School is said to be a child’s second home and as one picks up the cultures of where they’re born, they also pick up the culture of their. This school culture stays with an individual as much as his/ her family cultures do. It is deeply ingrained in their way of thinking and that way, shows up at multiple instances in the form of words, actions or thoughts.
In fact, you might have often noticed that students and youngsters aim for a particular school or college. Besides quality of education and infrastructural points, the school or university culture plays a great role in attracting a student. On similar notes, the school cultures that are the most effective, support great teaching and learning. Teachers there feel empowered in the way they communicate, innovate, collaborate, inquire and reflect.
All our activities at Marigold International School are designed to encourage innovation and excellence in education. Alongwith the modern facilities and effective collaborations, one thing we’ve realised is that our school culture is the foundation of our school’s success.
According to the definition shared in a session in 2018, at the National Institute for Urban School Leaders at the Harvard Graduate School, the school culture comprises core beliefs, connections and behaviors of students, families and teachers. It is necessary that we promote current and future educators to emerge as stewards of as well as true advocates for reinforcement of school cultures. At Marigold International School, this is our concern as we stand by strengthening teaching practices and educating growing students with skills of leadership and education towards positive changes.
School culture is actively responsible for influencing the success of both teachers and students. Legendary school cultures promotes engagement and active participation which builds connections, influences behaviour of students, and reinforces core beliefs.
If you’re to analyse a school now with regards to their school culture, here are five characteristics of a healthy and effective school culture:
Prioritizing school culture at all instances
It is no secret that when in school, students learn way beyond what’s taught during the classes. In fact, most life skills are picked up by students when they are interacting with other students and the school as a whole. It is thus necessary for a school to harness a school culture that is evident in every conversation and interaction happening within its campus.
A nurturing environment with high expectations
A school’s culture is not created or ruled out by an individual or a group of certain individuals, it is the work of a dedicated community with teamwork and similar interests in growth and knowledge. Encouraging yet challenging individuals in a nourishing environment are driven by growth but they do ensure that the other community members are involved in the same.
Effectively engaged students and staff
As per the Gallup poll reports of 2018, students who are engaged are 4.5x more likely to be optimistic towards their future than the disengaged students. School cultures where engagement between teachers and students with the community is found to be high, have a positive and growth harnessing environment compared to the ones lacking it.
A commitment to lifelong learning
Values and beliefs are optimally shared when exchange of knowledge takes place at every level of active learning. In the presence of a solid school culture, all students and staff should feel obliged to engage with the process of learning. Educators who show inquiry, curiosity, and uncertainty develop the understanding that what the pupils haven’t yet learned, can be learned. Because the desire to gain knowledge is the primary and most important step in this process.
A sense of responsibility in all
According to what is mentioned in The Culture Factor of Harvard Business Review, a strong culture is capable of driving positive outcomes in an organisation when aligned with effective leadership and a solid strategy. Nourishment of the future leaders should only take place in a forward-looking strategy and culture.
At Marigold International School, we train our educators to develop an enhanced understanding of the school culture and to strengthen the practices and philosophies that contribute to student success.
