 What captures one from the moment they enter the gates of Yoshida Shokanji Buddhist International School in Sapugaskanda is the soothing, safe environment, abundant with greenery and vast areas for children to make the maximum use of.
Likewise the school, which is completing its 10th anniversary on the 5th of January, follows the philosophy of its environment in an attempt to provide an ideal well-rounded learning space for its students as well as bridges the gaps in acquiring the English language.
Coming under the Yoshida Foundation which was established 30 years ago by Japanese Philanthropist Madam Yoshida who started a kindergarten (still in operation) in the premises, it was branched further into the Yoshida Shokanji School by Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero a decade ago.
The school which is situated right opposite the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery in Makola at present has grown to accommodate close to 500 girls and boys from Grade One to the A Levels, teaching both the local school curriculum as well as the Cambridge curriculum.
 "As we insist that our students be familiar with the local syllabus at first, it is mandatory for Grade One to Grade Five. From then onwards students can choose to follow the Cambridge syllabus or continue with the local," spoke Principal, Ranjini Fernando adding that the school was academically prepared to provide students with the best of resources and value-based learning.
The school which started with just the nursery now has a well equipped science laboratory, a spacious and comprehensive library and a computer laboratory which can accommodate 28 students in one sitting.
Moreover extra curricular activities such as Scouting, Girl Guiding and the Little Friends, along with a Science Club, Literary and Astronomy Society are open to students along with sports such as soccer, volleyball, netball, cricket, basketball and swimming - with an outdoor pool available at the premises.
 "While teaching we are dedicated to providing a place where a child's character development is looked to as well," spoke Ms Fernando saying that they insist that each class only holds 25 children so that each child can get maximum attention from highly qualified teachers.
The school boasts a 66.6% success rate for the local syllabus and an 80% success rate with the Cambridge. "This has become a popular school when it comes to preparing for Cambridge Esol exams  and the FCE as well. The BCE exam preparations will be open to students who have completed their schooling from this year as well," she said.
Charging a minimum amount as fees, the school mainly depends on contributions and donations by well wishers. "We wanted to provide an environment where a child would be able to derive the best English education, getting a chance to familiarize themselves with the language and thereby bridging the rich-poor gap that is present in society today," expounded Chairman of the school Ven. Banagala Thero adding that they also give out Scholarships.
 "And even though it is a Buddhist religious environment, students from all other religions are admitted and are taught their respective religions in the classroom as well," he continued saying that they had students who were Christians, Muslims and Hindus learning at Yoshida Shokanji.
Furthermore teacher training for the Cambridge level is done at the school as well. "We believe that a teacher is not someone who merely stands up in front of a class and drills out lessons but a person who can effectively impart knowledge to the learner," Ms Fernando said.
Parents and students have an opportunity to take a look at the school on January 8th, open house day, when anyone is welcome to walk in. For more details contact 011- 2401469 or 011- 2400632. |
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