The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, one of India’s leading corporations, has established the RP Goenka International School (RPGIS) in Alipore, Kolkata. The Cambridge-certified school uses the latest educational technology and infrastructure, including a badminton court, basketball court, swimming pool, table tennis, squash, yoga and martial arts rooms. The indoor multi-purpose hall can be converted from an auditorium with more than 500 seats into an indoor volleyball, basketball and badminton court. The rooftop green space is dedicated to mini-football and has a cricket pitch for students. The idea for the school is the young scion Shashwat Goenka and his wife Shivika Goenka.
RP Goenka International School is the first and only IB PYP (Primary Years’ Programme-International Baccalaureate) school in East India. The school is led by Hema Chennupathy, winner of the GLSC (Global School Leaders’ Consortium) Edu Icon 2023 Award, as Principal. Varsha Agarwal Rodewald, Headmaster Mark Fox and Riad Rojoa serve as Academic Director and Chief Administrative Officer respectively at RP Goenka International School.
A low 1:5 teacher-student ratio allows for personalized learning and training tailored to each student’s individual learning abilities. To reinforce the group’s commitment to inclusion, the school has dedicated Special Education (SEN) rooms to support students with diverse learning needs.
Equipped with the latest technologies, the school has a dedicated design technology and robotics lab, also known as a makerspace, where students can engage in problem solving, critical thinking and prototyping. It is equipped with tools, equipment, and resources to provide hands-on learning experiences in areas such as robotics and coding.
To facilitate student innovation, the school has a Young Innovators Labs for hands-on experimentation and scientific investigation. “This dynamic environment allows students to actively participate in hands-on learning. At the Young Innovators Lab, students can explore the wonders of science, conduct experiments, and let their curiosity run wild as they embark on exciting scientific discoveries.
The school encourages drama and also has performing arts rooms. Its “Black Box” is a space for enhanced and focused performances for those who wish to pursue drama at a higher level; A glow room is dedicated to sensory play for the youngest learners and a state-of-the-art music room invites students to learn about a variety of vocal and instrumental music.
“The school offers activity rooms and informal break-out areas where students can engage in hands-on activities, community projects and creative play, encouraging imagination and innovation,” says the company.
The school reaffirms the RPSG group’s commitment to sustainability, promoting environmental awareness and teaching sustainable practices. Pupils can experience the “joy of growing their own vegetables” in the kitchen garden.
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