How does MBIS’s boutique learning experience work?

To start with, let us first understand the concept of a “boutique” school. A Boutique school essentially offers smaller class sizes with a special focus on a personalised learning process. 

As a leading Cambridge board school in Malad, we believe each student is a bundle of immense potential ready to soar high and touch the sky if nurtured and channelized in the right direction.  This process of nurturing and channelizing is the key task, as it involves first identifying each student’s learning style and then charting an individualised learning curve unique to each student.  This herculean task is only possible with small class sizes.  

To ensure this seamless flow of boutique learning experience, we at MBIS plan and implement a perfect mix of standard methods of teaching as well as add various differentiation techniques in the teaching-learning process. The results of this approach have been phenomenal. Over the years, we have observed that this kind of approach not only stimulates the students’ overall growth but also enables them to approach the process of learning in a happier way: which further fulfils one of our core values of the “happiness quotient”. 

Further, the boutique learning experience at MBIS, not only involves the students and the teachers but an equally important role is played by the parents as well. Parents are regularly updated about the child’s progress if need be meetings are held and a step further of guiding the parents as to how they can be a part of this process and help their child at home is also done. Involving the parent community further strengthens the bond and in turn, ensures a holistic approach towards learning.

As rightly said, “Learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast with the change”- This change in boutique learning experience has revolutionised the way we approach education and learning -from standard teaching techniques to personalised learning experiences, from large class size to smaller class size, from standard methods of imparting knowledge to a more student-centric approach, we at MBIS endeavour to set a stimulating learning environment for our students. As one of the Top International School in Malad, we are committed to providing our students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.

FAQ

• Why is learning experience important?

Every student has a different way of grasping knowledge and what works for one student might not work for the other. Hence it is crucial to focus on improving your learning experience by making learning fun and easy for everyone to understand.

• What does mean to boutique school?

Boutique school means nothing but a way of personalised learning for a smaller group of students. This focuses more on the quality of teaching and less on the number of students. The major aim of such a school is to ensure an impactful learning experience.

As Federico Fellini once said, “A different language is a different vision of life.”

In today’s globalized world, language learning has become increasingly important, especially for children attending primary and secondary school in Mumbai.

As children grow older, it is noticed that those who learn a second language are constantly being mentally challenged in various ways that help them improve not only in their mental development but also tend to help them become better problem solvers and better listeners.

Learning another language also opens up many doors as it changes their mindset. They also tend to acquire more knowledge about different cultures. At an early age, the child’s brain is still in the developing stages, which makes it more receptive to learning other languages.

Even at MBIS, We think it’s very important to encourage our children to develop a connection with and love for the language, which makes it easier for them to learn it. 

Having taught French to many students at a very young age, we’ve noticed how their cognitive skills and concentration skills have also increased.

Nowadays, millennials are more global citizens, hence learning a foreign language especially a language like French which is widely spoken across many continents, helps the child gain confidence at an early age and also prepares them for a better future where job prospects are concerned.

Speaking French opens up opportunities to study at renowned French universities and business schools, which are ranked among the top higher education institutions in Europe and the world.

The ability to speak even a little French makes it so much more enjoyable to visit Paris and all the regions of France and offers insights into France’s culture and way of life. French also comes in handy when travelling to French-speaking parts of the world.

So prepare yourself for a great experience!

FAQS

• What are the advantages of learning multiple languages?

According to a 2014 study by the University of Edinburgh, learning a second language could help the brain to be sharp even at the age of 70. Not only that, as mentioned in this blog, learning multiple languages increases your confidence as you are able to communicate with a wide range of people and enables you to have many opportunities in your career.

• What is the purpose of language for children?

The main purpose of language for children is to make them independent enough to think on their own feet and make it easier for them to communicate their feelings, helping them develop on an emotional level.

• Why should students be required to learn a second language in school?

We at MBIS, International School in Mumbai believe that every student must be encouraged to learn a second language such as French as we believe that an improvement in a child’s personality is just as important as grades.

In our city, we have a plethora of international (A Levels / IB), national (ISC/CBSE) and state (HSC) curriculum/board options that students can pursue after Class 10.

Each program/board has its own USPs and for parents/students it is often difficult to determine which board/program is the right one for their child. This article entry is to demystify the Cambridge A Levels Program.

The Cambridge AS & A Levels is a high school program offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (part of University of Cambridge). The A Levels is often regarded as the ‘Gold’ Standard Qualification on account of the in-depth academic syllabus in each subject area that prepares students for university studies ahead.

