Curriculum

Ms. Poonam Jha is a visionary leader and educationist with over 35 years of experience in academics and administration. She has served as the Principal of multiple renowned institutions, driving excellence through innovative curriculum development, staff mentoring, academic audits and fostering inclusive learning environments. She is also a passionate advocate of experiential learning.
With expertise in CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE and IB educational frameworks, Ms. Jha has seamlessly integrated modern pedagogical approaches and digital technologies to elevate academic standards. Her accolades include the prestigious Global School Leader Award (2024), Iconic Summit Education Award (2021) and the National Teachers Award (2020).
Ms. Jha’s commitment to lifelong learning is further reflected in her active participation in international workshops and her recognition as a Master Trainer for CBSE. Her leadership extends beyond academics, encompassing community engagement, capacity building, and pioneering transitions to advanced learning platforms. Her passion for performing arts drives her research on life skills through arts, dance and theater.
As a highly respected figure in the field of education, Ms. Jha continues to inspire students and educators alike, exemplifying the values of integrity, empathy, and innovation.

Mrs. Rahat Rashed, a proud recipient of three prestigious awards - Teacher Par Excellence, APJ Kalam Career Excellence, and Dr. Radha Krishnan Shikshak Samman, is the Vice Principal of Meridian School, Banjara Hills.
She is an experienced educator and psychologist. A double Post Graduate in Organic Chemistry and in Psychology, Mrs. Rahat adopts a holistic approach in handling children and adolescents and has over 2 decades of teaching and administrative experience.
Her belief that education is a continuous, never-ending process makes her a lifelong learner. It is her determination, goal-oriented focus, and hard work that have made her what she is today.
She has extraordinary interpersonal skills, and her communication ability is par excellence.
Her interaction with parents, teachers, and students is exemplary.
Her rapport with all the stakeholders of the institution exhibits her empathy, problem-solving skills, and a holistic approach towards the issue at hand.
Mrs. Rahat is proficient in almost all subjects and has taught students at various levels.
Her contribution towards the growth of the school, working in various capacities, is highly noteworthy.
The Heads of the Institute know her as an ardent In-charge whom they can rely upon.
She is highly imaginative and creative. Her colleagues know her as a wonderful superior to work with.
Her style of working provides a proportionate combination of flexibility and rigidity.
For students, she is the most friendly and accessible mentor who understands them better than their parents themselves.
She has counseled and mentored many adolescents, both girls and boys, assisting them in passing through the tough phase of life comfortably.
Being a scholar in Psychology, Mrs. Rahat is keen about the policy of differential education and is passionate about implementing inclusive and special education methods while handling differently-abled students.
Her never-give-up attitude has inspired many youngsters.
Her friendly nature, willingness to serve the needy, and sense of wit and humor have touched many hearts.
Mrs. Rashed has been an integral part of the journey of Meridian School and is an indispensable asset of the same.

MBA HR & Marketing
M.A in Psychology
B.Ed Educational Psychology
PGDGC in Counselling
PG Diploma in Inclusive Education

Schooling : St Xaviers School, Haldia West Bengal.
Education: BSc Honours, BEd, Higher Diploma in Software Engineering. LLB
Work Experience: 20 plus years in teaching.
Started her career as a teacher of Primary School and went on to become the Incharge of Primary School in the year 2012 &. laterIncharge Middle School in 2018. Also the coordinator of CBSE. She teaches Legal Studies for the Senior Secondary Classes and her students are pursuing law in various reputed colleges like NALSAR in India, as well as in various reputed universities abroad.
Awards: MsPadmashree has been awarded the Best Teacher Award by Telangana State Govt in 2019 for her immense contribution to the field of education. Through her dedication and passion she has touched the lives of many students. She along with former Principal Dr D Usha Reddy and students had the privilege of meeting The Then President of India ShriRamNathKovindji and the First Lady SmtSavitaKovind at the RashtrapatiBhavan in 2019.
She has always been inclined towards helping the society and her heart goes out to those in need. She along with the then Principal were at the forefront in organising a trip to Kerala for donating Survival Kits to the distressed during the floods in 2019. The team had gone to the remotest and the worst hit areas and donated more than 2500 kits.
Aspires to make a difference in the lives of many more students.

