The past year has been an interlude of development for the CRDC. Its role extended beyond providing academic resources and curriculum planning to introducing extra-curricular programs for moral and character development, facilitating professional development and creating a holistic learning experience for the student.

Much observation and deliberation went into brainstorming for strategies that would give the ownership of learning to the students. At the end of it all, the message was clear - developing strong Reading Comprehension skills was essential for a rich academic, professional and personal life.

This is a package which allows interactive exploration of the world of science. Students and teachers can observe and interact with high fidelity models of structure constructing their own learning experience. Using 3D projectors adds a new dimension to learning. Research conducted in schools across Europe, found that 3D-enabled learning tools helped children to use all their faculties and grasp their lessons faster.

Trying to address a balance of skills, attitude and knowledge is the hallmark of good education. 'Beyond-Chalk-Talk', 'QCT' and 'School Cinema' pave the way ahead for such an approach.

'Beyond Chalk-Talk' explores the culture of India and stimulates students to greater understanding of their own existence as individuals and as members of a community. The students will be led into discussion on the 'International Year of Cooperatives' and recognize the efforts of cooperative enterprises to reduce poverty, increase employment and bring a renewal in society. In the second term, they will explore the influence of myriad dance forms classical and otherwise along with India's contribution to the world of Dance.

The teachers are urged to have a 'Quality Circle Time' outside the classroom every week. Quality Circle time (QCT) is an effective tool to build a secure and supportive environment in the classroom. The sessions for children often consist of weekly meetings lasting half an hour where children sit in a circle. A QCT involves carrying out activities, games and the practice of speaking and listening skills, often in a round circle. Everyone has a chance to speak and when one person is speaking, everyone else listens respectfully. There is no naming, blaming or shaming. No one has to say anything they do not want to say. QCT promotes better relationships and builds positive behaviour. This in turn improves learning and creates a harmonious work environment at school.

This film-based learning module developed by 'EduMedia', aims to influence young minds into making the right choices as they deal with the challenges of life in the 'Information Age'. The exciting workbook reaffirms values, morals and encourages self-introspection. School cinema delivers what it speaks about by involving both parents and teachers in the circle of learning.

Students will look forward to the golden hour every week where art and craft, puppet making or a nature walk will light up these young minds raring to experiment and explore.

The Student exchange programme within the Podar International Schools is another initiative in fostering bonding and collaboration.

Workshops for professional and personal development of teachers will continue as before at an advanced pace.

Resource persons from leading publishing houses like Oxford University Press and Ratnasagar directed the teachers on the objectives and methodology of teaching the humanities and social sciences.

Ms Usha Pandit the author of Empowering English introduced the dynamics of teaching the seven important genres of English. Ms Pandit demonstrated to the teachers the need for autonomous learning and developing higher order thinking skills. Teachers realized the need to train students to be effective in speech and writing. Armed with this vision, teachers can now focus on building the right skills and preparing the child for a dynamic future.

Life skills as we know are abilities focused on adapting behaviour to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life. Mr. Paresh Shah, Mr. Richard Martin, Mrs Anjali Sahu and Mrs Ruchi Goyal introduced the teachers to the various aspects of physical, behavioral and cognitive life skills. Teachers also learnt how personal excellence leads to performance excellence. Mr. Hemant Kulkarni and Ms Ruchi Goyal of 'Edutrac' will take over as trainers for this academic year. Personal grooming is another area of focus for teachers aspiring to self-development. Beginning this year, teachers will learn the basics of grooming and self-presentation under the guidance of professionals from Walchand Dale Carnegie Finishing School, Symphony and Ms Gunita Chadha.

The E2S meet held in the month of May 2012 with the theme of 'Rising hand in hand' was an exercise in sharing best practice and planning for the future. There could be no better platform for reviewing the application of innovation and technology, ruminating on Howard Gardner's methods in the quest for the best pedagogy. Teachers were introduced to Puppetry; a vibrant way of communicating information, ideas and feelings. Another highlight of E2S was the need to focus on offering support to special needs children and working towards comprehensive professional development. The next E2S will engage in reflection on the case studies of the Action Research Programme.

We set off on a new academic journey dwelling on a quote from Winston Churchill–'The empires of the future are the empires of the mind' and hoping that this year is as edifying as it is mind-blowing.