Recognition by the International Baccalaureate
March 19 2023 – A momentous occasion as the Association of Heads of IB World Schools in India gets officially recognised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation to become the inclusive Association of Heads of IB World Schools in India and South Asia. An agreement in this regard was signed at the IB Global conference at Adelaide today between our President Capt. Rohit Sen Bajaj and Haif Bannayan Global Director Business Development at the IB in the presence of Olli-Pekka Heinonen IB Director General, Abhimanyu Basu Secretary of the association, Matthew Costello, MBA – Chief Business Development Officer and Mahesh Balakrishnan IB Development and Recognition Manager for India and Nepal which was also witnessed by almost 100 delegates attending from these countries.
Our ever-growing association will now welcome schools from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan as Associate Members. With this move, the Association will promote the IB Mission, philosophy, pedagogy and expansion, while also strengthening leadership, across South Asian countries. The association will now transcend geographical boundaries, and with renewed commitment, channelise its focus towards facilitating professional development opportunities among IB World School across neighbouring countries.
Our Association is now the 8th one in the world to be officially recognised by the IB.
Cheers to new beginnings!
The Governing Body
[ult_team img_hover_eft=”” image=”id^1045|url^http://www.ibheadsassociationindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/rohit-sen-bajaj.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^Rohit Sen Bajaj|description^null” name=”Capt. Rohit Sen Bajaj” pos_in_org=”President; Pan India and Chair, North”]Pathways School Gurgaon[/ult_team][ultimate_modal modal_title=”Capt. Rohit Sen Bajaj” btn_size=”md” btn_bg_color=”#f4524d” btn_text=”Read More” modal_style=”overlay-slideup” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″]An accomplished and dynamic educator and administrator, Capt. Rohit Sen Bajaj brings to Pathways School Gurgaon (PSG) rich experience in leading curricular and programmatic change in schools. Capt. Bajaj’s goal at the administrative level has always been to create educational experiences that awaken young minds to their personal sense of mission and purpose. Capt. Rohit Sen Bajaj aspires to an education that is a transformational and a platform for lifetime learning. An education that inculcates in students the knowledge, skills, values, and competencies of a lifelong learner. In a rapidly changing world, students need to learn to be adaptable, creative, collaborative, open minded and innovative, in addition to acquiring traditional academic knowledge. Capt. Bajaj believes it is imperative to educate and nurture the whole person, thus his commitment to social, emotional and ethical learning (SEEL).
Under Capt. Bajaj’s leadership, Pathways School Gurgaon (PSG)continues to implement the Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the Career- related Programme (IB CP)
Since 2014, PSG has received accredited member status from the Council of International Schools (CIS) in Europe and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in the United States. Thus, PSG’s philosophy, governance, curriculum, resources, staffing, and operations meet rigorous standards set by these internationally recognized agencies.
Under Capt. Bajaj’s leadership, Pathways School Gurgaon (PSG)continues to implement the Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the Career- related Programme (IB CP)
Since 2014, PSG has received accredited member status from the Council of International Schools (CIS) in Europe and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in the United States. Thus, PSG’s philosophy, governance, curriculum, resources, staffing, and operations meet rigorous standards set by these internationally recognized agencies.
As a recognized educational leader in India, Capt. Bajaj was IB Recognition Ambassador, and now an IBEN – Evaluation Leader. He is also a CIS and NEASC accreditation visiting team member for International Schools.
