Bhubaneswar: SAI International proudly announces the launch of the innovative SAI Gifted Programme, a groundbreaking initiative tailored exclusively for Grade VIII to XI students from both SAI International School and SAI International Residential School.
This pioneering program is part of SAI International’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional educational experiences and equipping students with critical 21st-century skills, particularly in Confidence Building, Leadership, Design Thinking and Product Design.
The SAI Gifted Programme features instructional teams from esteemed universities in the USA. This year, SAI International is privileged to welcome faculties from Alma College, Detroit’s University and Andrews University, USA to its campus. Their expertise will play a crucial role in imparting foundational skills essential for the holistic development of students. The Programme is conducted in collaboration with Michigan Collage Association, enhancing the quality and reach of SAI International’s educational offerings.
The first session of the SAI Gifted Program, started from August 5, 2024, it kicked off with an exciting Design Thinking workshop led by Professor Stephen Schock and Mrs. Gretchen Schock. from Detroit’s University, USA. The journey began with an introduction to the five phases of Design Thinking: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Over the next three days, students progressed from understanding their partner’s needs, brainstorming solutions, and prototyping, to receiving feedback, learning orthographic, and redesigning objects based on personal needs. Finally, they combined their designs with random images, presented their ideas, and engaged in a Q&A session with professors, culminating in an enriching experience that encouraged creativity, empathy, and innovation.
The CBSE, IBCP and Cambridge students from Classes IX and XI participated in the enriching Design Thinking workshop. Ishaan Mishra, a Cambridge curriculum student, had a enriching experience at the SAI Gifted Programme’s Design Thinking workshop. He shared that the programme provided him with invaluable insights, which he believes will be instrumental in his future academic pursuits. With aspirations to pursue research in physics and higher studies abroad, Ishaan is confident that the skills and knowledge gained from this programme will be a significant asset in his journey towards achieving his goals.
Adhyan Routray, another IBCP participant, exclaimed, ‘The SAI Gifted Programme’s Design Thinking workshop was a game-changer for me! I learned to approach problems from a user-centric perspective and developed innovative solutions. The hands-on experience and expert guidance from Professors Stephen and Gretchen Shock helped me unleash my creative potential. I’m now more confident in tackling complex challenges and can’t wait to apply these skills in my future endeavours.'”
Additionally, Class VIII students engaged in a Confidence Building Workshop with Mr. Jacob Keeley and Ms. Nayonika Singhaal from Alma College. This workshop focused on developing self-assurance and communication skills, providing students with tools to thrive academically and personally.
The young students had a great learning experience at the Confidence building workshop.
Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson of SAI International, shared, “The SAI Gifted Programme is a specialized initiative designed to nurture our students. It provides advanced educational opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and mentorship from global experts. We aim to cultivate intellectual curiosity, innovative thinking, and leadership skills, ensuring that our students receive the support they need to excel.”
