Learning for life, rooted in culture

Our responsibility extends beyond examination grades. We want students to become good human beings, developing leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and time management skills. Tolerance and empathy are particularly important.

Sabina Mustafa Head of Academic Affairs,  Scholastica

Scholastica’s educational approach combines preparation for Cambridge examinations with an emphasis on independent thinking, cultural awareness and personal development. Founded by Yasmeen Murshed in 1977, the school is preparing to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary in April 2027. Sabina Mustafa, Head of Academic Affairs of Scholastica speaks to The Daily Star about the everyday work behind that approach, the importance of Bangla language and literature, student well-being and how the British Council partnership supports teachers and examination delivery.

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The Daily Star (DS): Before we discuss Scholastica’s educational approach, could you give us a snapshot of your working day and how you stay connected with students and teachers?

Sabina Mustafa (SM): No two days are quite the same. We begin with assembly, after which I come to my room and check my calendar and emails. If time permits, I go through the newspaper headlines.

Much of the day involves meetings with our four stakeholder groups: students, parents, teachers and management. Some of these meetings are scheduled; others take place when someone needs to see me. I try to make time for anyone who has a concern.

I also try to observe at least two classes each day at different levels. Afterwards, I speak with the teachers about what worked well and what could have been done differently in these classes. There is a lot of paper work also, some of which require my comments/ approval and signature.Walking around the campus, meeting colleagues and reviewing correspondence and answering mails fill the rest of the day.

DS: Scholastica is an established name in English-medium education. What distinguishes its approach today, and how does the Cambridge pathway fit its broader educational priorities?

SM: We follow our own curriculum from Playgroup to Class 8. Students then move into Class 9, preparing for Cambridge O Levels and subsequently A Levels. Cambridge’s international recognition and emphasis on critical thinking, lifelong learning and conceptual understanding align with what we encourage.

Our responsibility extends beyond examination grades. We want students to become good human beings and good citizens, developing leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and time management skills. Building empathy, kindness and tolerance among our students is particularly important.Scholastica strongly emphasizes on holistic education.

Morning homeroom sessions introduce values, while clubs and after-school programs give students opportunities to develop and practise these skills. Along with our regular physical education classes which are mandatory for all students, we have sports teams such as volleyball, handball, basketball, cricket and football. Students try out for these teams, and those selected represent the school in sports tournaments. Team members compete against other schools and learn that not only winning but losing with dignity matters too.

Our teaching system has also changed. Initially teaching in classrooms was totally teacher centric where teachers lectured and students listened and took notes. Now, the students sit in groups and learn through different activities in groups and pairs. Teachers facilitate this process, while students participate actively in the classrooms .We have completely shifted to a student centric teaching approach which is working very well for us.

The wellbeing of our students is also very important to us. Along with physical wellbeing,we also recognise the importance of mental/emotional  well-being. Each senior campus of Scholastica has three Mental Health Counsellors and a Safe Guarding Lead. Counsellors support students with personal difficulties and mental health issues maintaining confidentiality. The Safe Guarding Lead makes sure that students feel safe and protected in the campus.

Accessibility matters: we are always approachable and listen to concerns, suggestions and criticism from students, parents and colleagues.

DS: How does Scholastica keep students connected to Bangladeshi language, literature and heritage alongside their international education?

SM: Bangla is compulsory from Nursery through O Levels. We use the national curriculum textbooks but also introduce our students to a variety of classic and contemporary Bangla literature, including works by Rabindranath Tagore, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Sunil Ganguly, Syed Mujtaba Ali, Jahanara Imam and Satyajit Ray.

Our own publication, Moder Gorob Bangla Bhasha, brings together literary works to strengthen comprehension and vocabulary. Every alternate year Scholastica produces a Bangla annual drama. Our annual productions include Tagore’s Tasher Desh, Dakghar, Achalayatan and, recently Gupi Gayen Bagha Bain by Upendra Kishor Roy Chowdhury and Hirak Rajar Deshe adapted from the famous film by Satyajit Ray.

