Category: Secondary

The English Speaking Drive has been in action at Badri High School since the last 5 years. This constitutes a force of English language monitors who encourage their class mates to converse in English at all times. In case someone doesn’t follow this language code, a penalty is issued which constitutes writing new words from the dictionary or vocabulary from a book issued from the library.

The results have been staggering. Students who have passed out in the last four years reconnect with us to thank us for helping them gain confidence in speaking in the international language. This fluency has helped give them an edge in their colleges and other institutes of higher education.

Initially the rewards of this drive included a speaker of the week from each class whose name was called out in Friday assembly every week and a badge was awarded.

Last year a series of rewards were initiated including a highly popular free canteen coupon which allowed the exceptional speakers to enjoy free lunch.

Since the last two weeks the dynamic English faculty has been thinking of unique ways of appreciating the monitors and speakers. Last week they were given a surprise and taken to a flower show to refresh themselves in the middle of the school day. This Friday this weeks speakers were delighted as they were taken for a treat to a local icecream parlour. Needless to say they were the envy of the entire school.

These small yet memorable rewards go a long way to help students become confident and eloquent communicators.

‘Necessity is the mother of all invention.’ For a teacher, this is not just a proverb but a life line. As teachers, we need to constantly adapt to new ideas and at times this means that we need to constantly search for things that meet changing requirements.

In the time of the pandemic when we were locked in our homes, we needed to learn new things to keep our classes interesting. That is when I heard about Lego Six Bricks Training. I got enrolled in one of the trainings by Binal Kinder. As I progressed through the course modules, I realized that the Six Bricks training aligned perfectly with my own philosophy, “Teach Smart with Fun”.

The Six Bricks training helped me learn to use both sides of my brain effectively, improve my listening and memorization skill which was getting little weak. The idea of 4 C’s “Connect => Construct => Contemplate => Continue” showed me the way from problems to solutions. So I planned and prepared to introduce it to my students when school reopened.

It was not easy to arrange for the Lego Six Bricks in Karachi, Pakistan. So, while we waited for our shipment to arrive all the way from Dubai, we started using the Funfelt Builder instead. It is an educational product developed by a local company, Toolkit4earlyyears. The kit contains 105 pieces of felt strip and shapes in rainbow colours, with button and button-holes. 

With my rigorous Six Bricks training, I was able to apply the four C’s in my STEAM class using a totally different material-the Funfelt Builder- and the results were remarkable. The students were enthralled by colourful felt pieces and they found the buttoning activity “soothing”.  I realized I had found the perfect kit that can engage the kids in STEAM throughout the year!

Here I list the pros and cons of the Funfelt Builder in comparison to Six Bricks: 

Fun felt Builder	Lego Six Bricks
Pros
Attractive Rainbow colours105 Pieces containing Stripes with buttons and shapes.Felt pieces are easy to manipulate (bend, fold)Doesn’t occupy much spaceEasily availableCan DIYAffordable for all	Attractive six coloursSix Pieces of 4 * 2 brickDurable3D construction possible.Doesn’t occupy space
Cons
Buttons may become loose with repeated useConfined to 2D construction	Not readily available.ExpensivePieces cannot be manipulated (bent or folded)
Skills
Language such as describing in rich detail, giving clear instructions, explaining your reasons, and telling stories, which help you to communicate with others and express your ideas.Problem solving including to stay focused, and remember a task or a challenge, set goals and make plans, come up with creative ideas, and reflect on what you do and how you do it.Collaboration as in working together in pairs or teams, share turns and the materials you work with, learn from your peers and their ideas, and give each other roles and responsibilities	Language such as describing in rich detail, giving clear instructions, explaining your reasons, and telling stories, which help you to communicate with others and express your ideas.Problem solving including to stay focused, and remember a task or a challenge, set goals and make plans, come up with creative ideas, and reflect on what you do and how you do it.Collaboration as in working together in pairs or teams, share turns and the materials you work with, learn from your peers and their ideas, and give each other roles and responsibilities

What’s really great is the company is willing to train teachers and parents who wish to get the most out of their kit. They share ready-made plans and are with you every step of the way. 

