Field Trip to the National Museum | Grade VI

The following is a description as shared by a student: Ms Guneev Bose, Grade 6 Sariska

Our recent visit to the National Museum was an unforgettable experience that brought our
classroom learning on the Indus Valley Civilization to life. As part of our Social Science curriculum, this educational trip helped us understand how one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations flourished thousands of years ago. Seeing the artefacts in person gave us a hands-on experience that no textbook could fully provide. It helped us elaborate more on our theme of
Indus Valley Civilization.
As we entered the gallery dedicated to the Indus Valley Civilization, our excitement grew. The display was filled with ancient pots, tools, ornaments, seals, and figurines that revealed how skilled and creative the people of that time were. The beautifully shaped pottery showed their talent in design and symmetry, while the seals with mysterious symbols reminded us of their yet-to-be-deciphered script. We were amazed to see the jewellery made from beads and semi-precious stones, reflecting their sense of style and craftsmanship. These items made us realise how advanced civilization was in trade, technology, and art. Besides this, we also got an opportunity to see different structures like ploughs, wheels and a cart from the people from the past.
Our tour guide played a very important role in making the visit meaningful. He patiently explained the use and importance of each artefact, helping us understand how these discoveries tell stories about the people who lived thousands of years ago. He answered all our curious questions—like how seals were used in trade, what tools were made of, and why civilization declined. His explanations helped us think critically about how historians and archaeologists reconstruct the past through material evidence.
Through this visit, we developed several important skills. Our observational skills improved as we carefully examined the details of each object. Our analytical and critical thinking skills were strengthened as we connected the artefacts to the concepts we had learned in class. We also practised collaboration and communication skills by discussing our observations and reflections with classmates.
Overall, the visit to the National Museum helped us appreciate the depth and richness of India’s cultural heritage. It was a truly inspiring and educational experience that made history come alive before our eyes. I returned with a greater curiosity about the past and a deeper respect for the people who shaped our civilization to what it is today.
 

Igniting Minds: The Book Lovers Club's Inspiring Short Story Discussion

Our enthusiastic Book Lovers Club recently convened for an enriching session dedicated to exploring a handpicked selection of five compelling short stories. The vibrant discussion featured renowned works including Bessie Head's The Collector of Treasures, Saadat Hasan Manto's Thanda Gosht, Tim Winton's The Turning, Anton Chekhov's The Lady with the Dog, and Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies.

Each powerful story unfolded a panorama of human emotion, cultural nuance, and intricate complexities, igniting profound reflections and fostering dynamic conversation among the club members. It was a wonderful testament to the unique ability of short stories—though concise—to leave an enduring impact and bridge readers across geographical and temporal divides.

The insightful gathering wrapped up with participants sharing their favourite quotes and memorable instances, leaving everyone feeling inspired, with broadened horizons and an even deeper affection for literature.

MYP conversations | Grade VI – 2026-27

The curriculum coordinators curated and led this session, crafted to support parents in confidently choosing their child’s educational board. The session helped answer questions about the IB-MY programme, with insights into the curriculum, its advantages, and outlining what may be expected as the child progresses into middle school. 

Shabadshala: Fostering Folk Wisdom and Collective Reflection at Shiv Nadar School

Shiv Nadar School is proud to introduce Shabadshala, a pioneering school-wide initiative dedicated to cultivating a deeper appreciation for folk wisdom and the profound teachings of Kabir. Envisioned as a program that nurtures the intrinsic relationship between words, reflection, and community, Shabadshala utilises engagement with poetry, song, and shabad to ground our community in culture, language, and enduring values.

The long-term aim of Shabadshala is to seamlessly integrate this reflective practice into the daily life of the school, establishing it as a shared cultural rhythm for students, teachers, and the wider community. Currently in its pilot phase for the academic year 2025–26, the initiative's primary focus is on culture-building: creating shared, meaningful experiences across diverse stakeholder groups to ensure that upon its formal launch next year, the entire school community clearly recognises and embraces its inherent meaning and value.

Journey So Far: Engaging Our Community

We have been delighted to host Shabadshala sessions each month, featuring esteemed artists. Most recently, Sh Mura Lala ji, accompanied by two talented artists, graced our school. These sessions have thoughtfully engaged various segments of our community:

• Arts Team: The inaugural session provided our Arts Team teachers with an immersive experience, allowing them to delve into the artistic form and philosophical underpinnings of this rich cultural work.
• MYP Students: A subsequent session with our MYP students encouraged profound engagement with Kabir’s timeless poetry, exploring its contemporary relevance and universal appeal.

Upcoming Sessions:

We are excited to announce forthcoming sessions specifically designed for our Early Years (EY), Primary Years (PY) teachers, and Art teachers. These targeted sessions aim to further embed the spirit of Shabadshala across all foundational stages of learning and creative expression within our school.

Through Shabadshala, Shiv Nadar School is committed to building a vibrant culture of collective reflection, fostering a deeper connection to our heritage, and enriching the holistic development of every member of our community.
 

Grade 3 & 4 Night-In at Shiv Nadar School Faridabad: A Night of Adventure, Learning, and Lasting Memories

On November 4th, Grade 3 and 4 students at Shiv Nadar School Faridabad experienced a memorable night-in filled with adventure, teamwork, and joyful camaraderie. The evening offered an exciting mix of outdoor activities, including zip lining, rock climbing, and zorbing, giving students a chance to challenge themselves and enjoy the outdoors together.

