Some Reflections on the ‘Creativity' Among the Secondary School Students : Case Study of a Kendriya Vidyalaya (School) in Delhi

The secondary education system in India functions through two broad levels; one the Public Sector and the other - Private Sector. Under the Public Sector, the Government schools are established and managed by the State whereas under the Private Sector, the Private Schools are owned and run by non-government groups and organizations. Private Schools can again be grouped into two sub-divisions – those which do not receive any government grants-in-aid and those which receive regular grants-in-aid and are also bound by grants-in-aid code. Kendriya Vidyalayas are government schools in which secondary school students along with routine curriculum learning are also engaged with various sorts of vocational activities known as SUPW i.e. Socially Useful Productive Work (students of Class IX onwards). Such activities include various creative learning engagements such as embroidery, knitting, cooking, painting, pottery, bamboo work, various other craftworks etc. through which students get a forum to show their inside talents and creativities. The idea of learning activities through different craft works or the value of work experience in education system was first discussed in the Kothari Commission (1964-66). Such activities which are based on Gandhian educational values also help in developing individual skills among the children. At the same time children also get to learn how to work in a team and engage in community activities with a practical outlook.  With the emphasis of National Policy on Education, 1986 on the promotion of creativity among school children, SUPW activities have got a new momentum. In this context my paper will reflect on some of the creative learning experiences of the students of a Kendriya Vidyalaya (school) in Delhi within the ‘learning by doing’ framework. The paper will also emphasize on teachers’ approach to involve students in these works from the lens of the school teachers of the mentioned school.