Teaching for Tomorrow, Learning for Life.

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A personalised, project-based, and purpose-driven approach to education is taking root at VIBGYOR Group of Schools.

In this article, you’ll discover:
➡️ 21st-century skills: Why adaptability is the true advantage
➡️ Live classrooms: Tech, touch, and thinking
➡️ Workshops and immersion programmes: Real experiences, real growth
➡️ The power of the 5C’s: Skills that shape futuresAnchored in India, connected to the world
➡️ Expanding horizons, staying grounded
➡️ Teachers at the heart of inspired learning
➡️ Education with a purpose: The VGOS promise

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At one of our VIBGYOR High classrooms in Bengaluru, 13-year-old Anushka stands before a whiteboard, thinking with a marker in hand. She glances towards her left side and retorts, “Don’t erase that! It is the best idea we have got.”

Dhruv laughs, shaking his head. “Fine, but if it fails, it is on you. I warned everyone.”

Arjun, who had been quietly sketching in the corner, leaned forward. “Wait, what if we combine Anushka’s idea with mine? Her solar panel with my reflective sheet. That way, we can double the light.”

“Double the light or double the chances of disaster,” Tanay teased, drawing a groan from the group.

“Or double the chances of brilliance,” Anushka shot back, underlining her arrows with determination.

The group burst into giggles, jostling for space at the whiteboard.

Their teacher walked past, pausing to take in the chaos and laughter. “Looks like a debate, not a diagram.”

“It is both,” Anushka said confidently. “That’s the fun part.”

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Moments like these capture the spirit of VIBGYOR Group of Schools (VGOS): learning that is personal, hands-on, and purposeful. Every classroom becomes a space for creativity in education, with ideas being challenged, tested, and celebrated with intent.

21st-century skills: Why adaptability is the true advantage

The importance of 21st-century skills in school education lies in preparing students for the world they will inherit. With climate concerns intensifying, AI transforming industries, and societies becoming interconnected, the future calls for learners who can think clearly, adapt quickly, and act with empathy and purpose.

Yet, the challenge is steep. UNICEF warns that over 50% of students may leave schools without essential future-ready skills, hampering employability by 2030. Another report finds that just 9% of students show high readiness in critical thinking, problem-solving, and design thinking.

At VIBGYOR Group of Schools, every learning experience is shaped with this reality in mind. Through hybrid learning models, personalised learning approaches, and a focus on soft skills development, our students learn to think with purpose and grow with resilience.

Live classrooms: Tech, thinking, and hands-on learning

In our classrooms, learning shifts from passive listening to active learning, transforming them into hubs of discovery. This includes:

Workshops and immersion programmes: Real experiences, real growth

Learning extends outside classrooms through VIBGYOR Viva workshops – from robotics, poetry, culinary arts, theatre, and more – creating immersive opportunities and making these workshops a shared journey of growth. Parents have also described how their kids return “full of ideas” and carry on the conversations at home.

These immersive learning experiences help children adapt to the diversity and complexities of society. They are also instrumental in building soft skills development and encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving.

The power of the 5C’s: Skills that shape futures

At VIBGYOR Group of Schools, we champion the 5C’s – critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and citizenship. These aren’t abstract ideas; they shape our everyday thinking and learning experiences.

Whether through debates, projects, or classroom discussions, students practice listening, reasoning, and expressing ideas with clarity. These skills move past academics, teaching them to work in teams, respect diverse viewpoints, and take responsibility as young citizens. By combining thoughts with empathy and action, the 5C’s prepare learners to lead with purpose in a connected world.

This commitment takes root in initiatives like VIBGYOR High’s Model United Nations (V MUN). Here, our students simulate diplomacy, sharpening communication, critical thinking, and emotional maturity. It becomes an arena where soft skills breathe and grow.

Anchored in India, connected to the world

Our curriculum and pedagogy merge India’s educational policy with global models. It also follows child-centric values drawn from Mahatma Gandhi, Maria Montessori, John Dewey, and other early childhood educationists. Our classrooms integrate tradition with innovation, promoting STEM and 21st-century skills and competency-based education.

This approach aligns well with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2022, rooted in play, inquiry, and child-focused learning.

