Fateh Academy: founded in 2008. Blend of modernity and tradition to emphasize holistic development in each student. Sports (fencing, taekwondo, karate, skating and others...national level taekwondo competition in this school). Promote Sikhism, including teachings of guru and tenets of religion, but students do not have to be Sikh (some kind of qualifier, not sure I got it totally correct). Youngest religion on earth: 25+ million adherents.
Students from other countries, there are dormitories. America, Canada, Singapore, Germany, Australia.
Entrance exams, affiliated with governing/regulatory body based out of Cambridge Univ.
sounds inclusive (2 Muslim boys, some Hindu kids). Not mandatory that students attend Sikh ceremonies, kids can spend that time in library. Punjabi is very secular, this is reflected in all schools here. Different schools managed by particular religion, but teachers/kids can be of diverse backgrounds. Identity as Sikh/Muslim/Hindu not important. They are Punjabis as a unifying stress.
G: traditional dress for Sikh women? Yes, "baptized" girls have special clothing. Salwar, however, is universal dress.
Kindergarten teacher was rocking 5" sapphire blue stilettos. Without them, she'd be well under 5' tall.
Tuition: 2 lakh ($4000) for boarding students. Day students ~60K rupees. Mostly day students.
150 students in hostel, 900 total. About 25-30% go to college.
Punjab ratio: 65% boys/35% girls. Rates here for attendance are parallel.
Punjab ratio: 65% boys/35% girls. Rates here for attendance are parallel.
School is funded through tuition only.
G: curriculum re: history.
9th: world history (Amer Rev. French Rev.)
10th: independence, nationalism, Indian history, civics
Geography: Indian and world
Teach anchor subject in English. (wow!)
computers are compulsory through grade 7, after that optional. English language lab too.
Significant parallels about standardized curriculum, tension between freedoms and exams (standard exams dictated by the board to which the school is affiliated). Freedom is school-specific, lad by school's management. Issues are same across culture.
G: do teachers feel pressure, based on student exam results?
A: depends on head of school. If principal believes student results reflect on reputation of school: yes. Private school teachers face more pressure this way compared to government school system.
College admission is merit based (50%, then 50% on reservations). For example, students with 85% cannot secure admission in good college in Delhi, must go to 2nd tier school. About 80 colleges in Delhi (cited 35 at first, when you take into consideration environs).
Delhi Univ. 60,000; 30,000 reserved.
Sue: if student goes to 2nd tier college, can he/she get a good job? Yes. Industries/companies come onto campus to recruit students. But the salaries offered at 2nd tier schools are lower.
R: speak about religious curriculum.
Divinity class. 98% are Sikh, so they cover teachings of gurus, but non-Sikhs don't have to take it. But some non-Sikhs take it, it's almost like "Punjabism" bc these values permeate society here. Particular curriculum from class to class (1-10). It's a separate class, 3 different teachers.
R: this is an important point for religious pluralism.
Super impressive upper school English teacher: Amma. Smart, well-spoken, sharply attuned to nuance.
The book of the gurus is all about humanity, one god, has taken elements of many religious. It's more universal (this is the focus of divinity class). How to be humane. Take passage from "11th guru", recite it, learn it, analyze it (what does it mean? How does it apply to you and your life?)
Same gender issues on interest and achievement divisions, boys with reading/writing, girls with math/science (Girls do go to math/science bc of job prospects).
WS: greatest challenge your school faces?
language (English is not the language at home --but this was the English teacher answering). Our students would do far better if they were better educated in English. Second, awareness level in parents, not like in Delhi. Parents generally want their children to do well, but the parents think marks (high percentages) define intelligence. Ignores aesthetic, music, sports, etc. Parents appreciate this, but this is momentary, they still focus narrowly on grades. Everyone aspires for 90%.
Most parents are from agricultural backgrounds, don't speak English. Conduct parent seminars (some in computers, to keep an eye on kids). Parents feel empowered to come in. Not hesitant (much laughter).
DB: special needs, special education.
"We have 3 students": One has 5% sight, give special classes, can't read so education is aural. 2 kids with one arm, so problem is with writing, so they get extra time for exams.
50,000 applicants for 500 seats to teach in government school. There are some good government schools. Teacher eligibility test, state-wide. The norm is that facilities in gov't schools are far below those of private schools. But it is very hard to get job as gov't school teacher.
Side notes:
- Punjabi tea is very sweet, milky.
- This room is becoming increasingly noisome.
- I think attention is fading, one hour in. Room warm. People starting to fade.
- These flies are EVERYWHERE.
Student/staff prayer/meditation session: 2 boys on harmonium who sang (both 9th form), 1 boy on tabla (from 5th form). Beautiful ceremony.
Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book.
Chaur Sahib refers to a ceremonial which waved high over the book, to reverently fan the scripture, by whomever is serving as an attendant. Keeps flies off (not defiled). Historically a lion's tail, or more likely a yak's tail. in the old days, the maharaja would be fanned. This has been incorporated into Sikh practice.
Only baptized Sikhs can read publicly from the Guru Granth Sahib. No special education to prepare for baptism.
School reads a page from Guru Granth Sahib each morning. Teaches a moral theme, guides practice in gradual way.
Sikhs believe in rebirth. When soul achieves salvation, person merges with god ("like drop of water returning to ocean"). It is possible to escape rebirth without baptism, but gurus advised baptism for all believers. Actions during life are most important, however. Live on right path, you do not have to be "saved". It's not that prescriptive. 10th guru tried to give identity to this religion, hence 5 Ks and baptism part. That is IDENTITY, not the intent of scripture.
Takeaway message on Sikhism: Work hard, be righteous.
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