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.
Shooting High - Basketball!
We’re proud to share that G. A. Adhik of MY3 represented the Chennai team at the U-13 Tamil Nadu State Basketball Championship and brought home a bronze medal. His achievement is a reflection of dedication, teamwork, and the spirit of perseverance — qualities we celebrate both on and off the court.
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.
Hitting the Right Notes at Idole Indienne
Our Middle Years students brought la musique française to life at the French Singing Competition – Idole Indienne, competing in the 12–18 age category as the youngest participants in the group. With confidence and flair, they delivered impressive performances that stood out in a highly competitive field.
We’re especially proud of Dhvani Kailas (MY2), who won 3rd place, earning a trophy, certificate, and gift. Harshini Dixit (MY2) and Aradhana Amarnath (MY3) were also recognised with certificates and presents for their spirited performances.
Their achievement reflects not just their musical talent, but also the growing love for languages and cultures that defines our school community. Félicitations!
Celebrating Freedom and Values That Endure
This Independence Day, our students filled the campus with music, pride, and patriotism as they sang songs that celebrated the spirit of India. The highlight of the morning was the theatre performance Ali’s Favourite Biryani — a heartwarming skit that had recently won second place at an interschool competition. The young actors once again captivated their audience of parents, teachers, and peers with their moving performance and expressive storytelling.
Our Principal, Ms. Padmini, addressed the gathering with the story of a young boy who chose courage and integrity over surrender during the struggle for independence. She reminded everyone that while we may live in a fast-changing digital world, the timeless values of bravery, honesty, and resilience must continue to guide us.
Adding a special touch to the celebration, our Korean students marked their own Independence Day with a speech delivered in Korean and translated into English by a peer — a powerful gesture of unity in diversity.
The morning was a beautiful reflection of who we are as a community — rooted in values, connected across cultures, and inspired by the enduring idea of freedom.
Celebrating Excellence in the Arts
Our Middle Years students continue to shine on stage, bringing pride and joy to our school community through their remarkable performances.
At the DAV Culturals, our theatre team set the stage ablaze with an extraordinary act, standing out among 12 schools and over 200 talented performers to secure an impressive 2nd place. A special shoutout to Viraansh Baid, who was awarded Best Actor, and to the team for also earning recognition for Best Lighting—a true reflection of their collective artistry and teamwork.
Meanwhile, at the Babaji Vidhyashram Culturals, Dhvani Kailas captivated hearts with her soulful solo performance, earning a well-deserved 1st place in the Solo Singing category.
These achievements speak volumes about our students’ creativity, dedication, and passion—and about the mentorship and encouragement they receive from our educators. Congratulations to all who contributed to these shining moments of success!
Let’s Talk Tweens: Bridging Understanding, Building Connection
As children step into their pre-teen years, they begin a journey of self-discovery — one filled with curiosity, change, and sometimes confusion. Recognising the importance of this phase, our school hosted Let’s Talk Tweens, an engaging parent session designed to open conversations about the evolving emotional, social, and cognitive world of children aged 10 to 13.
The session explored how tweens begin to seek independence while still needing the comfort of guidance, how friendships gain new depth, and how emotions grow more layered. Through real-life examples, discussions, and reflective prompts, parents unpacked what it means to raise a tween in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world.
The session also focused on practical strategies — listening without judgment, setting boundaries with empathy, and nurturing confidence through trust and communication. It was heartening to see parents share stories, questions, and even laughter as they connected through shared experiences.
At its core, Let’s Talk Tweens celebrated partnership — between home and school, and between parents and children — to ensure that this critical stage becomes one of growth, not growing pains. Because when adults listen, guide, and grow with their tweens, they create a foundation of resilience and understanding that lasts well beyond the middle years.
This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts by the School Counselling Team and the Parent Partnership Office to strengthen collaboration and dialogue between families and educators — fostering a community where every child feels understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Anbudan 2025: A Celebration of Gratitude
Every act of kindness strengthens the threads that bind a community. Anbudan — meaning “with love” — is one such moment of togetherness at Shiv Nadar School, Chennai.
Our annual gratitude initiative, Anbudan 2025, was a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the pillars of our school — our support staff, lovingly called Akkas and Annas. These are the individuals who quietly ensure that every classroom is ready for learning, every corridor is safe, and every corner of our campus feels welcoming.
In a touching gesture, students personally handed over thoughtfully prepared bags of goodies to them, sharing smiles, laughter, and words of thanks.
Families contributed generously to this annual initiative, while students expressed their love through handmade notes and warm interactions. The day reflected the compassion, empathy, and sense of belonging that define our school community — reminding us that appreciation, when expressed with love, builds lasting connections.
Anbudan stands as a reminder that compassion is not an event but a way of being. It reflects the very essence of our school culture — one that celebrates empathy, respect, and shared humanity.
EFL Sessions | Building Awareness and Life Skills
As part of the Education for Life (EFL) program at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, Grade 11 students participated in two engaging sessions designed to strengthen their understanding of leadership, history, and communication.
EFL: Post-Independence History
Facilitated by Ms. Ekta Bidhuri and Ms. Preeti Gill, the session delved into the 1962 Indo-China War, examining its historical roots, border disputes, and the profound impact it had on leadership and national security. Through maps, visuals, and compelling anecdotes, students explored how the conflict shaped India’s defense strategies and foreign policy. Group research and discussions helped deepen their appreciation of this critical period in India’s post-independence journey.
EFL: Leadership and Communication (19 August)
Led by Ms. Mitu Majumdar and Ms. Meenakshi Sharma, this interactive workshop focused on effective communication—a cornerstone of leadership. Students engaged in activities highlighting clarity, tone, empathy, and non-verbal cues such as body language. A playful “whisper challenge” illustrated how miscommunication arises, reinforcing the importance of active listening and thoughtful expression.
The Education for Life program is a distinctive initiative that equips students of Grades IX and XI with practical life skills beyond the academic curriculum—encouraging critical thinking, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence and empathy.