A thorough professional with rich, in-depth and extensive experience in the educational arena, a distinguished gentleman with deep-rooted values and ethics, a culturally inclined individual, with an admirable sense of social responsibility and progressive in thought, his impeccable sense of commitment, duty and responsibility- Capt. Rohit Sen Bajaj carries the Pathways legacy.[/ultimate_modal]
[ult_team img_hover_eft=”” image=”id^1027|url^http://www.ibheadsassociationindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hema-chennupaty.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^Hema Chennupaty|description^null” name=”Ms. Hema Chennupaty” pos_in_org=”Vice President, Pan India; Vice Chair, Southern/Eastern Region”]RP Goenka International School, Kolkata[/ult_team][ultimate_modal modal_title=”Ms. Hema Chennupaty” btn_size=”md” btn_bg_color=”#f4524d” btn_text=”Read More” modal_style=”overlay-slideup” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″]Ms Hema holds a post graduate degree in English Literature from University of Delhi and has been an IB practitioner for the last 22 years. She has been with Oakridge International school, Hyderabad years and was Principal for 4 years before she took up the new assignment as Principal with the first PYP school in Kolkata at the RP Goenka International School.[/ultimate_modal]
[ult_team img_hover_eft=”” image=”id^1038|url^http://www.ibheadsassociationindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/abhimanyu-basu.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^abhimanyu-basu|description^null” name=”Mr. Abhimanyu Basu” pos_in_org=”Secretary, Pan India; Co-Chair, Western Region”]Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai[/ult_team][ultimate_modal modal_title=”Mr. Abhimanyu Basu” btn_size=”md” btn_bg_color=”#f4524d” btn_text=”Read More” modal_style=”overlay-slideup” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″]An international educator for over twenty-six years, Abhimanyu Basu is the Dean and CEO at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School. His experience in the IB world includes being a Teacher, Senior Examiner, Workshop Leader and Presenter at Conferences. In addition, he is also a Consultant and Team Visit Leader for new IB Schools and is a member of Visiting Accreditation Teams for CIS and NEASC to accredit international schools globally. A trainer in classroom pedagogy and leadership, he has presented at international forums such as the IB Global Conference, Global Round Square Conference (Canada) , Cambridge Conference (India), Edu Tech Asia, IC3 , Microsoft Edu days, Adobe Asia Pacific, TAISI to name a few.
A Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert & Fellow and Adobe Education Leader, he has led the schools rapid transition on to a virtual learning environment last March on the MS teams platform within a span of two weeks with remote training of 3500 stakeholders. He believes in the role of technology as an enabler to optimize instruction and student outcomes; in order embed 21st century skills in the learning process. This will help prepare students for a world that is increasingly dependent on technology and the cutting age of instructional technology should be platform agnostic where one can draw on the best of Microsoft, Adobe, Google and Apple has to offer.
A Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert & Fellow and Adobe Education Leader, he has led the schools rapid transition on to a virtual learning environment last March on the MS teams platform within a span of two weeks with remote training of 3500 stakeholders. He believes in the role of technology as an enabler to optimize instruction and student outcomes; in order embed 21st century skills in the learning process. This will help prepare students for a world that is increasingly dependent on technology and the cutting age of instructional technology should be platform agnostic where one can draw on the best of Microsoft, Adobe, Google and Apple has to offer.
Abhimanyu holds a Master’s in International Education from the Van Loan School at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, as well as a Masters in Physiology with specialization in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Calcutta University.[/ultimate_modal]
[ult_team img_hover_eft=”” image=”id^1039|url^http://www.ibheadsassociationindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/geoffrey-fisher.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^Geoffrey Fisher|description^null” name=”Dr. Geoffrey Fisher” pos_in_org=”Treasurer, Pan India; Chair, Western Region”]B.D. Somani International School[/ult_team][ultimate_modal modal_title=”Dr. Geoffrey Fisher” btn_size=”md” btn_bg_color=”#f4524d” btn_text=”Read More” modal_style=”overlay-slideup” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″]Dr. Geoffrey Fisher has been working within International Education for 30 years in a variety of countries and has spent 28 of those years as a Head of School. During his career he has been lucky enough to work in South America, Australia, Africa, Europe and India. His work in India includes Principal of Kodaikanal International School, Head of Academy at the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad and Head of School at BD Somani International School. Geoff has been blessed with a warm and enriching family and an incredibly enriching life.[/ultimate_modal]
[ult_team img_hover_eft=”” image=”id^1043|url^http://www.ibheadsassociationindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/atul-khanna.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^Atul Khanna|description^null” name=”Mr. Atul Khanna” pos_in_org=”Co-Chair, Northern Region”]Director, Strawberry Fields High School[/ult_team][ultimate_modal modal_title=”Mr. Atul Khanna” btn_size=”md” btn_bg_color=”#f4524d” btn_text=”Read More” modal_style=”overlay-slideup” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″]Atul Khanna, has been an untiring advocate for quality education, beginning with the setting up of Strawberry Fields Kindergarten, a play school, in 1989. Simultaneously, he occupied himself with community activities run under the aegis of the Durga Das Foundation, for which he received the National Youth Award from the Prime Minister in 1993 in recognition for his work with the youth and education in and around Chandigarh. He has also received two commendations from the Chandigarh Administration, in 1992 and 1994, besides serving as a distinguished Member on a number of corporate, literary and cultural boards.
