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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Ekya Schools celebrates FIND Festival 2023: India’s first K-12 Global learning Festival

 Bengaluru  – Ekya Schools celebrated a significant milestone in K-12 education with the successful culmination of the Ekya FIND Festival 2023 on 4th November. Hosted at the CMRIT Campus, Bengaluru, the event brought together a vibrant community of educators, students, and thought leaders, all dedicated to reshaping the future of education. The festival, themed “World of Learning, Learners, and Extraordinary Educators,” was inaugurated by Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools. Her opening remarks set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of innovation and community in education. “Positioned as India’s pioneering global learning platform, the FIND Festival 2023 emerges as a transformative force in the K-12 education arena. It aimed to address gaps prevalent in education festivals, embodying a commitment to innovation, celebrating educational excellence, and exploring progressive practices. I am elated to see great participation from the stakeholders globally. Ekya Schools will passionately drive this movement in the times to come, reflecting our dedication to empower a community propelled by learning, innovation, and the pursuit of global educational excellence.” she stated…Read more!

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Ekya Schools Launches Ekya Nava; Asia’s First K-12 Maker School of Innovation, Creativity & Design

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], November 4: Ekya Schools celebrated a significant milestone in K-12 education with the unveiling of Ekya Nava – Asia-EMEA’s inaugural K-12 Maker School of Innovation, Creativity, and Design. This groundbreaking venture promises to transform India’s educational landscape by moving from traditional rote learning to a purpose-driven academic approach. Ekya Nava stands as a beacon for the ‘Maker Movement’ in India, poised to cultivate the upcoming generation of thinkers, innovators, and technology-forward entrepreneurs…Read More!

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Ekya Schools Announces FIND Festival 2023: India’s One-of-a-Kind K-12 Education Extravaganza

BANGALORE  – Ekya Schools is set to redefine educational festivities with the upcoming “Ekya FIND Festival 2023” on 4th November, 2023 at the CMRIT Campus, Bengaluru. A first-of-its-kind event aimed at reshaping the landscape of K-12 education. With its theme “World of Learning, Learners, and Extraordinary Educators,” the festival promises to unite and inspire educators, students, school leaders, policymakers, and education enthusiasts from across the globe. We are honoured to have our Chief Guests: Shri. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Honourable Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & Information Technology; Dr. A. S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman, ISRO; and Dr. K. P. Gopalkrishna, Founder & Chairman of National Public Schools. Our Guest of Honour for the event will be Dr. K. C. Ramamurthy, IPS (Retd.), Former Member of Parliament and the function will be presided over by Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy, President, CMR Jnanadhara Trust along with Shri. K. R. Jayadeep, Director, Ekya Schools, and Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder, Ekya Schools. At the heart of this year’s FIND Festival, Ekya Schools will present a revolutionary concept: Asia’s first K-12 Maker School. Envisioned to be a nexus of innovation, creativity, and design, this school aspires to redefine traditional learning, tapping into each student’s innate purpose and nurturing their creative potential. On the other hand, the festival will also witness the launch of “Creating Extraordinary Educators”. This book, a model of Ekya’s 12-year educational ethos, offers insights and narratives, challenging and inspiring educators to transcend conventional teaching paradigms…Read More!

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Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar to attend inaugural FIND Festival ’23 and Ekya Nava launch

Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, is set to attend the FIND Festival ’23, an initiative by Ekya Schools aimed at transforming K-12 education and the launch of Ekya Nava, a new frontier in K-12 educational innovation in Bengaluru. The participation of Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlights the importance of government support in educational innovation and the shared vision of preparing India’s youth for the challenges of the future. The Minister will highlight Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to educational excellence and technological advancement in the learning sector. The day’s proceedings will include a panel discussion featuring leaders from the educational and entrepreneurial sectors, including Dr Bindu Hari, Shri Mekin Maheshwari and Shri Azeez Gupta, with Shri Akshay Saxena moderating the session providing a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas. Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar will be interacting with academia, students, policy makers and prominent leaders of the education sector from Karnataka who will be attending this event. The event will introduce Ekya Nava, a new model in K-12 education focusing on innovation, creativity, and design thinking…Read More!

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Ekya Schools celebrates FIND Festival 2023: India’s first K-12 Global learning Festival

Bengaluru , November 06,  2023 :   Ekya Schools celebrated a significant milestone in K-12 education with the successful culmination of the Ekya FIND Festival 2023 on 4th November. Hosted at the CMRIT Campus, Bengaluru, the event brought together a vibrant community of educators, students, and thought leaders, all dedicated to reshaping the future of education. The festival, themed “World of Learning, Learners, and Extraordinary Educators,” was inaugurated by Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools. Her opening remarks set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of innovation and community in education. “Positioned as India’s pioneering global learning platform, the FIND Festival 2023 emerges as a transformative force in the K-12 education arena. It aimed to address gaps prevalent in education festivals, embodying a commitment to innovation, celebrating educational excellence, and exploring progressive practices…Read More!

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