Jun 30, 2009 01:05 PM
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As my daughter’s first school this one will always remain special. But then it is an incredibly well run school that wins you over with its special touches of love and care. Located in a quiet residential zone, the little unpretentious school truly offers a homely atmosphere and a fantastic ambience for learning. Founded by Mrs Devila Patel in 1965, it’s perfect for a first school, because the child does not get intimidated by the size. Classrooms are small and cozy with not more than 25 children per class. This ensures personal attention for all the children.
It has Bambi the deer for its logo and encourages children to be inquisitive and active. For instance, my daughter used to spin yarns to her teacher for hours together – and she used to listen with absolute patience and amusement. I’m pretty sure not too many teachers and schools would encourage this!
No donation
Bambino is affiliated to CBSE board and offers up to primary level (5th standard). Admissions for the school start in February and works on a first come first serve basis. Refreshingly, the school asks for no donation. There is also no discrimination on the basis of caste or religion. All those who knock at its doors are given an equal opportunity. The right age and proximity of home from the school are the only two criteria the school insists upon. The school also gives admissions to special needs children and provides them an opportunity to learn in a normal ambience. This also helps other children understand the needs of special children and works wonders towards sensitizing the child. Many expatriate children can also be found in this school including Koreans and Africans.
Teaching methodology
In pre-KG and LKG the school lays great emphasis on art. In fact Sangeetha Prasad, the daughter of the school principal and founder – Mrs Devila Patel is an art therapist in the US. A lot of her ideas have been incorporated into the school curriculum and expressions through art are greatly encouraged at the pre-school level.
In UKG the school gets a little more academic – though, playtime, art and craft are there in equal measure. However from the first standard onwards – emphasis shifts almost wholly to academics – and this for me is the greatest drawback of the school. There is very little extra curricular or sports activity. Largely due to lack of space in its premises but also because Bambino regards itself as a preparatory school and takes pride in preparing its children for their future school. Most schools keep entrance exams for kids (from 1st standard onwards) – so Bambino ensures that the little ones are adept at writing and that their handwriting and spellings are all in place.
Highlight of the year
The highlight of the year is the Annual Day celebrations of the school which takes place in February each year. The school ensures that every child is up there on stage and has a role to play. Even the special needs children get to play their part. From props to backdrops, costumes to choreography, scripts to background scores – everything is done by the school staff itself. The ‘accas’ (helpers at the school) and teachers aided ably by the students put in their full, enthusiastic efforts manage it all. Each year, the event is roaring success and reflects the loving spirit of the school.
My daughter no longer studies there – as I preferred to put her into a school that offers till the 12th standard. However I would recommend the school for anyone who is new to Chennai and looking for a reputed school for their ward. The bigheartedness of the school management, its warm hearted teachers, caring accas – more than makes up for its lack of space.
