Integrating Skills & Creativity: Principal Mathew on Education Innovations at Excel Public School

The Exclusive interview with Mathew K G, Principal, Excel Public School (EPS) Mysore, delves into how EPS is reimagining its curriculum to foster critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application, ultimately aiming to cultivate responsible, innovative leaders ready to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Mathew K G, Principal, Excel Public School (EPS) Mysore, shared insights on the school’s long-term goals, assistance for students, parents role in child’s education, evolving landscape of education, particularly in light of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and more. As the education system undergoes significant transformations driven by technological advancements and innovative pedagogies, EPS is poised to adapt and thrive.

Principal Mathew emphasized the importance of integrating skill-based education and interdisciplinary approaches, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with practical skills essential for the future. This interview delves into how EPS is reimagining its curriculum to foster critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application, ultimately aiming to cultivate responsible, innovative leaders ready to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

Q: How do you foresee the upcoming changes in the education system impacting primary and secondary education, and what steps is Excel Public School taking to adapt to these changes?

Principal: The evolving education system, especially with advancements in technology, pedagogy, and policy reforms, is shaping the future of primary and secondary education. Trends such as personalized learning, digital integration, competency-based education, and interdisciplinary approaches are becoming central.

At Excel Public School, we embrace these changes with enthusiasm. Our leadership is committed to teacher empowerment, supported by a comprehensive professional development framework that keeps our educators ahead of the curve. We are also integrating STEAM and cross-disciplinary projects, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, ensuring that students gain both academic knowledge and practical application skills. With an eye on global trends, we are embedding these principles into our teaching to prepare students for the dynamic demands of the future.

Q: The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduces several reforms. Can you elaborate on how EPS is planning to incorporate these changes into its curriculum and teaching methods?

Principal: The NEP 2020 is a transformative step, and Excel Public School is already embracing its holistic, multidisciplinary, and flexible approach. We’ve developed a dedicated campus for Foundation Years, focusing on interactive, creative learning aligned with NEP’s vision. Across all stages, from preparatory to secondary, we integrate interdisciplinary projects that encourage students to explore the connections between different subjects.

Programs like the Excel Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) and Skill Development Programme (SDP) equip students with future-ready skills, from coding to financial literacy. Our assessments also evolve beyond traditional exams, incorporating portfolios, presentations, and skill-based evaluations. While maintaining English as the medium of instruction, we encourage multilingualism through language clubs. In sync with NEP’s focus on character-building, we emphasize life skills, empathy, and leadership through a range of community-oriented activities. EPS remains dedicated to aligning with NEP’s goals while preparing students for global challenges.

Q: Excel Public School is known for its holistic learning approach. How does the school implement skill-based education in its curriculum, and what specific skills are prioritized?

Principal: At Excel Public School, skill-based education is not just a focus—it’s integrated into every aspect of our curriculum. Our Innovation Centre, Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL), and specialized programs in areas like robotics, nanotechnology, and space sciences give students hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields. We prioritize skills that are crucial for the future, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation.

Through continuous assessment and workshops, we ensure that our students are equipped with both academic and 21st-century skills like digital literacy, financial literacy, and design thinking. Mentorship and real-world exposure further enhance their ability to apply these skills practically.

Q: Could you share examples of how project-based and interdisciplinary learning at EPS has helped students develop practical skills relevant to their future careers?

Principal: Project-based and interdisciplinary learning is at the core of EPS’s approach to preparing students for the real world. Our STEAM projects, for example, allow students to design sustainable smart cities, fostering skills like problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork, all critical for future careers in fields like engineering and environmental sciences.

Additionally, our entrepreneurship programs, which culminate in the annual Pitch Fest, offer students a platform to develop business ideas, create prototypes, and present them to industry experts. This hands-on experience nurtures financial literacy, leadership, and innovation—skills indispensable for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals.

Q: With NEP 2020 emphasizing a more integrated and skill-oriented curriculum, what are the major adjustments EPS is making to align with these guidelines?

Principal: To align with NEP 2020’s vision of an integrated and skill-oriented curriculum, EPS emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, competency-based education, and real-world skill application. We are introducing more flexible subject choices at the senior secondary level, encouraging students to pursue multidisciplinary paths. Our curriculum now includes vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and digital literacy, ensuring that students are career-ready.

Additionally, continuous teacher training is a priority, ensuring that educators can effectively implement these changes. We aim to foster holistic development, ensuring students are equipped with both knowledge and the essential skills for future success.

Q: How is EPS addressing the NEP's focus on vocational education and training, and what initiatives are in place to enhance students’ career readiness?

Principal: EPS has embraced NEP’s focus on vocational education by integrating skill-based subjects into our curriculum. We offer hands-on learning in areas like robotics, design thinking, and digital technology through our Skill Development Clubs. These experiences are further enriched through internships, industry partnerships, and career counseling workshops that prepare students for professional life.

Our entrepreneurship programs and annual Pitch Fest provide platforms for students to develop and present innovative business ideas, nurturing entrepreneurial skills. Through these initiatives, EPS ensures that students are well-equipped for a future where vocational skills and real-world experiences will be key.

Q: Can you walk us through the admission process at Excel Public School? Are there any specific criteria or changes in the process that prospective students and parents should be aware of?

At EPS, the admission process reflects our commitment to holistic development. We look beyond academic performance, valuing creativity, problem-solving, and active engagement in extracurricular activities. For entry-level admissions, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, without entrance exams, ensuring diversity and inclusivity.

For higher grades, assessments may be conducted if applications exceed available seats. Families who align with our philosophy of balanced, holistic education often find EPS to be a perfect fit, as we prioritize student well-being and growth over exam-focused achievement.

Q: What is the expected role of parents in their child’s schooling at Excel Public School?

Principal: Excel Public School fosters a spirit of collaborative synergy through a healthy, mutually respectful, and beneficial relationship with the parent community. This partnership is built on open communication, shared goals, and active involvement, allowing parents to engage in their children's educational journey. Regular interactions, workshops, and feedback mechanisms ensure that parents are informed and involved in school initiatives. This collaborative approach enhances the learning environment, as parents and educators work together to support student development and well-being. By valuing the input of families, EPS creates a strong community that nurtures students, reinforcing the school’s commitment to holistic education and shared success.

Q: EPS has a notable record of student projects selected at the ATL Marathon. How does the school support and nurture student innovation and entrepreneurship? What are your future plans to further enhance this aspect?

EPS fosters innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives like our Innovators Club, where students work in teams to tackle real-world challenges. Supported by mentors and cutting-edge technologies like AI and 3D printing, students engage in creative problem-solving. Our annual Pitch Fest and other competitions provide students with the experience of presenting ideas to industry experts, cultivating both innovation and leadership.

Looking forward, we plan to expand our Innovation Hub by 2026, scale teacher training in design thinking, and provide more opportunities for students to collaborate with industry experts. These steps will ensure EPS continues to be a leader in fostering student entrepreneurship and innovation.

Q: Given your extensive experience in education and leadership, what are your long-term goals for Excel Public School, particularly in light of evolving educational trends and policies?

Our long-term vision for Excel Public School is to make it a leader in AI and technology-driven education while focussing on holistic development. We plan to strengthen global collaborations, providing students with international exposure and learning opportunities. Sustainability and social responsibility will be at the core of our initiatives, preparing students to be conscious global citizens.

We will also continue to emphasize wellness, emotional intelligence, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring that EPS remains at the forefront of education in a rapidly changing world. We aim to nurture students who are not only academically proficient but also equipped to make a positive impact on society.

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