In 2004, he established Strawberry Fields High School, a K-12 school which has emerged as a leading educational institution in the region and has put the city on the global education map through its college placements. With farsighted vision, he has aligned the institution to global best practices while remaining true to his Indian roots. Bringing inclusivity into education by providing equal opportunities for children from underprivileged backgrounds, he created numerous platforms that helped bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots, well before the government made it mandatory through the EWS schemes.
Over 400 students belonging to the economically weaker sections are enrolled in the Strawberry Fields institutions, while several others are provided life skills and vocational training to help them become self-reliant. The school’s student-led outreach programmes have garnered precious encouragement from the extended community and made it possible for these marginalised populations to receive support.
In 2004, he established Strawberry Fields High School, a K-12 school which has emerged as a leading educational institution in the region and has put the city on the global education map through its college placements. With farsighted vision, he has aligned the institution to global best practices while remaining true to his Indian roots. Bringing inclusivity into education by providing equal opportunities for children from underprivileged backgrounds, he created numerous platforms that helped bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots, well before the government made it mandatory through the EWS schemes.
Over 400 students belonging to the economically weaker sections are enrolled in the Strawberry Fields institutions, while several others are provided life skills and vocational training to help them become self-reliant. The school’s student-led outreach programmes have garnered precious encouragement from the extended community and made it possible for these marginalised populations to receive support.
Atul has been equally committed to the promotion of art and culture under the auspices of the Durga Das Foundation, and has been instrumental in bringing classical music, dance, theatre and world renowned artists to the city. He has also provided a platform to lesser known performing artists, making available to them a support infrastructure that can facilitate their engagement with a larger audience. By working closely with many of them, he has worked resolutely to find ways to preserve some dying art forms.
His is a low-key approach that lets his work take centre stage, while he remains steadfast in his pursuit of sustainable excellence as he finds ways to manage the institutions he has founded, setting higher benchmarks for personal and professional achievement.[/ultimate_modal]
[ult_team img_hover_eft=”” image=”id^1044|url^http://www.ibheadsassociationindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/rima-singh.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^Rima Singh|description^null” name=”Ms. Rima Singh” pos_in_org=”Northern Region”]Head, DPS International School[/ult_team][ultimate_modal modal_title=”Ms. Rima Singh” btn_size=”md” btn_bg_color=”#f4524d” btn_text=”Read More” modal_style=”overlay-slideup” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″]Rima Singh is a passionate educator with over twenty- five years of experience in the field of teaching and school administration in the United Arab Emirates and India. Before taking up teaching as a profession she was a Nutritionist and Counsellor in the health sector and has co-authored a book on nutrition. An active learner herself, she was awarded The Golden Leaf Award for the Diploma in Environmental Education, from the Centre for Environment Education affiliated to Commonwealth of Learning, Vancouver.
She is the founder head of DPS International school, the first DPS school to offer the IB programmes. She is an IB Chair for school visits, an IB Workshop leader and a PYP School Consultant. She is also a CIS and NEASC evaluator and a graduate from the Principal’s Training Centre (PTC), London.
