Interview with the Pro Vice Chairman Mr. Kothari

EB- What do you think about the changing face of education? What are your opinions about the CCE?

PVC- CBSE has reduced the stress on the marking system and gives more importance to practical knowledge. I feel the CCE grading system will help students to focus on overall excellence rather than on their academic achievement. It will serve as a good system at an intermediate level where marks are not the priority.

EB- What drives your passion to educate?

PVC- Seeing the students of DPS Sharjah has inspired me to work in education. Being a part of society, it is necessary for us to give something back. I remember my school days and thus, I feel it is imperative that I let others enjoy what I enjoyed in my younger days.

EB- In today’s environment of immense pressure, what advice would you give us about handling it?

PVC- I feel time management is the quickest and easiest way to reduce stress on ourselves. Difficult scenarios and challenges help student enhance their confidence. But what is important is that students do not get exposed to negative competition. Negative competition tends to run down people and that is never helpful.

EB- Under your patronage, DPS Sharjah has been an active participant in saving the environment. According to you how do we take the next step?

PVC- What is important is that we maintain our actions at the grass root level and make sure we never lose sight of our goals. We can do all do a lot of work and that is what we have to look forward to after today.

EB- There has been an interest amongst parents and teachers alike with regards to a Parent Teacher Community. Where do you rate the importance of teacher and parent interaction and would you like to see such a set up in DPS, Sharjah?

PVC- In truth I do not like Associations. I feel they involvement of politics in education could make life difficult for teachers and more importantly, students. However, as far as teacher-parent interaction is concerned, I feel that is extremely important and I would always like to see an improvement in that respect.

EB- Today’s students think way out of the box. They come up with many innovative ideas some of which are workable and others that are not. What do you feel can be done to take these ideas to the next level?

PVC- Yes, that is evident. Students do come out with some excellent ideas and that is what has changed over the past few years. As far as taking their efforts to the next level is concerned, I think there is an excellent set-up within the school itself and the principal too enjoys letting students and their ideas take charge. DPS is extremely lucky to have such an environment, one that facilitates the students and their ideas.

EB- DPS is proud to have had the top two positions in UAE with regards to the Board Exam Results. Many of our students have secured admissions in top universities around the world. We have definitely come a long way. But sir, where would you like to see us in the next five years? As students what would you want us to do?

PVC- That is true. DPS, Sharjah has done a great job. Where would I like to see DPSS? Well, definitely better than it is today. There is always room for improvement in my opinion. I would also love to have more Varshas and Manishs coming out of DPSS. The important thing is that students should maintain quality. The standard has now been set and that standard will have to be maintained through hard work and determination.