Pune: PCMC Launches New English Medium Secondary School In Phugewadi

Pimpri, 3rd October 2024: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has inaugurated Lokmanya Tilak English Medium Secondary School in Phugewadi, marking a major step in enhancing access to quality education for local students. The new school is part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative with iTeach Foundation. It aims to address the growing demand for English medium education for students transitioning from primary to secondary school in the region.

The school currently has 238 students and 17 teaching and non-teaching staff members. It provides a much-needed bridge for students from nearby primary schools, helping them smoothly transition into English medium secondary education.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh emphasizing the corporation’s commitment to offering quality education and improving the overall infrastructure said, “Our goal is not just to provide access to education but to create an environment where students can thrive academically, physically, and emotionally. The launch of this new English medium secondary school reflects our commitment to raising the standards of education in Pimpri-Chinchwad. In addition to quality teaching, we have instructed the addition of several new facilities, including a well-equipped playground, so that students have the space to engage in physical activities and overall development.”

Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil spoke on the difficulties faced by students transitioning from Marathi medium primary schools to private English medium secondary schools. “We understand the challenges students face when adapting to different teaching methodologies and environments. Our new school will provide a familiar, supportive learning atmosphere to help them succeed in this aspect.”

The school, offering grades 8 to 10, is equipped with modern infrastructure and will be managed by iTeach Foundation, which will oversee teacher training, curriculum development, and student assessment. Students from two existing English medium primary schools—Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj English Medium Primary School in Bhosari and Mahatma Phule English Medium Primary School in Dalvinagar, Chinchwad—are eligible for enrollment in the secondary school.

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Key Highlights of the school:

1. School Overview:
Lokmanya Tilak Vidyamandir, Phugewadi, now offers English medium secondary education from 8th to 10th grade.

2. Collaboration with iTeach Foundation:
The iTeach Foundation is responsible for running the school, including day-to-day operations, selection of the principal, teachers, and non-teaching staff, as well as curriculum and assessment.

3. Support from PCMC:
PCMC has provided the necessary infrastructure such as classrooms, physical facilities, electricity, and water supply for the functioning of the school.

4. Exclusive Admission for PCMC Students:
Only students from PCMC schools are eligible for admission, with 238 students currently enrolled.

5. Curriculum:
The school follows the state board curriculum, and the iTeach Foundation is handling all educational processes, including teacher training and evaluation, with funding through donations from partner organizations.

6. iTeach Foundation’s Role:
iTeach Foundation will ensure the smooth management of the school and provide teacher training and educational methodologies with a focus on student progress.

Blended Learning Lab (BLL)

The school features a Blended Learning Lab (BLL) to address the academic gaps among students. This approach allows the use of various apps and technologies to cater to each student’s learning level, enabling personalized education. This helps overcome challenges such as varied learning paces in the classroom. The lab also supports students in developing English language skills, as many students come from non-English-speaking backgrounds. According to Principal Rahul Adwani, the BLL helps students improve their reading and listening comprehension in English more efficiently through technology-assisted learning.