The current COVID-19 pandemic situation has put a shut down to the entire world. Every building including the schools are closed over the coronavirus concerns. However, the closure of schools is different and challenging, for many important reasons.

A school is not just a place of academics, it is a place for social learning and emotional development. How food nourishes our body, information and continued learning nourishes our minds. With education, we gain knowledge of the world around us and change it into something better. Therefore, going to the school is a must for every child. In an unprecedented situation like this, the interruption of education can impact their continuous learning.

For this reason, while the schools remain closed as per the advice of our government, we launched Virtual School Experience for our students. So, even during the school closures, learning continues at Oakridge International Schools. We moved their learning entirely from the classroom to the virtual world, baring in minds the health and safety of the pupils.

Our students still follow the same routine as they did while going to their schools. Be it our early years kids or the senior students, they are all equally excited for this new way of learning even during their school closures. As per our school Principals, we have seen 95% attendance in our virtual classes. It is so overwhelming to see how our teachers come up with new and interesting ideas everyday to keep our students excited for the virtual classes.

Oakridge has given a great deal of thought to the social, psychological and physical needs of children in designing their online timetable. They have put in a lot of efforts to maintain the rhythm and structure of the school day for their students. For example, mornings for Oakridgers still begin with yoga and activities to wake up the body. Meals and – for little ones – nap times have been kept the same. They have even shared menus with the parents so they can match the meals that would have been offered at school.

It is perhaps the most important role of a school: preparing children for an uncertain future. At Oakridge International School, students acquire the skills and mindset to ensure a sense of security and the chance of success whatever circumstances arise.