Experiential learning, i.e. learning which involves all the senses is said to be the best form of learning. Purely didactic learning will not be effective unless accompanied by learning which takes place outside the class room. It is an educator’s role to organize and facilitate these experiences so that they lead to meaningful learning.

At Kumarans we organize field trips to provide for experiential learning. It involves the following activities:-

• identifying the site of visit and contacting resource people
• preparing students about the purpose of visit so that they can get maximum learning from it
• Evaluating students on this experience:

As part of the science and social science curriculum, field trips are organized to agricultural farms and industrial units to develop a greater understanding of concepts like cropping patterns, organic farming etc which they read about in books. The Bangalore Heritage walks are organized for classes VII and VIII to acquaint students with little known areas of pre-Independence Bangalore as well the newly developed areas. They enhance appreciation of the marvels of local architecture.

Field trips being a team activity develop values of co-operation and helpfulness, increase student interaction with the outside community and provide scope for learning through observation and application.

Excursions – Education at Kumarans aims at overall personality development so as to prepare students for the variety of roles they will play as a part of society. We arrange one day excursion for all classes and 3-day excursions for class X, as part of this ongoing process. These excursions are not only for students to visit different places, since they probably do this when they holiday with their families, but they also help students to learn to be independent and look after themselves and their possessions. When they go out together as a diverse group they learn the importance of adjustment, of sharing and caring, of making do with whatever is available. The practical skills required in every day life are brought out during excursions which also help in creating awareness of environment and ecology.

Through a union of formal schooling with informal experiences, Kumarans provides excellent conditions for total personality development.

Every old building in Bengaluru has a fascinating tale to tell. Comprehending the intricacies of our rich history, perceiving the events of time and appreciating the same is very gratifying and probably helps us to bring history alive. Captivated by the facts of history, the students’ interest is kindled to understand and care for their evergreen chronicles.

Where is Taramandalpet in Bengaluru ? Why were the mosquitoes of Srirangapatna a blessing in disguise for Bengaluru ? Students of Class VII and VIII answer these questions and many others when they explore this rich and inquisitive history of Kaluyanagara (Bengaluru) and understand the historical times and significance of the eras of Kempegowda and Tippu Sultan.

Students walk through the bustling streets of Kalasipalyam and Avenue Road i.e the Tippu’s Fort area and Pettah’s of Kempegowda respectively. The trip is woven with stories and facts of the life and times of Bengaluru. The students in their historical journey spot some very old buildings along Doddapetta ( Avenue Road) and Nagathpet. The old talkies, pathasalas, jutka stands are a few jaw-dropping sights for ‘generation next’.

Freedom in Mother Nature’s lap is very personal and experiential. The experience is raw and lasting and contributes to the holistic development of an individual. Adventure sport is a remarkable means to realize ones physical and psychological limits. An adventure sport certainly brings a young heart up close and personal with nature.

Since its inception, Woody Adventures Inc [www.woodyadventures.com], as associate partners of the school, has been sharing its experience and expertise. The chosen destination and the contents of the outing match the physical and psychological needs of the participant. Each year, a calendar of Outward Bound Activities is chalked out. Most of the expeditions are class-wise. One-day outings are between June and September and 12 days excursions are in October, while the 15 days summer vacations are in the snow clad mountains. December is for shorter camping trips and high adventure activities. With clear specifications of the outing and dates spelt out well in advance, the weekend holidays are time for adventure.

Soaring in a parasail, tending the kitchen fire, observing wildlife, fighting the chill nights and scorching afternoons, clearing the ground for the tent, scrambling boulders, handling adventure gears or organising the rucksacks - are tasks of great pride and privilege for the children. At the end of the day, for the students, it is discovering a whole new world of self. The wilderness initiates self-learning and self-improvement. Every step is a learning experience. Every experience adds to an almanac of learning. And all learning happening in nature is raw and powerful. After all nature is the best teacher.

The children of Sri Kumaran Children's Home are very enthusiastic about adventure. Outings run almost every weekend. Even the tiny tots of Class 1 have a unique 'outing'. Come March, they have an exciting time camping out in the school. The club has also produced national level sport climbers for three consecutive years. To encourage more youngsters to take up climbing, the school is planning to have its own artificial wall. The outings are too tempting. So, occasionally parents and grandparents do join us!

[The student’s participation in the outward-bound activity is subject to parent’s discretion.]

Firsthand experience of data collection, analysing, feeling the monstrosity of the environment degradation and sensitising the same is rewarding for nature club members. More gripping are sessions where members handle flora and live fauna under the guidance of reputed field experts.

Enthusiastic researchers from Indian Institute of Science and Agumbe Rain Forest Research Station have shared inputs with nature club members on heat islands, rain water harvesting, and lesser known amphibians.