Schools Without Borders | Beyond the Bells Podcast with Suman Sood, Director of B.D.Memorial School

Описание: What does education look like when it moves beyond classrooms and boundaries? How can schools prepare children not just for exams, but for life itself?

In this episode of Beyond the Bells, Punam Kanodia, Founder of Newsepick.com, sits down with Suman Sood, Director & Principal of BD Memorial Junior School [ ‪@BDMEMORIALOfficial‬ ], to discuss the vision of “Schools Without Borders.”

About the Guest
Suman Sood is a multi-award-winning education leader who has pioneered global collaborations, led India’s first Montessori school to win the British Council International School Award, and represented India on international education platforms. She is also the Founder of the Early Childhood Association, Kolkata Chapter, actively working with NGOs and industry bodies to advance holistic learning from the earliest years.

Key Insights from the Conversation
Seamless Learning: Suman Mam emphasizes that “learning is seamless”—connecting subjects, real-world challenges, and collaboration so children remain curious and engaged.


Experiential & Peer Learning: From rap-song lessons to nature-based experiences, children learn better when knowledge is lived. Older students teaching younger ones builds confidence, empathy, and leadership.

Community Initiatives: Projects like Shrishti and interest-based newsletters bring teachers, students, and parents together—showcasing project-based learning, creativity, and shared responsibility.

Parent Engagement: Campaigns like the No Sugar Campaign and the Play Policy involve parents in rethinking health and the role of play in education.

Collaboration Between Schools: Virtual WhatsApp groups, national campaigns, and shared projects foster collaboration. Urban students in Kolkata and rural students in the Sundarbans, for example, learn from one another’s perspectives—whether it’s tech-driven innovation or nature-based living.

Resource Sharing & Digitalization: From Facebook Live teacher training to donating unused furniture, BD Memorial extends support to under-resourced schools, highlighting how digital platforms can bridge learning gaps.

Challenges & Future Needs: Currently, many processes are manual-driven, adding pressure on teachers and management. Suman stresses the need for systematic processes and digital platforms to ease this load while ensuring quality.

Global Outlook: Education must embrace peer learning, cross-cultural collaborations, and forest schools. Even in urban areas with limited space, schools must create opportunities for children to connect with nature, mirroring the gurukul tradition and forest schools now emerging in the West.

📌 Why This Matters
This conversation highlights how schools can evolve into communities of curiosity, collaboration, and creativity—where learning flows beyond classrooms and borders. By involving parents, leveraging technology, and reimagining school structures, education can nurture fearless, empathetic, and lifelong learners.
✨ About Beyond the Bells
Beyond the Bells is Newsepick’s flagship podcast where visionary educators and leaders explore how learning can transcend traditional systems and prepare students for a dynamic future.

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Timestamps

(00:00) - Teaser
(01:00) - About Schools beyond Borders
(01:23) - About Suman Sood
(02:18) - Suman Sood’s vision
(03:30) - Breaking the Barriers of School / Classroom without borders
(03:54) - Magic of montessori learning
(05:15) - Integration of real world learning in classrooms
(06:23) - Collaboration beyond Grade Demarcations
(07:05) - Project - growing a Bean plant
(08:10) - Collaboration with global schools
(08:46) - Core purpose behind collaboration projects
(09:58) - Interest based newsletters
(12:08) - Srishti - a collaboration with parents
(14:58) - Evaluating Schools
(16:52) - School Magazine and newsletters
(19:18) - Project Based Learning
(20:47) - Individual contribution in group projects
(22:02) - Challenges with digitization among teachers
(23:22) - Concept of early childhood association
(25:58) - Challenges regarding ratio of teachers to students
(26:53) - Need of a digital platform in schools
(27:52) - Spatial differences in children’s thought process
(29:00) - Focus of B.D.Memorial on collaboration
(30:10) - Learning is seamless
(31:46) - Mindset shift among people
(33:16) - No competition policy
(33:59) - Parents - a challenge for teachers?
(36:16) - Introduction of Newsepick
(37:29) - Reflection of a child on another child
(39:52) - Role of teachers in peer learning
(40:52) - Difference in junior and senior schools
(41:48) - Importance of early childhood
(43:48) - Message for educators and parents