At a time when government schools across the State are struggling to survive due to poor enrolment of students, a corporation school at Bheema Nagar in the city has set an example in student enrolment.
The Corporation Middle School has so far enrolled 128 students for the current academic year, thereby taking its strength to 380.
The school, which was started in 1925, had a good strength in the formative period. It witnessed an upward trend till 1990s. It had a maximum strength of 450 students in early 90s. The strength started dwindling since then, particularly after 2000.
Thanks to dedicated teachers led by Headmistress D. Raja Rajeswari, the school has made a turnaround. The strength has gone up to 380 from 44 in 2014-15 and 56 in 2015-16. It was 259 in 2018-19.
Introduction of various facilities and creation of infrastructure on par with private schools are said to be its secret of success. Besides smart classes, it conducts online classes. Frequent interaction between parents and teachers, special coaching classes in abacus, chess, karate, silambattam and others are said to have added image about the school among the people. It boasts of a library and offers special course in spoken English.
Teachers recall the steps taken to improve the facilities four years ago by contributing themselves. Entry to the school was given a fresh look. Besides the headmistress room and primary section, the main hall, where smart classroom is established, changes were made to beautify the look with shining tiles, refurbished furniture and curtains. A projector was established to beam characters and pictures with simple explanation for students, mostly from poor economic background. Since then, the school gets new facilities slowly and steadily every year. The Tiruchi Corporation is constructing a new block with four class rooms at a cost of ₹ 70 lakh.
“We found it difficult initially to convince parents to send their wards to the school. We took a number of steps to improve the results and overall ambiance. Now, the goodwill of the school automatically brings students,” says Ms. Raja Rajeswari.