In the vibrant and dynamic setting of Summerfield International School, Delhi, a transformative workshop on the Early Formative Years was held, led by distinguished resource people, Ms. Sharon Hennam Dale and Ms. Rini Johnson. The workshop was attended by two of our dedicated and passionate teachers, Ms. Shazia Khan and Ms. Sabah Faroqui.
The
workshop shed light on the significance of the early years of a child's life in
his development, corroborated by cutting-edge research in neuroscience, which
reveals that nearly 90% of brain development occurs by the age of six. It
emphasized the crucial role of health, nutrition, and quality care in a child's
development, along with the profound impact of the psycho-social environment
during these formative years.
At the
heart of the workshop was the Cambridge Curriculum, a meticulously designed
educational framework that nurtures and shapes the child's growth holistically.
It transcends mere literacy and numeracy, embracing creativity,
social-emotional development, and physical progress. Cambridge's unique
approach allows children to explore their imagination, fostering curiosity
about the world and providing a sense of agency, emotional attachment, and
self-worth.
The
Cambridge Early Years Curriculum aligns perfectly with the vision set forth by
the New Educational Policy, aspiring to achieve optimal outcomes across various
domains such as physical and motor development, cognitive development,
socio-emotional and ethical growth, cultural and artistic development, and communication,
language, literacy, and numeracy skills. Central to this approach is a
play-based and experiential pedagogy, which empowers children to become active
learners, drawing from their physical, social, and cultural experiences to
construct their understanding of the world.
Learning
through play was emphasized as a cornerstone of the curriculum, as it offers
child-led, creative stimulation and sustains their interest in learning better
than any other form of engagement. By providing opportunities for children to
practice newly acquired skills and presenting challenges that align just beyond
their current mastery level, the Cambridge Early Years Programme ensures
progressive and comprehensive development.
The
impact of this workshop on our educators, Ms. Shazia Khan and Ms. Sabah
Faroqui, was evident as they returned with renewed enthusiasm and a deeper
understanding of how to craft an environment that fosters optimal growth in our
young learners. Equipped with this knowledge, they are now read to inspire and
guide their students on a path of self-discovery, exploration, and joyful
learning.
In
conclusion, the Cambridge workshop at Summerfield International School, Delhi,
was an enriching experience that highlighted the transformative power of the
early years of a child's life in his development. Through a curriculum that
sparks imagination, encourages play-based learning, and focuses on holistic
development, the workshop underscored the essential role of educators in
shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. As we move forward, we are
confident that the best of the Cambridge approach will reflect in our teaching
practices, bringing out the very best in each and every child entrusted to our
care.
