Ekyanava |

The Wrap Around Program: Nurturing Holistic Well-being Beyond Academics

The sound of the last school bell is usually a signal of release, the scuffle of shoes toward the gate, a rush of children back into the world of traffic, playdates, and homework. At Ekya Nava, it signals something else: the beginning of another kind of school day. Here, the hours after dismissal are a continuation of learning. In one corner of the campus, a group of children rehearses a dance sequence. Just down the hall, a quiet cluster bends over LEGO robotics kits, while the gym hums with the rhythm of basketball practice. Teachers hover, not to assign or grade, but to encourage, guide, and sometimes join in. This is the Wrap Around Program in one of the best K12 schools in Bangalore. Ekya Nava has the answer to a question many parents quietly ask: what if school weren’t just about academics, but also about the lives our children lead outside of school? A Philosophy Beyond the Classroom The program sits at the heart of what makesinternational schools in Bangalore distinct. For years, parents seeking the best schools have asked for a balance between rigor and rest, between structure and freedom. At Ekya Nava, balance is a design principle. The Wrap Around Program extends the school’s philosophy into the late afternoons. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to help children grow not only as learners, but as individuals who can move fluidly between worlds; the world of equations and essays, and the world of expression, movement, and craft. What That Looks Like On any given day, the program offers a mosaic of experiences: Sports: Basketball, table tennis, gymnastics, karate; activities that train the body, resilience, patience, and teamwork. Arts: Dance, music, drama; spaces where children learn rhythm, confidence, and the art of presence. Skills & Innovation: Coding, robotics, debating, design thinking; disciplines that shape the builders, speakers, and problem-solvers of tomorrow. Quiet Pursuits: Chess or public speaking practice for those who prefer strategy or self-expression to the rush of physical play. It’s a catalogue that reflects variety and purpose. Each option is a pathway. Why It Matters The best K12 schools in Bangalore today know that academic performance is no longer the sole ticket to opportunity. Schools must cultivate the full. After-school programs have long been another typical add-on for parents: private lessons scattered across the city, weekend workshops squeezed into tight schedules. Ekya Nava embeds these experiences within the school day and removes the fragmentation. Learners can explore, fail, and try again in the same supportive ecosystem that guides their academics. The result, teachers say, is not just skill acquisition but transformation. A quiet child blossoms on stage. A restless one finds discipline in karate. Another discovers, in the sound of robotic gears, a love for engineering. A Different Kind of Homework If traditional homework prepares children for the next test, the Wrap Around Program in one of the top schools in Bangalore prepares them for something harder to measure: life. It teaches them how to belong to a team, how to handle disappointment gracefully, how to see possibility in failure, how to carry themselves with presence, lessons not captured in grades but felt in character. And perhaps that is the quiet genius of Ekya Nava’s approach. In reimagining what happens after the bell, it reminds us that education is not confined to classrooms, nor is it ever truly over. FAQs Q1. Who can join the Wrap Around Program? It is open to learners across grades, with activities tailored to age groups and interests. Q2. How does Ekya Nava choose which activities to include? Each is selected for its ability to nurture physical, emotional, and intellectual growth through sports, arts, or innovative skill-building. Q3. Will participation affect my child’s academics? The program complements academics by enhancing focus, discipline, and curiosity, without adding pressure to a child’s schedule. Q4. What makes this different from private after-school classes? Here, activities are integral to the school community, with expert instructors and a safe, inclusive environment. Q5. How does the program fit into Ekya Nava’s larger philosophy? It mirrors the school’s belief that learning is a lifelong journey, stretching beyond textbooks into experiences that shape character.

