Reflection on Good School Alliance Training 19-21 July 2026

Letter from Sakshi Sharma to Sandeep Dutt

Dear Sir, 

I would like to share my reflection on the Good School Alliance Training, which was a truly enriching and inspiring learning experience. The training helped me understand what truly makes a school “good.” I learned that a good school is not just about academic excellence but about building strong relationships, creating a positive learning environment, and ensuring the holistic development of every student. It also made me reflect on the changes that schools should adopt to become better learning communities.

One of the most valuable learnings for me was the importance of connecting with fellow educators. Earlier, my interactions with colleagues were mostly limited to discussing the curriculum and lesson plans. During this training, I learned the value of meaningful conversations, collaboration, and building professional relationships that help us learn, grow, and support one another.

Reading “My Good School” was another significant part of this journey. After my school and college years, I had almost stopped reading books. This training motivated me to read again, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The book deepened my understanding of the roles of teachers, mentors, and principals, and highlighted the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with students to make learning more meaningful.

As I read the book, I was happy to notice that many of the practices and values it describes are already reflected in my school through its association with the Good School Alliance. The leadership qualities of an effective principal mentioned in the book closely resemble those of our Principal, making the concepts even more relatable and inspiring.

Overall, this training has motivated me to become a better educator, strengthen my relationships with students and colleagues, and continue my journey of learning and self-improvement. Most importantly, it has rekindled my interest in reading, and I look forward to exploring more books that will help me grow both personally and professionally.

Thank you for providing such a meaningful and inspiring learning experience.

Regards,

Sakshi Sharma

TGT Science

Delhi Public School, Abu Road

Exploring Holistic Development & Real-World Learning

Brewing Knowledge Friday

To read and review chapters on personal and social development, as well as real-world learning, from the book My Good School Where Passion Meets Education by Sandeep Dutt

Key Takeaways

• Holistic development requires equal emphasis on the 4 S's: Service, Skill, Sport, and Study.

• Experiential learning outside the classroom plays a vital role in personal growth.

• School retreats and trips offer valuable opportunities for applied learning and self-discovery.

• Teachers are encouraged to reflect on how their schools incorporate the 4 S's and to share their experiences.

Topics Covered

Personal and Social Development at School

• The 4 S's approach — Service, Skill, Sport, and Study — is equally important in all aspects.

• Service examples include community projects, disaster relief efforts, and educational initiatives for underserved groups.

• Skills encompass areas such as arts, crafts, vocational training, and the development of both soft and hard skills.

• Sports play a crucial role in promoting physical, social, and mental well-being.

• Study involves actively engaging the mind through reading, inquiry, and reflection.

• Round Square schools emphasise six core ideals: internationalism, democracy, environment, adventure, leadership, and service.

Real-World Learning

• School trips and out-of-classroom experiences provide rich learning opportunities.

• Examples include train

•  rides that illustrate physics concepts and mountain climbs demonstrating air pressure changes.

• Midterm breaks and adventure journeys help develop practical life skills, such as planning, teamwork, and survival.

• Gap years and extended travel are increasingly popular for hands-on education.

• Real-world learning fosters confidence and independence.

• Even local exploration can offer meaningful learning experiences.

Resources

• A reader document with chapter summaries and links to related blog posts.

• Reflections from previous sessions are available on the Teachers Academy blog (happyteacher.in).

• Participants are invited to share reflections and examples of how the 4 S's are implemented in their schools.

Next Steps

• Email your reflections on today's takeaways to Manisha.

• Provide examples of how your school practices Service, Skill, Sport, and Study.

• Consider attending the upcoming My Good School Retreat in Varanasi from October 27 to 30.

• Join next week's Brewing Knowledge Friday session and other weekly gatherings.

Reflection is key to deepening understanding and improving practice. Please share your takeaways and reflections by emailing them to mk@learningforward.org.in. We look forward to hearing your insights and experiences.

An Experience of Heart, Purpose, and Gratitude - My Good School Retreat 2025

Sunbeam School Ballia

Coming to Khan Farm for the My Good School Retreat 2025 began as a step into the unknown. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but within just three days, the purpose of this journey became clear to me. This retreat was thoughtfully designed around the four pillars of holistic development—Service, Skill, Sports, and Study—and it offered a transformative experience that I will carry with me for a long time.

I had the privilege of attending the retreat along with my Activity in-charge, Ms. Neha Srivastava. One of the most impactful parts of our visit was spending time at The Arthur Foot Academy, a school located on the quiet, green outskirts of Haridwar, near Rajaji National Park. The place itself is breathtaking, surrounded by rolling hills, fresh mountain air, and endless greenery. The area around the school is serene and pollution-free, a perfect setting for young minds to grow. Arthur Foot Academy, established just ten years ago, serves the children of the Gujar community with limited resources but unlimited potential.

