Life Skills

The school firmly believes in the importance of imparting life skills from an early age, empowering students to become independent and self-sufficient adults in today’s dynamic world. The life skills curriculum integrates personal care, healthy nutrition, organizational abilities, community and social skills, and self-development.

Special focus is placed on nurturing self-awareness, empathy, critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, effective communication, interpersonal relationships, and strategies for coping with stress and emotions. These skills are reinforced through open discussions, role-playing, and modelling in daily interactions, providing students with opportunities to express their thoughts and emotions on various topics. This approach fosters a strong bond between teachers and students.

The school’s team of dedicated counsellors is available at every grade level to support students in sharing their aspirations, concerns, and feelings. Individual, small group, and whole-class sessions address critical topics such as bullying, mental health challenges, and more. Additionally, ‘Growing Up’ workshops are conducted to guide pre-teens through the biological, psychological, and emotional changes associated with development, ensuring a holistic understanding of their growth journey.

Here are some key initiatives aimed at imparting life skills:

1. Heartfulness Education Programme: “Heartfulness – Experience of Life’s Potential (HELP)” Sessions

Our school, in collaboration with the Heartfulness Education Programme, proudly presents the “Heartfulness – Experience of Life’s Potential (HELP)” initiative. This 16-week course is designed for students of Grades XI and XII, focusing on holistic development through heart-centered practices, essential life skills, and foundational human values.

Course Highlights:

• Heartfulness Tools and Techniques: Practical approaches to enhance well-being and mindfulness.
• Life Skills Development: Managing stress, time, conflicts, and habits effectively.
• Human Values and Positive Relationships: Building compassion, respect, and empathy.

           List of Sessions conducted in the session 2024-25

• Goals and Aspirations
• SMART Goals
• Power of Thoughts
• My Strengths
• Communication Skills
• Balance
• Courage and Confidence
• Heartfulness Yoga
• Leadership Skills
• Time Management
• Decision Making Skills
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Designing Destiny

Vision:

The programme aims to empower students to lead balanced, purposeful, and joyful lives. Through heart-based practices, students are prepared to contribute meaningfully to school reform and community citizenship.

Expected Outcomes:

• Enhanced concentration and focus.
• Development of self-confidence, emotional stability, and balanced decision-making (“centeredness”).
• Effective stress management, fostering a joyful and harmonious society.
• Cultivation of compassion and respect in interpersonal relationships.

The programme is facilitated by a committed team, including school counsellor and senior teachers. Each session combines practical learning with guided meditation practices, creating a calm and reflective atmosphere for students to thrive.

Join us on this transformative journey toward holistic growth and a brighter future!

2. PEER EDUCATION

Peer Education has been one of the highlights of counselling department. The programme aims at building competencies required to prepare students to face challenges of 21st century. The programme was first initiated a decade ago with eight students who were trained to be the peer educators. The students who were selected from classes IX and XI proved to be extremely effective in counselling the students in need of help. Since then, the baton of peer educators has been successfully passed on to subsequent batches of students.

Peer education sessions were conducted in the months of April and May 2024 by Grade 11 and 12 Psychology students. The main aim was to empower students with leadership skills and strengthen the school environment. Through interactive activities and discussions, students were encouraged to develop empathy, communication skills, and a greater understanding of their roles as active participants in shaping a positive school culture. The sessions provided a platform for students to voice their concerns, share experiences, and support one another, thus contributing to a more supportive and nurturing school environment.

Peer Education – Vision Action Plan

• To empower students in knowledge, attitude and skills. 
• To direct their thought process towards leading a disciplined life
• Strengthening their value system and making informed choices. 
• To strengthen the school environment for psychosocial wellbeing
• of the students.  
• To provide a platform where students can share concerns without
•  

Training Peer Educators

• The students were trained by the school Counsellor in the designing and planning of effective, interesting and age-appropriate modules.
• They were also made to attend Peer Moderator workshops conducted by Dr Samir Parikh, an eminent psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital.
• Modules for the scheduled session was explained and discussed along with clarification of doubts.  
• Demo sessions were conducted to ensure appropriate content delivery. Presentation skills were honed to enhance self-confidence and help them get rid of their inhibitions.  
• It was ensured that each pair of peer educators was allotted the same section for upcoming sessions, as rapport has already been established. 

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The sessions taken in the session 2024-25 were as follows: –

Classes 6^th and 7^th: Embracing Elegance -Fostering pride in wearing school uniform (4 April 2024)

Class 6: Study and Exam Skills [7 May 2024]

Class 7: Media Literacy [ 9 May 2024]

Class 8: Aggression Management [ 13 May 2024]

Class 9: Bully to Buddy [14May 2024]

Class 10: Risk Behaviour Management [ 15 May 2024]

The peer educating sessions led by the Educators have been instrumental in fostering a culture of empowerment, knowledge sharing, and open dialogue among our student community. The dedication and collaborative efforts of the peer educators have not only enriched the learning experience but have also contributed to the holistic development of our peers. Moving forward, the educators aim to continue these initiatives and further expand the scope of topics to ensure the all-round development of students.

3. Structured Life Skills Programme: Collaboration with PROJECT CACA

Our school has partnered with PROJECT CACA to implement a comprehensive programme focusing on the prevention of child sexual abuse and the holistic well-being of our students. This initiative integrates legal, psychological, and academic aspects to ensure a safe and supportive environment for every child.

