well.
Admission. All programmes offered by RMIT University have entry requirements prerequisites) students must meet before their admission applications are considered. For admission into TAFE and bachelor study programmes, the general eligibility criterion is successful completion of Plus Two and proficiency in the English language (IELTS scores need to be submitted). Visit www.rmit.edu.au for a complete list of entry requirements.
Most RMIT programmes have two semesters. The first semester is from February to June and semester two is from July to November. For more information write to Office for Prospective Students, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476V, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia; Phone: (+61 3) 9925 2260; Fax: (+61 3) 9925 3070; e-mail: admissions@rmit.edu.au; website: www.rmit.edu.au.
Accommodation. RMIT University does not offer on-campus housing facilities. However it provides a housing advisory service, housing database and arrival services to help international students find permanent accommodation. Most RMIT students choose to rent or share an apartment, flat or house for 12 months. Rents include food, telephone calls, gas, and/ or electricity. Students may need to buy furniture and other household goods. Weekly rents vary between A$120-250 (Rs.4,000-8,000). Private hostels offer furnished bedrooms and shared bathrooms and living areas. Some hostels provide meals, and others kitchen facilities. Homestay options are also available (A$170-200).
Degree programmes. RMIT offers programmes at the pre-university, TAFE (certificate, diploma, advanced diploma), bachelor, Masters and doctorate levels. Twenty-eight schools across three academic portfolios — business, design and social context, science, engineering and technology — offer more than 450 specialist degrees and diplomas. Its vocational and work oriented study programmes in engineering, business, fashion and information technology are particularly well reputed.
Scholastic options at RMIT
RMIT University offers study programmes in 28 schools across three academic
portfolios. Programmes are offered at pre-university, TAFE (certificate, diploma, advanced diploma), bachelor degree, double degree, honours, graduate diploma, masters by coursework, by research, by project, and doctorate by research.
Business. Accounting and law, business information technology, TAFE business school, economics and finance, management, graduate school of business, marketing
Design and Social Context. Applied communication, architecture and design, art and culture, built environment, creative media, education, fashion and textiles, International Centre of Graphic Technology, international and community studies, property, construction and project management, social sciences and planning
Science, Engineering and Technology. Aerospace, mechanical and manufacturing engineering, applied sciences, civil and chemical engineering, computer science and information technology, electrical and computer engineering, health sciences, infrastructure, electro technology and building services, life and physical sciences, mathematical and geospatial sciences, medical sciences
Tuition fee (annual) ranges from A$6,720-19,680 (Rs.2.25-6.59 lakh)
Living expenses (annual) AUS $
Establishment costs 1,400
Rent 5,200
Health cover 312
Food, telephone, gas, electricity, water 3,640
Travel 1,144
Books & stationery 2,580
Total 14,276
N.B. Aus $ = Rs.33.58
Summiya Yasmeen