I feel I have found a perfect solution to my STEAM dilemma. Are you ready to try it. 

What do you think?
Should smart phones be banned in the age bracket 1 – 18 years? Yes or No?
Why do you think so?
Who will agree with you?
Why will someone get convinced?
How will you prove your points?
What concrete sources will give you proof and evidence to have a healthy argument?
How will you manage your time in the most effective manner to convey your claim?
Taking care of manners and etiquette of speech, how will you convince your opponent that he or she
has lesser valid points than yours to win the debate?
Respecting your opponents opinion and then putting yours… Truly! Debate is an art of speech and
articulation with research and evidence. “Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent,
and debate.”
We saw advocates in Class 7 of BHS when they nailed-it with their debate with their fellow classmates
team. Both the teams were extraordinary and their declamation and vocalization rocked the forum.
Since a couple of weeks they were studying Media Presentation Techniques and now it was time to
show case it. When the sun of 29th October 2021 rose, the students of Class 7 shone reflecting the
sunlight. They were as bright as light. Under the captaincy of their classmates Hamza Sh. Huzefa and
Khozema Sh. Taizoon, 30 classmates were off to the battle field with the power of preparation and
persuasion.
With smartness, confidence, motivation, vocalization, research work and leadership skills they proved
their points. Khuzema Sh. Taizoon’s team emerged victorious as they were able to prove that banning
smart phones is not the answer.
The teams were honoured by certificates of victory and appreciated for their immense participation.
We, thank their parents, too for all the support they provide to our teacher to groom their children and
co-operate with our children with love and respect. Each child is a winner and may victory follow them.

A team of representatives from INJAZ Pakistan visited Badri High School on 28^th October 2021 to give 90 minute sessions to students of class 8 on SCRATCH Programming. INJAZ Pakistan (founded 2012) is an initiative and part of JA (Junior Achievement) Worldwide & also a member of INJAZ al-Arab, a network of 14 MENA (Middle East & North Africa) nations with a common mission of preparing and inspiring the youth to succeed in the global economy.

The SCRATCH program is a graphical programming language, developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. SCRATCH is used in many schools around the world as part of the curriculum. Free to use, the tool is beneficial in allowing children to learn coding concepts and create interactive projects. Besides the fact that coding, is a skill set that students could use for a future career in a world that has a shortage of skilled coders and programmers, coding can help students in their other subjects too—it can help improve soft skills like perseverance & problem-solving that we educators emphasize. Coding is especially beneficial to students who are struggling with reading and math. In addition, students often feel empowered when they can create digital media and share it with others instead of just being consumers of digital media.

INJAZ partners with local as well as the international business community, corporate volunteers and educators to inspire and prepare young people to take on the challenges of the fast-changing world to be able to contribute to the global economy. The session was very engaging and the facilitators were very impressed with the enthusiasm and queries of the young coders.

It is evident that all doctors, engineers, scientists, techies, businessmen, politicians and many others who run the infrastructure of this fast moving and rapidly changing world, are able to do what they do best, because of teachers. A saintly and noble profession like teaching is the creator of all other money making, fame generating and highly loved jobs in the world. It would not be wrong to predict that if we do not have any teachers, we will never have the right manpower to run the global engine.

Not just this, but all other humanitarian actions also take place because back in childhood, or in early adulthood, there was a teacher who taught how to become a productive member of the society. Such an important part of our society are teachers. Their influences cannot be erased.

In order to pay a tribute to the services offered by the teachers, the world marks October as International Teacher`s Appreciation Month. Many students make cards, write letters and give presents to their teachers as a token of their love and respect. Educational Institutions also make sure that the services of these agents of change are rewarded and they feel appreciated, which, in return, boosts the morale of the teacher. For this reason, many researchers in the world have considered timely and worthy appreciation of a teacher`s services as the best stimulator of their intrinsic motivation.

This year, Badri High School decided to take the teachers, far from the hustle and bustle of the city of lights to a dinner on the Hawks Bay Beach. Dua Restaurant was indeed a scenic venue to the Teacher`s Appreciation Ceremony, which consisted of awarding certification to teachers, keeping in mind their unique strengths. Teachers chatted, took pictures on the beach under the night sky, played a lot of refreshing games and watched the iconic win of Pakistan over Afghanistan.