Key Features:

The CACA Safety Workbooks form the foundation of the programme, complemented by a range of tools and resources designed for all stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and non-teaching staff.

During life skills classes, counsellors and teachers utilize CACA Safety Books to address safety challenges and equip students with essential life skills.

Each year, the school conducts dedicated sessions for parents, teachers, and non-teaching staff to raise awareness about child safety and legal frameworks, including the POCSO Act.

Life Skills Capsule:
The Counselling Department has curated a structured life skills programme to address the daily challenges faced by students. These sessions aim to empower students with tools for personal safety, emotional well-being, and informed decision-making.

Through this initiative, we ensure that our school community remains informed, vigilant, and committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all.

4. ORGANISING INTERNSHIPS FOR SENIOR STUDENTS

The National Education Policy 2020 examines the importance of integrating vocational exposure into school and higher education. Emphasizing a seamless blend of vocational and academic streams, NEP 2020 aims to equip every learner with foundational skills in at least one vocation, while offering exposure to multiple others. In alignment with these guidelines, Salwan Public School, Gurugram launched its Student Internship Program 2024-25 for Grade XI and XII students. Over 200 participants engaged with 12 diverse organizations spanning Hospitality, Marketing, Law, Engineering, Finance, Infrastructure, and Psychology, augmenting their educational journey with experiential vocational learning.

Internships serve as vital conduits, bridging the divide between classroom theory and practical proficiency demanded by professional environments.

Objectives

• The internship program at Salwan Public School is designed to:
• Expose students to industrial environments that cannot be simulated in the classroom, thereby creating competent professionals ready for the industry.
• Expose students to current technological developments relevant to their fields of study.
• Leverage industrial internship experiences in classroom discussions, enriching the educational experience.
• Create conditions conducive to the quest for knowledge and its practical application on the job.

By facilitating immersive experiences across diverse industries for over 200 students from Grade XI and XII, the program has successfully bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Through structured internships, students have not only honed their technical skills but also developed critical competencies such as problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication. They have gained invaluable insights into industry-specific practices, from culinary arts and hospitality management to engineering design and legal consultation. These experiences have not only enriched their educational journey but have also prepared them comprehensively for future academic pursuits and professional endeavours.

The program has fostered a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability among students, equipping them with the resilience and agility needed to thrive in dynamic work environments. By engaging with real-world challenges under the mentorship of industry experts, students have cultivated a deep understanding of their chosen fields and have begun to forge professional networks that will serve them well in their careers.

5. Mental Health Day Celebrations: मनोUTSAV

At Salwan Public School, Gurugram, we celebrate Mental Health Day and Dyslexia Awareness Month every October. This annual initiative, named मनोUTSAV, seeks to raise awareness about mental health and learning differences, fostering an inclusive and compassionate school community. Through a diverse range of activities, workshops, and sessions, we aim to create an open dialogue and reduce the stigma surrounding these critical issues.

Mental Health and Dyslexia Awareness Week (10th – 23rd October 2024)

Objectives:

• To foster a deeper understanding of mental health and dyslexia.
• To encourage open discussions and reduce stigma around mental health challenges.
• To help students develop awareness about mental well-being and support peers in need.

Highlights of the Week:

Day 1: October 10, 2024

• Montessori I-III: Session on the “No-Go-Tell” rule for child safety.
• Grades 1-3: Presentation on “Be Smart, Stay Smart,” focusing on safe and unsafe touch.
• Grade 4: Explored emotions through interactive presentations.
• Grade 5: Gratitude bookmarks were created to foster thankfulness.
• Grade 6: Slogan writing activity on friendship.
• Grades 7-10: Alumni-led session, “Feeling Matters – Talk About Them.”
• Grade 8: Poster-making activity to raise awareness about bullying.
• Grade 9: Conducted a survey on mental health awareness.
• Grades 11-12: Expert-led session on mental health and psychological concerns.

Day 2: October 14, 2024

• Grades 4-9: Screening of the movie Arthur & Mical to promote empathy for individuals with dyslexia.

Day 3: October 15, 2024

• Grades 4-5: Students wore red wristbands symbolizing inclusivity.
• Grades 6-8: Built an interactive wall to sort myths and facts about dyslexia.
• Staff: Dressed in red to show solidarity for dyslexia awareness.

Day 4: October 16, 2024

• Grades 6-8: Session on the connection between diet and positive mental health.

Day 5: October 18, 2024

• Montessori I-III: Sensory play activities promoting inclusivity and awareness of learning differences.
• Grade 4: Stimulated reading exercises to understand challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia.

Day 6: October 19, 2024

• Grades 3-5: Life skills session on kindness and empathy conducted by peer educators.

Day 7: October 21, 2024

• Grades 8-9: Alumni-led session, “Unmute Yourself,” encouraging self-advocacy and emotional resilience.

Day 8: October 22, 2024

• Grade 11: Social media campaign with student-created infographics to promote mental health and dyslexia awareness.

Day 9: October 23, 2024

• Entire School: A pledge to uphold mental health and dyslexia awareness and commit to inclusivity and empathy.

As teachers and students, we carry forward the values of compassion, inclusion, and understanding that have defined this week. Let us continue to cultivate a school community where every individual is valued and supported. Together, we commit to creating an environment that champions mental well-being, embraces diversity, and nurtures empathy—every single day.