Education beyond books

India First
Foundation
School
When education goes beyond books,
Your child will read forests,
study meadows, fields and springs;
squirrels, cows, fishes will be his classmates
And a sky full of fluffy blue clouds will become his notebook.
When education goes beyond books,
you will find his best friends are
numbers, formulas and theorems.
Because they are not monsters hiding under the bed,
they are friends he plays with.
When education goes beyond books,
His heart will not shrivel up with fear and anxiety,
It will open up instead, brimming over with
enthusiasm and curiosity.
When education goes beyond books,
the world becomes his classroom
and learning becomes play.
A magical place
full of discovery, joy and celebration.
 Vision The Location

‘Quest for humaneness in human beings’ is our vision. Proximity to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune
At India First Foundation School, it’s our endeavour to nurture all around development of our students
Located at Karjat, India First Foundation school is at a convenient distance from these cities.
with humane values. To achieve this, we take inspiration from the following: It’s a 90-minute drive from Mumbai or Pune. If you are coming from Navi Mumbai, estimate around 60
• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the entire world as one family) minutes for the journey.
• Love Truth, Tolerance
• Live and let live Natural Beauty
• Learning to live together
Tucked away in the foothills of the Sahyadri Mountain, on the Murbad-Karjat road, surrounded by lush
green meadows, fields, streams and idyllic rural life.
‘Values are caught, not taught’. We believe that imparting values, pride in our heritage and strong
cultural grounding will allow our students to become confident Global Citizens who will rise to
Sprawling Size
eminence no matter where they are in the world.
Housed on a lavish 20-acre land, 5 acres are dedicated to the most advanced education and sports facilities
and amenities any parent could wish for in a residential school.
Mission
The other 15 acres belong to Mother Nature, with rolling pastures and a landscape dotted with fruit orchards,
vegetable patches, natural greenery and trees.
To create global citizens; strong, empowered minds who work towards all that is good towards oneself,
the society and the world.

Vision Mission
The School
The School
IFF is a co-ed residential school with a proposed ICSE (Indian School Certificate Examinations) affiliation.
English is the medium of instruction. The school starts from standard 1st – 9th with a natural progression
to standard 10th.
The school has adopted a dynamic and inspiring theme-based learning methodology. A unique approach
formulated in consultation with eminent educationists that strengthens ten core competencies in students
- Communication, Thinking, Scientific Temper, Creativity, Value Orientation, Patriotism, Aesthetics, Social
& Self Evolution, Organisational Skills & Environmental Awareness.
We believe that education should be learner-centered. Simply put, we don’t believe in offloading heaps
of knowledge, we believe in creating great learners. Our curriculum is designed to work with not only
teachers, but also with our students to instill these core competencies.
Participative Learning
This is encouraged through debates and discussions. Children’s imaginations are kindled
and they learn more on their own. The teacher takes care to involve every child in this process
of knowledge assimilation.
Holistic Learning
At IFF, the focus is on creating Global Citizens. We welcome learning that nurtures our
students physically, intellectually, aesthetically and spiritually. Students are encouraged to
take part in Yoga, Music, Dance, Art & Crafts, Sports, Social Service and Farming.
The Assessment System
Every child has an individual pace of learning. Our assessment methods are designed with
an eye on participation and motivation rather than evaluation or pressure. The student along
with the teacher set out goals at the beginning of the academic year as a team. At the end of
it, they again evaluate the accomplishments and weaknesses. The child compares himself to
the goals he wanted to achieve and his prior performance. Teachers individually also keep a
log of the student’s progress and weaknesses on a day-to-day basis which help them actively
check and correct problems.
Education beyond books
At IFF, we believe that learning should ‘inspire, explore and innovate’. That’s why we follow
many unique ways of teaching:
• Separate labs for Maths, Languages and Humanities.
• Use of digital multimedia boards and animations, live videos and interactive content
• Eminent speakers and academicians to make subjects involving through debates
and discussions.
Display Wall
At IFF, the emphasis on learning is same as that on teaching. To develop the sense of
enquiry and to raise the level of exposure, every classroom and laboratory is provided with
an interactive wall installation. These 3D collages consist of curriculum related information
in an interactive and exploratory format. These learning tools not only help imbibe the
understanding of subject matter but also inculcate lateral thinking.  The dynamic formats
of the display walls offer high intensity of interactivity in order to sustain interest, ease of
comprehension and inspire exploration and self indulgence. 
 World Standard Facilities
IFF Initiative
At IFF we try many creative ways to engage the children.
• Live entertainment events - could be a movie or a documentary or any other
performance purely for entertainment
• Field trips
• Birthday celebrations in ashrams, homes for the underprivileged
• Annual trips to places of cultural or historic interest
• Artist troupes visit to encourage their artistic & aesthetic sensibility
World Standard Facilities
Whether it is the security system we have installed or the nutrition management program that we follow,
we have ensured that every facility we offer is the best in class and most modern.
Dormitories
We know that our children are away from their comfort zone and families, so we try to make
the atmosphere as home-like as we possibly can.
• Cosy, happy warm décor
• Delightful bunk beds, not military cots
• Spacious study rooms complete with computers
• Recreation room with TV, music system and indoor games like carrom,
board games, etc
Nutrition
We believe that food makes a man and we therefore, try to give the students wholesome
vegetarian food that nourishes their body and mind.
• Own orchards and farms for fresh fruits & vegetables
• A Nutrition Counselor ensures balanced and wholesome nutrition
• Variety of cuisines from all around India and the world
• Regular breaks for milk, juices and fruits, etc.
Healthcare & Medical Facilities
Kids will be kids. Cuts, scrapes, bruises, aches – real and feigned – are part and parcel
of bringing them up.
At IFF we are prepared for all for this and more.
• Fully-equipped Medical Centre
• Resident doctor and staff nurse
• Provision for round-the-clock medical supervision Round the clock Security
• Ambulance 24/7 on premises for emergencies
• Routine health checks Safety and security is our utmost priority. The students are under the vigilant eyes of
• Panel of specialists the principal, the teaching staff, the administrative staff and wardens.

