“Man is a transitional being. He is not final. The step from man to Superman is the next approaching achievement in the earth evolution. It is inevitable because it is at once the intention of the inner spirit and the logic of natures process.” — Sri Aurobindo
Societies worldwide are currently part of an intricate, interwoven network that
encompasses technologies, cultures, languages, economics, politics, and more.
These global trends have a significant impact on the future of education, given that
schools operate within these complex ecosystems. While the world is becoming
more interconnected, it is also becoming more vulnerable. Amidst remarkable
technological and scientific progress, there is a noticeable presence of propaganda,
unrest, misinformation, and ethical challenges in various aspects of life. This
situation poses an existential challenge, as the Earth can no longer sustain everyone
at the current pace of consumption. A pervasive and intense sense of cynicism
regarding the future of humanity prevails in society.
On a profound level, we bear responsibility as both creators and pioneers shaping
our future. Our current actions play a pivotal role in defining what will exist on this
planet for generations to come. Therefore, how we educate the younger generation
today will significantly influence the way life unfolds in the future. Education holds a
paramount role in shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and culture. To forge a new future, it
is imperative to instil a new consciousness in our youth. This underscores the need
for future education to be centred around consciousness, fostering its growth.
The Integral School aims to provide an alternate model for teaching and learning that
will help evolve an education more in harmony with the needs and aspirations of
children of a new age.
This was indeed the basis of India’s traditional spiritual education and we feel that
the new age demands a return to a similar paradigm even more strongly and
urgently.
The Integral curriculum aims to shape a worldview founded on the fundamental
interconnectedness of life and the universe. Globally, modern science and traditional
philosophy are increasingly aligning with this shared understanding. Importantly, this
curriculum will not emerge from experts, so-called technologists, prominent
universities, or abstract learning theories/models. The emphasis lies in extracting the
curriculum from the heart of every child, tapping into their deep-seated interests and
curiosity. This characteristic sets Integral education apart significantly from other
learning models or theories.
The Integral School moves away from a predominantly fragmented approach to the
learning curriculum, replacing it with a more holistic perspective. The practice of
learning subjects and topics in isolation from a broader context often results in a
fragmented and disconnected understanding of life. This, in turn, shapes an
individuals overall response to life and society in a disjointed manner. If education
aims to cultivate an integrated and balanced social being, then the content of
education and schooling must embody a similar approach and philosophy. Integral
education places a strong emphasis on alternative assessment models, self-
assessment methods, and customized feedback.
The objectives of this educational philosophy are wide and profound. Not much work
has been done in this kind of education. What passes for progressive or alternate
education in this country is merely a repatterning of conventional, mainstream
education, with only superficial changes in teaching methodologies. This therefore
demands a serious appraisal of the role of educators, school leaders and the most
important stakeholders, the parents, all have to converge and come together to
make it possible and effective.
It is an education proper to the Indian soul and needs, temperament and culture that we are in quest of. The need of the hour is to focus once again on the true purpose of education and to build up the powers of the mind and spirit.