Ms. Kamala Nookala is an inspiring leader with a positive and open-minded outlook on life, firmly believing that a simple smile can light up the world. She holds a postgraduate degree in computers, along with a diploma in elementary education. With over 10 years of experience in pre-primary education, she has built a strong foundation in the field and also successfully runs her own intermediate college for over a decade.
Ms. Nookala began her career as a teacher at Meridian School and, through her dedication and skill, was selected as the IB PYP Early Years Coordinator. Today, she proudly serves as the IB PYP Coordinator for grades Nursery to Grade 5. Her excellent communication skills, quick learning abilities, and natural problem-solving talent have been key assets in her career. She has undergone various levels of IB training, which has further strengthened her dynamic and approachable leadership style.
A focused individual with a deep connection to the art of living, Ms. Nookala’s leadership qualities and willpower make her a proud and efficient team leader who continues to inspire those around her.

Every challenge you face today makes you stronger tomorrow. The challenge of life is intended to make you better, not bitter.” ― Roy T. Bennett Following the above quote Ms.Aakrusha Bellaney has taken over as the head of the organization in the most challenging times the globe has ever faced, with her pleasant smile and ardent commitment as tools. A commerce graduate in Business Management from the Mumbai University & Bachelors in Education she has several certifications to her credit, the prominent ones being certified as a Pioneer of ‘Teach the Teacher’ from National Institute of Information Technology, certification from the British Council, UK for English and ICT skills. Having begun her stint in the field of education with some of the competent schools in the twin cities followed by the flagship branch of Meridian Schools, she went on to assume the charge of the Kukatpally campus from the time of inception. A self-directed, action-oriented professional with over 20 years experience in education and community service, she has been witness to the growth of the school by leaps and bounds. Her single minded commitment towards the progress of the school is evident in every facet of the transformative journey of the school. As an educator, she has been instrumental in revamping Curriculum planning and transaction, reviewing and building the continuous and comprehensive evaluation, building a strong in house continuous professional development for teachers, performance management systems, streamlining recruitment procedures, strengthening ICT use in school, thematic learning in primary, introducing Reading Programmes for all grades, planning and executing trips for students, policy building within the school, coordinating various school functions and publications. She strives to build student self-esteem and encourage understanding of cultural diversity, gender differences and physical limitations. She has played a pivotal role in bringing about ingenuity to the learning modules right across and creating a cooperative community in the classroom.‘Happy learning is genuine learning’ is her motto. Amongst the numerous and prestigious assignments that she has undertaken is the successful conduct of the NEET and CTET examination. As a Centre Superintendent she was responsible for the smooth conduct of the exams following the Standard Operating Procedures during the pandemic times. She also had an enriching experience of being an Assistant Head Examiner during Central Board of Secondary Education Evaluation, twice over for her subject Social Sciences. Extremely creative by disposition and an enthusiastic and passionate performer, Ms Aakrusha is a leader with a difference. She has brought glory to the school by piloting and bagging the British Council’s International School Award twice in succession. She has also been glorified with the Global Principal’s Award by AKS education and holds the distinction of bagging the Super teacher award for outstanding mentorship, CSAW 2022 Award - Global CS Ambassador in Leadership Excellence in Promoting Computer Science Education. She has also been honoured to her for exceptional efforts in Computer Science Education. She was also a part of prestigious Principal’s conference in T-Hub which empowered Principals to motivate entrepreneurship and leadership among the school students. She has made a mark of her own in spearheading ‘IMPULSE’ the inter school cultural and literary fest four times in a row which has established an identity of its own in throwing up the competencies of children. Inclusive Education tops her list of community of interests and she has established strong connections with organizations like Junior Chamber International known for its philanthropic work. The highlight of this association a ‘Special Olympics, Bharat’ an International cadre match between our children and specially abled was held in the lines of International Para Olympics. She has been instrumental in organizing and participating in public-spirited activities like the ‘Street Store’ – a store organized by the children for the support staff of the school and ‘Pinkathon’– a Marathon run to create awareness on Breast Cancer. She has proved to the world that firm and innovative philosophies are the order of the day. Her strength lies in her humble nature which makes her a friend and confidante to the children and staff alike. She strongly propagates the thought that education should offer along with academics, life skills like confidence, self-respect and empathy. She also believes that children should be kept abreast about the 21st century skills which would help them to compete in this competitive world. She believes in sustainable leadership and strives to build a professional learning community with all stakeholders. For her, student’s safety, happiness and their learning in school is of utmost importance. Ms.Aakrusha has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to educational excellence, bagging numerous awards like Leader in Education by Education Excellence Conclave, that is one of the top 100 Principals, Award for executing the Outstanding Experiential Education Program, Ambassador for Leadership Excellence by CSAW, the K-12 WOW award , Principal of the year award-2024 by Edu leaders. She has had the privilege of being a panelist for a prestigious Education Summit on the topic ‘Teacher’s Burnout- A Myth or a Reality’ Under her dynamic leadership the school continues to flourish by leaps and bounds adding on new dimensions to learning. The humanitarian touch to her administration is her unique feature which makes her a loved and respected leader.