• Patrol Guards 24/7

• Extensive CCTV arrangement
Sports Facilities • Classrooms with camera for live feed for parents through internet
At IFF, we are serious about sports & physical activity and excellence. Our fitness trainers
and coaches are highly qualified professionals. Exceptionally gifted children will be
given focused attention and training so that their talent can find a National/International
platform.
• Playground/park for the younger children
• Olympic-sized football ground
• Separate track and field ground
• Separate cricket ground

The IFF Difference

• Lawn tennis court

Discovery Science Centre
• Separate Sports Clubhouse with indoor games like carrom, chess and table tennis. It
also has a badminton court, basketball area and a squash court. • Provides children a creative platform for research, innovation and experimentation to tackle
serious topics like energy conservation, ecology and environment, health & hygiene, food &
nutrition, boosting crop yields, water management, etc.
The Library • Plays a crucial role in spotting children who have an interest towards
At India First Foundation, we have built a library that will be our pride. It will work as a Science & Technology early in life.
resource centre for both students and teachers and this knowledge house will soon be
the hub of more and more school activities.
• Extensive collection of books, periodicals and multimedia reading material
• Considerable annual investment to add to the collection

The IFF Difference


Information and Communication Technology Interventions
• Offers a new blended learning experience which is beyond the conventional computer labs.
• Connectivity through VSAT link facilitates supplementary tutorials for board exams, various
competitive exams and entrance tests for engineering/medicine.
Grandparent’s Visits
Children can have their grandparents come and stay for a week once in a year.
• This helps them learn the core Indian value of respecting elders.
• Children learn values, rituals and customs from the elders themselves.
• This interaction also benefits kids who may not have the company of their grandparents.
Global Village
‘Creating global citizens’ is an idea that is dear to us. And Global Village is a testament
to this.
• A giant amphitheatre with seating for up to 500 people to witness performances from
artistes and artisans from all over.
• Helps open up our students’ minds to the vivid richness and diversity that lies in arts and • Have rotational duty to assist the school Doctor during his rounds in neighbouring villages
culture of India and the world.
Hall of Fame
We want our children to aspire for greater heights. This space, we hope, will provide
the inspiration.
• Will display portraits and information on the great leaders from India and around the world.
• A part of the wall is reserved for outstanding students from IFF.
Farming
Children are encouraged to spend maximum time with Mother Nature. We want them to
breathe fresh air, enjoy physical activity, feel the earth and experience the beauty of life
growing under their loving care.
• Students can have their own vegetable patches and fruit trees in the acres and acres of
good farm land in IFF.
• Students actually have their own trees as pets; they name them, nurture them and take
active part in its growth and development.
Community Service Initiatives
Children at IFF know that community service does not start and end with collecting donations.
• Students help neighbouring farmers and poor people
• Participate in village development programs
• Visit ashrams or homes for the underprivileged
Labs for Language/Math/ Humanities Interaction with Family
Education goes beyond books. That’s why we have many unique features that not only aid A well-balanced child needs the love and security that only family can give him. At IFF,
theoretical learning, but also engage the students. students can speak to parents on telephone every fortnight and stay with them every month
• Separate labs for maths, language and humanities. for a weekend. Parents are also welcome to visit their children with prior approval of the
• Audio-visual aids and innovative teaching methods to bring alive subjects. school principal.
• Periodic interactions with renowned personalities and professionals from respective fields
to enhance the child’s learning, involvement and appreciation.
The Faculty
Any school is only as good as its teachers. Our faculty is our pride. We have a team of very
Celebrations
highly qualified teaching staff with rich experience.
Every festival of every religion is celebrated with equal joy and merriment. Students put up
displays which are full of knowledge about the festival.
Birthdays are celebrated fortnightly with a cake made by the school chefs. Birthday kids
visit ashrams, orphanages or old age homes monthly, to share goodies and bring joy and
cheer to the underprivileged people.

