Amrita Academy Of Arts And Spirituality
(AAAS)




Amrita Academy Of Arts And Spirituality
(AAAS)

SCHOOL VISION

Our aim is to empower students to acquire, articulate and value the knowledge and skills that will help build noble and compassionate characteristics, and nurture value-based living that will benefit humankind.

SCHOOL MISSION

Our mission is to provide a rich learning environment where students can excel in the conceptual understanding of the ancient knowledge of Sanatana Dharma and Amma’s teachings and imbibe their learning in all facets of their personality (physical, mental, intellectual and aesthetic) and their actions.

AAAS SCHOOL PROGRAMME

The school programme is based on the values, traditions, and spiritual educational practices drawn from the ancient knowledge of Sanatana Dharma and Amma’s teachings. The design of the school curriculum is largely guided by Amma’s existing Balakendra and Amrita Vidyalaya School programme.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The curriculum is designed in a modular format, and formal assessments are undertaken at the end of each module. The AAAS programme involves four distinct modules and 6 levels of study that comprise content from all four modules.

OVERVIEW OF CURRICULUM DESIGN

The approach to curriculum design is based on providing students an understanding of spiritual principles and showing them how to bring these simple teachings into their daily lives through scriptural studies, workshops and related activities such as devotional singing and chanting, story-telling and cultural study of the meaning of festivals and Hindu mythology

Our Modular Themes Of Study

Sanskrit Linguistics

Sanskrit language is an Old Indo-Aryan language in which most Hindu scriptures have been documented in such as the Vedas. Students will learn basic Sanskrit.

Vedic Chanting

Oral recitation of Vedic mantras has been the oldest tradition of passing over spiritual knowledge to generations of seekers. Chanting classes at AAAS will encompass learning of Vedic compositions like Durga Suktham and Sri Suktham, Bhagavad Gita chanting, and the study of other scriptures like the Devi Mahatmyam, Bhaja Govindam and more.

Scriptural Studies

Understanding the basis of Sanatana Dharma and Hindu scriptures such as The Upanishads, Puranas, Vedas, the Mahabharata, and Ramayana. Students will learn prose and poetry. Mythology classes at AAAS will take the children to an interesting world of value-based narratives through stories, skits, and roleplay.

Devotional music (vocal & instruments)

Amma herself sets an example of how forgetting oneself in singing Divine glory is a means to become one with the Divine itself. The classes are an opportunity for children to learn many of Amma’s devotional bhajans and get involved in soulful singing.

Our Modular Themes Of Study

Sanskrit Linguistics

Sanskrit language is an Old Indo-Aryan language in which most Hindu scriptures have been documented in such as the Vedas. Students will learn basic Sanskrit.

Vedic Chanting

Oral recitation of Vedic mantras has been the oldest tradition of passing over spiritual knowledge to generations of seekers. Chanting classes at AAAS will encompass learning of Vedic compositions like Durga Suktham and Sri Suktham, Bhagavad Gita chanting, and the study of other scriptures like the Devi Mahatmyam, Bhaja Govindam and more.

Scriptural Studies

Understanding the basis of Sanatana Dharma and Hindu scriptures such as The Upanishads, Puranas, Vedas, the Mahabharata, and Ramayana. Students will learn prose and poetry. Mythology classes at AAAS will take the children to an interesting world of value-based narratives through stories, skits, and roleplay.

Devotional music (vocal & instruments)

Amma herself sets an example of how forgetting oneself in singing Divine glory is a means to become one with the Divine itself. The classes are an opportunity for children to learn many of Amma’s devotional bhajans and get involved in soulful singing.

WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES

Students can regularly participate in cultural and religious festivities and learn about their spiritual and cultural significance. The children will be encouraged to both enjoy and appreciate the purpose and deeper meaning and significance of such festivities.

Students will be guided in undertaking social projects and will gain opportunities to learn about the interconnections between the environment and mankind and undertake selfless service (also known as ‘seva’). At AAAS, this will mean an emphasis on the importance of conserving and respecting Mother Earth, respectful co-existence with nature and fellow humans, growing organic food, sustainable living and more.
WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES
Students regularly participate in cultural and religious festivities and learn about their spiritual and cultural significance. Children are encouraged to both enjoy and appreciate the purpose, deeper meaning and significance of such festivities. Students are guided in undertaking social projects and gain opportunities to learn about the interconnections between the environment, mankind and undertake selfless service (also known as ‘seva’). At AAAS, this means an emphasis on the importance of conserving and respecting Mother Earth, respectful co-existence with nature and fellow humans, growing organic food, sustainable living and more.

“AAAS offers cultural, and spiritual teachings for children. My children enjoy attending the classes and activities. They look forward to learning Sanskrit language, devotional bhajans, and stories. The teachers at AAAS are very helpful with the various activities, performances, and educational needs of the children.” – Parent of AAAS students
ASSESSMENT
At the completion of each module within a level of study, as well as successful completion of a given level of study (i.e. level 1, 2, 3 etc), the students will receive certificates of completion and proficiency, and of participation where appropriate.
1) Assessments are undertaken based on a modular format
a) Modules I and II – Sanskrit linguistics and scriptural studies
1. In-class regular quizzes
2. Term-end written tests
3. Term projects – individual and team
b) Modules III and IV – Vedic chanting and devotional music
1. Oral recitation/singing tests.
2. Weekly quizzes
3. Contests
2) Assessment difficulty will also vary based on cohort groups.
a) Pre-Junior: participation and activity-based assessments.
b) Junior to senior: skill-based assessments (oral, written and project work).
CERTIFICATION
All students who pass the assessment of a given module, or a level of study, receive a certificate of completion. Where appropriate, a certificate of participation is given. Certificates will specify the type of module and level of study.
STUDENT INTAKE
Students are distinguished by four cohorts, classified under age groups and the six levels of study.
STUDENT INTAKE
Students are distinguished by four cohorts, classified under age groups and the six levels of study.

