The Government Higher Secondary School, Elamakkara, is all set to become a hi-tech school, probably the first such school in the district.
Habitat, one of the agencies entrusted by the government for the execution of the project, has drawn up a master plan envisaging most modern amenities for the school.
Hibi Eden, MLA, said ₹5 crore would be made available for the project under the government’s scheme for assisting centres of excellence while the rest of the estimated cost of ₹12 crore would be given from the MLA fund and corporate social responsibility funds of companies.
Mr. Eden had the other day convened a meeting of all stakeholders, including teachers, PTA members, representatives of school management committee, alumni association, political parties, trade communities, and residents’ associations to discuss the master plan.
Participants called for mounting CCTV cameras and construction of drains. The recommendations thrown up by the meeting will be incorporated into the master plan.
Finding land is the major challenge owing to the school’s location in the city. However, the master plan envisages maximum utilisation of the less than one-acre plot for developing the school. At present, the school has only less than 50 classrooms for high school and higher secondary wings, which will be increased to 82 classrooms once the development is completed. Some of the classrooms will be in the model of galleries. The school will be developed in a new design without affecting the existing building.
Tower toilet blocks will be provided in each floor to ensure easy access. Toilets will be women-friendly. Spacious cooking and dining facilities will be made available. Dedicated facilities will be ensured for rainwater harvesting and waste disposal.
Digitalised recording of attendance will be facilitated. Besides, a software will be developed for sending SMS alerts to the mobile phones of parents of students who are absent.
Smart classrooms will be a common feature while a digital library will also be provided. The school courtyard will be roofed and converted into an indoor stadium facilitating training in games such as basket ball, volleyball and badminton.