Coming back to the school on Monday, each of them was refreshed and happy to give their best. We recommend all institutions for such much needed outings and a uniquely crafted appreciation, which is deserved by teachers.

Education is synonymous with crafting solutions to problems we see around us. At Badri High School, we teach the students to play their part in resolving world issues, albeit at a micro level. After all, every individual has the power to make a difference. With this intention and in light of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s TUS intention to eliminate hunger, to commemorate World Food Day activities the students of class 10 at Badri High School collected non-perishable food items like wheat, sugar, tea, Tetrapak milk and biscuits from their younger peers belonging to class 5-9. They packaged these items in week-wise ration packs to distribute among the people at Anmol Zindagi shelter, North Nazimabad. This was part of the list of programs received by the Taleem office.

The girls of Grade 9-10 made home-cooked breakfast boxes with sandwiches and coupled it with a fruit which were then distributed by a team of boys from class 9-10 who visited the Anmol Zindagi shelter and gifted the rations and fresh breakfast to the homeless people on Thursday, 21st Oct 2021.

They spent time with Ms. Shagufta, the person incharge at the shelter, who was grateful for their generosity and for their sensitivity towards the hapless of the society.  

“The quality of mercy is not strained, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven…”

The vicinity of Block C Hyderi resonated with this powerful monologue uttered by the most powerful character, Portia, a princess and a daring lover, carved out by the pen of the greatest dramatist of the world, William Shakespeare. Many fans of literature, teachers and students from various schools, colleges and universities, prolific figures of the educational and journalism sectors, revered politicians gathered on Friday, the 26^th of March, 2021 to witness a theatrical enactment of the most famous Shakespearean play of its time, “The Merchant of Venice” at Badri High School.

Being an emblem of change and literary renaissance, this play is originally believed to have been written in the 16^th Century. The play and its characters have been talked about for ages because of their strength and values. As a part of the syllabus of Grade VIII Literature, it has always appealed and exalted the students with the implications and connections it has, with the present time, being one of the many qualities for a classic to have.

Having practiced for a whole month, it would be wrong to not acknowledge the efforts, time, energy, precision and will put in by the students of Grade VIII including those who were not a part of the cast, but, ensured the smooth transitioning from Scene I to Scene II and so forth. All the hard work bore fruit when dignitaries, virtuosos in their fields, parents, teachers, and other distinguished guests crowded the front ground of BHS, not leaving a single seat vacant.

The excitement of the crowd was visible on the entry of a character or the delivery of a potent dialogue. The applause roared through Al Mohallatul Burhaniyah many a times, during all the scenes, which proved to be motivational for our young actors. 

Behind this phenomenal performance, the consistent toil of more than a month was involved, with the contribution of teachers and parents. The journey started when a well-known theatre director, Mr. Mehdi, was invited to take a session with students briefing them about kinds of acting required on stage. After that, continuous practice sessions ensued with Ms. Tasneem Ammar Najmuddin, Grade VIII English teacher. Weeks before the actual show, a Costume Committee took over so that our actors could be clad in the finest of attires prominently worn by the class of aristocrats, merchants and money lenders in the Elizabethan era. Once the costumes were finalized, a Props team started creating customized props for the scenes of the play, complimented by the beautiful backdrops that were to highlight the setting of each scene. Once the ball started rolling, the marketing team started creating profiles of each student with the name of the character he/she would be. The light and sound on the day of the event was remarkably handled by our highly tech savvy IT team, in addition to the virtual telecast of the show for those who could not be a part of the physical audience because of the strict observance of the SOPs.

The beautiful eve ended on a heartfelt birthday wish to our respected Chairman, a wise and legendary figure in the field of education and capacity building, Janab Naeem BhaiSaheb, as the date happened to be his birthday. All the guests showered their love and appreciation for the play by sharing their appreciation via comments.