Expanding horizons, staying grounded

A strong sense of identity doesn’t limit a student’s view; it, in fact, helps shape them. At VIBGYOR Group of Schools (VGOS), we encourage our students to look at the world with fresh viewpoints while staying firmly connected to their Indian roots. Every programme is thoughtfully designed to broaden horizons and nurture essential 21st-century skills for students.

Our Global Immersion Programme gives our senior students the opportunity to visit leading institutions such as Ashoka University, Shiv Nadar University, and even universities in the Netherlands and the USA. These journeys spark curiosity within students, build confidence through communication, and foster empathy for cultures beyond their own.

Closer to home, the Cambridge Pathway at VIBGYOR World Academy in Bhopal and Nagpur brings an internationally recognised curriculum into everyday learning. In these technology-rich classrooms, a future-ready curriculum helps students grow as critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and adaptable, confident learners, qualities that prepare them for a future without boundaries.

Teachers at the heart of inspired learning

Behind every inspired learner stands a prepared teacher. Our schools place strong emphasis on professional development, helping educators stay current with modern practices – from integrating AI in education to adopting personalised learning approaches.

At VIBGYOR Group of Schools (VGOS), this commitment is strengthened by our Quality Assurance and Guidance (QAG) programme, which rests on three key pillars: audits and guidance, continuous professional development, and rigorous recruitment. Audits and guidance uphold excellence by empowering teachers and students, while continuous professional development equips teachers with training strategies that meet the diverse needs of our students. And through rigorous recruitment, we ensure that skilled, passionate, and dedicated teachers lead every classroom.

This approach aligns with the vision of NEP 2020, which emphasises the importance of continuous professional development in teaching.

Education with a purpose: The VGOS promise

What sets our schools apart lies in what our students learn, how they learn, who they learn with, and the world they are prepared to face. Every choice – of method, space, and mindset – is intentional, nurturing confidence, creativity, and connection in every learner.

Education today is about preparing students for tomorrow’s uncertainties. At VIBGYOR Group of Schools, 21st-century teaching strategies come alive through hybrid learning models and a deep focus on soft skills development. Children grow with curiosity – learning to question, create, connect, and care. For parents, this means an education that builds adaptability, empathy, and confidence. That is the promise of VIBGYOR: shaping learners today for the world that awaits them.

And because conversations on learning go beyond the classroom, tune into VIBGYOR’s new podcast, Beyond the Bell, for ideas, experiences, and fresh perspectives on education. Watch it here.

Introducing Infinite Possibilities Brought to Life

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We at VIBGYOR Group of Schools have always believed that education extends beyond the classroom. It’s about recognising that every child holds a universe of aspirations within them, some already defined, others waiting to be discovered.

We are delighted to unveil our new campaign, “Infinite Possibilities Brought to Life.”

Why This Campaign Matters

When we see our VIBGYORites, we don’t just see who they are now; we see who they can be. A child building something with blocks could become tomorrow’s engineer. A child doodling in a notebook might one day paint on the world’s largest canvas. A singer at a morning assembly could grow up to move millions with their voice.

Every potential is valuable, and every potential deserves to be nurtured.

Our VIBGYORites at the Heart

This campaign comes straight from the heart. We haven’t used any models or actors. Every child featured in our Brand Campaign for 2026-27 is a proud VIBGYORite. Their faces, their names, and their genuine passions are what you will see. Each one embodies the spirit of wonder and aspiration that makes VIBGYOR unique.

By putting genuine students at the centre of this campaign, we are making a promise: that every student who walks through our gates will be seen, celebrated, and supported on their journey.

How We Bring Dreams to Life

Possibilities don’t just appear out of thin air. They require guidance, encouragement, and a supportive environment to come to life. That’s what VIBGYOR aims to create every day.

  • Through our teachers, who are not only experts in their field but also mentors who cultivate potential.
  • Through our academics, which go beyond memorisation and prepare children to face an evolving world.
  • Through our philosophy, which balances knowledge and creativity, confidence, and character.

This is the invisible thread that connects the child standing in the classroom today with the adult they will be tomorrow.

A Note to Our Community

To our students: We see you and believe in you.

To our principals and teachers: Thank you for creating these experiences every day.

To our families and parents: Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s future.

This campaign isn’t just about what VIBGYOR achieves; it’s about what we, collectively, can make possible.

