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EVERY CHILD CAN Riverside School's Design-Led Approach to Empower Children
Every CHILD CAN makes a compelling and inspiring case for taking a design-led approach to empowering and educating our children.
Founded by Kiran Bir Sethi, an alumnus of the National Institute of Design and an award-winning educator, the book shares the story of Riverside School, a uniquely innovative school that places the focus of developing a child’s agency and character at the heart of education.
THE ‘BOTH, AND’ MODEL
THE NEED
A recent study* demonstrated that whilst the current generation has the knowledge and awareness about global issues, they feel a lack of agency to act on their concern for the greater good. If any action taken, it is more by chance and not by design.
This gap is often the outcome of an either, or model of learning – where schools defer the importance of building a culture of empowerment amid the pressures of academic performance as a measure of success.
* Pisa data of 2018WHAT IF
there was an approach to learning that intentionally empowered all children with a deep belief that the purpose of education is to graduate young citizen leaders – with content AND character, passion AND compassion - the ‘both, and’ model.
BUILD A CULTURE OF SHARED I CAN VALUES.
BY DESIGN
INTRODUCING THE
I CAN SCHOOL
The I CAN School is set of training programmes created by RLC to move a school from an ‘Either, Or' to a 'BOTH, AND' model. Each programme is designed using a systems approach to intentionally cultivate the I CAN MINDSET in children.
RLC takes it's inspiration from The Riverside School, which has used the design thinking framework of Feel / Imagine / Do / Share™ to design processes and practices that are timetabled to build a culture of empowerment. These processes have been globally recognized and successfully implemented in schools across the world.
GLOBAL IMPACT
Since the inception of Riverside Learning Center, here is our collective global impact.
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01Countries
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1Schools
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1Leaders
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1Educators
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1LStudents
GET INSPIRED
We have curated a set of videos that highlight the processes and practices we follow to intentionally build the I Can mindset in every child. You can also visit our YouTube channel for more inspiration.
Current Happynings
The world of I CAN is more than you see in the Happynings. Click here to download our bimonthly newsletter and begin your I CAN journey.
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11th - 15th March - RLC had 21 government leaders from the Education Ministry of Bhutan for a 5-day Leadership Bootcamp on campus. The main idea was to give them an understanding of the 6 Pillars and get them to understand how a school culture is built and what are the factors involved in it. They had observations, conversations with stakeholders, masterclasses, and experiences to have an immersive experience and shift mindsets. They left excited, hopeful and ready to make shifts and tweaks in the system.
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19th - 20th Feb - Three leaders from Kikani School, Coimbatore recently embarked on a two-day immersion experience at RLC to observe and draw inspiration from the practices, people, and spaces. The immersion included in-depth classroom observations, engaging conversations with stakeholders, and a Koffee with Kiran.
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16th Feb - Anu Aga, Meher Pudumjee, and Lea Pudumjee recently visited Riverside School to gain insight into its pedagogical approach, observe its practices, and engage with various stakeholders.
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7th - 10th Feb, 2024 Over a span of four days, two RLC trainers conducted an audit and training session at DPS, Nashik, meticulously examining the school's implemented processes. Alongside this audit, the trainers focused on building the school's capacity by imparting training on additional processes, including making learning visible, first day first week, and student-led conferences.
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We are absolutely thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our CEO, Adithya Narayanan. Adithya started as a Teach For India fellow in Mumbai. Later, graduated with a Masters in Public Policy program from Harvard University. He brings experience from education, design, venture capital and entrepreneurship to Riverside Learning Center.
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22nd - 23rd Jan 2024 - In a bid to foster innovation and elevate educational practices, a team of five members from B.K. Birla School, Maharashtra visited RLC. The study tour unfolded a tapestry of observations, school tours, stakeholder conversations, workshops, and Congenials designed to challenge their thinking. With a primary focus on Key Stage 1 and 2, the team observed the intricacies of I CAN pedagogy, discovered novel implementation strategies, and fully immersed themselves in the educational landscape at Riverside.
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17th - 18th Jan 2024 - In collaboration with GCERT, a few members of the super 30 conducted intensive training for 100 Schools of Excellence. The process they were trained on by our master trainers included Board protocol, Conglom, Congenial, Tone Setting, Sparkplug, and Month-end celebration. Participants left with an actionable timetable, expressing excitement about the value of the shared processes. Anticipating positive impacts as these educators will implement the design led I CAN approach to education in their respective schools.