We observe all national events and important days through cultural programs and other appropriate activities.Students are encouraged to participate in national competitions that develop their Bangla language skills which include Bangla reading, handwriting and Spelling Bee competitions.Our students visit the Ekushey Boi Mela and participate in educational field trips to the national museum and other heritage sites to gain first hand exposure to the history and cultural heritage of Bangladesh.

Scholastica Maintains a cultural calendar that celebrates significant national occasions including Pohela Boishakh, Ekushey February( International Mother Language Day ), Victory Day, Independence Day , Rabindra and Nazrul Joyanti, Poush Mela etc.

DS: You emphasise lifelong learning for teachers and students. Which books have stayed with you or influenced the way you see the world?

SM: I would find it difficult to name just one or two books that shaped me. Reading was a large part of growing up for my generation. We had fewer distractions and far fewer television choices, and I enjoyed reading widely.

The Diary of Anne Frank made a strong impression on me when I was young. More recently, Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns affected me deeply.

Other memorable books include George Orwell’s Animal Farm and 1984, Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake and Tagore’s Chokher Bali. I am an avid reader and read both Bangla and English books ranging  from Humayun Ahmed to Tagore as well as crime and detective fictions such as  Agatha Christie to current writers.

DS: Beyond Scholastica’s own extracurricular programmes, how have British Council initiatives such as Your World contributed to students’ confidence and development?

SM: Our students have been participating enthusiastically in Your World for several years. They have received recognition for work on themes including health and well-being and sustainability.

These competitions require students to understand a topic and apply a range of skills. They build confidence and give young people opportunities for interaction and exposure within Bangladesh and also internationally.

DS: Scholastica has its own training and development unit. How do British Council Partner Schools opportunities complement that work and influence classroom practice?

SM: Teacher training is mandatory for all teachers of Scholastica. If we expect students to be lifelong learners, we must continue learning ourselves. We identify training needs through our teaching experience and the areas where colleagues need support.

Topics include helping struggling students, discussing online behaviour and harassment, using AI in teaching and assessment, and developing critical thinking and many more. We also address formative assessment, constructive feedback. New teachers need guidance in student-centred teaching methods.

Simply telling a struggling student to work harder is ineffective. Teachers need practical ways to help students.Our Training and Development Unit does a great job in training new and veteran teachers.

The British Council network complements our own programmes.

Faculty and management members have completed online courses on safeguarding and learning technologies, followed by a face-to-face formative assessment workshop. These opportunities strengthen classroom practice and professional development.

DS: With students sitting O and A Levels across campuses, how does the British Council help ensure examinations are secure and well organised?

SM: Our multipurpose halls (STM Halls) are usually used for our physical education classes and other school activities.These halls are also used for our internal exams as well as the board exams. We hand over the halls and our science laboratories at Uttara and Mirpur campuses to the British Council in April.

During the O and A level exams these Examination Centres remain under the supervision and authority of the British Council. We rely on British Council’s expertise in maintaining security, safety and effective organization and appreciate its support for our students throughout the examination period.

DS: As Scholastica approaches its fiftieth anniversary, what makes you proudest when you reflect on its journey and the generations it has educated?

SM: Scholastica is approaching its fiftieth anniversary in April, 2027. Founded by Mrs. Yasmeen Murshed in 1977 with just a few students in a rented house, the institution has prominently grown into a thriving educational community with six campuses across Dhaka. We have a strong, experienced, and well-trained faculty and management team, supported by an interna-tionally recognized, student-centered teaching practice.

Over the past five decades, Scholastica has nurtured generations of students and professionals who have made their mark both nationally and internationally. The institution has consistently excelled in academics, cultural activities, and extracurricular pursuits. Our alumni hold prominent positions in leading organizations worldwide, excelling across diverse fields and making a meaningful impact globally.

Today, Scholastica has established a distinct identity of its own and continues to earn recognition as a leading educational institution with a strong global presence.

Interview conducted by Adrin Sarwar.