Community, Blog

Purpose-Based Schools in Action: A Day in the Life at Ekya Nava

“What if purpose were the purpose of education?” This question, was posed by Dr. Heather Malin, Director of Research at the Stanford Center on Adolescence, in her 2018 book, Teaching With Purpose, captures a powerful truth. Malin defines purpose as “a future-directed goal that is personally meaningful and aimed at contributing to something larger than the self.” With such a sense of purpose, she explains, young people are more motivated to develop the skills and expertise they need to thrive in education, careers, and life. Purpose-based schools are quickly gaining popularity in India, but Ekya Nava, one of the top purpose-based schools in Bangalore, was the first to lead this transformation. Let’s learn more about what it looks like to be in such a unique school environment. Inside a Day at Ekya Nava Ekya Nava offers learners purpose and connects learning to the real world. Their novel purpose-based learning connects a philosophy with the Cambridge IGCSE for Grades 1–10. The school has also incorporated a continuous, globally recognised pathway with the help of the broader Ekya/CMR ecosystem. Their proposition is both ambitious and rooted in long experience. What “purpose-based” looks like here Ekya Nava’s core curriculum is designed using Understanding by Design (UbD). UbD emphasises in-depth understanding of learning areas, transfer of learning, and real-world application. The model also develops critical thinking through immersive projects, workshops, hands-on learning experiences, field trips, and multidisciplinary performance assessments. Learners are therefore encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways. A typical rhythm The school follows flexible timings from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, which shapes the routine. That’s not it. After school, learners can opt into certified activities such as basketball, dance, music, karate, gymnastics, Lego robotics, table tennis, chess, public speaking, coding, and debating. This diverse schedule suggests a campus that is active, thriving, and always willing to innovate. Intention at the Epicentre An Ekya Nava class typically comprises activities and processes that focus on empathy, curiosity, adaptability, and compassion. Children don’t just rush into textbooks. Instead, the practices are meant to make learning exciting and helpful in real-life scenarios. For example, Early Years learners (2.5-6 years) follow the QUEST program where they participate in sensory-rich experiences that are specially designed to spark genuine interest in learning. You can explore more about the QUEST curriculumand how it nurtures young learners for more clarity. This purposeful start ensures that learners spend their day with clarity and focus. Pathways for Purposeful Learning At Ekya Nava, learners of all ages engage with as many as four real-world pathways. These pathways may be invisible, but they play a crucial role in helping discover their interests and develop future-ready skills. Each pathway connects knowledge with practical application, so they’re encouraged to think, create, and contribute meaningfully. This balance of breadth and depth ensures that learners from top schools in Bangalore, such as Ekya Nava, develop the adaptability to thrive in an evolving world. Spaces That Inspire At Ekya Nava, the campus itself becomes a teacher. Every corner has been purposefully designed to inspire the learners. For instance, exposed building surfaces reveal the inner workings of mechanical systems, helping students understand how design meets function. The cascading atrium serves as a vibrant hub of energy and innovation, while expansive Maker Labs and a dedicated Design Lab invite learners to experiment, prototype, and bring ideas to life. Learning Beyond the Classroom Some of the most powerful lessons at Ekya Nava happen once students step outside their classrooms. Several times a year, learners from each class will be seen working on a community project, spending a night under the stars at camp, or shadowing professionals in real workplaces. These experiential learning opportunities are integral to a purpose-based approach. Why Ekya Nava Stands Out While many top K-12 schools in Bangalore offer international curricula, Ekya Nava’s distinction lies in its commitment to purpose. Their design-driven learning spaces and emphasis on collaboration empower learners to align with the school’s core process: Learn, Think, and Do with clarity and intent. For parents exploring international school admission in Bangalore, Ekya Nava is an ideal choice as it’s driven by a novel philosophy of education that blends global curriculum standards with values-driven practices. FAQs 1. What makes Ekya Nava special? It’s India’s first purpose-based international school, blending global curricula with hands-on, real-world learning. 2. What is purpose-based learning? It’s about learning with meaning, through projects, field trips, and experiences that connect lessons to life. 3. What pathways can Ekya Nava learners choose? There are four exciting ones: Design, Making, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Information Technology & Society. 4. Do students learn beyond the classroom? Yes! Through community projects, camps, internships, and after-school activities like robotics, coding, sports, and many more. 5. How do I apply for admission? Just enquire online or visit the campus, submit an application, complete the assessment, and you’re guided through enrolment.