Walking through the school, I was struck by the stark contrast to what we often take for granted. I have always been part of schools blessed with strong infrastructure, qualified educators, digitally enabled classrooms, and supportive parents. But here, at Arthur Foot Academy, the scenario was quite the opposite. Yet, in this difference, I saw something powerful: hope.

The students were full of curiosity and energy. The teachers were passionate, striving to do their best with what they had. Being there made me truly grateful for the opportunities we enjoy at our school, for the systems that support us, and for the kind of environment we often overlook. This experience awakened a sense of responsibility in me. I feel compelled to support this school in whatever way I can. One immediate way I can contribute is by helping their teachers with simple and effective ways to create lesson plans, making learning more structured and engaging.

We plan to return for another retreat in November, and our next visit brings new steps toward growth for us and for them.

I am sincerely thankful to Mr. Sandeep Dutt and his team for giving us such a phenomenal opportunity to work with them. 

I am also thankful to my Director, Sir, Dr. Kunwar Arun Singh, and our Principal, Dr. Arpita Singh, for believing in me and giving me this excellent opportunity to be part of such a meaningful journey. Your guidance and vision make us strive for a better tomorrow, not just for ourselves, but for others too.

This retreat was not just a visit—it was a calling. A reminder to give, to grow, and to be grateful.

Shahar Banu 

Dean of Academics and Global Coordinator 

Sunbeam School Ballia

Beyond the Classroom: Masterclass Saturday 21st December 2024

 Chapter 6, "Beyond the Classroom", from Shomie Das - The Man Who Saw Tomorrow by Naga Tummala:

Reflection Questions:

1. Core Values in Education:
   How does Shomie Das emphasize the importance of values beyond academic Learning? Can you identify moments where values learned outside the classroom shaped your character?

2. Holistic Development:
   What strategies did Shomie Das implement to ensure students were learning life skills and developing emotional intelligence? How can schools today incorporate similar initiatives?

3. Role of Teachers:
   According to this chapter, how does the role of a teacher extend beyond delivering curriculum? Reflect on a teacher or mentor who impacted your personal growth outside academics.

4. Leadership and Vision:
   What aspects of Shomie Das's leadership style allowed him to redefine education beyond traditional methods? How does this inspire you in your own leadership roles or aspirations?

5. Diversity in Learning:
   How does the concept of learning "beyond the classroom" address students' diverse needs and strengths? Share an example where experiential Learning or extracurricular activities enriched your understanding of a subject.

6. Challenges and Adaptations:
   What challenges did Shomie Das face while promoting unconventional learning approaches? Reflect on how schools or individuals can overcome resistance to change in education systems.

7. Community Building:
   The chapter highlights the importance of creating a strong school community. How do you think this affects students' lifelong connections and personal development?

8. Future of Education:
   How does Shomie Das's vision for education "beyond the classroom" resonate with the skills needed for the 21st century? What changes would you suggest in modern education to align with this vision?

These questions aim to encourage deeper thinking about the themes of holistic education and the broader role of educators, as highlighted in this chapter.

Next week - Chapter 7: A Legend and a Legacy

I am looking forward to seeing your thoughtful reflections!      

Email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in.

The Teacher's Academy (12/21/2024)

Quick recap

The meeting focused on the importance of teachers, pastoral care, and community involvement in education, with discussions on the role of teachers as spiritual messiahs, the need for proper training and sensitization, and the significance of individual attention and care for children. The importance of character building, learning through experiences, and believing in the potential of children were also emphasized. Lastly, the conversation ended with a discussion on the last chapter read, sharing thoughts in the Teachers Academy Whatsapp community and the importance of accepting content from every individual without correction or marking.

Next steps

• Manisha will share the Hindi session link with the group on January 8th, 2025.

• Teachers are to write reflections on the chapter discussed in the Teachers Academy WhatsApp group or on happyteacher.in.

• Teachers should consider joining the Sunday School sessions if they cannot attend Saturday masterclasses.

• Teachers will encourage others to join the Hindi sessions for the Arthur Food Academy project.

• Teachers should explore and utilize the Good School Alliance website resources, including diljito.com and youth.org.

Summary

System Reset and Shomie's Struggles

In the meeting, Sandeep led the discussion and welcomed the attendees. He mentioned that it was the second-to-last session before completing the book. Sandeep checked if everyone could hear clearly and invited thoughts on the previous session's topic of "system reset." He highlighted that the chapter beautifully explained how Shomie struggled, requiring a system reset. The participants did not share additional thoughts, and Sandeep started reading the next chapter.

