KOCHI: When government schools struggle to get a 100 per cent success rate for students in their crucial X and XII exams, a school for hearing impaired is achieving this feat consistently, year after year.
The St Clare Oral Higher Secondary School for Deaf situated in Manickamangalam, Kalady, a government-aided residential school, created the record this year too.
The school was founded by Sr Infant Teresa, the eldest sister of former senior Congress leader and former Defence Minister A K Antony.
The objective of the institution is to give confidence to the students about their abilities, said Sr Phincita, headmistress of the school. This year, three students bagged full A+ in the SSLC and HSE exams. Having a legacy of 25 years in education, the school toils to increase the capability of students both in curricular and co-curricular activities, and groom them to become the best.
“The students learn their subjects using signs. Fifteen per cent of parents of the 245 students in the school are also hearing challenged. Parents and teachers play a vital role in carving the future of the students both physically and mentally,” said Sr Phincita.
The school also has a few alumni who have become famous for their achievements. Krishnanunnni Sivan who entered the Guinness Book of Records at the age of 11 for driving different vehicles ranging from a bike to a JCB.
“We mould our students in various platforms like sports, music, work experience and encourage them depending on their abilities. Our school has always been on top in the overall category of Kerala Special School Work Experience Fair for the past 10 years,” said Sr Abhaya Francis, school principal.
The teachers provide individual attention to the slow learners after class hours to ensure they are not left behind. On completion of their schooling, most of the students join National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) in the state capital to pursue higher studies.