Beyond the thrill, the night-in encouraged independence and responsibility as students managed their belongings and cared for themselves throughout the experience.

After an energetic evening, they gathered for a wholesome meal, played games with their peers, and settled in for a cozy sleepover. The event was filled with laughter, shared moments, and new friendships—creating memories they will carry with them for years to come.

Makerspace: Where Imagination Meets Innovation

The Makerspace at Shiv Nadar School, Chennai is a a dynamic hub designed to ignite curiosity, creativity, and collaboration among students.

A Makerspace is more than just a lab; it’s a launchpad for ideas. Here, students explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) through hands-on projects that blend imagination with innovation. Whether they’re coding, building prototypes, experimenting with materials, or exploring design thinking, students learn to approach challenges with curiosity and confidence.

This space encourages them to think like inventors, problem-solvers, and creators.  To tinker, test, fail, and try again. It nurtures essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience, preparing them not just for exams, but for life.

The Makerspace embodies our belief that learning happens best when students create, question, and explore. It stands as a celebration of our school’s commitment to fostering a spirit of innovation and joyful learning.

The Makerspace empowers our learners to imagine boldly, work collaboratively, and bring their ideas to life, one prototype at a time.

Anandam 2025: Journeys That Transcend Borders

Anandam 2025, the annual culmination of the Aha! Arts Programme, was a celebration of creativity, connection, and courage — where learners came together to explore the theme “Journey Across Borders – Stories of Migrations.”

The performance began with the flight of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, symbolising humanity’s search for purpose and transcendence. As the story unfolded on stage, our Visual Arts students created a breathtaking live artwork, painting Jonathan’s journey in real time — a seamless blend of movement, music, and visual expression.

From there, the story of Thillayadi Valliammai captured one woman’s courage that sparked collective awakening. Through Pick a Bale of Cotton, learners found rhythm in resilience; while Kabir’s More Sir Se Tali Bala and Amir Khusrau’s Chaap Tilak Sab Cheeni explored the timeless quest for truth and unity.

The narrative crossed cultures through the Bamboo Dance of Assam and the Tinikling of the Philippines, symbolising shared humanity through rhythm and grace. The fusion of Flamenco and Kathak mirrored dialogues across borders, while Kolkali and Circle Dance celebrated the joy of togetherness.

The evening concluded with Ode to Joy, a powerful reminder that every journey — of body, mind, or spirit — leads us toward connection.

Anandam 2025 stood as a testament to the power of art to dissolve boundaries and unite hearts — a moving reflection of our shared humanity, connected through creativity and compassion.

STEAMphony is Back!

STEAMphony 2025 was an extraordinary celebration of imagination, inquiry, and innovation — an event where Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) came together in perfect harmony. Hosted by the Middle Years students of Shiv Nadar School, Chennai, the second edition of this inter-school initiative brought together over 280 students from Grades 6 to 8 across the city, creating a vibrant space for learning through collaboration and creativity.

This year’s edition was anchored in Sustainable Development Goals 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land), inspiring participants to reflect on the delicate balance between human progress and the natural world. Through their performances, designs, debates, and experiments, students explored how innovation can coexist with empathy — and how the smallest idea can ripple outward to protect our planet’s future.

From recycled art and shadow puppetry to design challenges, music, debate, and dance, every competition encouraged young minds to blend analytical thinking with artistic expression. Each performance was a reminder that science and art are not opposites, but companions in understanding the world around us.

What made STEAMphony truly special was the leadership of our MY1, MY2, and MY3 learners, who organised the entire event — from registrations and compering to coordination and logistics. Their initiative, collaboration, and confidence reflected the IB learner profile in action, demonstrating what it means to be principled, reflective, and open-minded communicators.

STEAMphony 2025 wasn’t just a competition; it was a collective celebration of curiosity and community — a moment where learners discovered that innovation, when guided by empathy, can indeed make the world a better place.

Community in Action: Cleaning Coastlines, Caring for the Planet

On September 20, 2025, our parent community took the lead in marking International Coastal Cleanup Day, joining millions of volunteers across the world in protecting our oceans. Parents, along with their children from Middle Years, came together as part of our Community Outreach initiative to clear waste from Chennai’s coastline — a small act with a powerful message.

This collective effort not only highlighted the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution but also reflected the spirit of shared responsibility that defines our school community. Through this parent-led initiative, learners witnessed the power of community in action and that caring for our planet begins with small, intentional acts that ripple outward to create lasting change.

Learning from the Land: Exploring Sustainable Farming

Our Grade 4 learners got their hands muddy and their minds enriched during an experiential visit to a local farm. Immersed in the rhythms of rural life, they learned about sustainable farming practices — from pounding and planting paddy to ploughing the fields with bullocks.

Excitement filled the air as learners rolled up their sleeves and tried their hands at traditional farming techniques. They pounded and planted paddy, learning how each grain begins its journey from the soil. The experience of ploughing the fields with bullocks was particularly memorable — a rare opportunity to understand how farming once relied entirely on human effort and animal partnership, long before the era of machines.

Beyond the physical activities, the visit helped students develop a deeper respect for the labour and patience that go into growing the food we eat. It also tied beautifully into their classroom learning on sustainability, ecology, and the importance of making environmentally conscious choices.

By the end of the day, the learners returned with more than just muddy feet — they carried back a sense of gratitude for farmers, an appreciation for the land, and a stronger understanding of what it means to live sustainably.

Through experiences like these, we hope to nurture young minds who value the connection between humanity and nature, and who will grow into responsible citizens.