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15th - 18th Jan 2024 - Over the course of five days, two RLC trainers conducted a comprehensive audit at Alma Mater in Jodhpur, assessing all operational processes. The duo-team helped enhance Alma Mater's practices through constructive feedback and a detailed report.
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12th - 14th Jan 2024 - A delegation of four members from RLC made a three-day visit to Frogasia in Malaysia, engaging in an intensive consultation and brainstorming session focused on refining the I CAN Approach. During the session, the RLC team provided guidance and support to FrogAsia in mapping out and articulating their vision, values, programmatic stands, and implementing a structured six-pillar calendaring system.
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A group of five educational leaders from Bangalore embarked on a two-day study tour at RLC, seeking to delve into innovative practices and pedagogy of Riverside School. Inspired by Kiran Bir Sethi and the I CAN Approach, the delegation returned to Bangalore with enthusiasm and a wealth of inspiration. The experience aimed to foster a shared language and synergy within the team, propelling them towards implementing positive changes in their respective schools.
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In a quest for educational enrichment, 11 participants from Innovative International School (IIS) undertook a two-day study tour at Riverside Learning Center (RLC). The purpose was to gain insights into the practices at Riverside School and acquire valuable strategies to enhance the culture at IIS. The study tour included observations, school tours, engaging conversations with stakeholders, immersive workshops, and congenial sessions designed to challenge and broaden their perspectives.
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RLC hosted a comprehensive one-day session with GCERT Super 30 S.O.E. Principals, aimed at refining skills and equipping educators to serve as master trainers for the next 100 schools. This productive interaction focused on sharing effective strategies to tackle contextual challenges, fostering collaboration, and encouraging mutual support among participants.
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Twenty-five fellows and staff members from Teach for India recently engaged in a brief immersion programme involving classroom observations and discussions with Kiran. The primary goal was to seek inspiration and explore innovative strategies and practices to incorporate into their teaching methods. The session placed significant emphasis on the integration of content and character development. Overall, it proved to be an enriching and educational experience for the participants, offering valuable insights and learning opportunities.
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The recent 3-day training session at Riverside Learning Centre for Frobel Academy, Bangladesh, focused on revisiting key processes such as the Program of Inquiry and Zero period, while introducing new training modules on Surplus and Planning with Purpose. The training was a refreshing experience, with participants expressing enthusiasm for the innovative processes introduced. Interacting with teachers provided valuable insights, inspiring them to reevaluate and enhance their teaching practices.
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Encompassing a transformative three-day journey, the I CAN Experience: Study Tour at RLC brought together 16 enthusiastic participants hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds - Taiwan, Ecuador, Japan, Brazil, and India. This immersive experience showcased the unique I CAN approach, fostering rich interactions, observations, and meaningful conversations among the attendees, alongside engaging with both students and teachers. The experience left a lasting impact, leaving participants feeling not just inspired but also moved by the immense potential they discovered in shaping the future of education for their children.
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RLC trainers conducted a comprehensive process audit at Countryside International School in Surat, Gujarat, for the I CAN Enrich programme initiated in 2023. Witnessing the seamless integration of RLC processes benefiting over 1700 students, our trainers provided detailed feedback to teachers on further incorporating Touch Point 1 methodologies and onboarded them on new processes by training them on Teacher Driven Observation and Citizenship, as part of the Touch Point 2 training.
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Riverside Learning Center team recently undertook a comprehensive three-day audit at Delhi Public School (DPS), Varanasi, aimed at evaluating and providing feedback on the implemented RLC processes. From the 6th to the 8th of November, the RLC team conducted an onsite visit to assess the efficacy of the operational practices and procedures.
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We are thrilled to share that Riverside School is the Winner of the ‘World’s Best School Prizes 2023’ in Innovation. The award is a recognition of the dedication and innovation of the entire Riverside community. We believe in the power of education to transform lives and make the world a better place and are committed to continuing our journey of using innovative teaching methods and pedagogy to create empowered, compassionate, and creative global citizens.
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We have one more reason to celebrate! One more feather in the cap! Riverside School has triumphed in the 2023 Education World Awards, claiming top positions: No. 1 School in Ahmedabad, No. 1 School in Gujarat, and an impressive No. 5 School in India. We are also honoured with the prestigious title of International School of the Year, underscoring our global educational excellence. We CAN!!!
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A group of 23 dedicated educators and leaders from Vietnam visited Riverside on an enriching 3-day educational tour. The Edutour was packed with insightful experiences, observations, and stimulating conversations. "Koffee with Kiran" emerged as a vital CANversation that facilitated meaningful dialogues, enabling them to find the answers to their personal and professional questions as leaders. Their time at Riverside left them inspired, reaffirming their belief in the boundless potential to positively impact children's lives through education.