Community, Blog

Evergreen Content Spotlight: Best IGCSE Schools Near Me

Not long ago, classrooms were defined by chalk dust, neat rows of desks, and the rhythmic recitation of memorised lessons. Success meant reproducing facts on paper, not necessarily questioning them. Parents who grew up in such settings, education was about conformity. Today, as parents search for the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore, the definition of a good education has shifted. Rote memorisation is no longer enough; the world demands learners who can adapt, question, collaborate, and innovate. That is where Ekya Nava’s Cambridge IGCSE program sets itself apart. We blend global recognition with a local philosophy of purpose and empathy. Purpose in Every Lesson More than content coverage, the program thrives on purpose-based learning. Lessons are framed around real-world contexts that push learners to reflect, connect, and act. For example: This blend helps learners internalise the idea that academics are stepping stones to responsible action. Critical Thinking in Action We believe that the hallmark of top-rated International schools in Bangalore is cultivating critical thinking skills. In the IGCSE classroom, learners are encouraged to debate ideas, test hypotheses, and draw conclusions independently. A history lesson may unfold not as a list of dates, but as a discussion on cause, consequence, and perspective. This approach nurture skills such as: These habits of mind enable learners to thrive in higher education and beyond.Curious about how critical thinking turns into lifelong skills? Discover our Quest Program and see how critical thinking transforms into action. The Power of Design Thinking Equally important is our emphasis on design thinking. Learners at Ekya Nava work on challenges that mirror real-world issues: Such projects invite experimentation and iteration, teaching resilience in the face of failure and creativity when finding solutions. For parents comparing the best international schools in Bangalore, this problem-solving mindset we impart in children often becomes a deciding factor. Hands-On Learning That Lasts The IGCSE framework at Ekya Nava is also deeply experiential. Through hands-on learning, be it in labs, field trips, or explorations, concepts move beyond the page. Your child might: This approach ensures that knowledge is absorbed as lived experience in Ekya Nava. An Education That Travels With Your Child Recognition of the Cambridge IGCSE by leading universities worldwide ensures that the pathway remains open, whether learners aim for higher education in India or abroad. Yet parents often remark that what distinguishes top schools in Bangalore like Ekya Nava is less the credential and more the confidence, curiosity, and compassion their children carry forward. FAQs Q1. What makes Ekya Nava one of the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore? Ekya Nava combines the globally recognised Cambridge IGCSE curriculum with purpose-based learning, hands-on projects, and a focus on critical thinking skills, preparing learners for both higher education and real-world challenges. Q2. How is the IGCSE curriculum different from other boards like CBSE or ICSE? Unlike traditional boards that often focus on memorisation, IGCSE emphasises application, analysis, and inquiry-based learning. At schools like Ekya Nava, this translates to lessons that connect directly with real-world contexts. Q3. Does the IGCSE program help my child get into universities abroad? Yes. The Cambridge IGCSE is accepted by leading universities worldwide. Students from the best international schools in Bangalore are well-positioned to pursue higher studies in India or overseas. Q4. How does Ekya Nava use design thinking in classrooms? Learners take on real-world challenges, like sustainability, transport, or urban spaces, using design thinking frameworks. This teaches creativity, problem-solving, and resilience in ways that go beyond textbooks. Q5. Are there opportunities beyond academics at Ekya Nava? Yes. Alongside the IGCSE curriculum, learners participate in the Quest Program, arts, sports, and community initiatives, ensuring holistic growth and not just academic preparation.

Community, Blog

Deep Dive: How IGCSE Prepares Students for Global Universities

Why IGCSE Matters More Than Ever A decade ago, parents often imagined traditional professions, such as a doctor, engineer, or lawyer, when dreaming of their child’s future. Today, the landscape has shifted. According to the World Economic Forum, 65% of children entering primary school will end up in jobs that do not yet exist. To prepare students for this exciting but uncertain world, we must move beyond rote learning. The future demands adaptability, creativity, and global competence. This is where the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) shines. Recognised worldwide, IGCSE has become the go-to curriculum in many of the best international schools in Bangalore, bridging the gap between secondary schooling and admission to global universities. The Big Picture: IGCSE in India and Beyond Did you know that there are over 70 subjects offered at IGCSE, including 30 languages? Schools can customise combinations to meet student interests and institutional needs. No two IGCSE journeys look the same, and that’s by design. Globally, IGCSE has been adopted by thousands of schools across 160 countries. In India alone, close to 700 schools now offer the IGCSE curriculum, making it one of the fastest-growing academic boards in the country. For parents looking at top K12 schools in Bangalore, this growth signals trust: IGCSE is a proven pathway to universities across the UK, US, Singapore, Australia, and beyond. Academic Depth with Flexibility At its core, IGCSE provides breadth and rigour: This academic design makes IGCSE a springboard to advanced studies, such as A Levels, IB Diploma Programme, or college preparatory courses. Life Skills That Stick What sets IGCSE apart from conventional programs is its emphasis on skills for life: At Ekya Nava, these skills are further reinforced through design thinking and hands-on learning experiences that make the curriculum personal. A Global Outlook for Global Futures Cultural awareness is embedded in the IGCSE structure. Case studies, projects, and discussions invite learners to consider international perspectives. They learn to respect diversity, challenge biases, and see issues through multiple lenses. When a student aspires to study abroad, this exposure is critical. Universities look for applicants who can thrive in multicultural classrooms, collaborate across differences, and lead with empathy. Why Universities Value IGCSE GraduatesGlobal universities, from Oxbridge to the Ivy League and top Asian institutions, consistently seek out IGCSE graduates from the best high schools in Bangalore. Why? These students demonstrate academic resilience, subject mastery, adaptability in diverse classrooms, and a powerful balance of analytical thinking and creativity.