“An excellent amateur production—the costumes, sets and props showed a pragmatic touch. The comic element was well brought out and I wish the team best of luck for future productions,” commented TDC Director, Abbas Husain.

Alina Irfan from PABWRP wrote on the comment card, “What a marvelous performance by our younger smart kids. Mesmerized by this talent. Hats off to the teachers and the supporters of the program.”

“The Shakespearean night at BHS was an absolute delight to witness. The students not only enacted it but they were actually into the character they presented.  The cooperation in the change of scenes was commendable and their discipline was a delight,” shared trainer and motivational speaker Arwa Sh Khuzaima.

Faisal Sheikh from the provincial government shared, “Incredible program full of discipline—the confidence of participants and organizers stage design was outclass.”

Sh Zoaib bhai Mithaiwala who spent time praising the performers after the show wrote,

اشااللہ۔ قابل مبارکباد ہیں بدری سکول کے سرپرست اعلیٰ، محنتی اساتذہ طلبہ و طالبات جن بچوں نے ڈرامے میں بھرپور کردار ادا کیا۔ میں بحیثیتِ سینئر ممبر آرٹس کونسل کے بے شمار ڈراموں مشاعروں اور دیگر ادبی پروگرام دیکھتا رہتا ہوں۔ یہ کسی بھی معیاری پروگرام سے کم نہیں ہے ہے۔

حیرت کے مارے دریچے روشن ہو گئے گئے۔ چاہے اداکاری کو یا جملوں کی ادائیگی، ڈرامے کے کسی بھی پہلو کو کسی بھی معیاری پروگرام سے کم نہیں سمجھا جا سکتا۔ بہت خوب

May BHS, in the same way, keep equipping the youth with confidence and character, the combination destined to bring success! Ameen.

It was yet another Saturday, when Badri High School witnessed the special rays of sunlight marking the dawn of 13th March 2021. It is a matter of utmost pride for any school to see its alumni flourishing and this day was resplendent with pride.

The first significant event which was the pivot for the celebration was the book launch of Imprisoned in Freedom by Zenab Mohammad who passed out as a student in the year 2007 and has been serving as a teacher at her alma mater since the year 2016. Miss Zenab Mohammad is a strong lady who portrays strength and is an ultimate achiever. Author, poet and trainer, Zenab Mohammad is also the founder of Skill-Ed.

The glittering literary event was graced by a senior member of the Sindh Government Mr. Habib-ud-din Junaidi -President Peoples Labour Bureau, Sindh who was the chief guest accompanied by Mr. Hussain Ebrahim Kaka. The other alumni who was also given a guard of honour at the event was Sir Yogi Wajahat   -Alumni of BHS, a trained hypnotherapist, NLP practitioner and yoga therapist.

Other eminent literary personalities who added to the vitality of the day included Dr. Sajida Perveen Prof. Research Faculty, Focal Person Sindh, PAFKIET; Mr. Ahsan Umar  -Famous YouTuber, Former anchor person in BOL news; Mr. Fahd Usmani -Principal of Pakistan Readymade Garments Technical Training Institute; Mr.  Mohammad Ali Samejo, Author of the book “Damaged” and Miss Arshian Taimoor -Director of FOCUS Learning and Development.

The event showcased the cover reveal of the book by the author and the cover designer, Ms. Shehrebanu Shabbir who is also a young and promising teacher at BHS. Their families watched in gratitude and awe as they two young teachers basked in the glory of their hard earned success.

Speeches by the principal, chief guests and family members of Ms. Zenab were not just heart warming but inspirational to the students who watched the event. An enactment on the title story by the students of class 7 left every one dumb struck and a panel discussion by the aspiring writers of Grade 10 was an illuminating insight into the thoughts behind each story of Imprisoned in Freedom.

After the glittering event Mr. Yogi Wajahat visited each class to conduct mesmerizing NLP sessions to enhance memory and improve focus. Mr. Wajahat studied in BHS in the 1960’s and possesses a professional degree in mechanical engineering and passion in YOGA. His institute is widely recognized and is a well wisher of the community and a supporter of its green initiatives.

BHS felt infinite joy at the achievements of its alumni and celebrated their milestones with fervour.