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During a one-day visit, 24 educators and leaders from Manav Sadhna immersed themselves in a fruitful exploration of effective classroom practices and strategies. The day included a school tour, insightful classroom observations, and engaging discussions with our school champion.
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A team of 12 school leaders revisited RLC for their second module on Empowering Teams not by chance, but by design.They have successfully implemented key practices learnt in Module 1 and shared their experiences. During module 2, the participants engaged in expert sessions identifying actionable change points. They also took a masterclass with Commander Mukul Rathi on the dynamics of leadership. The team left enriched to foster team cohesion and elevation.
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26 leaders of Akanksha Foundation from Pune, Navi Mumbai, and Mumbai embarked on a transformative 3 day Study Tour, immersing themselves in practices and processes of Riverside. The experience left them inspired and fuelled by the I CAN spirit.
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A cohort of 30 S.O.E. school principals showcased their ongoing efforts at Schools of Excellence in Gujarat with a dynamic month-end presentation at STTI - Secondary Teachers Training Institute, Gandhinagar. The event was exhilarating, highlighting numerous impactful RLC practices they have adopted. The most notable transformation was the remarkable increase in smiles among the participants, fostering a more responsive and connected team.
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MuSo recently engaged in Touchpoint 2 with RLC, during which a team of 4 members spent 3 days at Riverside. The objective was to enhance workshops and witness the children's creations. This visit resulted in clearer insights and actionable strategies to implement, enriched by interactions with students and observations at maker's space.
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Jordan, an Edupreneur from Israel, immersed in a 2 day visit at Riverside, keenly observing classrooms and engaging in insightful debriefs. She also had a meaningful CANversation with Kiran Sethi, delving into entrepreneurship, and observed meetings to grasp the backend processes shaping the school's ethos.
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Lead. by Design! RLC was happy to host 12 leaders from MGM, Aurangabad, and Anand Niketan, Ahmedabad, embarking on a 4-day Leadership Program at Riverside, marking the inception of their transformative journey focused on Self. During this immersive Module I, these visionary leaders embarked on a profound voyage of self-discovery, gaining keen insights into their unique attributes, strengths, and areas for growth.
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An esteemed 8 member team of Heads of Primary and Secondary School from DPS visited us again on their progressive round of immersion at Riverside. Over the course of two insightful days, the team engaged in profound classroom observation sessions, aimed at enhancing their grasp of design thinking processes and practices for integration into their own educational sessions. The immersion concluded with insightful debriefing sessions, fostering a holistic learning experience.
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A team of 18 educators from TVS School, Mumbai visited Riverside for a school tour to understand the systems approach Riverside inculcates in each and every process in the school. The educators were excited to have a CANversation with Kiran Bir Sethi and left encouraged to share and implement their learnings.
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An inspired group of 30 principals from Gujarat state Schools of Excellence were part of a five-day training at Riverside. Right from candid ice breaking sessions, rigorous design thinking workshops on processes, to CANversations with students, educators, champions and Kiran Sethi, they engaged with Riverside pedagogy to empower themselves as leaders and enable student agency and growth. See full video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7it7vZ7F9s
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A group of 10 educators from Somaiya School, Mumbai, visited us on a dynamic four-hour immersion at Riverside. Their engaging visit encompassed the invigorating I CAN challenge, a comprehensive school tour, insightful classroom observations, and enriching CANversations with our teachers. The team left thoroughly inspired by our daily practices, with a particular emphasis on the profound impact of relationship-building that permeates all facets of our processes.
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A team of four people from MuSo (Museum of Solutions), the Experiential Museum for Children, Mumbai, participated in an extensive 17 hours training to observe, experience and learn about the 5Es that builds our school culture, and HumanE framework to understand the facilitation strategies, and prototyping at Riverside. The team left inspired and gained valuable knowledge on innovative approaches and strategies for conducting their own workshops.
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Amrutvahini has a longstanding connection with Riverside School. A team of five members revisited Riverside to gain a deeper understanding of the school's processes and their practical applicability. They also explored the process and procedural aspects of AS and A levels in the Cambridge board during their visit.
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7-members from Akanksha Foundation visited Riverside School to explore its practices and vibrant culture. The inspiring experience left them enriched, sparking new ideas to implement within their own team.
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RLC team was excited to host 30 principals from State Council of Educational Research and Training, Delhi, for a two day immersion at Riverside school. The principals were heartened to observe our innovative approaches that combine content and character in every session, practice and process.