A big advantage of the Cambridge AS & A Levels Program is that there are a variety of subjects offered at Cambridge AS & levels schools, ranging from Physics to English Literature to Business Studies to Sociology. This allows students to select subjects as per their aptitude / university requirements / career aspiration. 

Students have flexibility to do subjects from multiple groups or a single group (Cambridge AS/A Levels School offers subjects spread across four groups). Thus, no subject (except English) is mandatory. This flexibility is the single biggest advantage of this program. Other boards have mandatory subjects such as Math / English Literature / Social Studies  etc. With the AS/A Levels, that’s not the case and thus the program is well suited for students across the spectrum for someone who wants to major in Science to Business to Accountancy to Economics to Engineering (to name a few areas). 

The content and assessment in each A Level subject ensures that students develop their knowledge and skills in  

• independent thinking
• applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations
• handling and evaluating different types of information sources 
• thinking logically and presenting ordered and coherent arguments
• making judgements, recommendations and decisions
• presenting reasoned explanations, understanding implications and communicating them logically and clearly

 One of the greatest scientific minds of all time, Albert Einstein once remarked that “Education is not the learning of facts but the training of the mind” and the Cambridge AS & A Levels encourages this very aspect. 

Cambridge AS & A Levels is also the only high school program that offers staged assessment option to students – this implies that students could appear for 1 board exam at the end of Class 11 and another at the end of Class 12. Thus, they split the examination into 2 which helps reduce stress for students and also ensures better scores overall (the grades students secure in both board exams are collated and a single marksheet is issued at the end of Class 12).

Another big factor that drew us at MBIS towards this program is the fact that students in Grade 12 have an option of appearing for their final board exams in either March or May. Thus, students who are looking at pursuing further studies in India can opt for exams in March and ones looking at going overseas can look at May exam series.

Finally, the A Levels Program is well accepted and recognised for further study in both India and overseas. 

Overall the flexibility the program offers – be it in terms of subject choices, multiple exam windows/sessions or staged assessment is unlike any other board in the world and this works really well for all kinds of learners.

The Cambridge AS & A Levels Program is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to attend university, no matter where they are located!

Mainadevi Bajaj International School (MBIS) is one of the top international schools in Mumbai that offers AS and A levels programs.

Learn more about our AS & A Levels programs here.

– MBIS Team.

We do not have a choice to like math or not—we use math in our daily lives, knowingly or unknowingly. Help your child learn math in a more interactive and fun way. 

If your child is struggling in math and you want to lend him/her a helping hand, but don’t know where to start, from. Here are some strategies you can try to make math enjoyable. 

Help your child to look at math differently, start by discussing the subject at home. Sometimes, all you need is a good learning environment and a different approach to unlock your child’s potential.

Terminologies: Help your child remember terminologies like ‘Odd-Even “prime and composite numbers by playing a simple stand-up and sit-down game. For every odd number you call out loud, ask your child to stand, and for every even number you call out loud, ask him/her to sit or vis-a-versa. First start saying the numbers slowly, till your child is able to get a hold of them and then eventually increase the speed. 

Shapes, symmetry, angles: 

• Fold clothes and bedsheets with your child in perfect symmetry. 
• Look around the house for different geometric shapes. Ask your child to identify the 3D objects and 2D shapes in the house. 
• Use household items such as toothpicks, satay sticks, empty tissue rolls, and aluminium foil rolls to construct different 3D shapes. 
• Encourage your child to look out for objects with the same shapes, in the house, in the neighbourhood or even while travelling. 
• Help your child recognize and identify real-world examples of right angles (e.g., the corner of a book, table, photo-frame) and parallel lines (e.g., railway tracks, stairway railings)

Fractions, ratio: Baking is not only a wonderful activity to learn ratio and fractions in a creative way but also an excellent stress buster activity. While baking cookies with your kids, intentionally use the term ratio between the sugar and flour is 2:4. This will help them remember the concept well. Ask them to cut the cookies using child-friendly knives in halves, one-fourths, one-thirds etc. Isn’t it a delicious way to learn fractions and ratios?  

Data handling/Statistics: Prepare a chart of the daily weather while watching the weather reports, a scoreboard for each player while watching a live sport on TV or collect data on your favorite weekend spots while going for a quick staycation. Use this data you’ve collected and make a pictograph or a bar graph. 

Computation: 

• Count verbally with your child in twos, fours, fives. 
• Provide your child with verbal math problems. “Take the number two; add four; multiply by five; divide by five; subtract three. Make your own mental problems. Create a story math problem to make it interesting. 
• Encourage your child to read the nutrition chart on the back of the products. Make them calculate the percentage of specific nutrients in each food item. 
• During the shopping season ask your child to calculate what amount will you require to pay on subtracting the discount amount. 

