From local roots to global heights with culturally rich pedagogy

Bhubaneswar (03/07/2025): Oliver Russell, Deputy Headmaster at Shrewsbury International School India shares why young learners today are drawn towards international boarding schools within India. The world is a mosaic of ethnicities, languages, cultures, and racial diversity. “I see this within my own family - a German wife, myself half English and half Indian.

We have two young children with both German and British passports, now being educated in India.

But I’m keen to celebrate the vast diversity of India itself within my family and, of course, at Shrewsbury,” remarks Oliver Russell, Deputy Head of Strategy and School Development at Shrewsbury International School India. At the heart of this country is its kaleidoscope of cultures.

To be able to adapt and evolve as people within this vast macrocosm requires a global perspective and a multicultural education.

Today, students from all over the world are fortunate to be able to benefit from a comprehensive pedagogy allowing them to flourish.

A well-rounded, multicultural education prepares them for global citizenship, fosters inclusivity, empathy and open-minded appreciation for diverse perspectives.

“International boarding schools, particularly in India exemplify this.

Pupils live and learn together in a rich cultural tapestry – that not only forges a powerful sense of community, but instils a deep respect for multilingualism and shared traditions – qualities that will serve them well in the future,”says Oliver. Shrewsbury International School India, the first fully-residential international campus of Shrewsbury School UK, will welcome pupils from various nationalities when it opens its doors in Bhopal on August 8, 2025.

Mr.

Russell adds, “The educational philosophy of Shrewsbury is rooted in the model of whole-person education that promotes intellective and reflective growth through a rich variety of academic and extra-curricular activities woven into the daily schedule.

This holistic approach aims to build future global citizens beholding a lifelong love for learning – an appeal that has drawn pupils from all across India, and even from countries such as the USA, UK, UAE, France and Bangladesh. Oliver notes that: “To be relevant, education today must serve as a unifying force in the world of layered complexities and prepare students for an interconnected global future.

This is why international schools in India must blend global learning standards with Indian values.

All components of learning are carefully designed to provide a world-class learning experience, while deeply reflecting traditional Indian value systems.

Pupils on campus will together celebrate Holi, Eid, Christmas and Diwali as one family, creating and sharing memories for a lifetime.

Our food menu, on the other hand, boasts a tapestry of flavours and cuisines.

Life on campus will be a perfect blend of collaborative learning, cultural diversity and a rich communal spirit – providing experiences that equip pupils with the confidence and insight to thrive independently, wherever their paths may lead.”.