KUL and GEMS Education to launch a world class international school in Pune

Close on the heels of the success of best luxury project at Silicon India's Pune Real Estate Awards 2014, Mumbai-Pune developer Kumar Urban Development Limited (KUL) along with GEMS Education announced the launch of a world class international school GEMS Modern Academy(GMA) in Pune.

The school is strategically located at an award winning township KUL Ecoloch. KUL Ecoloch is the country's first ever realty project based on designs from prospective home buyers. It is spread over 100 acres, with mountains on one side and river on the other. The school will be developed by Kumar Urban Development Ltd and will be run by GEMS Education, the largest K -12 private education operator in the world.

It will be the newest school connected to the GEMS global network of award winning international schools. The network provides the opportunity for students from Pune to interact with their peers in other cities around the world from over 151 nationalities. This unique learning environment is designed to prepare students for a world that is more interconnected than ever before.

"GEMS Education, will introduce a high quality education in Pune. We will bring the new developments and innovative ways of teaching to enhance the experience of our students and further the development of school education in India," said Mr. Sunny Varkey, Chairman of GEMS Education, and Trustee of the Varkey GEMS Foundation.

The philanthropic arm of GEMS Education is the Varkey GEMS Foundation, and its Honorary Chair is former U.S. President, Bill Clinton. GEMS Education is supported by a network of eminent, international advisors and has strategic partnerships with the Clinton Global Initiative, the World Economic Forum, UNESCO, the Tony Blair Faith Foundation and many of the world's leading companies.

Ms. Kruti Jain, Director, Kumar Urban Development Ltd on the announcement said "KUL has always promoted education at every level while keeping the quality in mind. We are happy to be associated with the GEMS Education and the international school, which is developed by us. This is being developed at a unique location, at one of our projects KUL Ecoloch. The school will match all the standards available with top international schools worldwide. Envisioned to be one of the finest campuses in Pune, designed keeping education foundations conducive to a child's growth in mind. This is a KUL's anthropological engineering initiative"

GEMS Modern Academy, Pune, will house the state-of-the-art education, infrastructure, incorporating modern design and sustainability features that may be adapted to meet the needs of future generations. These facilities range from generous classroom space and a world-class multipurpose halls, to a well-equipped sports arena.

Group Chief Operating Officer of GEMS Education, Mr. Dino Varkey, said, "With countries and economies evolving and becoming more interdependent, schools have a responsibility to provide their students with a global perspective in order to prepare them for the true diversity of the real world. Through our unique GEMS pedagogy and our extensive international network, we aim to equip our students with the right foundation to serve as exemplary world citizens throughout their lives."

KUL Ecoloch has holistic environment with well-planned and designed large spaces, providing for ample sunlight and ventilation not only in homes but also in common areas like lobbies that helps save energy. The project is designed in such a way that it minimizes the negative impact on the environment and offers its residents a healthy and green lifestyle. KUL Ecoloch is the 1st township to get green certification by IGBC for the township.

Keeping KUL Ecoloch in mind, KUL has ensured that the green building principles are adhered to at every stage and sensitivity towards the environment has been an integral part of the design.

"It will have an ideal living environment with lush green surroundings and aesthetically designed landscaping features. True to our tradition, we will protect the natural topography to preserve the existing beauty while developing the ideal International education hub," said Ms. Jain

The township facilities which extend to school facilities will include 200 meters running track with playground, cricket nets and playing fields complement the indoor sports arena and multi- purpose hall. Covered semi Olympic swimming pool and air conditioned squash court with dedicated changing rooms. A separate, well equipped area is available for Pre - Primary students. The school features a conducive environment for kids to learn, besides having air-conditioned technology enabled classrooms, computer laboratories, workshops, multi-level dining area and support areas. There are state of art - science labs and library with latest reference material for students and staff. The school has 300 seat air - conditioned auditorium and separate dance, drama and music rooms for students. In addition, there are other facilities available like parents' cafe, orientation area, book and stationery stores and basement for car parking. School will be well equipped with various child safety and security measures like CCTV cameras and boom barriers.

C.N. RADHAKRISHNAN, Senior Executive Director of GEMS Education, added: "We are excited to launch our schools in Pune. Through GEMS' expertise, networks, resources and partners, we are focused on delivering world class quality education".