Leaders

The modern era is global and interconnected, and schools play an extremely important part in equipping students to be a part of the future as global citizens. Many families, while looking for the best learning experience locally, are also invested in finding schools that will enhance their children's' international-mindedness. Studying at an international school helps students to embrace a global focus from a young age while building a strong foundation of cultural understanding and versatility.

Catering to that very focus is The Camford International School, which was started with a mission to build a community of leaders, over a foundation of shared beliefs, values and ethos. The Camford International School is dedicated to nurturing responsive and motivated students through a dynamic and success-oriented education program. Poonam Syal, Principal, has been leading the school in promoting ample opportunities to develop and assess the critical creative thinking skills, the flexibility of approach, ability to work with and serve others, and the grit and fortitude in the face of challenges.

Women Entrepreneur Magazine engages in an exclusive interaction with Poonam Syal where we discuss the school's growth, its journey and her journey as well. Here's the snippet from our interaction with Poonam.

Can you introduce us to the Camford international school and also tell us some of the unique features about it.

 I joined as a principal at The Camford International School in May, 2018. Our school follows the CBSE curriculum, up to Grade 8 we follow a mixed curriculum, which while is CBSE based, has international components to it especially in activities. For the younger grades, we follow the Montessori methods and best practices of international methodologies. Apart from that, the main highlight is that we concentrate on communication skills, and believe in creative, innovative teaching methodologies - without missing out on the inculcation of values. We create an organized balance between academics and co-curricular activities leading to holistic development.

Can you tell us about your educational background and the recognition you have received as an educator?

I have done my Masters in Botany and B.Ed. I have a rich experience of 33 years in the education sector where I have spent 17 years as a teacher and 15 years as a Principal of which 10 years were in Delhi and 5 years here at The Camford International School. As far as awards go, I have received the Best Teacher Award from schools and various other organizations. As a Principal, I have again received Best Principal Award from various organizations along with Best School Leadership Award and Best School for Co-curricular Activities. I have also been mentioned in the Insight Magazine as one of the 20 Pragmatic Women. As far as teaching goes, I have taught both in Indian schools and in the US for six years.

In order to facilitate effective learning and also to ensure the growth of the students, what are the fundamental ideas and tools that you are leveraging?

We have the flexibility of curriculum, with CBSE as the base. Up to grade 8 we implement flexibility of delivering the concepts with activity-based learning. Our assessments remain informal up to the primary level, which becomes semi-formal up to middle level where we start training the children as per board pattern. In the secondary and senior level, we train them as per the requirements of the board exam. We do plan in a manner as to have room for sports and co-curricular activities at all levels.  Our approach is always child-centric and the curriculum is planned in such a manner that there is a gradual and graded learning. We try to employ experiential learning wherever possible and try to give maximum exposure to our students to enable them to be ready with required skill set, confidence, humility, and leadership qualities.

“I believe passion is very important. It helps you achieve unimaginable feats. It is fundamentally a loss if you are not passionate about what you are doing”

What are the driving factors behind your successful journey till now as an educator?

My driving force as an educator is my passion to be around kids, which essentially led me to be a Principal. When I was a teacher, I felt that by being a Principal, I could possibly implement a lot of changes, incorporate the best practices and other creative and innovative ideas which will enable a child to be their very best.

What would be your advice to the younger generation who are aspiring to be in the education sector?

I believe passion is very important. It helps you achieve unimaginable feats. It is fundamentally a loss if you are not passionate about what you are doing. Additionally, there are no time boundaries when you are working on something you are passionate about. Further, it is important to be open to learning. You need to learn, unlearn and relearn many things. Do not stop at failures, as failures will come, but it is very important to overcome them with even greater energy and confidence. Failures and consistency are the little and.

Poonam Syal,Principal,The Camford International School

Poonam has completed B.Ed and also Masters in Botany and. She has a rich experience of 32 years in the education sector where she has spent 17 years as a teacher and 15 years as a Principal. She loves working with children which has been the driving force in her career.