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Student-led initiatives take centre stage at Oakridge International School Bengaluru

Student-led initiatives take centre stage at Oakridge International School Bengaluru

Time of India22-05-2025

International Schools across India are increasingly embracing student agency—a transformative approach that places learners at the centre of their educational journey. Oakridge International School Bengaluru has been a forerunner of this methodology as an IB continuum school, empowering students to take ownership of their learning process.
"When students feel heard and valued in the school, they become empowered," explains Kavita Sukhani, Principal, Oakridge International School Bengaluru. "Our students graduate from school with everything they need for success – whatever they choose to be or do in life'.
The initiatives by the Student Council at Oakridge exemplify how learner agency positively impacts both the school community and society at large.
Oak Insider – Digital Community Building
Teachers at Oakridge constantly train students on digital etiquette and encourage responsible use of gadgets, which is an essential self-management skill. This academic year, the student-led Instagram page garnered 60,000+ views and 1,000+ interactions, establishing an effective communication channel for school events.
OAKMUN – Oakridge Model United Nations
Oakridge International School Bengaluru hosted its 9th edition of prestigious Model United Nations, bigger & better as OAK MUN in November 2024. A one-of-its-kind MUN in the city, solely organised by the student leaders, witnessed the participation of 350+ students from 12 schools. The event is expanding to an international level as SEAMEI OAKMUN in September 2025.
CASNIVAL – Creativity, Activity, and Service in Action
Christmas is when students celebrate the 'Joy of Giving' through CASnival. Students organised food and game stalls, raising ₹1.5 lakhs to support the different charitable causes they are part of. Their efforts contributed to community development and to the Social Impact campaign of Nord Anglia Education.
Codefest – Overnight Hackathon
The 8th edition of Oakridge Codefest, the prestigious overnight hackathon, witnessed more than 100 participants contesting to secure cash prizes from a pool of ₹ 1.5 lakhs. The student committee successfully secured Adobe as the event sponsor, with the teachers supporting them to independently organise a large event.
Relay for Life – Social Impact Campaign
This Social Impact initiative, steered by the student-led Social Outreach Committee at Oakridge, successfully raised ₹ 2,20,000 for the activities of the Indian Cancer Society. Students brought together the school community for Relay for Life, an overnight walkathon dedicated to celebrating cancer survivors, honouring the loved ones lost, and raising funds for the work that aids cancer patients.
Phoenix Cup – Interschool Sports Competition
The interschool sports competition featured basketball, football, and swimming events, drawing around 400 enthusiastic participants from 12 schools across Bengaluru. The event highlighted student independence and autonomy in organising the event and networking with fellow players from different schools.
Inter House Activities & Cultural Celebrations
Regular house-wise competitions ensure a supportive ecosystem for students to celebrate inquiry and creativity. Throughout the year, the Student Council also organises celebrations for Dussehra, Diwali, Halloween, Winter Spirit Week, Teachers' Day, and Good Luck Party, promoting inclusivity and encouraging cultural appreciation within the school community.
'We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities where the Council can support students and enrich their school experience. This year, one of our key focuses is to strengthen school and student culture by organising a variety of events throughout the year', says Yajwin Krishna, Student Council President (AY 24-25). Speaking of student agency at Oakridge he further added, 'The events are closely aligned with our school's mission and vision, which remain at the heart of all Council initiatives. We have an open environment where students feel encouraged to voice their thoughts and opinions. Our Student Council is truly by the students, for the students'. Sachit Shastri, Student Council Vice President (AY 24-25) echoed the same sentiment.
About Nord Anglia Education:
As a leading international schools organisation, the institution is shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from their schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.
Their strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, they inspire their students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
No two children learn the same way, which is why their schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by high-quality teachers, their students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world's top universities.
The Nord Anglia global family includes 80+ day and boarding schools in 33 countries, teaching over 90,000 students from ages 3 to 18.
To learn more or apply for a place for your child at one of their schools, visit
here.
For admission enquiries, you can enquire
here
.

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