Principal Matters - November 25, 2002

Private schools in the UAE cater to the expatriate community by offering a range of curricula and methods of teaching. Each school has its own strengths and limitations. Every week, we profile one school and learn of its goals from a top school official

This week: An interview with K.N.N. Pillai, Principal, Sharjah Indian High School

KN.N. Pillai, M.Sc., B. Ed., has been in teaching profession since 1968. After teaching in Ethiopia for six years, he came to Sharjah Indian School (SIS) as science teacher and became principal of SIS in 1989. He has been a major contributing factor of SIS's steady growth over the years.

He believes that teaching-learning process should be 'free, frank and fearless'. Very approachable, he has an open-door policy and the rapport and affection he shares with students and staff members is clearly evident. He enjoys visiting and interacting with other schools, reads selectively and listens to classical music.

How is your school different from other schools in UAE?
Each school is unique in its own way. Some have better infrastructure, some are better academically, and some others excel in extracurricular activities. We strive to strike a balance so that a child can face the world with confidence.

Since SIS is owned by the Indian community, students and staff have a sense of belonging. We try to inculcate in our students self-discipline and respect for rules and regulations - of the school as well as that of the host country, UAE.

Concepts of thinking and planning are introduced early on so that students can focus on the future, set specific goals and achieve them through systematic work habits.

Tell us about any special achievements of the school under your leadership?
Affiliations for the Grade X and XII board examinations, the first batch coming out with 100 per cent results, the first ever Youth Festival outside India that we had organised in April 1992 in which 32 CBSE-affiliated schools in UAE participated, many trophies won by our students in interschool events and our students achieving top ranks in board exams, these are just a few that come to mind.

We now have the second-generation children studying at SIS. It is a wonderful feeling to have parents, whom I remember as young SIS students, bringing their sons and daughters to us, thus indirectly vouching their confidence and trust in our system.

What according to you are the essential elements of a good school?
A good school, I believe, should provide good academics as well as non-scholastic experiences, educate the students to successfully meet emerging challenges, help develop a good character and acquire a universal outlook without sacrificing national identity. We at SIS have tried to achieve just that.

General Information about Sharjah Indian School:

1. Location: Gubaiba, Al Wahda Road, Sharjah
2. No of shifts: Two.
3. Timing: 7.30am to 1.00pm and 1.10pm to 6.55pm
4. Syllabus: CBSE.
5. Classes: Kindergarten to Class XII.
6. Languages of instruction: English.
7. Secondary languages taught: Hindi, French, Arabic
8. Affiliated to: CBSE, India.
9. Branches: None.
10. Transport: Provided, fees ranging from Dh 80 to Dh 145
11. Fee structure: Dh 229 to Dh 330.
12. Number of students: 4,451
13. Extracurricular activities: Sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, cricket, table tennis and athletics.
14. Criteria for admission: Placement tests for KG-I and KG-II; admission to other classes are based on the school-leaving certificate.
15. Established: 1979
16. Managed by: Indian Association, Sharjah.
17. Owner: Indian Association, Sharjah
18. Pass rate for board exams: 98 to 100 per cent.
19. Number of teachers: 206, non-teaching staff - 75.
20. Scholarships: Children from the same family get certain discounts.
Class X toppers (one each from boys and girls sections) get tuition fee exemption for class XI and XII.
All those admitted to class XI, even from other schools, with 80 per cent or more in class X get 50 per cent tuition fee concession.
21. Nationality of students: Indian.
22. Contact details: 06-5670560.

Head boy: Jitin Varghese George
Head Girl: Salin Abbas
Captains-Boys: Khashif Hashim
Girls: Neha Malhotra