Building Global Connections: Beaford Community Primary and Nursery School's Partnership with SDM School, Mangalore, India

At Beaford Community Primary and Nursery School, we believe that a well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom and our local surroundings. While we are deeply rooted in our local community, with the natural wonders of Dartmoor and Exmoor as our backdrop, we also strive to broaden our students' horizons and foster a sense of global citizenship. This belief is embodied in our "Building Community" curriculum driver, which encourages our students to take pride in their locality while embracing a broader global perspective.

Our international partnership with SDM School in Mangalore, India, is a perfect example of how we are bringing this vision to life. SDM School, under the leadership of Principal Mrs. Joy Jeevan Rai and the guidance of Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, is a respected educational institution dedicated to fostering creativity, intellectual growth, and skill development in a culturally rich environment.

A Partnership with Purpose

Our collaboration with SDM School is more than just an exchange of cultural experiences; it's a mutual commitment to educational excellence and community building. The partnership aligns with all four drivers at the heart of our curriculum:

• Building Learning Power: Through joint projects and shared learning experiences, our students are developing critical thinking skills and a global perspective.
• Building Futures: The partnership opens up new possibilities, instilling hope and aspiration in our students as they engage with peers across the globe.
• Building Self-esteem and Positive Mental Wellbeing: By connecting with students from different cultural backgrounds, our pupils gain confidence and learn the value of diversity and inclusion.
• Building Community: This partnership is a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering a sense of local pride while embracing the wider world.

Recent Highlights of Our Partnership

In August 2024, our CEO had the privilege of visiting SDM School and participating in two significant cultural and educational events:

Aatida Aisiri: On August 6th, our CEO attended this vibrant celebration of Tulu Nadu's rich cultural heritage. The event featured traditional performances by students, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation. Addressing over 1,500 pupils and staff, our CEO emphasised the importance of working together and learning from each other.

Sahityotsav 2024: On August 10th, our CEO was a VIP guest at this grand literary festival, which showcased the literary talents of students from 39 CBSE and ICSE schools. The event was a resounding success, with students participating in various literary activities, culminating in a ceremony celebrating their achievements.

During the visit, our CEO also met with Principal Joy Jeevan Rai and her leadership team to discuss collaborative projects for 2024/2025, particularly focusing on environmental issues such as overfishing and the study of medicinal plants. Plans are underway for a teacher exchange meeting in mid-September to further these discussions.

A Visit to Dharamasthala

The visit to SDM School also included an inspiring trip to Dharamasthala, where our CEO met Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, the President of the SDM Educational Society. Dr. Heggade is a renowned educationalist, philosopher, and philanthropist, whose work has transformed communities across India. His modernisation of the traditional Chaturdanas, or four charities—food donation, offering protection, providing medicine, and promoting education—serves as an inspiration for our partnership's mission to make a meaningful impact on our students and communities.

 

 

Looking Forward

We are excited to continue building this partnership with SDM School and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. This relationship reflects our vision of nurturing students who are proud of their local heritage and equipped to engage with and contribute to the global community.

Through this partnership, Beaford Community Primary and Nursery School is not only expanding our students' worldviews but also reinforcing our core values of learning, aspiration, self-esteem, and community.

For more information about SDM School and the Shri Dharmathasala Manjunatheshwara Educational Society, please visit SDM School Mangalore and Shri Dharmasthala.