Award Winner Interview
Category: Dynamic School Awards
Ms. Rekha Rao, Principal of Oxford Grammar High School, Himayathnagar, Hyderabad, highlighted the importance of combining academic excellence with creative and experiential learning during her interaction at the South India Educators’ Summit & Dynamic School Awards 2026, organised by EducationNewsNetwork.
Leading a 46-year-old institution, she described the school’s approach as a balance between STEM education, arts, culture and innovative learning experiences such as puppetry. The school also offers student engagement opportunities through Model United Nations activities, TEDx simulations, Shark Tank-style exercises and the National Cadet Corps (NCC). She noted that the school’s puppetry initiatives had received appreciation from representatives of UNESCO.
Ms. Rao also praised the summit for bringing together established legacy institutions and emerging schools from across South India, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction and the exchange of ideas.
“We are a blend and balance of STEM, that is science, technology, engineering and mathematics. At the same time, we are into art, culture, and something great which most of the schools don’t have; it is about puppetry.”
Her perspective highlights how integrating science, creativity, and cultural learning can broaden students’ experiences and encourage them to develop diverse skills beyond conventional classroom instruction.
Ms. Rekha Rao highlights the importance of experiential learning and maintaining a balanced approach to education.
Experiential learning is an approach in which students learn through practical activities, experiences, exploration, and reflection.
It helps students connect theoretical concepts with real-life situations while developing problem-solving, critical-thinking, and practical skills.
A balanced approach combines academic learning with creativity, physical activities, social development, and essential life skills.
Schools can introduce hands-on projects, experiments, educational visits, group activities, and real-world problem-solving exercises.
