Silvester D' Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Jun 7: Kuvempu centenary government higher primary school, Thekkatte here has drawn the attention of the state with value based education, stress on all round development of children, ample opportunities for extracurricular activities, better environment and better performance than private schools. There are Kannada and English divisions and a team of expert teachers. The school stands second in the number of students in the district.

Surveys show that the number of children in government schools decreases every year. But the number of students has increased here with the passing years. The school has created a record by admitting 100 students in a day this year. As many as 493 students study in the school at present. The school aims to increase their number to 500 this academic year.

There are several private schools around Thekkatte, but parents desire the school due to its reputation of value based education. The school has consistently maintained the standard of education. Teachers here are service oriented and the school development committee is enthusiastic.

There were 469 students in the school during last year. The school has classes from 1st to 7th standard. Children are crowded in each classroom. There are a total of 200 children in first, second and third standard. The school playground outside the school premises is always occupied. The children have made their mark both in academics and sports even at national level. They are always ahead in cultural activities and drawing. They receive a series of prizes in talent competitions. Parents send their children here because of disciplined teaching hoping that the children will be identified both in academics, sports and cultural activities.

The teachers and school development committee does not want students to lag behind in any subject and see that they excel in English language when they go after clearing 7th standard examination despite their large number.

English medium classes have started here for 2017-18 academic year from June 1. It has excellent English medium divisions in 6th and 7th standard since the last five years. It has the highest number of students among government schools in the taluk and second highest number of children in the district. It also has highest number of 'Nali-Kali' students in the school.

The school, which has celebrated its centenary in 1993, has several specialties. Use of quality tools for teaching, cheerful teaching environment, scouts, guides, cubs, bulbul, seva dal, yoga training, reading corner in each class, revision of lessons by smart class, special classes for English, Maths and Science and TV for children to watch during recess in the afternoon are some of them. The school has increased its student strength over the years. It charges no fees or donations.

Headmistress Lalitha, teachers Sharmila G, Venugopal Hegde, physical education teacher M Sadarama Shetty, Vidyavathi, Shobha Hegde, Kalpana M, Neelavara Surendra Adiga, M R Vaishali, Parvathi, Devi K, Shubhalaxmi, A Seethalaxmi, Shantala Devi, honorary teachers Sangeetha, Sadananda, Mamatha and Prathima are serving in the school. Sanjiva Devadiga is the president of school development committee. There are five Bisiyoota employees.

Only school to secure best school award

The school is the only one in Karnataka which has received best school award. It has received ‘A’ grade from Karnataka School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Council (KSQAAC).

Specialities of the school

Result oriented English teaching, full-fledged computer hall, expert teacher to teach computers for every two students, children's park for children, laboratory, use of teaching tools, large library, more than 5,000 books, special teacher for teaching spoken English from first to fourth standard, radio broadcasting facilities for each class, use of LCD projector for additional learning, technology based teaching, use of Edusat, unique toilet, green ceramic boards in every class, clean aquaguard drinking water, special emphasis on drawing, an expert drawing teacher for drawing, free shoes, socks, text books, two pairs of uniform, proper implementation of Ksheera Bhagya, creative school development and in charge committee, special classes every day before regular classes, and handbook once in three months to increase children's interest in literature.

Celebration of parents’ day

The school maintains close rapport between students and parents. It holds parents’ day and has started holding several programmes such as sports and cultural competitions for them. It has helped to strengthen the bond between school and the parents of children. One can see the goodwill towards school improving with it.