Redefining Education – The Colombo School of Arts adopts educational models that ensure exam success

The Colombo School of Arts ( CSA) has developed a robust educational model to contribute towards making a positive impact on exam success. Speaking on this topic, the Principal of CSA , Ms Shaleeka Jayalath stated, “A lot of parents and educators are recognizing that what we are doing in traditional education is not working for kids. Therefore today’s schools must simultaneously adopt action- oriented instructional approaches that hone critical thinking skills and enable children to identify problems, seek out and evaluate relevant information and resources, and design and carry out plans for solving these problems. We need an approach aimed at getting students to take the initiative and responsibility for their own learning, and think analytically rather than memorize facts that will in turn enhance their thinking abilities and make them better thinkers and hence better performers”.

At CSA conceptual knowledge is put into practice at school through activities that empower children to use what they have learned. Student- centered learning methods are used that require students to work in groups to solve complex problems and manage projects on their own.

Ms. Jayalath explained that CSA had identified three “pillars” of success. “Pillar One: Our LEARNING COMMUNITIES work interdependently to advance student learning and academic performance for which we are collectively responsible and mutually accountable. Pillar Two: Our STUDENTS ARE ENGAGED in learning tasks and performance assessments that accurately measure learning and mastery of competency. Pillar Three: We foster a POSITIVE SCHOOL CULTURE AND CLIMATE that promotes respect, responsibility, ambition, and pride”, she stated.

Methods adopted to help students gain exam success are taught at every step for each subject . These include a student learning how best to survey, question, read, recite and review their subjects and exam questions as well as time management in answering and completing questions. They are also taught to develop good studying skills and habits and methods on how on best to organize their material and to outline and manage their exam paper, revision strategies as well as writing skills. Students are also taught learning skills on how to tackle the process of organizing and taking in new information, retaining information, and dealing with assessments as well as efficient note-taking.

Through this unique combination of relevant content, practical implementation, and student empowerment, children develop a body of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to succeed and thrive when they leave school.