Use math in your day-to-day routine:  A good knowledge of maths and the ability to apply it are essential parts of our everyday lives.

• At a red signal, how many red/blue cars do you see?
• At the grocery store, how many ice creams can we buy if we only have Rs. 200?
• How much will the chocolate box cost if there is a 25 percent off?
• Add up the numbers on the licence plate of the vehicles in front of us while driving.

Once you show your child realizes how much fun math can be, he/she will gain enthusiasm and a forever love for it. 

Math is a subject that MBIS teachers make interesting using creative pedagogical techniques.

We at MBIS, the best international school in Mumbai, strive to create a positive and Unique learning environment for every student so they can learn without being stressed.

Talking about the education scenario in India, we can say that it is as diverse as its culture. India has a unique education system with a wide range of education boards at the national and state levels.

Here is a list of various educational boards prevalent in India.

• State Boards
• Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
• Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE)
• Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE)
• National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE)

This article is pertaining to one of the most successful and widely accepted boards; Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE). So, let us take a tour to understand the salient features of CAIE and the different levels it offers. 

The use of instructional methods of CAIE can help children to learn and develop in a specific way. The CAIE curriculum motivates students to express their creativity and understand outside the classroom; one of its major benefits.

Primary and secondary students can take Cambridge exams through the Main Stage. The most important exams are IGCSE, ,AS and A level, which students can take through  Cambridge.

Our focus here will be to understand A-Levels in CAIE. 

What are A levels?

A-Levels (Advanced Level Qualifications) are a UK subject-based qualification for students aged 16 and above. They are usually studied over two years, leading to qualifications recognized for entrance to higher education institutes in the UK and many others worldwide. 

CAIE offers a choice of 55 subjects and schools can offer them in almost any combination. This flexibility means schools can build an individualised curriculum, and learners can choose to specialise in a particular subject area or study a range of subjects.

Most higher education institutes require a minimum of 3 subjects.

Although they are a UK qualification, schools across the world offer A Levels. In addition, most universities and Higher Education institutes recognise A Levels as a suitable entry qualification. 

You may also have heard of AS Levels, however, following reforms implemented between 2016 and 2018, AS Levels are now a separate qualification. Although they still equate to the first year of study on the full 2-year A Level course, most universities do not consider AS levels alone adequate for entrance. 

Mainadevi Bajaj International School is one of the best AS and A Levels Schools in Mumbai understands the importance of these two crucial years.

What subjects do A Levels students take?

There are no compulsory subjects with A Levels. Instead, students are free to choose the topics that interest them the most or feel will benefit them for their future studies or careers. Subjects include English Language & Literature, French, Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Psychology, Economics, Art, Information Technology and Modern Foreign Languages such as French, German, and Spanish. It’s always best to check in advance which subjects the institution you are considering offers as this does vary from school to school. 

How are A Levels Assessed?

Written examinations, taken at the end of the 2-year course of study, are the main assessment form. Following the reforms mentioned above, there is now a lot less project work. However, some coursework does still contribute to the final grade depending on the subject. 

The grading scale runs from A* – E. Students not meeting the minimum standard will receive a grade of U. They need 40% to achieve an E, 50% for a D, 60% for a C and so on. Any student averaging 80% across all modules will gain an A*.

If a student fails, they must re-sit the whole exam – students cannot re-sit specific modules. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that students can retake their A Levels as many times as necessary.

Which exam boards do A levels use?

Several different examination boards assess A levels. Most often, international schools use Edexcel or CIA (Cambridge International Assessment). 

Why choose A levels?

A-Levels are an excellent choice for students who have a clear idea of which subjects they excel in. Or, to put it another way, students who are ‘one-sided’ in terms of their strengths. For example, a student who is strong in Maths and weak in English Literature would benefit from focusing on Maths and dropping English. 

The importance of the final written exam means that A-Levels are more suitable for students strong in written exams. Students who can revise effectively and perform well in timed exams are most suited to A Levels.  

Most importantly, students receive separate certificates in each subject they pass, rather than one overall certificate as the IB.  

Recognition……….!!!!!

Cambridge qualifications are recognised and valued by universities all around the world, including in the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and beyond. In places such as the United States and Canada, good graGermany,des in carefully chosen Cambridge International A Level subjects can result in up to one year of university course credit.

Over 850 universities in the US formally accept Cambridge International AS & A Levels, including all Ivy League and Ivy Plus universities. These universities include Brown, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale. Many more US universities accept Cambridge qualifications on application. In the UK, all universities accept Cambridge qualifications.