She is the founder head of DPS International school, the first DPS school to offer the IB programmes. She is an IB Chair for school visits, an IB Workshop leader and a PYP School Consultant. She is also a CIS and NEASC evaluator and a graduate from the Principal’s Training Centre (PTC), London.
As an educator her vision is for students to receive an education where they develop their skills and knowledge, where creativity is nurtured and academic endeavour is encouraged, and the school environment builds and sustains relationships and develops ethics and values.[/ultimate_modal]
[ult_team img_hover_eft=”” image=”id^1040|url^http://www.ibheadsassociationindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/radhika-sinha.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^radhika-sinha|description^null” name=”Mrs. Radhika Sinha” pos_in_org=”Western Region”]Head, Aditya Birla World Academy[/ult_team][ultimate_modal modal_title=”Mrs. Radhika Sinha” btn_size=”md” btn_bg_color=”#f4524d” btn_text=”Read More” modal_style=”overlay-slideup” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″]A Masters’ Degree in English Literature, she has been a teacher in English. She has taught at reputed institutions like Sacred Heart School, Jamshedpur, Mayo College Girls’ School, Ajmer and Sarala Birla Academy, Bangalore. She has donned multi-faceted roles all through her career spanning close to 40 years now – Academic Coordinator, Examination Controller, Supervising Examiner, Registered Examiner for English Language and Literature, Housemistress, Vice Principal and Principal.
In fact, she was the first lady Principal in the country to head an all boys’ residential school, Sarala Birla Academy, Bangalore. Her stellar contribution in setting up this world class institution, brought her to Mumbai to help set up Aditya Birla World Academy, of which she is the founding Principal. She received the Chairman’s Individual Award as ‘Exceptional Contributor’ at the Aditya Birla Group Awards for Outstanding Achievement in 2011.
To further her professional development, she has attended several training programmes: “Improving Schools: The Art of Leadership” at Harvard Graduate School of Education; the International School Leadership Summit at the University of Iowa; ‘Leadership and Group Dynamics’ organised by the Principals’ Training Centre (Boston); ‘Management Development Programme on Excellence in School Education’ organised by IIM, Calcutta; ‘Human Resources Development Programme for School Administrators at BITS Pilani, to name just a few.
Having acquired the wealth of experience, she believes that in all her years of teaching, she has learnt a lot more than she has taught and continues to be an avid ‘learner’. It is her wish to give back to society by sharing and mentoring, guiding and leading by example.[/ultimate_modal]
[ult_team img_hover_eft=”” image=”id^1026|url^http://www.ibheadsassociationindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/sailaja-vittaldev.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^Sailaja Vittaldev|description^null” name=”Ms. Sailaja Vittaldev” pos_in_org=”Chair, Southern/Eastern Region”]Silver Oaks International School, Bangalore[/ult_team][ultimate_modal modal_title=”Ms. Sailaja Vittaldev” btn_size=”md” btn_bg_color=”#f4524d” btn_text=”Read More” modal_style=”overlay-slideup” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″]She wishes to introduce herself as a life-long learner. Her 14 years of professional journey began with teaching in PYP classes. The world of transdisciplinary learning with conceptual framework excites her.
Ken Bartlett’s workshop on Learner Profile helped her to see the potential of developing attributes in learners. Having attended many IB In school/regional workshops and the global conference in Japan, her exposure to the large canvas of IB programmes began to amplify. Her humble beginnings From a PYP teacher to PYP Coordinator to the Head of an IB Continuum School with all PYP, MYP & DP programmes, her journey in the last 14 years is marked by constant learning and discovery.
Ken Bartlett’s workshop on Learner Profile helped her to see the potential of developing attributes in learners. Having attended many IB In school/regional workshops and the global conference in Japan, her exposure to the large canvas of IB programmes began to amplify. Her humble beginnings From a PYP teacher to PYP Coordinator to the Head of an IB Continuum School with all PYP, MYP & DP programmes, her journey in the last 14 years is marked by constant learning and discovery.
