Transforming young minds with world-class pedagogies
Published in Lucknow Times · Sunday, May 4, 2025
Modern School, Lucknow, has achieved a landmark distinction where it professes to be the first and only IB World School in the city, offering the globally acclaimed IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) since 2013. In this exclusive interview, the school’s Principal Meena Kane shares how Modern is redefining learning through international best practices, building teacher expertise and shaping the future of education in Uttar Pradesh. Excerpts…
The school is touted to be the first IB World School in Lucknow. What does this mean for students and parents in the city?
The IB PYP isn’t just a curriculum — it’s a mindset. It develops students who are curious, confident, and globally aware. For Lucknow, this is a major milestone — families now have access to an internationally benchmarked education without needing to leave the city. It’s about giving every child the opportunity to think deeply, act ethically, and learn joyfully.
How does the school’s approach to teaching differ from traditional schools?
We believe that learning should be engaging, meaningful, and connected to real life. Our classrooms are centers of exploration, collaboration, and discussion. Teachers don’t just deliver content — they facilitate inquiry, design investigations, and encourage children to ask thoughtful questions. We move beyond textbooks to cultivate skills like critical thinking, empathy, and global citizenship.
IB is often seen as a challenging framework for educators. How do your teachers meet this standard?
That’s where our investment in professional growth sets us apart. All our teachers undergo intensive IB training and ongoing mentorship. They are part of weekly learning communities, and many are working toward advanced pedagogical certifications. We’re building not just good teachers, but thought leaders in education — professionals who reflect, innovate, and continuously grow.
How do you support new parents or those unfamiliar with the IB?
We host regular orientation sessions, classroom walkthroughs, and interactive feedback forums to involve parents in the journey. Many families are new to IB, but they quickly see the difference. Their children become more expressive, independent, and interested in learning. We help parents understand how and why this transformation happens — and they become our strongest advocates.
What kind of student thrives at Modern School?
All children thrive when they’re seen, heard, and challenged appropriately. Whether a child is artistic, logical, reserved, or highly active — the IB PYP adapts to individual learning styles. We don’t believe in ‘one size fits all’.
What’s your broader vision for education in Lucknow?
We envision a city where education inspires not just achievement but meaning and joy. Through the IB and our dedication to global standards, we hope to nurture thinkers, doers, and compassionate leaders. As part of this vision, we are also preparing to launch a series of teacher training workshops aimed at bringing these international pedagogical practices to more classrooms across the city. We want to support other educators in adopting inquiry-driven, reflective, and student-centred approaches — because real change happens when great teaching is shared.