Curriculum and Organization

The primary / elementary section of a school represents the most important stage in the development of an individual. As we are aware, by the eighth year, 80% of the human brain is developed. As such, Northfield aims to make a child think for himself / herself, to promote originality and creativity, to gain confidence and self-discipline. Emphasis is laid on faculties which can best be developed at an early age [speaking fluently, writing creatively etc]. Once correct learning is established it will have an impact for a life-time. Primary education will be the hallmark of Northfield.

• In conformity with the aims and objectives, chapel hour is based on Christian principles; this is a daily feature. Every student is given an opportunity to be involved in a leadership activity.
• The number in each class does not exceed 30 children upto grade 6; to enable them to receive individual attention for maximum personalized instruction.
• Emphasis is laid on the teaching and learning of language. This is essential because it is through language that understanding /concept-information is best developed. English, which is still a foreign language despite its extensive use, is the medium of instruction. Therefore, Northfield seeks to lay emphasis on speaking correctly [pronunciation], writing structurally correct grammar and making reading a vital part of the child’s education.
  Care is taken to ensure that only well-qualified and competent teachers are put in charge of language teaching. To develop language skills, such activities as drama, elocution, singing, creative writing etc., are emphasized from the primary level. A special feature of Northfield is the graded library facilities which both students and teachers alike have an access to. Students are required to read a minimum number of books per week. Conventional methods of learning by memorization are discouraged; but learning with understanding is emphasized. In view of the fact that many of the prescribed books are not readily available in the market, these books are utilized in the classrooms but remain as school property. However, books will be made available through the school for those parents who wish to buy them.
• Each academic subject is practically-oriented. The Chinese learnt this long ago, as we know from their proverb: “I hear I forget; I see I remember; I do I understand.” Right from the primary level, children are exposed to science and computer laboratories, nature studies, farming, gardening, and writing projects reports.
• Evaluation is done on a regular basis, therefore, promotion is not based solely on the result of the final term. Evaluation is broad based, covering cognitive, aesthetics, social and motor skill areas.
• Intuitive intelligence, which is a strong faculty of the hill people, is best exhibited in areas like games and sports, music and other fine arts. Therefore, the curriculum will continue to take special note of these features.