Blog, Community, News

Exclusive: Insights from Our Student Well-being Counsellors

If you ask students what makes school feel like home, the answer isn’t always in the classrooms or report cards. It’s in the people who listen, care, and remind them that it’s okay to pause and breathe. Best international schools in Bangalore apply this philosophy with the help of a compassionate team of in-house counsellors who make sure every learner feels seen, supported, and safe to grow intellectually and emotionally. The Heart Behind Wellness Programs Academic institutions, including top K-12 schools in Bangalore, that treat well-being as the heartbeat of their programs, have been attracting attention recently. For instance, Ekya Nava is a pioneer in designing curriculum centred around student well-being. The idea is to help students flourish academically, emotionally, and socially. This way, they combine emotional intelligence, ethical values, and social skills with academic achievement. What Happens Behind the Scenes Ekya Nava has a panel of expert well-being counsellors who describe their work as “listening deeply and responding gently.” They regularly conduct one-on-one sessions, group workshops, or mindfulness breaks during the school day; their role is to help children regulate emotions, resolve conflicts, and build resilience. Each week, students participate in activities that nurture self-awareness. Sometimes, it’s journaling in their Find Journal, and other times, it’s about practicing mindfulness through sensory awareness or deep breathing. These small moments of reflection often become transformative for their learners. You can learn more about Find Journal here. The Help Now! strategies, for instance, allow students to use quick and simple techniques, such as noticing three sounds around them or drinking water mindfully, to return to calm when they feel overwhelmed. Such practices may seem simple, but they empower children to understand their feelings, rather than suppress them. Well-being Is a Shared Journey Nurturing well-being is a school’s responsibility. It’s also a partnership between educators, students, and families. That’s why schools like Ekya Nava host monthly awareness sessions on mental health, resilience, and self-care, along with parent sessions that offer insights into supporting emotional development at home. Every Friday, parents are invited to connect directly with our counsellors through Parent Open Lines, creating an open channel for conversation, guidance, and collaboration. This approach ensures that students receive emotional support while they live in an environment that models it. It’s one of the USPs that distinguishes Ekya Nava as a unique international school in Bangalore. For the school, emotional well-being is as integral to the curriculum as math or science. The Science of Happiness Meets the Art of Care Well-being at Ekya Nava draws from both hedonic (joy-based) and eudaimonic (purpose-based) approaches to happiness, teaching children to find joy in small moments while cultivating long-term purpose and meaning. Through this balanced approach, students learn to manage stress, build empathy, and find inner motivation, essential skills for thriving in the modern world. As one of the top 12 schools in Bangalore, Ekya Nava integrates research-backed practices, such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and social inclusion into daily life. These tools for life help students grow into confident, compassionate individuals who can handle complexity with calm and clarity. Where Education Meets Empathy Every day at Ekya Nava, the well-being team quietly transforms lives, helping a student overcome test anxiety, guiding a friendship through conflict, or simply offering a listening ear. Their work reflects what parents of today believe at our core: that education is about preparing children for exams and for life. As the world moves too fast, Ekya Nava endorses the need to slow down, reflect, and connect. These are vital acts of learning we don’t usually see schools prioritise. It’s this philosophy that makes them one of the top schools in Bangalore for what they teach and how they help children feel while they learn. Because when a student feels safe, supported, and seen, they thrive.

News, Community

Information Technology & Society: Equipping Students for the Digital Age

Today’s students don’t just use technology; they live in it. It’s the space where they learn, play, question, and form opinions. At Ekya Nava, one of the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore, our Information Technology & Society (ITnS) pathway helps children make sense of this complicated digital world, how it works, why it matters, and how it is reshaping communities, cultures, and the choices we make every day. Instead of teaching technology as a standalone subject, ITnS blends computing, ethics, data, society, and human behavior into one meaningful lens. Students build a strong foundation in computing systems, data analysis, networks, algorithms, and programming, all while understanding the social impact behind every tool they use. Where Technology Meets Humanity What makes ITnS different from the best international schools in Bangalore is its multidisciplinary mindset. A session on algorithms becomes a conversation about fairness and bias. A lesson on networks naturally leads to discussions on privacy, security, and digital citizenship. When students explore AI, they also question its ethical boundaries and real-world consequences. It’s learning that asks not just “How does this work?” but also “What does this mean for people?” With concepts like ethical AI, digital literacy, and the digital divide woven into everyday learning, students learn to think critically and act responsibly. Acquiring these skills mean far more than simply knowing how to code. A Middle School Foundation for Real-World Readiness At Ekya Nava, every middle schooler takes the ITnS pathway. As the digital landscape is impossible to avoid, this has become a life skill, just like reading or numeracy. Students learn to: And for learners curious to go deeper, ITnS can be paired with other interest-led pathways, giving them the freedom to explore where their passions and talents overlap. Purpose-Based Learning in Action ITnS thrives because it is centred around Ekya Nava’s bigger philosophy of purpose-based learning, where learning is designed to be relevant, reflective, and connected to the world outside the classroom. Students in such leading IGCSE schools in Bangalore don’t just “learn technology”, they use it. In The Park, our dynamic studio space, learners investigate the relationship between tech and society, design for social impact, explore ethical questions around AI, and examine the digital divide through hands-on projects. They learn, think, and do, three core practices embedded in the pathway. Analysing data, prototyping solutions, or debating digital rights allow students to see technology as a tool for: Spaces Designed to Support Future Thinking Even the learning environment supports this digital awareness. Ekya Nava’s open studios, cutting-edge technology spaces, and museum-style STEAM exhibits encourage visibility, curiosity, and collaboration, much like open-source systems that thrive on shared ideas. Students get to explore computing systems, algorithms, network design, and societal ethics in a space that mirrors the real world they are preparing to enter. Shaping Digital Citizens, Not Just Tech Users The goal isn’t for learners to master every new tool. It’s to help them grow into thoughtful, ethical, and innovative humans in a rapidly changing world. A child exploring how computing systems solve real problems…A middle schooler examining how technology influences behaviour…A learner designing a project to address the digital divide… This is what digital fluency looks like at Ekya Nava. ITnS equips students not just to keep up with the digital age, but to shape it, with conscience, creativity, and clarity.

