Dear Parents
At Oakridge International School, Visakhapatnam, we believe education is as much about how students see the world as it is about what they learn. It is about encouraging them to ask questions, explore unfamiliar ideas, learn from experience, and find the confidence to turn their curiosity into action.
September brought this belief to life in many ways, from student-led conversations at TEDx Oakridge Intl School Vizag Youth to opportunities for innovation, creative expression, and learning beyond the classroom. Alongside these experiences, our work with parents and the everyday rhythms of boarding life reminded us that growth is shaped by the relationships, choices, and experiences that surround our students.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to creating an environment where every learner is encouraged to think independently, engage meaningfully with the world, and discover what they can contribute to it.
Warm regards
Shaila Bhamidipati
Principal
Oakridge International School, Visakhapatnam
Beyond Perception
Oakridge International School, Visakhapatnam, hosted TEDx Youth under the theme Beyond Perception. Guest speakers Dr. Madhu Chopra, Dr. Suresh Poosala, and KVT Ramesh joined student speakers Aishwarya, Harsha, Narasimha, and Vibha to share ideas that challenged familiar perspectives and opened up new ways of thinking.
Conceived from an idea by one of our alumna and brought to life by our IBDP Year 2 students, the event was a testament to student agency, collaboration, and the power of taking an idea beyond the classroom.
MIT Student Trip
Grade 9 student Abhinav Reddy will join 68 students from more than 50 Nord Anglia schools worldwide at the MIT Student Trip this November, as part of the MIT-Nord Anglia STEAM Collaboration. Inspired by seeing a monkey trying to eat a broken plastic bottle in Araku, Abhinav developed a concept combining solar-powered robots and smart waste bins to address waste management challenges in difficult terrain.
At MIT, Abhinav will take part in workshops, lectures, campus tours, and collaborative learning, building on his interest in using technology to address real-world challenges.
Young Changemaker Award
Kiran Tej from Grade 11 received the Young Changemaker Award at the regional level of the Young Indian Parliament, where he served as a party leader during the parliamentary sessions. He will now represent Oakridge International School, Visakhapatnam, at the national-level competition.
Sustainable Development Competition
Grade 12 students Vivek, Avirbhav, and Shahanth won first prize and a cash award of INR 15,000 at the Sustainable Development competition held at GITAM University, Visakhapatnam. Their project, Automatic Braking System Using Electromagnetic Induction, demonstrated how electromagnetic induction could be applied to develop an automatic braking mechanism with potential applications in transportation safety.
Fellow Grade 12 participants Harsha, Vedhanshi, and Praneetha presented AI-Based Visual Guidance System, exploring how artificial intelligence can support navigation, improve accessibility, and assist people in everyday activities. Both projects reflected the students’ ability to apply scientific knowledge and innovative thinking to real-world challenges.
National and State-Level Abacus Achievements
Neehal of Grade 8 and Ruthik of Grade 7 earned trophies at the state-level Abacus Competition, finishing as fifth runners-up. At the national-level competition, Ruthik secured the third runner-up trophy, while Neehal received a Merit Trophy.
Partnering with Parents
Our Student Counsellor led two sessions to help parents navigate the changing needs of growing children. Connect with Your Teens, for Grades 6-8 parents, explored teenage insecurities and the balance between staying connected and allowing independence. The Digital Safety session for Grades 4-5 parents addressed online boundaries, children’s growing need for personal space, and ways to balance independence with safety through open communication and empathetic guidance.
Student Health Check-ups
As part of our commitment to supporting students’ overall health and well-being, basic health check-ups are now underway across the school. The first round has been completed at our Early Years campus, with check-ups for other students scheduled in the coming weeks. These assessments will help identify any areas that may require attention, and health check-up records will be shared with parents for their reference.
Rhyme Rhapsody
Our Early Years learners brought their favourite rhymes to life at Rhyme Rhapsody through expressive voices, gestures, and imagination. The activity encouraged children to develop language, listening, and memory skills while building rhythm and confidence in expressing themselves.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our students explored practical learning through guest sessions on dental hygiene and good choices and good character, reinforcing the importance of healthy habits and responsible decision-making. A visit to the Aircraft Museum offered another opportunity to discover aviation beyond textbooks and connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Boarding Life
Our boarding clubs offered students opportunities to develop practical skills and explore new interests. The Cooking Club prepared Hyderabadi chicken biryani, while the Vivid Art Club explored embroidery. In the Robotics and Coding Club, students applied Excel’s VLOOKUP function, Visual Basic, and VB Macros through a practical project, followed by a live Artificial Intelligence class led by IIT alumni. Boarders also enjoyed their monthly outing, making time for shared experiences and connections beyond their usual routines.