It is the vision of this institute that it produces students who make valued contributions towards our society, country, the world and humanity. 

Promise me! You will honor each second you spend with your whole heart!                                                                                                                                 -Tasneem Ammar Najmuddin-

It was not any less than a reverie to expect a theatre artist, actor and director ravishing the chocolaty brown stage of BHS.

‘Dreams come true’, a belief with which BHS opened the doors of opportunities for students to explore.

27^th of February, a day that welcomed Sir Mehdi, a renowned theater performer who greeted students with strategies and techniques to rule the stage over and prepared students of grade VIII as they will embark on a greater mission to create history by performing Shakespearean theater live for the audience, in a 1_1/2 hour session that populated the idea of experiential learning.

His art of teaching was that of modeling, where he engaged students in interactive activities all converging in the establishment of,

• Trust building
• Valuing characters on stage/use of stage
• Giving the lead the required limelight
• Imitate your partner
• Delivering dialogues with intonation (especially focusing on narration)

On explaining the difference between Shakespeare and Brecht Theater he clarified plethora of ambiguities that hovered over students mind, answering to one of the most asked question, ‘What happens if we forget our dialogues in the middle of the stage?’, to which Mr. Mehdi calmly explained over an activity, ’Take ownership, Give cues!’ Through his explicit understanding students understood that in life your size, color, age gap are mere things of no greater value, all that matters is to respect and trust.

The success of his session reflected in students wanting it more and more despite the session being stretched for half an hour than the designated time. The way of his conduct not only enthralled students but made them promise for complete dedication and devotion to the stage which will now become a big part of their lives.

As the birds were chirping a celebratory song today, the teachers of Badri High School gaily expressed their happiness by wearing attires that were all shades of blue and purple. The sun was shining bright just like the two students whose book was all set to be launched today on 21st January 2021.

A book launch is arguably the best part of publishing a book. You finally get to share the work you’ve been toiling over for years and bask in the glory of the love and attention of your friends and family.

We take immense pride in the fact that Badri High School’s students are filled with so much talent and they never fail to make their teachers proud. In high spirits Badri High School was set to launch a book of its two young poetesses. The published poets of grade X Sakina and Umme Hani’s book “Dream Come True” is a collection of poems that is out to spread its wings in the literary world.

Gracing the occasion were our esteemed guests Janab Mustansir Bhaisaheb (AMB Amil Saheb) and our visionary Chairman Janab Naeem Bhaisaheb along with Faiz e Hakimi Karachi delegation and prominent members of the community who came to bless the young talent of our Dawoodi Bohra community.

BHS congratulates the girls for this big achievement at such a young age. It is truly a dream of BHS to see students make a difference with their writing…a dream that came true today!

The cherry on top was that the 29th Hafiz of BHS passed his test this morning as the event unfolded. BHS also rewarded the efforts of the three Huffaz of this academic year which included Batool Mustafa, Sakina Arabi and Burhanuddin Sh Abbas.

The Robotics Team from SBHS who won the fourth position in the World Robotics Olympiad was also appreciated.

The day’s festivities ended on the Teacher Story Fiesta participants being presented with a certificate for their wonderful stories. It was a truly a day to rejoice!

One day a wise man asked a teacher, “When do you feel the most excited and the most nervous at the same time” The teacher immediately responded, “In the months of March and April”. Puzzled, the wise man asked the reason. “A farmer is excited and nervous at the same time when he is about to harvest his crop, similarly, the teachers all around the world are excited and nervous during these months as these months signal the end of an academic year along with being the harbinger of another academic year”.

2020 will always be remembered as an exceptional year because of the outbreak of novel Corona Virus, closing doors to schools and offices and confining people to their homes. Social distancing has made “work from home” a common phrase. Teachers, known for their extra ordinary efforts and significant role in shaping the future of society are also on the forefront of battle against the virus. In such distressing times, they are fulfilling their prime responsibilities of teaching, learning and assessment using technology.

At BHS, teachers are taking online classes, giving and collecting assignments, appraising and correcting submitted works along with motivating pupils to read and write using multiple applications and software.

