What should modern schools look like?

Children are multi-dimensional "whole" beings whose development is complex and rich. The period of early childhood development is arguably the most crucial period of life. In order to reach their full potential, children need appropriate support from families, education and healthcare professionals during this journey of growth. As the children of today gear up to become adult citizens of tomorrow, schools play an instrumental role in their overall growth and development that goes beyond just teaching.

A school must provide a holistic environment to the impressionable minds and equip them with diverse tools to foster their versatility, one of the most essential tools being amenities. Modern educational amenities are inseparable parts of education. A growing body of research shows that school facilities can have a profound impact on both teacher and student outcomes. The quality of school facilities and infrastructure makes a significant impact on a child's learning and development in their formative years, essentially building the core foundation of the demonstrable characteristics and competencies as an individual.

The times have changed to give rise to a new era of technologically stimulated education. The advent of truly pragmatic learning, stresses the importance of premium school infrastructure and school facilities to provide an integrated holistic learning experience. Amenities offered by a school directly affect the health, behaviour, engagement, learning, and growth of the students. For example, a school equipped with a swimming pool and other sports facilities like a football field, a table tennis table and a badminton court, can allow its students to learn key life skills and help them remain healthy – physically, emotionally and mentally.

With the addition of unique learning facilities and tech-enabled classrooms, school education has transformed rapidly in the past decade, leaving parents more inclined towards a rich and nurturing learning experience. Parents now want schools that can help immerse their children in a multifaceted experience of the learning journey. Whether it is language clubs, STEM integration, indoor and outdoor sports centres, or other recreational facilities, education is now more about the entire experience. When viewed in isolation, the facilities may seem overwhelming, but for parents in the final stages of choosing between otherwise similar schools, special amenities may be the deciding factor on where their child can make their home for said journey. 

In Bangladesh, the number of schools providing innovative and state-of-the-art facilities is not that high as of yet, but efforts are definitely underway. A few schools have come forward with exceptional facilities and innovative initiatives to offer a 'wholesome curriculum'. For instance, Glenrich International School (GIS) is striving to create next-generation leaders and learners by incorporating outstanding facilities and special programs into its curriculum. The school has got language programs, Math Lab, a robotics-integrated curriculum, a swimming pool and so much more. These amenities will help the learners to develop the right competencies and grow into 'whole' human beings while tackling all challenges the uncertainty of life throws their way, with ease.

Over the years, education has undergone a significant transformation. Today, education is not only about academics. It is more about developing life skills through wide-ranging activities. This process of fostering students' abilities requires a safe haven, which is usually the school for children. In this contemporary world, schools that can provide state-of-the-art facilities and compelling learning experiences can truly make a difference and leave remarkable impacts on students' lives.