Our holistic learning strategy synergizes academic rigor with character development and interpersonal skills. Through a harmonious approach, we cultivate students’ intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being, forging links between their nurtured passions and their personalities and professions in this vibrant, inclusive and diverse global community.

• • Learning Continuum from Nursery to Grade 12: We offer a rigorous and balanced curriculum that aligns with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework from nursery to grade 12, emphasizing inquiry and concept-based learning, trans disciplinary/interdisciplinary connections, innovative learning strategies and real-world applications. In Early Years Reggio Emilia Approach is integrated emphasising that environment is the third teacher apart from sensory development. Moreover, especially in PYP developing student agency remains our focus. Ongoing assessment, reading programme, integration of technology, technological tools and data bases and the explicit development of approaches to learning runs across the school.
    A wide range of subjects is offered particularly in the high school which includes curated IGCSE subject options to cater to the varied pathways our learners would like to explore from languages to science, humanities and arts leading seamlessly up to IBDP and beyond with career guidance and college placements. Our educators are dedicated, trained and experienced facilitators helping learners to reach their aspirations and full potential.

• • Personalized Learning: We recognize and respect each student’s unique learning style, abilities, and aspirations. Our educators provide enrichment and differentiate instruction to provide personalized learning experiences, ensuring that every student’s needs are met. There is a movement towards universal design for learning as an approach to also develop student efficacy and agency.

• • Social-Emotional & Ethical Learning: The comprehensive social-emotional & ethical learning (SEE) program equips students with essential life skills such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, resilience, and interpersonal communication. We emphasize the importance of ethical behaviour, empathy, and respect. Character education is seamlessly woven into the curriculum to ensure that students graduate as responsible and compassionate citizens. We believe that a strong foundation in SEE is vital for holistic growth hence our learning support and wellness department are involved in the horizontal planning of SEE Learning with our educators.

• • Service Learning: We actively engage students in meaningful service projects that address local and global issues. Service Learning takes the form of Action in IB PYP, Service as Action in MYP and IAYP Programme together with the Service Component in IBDP CAS. By participating in community service, students develop a sense of responsibility and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact.

• • Cultural Competence: Through multicultural education and immersive experiences, we encourage students to explore and appreciate various cultures, fostering open-mindedness and global awareness. We integrate global perspectives across subjects, fostering an understanding of international issues and cross-cultural competence. Activities such as cultural exchanges, virtual collaborations, and global projects enrich students’ global awareness and understanding.

• • Inclusive Environment: We create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity in all its forms. By valuing and respecting differences, we prepare students to thrive in a diverse world. Our Learning Support and Wellness Department also cater to inclusivity

• • The Arts Programme: This includes visual arts, dance, music, drama and spoken arts. In MYP these are discrete subjects: Visual Arts and Performing Arts while in High School we offer Visual Arts, Music and Film as subject options. The students have the opportunities to take up Trinity College Speech and Drama, Music Theory and Music Performance examinations too apart from taking part in inter house and interschool events in all the Arts subject areas. Attending Art and Music, Drama and Dance Festivals / Workshops are part of the ‘arts’ journey of the learners.

• • Sports and Games Programme: We offer a robust Sports and Games programme that promotes teamwork, and physical well-being. Fitness, Health, Hygiene, Nutrition, Science and Well Being are important components of the programme. The students have regular sports and games which has the pathways to inter school, state and national levels. Furthermore, it also is a discrete subject in middle and in high school as a one of the options in the science group.

• • Community Engagement: This fosters a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to making a positive impact. We recognize that education is a partnership between parents, educators, students and community at large. Regular communication, workshops, and collaborative initiatives strengthen this partnership.

• • Ongoing Professional Development: Our educators engage in ongoing professional development, apart from the mandatory IB professional development requirements, to stay current with educational trends, teaching methodologies, and cultural competence, ensuring that they provide the best possible learning experience. The school is also a Cambridge Professional Development Qualification Centre highlighting its commitment to ongoing professional development.

• • Reflective Evaluation of Educational Programmes: At our school, a commitment to continuous enhancement underpins everything we do. Our curriculum, policies, and resources undergo regular reviews and refinements, guided by a structured review cycle. This ensures that we stay current and relevant in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. The outcomes of the IB programme evaluation process serve as a dynamic vehicle to consistently drive and refine our school’s mission-driven strategy. This process allows us to assess and enhance our approach across key dimensions: purpose, environment, culture, and learning.
    Through these evaluations, we aim to cultivate engaged and reflective individuals, including students, teachers, parents, school leadership, management, and other stakeholders within our diverse learning community. As we evolve, our strategy seeks to foster a dynamic and inclusive environment that responds adeptly to the ever-changing needs of our community.

Podar ORT International School’s commitment to “creating a difference” and being a “school with a heart” means it goes beyond the classroom experiences. Through our holistic learning approach, we empower students to develop the knowledge, skills, concepts and values needed to become compassionate leaders and change-makers in a complex and interconnected world. Our aim is to cultivate individuals who not only achieve academic excellence but also make a positive impact on society, embodying the school’s ethos of diversity, inclusivity, and compassion. Together, as a community with a heart, we strive to transform futures and create a better world for all.