Mumbai: The first batch of students from Mumbai Public School (MPS) Woollen Mill, Mahim, and MPS Poonam Nagar, Jogeshwari, are preparing for their respective ICSE and CBSE Class 10 board exams, marking a significant milestone five years after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) introduced non-state board curricula in its schools. These students, enrolled in Class 6, are set to take their board exams after years of preparation, excelling both academically and in extracurricular activities.
At MPS Woollen Mill, 27 students have received their admit cards for the ICSE exams, which will begin on February 18. The students, brimming with confidence, are determined to achieve a 100% success rate. Akshad Sharma, a Class 10 student, expressed his satisfaction with the school, rating it 9.5 out of 10 for its academic and extracurricular offerings. “The best teachers and teaching facilities have prepared me for the exams,” he said.
The students have undergone a rigorous preparation process, currently reviewing their performance in the fourth round of preliminary exams. The classroom, dubbed ‘Google’, is a hub of learning where students receive feedback from teachers to enhance their performance. Parents have also noticed significant progress in their children. Santosh Pansare, whose son excelled in both academics and sports, praised the school’s holistic approach to education. “My son won gold, silver, and bronze medals in cycling,” he said, noting the school’s focus on overall development. Similarly, Umesh Sonkar appreciated the extra effort from teachers in reinforcing concepts disrupted by the pandemic.
Jyoti Vakharia, Principal of MPS Woollen Mill, highlighted the school’s organized approach. “We started Class 10 lessons before declaring the Class 9 results,” she said. “With proper planning, we finished all academics before Diwali, and post-Diwali, we conducted four rounds of preliminary exams to boost students’ performance.”
At MPS Poonam Nagar, the first batch of 38 students is preparing for the CBSE Class 10 exams starting on February 15. Headteacher Sujata Hattangadi emphasized the importance of collaborative learning, introducing unique seating arrangements to encourage group studies. “Each group includes students of varying abilities, fostering mutual learning,” she said. Hattangadi also credited the BMC for its consistent support in making the schools’ progress a reality. “The administration’s backing has been crucial,” she added.
Teachers at MPS Poonam Nagar have also undergone CBSE training sessions to refine their teaching methods. “Having spent over four years with these kids, I understand their strengths and weaknesses,” said Hattangadi, adding that she works with students based on their needs, sometimes involving parents in the process.
Parents have expressed their gratitude for the education their children have received. Vimal Pal, whose daughter benefited from the school’s education and holistic development, shared his satisfaction, especially since he could not afford private school fees. “I’m very happy I moved my daughter here thanks to the BMC’s support,” he said.
BMC Education Officer Rajesh Kankal praised the efforts of the school administration and teachers. “Our teams have worked hard to ensure that students from Woollen Mill and Poonam Nagar perform well in their board exams,” he said. “We’ve provided all necessary support, including inviting guest speakers to motivate both teachers and students.”
