NEWS & EVENTS
Nine girls from Pre-SC, visited the India Art Fair, Craft Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in New Delhi from February 7th to 9th, 2025. The India Art Fair, a leading platform for modern and contemporary South Asian art, showcased a diverse range of artworks from established and emerging artists. The girls' visit to the India Art Fair, Craft Museum and NGMA provided them with a valuable opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of art.
A group of 18 Math whiz kids participated in the 11th edition of the Math Infinity Challenge, hosted by Aditya Birla World Academy in Mumbai from 9th to 11th January, 2025. With over 1800 participants, our team secured top positions. Here is the tally of the achievements:
Team:
• Advanced Category: Shaurya Agarwal, Bhumee Agarwal and Yashvi Agarwal secured a position in the top 30%, becoming one of only 13 teams out of 450 to win a trophy.
• Senior Category: Kreeti Dhanuka, Ananta Agarwal and Lakshita Malpani also secured a place in the top 30%.
Individual:
• Yashvi Agarwal received a Gold Certificate for ranking in the top 10%.
• Bhumee Agarwal and Vaishnavi Agarwal received a Bronze Certificate for ranking in the top 20%.
• Pratishta Agarwal, Yashita Jain, and Kreeti Dhanuka received a Merit Certificate for ranking in the top 25%.
• Ananta Agarwal and Lakshita Malpani received a Bronze Certificate for ranking in the top 20%.
Eleven students of Class XI participated in the WLSA online CCLP mini-INDABA where they collaborated with peers from prestigious institutions worldwide. The sessions explored concepts such as the shifting world order, modern leadership, technological breakthroughs, and global conflicts. Participants analysed ‘Beyond the Waterline’ and deliberated on power dynamics, governance gaps, and economic instability, promoting analytical thinking and cross-cultural dialogue.
A group of 26 bird enthusiasts from grades 6 to 9, participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count on 12th February, a global event where campuses come together to document bird species. As many as 28 species of birds were sighted, showcasing the rich avian diversity present within the school campus. The students spotted the Ashy Drongo, Lesser Yellow Nape Woodpecker, White Throated Fantail, Greater Coucal, Humes Wabbler, Brown Headed Barbet, Rufous Treepie, Maroon Oriole, Oriental Magpie Robin, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, Tiaga Flycatcher, Grey Headed Cranary Flycatcher, Hair-crested Drongo, Common Tailor Bird, Blue Whistling Thrush, Red whiskered Bulbul, Himalayan Bulbul, Alexandrian Parakeet, and the White Wagtail, to name a few. Beyond the birdwatching experience, students also learned about bird conservation, migration patterns, and the significance of citizen science initiatives like the Great Backyard Bird Count.
Five students - Nirja Karnani, Devanshi Agarwal, Riyana Chopra, Esther Thongam and Arshia Aneja, along with mentor teacher Mrs. Vanshree Scott registered for the Wipro Earthian Sustainability and Waste program, an initiative of The Nature Science Initiative (NSI). The team curated and launched the Eco-Tadpole: Sustainability & Waste Campaign - A Zero Waste Campus Initiative. The students launched several initiatives such as EcoEarth– A Vermicomposting initiative; Welmush: Cultivation of Oyster Mushrooms in waste Coconut shells; Floresco: Sustainable and Edible Skin Care Products; EcoScribe: Paper Recycling Initiative; Vastra Ajasra: The Upcycling initiative aimed to repurpose and reinvent innovative items out of textile waste; to name a few. Around 350 students from grade 6 to 11 engaged in surveys and analysis of areas in school where waste is generated and implemented waste management practices and innovative strategies. The Welham school team won the 2024 Wipro Earthian Regional Award out of more than 50 schools from across Uttarakhand. Kudos to every Welhamite and teachers who were part of the Eco-Tadpole Zero Waste Campaign!
Six students participated in the RS Zoom Postcard event from RBIS International School in Thailand on February 5, 2025. The theme of the event, "Creative Chaos: How Hobbies and Passions Shape Who We Are," provided a platform for students to discuss how their hobbies and passions influence their lives. The students engaged in a fun Kahoot game about hobbies and were particularly active during the discussion, offering insightful contributions.
Three students had the distinct honor of meeting HRH Prince Edward, Chairman, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (known as the International Award for Young People (IAYP) in India) at The British School, New Delhi, on 3rd February. HRH Prince Edward met students and representatives of IAYP member schools from across India. The students were delighted to engage with him and his humility and keen interest left a lasting impression on all present. At Welham Girls’ School, the award was introduced under the leadership of former Principal Ms. Saroj Srivastava. Since then, 477 students have earned the prestigious Gold Award, a testament to the school’s commitment to holistic education and experiential learning.
Jheel Rathore of Grade VII represented Uttarakhand at the recently concluded 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand. At just 12 years old, Jheel made an impressive mark as the youngest participant in the national games, setting an inspiring example for her peers. Over 132 athletes from different state teams across India showcased their skills and sportsmanship. Way to go, Jheel! Your school community is incredibly proud of you!