At MBIS, we offer Cambridge International AS and A Levels in Mumbai to help students get into leading universities around the world. Do you intend to enroll your child in the new academic session of 2023? Click here to know more about our admission process!

Every parent has aspirations for his/ her child to be a skilled and confident communicator, an innovative entrepreneur and a thinker who has out-of-the-box solutions for problems. In short, to be future-ready for a career of his choice. 

I am often asked this question – “ Which board is good …. Which board will enhance my child’s personality and get him ready for the real world with its many challenges. 

My response is the same over the years. Choose a school rather than a board …!! Even some national schools are doing a good job and so are some international schools. 

With the NEP implementation we will be raising the standard across schools . 

The main boards in India are State Boards, national boards like CBSE and CISCE and international boards like CAIE and IB which are very popular . 

The main USPs are not curriculum of international boards School but the following : 

– small class sizes 

– teacher-student ratio is small 

– ongoing professional development 

– teaching and learning strategies

– better resourced 

– inquiry driven teaching and learning 

– self and peer assessment 

– lifelong learning 

Let’s understand with a few examples – 

1. The teaching and learning are sometimes gamified to make learning fun using tech tools like Kahoot, pear deck, augmented reality etc 
2. The curriculum is taught through experiential learning 
3. Field trips to understand abstract concepts through observation and discovery 
4. Students analyse and apply the concepts taught 
5. Skills are enhanced to make students future ready 
6. Group dynamics in a classroom help in developing  collaboration and team building 
7. The main pivot in these boards is on applied knowledge and not on rote memorisation 

Thus the content in all boards is age specific but the differentiator is the way this content is taught   If you are aiming to send your child overseas after grade 12, the international qualifications are widely accepted. 

The International Board Schools develop thinking and problem-solving skills, and analytic skills, celebrate diversity and aim at imbibing international mindedness with an Indian ethos. MBIS is one of the best IGCSE schools in Malad that offers the Cambridge Assessment International Examination (CAIE). 

Thus the way forward for parents is to choose wisely and interact with different schools and find the right fit for their child and their family aspirations and budgets. Understand their child’s potential and interests and visit the schools in your vicinity to understand what each has to offer to enrich your child’s learning journey and his dreams and aspirations.

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Out of the many intriguing questions and crucial decisions faced by parents today, one that boggles most is ‘Where should my child study?’ Parents want their children to receive and enjoy qualitative education. A school is the second home to a child. It takes care of academic learning as well as helps build the social skills and the emotional quotient of every child. For those who travel from place to place, international schools are an ideal option as the quality of education is often consistent and they help in overcoming the problem of the language barrier. The question remains – Where should the child study? We enlist a few key points that need to be taken into consideration before choosing an International School for your child.

1. Curriculum
   The curriculum options available in International schools are International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Assessment International Education (IGCSE and A Levels) and American Curriculum among others. The first step is to decide what Curriculum you want your child to follow. Once this gets decided you will realise that the list of schools narrows down.
2. Accreditation
   From the shortlisted schools you will now have to check which of these schools have the Accreditation that matches the curriculum. You will want an accreditation that offers qualitative education for your child and that enables them to seek and join an institution of higher learning of their choice.
3. Admission 
   ‘The early bird catches the worm’. Most schools have limits on the number of students who can be enrolled. Most of these schools have a monstrous waiting list. Some even hold admission tests and evaluations which sort out for them the students they wish to enrol. Going with the above proverb, it would be wise to get a head start into deciding the school of your choice. This way you can meet the application deadlines in time, put together the documentation required and help your child to prepare for whatever evaluations and tests may be required.
4. Infrastructure
   ‘A school is a building which has four walls with Tomorrow inside’. The best institutions offer a wide range of facilities and amenities to students to help them excel – within and without the classroom. From the playground to the Library; from the Laboratories to the auditorium; from the black/whiteboard to the Interactive TV – quality schools invest in the best of infrastructure. You need to check what facilities are made available in order to nurture your child. Also focus on the Safety standards of the school.
5. Fees
   Just as is the case for any commodity, an acceptable price (fees) is what must be kept in mind before deciding the school. The fees vary from school-to-school depending on various factors; a few being the location of the school and the facilities provided by the school. You need to be practical while taking into consideration the amount you plan to set aside for your child’s education.
6. Student-Teacher Ratio
   Most parents prefer that their child receive personalized attention. International Curriculum does not advocate numbers in a classroom. Hence most schools do not look to push for more students in a classroom. There is a two-way benefit if the ratio is small. The student gets noticed and the teacher is able to equal attention to all.
7. Teacher Development Programmes
   It’s a given that most parents today come from sound academic backgrounds and hence would insist on well trained and updated teachers teaching their children. Parents understand the impact the teachers will have on students given the fact that school time occupies nearly one-third of the day of their child. It is very important that you take into account not only the academic qualifications of teachers but also whether the teacher shows a personal interest in the development of your child.
8. Logistics
   It is very important that the home of the child is not too far from away from the school. An ideal distance between the school and home is 6 km.
9. School Rank
   Although not much can be read into the rank held by the school in the city, it is important to consider it. This refers to how well the students perform in their tests. This is also a reflection of the quality of teaching and teachers the school offers. 
10. Value based learning
    Many parents today are giving preference to schools which, apart from focussing on academics and co-curricular activities, also give time to value based learning (Morals, Ethics and Value systems). Parents want holistic education for their children. Hence look for schools whose USP is to focus on Academics, Co-curriculars and Value Based Learning.Having said this, you as parents must also consider to what extent Parent involvement is allowed in managing the affairs of the school. ‘Does the school have a PTA?’ is a very important question to ask. You need to represent your views before the management.As one of the best international schools in Mumbai, Mainadevi Bajaj International School provides a stimulating environment where every child is encouraged to achieve his/her full potential.Team MBIS

