Welcome to Our New Chapter at Tapas Education
Hello, fellow explorers of knowledge!
I’m Ms. Preethi Vickram, the founder of Tapas Progressive School.
As the founder of Tapas, my journey has been driven by a single, determined vision: to create an educational environment that not only teaches but truly understands and nurtures each child’s potential.
Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about creating spaces that inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and cultivate a deep, lasting love for learning.
At Tapas, we challenge the conventional, embrace the unconventional, and continuously seek to understand the evolving needs of our students. Our approach is built on a foundation of empathy, ensuring that every decision we make resonates with the voices of those who matter most— students.
As we stand on the brink of opening a new campus, I am eager to share with you how we are bringing this vision to life, transforming ideas into a tangible reality that your children will experience every day.
Dear parents and future members of the Tapas family,
I’m thrilled to share with you a vision that’s close to my heart—the creation of our new Tapas campus. Education is a journey we undertake together with your children, and every step on this path should be shaped by understanding and empathy. This principle led us to an important initiative, “Jaga,” meaning ‘awakening.’
We reached out to students across India, from tiny tots at age 4 to teenagers at 16, to ask a fundamental question: What do you wish for in a school campus?
Journey Begins:
Our journey at Tapas begins with a clear, visionary goal: to redefine education in a way that is truly centered around our students. We embarked on this path not by looking at what has traditionally been done, but by asking ourselves what should be done to foster a genuine love for learning. This led us to a unique, empathetic approach where every decision is influenced by the needs and dreams of our students.
A Nationwide Call for Ideas
In an initiative we named “Jagar” — meaning ‘awakening,’ we sought out voices from students across India, engaging with learners from diverse backgrounds, ages four to sixteen. We didn’t just ask them about their academic needs; we delved deeper, seeking to understand their holistic experience at school. What environments make them feel most comfortable? What inspires them to learn? The feedback was not only enlightening but also incredibly inspiring, shaping the very foundations of our new campus.
Bringing Ideas to Life: Nature and Learning: A Symbiotic Relationship
When we analyzed the feedback, one theme stood out strikingly: the desire for a closer connection with nature. This wasn’t just about having more plants around; the students wanted nature to be part of their learning journey. We took this to heart and designed a campus where nature is not just on the periphery but integrated into the very fabric of our educational spaces. Each classroom has direct access to outdoor learning environments, and windows are designed to frame nature as a backdrop for day-to-day learning.
Building a Future Together: Building with Purpose and Sustainability
Sustainability is a principle that runs deep in our approach to building the new campus. From choosing locally sourced materials to designing structures that make the best use of natural light and air, every element has been chosen with an eye toward reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing the environmental well-being of our community. We engaged local artisans and builders, ensuring that the campus itself is a lesson in ecological responsibility.
Insights of Our Dream Campus: Art and Creativity: Spaces That Inspire
Responding to the student feedback highlighting a passion for art, we’ve created numerous spaces across the campus dedicated to artistic exploration. These aren’t just traditional art rooms; they are dynamic spaces designed to inspire creativity in all its forms—from digital arts to classical painting and sculpture. Our aim is to make art a daily part of our students’ lives, something they can engage with spontaneously and joyfully.
Flexibility in Education: The Modular Classroom
The concept of the modular classroom came directly from our understanding that learning doesn’t happen in a one-size-fits-all environment. Each classroom can be easily reconfigured to support different teaching methods and learning activities, from lectures and seminars to workshops and group projects. This adaptability ensures that teachers can tailor their lessons to the most effective formats, and students can experience a dynamic and responsive learning environment.
Sports and Community: Building Team Spirit
Our sports facilities go beyond serving as physical exercise venues; they are designed to be integral parts of the school community. Fields, courts, and gymnasiums are planned not just for sport but also for social interaction, leadership development, and personal growth. We emphasize inclusivity and teamwork, creating spaces that students feel belong to them and where they can celebrate their achievements together.
From Garden to Table: Culinary Education
Culinary education at Tapas is about connecting students with the origins of their food. Our garden-to-table program involves students in every step, from planting seeds in our gardens to preparing and serving food in our kitchen. This program is designed to teach students about nutrition, sustainability, and the joys of cooking, providing practical life skills that complement their academic education.
Join Us on This Transformative Journey:
As we embark on this exciting new chapter at Tapas Education, I warmly encourage you and your family to explore the unique offerings of our new campus. This isn’t just a place; it’s a vibrant community where your child will thrive, surrounded by nature, creativity, and innovation. It’s a testimony to what education can become when we genuinely listen to our most important stakeholders—our students.
I can’t wait to welcome you to our Tapas family. Together, let’s make education a beautiful journey for our children.