Page 52 - Sportability

SPORTABILITY:

CULTIVATING A CULTURE

OF EMPATHY

DR VIJAY DATTA
(Principal, Modern School Barakhamba Road)

he concept of Sportability has long been enshrined It is evident that the true measure of empathy lies not
in textbooks and scholarly treatises, exalting the in lofty ideals but in the real impact it has on the lives
Tvirtues of empathy, compassion, and emotional of students and communities. At Modern School, the
intelligence in sports and education. However, the true pursuit of knowledge is intertwined with the cultivation
test lies not in the real-world application of these ideals. of empathy. Here, education transcends the confines
Sportability, once relegated to the realm of theoretical of textbooks and examinations, embracing a holistic
abstraction, is now being enthusiastically advocated approach that nurtures the hearts and minds of its
at Modern School in practicality-driven educational students.
paradigms.
From the tender years of early childhood education,
Modern School is pioneering innovative approaches students at Modern School are immersed in a rich
to execute these principles into the everyday learning culture of experiential learning activities designed to
experiences of students. The educators are also cultivate empathy and compassion. Through interactive
embracing experiential learning methodologies storytelling, collaborative projects, and mindful
that prioritize hands-on engagement and reflective reflection, young learners are sensitized to the myriad
practice. Through collaborative sports activities, emotions and perspectives that shape the human
students are not only honing their physical skills but experience. As students progress, the curriculum
also developing crucial socio-emotional competencies, evolves to encompass a myriad of opportunities for
such as teamwork, resilience, and empathy. the development of emotional intelligence. Whether
participating in spirited debates, artistic endeavours, or
In the quest to bridge the gap between theory and community service initiatives, students are encouraged
practice, Modern School is incorporating the tenets to delve deep into their conscience, fostering self-
of Sportability into its curricula. Gone are the days awareness and empathy towards others.
of relegating sports to the sidelines of education;
instead, they are being seamlessly integrated into Moreover, Modern School recognises the pivotal
interdisciplinary learning experiences that transcend relationship between school and society and constantly
traditional boundaries. engages parents in its quest to nurture empathetic
and emotionally intelligent individuals. Through a
One shining example of this integration is social- plethora of workshops, seminars, and collaborative
emotional learning (SEL) through Sportability, which initiatives, the school fosters a ground of dialogue and
recognizes the pivotal role of sports in nurturing understanding that permeates beyond its hallowed
empathy and compassion. By incorporating SEL confines. As Modern School continues to chart new
principles into sports education, Modern School is frontiers in educational excellence, it is a universally
equipping students with the emotional intelligence acknowledged truth that the transformative power of
and interpersonal skills needed to thrive in an ever- empathy knows no bounds and it is here, amidst the
changing world. corridors of Modern School, Barakhamba, that its flame
burns brightest.

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