P.S. Admissions for the academic year 2026-27 are now officially open. Call us to schedule a visit to a VIBGYOR school and discover the infinite possibilities for your child’s future.

The growing importance of incorporating soft skills training into academic curricula

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Soft skills are vital in today’s world, equipping students with essential abilities like communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. India’s NEP 2020 emphasises integrating these skills into K-12 education. Schools are adopting holistic approaches, including experiential learning and technology, to develop well-rounded individuals. This transformation faces challenges but aims to build a future-ready generation.

Contributed By: Shim Mathew, Director of Academic Operations, Initiatives & International Partnerships, VIBGYOR Group of Schools

Soft skills have emerged as a cornerstone in the holistic development of individuals, especially in the 21st century, where emotional intelligence and interpersonal competencies often hold as much weight as technical expertise. While academic institutions have traditionally emphasised intellectual development and domain-specific knowledge, the growing demand from employers and society for well-rounded individuals underscores the necessity of incorporating soft skills training into academic curricula. This evolution is particularly pertinent in the Indian context, given the rapid transformation of the country into a global hub for diverse industries.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has placed a strong emphasis on developing well-rounded students. Its holistic vision includes fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills—all of which fall under the ambit of soft skills. Recognising these competencies as integral to preparing students for future challenges, the policy advocates for a paradigm shift in the education system, aligning it with global standards and local aspirations.

Why are soft skills crucial in today’s world?
Soft skills encompass a wide array of interpersonal and emotional abilities, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. These skills are indispensable in navigating today’s interconnected and multicultural world. According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends report, 92% of talent acquisition professionals indicated that soft skills are equally or more important than hard skills. Additionally, a study by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center concluded that 85% of job success comes from having well-developed soft skills. Furthermore, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 identified skills such as analytical thinking, creative thinking, flexibility and agility, active learning, and resilience as crucial for the evolving job market.
Show MoreBeyond employability, soft skills play a significant role in personal development. Effective communication, for instance, enhances relationships, while problem-solving skills empower individuals to tackle life’s complexities. Emotional intelligence fosters empathy and self-awareness, qualities that are essential in fostering harmony in diverse societies.

Integrating soft skills into K-12 curricula
The traditional K-12 education system has often been criticised for its rigid, exam-focused approach, which emphasises rote learning at the expense of critical thinking and creativity. Recognising this limitation, the NEP 2020 advocates for a transformative shift toward experiential and competency-based learning. Central to this vision is the integration of soft skills into the academic curriculum, fostering a more holistic and practical education framework.

This shift is not just theoretical. Many forward-thinking educational institutions are actively embedding soft skills training into their pedagogy, seamlessly blending these competencies with traditional subjects. Life skills programs have become an essential component of the curriculum, involving activities such as role-playing, storytelling, debates, elocutions, and collaborative projects that enhance students’ communication and interpersonal skills.

Moreover, leadership and teamwork are fostered through a variety of initiatives, including student councils, sports, and community service programs. Emotional intelligence is equally prioritised, with mindfulness practices, peer mentoring sessions, and workshops designed to build empathy and conflict resolution skills.

In addition to these academic reforms, schools are adopting a holistic approach to student development. Extracurricular activities, such as performing arts, STEM-based initiatives, and cultural clubs, encourage creativity and innovation, while personalised learning paths cater to diverse needs and interests, ensuring comprehensive personal and academic growth.

Technology serves as a powerful enabler in this transformation. Gamified learning platforms introduce engaging scenarios that enhance problem-solving and decision-making skills, while AI-driven feedback tools help students refine their communication abilities, including writing and public speaking. These advancements ensure that students are not only tech-savvy but also equipped with essential 21st-century skills.

As students advance, they receive career guidance and support for higher education, along with opportunities to engage in public speaking, internships, entrepreneurial projects, and real-world problem-solving tasks. These experiences help them develop practical skills essential for life beyond school. Furthermore, wellness programs and counselling services focus on promoting emotional and mental well-being. Together, these initiatives work to nurture students into confident, empathetic, and capable individuals, fully prepared to navigate the challenges of a dynamic world.

