KIS Elementary School Awareness Programs
KIS has articulated an intentional philosophy of education directed towards the development of global citizenship and based on care of the individual.
The central core of KIS Awareness Programs is a holistic approach to the individual student and the knowledge and understanding of the benefits of exposing young people to a wide variety of experiences in a safe, structured and learning environment.
KIS Awareness Programs have traditionally included Music, Art, Drama, Dance, Social Experience, Hiking & Camping, Physical and Religious Education to extend and enrich the creative, cultural, environmental, social, physical and spiritual development of every student at KIS.
At KIS Elementary School, awareness programs are incorporated into every class and extracurricular activity. Children are encouraged to create, experiment, question, test, understand and develop themselves against the backdrop of opportunity provided by the school's unique location in South India.
Creative Awareness
- Art: Art is a priority at KIS. The physical beauty of Kodaikanal and its surroundings encourage creative acknowledgment and expression from all KIS community members, children and adults alike. All grade levels including Preschool and Kindergarten have scheduled structured art activities prepared by qualified art teachers who are also exhibiting artists.
- Music: Music is an integral part of life at KIS with the quality and breadth of music tuition, instrument diversity and supply, curricular allocation and performance opportunities equivalent to a specialist music school.
Cultural Awareness
Elementary school students are exposed to as many aspects of host nation culture as possible. Opportunities for individual Indian dance and instrumental music tuition are additionally available on request. The state language, Tamil, is offered as a starter course in upper elementary classes and advanced levels for Indian nationals are available on individual request.
Physical Awareness
KIS offers a full developmental age specific physical education program with dedicated elementary school PE teachers. After-school sports coaching opportunities, a weekend hiking program and athletics with annual Field Days supplement scheduled physical education classes. Sporting fixtures with local schools / groups are arranged on a regular basis.
Personal Awareness
KIS Counselor is available for elementary students as needed and visits the school on a regular basis. All elementary staff are sensitive to each students’ emotional needs and work to create safe and secure classrooms. Elementary School teaching staff and dorm parents work together to understand and individually support each child.
Social Awareness
In addition to the important social interaction in the classroom and on the playground, KIS Elementary School provides clubs as well as after-school and / or evening activities. These vary with the interests and talents of available staff and have included such things as cricket, dance, cooking, crafts, biking, soccer, knitting, choir and drama. Currently art, cooking, sewing, basketball, gymnastics and Suzuki violin are offered. Activities include movies, sports, interactive games, plays, concerts and festive events.
Spiritual Awareness
Religious Education is part of KIS elementary curriculum, emphasizing and supporting the Christian framework and values of the school. It is reinforced in other activities and programs such as:
- Weekly Spirit Splashers religious assembly (Grades K-5)
- Christ-centered Character Education Program (Grades PS-5)
- Service learning and social action
- Special assemblies for Christmas and Easter
- Sunday school
Boarding students are required to attend Sunday morning worship services and participate in the Sunday school program. They also have a weekly devotional time in the dormitory.
Students are encouraged to understand and respect those of all faith backgrounds by learning about other religions. |