I am proud to say that I am also one of those magicians who are trying their best to equip the children with skills and knowledge that is required in the current scenario using this leisure time to hone and polish their hidden potentials. Every night, while going to bed, I think of ways to engage my students effectively and productively like my other colleagues.

On Monday, the 30^th of March, 2020, Class VA & B were asked to note down ten questions that they would like to ask Corona Virus in person.  The students received a detailed message describing the unique experience they would be having. They were told that Mr. Corona virus will come online and they will get the opportunity to interview him. Students were also instructed to wear their masks and carry a bottle of sanitizer along with them during the class as the virus is highly contagious.

At 11:00 Am, the excited students logged in. The teacher greeted them. The class began by exploring different kinds of sentences emphasizing interrogative and assertive sentences as the students were about to ask questions from the virus. Later on, the teacher announced that the guest Mr. Corona virus is coming online so the students should wear their masks.

The conversation that took place between Mr. Corona virus and the students was eye opening as the students asked interesting questions such as “why are you so contagious”, “which age group is mostly your target?”, “do you also attack animals?” and “where were you born?” along with many others. Some students told the virus sternly to leave the world while some innocently chided it for invading Pakistan.  A girl valiantly wrote that she and her friends did not fear him because they are taking precautions”.

This unique idea of meeting the virus helped children learn the following things:

• Abbreviations and acronyms
• Contextual vocabulary
• Questioning words and their use
• Taking notes
• Writing an interview

The children recorded the responses given by Mr. Corona virus in their notebooks. They are asked to write an interview. For the next class, they desire to meet a doctor who is fighting corona virus out there. As for us, we are looking for a doctor who can take a live session with our students. Please recommend someone highly energetic and enthusiastic as our students are excited to interview a doctor.

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Not gold but only men can make
A nation great and strong;
Men who for truth and honor’s sake
Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly…
They build a nation’s pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.

Years back when Ralph Waldo Emerson was writing these lines, he surely had the youth on his mind. Many wise people stress on the significance of the right education and upbringing of youth for the progress and prosperity of any state.

Such a tender age, but so much emphasis is laid on the right education of these young creative minds that hold in their hands powers even unknown to them.

This Saturday, 1 st of February 2020, a group of 20 young and passionate professionals and students gathered at Badri High School with the purpose of providing guidance in choosing a career to the current batch of Class X, and their parents, at BHS. These professionals have themselves studied with financial assistance from Syedna Tahir Saifuddin Memorial Foundation, an organization which was established with the blessings and benedictions of Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin R.A, in March 1966, with a purpose of providing educational and medical relief to mumineen.

The career counseling session began with an introduction of STSMF, its objectives and procedures. Five speakers belonging to the major fields of Medical, Engineering, Business Education, Arts and architecture and Computer Science shared how and why they chose these fields. These speakers clearly shared the scope of every field along with the road map  one has to take if they wish to choose any of these as their potential career choice. The added advantage was the information about the degrees in every field, the institutions offering them and the criteria for admission.

Students and their parents were completely engrossed in the sessions. One could easily see spark in the eyes of Hatim Huzaifa, a student of Class X, when Computer Science was being discussed, while, during the presentation of the Engineering field, Asma, yet another student, was visibly interested.

As soon as the speaking session ended, a one-on-one counseling round began with students and their parents. 20 professionals from STSMF sat in different rooms. Students went to the room where the counselor from their
required field sat ready to answer any query they might have in mind. From admission criteria to scope of the field, from the course outline to project and field work, every question and ambiguity was cleared by the counselors.

Altogether, five rooms with three to four field related professionals in one room were set up. For instance, the room for medical fields had a MBBS, a physiotherapist and a pharmacist guiding the students who sought advice, while the engineering room had a civil engineer, a mechatronics engineer, an electrical engineer and a polymer engineer to attend to aspiring engineers.

Parents were equally motivated to talk to the counselors as they waited outside the rooms for the field of interest of their children.

This session proved to be a life changing experience for students and parents both as it revealed the hidden passion of students and equipped them with enough knowledge about the scope and demand of every field, so that now, when they step out of school, they know exactly what road to take and where to go.