15-10-2019
A workshop on School Supervision was organized at Indian School Sohar (ISS) on October 10th, 2019. The workshop was attended by 49 participants - officials from Ministry of Education and staff members in supervisory roles at public schools and private schools in Sohar. The workshop started with Dr. K. Vinu Kumar, Vice-Principal, Indian School Sohar delivering the welcome address following which was a presentation by Mr. Majid Ali Saif Al Hamdi, Head of Private Schools, Supervisory Department, Ministry of Education. At the outset, Mr. Majid expressed his deep appreciation for the able functioning of ISS with an astounding student strength. During the course of his speech, he briefed the audience about the encouraging increase in the number of private schools in North Batinah and spoke at length about the rules and regulations of MoE with reference to curricula, calendar/yearly plans, unit plans and the number of terms/semesters in an academic year, which are to be strictly adhered by educational Institutions. These apart, he suggested the bilingual and international schools to take advantage of ’Kalemon’, book for non-native Arabic speakers available for students from KG to Grade 12 across all subjects. He also highlighted the inception of Private Schools Rating Office, according to which schools could undertake self-assessment on vital parameters and obtain grades. He communicated that these ratings would facilitate parents to make the right choice while seeking admission for their wards in specific schools. Subsequent to this was a welcome dance performed by ISS students depicting the rich culture and tradition of India.
Ms. Sanchita Verma, Principal, ISS in her presentation on ‘School Supervision at Indian School Sohar – A Case Study’, initially gave an overview of the global perspective on school supervision based on her practical experience (Finland and USA) and theoretical expertise (UK and Japan) and later on narrowed her focus on to school supervision at Indian School Sohar. She elaborated on the features and domains of school supervision (academic; co-curricular; behavioural, inclusive education; examination and community work); club activities; student leadership programme; role of supervisors; barriers to effective supervision and the future of school supervision in the context of ISS. Her presentation was augmented with videos, handouts, reflective questions and interactions.
After a photo session of the participants, the team proceeded for a tour of the school to have a glimpse of the various infrastructure facilities available and the productive use of the same by the students to enhance their learning outcome. Ensuing this was an Interactive Brainstorming Group Activity conducted by Dr. Subhadra Prabhu, School Counselor, ISS. To begin with, participants were divided into groups, given challenging situations in supervisory roles to analyze, come up with best practices/ strategies to deal or cope with them and finally present it. The activity was well received by all with mutual learning and take away.
The workshop concluded with a visit to gallery which included display of various student and staff documents and creative work by students. Officials from Ministry of Education and participants from other schools were highly appreciative of the entire experience and applauded team ISS for their commendable performance. Vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Indira Sukumaran, Supervisor (Middle Section) and co-ordinator of the programme.
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