Teacher Training and Mental Health

The discussion revolved around the importance of teachers in the education system, particularly in government schools. The speaker emphasized the need for proper training and sensitization of teachers to become agents of change. They also highlighted the significance of psychologists in schools to address the mental health of children and prevent bullying. The speaker suggested that teachers can be valuable in handling such situations rather than solely relying on counsellors. The importance of individual attention and care for children was also stressed, with the speaker citing the example of residential schools where teachers and their families can provide more time and attention to students.

Pastoral Care in Schools Discussed

In the meeting, Sandeep discussed the importance of pastoral care in schools, drawing on the example of Captain Rohit Bajaj, a former student who became a teacher and principal. Learning emphasized the role of teachers as spiritual messiahs, not just educators, and the significance of observation and atmosphere in Learning. The discussion also touched on the limitations of schools in providing professional counselling services and the need for a paradigm shift towards spirituality in education.

Embracing Differences in Classroom Learning

The discussion revolved around acknowledging and working with differences in the classroom. The speaker emphasized the need for teachers to be trained to recognize, appreciate, and work with these differences, suggesting that this could be achieved through living by example and using child-centred education delivery. The speaker also mentioned a book called "Productive Failure" by Manu Kapoor, which they found insightful. Additionally, the speaker announced a new initiative of adding an entire 90-minute session once a month for schools that need Hindi and mentioned that the next session would be live from the studio. The chapter focused on sensitization and training, and the speaker encouraged going beyond the traditional blackboard or whiteboard approach to reach the heart of learning for every individual.

Shomie's Reflections on Education and Trust

Shomie reminisced about his teacher, Jack Gibson, and his journey from being a student to becoming the principal of Mayo College. He shared a humorous anecdote about a gardener recognizing him from his time at Dune. Shomie also discussed the influence of Kurt Hunt's philosophy on his outlook on education, emphasizing the importance of character-building, honour, and trust. Gurdeep agreed with Shomie's points, stressing the importance of trust in all relationships. The discussion ended with Shomi asking if anyone had experienced a situation where trust changed the game, but no one responded.

Community Involvement in Education Discussed

Sandeep discussed the importance of community involvement in education, citing the example of Khan's emphasis on community membership and obligation. He highlighted the role of community in fostering a sense of service and well-being and the need for teachers to create a positive learning environment. He also shared insights from Shomie's approach to education, emphasizing the importance of community service and the treatment of students from diverse backgrounds. Sandeep mentioned the EWS process and RTE Act as game changers and discussed the creativity, activity, and service (CAS) program inherent in the IB curriculum. Lastly, she introduced the idea of a retreat where students can engage in community service, outdoor activities, and risk tolerance.

Teaching Methods and Student Management

Sandeep discussed various teaching methods and managing students, emphasizing the importance of trust, responsibility, and risk-taking. He shared personal anecdotes about assigning tasks as punishments and giving senior students responsibilities, which he found effective in maintaining discipline and fostering growth. He also highlighted the importance of taking children out of the classroom for holistic development and cross-cultural appreciation. The discussion concluded with a reflection on risk-taking and its role in teaching and personal growth.

Character Building Through Experiences

The discussion revolved around the importance of character-building and learning through experiences. The speaker shared anecdotes about the late Shomie, who strongly advocated character building and implemented various initiatives such as setting up an ambulance service and training students for fire services and mountain climbing. These experiences were meant to teach children to be alert and help others in need. The speaker also highlighted the importance of these experiences in shaping the character of individuals, using examples such as a rescue mission during a flood and a severe blizzard. The speaker concluded by emphasizing that character-building takes a back seat in today's world, where academic results are prioritized over personal development.

Believing in Children's Potential and Engagement

In the meeting, Sandeep emphasized the importance of believing in the potential of children and their future. He encouraged active participation and engagement in the sessions. He also highlighted The Teachers Academy, a platform where teachers express themselves and share their experiences. He mentioned a session with Arthur Foot Academy, a joy of giving project, and encouraged others to join. He also discussed the upcoming session on the 8th or 9th of January, which will be telecasted live. Gurdeep shared his thoughts on the need for dedicated and passionate teachers and the role of entrepreneurs in balancing business and educational motives.

Teachers Academy Content Sharing and Reflections

The conversation ended with a discussion on the last chapter read and the sharing of thoughts in the Teachers Academy Whatsapp community. The team also discussed hosting various content types, including videos, PDF files, sketches, voice notes, and texts. Accepting content from every individual without correction or marking was emphasized. The team also discussed the Sunday School and the option for those unable to attend on Saturday to join on Sunday. The conversation ended with a big thank you to Gurdeep and Manisha and a special thank you to over 50 people who joined the session. The meeting was available on the YouTube channel, and the team encouraged sharing reflections on social media.

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