Events, Blog, Community

Community Q&A: Understanding Our Experiential Camps

“Tell me, what happens when school walls fade away, and learning meets the world outside?” At top international schools in Bangalore, experiential camps aim to answer exactly that. Below, we bring together some of the most common questions from parents and community members, and, we hope, spark even more curiosity about why learning beyond classrooms matters. What are Experiential Camps, really? Q: What exactly do you mean by “Experiential Camps”? Is it just another field trip? A: Not quite. While field trips are generally one-day excursions or short visits, experiential camps, such as the ones children engage in schools like Ekya Nava, are immersive, hands-on, multi-day experiences. They combine adventure, learning, collaboration, creativity, and real-world problem solving, all rooted in nature or a context outside the regular classroom. Think of them as learning labs under open skies. Such camps follow commitment to purpose-based learning and experiential education, where students absorb content and they apply it, test it, iterate it. Camps include everything from innovation challenges and team-building exercises, to nature exploration, creativity bootcamps, and outdoor learning retreats. Why do they matter for students? Q: What value does a camp give that a regular class doesn’t? A: Quite a lot, in ways that matter long term. Here’s how experiential camps transform learning: According to a 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, students who engaged in experiential learning reported higher engagement, better motivation, and improved interpersonal skills compared to traditional learning alone. What kinds of activities happen at Ekya Nava? Q: What do students actually do during these camps? Are there different themes? A: Absolutely. Ekya Nava’s experiential offerings are diverse. They call them their “Dynamic Blend” Here’s a snapshot: Activity Type What Students Do What They Learn / Build Team-Building & Outdoor Retreats Hiking, survival-skills challenges, group tasks in natural settings Leadership, trust, resilience, cooperation Innovation Challenges & Workshops Prototype building, design thinking tasks, sustainability experiments Creativity, systems thinking, scientific inquiry Nature Exploration Biodiversity walks, eco-learning, outdoor science observation Environmental awareness, ecological sensitivity Creativity Bootcamps Art, craft, creative writing, storytelling Self-expression, imagination, artistic confidence Problem-Solving Workshops Real-world issues (waste management, resource conservation), group brainstorming & solution-building Social responsibility, civic awareness, practical solutions Through these varied experiences, kids don’t just learn, they grow, adapt, reflect, and connect. Who leads these camps? Q: Are these camps run by regular teachers or outside experts? A: A blend. Ekya Nava camps are guided by experienced instructors, professionals, and mentors who bring real-world perspectives, from environmental scientists to designers, from community activists to sustainability experts. They work in tandem with educators to ensure every activity aligns with Ekya Nava’s values of curiosity, ethics, and social impact. This also helps students understand: learning isn’t limited to textbooks, it happens with people who live these ideas every day. Who benefits most from these camps? Q: Are experiential camps only for adventurous kids or is it for every learner? A: Every learner. Whether a child is naturally adventurous or prefers quiet reflection, camps at top IGCSE schools in Bangalore, like Ekya Nava, offer varied experiences, so each student can find their own space to shine. Some might enjoy building a model in a workshop, others might love drawing nature, others leading a team hike. The goal isn’t to fit a mould, but to create space for every kind of learner to discover what resonates. How can parents get involved / stay updated? Q: Where do I find information about upcoming camps, and how can I support them? A: You can get updates via their regular parent newsletters, campus bulletins, and the school portal. If you’d like to be more involved, you can be part of parent volunteers, guest mentors, or community partners. Camps thrive on collaboration. After all, real-world learning often starts with community support. Final Thoughts: Why Experiential Learning Matters In a world that grows more complex by the day,the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore, envisage to go beyond textbooks to help students think critically, act responsibly, and build empathy. Experiential Camps at Ekya Nava turn that philosophy into practice. It doesn’t matter if your child is hiking through forests, prototyping a green solution, writing a poem under a banyan tree, or collaborating to solve a real-world challenge, they’re learning something textbooks can’t teach: how to be thoughtful, creative, courageous citizens. If you, parent, educator, or curious reader, believe that meaningful education happens when minds meet reality, join Ekya Nava in exploring what experiential learning can do. Got questions? Drop them below, and let’s keep the conversation going.

