Infusing a new vigour in the traditional pedagogy: Paving way for an advanced and creative education
Education is what has made the world a better place. Education has its own form of approach and evolution. In a land where rote memorization and academic rigour have reigned supreme in the world of education, Billabong High International School & Kangaroo Kids stands apart as a beacon of light, shining a new path for future generations. At the helm of this innovative institution is CEO Priti Agarwal, whose visionary leadership has infused the school with a refreshing approach to learning. Eschewing the traditional knowledge bank model, Billabong High International School & Kangaroo Kids prioritizes the joy of discovery and exploration, empowering children to greet each day of learning with excitement and passion. This magical environment creates a truly beautiful sight, one that inspires a love of learning and a commitment to excellence that will last a lifetime.
Recently, CEO review magazine got an opportunity to learn more about the CEO and her leadership that has imbued a new vigor and energy in the school staff, teachers and students alike. We discussed at lengths about her unique modus operandi and how she is spearheading the school. On the evolution of Billabong High International School & Kangaroo Kids’ education journey, Ms. Agarwal underlined her futuristic approach, which fathomed the inefficacy of traditional educational methods. Having over two decades of experience in the kindergarten field, the organization was well aware of the fallacy of erstwhile methods in practice. This is what led them to overhaul the pedagogy and put them in the front seat.
Tapping the power of design thinking – a creative problem-solving approach
With 22 years of experience in the kindergarten field, they knew that traditional education methods were not enough to shape the young minds of today. That’s when they turned to the power of design thinking – a creative problem-solving approach that allowed them to build their dream form of education, one that fosters innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking. “Our kindergarten was just the beginning of a journey that would see us explore each grade, year after year. As we grew, so did our vision – and we were soon offering senior space education that was second to none. We took in the franchise, we got ourselves affiliated with Cambridge because of high order thinking skills that it promoted. We were drawn to their emphasis on high-order thinking skills, which perfectly aligned with our own philosophy of education”, underlines Ms. Agarwal.
As trailblazers in the field of education, Billabong High International School has always been ahead of the curve. They understood early on that communication is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities, and they make it their top priority to instill this valuable skill in their students. “At our school, metacognition is king. We firmly believe that a strong foundation in critical thinking is essential for success in any field, and we encourage our students to develop this skill from a young age.” Although a day school, their reach extends far beyond the local community. As an international school, they understand the importance of staying connected in a rapidly shrinking world. And when the pandemic struck, they were already well-prepared to take the education fully digital. Through the power of technology, they were able to empower their students like never before. Committees and collaboration became the norm, as they worked to create a community that was resilient, adaptive, and future-ready.
Further, the pandemic enabled them to make the best out of resources available, especially technology. As a tech-driven school, they are dedicated to equipping their students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world. At the heart of their approach is the integration of cutting-edge technologies like Microsoft Teams and Firefly, which enable them to create a work environment within their classrooms. Through Firefly, they are able to keep parents informed of their child’s progress and attendance, as well as schedule meetings and share report cards. “But while we are certainly a tech-savvy school, we also recognize the importance of balance. We encourage our students to explore the art of writing, while still embracing the limitless potential of digital media.”
Foundation based on the five pillars of integrity, discipline, perseverance, service, and compassion
Foundation of any great education is built on a strong set of core values. That’s why they have incorporated the five pillars of integrity, discipline, perseverance, service, and compassion into everything they do. They place a special emphasis on vocational education. Whether it’s cooking, communication, or sports, they recognize the importance of teaching their students the skills that will set them up for success. Their mission is to provide the students with world-class facilities that will prepare them for success on a global stage. “Our sprawling 12-and-a-half-acre campus is a testament to this commitment, and we’re proud to offer our students the very best that modern education has to offer.”
Billabong High International School is more than just a place of learning, it’s a transformative experience that allows young minds to soar to new heights. At Billabong High International, teamwork and attention to detail are the keys to unlocking the full potential of each and every child. As they prepare the leaders of tomorrow, they encourage future educators to keep an open mind and nurture the unique talents of their students. “We advise the next educationalists to keep in mind that maybe sometimes, you might be teaching students who are going to start the next Amazon.” While it’s important to stay grounded and realistic, we must also be willing to take calculated risks and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
“Priti Agarwal, CEO at Billabong High International School and Kangaroo Kids, is making headways toward bringing about a change in the education system with her brainchild Billabong. The concept of bringing joy to learning alongside embracing technology and preparing students to face the modern age world is what she is thriving for”.