She may have begun her journey with IB from the PYP programme but implementing the MYP and DP in the school helped her immensely to understand the challenges and plus points of these programmes. She is a principal learner wherein she constantly enhances her learning by doing courses like “Teaching and Learning” and “Creating Cultures of Thinking” from Harvard’s Project Zero and she is currently pursuing Master in Education from the University of People, California.
She has always believed in sharpening the saw and enhancing skill sets. She had the privilege of winning the TAFIT – 2015 Award (Teacher Awards For Innovative Teaching). She trekked the mighty Himalayas for 8 long years and always believe in extending the boundaries.
She has been featured as 10 Most Inspiring Indian Women in School Leadership by K12 Digest Education Magazine. Seeking inspiration from Gandhiji’s saying, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”, she promises to work on creating an ecosystem for inspired learning.[/ultimate_modal]
[ult_team img_hover_eft=”” image=”id^1028|url^http://www.ibheadsassociationindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/jayuganesh.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^Jayu Ganesh|description^null” name=”Mrs. Jayu Ganesh” pos_in_org=”Southern/Eastern Region”]CPS Global, Thirumazhisai[/ult_team][ultimate_modal modal_title=”Mrs. Jayu Ganesh” btn_size=”md” btn_bg_color=”#f4524d” btn_text=”Read More” modal_style=”overlay-slideup” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″]Jayu Ganesh brings a legacy of global best practices gleaned from an illustrious career as an educator. A Nuclear Physicist and a life-long learner, she has over four decades of experience in the profession of teaching and worked as a collaborative administrator within the learning community in various capacities and roles. Jayu is an IB examiner and is equally versed with CAIE and IBDP programs.
Having full confidence in her leadership skills, IB entrusted with her the position of the Network Chair (Admin) for the DPC Tamil Nadu Network in 2020. The role of the network chair is to strengthen the connection between the IB and DPCs connected to the network. Furthermore, she is an active member of IB Heads Group (Pan India), DPCs Group of IB Asia Pacific Region, Indian Principals Network (IPN).
Jayu Ganesh has been elected as an Executive Member to the Executive Council of the IB Heads Association representing the Southern and Eastern Regions.
Jayu has travelled widely attending Cambridge and IBO Conferences and workshops at Cambridge, Singapore, Colombo, Athens and Savannah.
Recognized as one of the field’s most empathetic administrators and motivated teachers, Jayu has the propensity to dream and determine with her facilitators and students towards building robust academic environment based on fundamental human values. Having spent substantial years in the education sector, she is particularly interested in practices that unchain and set free the latent talent of every child in her institution. She has been known to go beyond the call of duty as a professional to help students, parents and the staff in their time of need and this remains her most enduring character as an educator.
Amidst the trying times of the pandemic, Jayu has put her best foot forward in converting physical constraints into unlimited opportunities for teaching and learning. Her vision for online education amidst the lockdowns transcends academics. The aim was to retain the flavour of an actual school environment online. In the past year, under her able leadership, this holistic schooling experience has been transposed to the online platform through the digitization and distance collaborations on Erudite Talks, Master Classes, events, celebration of festivals, community service, counselling, etc. On the administrative side, meticulous care has been taken to ensure high fidelity in terms of assessments, planning for board exams, etc. All this were achieved by leading from the front and taking into account the social and emotional well being of all the stakeholders.
Prior to joining CPS Global, Jayu was the Dean of Academics, IGCSE Coordinator and Examination Officer for CAIE in Symbiosis International School, Pune. In 2016, the then Vice Chancellor, University of Cambridge Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, and the then Chief Executive Officer, Michael O ‘Sullivan honoured her with a ‘Letter of Achievement’ for churning out the World and Country toppers securing outstanding results in the IGCSE Examinations year after year. This recognition is a testament to her dedication and tireless commitment to motivate her teachers and students alike, to contribute to their individual success and uphold the highest educational values of the institution.[/ultimate_modal]