News, Blog, Community

Weekend Read: Benefits of a Globally Recognized Curriculum

The Global Passport to Innovation Have you ever stopped to wonder if the curriculum your child follows today will actually prepare them for a job that hasn’t even been invented yet? It’s the ultimate parenting puzzle! When a parent searches for the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore, they’re actually looking for a globally relevant education that guarantees future readiness. That’s where the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum comes in. It’s recognised worldwide and provides a solid academic foundation. As India’s first international school of innovation, creativity, and design, Ekya Nava is a truly unique international school in Bangalore capable of transforming IGCSE rigour into real-world impact. Now, let’s see the benefits of the IGCSE curriculum as a globally recognised framework and how Ekya Nava is enriching it further. 1. Global Recognition: Your Child’s Universal Academic Passport The IGCSE curriculum’s global recognition is its most significant advantage over other curricula. Institutions worldwide accept this qualification as a way to simplify children’s journey into higher education across different countries. The Ekya Nava Advantage: Our curriculum seamlessly combines the Cambridge International Program (IGCSE curriculum) for Grades 1-10 with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) for Grades 11-12. This approach, which provides a continuous, globally recognised educational experience, ensures that when your child finishes their coursework, they will have an edge in university admissions, showcasing holistic learning and preparedness for academic challenges ahead. 2. Beyond Grades: Critical Thinking and Hands-On Purpose The IGCSE curriculum is renowned for enriching the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of children. There are several ways to achieve this. One of them is assessment methods, including project work and practical applications. The Ekya Nava Advantage: 3. The Innovation Edge: Flexibility and Design Thinking A core strength of the IGCSE is its flexible curriculum structure, which allows students to tailor subject choices to their interests (sciences, humanities, languages), fostering a deeper comprehension and aligning education with potential professional routes. The Ekya Nava Advantage: We complement this flexibility with our focus on design thinking. This framework for creative problem-solving is integrated into our curriculum to ensure students master core subjects and also: 4. Preparation for a Connected World The IGCSE curriculum’s emphasis on international perspectives and strong focus on language proficiency cultivates global citizenship. Learning in a diverse environment helps learners comprehend and value different cultures. The Ekya Nava Advantage: Our commitment to a supportive learning atmosphere, provided by well-educated educators who receive ongoing professional development and coaching, ensures a richer, more effective education. This way, we empower students to confidently state themselves clearly in different settings, giving them a competitive edge in an international community. So, if you’re searching for the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore, look for the one that defines education by its outcome: purpose. As India’s first international school of innovation, creativity, and design, Ekya Nava expertly blends the academic rigour of the IGCSE curriculum with constant application through design thinking and hands-on learning. The result is a graduate who is equipped with top international qualifications and possesses the resilience, innovation, and global mindset needed to thrive in any environment. This is more than education; it’s future-proofing. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. I’m looking for the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore. Is the IGCSE foundation strong enough for my child to compete for admission at top universities overseas? Absolutely! The IGCSE is considered a gold standard and is recognised globally. Universities favor it because the curriculum focuses on depth, analysis, and transferable skills—not just rote learning. When you combine that foundation with Ekya Nava’s design thinking and hands-on learning, you’re giving your child a massive advantage in any university application, domestic or international. 2. My child is more creative than academic. Will all the academic rigour of the IGCSE overwhelm them, or does this ‘purpose-based’ approach really help? That’s a fair concern! Our ‘purpose-based’ approach is specifically designed to ensure their creativity is channeled constructively. Instead of being overwhelmed by theory, they use the IGCSE concepts as tools in hands-on learning projects. The design thinking framework gives them a practical way to apply creativity, making the academic concepts relevant and engaging rather than just theoretical. 3. I know the IGCSE is great, but how does all the focus on ‘innovation’ and ‘making’ actually connect back to achieving high grades in the exam? It’s a powerful combination! The IGCSE assessments highly value critical thinking and the application of knowledge. When your child is constantly engaged in hands on learning and design thinking—building a prototype or solving a real-world problem—they are naturally strengthening the analytical and problem-solving skills tested in the exam. Better application leads directly to better conceptual understanding and higher grades. 4. There are so many unique international schools in Bangalore now. Why should I choose Ekya Nava over one that focuses purely on the IB or just the IGCSE? We offer the best of both worlds! We start with the globally recognised IGCSE (Grades 1-10) and follow it up with the IB DP (Grades 11-12), providing a continuous, rigorous pathway. But what truly sets us apart is our identity as India’s First School of Innovation, Creativity, and Design. We’re providing a purpose-based education methodology that ensures your child is not just academically strong but also future-ready as a creator and innovator. 5. My child will eventually need strong soft skills like time management and communication for college. How does this curriculum specifically build those? That’s a critical question! Our curriculum emphasises project-based work and extended responses, which forces students to manage their time, research independently, and present their findings. Whether they are using design thinking to plan a project or engaging in hands on learning, they are constantly practicing those essential transferable academic skills – the very same ones colleges praise in Cambridge graduates.