Field Trips
The school organizes at least two annual field trips. There is a short one to a farm or a factory
which is aimed at fostering observation and learning. There could be a longer trip to a state
where we try to include as many places of historic interest that we can which is related in
some way to the curriculum.
The Mentor
The Mentor

Dr. Vijayam Ravi (Phd-Education) CMD, Academy for Global Managing Trustee
Education Services Pisupati Subrahmanyam
Retired as Chief Secretary to the Government of
Maharashtra
(MA, Msc, LLB, retired IAS)
Dr. Vijayam Ravi is not just an academician but also an educationist. She has more than Ex-Chairman of the Maharashtra Electricity
30 years of experience in the field of education as an institution builder and a motivator of Regulatory Commission
students, teachers, parents and professionals.

Her major accomplishment was during her tenure as Principal of the Singhania School and as
(FNA, FASc, FNASC, FTWAS)
the Director of Education for the Raymonds Group. It was during this time that she pioneered Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad,
Dr Seyed Hasnain
the global curriculum development and created a ‘single text book’ that revolutionized the Member of the Prime Minister’s Scientific
(Padmashree) Advisory Council
proverbial burden of school bag.

She has won several awards at the national and international level and also written text
books in Chemistry and published and presented many papers. Currently Dr. Vijayam Ravi is
a Chairman & Managing Director of Academy for Global Education Services Pvt. Ltd. Tax consultant of repute
Shri Velji K Mange One of the spearheads involved in the creation
of the India First Foundation School

Board of Trustees & Governance

Industrialist, Chairperson and MD, Satellite
Promoted by the Bhanushali Family, IFF is a registered Trust dedicated to promote Mrs Kalpana Pankaj Shah Group of Companies,
a meaningful and radical transformation in the field of education and teaching. The carefully Founder – The Tao Art Foundation
constituted Board of Trustees has eminent and highly acclaimed educationists and other
illustrious members of the society.
M.Sc. (Chemistry) Industrialist
The Board of Trustees has appointed the Board of governors under the chairmanship of Shri L.K. Bhanushali
Director of Devcon Group of Companies
Shri Jayesh Patel, for the administration and academic activities of the school.

Industrialist, Chairman & Managing Director,

World renowned expert in Special Education and Shri Arvind k. Bhanushali YASHRAJ group of Companies
Disability Management.
Dr. M.N.G. Mani
Has served as consultant to UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP
(PhD-Education)
and WHO Director of Chartered Finance Management Ltd,
Shri Om Porwal
Secretary General - International Council for Education (FCA) A Public Representative Director on the board
of People with Visual Impairment. of OTCEI

Founder Trustee – Manav Sadhna Dr. G. S. Rautela Director General – National Council of Science
Msc (Physics) Musuems
Shri Jayesh Patel Deputy Director – Environmental Sanitation Institute
Trustee – Prayog Trust and YUVA - Unstoppable
Dr. A. K. Sen Gupta
Master of Architecture – Centre for Minimum Cost Housing, Director – SIES School of Management
(PhD)
McGill University,   Montreal

Proprietor – Footprints E.A.R.T.H. (Environment, Architecture,

Research, Technology, Housing) MA (English)
Mr Yatin Pandya Lt Col (Retd) A Sekhar MSc (Organic Chemistry)
Design Director – KSA Design Planning Services, Ahmedabad B.Ed (Indian Army Service Course)

Associate Director – Vastu-Shilpa Foundation for Studies and

Research in Environmental Design
 India First
Foundation
School

First Foundation School, Near Kadav, Karjat Murbad Road, Karjat, Maharashtra.
Mob: 0091-98921 80808, 98925 30303 Tel: 0214-824 6013 E-mail: info@ffschool.org
SMS ‘FFS’ to 567 678 or Visit us at: www.ffschool.org