The school celebrated Ms Grace Mary Linnell's birthday, the school birthday and Investiture of New Captain body on 1st February. The festive day was filled with fun activities and games in the morning followed by the Investiture Ceremony . The evening ceremony was solemn and an emotional moment as the incoming captain body took oath and the outgoing Captains transferred their blazers, signifying the change of leadership. Dr Pankaj Kumar Pandey, IAS, and currently Secretary Public Works Department and Labour graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The Principal, Mrs Vibha Kapoor, in her address said that the school was celebrating not just the Founder Principal but every single student who passes out of the portals of Welham Girls’ School. She said she was confident the new captains will carry out their responsibilities with integrity, be the voices of the students and work in harmony with the staff in achieving greater goals. The evening concluded with the traditional candle-lighting ceremony where the outgoing and incoming SC class lit the candles and walked hand-in-hand as the auditorium echoed with the chorus of Carry Your Candle (go light the world).
Our students have done it again! Eleven students participated in WLSA’s Cross Cultural Leadership Programme and performed remarkably well in the Capstone Project, earning us the coveted ‘School of the Year’ award in the second year running.
Naija Mehra Anukriti Dhandania, Sanvi Agrawal, Aarisha Jain, and Syna Gupta were all awarded Distinctions while Shanaya Agarwal, Riddhi Naithani, Tvisha Mahajan, Vanshi Agarwal, Vidya Jhamb and Sia Nagpal were ‘Highly Commended’. In the words of Owen Moelwyn-Hughes (WLSA’s Director of Global Student Affairs): “Notably, Welham Girls School stands as the only institution where all participants submitted projects, and their quality was consistently excellent. Throughout the online CCLP events, your students have displayed impressive engagement and articulated their perspectives with informed insight, vigour, and clarity. The contribution of your students to the online conference on AI entitled ‘Leading in the age of Spatial Computing’ was first rate - and especially some of the follow-on competition essays which delved into AI and ethics.”
The CCLP Course and the Global Students Conference together have included participation from schools such as Groton (US); and Marlborough (UK); WBHS, WGHS and St Benedict (RSA), and WSA (China).
Six students attended the RS Zoom Postcard hosted by Palmer Trinity School in USA on the theme "Global Perspectives on University Admission". The session was addressed by the senior associate director of admissions at Duke University. The event was aimed to understand the university admissions of the participating countries. There were around 170 participants from 29 schools in 9 countries (Armenia, China, Germany, Ghana, India, Namibia, Pakistan, South Africa, UAE and USA).
Eleven students of Class XI participated in an online introductory meet by World Leading School’ Association's (WLSA) Cross Cultural Leadership Program (CCLP) on 27th January. The students were apprised about the agenda for the coming session. They discussed the importance of developing 21st-century skills like critical thinking and negotiation to navigate the complexities of our world and highlighted the need for global awareness, cross-cultural dialogue, and critical thinking to understand conflicts, governance, sustainability, and influence of AI in our lives.
Three students – Aaliya Gupta, Shanvi Mittal, Tehzeeb Sullar - participated in the prestigious Teen Chef Cooking Competition hosted by Heritage Girls' School, Udaipur. Our students showcased exceptional culinary skills and brought laurels to the school by excelling in their respective categories. In the Dessert Category, Aaliya Gupta secured the First Position and was awarded a cash prize of ?15,000. In the Snacks Category, Tehzeeb Sullar achieved the Second Position. Shanvi Mittal emerged as the star of the competition by securing the First Position in the Snacks Category and also winning the Overall First Position, earning her the Golden Chef's Coat and a cash prize of ?15,000. Raising a toast to the young chefs!
On the crisp winter morning of the 26th, the students and staff of WGS gathered to unfurl the Indian flag and celebrate the 76th Republic Day. Aahana Gupta of Class XI addressed
the students and urged them to be active participants and stakeholders in shaping India’s future. The Principal, Mrs Vibha Kapoor, also addressed the staff and students, and stressed on the democratic rights that our constitution extends to every citizen. Drawing a parallel, she said that Welham was a microcosm and all the rules of governance followed in school were to ensure that every student enjoys equal opportunities and privileges. The celebrations concluded with the entire school enjoying ladoos!
Two projects designed by the students of Class IX were selected for presentation at Young Creators League (YCL), a technology challenge. The first project ‘Dual Axis Solar Tracker’ was created by Richelle Bindal and Araina Gupta. This tracker follows the sun in all directions using two servo motors, allowing it to rotate 360 degrees for maximum solar energy capture. The second project ‘Smart Traffic Management’ was designed by Siddhika Agarwal and Aadya Agrawal. This system uses smart technology to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, making it easier to get around the city. The jury praised the students' projects for their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Arshia Aneja of class 9, and Birding Club In-charge, conducted a session 'Feathered Friends' for students of Class 6 and 7 on 23rd and 24th of January. The session covered local bird species, especially the ones found on campus, their behavior and significance. Students learnt how to become avid birdwatchers as they were curious to learn about the avian visitors and migratory birds who visit the campus during February.
