Ms. Sangeeta KainPrincipal of Welham Boys' School
Welham Boys’ School is a community that has created and set new standards in pastoral care laying the foundations for generations of boys to be in a safe, happy, integrated, and involved environment where they grow and perform to their potential.
Over the years, Welham Boys’ has been constantly evolving and adapting to the changing needs. The age-old saying that nothing ever changes and yet nothing is ever the same is especially true of this great institution. Welham Boys’ has created an environment down the chain where the school is open to looking at innovative ideas which is reflected in the character of the students as their horizons have been constantly expanded. These have in particular focused on developing the art of critical thinking, leadership, empathy, conflict resolution, and responsibility for one’s own actions- areas that we in Welham want to constantly encourage and nourish.
Our first and foremost step in this journey that we label as ‘education’ is to instill in our children the need to ask questions rather than just parrot answers. It has to be our constant endeavour to encourage our students and guide them towards the ‘why’, the ‘how’, the ‘what’, the ‘where’, the ‘when’, and to seek the innumerable other dimensions which they will then seek and start seeing. Only then, will they be able to enjoy real learning, and only then, will we be satisfied as educators. It is only a curious mind that will take humanity to the next level, and it is our duty in schools to encourage our students who come from diverse backgrounds to mould themselves into inquiring minds.
Boarding schools excel in providing the essential space, time, and environment for personal interactions, crucial for students' social, emotional, and behavioral development. Welham Boys’ not just prioritizes intellectual and professional growth, but we also understand the importance of emotional and social development. Today's generation, immersed in a digital world, faces challenges in controlling emotions, managing relationships, and standing up against cyberbullying. Unfortunately, many children handle these challenges alone. As responsible adults shaping future leaders, we must address this issue urgently. Despite technology connecting the world, tolerance and empathy are waning, replaced by intolerant attitudes. Sensitivity is essential, and insensitivity harms humanity's progress. At Welham Boys', we are dedicated to continuously exposing our students to diverse experiences and fostering empathy. Our aim is to help our students become valuable citizens of the world rather than just successful human beings, for a truly successful human being is one who does something of value for society, and that is the ultimate yardstick that defines his or her success. To think beyond the self is what we have to instill in our students.
Welham Boys' School stands apart from other institutions by pioneering pastoral care and fostering students who think, create, discover, and lead. While celebrating our illustrious legacy, we continuously strive to embrace the present and prepare for the future. We evolve our systems and pedagogy, always oriented towards growth, as we believe that stagnation means ceasing to live. Guided by this philosophy, we gently encourage our students to explore uncharted paths, leading the world beyond. Every Welhamite is groomed for this purpose. Each individual who enters through the Oliphant Gate and departs carries a lifelong responsibility on their shoulders, creating a lasting impact.
A school's excellence lies in its partnership with parents, as the responsibility is passed on like a relay baton. Pastoral care cannot replace parents but requires continuous effort in this enduring relationship. We trust that parents will support us to deliver our best. Together, we seek not only engineers, doctors, lawyers, and bureaucrats, but also environmentalists, educationists, philanthropists, scientists, philosophers, authors, and filmmakers—those who can create a significant change in the world we call home. Welham serves as a springboard to nurture these remarkable individuals consistently. If schools like Welham Boys' cannot achieve this, then who can? As Mahatma Gandhi said, 'True education encompasses the holistic development of body, mind, and spirit." With comprehensive education, we strive to propel the world 'From Strength to Strength.'