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A group of 10 members from Naranpura Cluster of Schools from Government of Gujarat experienced a school tour and engaged in a classroom observation. They also had a conversation to identify their specific needs and determine the most suitable processes and practices which can be adapted in their schools.
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5-member team from Kindity, Malaysia visited RLC. The 5-day immersion program included insightful discussions, observation of processes and practices and demonstrations. The experience enabled them to put together the pieces which they picked up during the training.
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A three member team from Kindity, Malaysia, immersed in a five-day training at Riverside School. They revisited Key Stage 1 processes and practices and were onboarded on the learning standards of Program of Inquiry, Logical Mathematical Thinking, and Language beacons to create their own.
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We are elated!!! Drum rolls...we are among the Top 10 shortlisted schools for World’s Best School Prizes for Innovation. Also, we are the only school from India in the Innovation category. Thank you to the Riverside community for making us achieve this big feat. Here is the link to our school profile showcased at World's Best School Prizes website: https://t4.education/prizes/worlds-best-school-prizes/home
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A team of 6 officials from the Ministry of Education, Bhutan visited Riverside for a day's immersion programme where they were taken on a school tour, followed by class observation and various innovative practices we follow at Riverside everyday. The day culminated with an engaging talk with Kiran. The Bhutan Ministry team showed keen interest in exploring ways for a long term collaboration.
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Ms. Hiral and Ms. Hetal trained a team of 11 participants at CIS, Surat. It was an extensive four day training on planning with purpose, sports programmes and buddy interaction processes developed by RLC. The educators were all set and enthusiastic to implement the processes in their school.
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“This is not a school, it’s Riverside where we can learn, share our experiences, and enjoy every moment” - Teacher, Ekayanna School, Indore A three day immersion was organised for six educators from Ekayanaa school, Indore. The educators took away different experiences of what Riverside is, and they descirbed the. in one word - joyous, energy, relevance, transparency, architecture, organised chaos, loyalty, honesty, belongingness, and acceptance between teachers, children and as a community.
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A coterie of 100 school principals from SCERT, Delhi, visited Riverside School for a one day immersion. The principals were curious to understand the balance Riverside creates between 'content' and 'character', and parent partnership. They observed our novel processes and practices culminating in the immersion with Koffee with Kiran and Deepa.
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It was our pleasure to welcome Hon'ble Education Minister Grace Grace and her team from Queensland. She was delighted to meet our students, teachers, support staff, champions and parents who gave her a quick yet insightful peep into the humanE culture and I CAN mindset that we are creating at Riverside every single day.
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The Kindity team visited us yet again with more members to get inspired and equipped to begin their own new venture in Malaysia. A five member team immersed in the best practices and processes undertaken at Riverside. The new members in the team were happily surprised by our students leading the school tours with confidence.
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It was an honour to have Andreas Schleicher visit Riverside and interact with the Leadership team and Teachers on 6th February 2023. He is the Director for Education and Skills, and Special Advisor on Education Policy to the Secretary-General at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris
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A power packed three day Edu-tour was conducted for 18 school leaders and teachers and a training for 5 master trainers from Vietnam. The group deep dived into Riverside school's processes, workshops, interactions, challenges and experiences to take with them the teacher's agency to empower their students with both 'Content' and 'Character'. We can't wait to see how this enables them to create an I CAN mindset.
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An empowering 5-day training session was conducted with school leaders and HoDs from DPS Nashik, Varanasi and Lava Nagpur. The goal was to facilitate them with effective tools to enable cultural transformation at their school.
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Dr. Vinod Rao, Secretary (Primary & Secondary Education), State of Gujarat, India
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RLC made it to the papers!!! 30 Master trainers trained for phonics programme from Andhra Pradesh State Council of Educational Research(APSCERT) at Kadapa
TESTIMONIALS ABOUT
THE RIVERSIDE SCHOOL & RLC
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“The world has much to learn from Riverside”
- Dr. Howard Gardner
Professor of Research and Cognition, HGSE -
“Riverside brings awareness and duty towards society. Secondly its action and implementation ”
- Jack Hsu
CEO, IVY Group -
“Thank you Riverside for bringing the hope of ‘I CAN’ to the world.”
- Yaacov Hecht
CEO, Education Cities -
“From a very young age, students at The Riverside School develop a deep sense of empathy and learn that they have the power to change the world around them.”
- Wendy Kopp
Founder/CEO, Teach for All. -
“An immersion for my team at Riverside has been instrumental in changing their mindset and has inspired them to drive change in my school.”
- Tehseen Zohair
Frobel, Bangladesh