A literature graduate from the Delhi University, Lalitha Ketavarapu is a passionate and committed member who takes pride in having been with the Kukatpally branch since its inception. Very passionate about her role she believes that education is a beautiful tool which gives an opportunity to see a child from their eyes and understand that the pedagogic world is full of surprises to be unfolded and we as educators are the blessed ones to be rolling out this world to them and strengthening each child’s belief that they are the best. A loving personality and a national rank holder in the prestigious Centa Teachers’ Olympiad she is a progressive thinker who believes in blending the contemporary with the cultural base

Ms Nagaratnam Pappu, our highly skilled and dedicated Foundational Stage Coordinator. With a passion for early childhood education and a deep understanding of child development,has been instrumental in shaping a nurturing, dynamic, and engaging learning environment for our youngest learners. With years of experience in education and a commitment to fostering curiosity, creativity, and foundational skills, she works closely with teachers, students, and parents to ensure that every child embarks on their educational journey with confidence and enthusiasm. Ms Ratnam, brings innovative teaching methods, strong leadership, and a vision for excellence to our foundational stage, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning. Under her guidance, our foundational stage program continues to thrive, providing children with the essential skills, values, and knowledge they need to succeed in their academic journey.

Affectionately called the Mother Hen, Ms Anthony Maria comes with a rich experience of thirty years in various capacities in the toddlers and kids segment. Affectionate to the core she has a reputation of being a keen observer, who has the numerous details of all the little ones stored in her brain. Her personalized attention to each child, every single day has turned her into a favourite amongst the children and teachers alike. She believes that a strong foundation is the base for a successful educational journey. Architect of an innovative team she has been instrumental in adding to the glory of the school. Having been with the branch since its inception she has a special fondness towards students who have crossed out the portals of this beautiful school called Meridian School, Kukatpally.

Exuberant and enthusiastic MsAmaleswari, post graduate in commerce is an educator with twenty plus years of experience in different capacities. She is a staunch believer in the philosophy that challenges make an educational journey meaningful and enriching. She has guided many students to perfection during the various MUNs and trusts that hard work has no substitute. She is known for her problem solving skills which she uses effectively and skilfully. She has been actively involved in content development in her subject-Social Science and has trained and guided many facilitators. An affectionate mentor to the students she has carved a niche in the students’ hearts.

An educationist by choice , Ms. Priti Rao is a Masters in Business Administration with over 5 years of corporate experience. She moved to the field of education after her corporate stint and taught in leading business schools of Hyderabad. Also, she did a 2 year teaching stint in Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad. Her passion for education and love for children brought her to school education. She believes in working at the grass roots level and bringing about a positive change in her students. An avid reader and sports enthusiast, she takes keen interest in various art forms of India.

The journey of a student's life, much like that of a plant, is one of growth, nurturing, and transformation. Each stage is essential, requiring care, patience, and resilience, ultimately leading to a flourishing individual ready to make their mark on the world. At Meridian, we emphasize the profound connection between education, humility, and the journey towards a fulfilling life. After a fulfilling career in the Air Force, I have made the conscious decision to transition into the education sector. This choice stems from my belief in the transformative power of education.I am excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on students' lives and contribute to building a brighter future through education. As the Academic Quality Strategist, I am committed to driving initiatives that enhance educational quality and student success at Meridian School. By leveraging data-driven strategies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, I aim to ensure that our institution not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our students, faculty, and community. Connecting the mind and heart in education is essential for fostering holistic development in students.By integrating emotional and cognitive elements in education, we create a richer, more meaningful learning experience. This connection fosters not only academic success but also the development of compassionate, well-rounded individuals who are equipped to navigate the complexities of life. We create an inclusive and engaging atmosphere where every student feels valued and motivated to learn. At Meridian, we believe that maintaining transparency with parents is essential for fostering a strong partnership in education. Our commitment to open communication and honesty ensures that families are well-informed and actively involved in their child’s learning journey. Here’s to a wonderful journey filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences. Wishing you all the success in this academic year and beyond!

