Springdales School

The logo of Springdales School.

Springdales School is the name of a group of English-language co-educational schools run by the Springdales School Society in various parts of New Delhi. There are four branches of this school bearing the name: at Pusa Road, Dhaula Kuan, Jaipur and Kirti Nagar (the last is only for primary education). The schools are affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). It is one of the top ranking public schools in New Delhi and one of the leading schools of India.

History

The first branch of the school was founded by Dr. Rajni Kumar out of her own premises in East Patel Nagar, New Delhi, on September 1, 1955. It has famous personalities having their name associated with it,like the current Indian president Mrs.Pratibha Devisingh Patil. Subsequently, the Kirti Nagar and Pusa Road (Pusa road in 1963 and Kirti Nagar in 1966) locations were established, and the Dhaula Kuan branch opened in 1984. In 2007 another branch was opened at Sushant City, Jaipur.

Founding philosophy

The founding of the school was inspired by the progressive education movement in Britain particularly Beaconsfield founded by Bertrand Russell, Badley's co-educational Bedales School, and A. S. Neill's Summerhill. The name 'Springdales' was chosen to be symbolic of the freshness of spring and inspired by the progressiveness of Bedales.

Students are encouraged to express themselves and develop multifaceted personalities.

The founders were keen to establish a school which would be progressive in its educational approach and encourage engagement with international events and political issues.

The school emphasises good international relations. As an outcome of this philosophy it has had student exchange programs with many countries and special ties with the former USSR. Foreign languages like German, French, Spanish and Russian are on the academic curriculum.

In addition, the school and its students are long-time supporters of the African National Congress and the Palestine Liberation Organization, whose leaders have visited the school. Its unique education process is oriented towards 'Knowledge by experience'. The CBSE results are usually of a fairly high standard, in spite of the fact that formal examination start only in the 9th standard.

“Vasudhaiv Kutumbkum” which translated from Sanskrit means “The World is a Family” is the motto of Springdales and indeed is deeply etched in the heart of every Springdalian. It is a concept which greatly influences the thought process and value system of all pupils – past and present – as they look upon the school, the community, the nation and the world as a part of the whole family of mankind.

In terms of its educational philosophy, the most distinguishing feature of the school has always been an emphasis on extra-curricular activities, and a distaste for formal examinations. Students do not sit for annual or even term examinations until Class IX, a rarity in the Indian educational system. Until then, all evaluation is through regular in-class tests and project work.

Current status

The school is today a member of the National Progressive Schools' Conference and is considered one of Delhi's leading schools. It was recently ranked as the 4th best school in India by the Hindustan Times. The principal of the Pusa Road branch is Mrs. Ameeta Mulla Wattal, and that of the Dhaula Kuan branch is Dr. Jyoti Bose.

The Pusa Road branch is the oldest and largest of the three branches, while the Kirti Nagar branch provides education only up till the fifth standard. Children from the Kirti Nagar branch move to the Pusa Road branch on entering sixth standard.

References

• Construction of Jaipur School

In current rankings, Springdales school is ranked as the 2nd best school in Delhi and the 4th best school in India. In this wonderful school equal importance is given to both academic and co-curricular activities.