The Laidlaw Memorial School and Junior College
Sunday, April 27th, 2008 |
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The Laidlaw Memorial School and Junior College
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(Run by ST. George’s Home Society)
Ketti, Between Ootacamund & Coonoor, Tamil Nadu - 643 215
Website: www.laidlawschool.org
Mission Statement
The school is run on the lines of a public school and provides education in English for children of all communities. The emphasis is on a sound general education, on self discipline and self reliance, not departing from the original aims of the school. Its constitution was amended in 1953, so as to admit children of all communities. Religious observance and instruction in the school are in accordance with the Protestant Christian tenets. However, there is a provision for Roman Catholic worship, and exemption from worship and religious instruction for those desiring it. Moral Science, as distinct from religious instructions, is compulsory.
Background
The Laidlaw Memorial School of St. George’s Homes, Ketti was founded in 1914 by the late Rev. John Breeden, to provide a home and education for children of the Protestant European and Anglo-Indian communities. It was generously endowed by late Sir Robert Laidlaw. The institution started its life in Kodaikanal but moved to Ketti, its present home, in 1922.
Campus
The school stands in a forested area in the heart of one of the most beautiful valleys in South India, at an elevation of 2082 metres, and its campus covers over 2000 acres. This provides ample space for playing fields and sports grounds.
Atmosphere
It has beautiful outdoor atmosphere.
The Head
Mr. W R Gardner is the Principal of The Laidlaw Memorial School and Junior College.
The Teaching Staff
The classes are conducted by qualified teachers. All the staff are resident, either in the cottages or on the campus. A Warden and a Matron on the premises ensure individual attention to every child.
The Pupils
The Laidlaw Memorial School is a Co-Educational Institution. There are eight cottages housing children of various age groups. On an average there are 50 students in each cottage. Each cottage has a House Matron and a House Warden.
Affiliation
The school is affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. Though it receives no aid from the state, it is recognised by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The medium of instruction is English.
Results / Exams
Candidates are prepared for The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) Class X and the Plus 2 Course of the Indian School Certificate Examination (ISC) in Class XII. There are examinations in the Theory and Practice of Music of the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, London.
Sports
School activities are compulsory for all students. Cricket, Hockey, Football, Basketball, Tennis, Table tennis, Badminton, Gymnastics and Athletics are encouraged. Ketti and its surrounding of forested hills provide ideal conditions for hiking, scouting and camping.
Extra curricular activities
In addition to sports and games, there are other activities which occupy the leisure of the children. These include, music, singing, elocution, debating, dramatics, public speaking, photography and indoor games. Opportunities are provided for social service, for learning about flowers and vegetable gardens, for excursions and tours and for participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Scheme.
Fees
Fees are payable at the time of admission and should be paid in cash, or by Demand Draft, or by Money Order, and made payable to the Principal and Secretary St. George’s Homes, Ketti. All parents have to pay a refundable Caution Deposit.
| Boarders: | ||||
| June to December | I-IV | V-VII | VIII-X | XI-XII |
| Admission Fee | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Caution Deposit | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 |
| Day Scholars: | ||||
| June to December | I-IV | V-VII | VIII-X | XI-XII |
| Admission Fee | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Caution Deposit | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 |
Classes XI have to pay an annual fee at the beginning of the year and the fees will not be returned if the student decides to leave Mid-term.
Admission
Children are admitted from Class 1 onwards, and applications for admission have to be made on the form prescribed, at least one year in advance. The minimum age for admission is 5 plus, and the child must have attended a kindergarten for at least one year. Children are admitted after an entrance exam which is conducted in March. For Classes I and II, the examinations are mainly oral/written. At the time of admission, parents/guardians must produce the following documents:
1. A Transfer Certificate
2. A Document showing the date of birth.
3. Medical : A Certificate of fitness and the absence of any infectious disease. Admission fee will be charged for the academic year for all new admissions - Classes I to XII Rs 2000.00 per child (Non-refundable)
Management
The school is a private, co-educational institution, administered by a Board of Management.
How to get there
The Laidlaw Memorial School lies roughly half way between the hill stations of Ootacamund (11 kms) and Coonoor (13 kms). Ketti Railway Station is on the Southern Railway.