STUDENT COHORTS BY AGE GROUP

I – Pre-Junior 4-7 years
II – Junior 8-11 years
III – Senior 12-15 years
IV – Intern 16-17 years

STUDENT STUDY LEVELS

Level 1 – Beginner
Level 2 – Elementary
Level 3 – Pre-intermediate
Level 4 – Intermediate
Level 5 – Pre-advanced
Level 6 – Advanced

At AAAS, each level constitutes a 2-year programme. (Year I, Year II). Successful completion of a year and level of study is certified for each module. A total of 6 levels of learnings are offered. AAAS graduates are offered an internship opportunity, where they can exercise their capacity to share knowledge, provide teaching assistance and thereby sharpen their skills.

FORMAL CLASSES

At AAAS, classes are conducted twice a week (Saturdays and Sundays). The main classes (such as Scriptural and Sanskrit Linguistics classes) will run on Saturdays, followed by classes for pre-junior and practice sessions on Sundays. There are 4 terms and each term on average runs over 10 weeks

EVENTS, ACTIVITIES & WORKSHOPS

School events and activities such as celebrating festivals, development of plays and other activities e.g. school retreats are also held on festival days and school holidays. Training and practice sessions will be held on weekdays as necessary.

“At AAAS, the children have started learning Sanskrit and chanting. These are things that they don’t learn otherwise. The teachers are very friendly and approachable.” Parent of AAAS student.
AAAS SCHOOL GOVERNANCE
The School Governance Board (SGB) is the governing body that is responsible for the strategic direction, and oversight of the school policy on operations, governance, financial management and performance. This includes:
1. Reviewing the performance of the students
2. Reviewing financial management of the school including approval of school fees; and any expenses (over $500)
3. Approving an annual school budget
4. Liaising with external stakeholders, parent and student communities, and create interest in the school within and across the broader community.
5. Approving staff and curriculum changes as appropriate
6. Formulating appropriate governance policies and codes of conduct
CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS
Dr. Nava Subramaniam (Board Chairperson)
Mrs. Jayshree Raghavan (MAC – Director Representative)
Mrs. Sindhu Anilkumar (MAC – National Coordinator)
Mrs. Sue Byrne (External Representative)
Mrs. Geeta Devi (External Representative)
Mrs. Sreela Maloor (Parent Representative)
Mrs. Raja Muneeswari (Kavitha) Manikanndan (School Principal)
Board meetings will normally be held three times a year.
THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Is responsible for the school’s day-to-day operations including oversight of curriculum development, teaching staff, keeping student records in good order, managing social media and the day-to-day financial management of the school budget. The principal will also conduct an annual parent-teacher meeting. Will report to the School Board and directly communicate with the Chair of the board on all critical financial and operational matters and any imminent issues, particularly that affecting School curriculum changes, budget matters, parent student issues, and student-staff wellbeing.
TEACHERS
Are responsible for developing class content and delivery, as well as design of assessment and record keeping of student performance in their individual classes. All teachers including guest teachers must hold a working with children permit, particularly if taking face-to-face classes.
TEACHING STAFF
Swami Atmananda Puri
Is a monastic disciple of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. He first met Amma in 1989 and has been living at Amma’s ashram in Kerala, India since 1993. He has been conducting meditation retreats and spiritual discourses in Singapore,
Malaysia, Europe, Mauritius, Australia and New Zealand to guide individuals toward finding greater peace in their everyday lives. He is also a global Teacher of the IAM® Technique.
School Principal: Mrs. Raja Muneeswari Manikanndan
Currently a school teacher working in a Victorian school with a tertiary qualification in education. Has experience developing school curriculum and working with school children in Victoria and the coordinator of Balakendra classes since mid-2020.
AASC is committed to providing all students with a learning environment that is inclusive, safe and dedicated to meeting their learning needs. The School’s Code of Conduct sets out acceptable behaviours for students, teachers and parents so as to foster sharing of knowledge, understanding of traditional culture and spiritual practices in an environment of mutual respect, care, and courtesy.
The School’s COC is premised on the following principles:
1.All children have the right to be treated with respect and have their diversity valued
2. All children are encouraged to be polite, courteous and well mannered
3. All children have the right to be safe
4. All children have the right to work and play in a secure environment without interference, intimidation, harassment, bullying or disruption
5. All children have the right to be supported in their learning
The students are expected to:
1. Show mutual respect to peers, teachers, parents and property
2. Work to the best of their ability
3. Support each other and honor teamwork, integrity and discipline
4. Respect the values, beliefs and feelings of their peers, and be polite at all times.
5. To attend classes and workshops on a regular and timely basis.

The Teachers and Parents are committed to:
1. Engendering a positive and a broad understanding of ancient spiritual knowledge and cultures.
2. Encourage sharing, tolerance and compassion amongst all children.
3. Develop respect, acknowledge differences and encourage self-reflection
4. Promote an environment free from all harassment including: racism; sex-based; cultural and any discrimination related to disabilities and impairment.
5. Support responsible behaviors and student learning

About Amma

Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi—or Amma (Mother), as she is known—is loved throughout the world as an extraordinary humanitarian and spiritual leader who is transforming the lives of millions of people through her spiritual teachings and the living example of her life.

Get In Touch

842 Frankston Dandenong Rd Carrum Downs. Victoria Australia. 3201
manik.kalimuthu@gmail.com
+61 425 114 447

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