Challenges in implementation
While the incorporation of soft skills training into curricula is an admirable goal, it is not without challenges. One significant barrier is the lack of trained educators equipped to teach these skills effectively. Traditional teacher training programs often focus exclusively on subject matter expertise, leaving a gap in the pedagogical strategies needed for imparting soft skills. Addressing this requires investment in teacher development programs that prioritise holistic education.

Additionally, many schools face a lack of resources, including limited access to trained facilitators and the infrastructure necessary to support soft skills training. This shortage can hinder the consistent implementation of such programs, especially in underfunded or rural schools.

Societal perceptions also play a role. Many parents and stakeholders in the education system still equate academic success with high scores in science, mathematics, and other traditional subjects, often undervaluing the importance of soft skills. Creating awareness about the long-term benefits of these skills is essential for fostering acceptance and support.

Building a future-ready generation
The integration of soft skills into academic curricula is not merely a response to current trends but a proactive measure to prepare students for an uncertain future. In an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting societal norms, adaptability, resilience, and emotional intelligence are no longer optional; they are essential.

By aligning with the NEP 2020 and embracing innovative pedagogical approaches, educational institutions can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world demands. The ripple effects of this transformation extend beyond individual success, contributing to the creation of a workforce that drives national progress and a society that thrives on mutual respect and collaboration.

Ultimately, the growing importance of soft skills training reflects a broader shift in education—one that values not just what students know, but who they are and how they interact with the world. As India continues to rise on the global stage, equipping its youth with these invaluable skills will be pivotal in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.

How to Talk to Children so that they Listen

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We are well into the New Year 2019 now. As parents and educators, one of our New Year resolutions should be about spending more time talking to children…especially the school going ones – how to talk to them so that they listen, is what worries us most. This would surely be an intriguing topic for some of us, a non topic for others, but it is nonetheless an important one.

The 21st Century has thrown up many challenges, not the least of them being the problem of face to face communication. With the advent of newer means of technology at our disposal and the proliferation of hand held and portable devices for communication on the rampant increase, personal conversations have become rare occurrences with people resorting to con calls, audio and video chats, SMS and Whatsapp messages as well as connectivity on other social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram. Even official discussions, meetings, seminars and conferences are now being conducted over Skype and Zoom and other such mediums. Hangouts is one of the ways in which the younger generation actually hangs out! In such a scenario, how do parents and teachers connect with children who are more comfortable with online and virtual conversations than the ones in real life? No wonder some of us may feel a sense of disconnect with our children when in their physical company.

The answer does not lie in resorting to messaging or video calling our children and learners but in using the following simple tips to connect with the children who mean the most to us.

When talking to children we should:

  1. Smile and greet our children when we meet them at any time of the day. A smile is a great way to connect and radiate warmth that envelops and cheers up the children. When we say ‘Hello’, or ‘Good Morning’, we will get a reply which can then lead on to the next step as the connection is established. Maybe we can even have our own special ways of greeting our children.
  2. Ask leading to and open ended questions like, ‘So, how was your day?’, ‘What are you thinking about now?’, ‘What is it that I can do for you?’, ‘How have you and your friends been doing in school?’ or even something as simple as, ‘Which subject/time of the day/snack/book/movie do you like the most? And why?’. These can be great conversation starters.
  3. Give ample time to our child/learner. Set aside time for the conversation. Children too, just like us, love to be heard patiently. Let us respect that. Do not try to close conversations in a hurry. Do not raise your voice. Do not keep looking over their shoulders or here and there while talking. Look at the child/learner in their eyes, but do not stare. That would be disconcerting. Though, one should be firm, in a polite and friendly manner, in case the child/learner does not follow the decorum of the conversation.
  4. No matter what turn the conversation takes, let us not forget to smile at times, nod our head, use appropriate, non threatening body language, and most importantly, listen to them when they talk so that they may return the favour when we have something to say.
  5. Speak in a positive, encouraging tone. Instead of asking, ‘Was the test difficult to attempt?’, we should instead ask, ‘Which question in the test did you find the most exciting?’. A statement such as. ’As you haven’t been doing any reading, I don’t think your language will improve!’ could demoralize children and put them off reading. It would be far better to say, ‘Over the holidays you could read this book. It seems to be enjoyable!’.

There are many more ways to make a conversation interesting for children. Let us begin by using these 5 crucial tips which will be most beneficial to us. Let’s begin talking in the way our children would love to listen to us!



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