We, at Meridian Madhapur, aim to create an environment where students feel inspired to express themselves, explore their talents, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Through a rich blend of activities—ranging from sports, visual and performing arts, leadership programs, to cultural celebrations—students are encouraged to grow into confident, balanced, and compassionate individuals. We observe that students often surprise themselves with what they’re capable of when given the right platform. Many have stepped out of their comfort zones to perform, lead, collaborate, and create. These experiences, according to the coordinator, contribute significantly to building life skills such as confidence, empathy, teamwork, resilience, and self-discipline. The pride the school takes in witnessing students succeed not only in academic achievements but also in becoming well-rounded, thoughtful, and responsible young individuals. These successes, big or small, are a reflection of the school’s commitment to whole-child education. To all readers—parents, guardians, educators, and well-wishers— Meridian Madhapur extends a warm message of gratitude and hope. We invite everyone to continue supporting the vision of nurturing happy, healthy, and capable learners .

Driven by passion and a vision to transform young lives, I have dedicated over 15 years to the field of early childhood education. With an M.A. and B.Ed. in Sociology, I have served in diverse roles—from Lead Teacher at Meridian School to Coordinator and Centre Head of a Preschool. I now serve as the Coordinator of the Early Years Programme at Meridian School, where I strive to foster a nurturing, inquiry-driven, and holistic learning environment for young children. I believe every child is unique, with talents waiting to be discovered and nurtured. My passion lies in unfolding each child’s potential and guiding them to grow into the best version of themselves. The early years, from age’s two to six, are a crucial stage of development when children absorb and learn the most. During this time, a strong foundation for social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth is built, shaping a lifelong love for learning. Research confirms that the holistic skills children develop in these formative years create lasting neural pathways that influence their lifelong learning, behavior, and well-being.

“Learning is brightest when knowledge walks with kindness.” In the early and foundational years of learning, values and academics go hand in hand. For a primary student, education is not just about reading, writing, and solving problems—it is about becoming a balanced learner who understands the importance of respect, responsibility, and reflection. Students begin to explore the world around them with curiosity. Developing values such as honesty, kindness, and cooperation helps them connect meaningfully with others. When children are caring, they support their peers; when they are principled, they learn to make the right choices even when no one is watching. Academics in the primary years focus on building strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and inquiry-based learning. Through being thinkers and inquirers, students ask questions, investigate answers, and develop problem-solving skills. By practicing communication skills, they learn to express ideas clearly and listen respectfully to others. The IB approach emphasizes that academics are not separate from values. A child who is open-minded and reflective is able to learn from mistakes, appreciate different perspectives, and grow stronger both in character and in knowledge. By nurturing values alongside academics, primary students become confident, balanced individuals ready to take action and make a positive difference in their community and beyond.

With over ten years of experience in education and nearly nine years in corporate sector, I bring a unique combination of academic leadership, classroom experience, and strategic insight to my work as an educator. In my most recent role as Academic Coordinator & English Faculty, I had the privilege of leading a team of over 25 educators. I introduced dynamic teaching methods, encouraged inclusive classroom practices, and worked closely with both students and teachers to foster a positive and engaging learning atmosphere. One of my proudest achievements was leading the school through the prestigious International School Award project. I also took an active role in student progress tracking, curriculum planning, and mentoring my colleagues, in addition to organizing a variety of cultural and literary events that enriched the school community. I hold a degree in Bachelor of Education, an International Diploma in Education, Teaching & Learning, an MBA in Finance, and a B.Com with distinction. This combination of qualifications has enabled me to approach education with both pedagogical depth and strategic insight. Prior to entering the field of education, I spent almost a decade in the corporate sector, working with leading organizations such as Infosys, HSBC, and Deloitte. In these roles, I focused on financial analysis and process improvement, which helped me develop strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and operational efficiency—skills I continue to apply in academic planning, curriculum development, and institutional management.

