Beyond Academics – GD Goenka Amritsar

SPORTS

At G. D. Goenka Public School, Sports training is imparted to the students in order to inculcate in them a feeling of sportsman spirit, team spirit, self discipline and a spirit of general well-being.

Every student participates in a Sports Activity of his/her choice. A well defined syllabus for each sport of their choice, enables them to pursue with interest, the game of their liking.

A competitive spirit coupled with self discipline and sound health, form the motto of our Sports Activities. Inter class, Inter house and Inter school competitions are organized on regular basis to inculcate a healthy competitive spirit. Sports events like gymnastics, badminton, volleyball, basketball, football, skating, cricket and karate form an integral part of the sports curriculum of the school.

Inter house championships help to generate camaraderie between students, a sense of competitiveness, brotherhood, discipline, positive attitude and very importantly, the fact that losing is as significant as winning.

Inter school events are powerful instruments of exposure for students at individual and team level in different stages.

MUSIC AND DANCE

Schooling at G. D. Goenka Public School goes beyond the classrooms into the wider creative world outside. Apart from a keen focus on academics, various creative activities are taught that engage the mental and intellectual faculties of our students. Indian and Western Music, both vocal and instrumental are offered to our students. While vocal music offers a wide creative landscape for students to paint their feelings and emotions, instrumental music strengthens their fingers and also improves coordination of the mind and body. Memory is enhanced as songs and notations are learnt. Various festivals and celebrations take on new meanings as songs pertaining to a particular festival are taught and performed in special morning assemblies. While popular songs and melodies are taught to increase student interest, classical training in music is also imparted and it has been keenly observed that students respond very favorably to classical training. The life histories of famous musicians are discussed in the class and the students gain inspiration and encouragement from biographies of these renowned personalities. Festivals and presentations held from time to time in the school are occasions to showcase budding talent in the school. The students also regularly take part in several inter-school events and have done the school proud by winning many of such events. Undoubtedly, the pursuit of such creative activities adds another meaningful dimension to school life.

Both Indian and western dance is taught to our school students. Classical Indian dance is taught and students enjoy the varied foot positions and hand gestures associated with our classical dance styles. Periodic presentations and special assemblies to celebrate festivals showcase dance presentations on a particular theme. Students gain valuable knowledge through this process of creative learning and also become deeply sensitive to our rich traditions and heritage. Their young bodies become supple and their minds become more alert and active, through the process of memorizing and learning the choreographed steps. Systematic training enables them to also delve into the choreographic process eventually. Dancing is truly a refreshing way to fuse school schedules with creativity and a commitment to perfection.

ART & CRAFT

A work of art is above all an adventure of the mind – Eugene Ionesco Art is important for the development of individual and societies. Art enables individuals to imagine novel, productive, and fulfilling solutions to the challenges humanity faces. If you pause reading this and take a look around, what you notice is not the structures, but pieces of art – whether they are pictures, paintings, crafts, decorative items, or an aesthetically made piece of furniture. It is the art that touches our hearts and souls and turns the mundane into magnificent. Art makes the magic in our lives. If art is so essential to make the world a joy to live in, training for it must start with children. Art helps students to better understand the concepts taught in the school, and improves their memory. More importantly, they learn to reflect on the larger and broader issues that affect humanity, and make a connection with one another and with the nature. That connection is essential for building a better world.The benefits of art education do not stop in the classroom or at the school. Art not only develops students, but also helps them to become better employees and entrepreneurs. Not other example illustrates this better than Apple, whose founder Steve Jobs created the organization, not to make technical products, but to create pieces of art that people around the world can admire, appreciate, and adopt to improve their daily lives. Businesses around the world are realizing that integrating the imagination developed through an arts education and the knowledge of technology education is the key to success.

As we teach art to the students, we should remember to focus not on the output they produce in the form of pictures, photographs, skits, poems, and crafts; instead, we should focus on how art is transforming them into better humans. It is through such process that noble souls arise and leave a legacy for us, as well as the future generations to rejoice.

TRIPS & EXCURSIONS

At GDGPS, we strive for an expanding and challenging facet to our children’s experiences in School. We hope that each day becomes a rich one, never boring and always impactful! The Word; ‘excursion’ brings a smile of expectation and curiosity to each young scholar.

A Goenkan excursion calls for a redefinition of what a school activity is. While each excursion, academic or extra, must give an experience, each small piece of interaction must build into a larger mosaic of understanding.

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer

GD Goenka Public School recently organized a thrilling trek to Thatharana , McLeodganj for grade IX till XII students. Guided by instructors, students explored scenic trails, lush pine forests, and breathtaking mountain views. Reaching the summit was unforgettable, with panoramic views and group photos capturing the moment.

The trek included a cozy campfire, where students reflected on the experience and bonded over shared memories. This trek was a remarkable adventure, fostering friendships and a lasting appreciation for nature. Even students explored Bhagsu waterfall, Shiva Cafe and Dharmshala Cricket Stadium.

A JOURNEY IS BEST MEASURED IN FRIENDS, RATHER THAN MILES

GD Goenka Public School organized an excursion to Mornihills near Chandigarh which was an unique learning experience, encouraged curiosity and a best tool to provide real world experience. Purpose was essentially to take students for trekking and fun filled activities. Children visited forest lake view resort and Tikkartaal. Greenery, hillsview and cool weather was one of the highlights of the place. A bonfire with colorful lights and music mesmerized the students. Children with lot of inquisitiveness went to Sukhna lake ,Chandigarh. Students enjoyed alot eating, taking rides and boating.

SPECIAL ASSEMBLIES

Our School provides a very conducive atmosphere for our students to prove and showcase their talents – be that in Scholastic or co – scholastic areas like dance, music, drama, sports or academics. The school assembly is a very unique platform where individuals and groups, class and House groups get to speak, sing, perform and receive accolades. Throughout the year, special assemblies are also planted to celebrate and commemorate festivals and events. We believe that school life is not just about doing well in class but also being helpful and mature socially and spiritually.

Most religious, cultural, social and National festivals like Republic Day, Independence Day, Diwali, Lohri, Christmas, Teachers Day , Children’s Day , Environment Day, Cancer Awareness Day are recognized and a small performance including oratory, music and drama is given.

SCHOOL CLUBS

All Goenkans are given lessons from the text book of life. The motivation for courage takes unique and extraordinary forms here. There is the courage of speaking the truth, of taking the road less travelled of defying odds. We strive to better equip our students to respond to the multi – dimensional challenges of life. A variety of clubs for our young Goenkans helps them to dabble in different streams, explore new avenues and identify their own future paths.

The clubs are functioning in the care of teachers who are subject experts, experienced and talented. Each group that is formed gets involved in interesting activities, amazing presentations and extensive innovations. Oratory club, Art and craft club, textile club, Environment club, Cookery club, Heritage club, dance club are some of the clubs where students get to explore and enhance their talents and interests.

The school’s Environment Club involves students in various Green Drives, Awareness campaigns and relevant Presentations.