On 7th August 2010, AIS Noida hosted the Geography inter-school competition known as ‘GEOMATY 2010’ which is now successfully into its 4th year now. An exclusive brainchild of Dr. Amita Chauhan, Chairperson, Amity International Schools, it was also Amity’s novel commitment to cultivating holistic education. A total of 650students from 48 prestigious schools from Delhi/NCR participated in the event which was open for students from Classes III to X.
The ‘Geomaty Endeavour’ saw the competition generate immense interest in Geography (the physical and cultural diversity of the Earth - its land and people) and developing the skills of map reading and interpretation. The creative skills of the young students were displayed in all its glory.
This year, the GEOMATY challenge was extended to the Class III students as well in the event “Costumes of the World” that included a presentation on customary attire of any one country using dramatic enactment and artistic props. “Ceremonies of India” segment for Classes IV and V took competition to a wider level in terms of depiction of religious rituals. A Geography quiz, both oral and written, including map reading, marking and identification were for the older students. Mind boggling questions from the allied subjects of Astronomy, Geomorphology, Climatology and Hydrology acted as “brain teasers and testers” in the form of general awareness, crossword puzzles and jumbled words. Natty PowerPoint presentations added originality, colour and technological expertise to the diverse subject matter that was presented. Original topics, such as the retreating Himalayan Glaciers, lessons to be learnt from receding Arctic ice, increasing ocean temperatures and their impact, failed monsoons, global warming, etc. were only a few of the ‘mind-blowing’ topics covered.
Ten prominent judges Dr. Sudhanshu Singha (Regional Head, Climate Security Project, British High Commission), Dr. Kakoli Singh, (Consultant), Prof JN Kaul Director (Amity Inst Of Organic Agriculture and Chief Proctor AUUP), Mrs Manju Tondon (Educationist), Veena Malik (Working as social worker as secretary of India Women’s Conference, Noida), Mr. Anurag Verma (an architect), Mrs. Gargi Seth (Artist and art promoter), Mrs. Princy Kaul (Freelance Artist in Fine Arts), Mrs Poonam Sethi (Danseuse), and Ms. Suparna Sood (Danuse of Bharatnatyam), amongst others, judged the event. The in-house judge was Ms. Praveen Ravindran, a senior English teacher.
During the Valedictory Ceremony, Principal, Mrs. Renu Singh introduced the judges and lit the ceremonial lamp to invoke the blessings of the Almighty. She congratulated Amity for hosting the great event and thanked the students for their enthusiastic and wholesome participation for making the event a roaring success. The Over-All Trophy was awarded to Amity International School, Mayur Vihar. Amity, Noida. Mrs. Anjali Saxena, Event-in-Charge announced the prizes and proposed the Vote of Thanks.
Strengthening Relationships
AIS Mayur Vihar
Amity International School, Mayur Vihar: Keeping abreast with the latest techniques to update teachers and enable them to handle and maintain cordial relationships with students, colleagues and parents, the school organised a workshop on Interpersonal Dynamics. The resource person efficiently handled all the queries put forth by the teachers and suggested ways to bring spark in the teacher–student, teacher-parent relationship by identifying the blind-spot and nurturing students in the most efficient way.
Adolescent Issues
Amity International School, Mayur Vihar: On June 26, the school conducted a workshop on ‘adolescent issues’ on June 26 that focused on the problems faced by adolescents and ways to tackle them efficiently in school. The resource person laid stress on the need to understand adolescent mind and help them grow in healthy environment as desired by honorable Chairperson Amity School Dr.(Mrs) Amita Chauhan who is a firm believer in youth power and encourages young leaders of future to achieve success in every field, wherever they go.
News Briefs
AIS NOida
Usha Verma, Teacher AIS Noida
Social Studies Workshop
On May 14, 2010, Paramjit Kaur and Shubha Sharma of the Primary School of AIS Noida conducted an in-house workshop on Social Studies titled, ‘Occupations’. The session included a free conversation on the topic ‘Share a dream…share a thought’, followed by a brainstorming session on occupation and their roles in the social community. A slide show and dumb charades wrapped up the interesting workshop.
English Workshop
On May 14, 2010, Ranjini Singh from Primary School conducted an in-house English workshop for the teachers of Nursery to Class II. The workshop stressed on the use of adjectives, correct speech and composing effective sentence structure. The session concluded with ‘continue the story…’ game as each participant added a line to form a story.
Art of living
On 26th June 2010, a Resource team comprising Mr. Narendra Mohan Gupta, Ms. Rashmi Gupta and Ms. Vipasha conducted an Art of Living workshop for the Primary teachers of AIS, Noida on June 26, 2010. The major thrust of the workshop was to enhance the quality of life in the mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and cognitive spheres of life. The resource persons provided practical tools and other meditation techniques to reduce negativity and stress. The activity, “We belong to you” worked wonders to strengthen the bonds of amity and brotherhood amongst colleagues.
Positive thinking and motivation
On 28th June 2010, Akansha Saxena, Counsellor, Primary School, AIS Noida conducted an in-house workshop on positive thinking and motivation. The workshop dwelt on what fear was and what damage it could do to life. It also expanded on how doing service for society, such as offering support, knowledge, material or emotional assets increased the positive and motivational aspects of life. It was greatly enjoyed by everyone.
Acupressure
On June 30, 2010, Poonam Sharma of the Primary School held a work shop on Acupressure, an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. The workshop demonstrated that when these points were pressed, they released muscular tension and promoted the circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing. It also expanded on how acupuncture and acupressure use the same points; however, the former employed needles, while acupressure used the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet). The workshop was a great learning experience.
The Japan Connect
First Person
Catherine Victor, XII A, AIS Gur 43
My heart pounded with excitement on seeing my name among the 77 students representing India in an exchange programme in Japan under II batch of JENESYS (Japan East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) Programme. We landed in the ‘land of the rising sun’ on 2nd July. That was the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. The next ten days were filled with visits to museums, home-stay, high school visit, enjoying Japanese handicrafts and traditions and the like. The most striking feature about Japan is its impeccable discipline. People are obsessed with rules and take pride in it. Punctuality is their trademark. The Japanese take immense pride in their language and culture. Which is why, English wasn’t an everyday thing there. We had to deploy all acting skills and the few Japanese words we had mugged up, to communicate. But for Japanese delicacies, I could not get past the smell, especially sushi. Fortunately, our coordinators searched every nook and corner for Indian restaurants to satisfy our appetites, though the Japanese lost theirs drinking a glass full of water after each bite of naan dipped in chicken curry! The story of Japan is well known. Sheer grit and determination have helped Japan spring up from their misery and become one of the most developed and technologically advanced countries of the world. People take responsibility for their surroundings. I learnt that hard work, perseverance and dedication surely bring success. I am greatly indebted to Amity for giving me this priceless opportunity.
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