A student well-being workshop was conducted for middle and senior school students on the 25th and 26th of January which focused on the holistic well-being of the students, addressing their mental, emotional and social health. It covered crucial topics such as puberty, managing emotions, building self-confidence and fostering healthy peer relationships. The age-appropriate sessions were designed to help students understand and navigate the changes and challenges specific to their developmental stages, ensuring they feel supported and informed.
Dr. Nalanda Pandey and Ms. Gitanjali Bhatia, staff members, conducted a two-day workshop on Cognitive Walkthrough for Creating Quality Questions on 17th and 18th of January, 2025 for the academic staff. Dr. Pandey and Ms. Bhatia attended a workshop for educators on Educational Measurement and Question Development in Hyderabad, organized by CISCE, and shared the key takeaway from the Hyderabad workshop: Cognitive Walkthrough. The workshop highlighted the importance of collaboration, reflection, and metacognition—thinking about and improving one’s own cognitive processes. It was a shared journey of learning, where teachers critically analyzed their methods and honed their question-creation strategies.
We are excited to share that Ms. Ritika Uniyal, teacher of Psychology at WGS, has successfully completed her Ph.D. Viva Voce Examination in Psychology. As a clinical psychologist, she specializes in behavioural addiction and her doctoral dissertation is based on Smartphone “Addiction” Controversies and Challenges.
Ms Sohini Bandopadhyay, Kathak teacher, performed at the Mukteshwar Dance Festival, one of India’s most celebrated five-day-long festivals held in Bhubaneswar. The festival was organised by the Sangeet Natak Academy. Ms Bandopadhyay's performance received wonderful appreciation.
Griva Bhalani of Class VIII secured a Gold Medal in Kumite at the 19th ISKU International Karate Cup-2024 event held on 28th & 29th December. She also scored two Silver medals in the Individual Kata and Individual Kumite (- 57 Kg) in 14 to 15 age category in the 19th ISKU Interschool Gujrat Karate Championship. Way to go champ!
Pari Bhandari, Amaira Gambhir and Griva Bhalani have each won a Gold Medal at the 4th North India Karate Championship- 2024 held on 12th December in New Delhi. They were among 200 participants to have secured the Gold. The students have now been selected for the Inter Zone Karate Championship.
Fifteen Karate students participated in the 4th Uttarakhand Karate Championship- 2024 held in December. The team won 7 Gold, 3 Silver and 9 Bronze medals. Three students have been selected to participate in the U-14 All India Karate Championship while seven have been selected for North Zone Karate Championship.
Jheel Rathore of Class VII has been selected to represent Uttarakhand in Women's Category in Squash for the forthcoming National Games to be held at the end of this month in Uttarakhand. She attended a Squash Camp at IIT, Roorkee for training and selection trials. The camp was orgainsed by the Uttaranchal Squash Rackets Association from 27th December, 2024 to 10th January, 2025.
Mrs Vibha Kapoor attended a three-day Education Leadership Retreat jointly organised by EducationWorld and Boarding School’ Association of India (BSAI) and hosted by the Sunbeam School, Varanasi from 21st-23rd December, 2024. Mrs Kapoor participated in a discussion on ‘Building a Stronger Workforce: Bridging the gap between Teacher Training and Classroom Reality’ and shared the platform with eminent educationists from across the country. Talking about the Teacher-Training Programmes, Mrs Kapoor shared that there is a huge disconnect between the programmes and actual classroom implementation and stressed on a need for a complete overhaul. She said the programmes still focus on theoretical learning whereas classrooms today are focusing on experiential learning. She also said that Trainers are removed from classroom reality and that they must go to classroom teaching on rotation.
Eight students of Class XI visited Elaraki International School, Marrakech, Morocco for a 10-day student exchange programme. The students had the incredible opportunity to attend classes with their peers, participate in after-class art activities, visit a primary school in the Atlas Mountains, stay with welcoming host families, and explore beautiful cities and UNESCO heritage sites like Casablanca, Marrakesh, Dades Valley and Merzouga. The highlight of the trip was a memorable trip to the Sahara Desert! The students also made class presentations and spoke about India and its culture. The best takeaway from the trip, according to the students, was the warmth and hospitality extended by the Moroccans and their deep love for all things India! By interacting with students of another country, students returned with a better understanding of unity, tolerance, and brotherhood.
Six students of Class XI attended the RS Service Project organised by VDJS School, Jaipur and offered students an enriching experience through service activities, cultural engagement, and social interactions. The students had the opportunity to visit T.T. Eminent Girls College and meet Ms. Chavi Rajawat, a social activist. Students engaged in meaningful work such as painting bathroom walls, cleaning the campus, planting saplings, and constructing a washroom pavement. They also interacted with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Malpura Village, discussing rural development.