Blog, Community

Student Experience at Ekya Nava: More Than Just Academics

We often think of great grades as the end goal, but what about the skills that actually launch a career? How often have we heard alumni complain, “I aced the exam, but I don’t know how to solve a real problem!”? If you’re a parent in the city and are searching for the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore, you’re likely looking for an education that prepares your child for the future’s unpredictable demands. At Ekya Nava, we view academic excellence as the foundation and this philosophy redefines the student experience in all our campuses. Insights into Purpose-Based Learning The IGCSE curriculum provides a solid, globally recognised framework. But for us, it’s the starting line. For us, learning without purpose is outdated and that realisation is what made us create immersive learning experiences that make learners curious and also inspire them to connect knowledge directly to real-world challenges. This way, we stimulate critical thinking and prepare students to be future-ready. Our academic journey as one of the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore is continuous: we offer the Cambridge International Program (IGCSE curriculum) for Grades 1-10, providing a seamless transition to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) for Grades 11-12. Activity: Design, Make, Innovate How do we take a concept from the IGCSE textbook and turn it into a genuine skill? Through immersive, hands-on learning and design thinking. This micro-experience is a great activity to try towards the end of a unit, when learners have already grasped the core theory. Method: The Innovation Loop This process ensures that students become curious, active participants, equipped with transferable skills like project management and resilience. Tips! Preparing for the Real World We spend time in class focusing on the future, making sure learners are prepared for exams and careers. Professional Exposure For our senior students (Grades IX to XII), we offer a Work Exposure Program. This isn’t theoretical; it involves structured, 6-8 week summer internships with reputable organisations. This gives learners the opportunity to practice communication, time management, and ethical practice in a professional context. Community Engagement We integrate the Service Learning Program with the academic curriculum. This is where students connect the abstract concepts learned in class to genuine social needs, fostering civic responsibility and empathy in a highly practical way. This blend of academics and application is the hallmark of a unique international school in Bangalore. Ultimately, choosing the right curriculum is choosing your child’s future. At Ekya Nava, we go far beyond the standard curriculum. By fusing the empirical success of the globally-recognised IGCSE curriculum with our pioneering, purpose-based approach to design thinking and hands-on learning, we promise college readiness. It’s a proven pathway for your child to join the ranks of future leaders, creators, and world-changers. Discover the transformative power of a truly unique international school in Bangalore and equip your child for life today! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. I’m looking for the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore for high scores. Does all the focus on ‘design thinking’ and clubs distract from core academics? That’s a very important question! The opposite is true. Our purpose-based approach uses design thinking and hands-on learning to reinforce the rigorous IGCSE content. When students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, they gain a much deeper understanding, which directly translates to stronger performance in IGCSE assessments. 2. We are interested in a unique international school in Bangalore, but how do you ensure the curriculum is still globally relevant and prepares them for university abroad? We start with the globally recognised Cambridge IGCSE curriculum (Grades 1-10) and follow it with the IB DP (Grades 11-12). This provides a continuous, globally accepted academic experience. Our focus on design thinking and transferable skills ensures they are not only academically ready but also possess the innovation mindset and resilience top universities value. 3. My child is more interested in art and design than science. Will the IGCSE curriculum at Ekya Nava give them enough freedom to explore those creative areas? Absolutely! The IGCSE itself allows for choice, and we enhance that with our Design and Making Pathways. These are dedicated streams where their creativity is channelled through hands-on learning using professional tools and methodologies. This allows them to master their creative subjects while still gaining a strong academic base. 4. What’s the biggest difference between the ‘Work Exposure Program’ at Ekya Nava and a typical school internship? It’s the structure. Our program, for Grades IX-XII, is a dedicated 6-8 week summer internship with clear learning outcomes. It’s not just shadowing; it connects academic theory to professional practice, giving them invaluable, hands-on experience and helping them build professional skills before they even start university applications. 5. How does the school’s investment in teachers benefit my child directly in the classroom? That investment is crucial! Because our teachers receive continuous training in effective strategies like design thinking and studio-based learning (through programs like the Observations and Coaching Program), they are always equipped to make the classroom experience engaging. This commitment translates directly into a richer, more effective, and more innovative education for your child.

