The education sector holds a critical position in society due to its profound influence on economic development and social progress. It extends beyond the basic provision of academic knowledge, acting as a powerful force for poverty reduction, improved healthcare outcomes, gender equality, and the promotion of peace and stability. These broad impacts demonstrate how integral education is not only for individual growth but also for collective societal advancement. At the heart of this sector is The Grandeur International School, which subscribes to the esteemed Cambridge International Education System and follows the IGCSE syllabus. The school is committed to excelling in a comprehensive range of activities, covering both academic and non-academic areas. This approach is designed to nurture students into well-rounded individuals who are equipped to face the challenges of the modern world.

Since its establishment, The Grandeur International School has thrived under the leadership of Kubra Hussain, who serves as the Principal. With a clear vision for the institution, Kubra Hussain has been pivotal in upholding high educational standards and spearheading innovative strategies. Her efforts ensure that the school not only meets but exceeds educational expectations, thereby preparing students for success in an increasingly complex global landscape.

During a personal interview, Kubra shared insights into the significance of guiding young minds appropriately and highlighted recent advancements in the field of education.

What drove the founding of The Grandeur International School?

Historically, traditional schools dominated the educational landscape, enforcing strict rules that often suppressed students' individuality and potential. During my youth, I was deeply influenced by a local Sunday school that prioritized values, ethics, compassion, and empathy, which significantly shaped my personal development. Despite facing skepticism from others about the viability of such an educational model, I was determined to replicate this nurturing environment. I began modestly, teaching a handful of students at my dining table, which laid the groundwork for a more formal Sunday school I established in 2007. This school was distinctive in that it integrated traditional academic subjects with a strong emphasis on moral values. As awareness of our unique approach spread, demand increased, prompting my husband and me to open The Grandeur International School in 2016. Here, we further developed our philosophy of combining rigorous academics with values-based education.

Our method of positive reinforcement and focusing on solutions instead of punishment quickly struck a chord with both parents and students, catalyzing rapid growth and establishing our school as a respected institution in the community. This journey from a simple dining table setup to a thriving international school underscores our commitment to fostering an educational environment where values and academics coexist, enhancing the development of well-rounded individuals.

Please provide an introduction to The Grandeur International School, outlining its founding principles and vision for education.

The Grandeur International School is founded on the principle of balanced education, encapsulated in our motto, 'Schooling Beyond Academics'. We embrace the flexible Cambridge curriculum, allowing Grade 10 students to focus on a maximum of seven subjects tailored to their interests and strengths. Our educational framework is built around five core pillars: academic excellence, moral values, civic responsibility, extracurricular activities, and sports, ensuring a holistic approach to student development. Academic pursuits are rigorously encouraged and harmoniously integrated with moral and civic education to cultivate well-rounded individuals who can positively impact society. Additionally, a strong emphasis on extracurriculars and sports helps develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Our unique disciplinary approach, termed 'reflection,' eschews traditional punitive measures for a more introspective method that gives students a day off to reflect on their behaviour concerning the school’s values. This promotes self-awareness and personal growth, aligning with our commitment to fostering an educational environment where students are prepared not just for academic success, but for life as a whole. By integrating these elements, The Grandeur International School stands out as a pioneer in providing an education that truly transcends traditional schooling parameters.

Identify the main challenges you encounter as an educator and outline your methods for overcoming them.

Educators today face a myriad of challenges that significantly impact the efficacy and quality of teaching and learning environments. Managing parental expectations, which often emphasize academic excellence, requires educators to balance these demands while educating parents on appreciating each child’s unique abilities. Additionally, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers is increasingly challenging due to the need for individuals who possess both deep subject expertise and essential pedagogical skills. The rapid pace of technological advancements necessitates continuous adaptation by educators to effectively integrate new tools into the curriculum, thereby enhancing educational delivery and preparing students for a technologically advanced world. Furthermore, staying abreast of evolving education policies is crucial for compliance and optimal educational outcomes, demanding a proactive approach from schools.

The integration of online learning, especially highlighted by the shift towards remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, requires schools to be well-equipped with both technological infrastructure and effective pedagogical strategies. Ultimately, addressing these challenges hinges on the quality of human resources within educational institutions; ensuring that staff— from teachers to administrative personnel—are well-trained, supported, and equipped is paramount for meeting the diverse and evolving needs of students in an ever-changing educational environment.

"With a clear vision for the institution, kubra hussain has been pivotal in upholding high educational standards & spearheading innovative strategies"

Highlight the significant professional milestone you've reached in your career journey and share the key principles that have guided your success over the years.

I consider my greatest professional achievement to be the transformation of the Sunday school I started into the principalship of The Grandeur International School over eight years. My approach to leadership revolves around the principle of mutual respect: I firmly believe that respect begets respect. As a leader, I adhere to a philosophy of distributed leadership, delegating responsibilities to teachers based on their potential and value, thereby fostering a sense of empowerment and motivation among them. This approach has garnered immense support from my teaching staff, resulting in a harmonious and positive work environment devoid of office politics or professional jealousy. I prioritize understanding and empathy when addressing issues, such as missed lesson plans and recognizing the multifaceted responsibilities teachers juggle. However, I maintain a firm stance against behaviours that undermine the school's ethos, swiftly addressing instances of gossip or negativity. By exemplifying the values I aim to instil in students, I ensure that my teachers uphold the same standards, fostering a culture of mutual support and excellence. My success mantra centres on maintaining a balance between accountability and compassion, providing teachers with the necessary time and support to fulfil their tasks while holding them to high standards of professionalism and dedication.

What are your expectations for the future of early education in India? How do you intend to adapt The Grandeur International School to meet emerging educational trends?

Looking ahead, I anticipate a future where technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, plays a significant role in education. However, I firmly believe that the human touch remains essential. Therefore, our focus at The Grandeur International School is on preparing children with 21st-century skills, emphasizing adaptability and problem-solving abilities. We are already taking steps in this direction by integrating technology into our classrooms, implementing skill assessments, organizing projects, and facilitating exchange programs. Our goal is to globalize education by providing our students with exposure to different learning environments and cultures, ultimately enriching their educational experience and preparing them for the future.

Kubra Hussain, Principal, The Grandeur International School

Kubra Hussain stands as a guiding force and source of inspiration in the edu­cational sector, consist­ently introducing innova­tive initiatives to enhance the field of education. With her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, Kubra continues to drive positive change, striving to improve the educational landscape with each passing day.