Inquiry
Education is a spiral process by which new information is assimilated with existing knowledge. At Ascend we structure our classrooms and curricula to generate questions and inspire curious minds.
In our classrooms, teachers model and require inquiry based thinking, planning, implementation and reflection as part of every lesson. Through this process, students learn how to investigate topics thoroughly and gain a comprehensive understanding of each subject area. Rigorous academic skills are embedded in the context of this inquiry-based work. Our classrooms create reflective and analytical learners who develop thinking habits that make them interested and interesting students.
Individualized Instruction
Each classroom is purposefully designed to be an interactive laboratory where the student conducts his or her research.
Given the opportunity to construct their own understanding, students will learn differently. Each child has unique talents, ways of thinking and levels of understanding, and brings prior learning experiences and values from their family and community. We believe and build upon the fact that all of these differences are important to our understanding of individual students.
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We anticipate that students will learn at different rates. The job of the teacher is not to create a single perfect curriculum or lesson, but rather to interact with individual students carefully and create individualized instructional strategies based on what each child needs at each stage. As a baseline, teachers make sure that students are working at their current grade-level, yet individualized curricula make it possible to also study material beyond it.
High Expectations
Teaching at Ascend demands the highest level of professional commitment. Teachers share a conviction that all children are naturally curious and rise to meet any challenge.
Teachers set high expectations for every student, inspire students to go beyond self-imposed limits, ask probing questions, and support students with specific, constructive feedback. Using their conversations and observations, teachers are always working to generate the next challenge for each individual student.
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Our teachers also collaborate and share insights with one another, setting high expectations for themselves and their colleagues. There is a constant flow of conversation about children and the curricula that supports their development. Every teacher, administrator and staff member is an important role model and takes responsibility for the character development of our students.
Community of Learners
We believe that all children are capable students and invested community members.
We expect students to seek opportunities to explore their world and deepen their knowledge. Students demonstrate strong ownership of what they are doing and exhibit an agency to learn that is not always seen in traditional, teacher-led classrooms. They are taught to be internally motivated to create their best work: they succeed not to please others, but because it is intellectually fulfilling.
Collaboration
The ability to work with others, innovate and expand upon ideas and reconsider one’s own understanding are necessary tools for the 21st century.
It is vital for students to learn to explain their thinking, to consider alternative perspectives, to build on someone else’s ideas, and to reconsider their own thinking based on feedback. When students are exposed to multiple strategies for solving a problem, they become more flexible in their thinking and develop an international mindedness.
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Teachers, parents and children communicate regularly about the accomplishments and future goals for each student. The Ascend curriculum provides opportunities to connect curricular experiences and individual talents with meaningful service, whether through field trips, researching historical events, or a service project. Connecting with local and global communities strengthens civic responsibility and understanding of our global community.
Indian Values and Traditions
As our students learn to innovate, create and evolve, it is crucial that they maintain the core values and rich traditions that are true to Indian culture.
In each intellectual and social endeavour, we expect our students to share the generosity and humbleness that is a part of the Indian heart. Thinking of others before oneself and working to help others succeed are values reinforced and demonstrated daily at Ascend. Our curricula ensures students develop an understanding of the unique cultural heritage of India, while situating this understanding in a global context.
International Mindedness
Modern India demands that students understand their role in Indian culture and in the broader global community as well.
Students are supported to consider multiple viewpoints and perspectives, and with this knowledge comes the responsibility to actively contribute to a broader community. They pursue opportunities to enhance the lives of others and support the health and well-being of our planet.
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Students learn to listen carefully to others, to help one another, to share what they have learned, to coach one another and participate in group discussions. We believe that developing understanding and compassion for different languages, cultures and perspectives, and empathy for the needs of others, is essential to the moral development of a child and the creation of compassionate global citizens.
Athletics
Ascend supports the development of healthy minds and bodies and educates students about the importance of balance for overall wellbeing.
Students begin their physical education career building movement skills, body awareness, and essential gross motor skills while also learning healthy eating habits and the foundational principles of yoga. As students develop, athletic choice, commitment, competition, and teamwork are the core values that drive the athletic programme. Participation in sports is an important element of educational excellence at Ascend.