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Gone are the days when education was focused on the rote learning model of schooling.  Nowadays, schools are working towards making students more confident to take on their future intellectually and propel the student to enquire, think, and research. This is made possible through holistic development and a student-centric approach, this has led to the popularity of international schools drastically over the past few years in India. International schools provide a wide range of learning opportunities for students.They provide various types of educational curricula and teaching approaches, making it a really huge platter to choose from. Becoming aware of the benefits these schools have to offer will aid more clarity.

Here are some out of the many benefits listed for you:

1. Better Quality of Education

They offer quality education with an up-to-date curriculum, taught by specialist teachers, there is an emphasis on critical thinking and research skills, These schools offer state-of-the-art modern facilities and focus on extracurricular activities to ensure students are well groomed in all disciplines of life. 

2. Quality teachers

These schools only hire qualified teachers and use progressive teaching methods. Indeed, these schools provide your child with an engaging educational experience,  The teachers ensure to use interactive ways to teach different concepts. They try and make learning fun for students. Pedagogical tools that are based on the latest technology are used to deliver the curriculum.

3. Stays Relevant

Subjects such as Global Perspectives, Environmental Systems, and Societies, Foreign Language, etc go beyond the realm of academic study into the real world. The Global Perspectives program focuses on real-world issues. It provides a critical enquiry into key global issues and encourages a reflection from different perspectives: personal, local/national, and global. In Sciences, Interrelationships between environmental systems and societies find their relevance with a wide range of pressing environmental issues faced in today’s times. By the time the students reach their senior classes, they will have a better understanding and knowledge of the world around them.

4. Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning includes field trips, industry visits, and guest speakers, among others. The learning here is focused on providing students with an opportunity to apply their learning to the real world or transfer their practical learning to enrich what they have learned in the classroom. 

5. Emphasis on Critical Thinking and Research Skills

The curriculum of these schools lays a strong foundation for critical thinking and research. Research writing helps students to accomplish their work independently . As a result, students’ critical thinking is enhanced and also improves their writing and research skills. This skill is crucial in the future as many institutions for various different careers have a research-based approach for admissions and thesis. 

Critical Thinking Skills are an essential skill set that encourages enquiry, questioning, reasoning, logic, and rationality, rather than accepting ideas at face value. Subjects like Area of Inquiry and Global Perspectives ensure that this is a transferable skill that resonates in all walks of life. Students learn to become critical thinkers and more observant.

6. Emphasis On Extracurricular Activities 

These schools tend to place greater emphasis on extracurricular activities. In the 21st century it is important for a student to not only excel academically but also in sports and other outside activities, These schools provide with various different avenues for children to nurture any talents they have. It also allows them to explore their interests and develop their skills in areas they enjoy while socializing with other students from around the world. This  is an essential attribute as many students pursue their careers based on their talents that they find through these activities.

7. Smaller Class Size

Last but not the least, the strength of each class is lesser than in public schools. This helps in providing individual attention to every student. The teacher can focus on the strengths and weaknesses of each student. Thus, giving more opportunities and support to students who need it. The teachers help in moulding the students’ personality.

International schools may seem unaffordable at first but they’re worth it in the long run. Choosing MBIS, one of the best International Schools in Mumbai can be a great option for parents who want to give their children the best education possible. They are not just for wealthy families. They offer a range of programs that can be affordable for most families in today’s times.

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