ekya nava

News, Community

Ekya Nava’s Curriculum: Beyond IGCSE to Real-World Impact

As a parent you occasionally panic about the future of your child: What jobs will exist? What skills will actually matter? Relax. Choosing the right school is the best way to future-proof your child. Forget just memorizing facts; Ekya Nava uses the globally-validated IGCSE curriculum as the foundation to prepare students to invent their own careers. Ekya Nava stands out as one of the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore, pioneering a purpose-based education system that redefines what it means to be one of the top schools in Bangalore. Our curriculum strategically merges the proven academic rigour of the Cambridge pathway with India’s first school of innovation, creativity, and design. The Cambridge Advantage At its foundation, Ekya Nava offers a continuous, globally recognized educational experience, built on the Cambridge International Program (IGCSE curriculum) for Grades 1-10, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) for Grades 11-12. The choice of the Cambridge pathway is deliberate and backed by powerful data. Multiple university-level studies show that students who complete Cambridge programs tend to achieve stronger early college outcomes than those in other advanced programs. This success is rooted in the Cambridge system’s emphasis on: This data confirms that the Cambridge pathway has predictive validity to ensure collegiate success, with some university data showing 90 percent of Cambridge students graduating within four years. Purpose, Design, and Hands-On Learning At Ekya Nava, we implement the IGCSE by elevating it through a purpose. Our core philosophy places purpose at the heart of learning. We design experiences that inspire students to connect classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, thereby stimulating the critical thinking skills demanded by university and professional life. This purposeful environment naturally fosters a hands-on learning approach that emphasises creativity and imagination. Our educators employ innovative pedagogical methods, including studio-based learning and design thinking methodologies, where students tackle authentic problems with exceptional ease. This process moves learning beyond rote memorisation, creating transformative experiences that build resilience and confidence for lifelong success. The Four Pathways: Mastering Innovation and Transferable Skills To ensure our learners acquire the specific skills that drive success in the Cambridge system and beyond, we enhance the core curriculum with four dedicated Learning Pathways: These pathways are the mechanism through which Ekya Nava, a unique international school in Bangalore, intentionally embeds transferable academic skills, like writing, research, and time management, that foreign colleges specifically praise in Cambridge graduates. By connecting the success of the IGCSE curriculum with a forward-thinking, purpose-based approach todesign thinking and hands-on learning, we promise college readiness and a proven pathway for students to become future leaders, creators, and world-changers. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. I keep seeing Ekya Nava described as one of the unique international schools in Bangalore. But really, how is your IGCSE curriculum different from the one at other top schools in Bangalore? That’s a great question! While we all teach the core IGCSE syllabus, our major difference is our Purpose-Based Education system. It’s not just about covering chapters; it’s about asking, “Why does this matter?” We intentionally connect all the academic knowledge to real-world challenges, ensuring our kids aren’t just memorizing facts but actively applying their learning and developing superior critical thinking, that’s what makes our approach truly unique. 2. My child isn’t necessarily a “designer.” How will ‘Design Thinking’ help them if they just want to study, say, pure science? That’s totally fair! Design Thinking isn’t just about art; it’s a powerful methodology for problem-solving. It teaches kids to look at a complex problem (whether it’s scientific or social) with empathy, brainstorm solutions, rapidly prototype, and test ideas. This process, learning how to think, not what to think, is a core transferable skill that foreign colleges specifically look for and is essential for success in any field, especially science and engineering! 3. I know IGCSE is a great foundation, but will all this focus on ‘hands-on learning’ and pathways distract them from getting the excellent academic results they need for college? We actually find the opposite is true! The academic data shows that when learning has a purpose and is reinforced with hands-on learning, comprehension and retention dramatically improve. Our IGCSE results are supported because of our approach, not despite it. It’s about deep, sustained understanding, which is exactly why the Cambridge curriculum has that high predictive validity for college success! 4. What exactly are these four Learning Pathways, and how often will my child be involved in them? Are they like extra-curricular activities? Think of the four Pathways (Design, Making, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Information Technology & Society) as the innovation engine running alongside their core academics. They aren’t just extracurriculars; they are structured modules that equip your child with essential 21st-century skills. They provide a space for applied learning, where kids can turn their IGCSE knowledge into tangible projects, like coding an app or prototyping a real-world solution. 5. It sounds like you prepare students brilliantly for university, but does the curriculum genuinely teach them the “soft skills” like time management and writing that they’ll need to thrive when they move away from home? Absolutely! That’s actually one of the biggest benefits of the Cambridge pathway combined with our unique model. Studies confirm that students from this framework report improved writing, research, and self-management as key college-ready skills. By focusing on project-based work, extended responses, and hands-on learning that requires independence and strategic planning, we intentionally embed those crucial time management and organizational habits every student needs to thrive.