Witton International School and Guidance International School add ‘Abacus’ and ‘Mental Math’ to curriculum

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Witton International School and Guidance International School have set a new precedent in the education field of the country. To develop students’ mathematical skills and brains beyond traditional memorization, the two institutions have incorporated ‘Abacus’ and ‘Mental Math’ (Mansank) methods into their core curriculum, a first among both English and Bengali medium schools. The program has been introduced from nursery to class V, which is seen by stakeholders as a major change in the country’s primary level mathematics education.

Today, mathematics is considered as one of the means of intellectual development of the child, not just as a subject in the examination papers. In particular, the role of mathematics is immense in developing the ability to reason and solve immediate problems. Keeping this reality in mind, the two institutes have created an educational structure that gives equal importance to students’ practical skills along with textbooks.

Although the abacus is originally an ancient calculation tool, it is recognized in modern pedagogy as one of the tools for brain development. As a result of regular practice of this method, children’s concentration, memory and observation power increase several times. On the other hand, calculus or the ability to perform mental calculations instills confidence in students and removes fear of mathematics.

It is said that the program is designed in such a way that children can master every step of the game. It ensures the integrated use of both the left and right sides of the brain, which helps in the overall intellectual development of the child.

In Bangladesh, students generally have to rely on various private coaching or specialized institutes to learn abacus and mental math. As it costs the parents extra money, it also creates extra stress on the students. This initiative by Witton and Guidance International has bridged that gap.

Witton and Guidance students will receive this international standard training as part of regular classes. As a result no additional coaching or going to a separate center will be required. It ensures a consistent and cohesive learning environment for students as well as being relaxing for parents.

Jannatul Ferdous, a parent of Witton International School, said about this new curriculum, “Earlier we used to think of teaching abacus to our children from some other institution. Now that the school has that opportunity, the additional pressure on the children is reduced and we are also relaxed. He added, “My child can calculate much faster now and his interest in mathematics has increased manifold than before.”

Witton International School Principal Dr. Abdullah Zaman said, ‘We believe that mathematics is not just about memorizing some formulas; Rather, it creates the power to think. Abacus and compass play a big role in developing that thinking power. Our aim is to create a generation who will not only do well in exams but will also be competent to face the challenges of real life.’

Although abacus education has long been popular in developed countries around the world, it is not commonly found in the mainstream school curriculum in Bangladesh. This decision of Witton and Guidance has also created a new standard for other educational institutions of the country. According to stakeholders, the future of education will be skill-based. In that judgment, this initiative is being considered as a far-sighted and timely decision. This new initiative takes the two schools a step further in their mission of nurturing students through a combination of modern technology and moral education.

Witton & Guidance International School provides students with a strong educational foundation by following an international standard curriculum. The teaching method here is not just textbooks; Rather research-based, analytical and skill-oriented. Specially designed classrooms and teaching methods are followed to develop critical thinking, complex problem-solving, communication skills and leadership qualities in students.

Each student of both institutions is given separate importance and guidance is given according to their learning speed and ability. Student development is ensured through small classrooms, regular assessment, performance monitoring and individual feedback. As a result, students not only perform well in exams, but also gain skills needed for real life.

According to the people concerned, the biggest feature of Witton and Guidance International School is that it combines modern education with a strong and well-organized Islamic education system. In these institutions, Islamic education is presented not only as a subject, but as a complete way of life.

Islamic education is very effectively incorporated to inculcate honesty, discipline, responsibility, respect and human values ​​in the students from childhood. As a result students acquire modern knowledge on one hand, on the other hand they also become morally and spiritually enriched.

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One of the special additions of these two institutions is the Hifzul Quran program. Through a well-planned curriculum, emphasis is placed on students memorizing the Holy Quran as well as understanding correct pronunciation, rules and meanings.

This program is designed in such a way that the students can complete the memorization of the Holy Quran along with their regular studies. This significantly improves their time management, attention, memory and mental discipline. Studies have shown that students who memorize the Holy Qur’an have stronger memory and intellectual skills than ordinary students, which also has a positive effect on their academic results.

Another important part of Islamic education is Arabic language learning. Arabic language education is taken very seriously at Witton and Guidance International School. Students are trained not only to read or write, but also to acquire the skills to understand, speak and apply the Arabic language.

As a result, students are able to understand the original language of the Holy Qur’an and Hadith and gain a deeper understanding of Islamic knowledge. It elevates their religious awareness and understanding to a new level.

According to those concerned, Witton & Guidance International School has established a quality Islamic education system, where a balanced combination of modern international education and Islamic values ​​can be seen.

Here, students grow up in an environment where, on the one hand, they get world-class education, while on the other hand, they learn to take pride in their religious and cultural identity. It is this integrated education model that makes them a successful, ethical and responsible citizen in the future.

The teachers of both institutions are highly experienced, trained and student friendly. They not only teach, but act as counselors to the students. Special plans are taken for the development of each student by identifying their strengths and weaknesses. Regular training for teachers, international standard teaching methods and use of modern technology are ensured so that they can impart the highest quality of education.

Various co-curricular activities are conducted at Witton and Guidance International School to ensure holistic development of the students. These include camping, public speaking skills acquisition, leadership training, cultural activities, environmental activities and various skill development programs.

These activities boost students’ self-confidence, develop leadership qualities and improve their social skills, according to stakeholders. As a result, they become more prepared to face future challenges.

According to students and parents, Witton and Guidance International School have set a new benchmark in the education system of Bangladesh. An environment is created here, where institutional excellence, ethics, religious values ​​and personality development—all are given equal importance.

The people concerned believe that the combination of modern international education and quality Islamic education will play an important role in shaping the future generation into a balanced, conscious and responsible society.