" Teaching is about igniting a lifelong curiosity, compassion, and confidence in every student. It is about believing in their potential—especially when they do not yet believe in it themselves." As the Senior Secondary Coordinator, every day of my life is filled with purpose, energy, and meaningful connections. Through my roles in teaching, mentoring, and collaboration, I remain committed to my mission—to nurture confident, compassionate, and responsible individuals who are prepared to succeed in an ever-evolving world. I have been deeply committed to supporting student success and contributing meaningfully to the academic teams I have been a part of in my long teaching career. My passion for education drives me every day, and I take great pride in being part of a school that values both excellence and empathy. With several years of teaching experience, I have developed a strong understanding of the academic and emotional needs of senior secondary students. I believe that education goes far beyond textbooks and exams—it’s about nurturing curiosity, encouraging creativity, and fostering independent thinking. My subject expertise allows me to break down complex concepts and present them in ways that are simple, engaging, and accessible. I enjoy using a variety of teaching methodologies such as interactive discussions, real-life applications, project-based learning, and technology integration. I make a conscious effort to design my lessons around different learning styles so that every student has the opportunity to thrive in their own way. I firmly believe that true education must focus on the holistic development of students. While academic excellence is important, I place equal emphasis on values, emotional intelligence, and social awareness. I encourage my students to ask questions, voice their opinions confidently, and face challenges with a positive, growth-oriented mindset. My classroom is a space where every student is seen, heard, and valued. I strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel safe to express themselves and grow. I take time to understand each student’s unique strengths and challenges, offering guidance and encouragement to help them reach their full potential.

“The Mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled”-Plutarch, Greek Philosopher The Early years of learning are the foundation of a child’s life. They are critical for developing cognitive and social skills in addition to essential life skills. These formative years have a lasting impact and are the initiators to a lifelong journey of learning and development. At Meridian Madhapur, apart from academics, we focus on encouraging and fostering creativity, nurturing curiosity, and developing a global mindset. Following the IB curriculum philosophy, students engage in inquiry-driven experiences that spark wonder and deepen understanding. From creative displays to designing student-led conferences that showcase personal growth, our classrooms are vibrant ecosystems of learning. It is my firm belief that every child has a tremendous potential and a safe and positive learning environment coupled with a creative and impactful teaching-learning ecosystem can help each little one to bloom to the fullest. As a Co-ordinator for these Early years which are the bridge to a formal system of learning, it is my prime focus to give each learner an enriching learning experience, that shall give a solid academic and socio-emotional foundation and shall create confident, independent learners.

A seasoned educator with master degree in English Literature, B.Ed. and a certification as IELTS trainer, knowing me is like opening the door to a world of learning adventures! Coming from an armed forces background my 23 years of experience has been enriched by students from different states, diverse cultural and economic background ingraining a deeper understanding of the challenges and accomplishments of the young minds. As the senior school coordinator at Meridian School , Madhapur my days are completely engaged in mentoring, innovating , initiating, managing resources, coordinating schedules, and facilitating communication. I work diligently to ensure that the school runs smoothly, while helping to create a safe and positive learning environment for students and staff alike. I have taken up this responsibility as I have strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills and I also possess a thorough understanding of education policies and procedures, as well as the ability to work effectively with diverse populations. This beautiful and enlightening journey has taught me more than I could teach. It has given me the gift of creating a vibrant classroom where students feel connected and inspired. I believe in giving and getting the best from my mentees with enthusiasm and authenticity, with genuine care and compassion. Working with teenaged wonders of the 21st century I believe that more than traditional way of teaching it is more important to spark curiosity and ignite a thirst for knowledge. It’s pertinent to build trust and rapport, making students feel comfortable and eager to participate. It’s the first step in creating a dynamic learning environment where students can flourish and reach new heights. I am always eager as an educator to listen to the ideas and perception of the innovative and creative minds with genuine interest and pride. My passion and constant effort of sowing the seeds of values and principles of being ‘HUMANE First’ in students sets me apart as an educator. Looking forward to keep doing what I love doing by choice.