A Conversation with Kalaiarasi Principal of Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School at Kalakshetra Foundation

Ques:

Tell us some background information about BASS and its values?

Ans:

BASS was established in 1973 by Rukmini Devi Arundale (Fondly called as Atthai) with the aim to provide a medium of education in English to their staff as a service. It is a co-education school which was started with about 10 students in a CBSE system from the day of inception.

Ques:

How would you describe about your school and its education system?

Ans:

Our school aims at providing education by striking a fine balance between traditional and modern methods in education. Dance, music and visual arts apart from the regular courses in science and humanities are the curriculum we offer. Our real strength are our best qualified, experienced senior teachers who enjoy teaching the students.

The Montessori pattern sprouted in this school amidst all other schools in those days. The foundation was laid by Maria Montessori education system with International Standard, certified from AMI (ASSOCIATION OF MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL) which is the base followed in all Montessori schools until now. The major credit is to our senior staff Sheela Parthasarathy.

Ques:

What is the difference in education system of BASS with the other CBSE schools?

Ans:

Our motto ‘Education without fear and tear’ provides  the thought that education for everyone specially for those who are first generation learners of any family motivate  us to give education to all children of  varied religion and  levels with the same privilege.

We follow the same system like other CBSE schools for classes 1 to 10. We additionally train students in dance, music and visual arts. We have 6 different streams specialising in various subjects. All these subjects grip our outgoing children to pursue their interest in arts which can make their passion come true.

Ques:

How does the admission process take place in your school?

Ans

Class 1 – 10 follows CBSE syllabus with music, dance and visual arts training from class 6.

Higher Secondary Students can choose their stream with specialising subjects in science, Arts, commerce, Biology, Computer Science and Humanities.

Admissions start with a registration process in December and ends in March. Students are selected based on their performance level in the entrance examinations.

Montessori Level selection takes place from February with a lots pickup in the presence of parents and EC Members of PTA which provides transparency of the same.

One section of 30 students are admitted every year in each class. The total school strength at present is 670. The total number of staff is 51 inclusive of sub staffs. A plan of expansion to inculcate arts on students in wide range is on the way.

Ques:

What guidance will you give to students who look for higher education/career in the field of performing arts?

Ans:

I encourage students to follow their passion for arts.  I insist parents to identify and help their children in achieving their child’s passion rather their own ambitions of guiding them into other technical professional courses.

Ques:

Does the school have hostel facility for outstation students?

Ans:

Yes, we do have separate hostel facility for both boys and girls from class 4 to 12.

Ques:

Can you name a few alumni who achieved success in the academics and field of arts?

Ans:

Many of our Alumni

Students who are now successful known personalities in both arts and academic profession globally have made us proud. Vinayak Prakash short film maker, actresses Sukanya, Amla, director Dharani are our alumni in the field of arts.

In Academics  Mr.Bhavani Shankar, Principal of OMEGA INTERNATIONAL School and  Ms. Dharini, Principal of Sunshine School are students of BASS.

Ques:

How much does the school focus on sports apart from arts and academics?

Ans:

We do focus on sports activities with a regular physical training teacher. We   coach students in all Track events, field games and major sports like Basket Ball within the campus. Our students participate in interschool sports events and bring laurels to us.

Ques:

A few words about Alchemy Academy of Performing Arts

Ans:

Alchemy and its Founder CEO, Mr. Vijay Viswanathan are known to our school by the contribution they do to Performing Arts. They are in the field of education for past 15 years. They conduct various courses in different levels to develop children in their interpersonal skills, Creativity and to perform in the art fields.

A workshop by Alchemy to our staff was cherished and knowledge gaining to them.  We look forward to assign with them for more events and workshops that educate our children and staff for a long term.

Thank You!