Barrackpore figures very prominently in the history of freedom movement of India where Mangal Pandey thundered against the tyranny of British rulers in 1857 which finds place in Indian history as Sepoy Mutiny. The oldest Army Cantonment, Barrackpore is also established here in the northern fringe of Kolkata on the Eastern bank of the river Hoogly and Arny Public School, Barrackpore is situated inside the Barrackpore Military Station.
Excellence remains a foundational principle across educational institutions under the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES), but transformation has become the defining goal for the future. In the post-pandemic era, AWES launched an ambitious initiative to modernize both the academic and infrastructural landscape of its schools across Eastern Command.
To translate this vision into action, Colonel Sujit Dutta (Retd.), Consultant for AWES Eastern Command, personally visited every campus under his jurisdiction, with particular attention to schools located in remote regions where resource limitations pose distinct challenges.
“Our objective was to develop customized growth plans and implement policies that accelerate progress across all institutions,” said Col. Dutta. The resulting report will serve as a strategic roadmap, enabling authorities to allocate resources effectively and further strengthen educational opportunities for our students.”
The modernization effort has introduced a range of advanced learning facilities, including drone laboratories, space exploration labs, and enhanced library resources. These initiatives are designed to foster holistic development and equip students with the skills required in an increasingly technology-driven world.
What distinguishes the schools of Eastern Command, however, is their commitment to inclusivity. A significant number of Children With Special Needs (CWSN) are enrolled across these institutions, creating learning environments where every student is empowered to realize their full potential.
Building an Inclusive Learning Community:
At Army Public School Barrackpore, inclusion is more than a policy—it is a core value embedded in the school’s culture. Special educators and counsellors collaborate closely to create a supportive ecosystem where students with special needs can learn, grow, and thrive with confidence and dignity.
“Every child benefits from an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) tailored to their unique strengths and learning requirements,” explained special educator Kakuli Chakraborty. “Content modifications and adapted assessment methods ensure that evaluation remains fair, meaningful, and supportive of individual progress.”
The school further promotes inclusion through peer tutoring programmes and student-led empathy initiatives that encourage understanding, acceptance, and mutual support among learners.
Achievements of CWSN students are celebrated through recognition programmes, including felicitation ceremonies and the prestigious AWWA Award. Their success is reflected in strong Class X and XII board examination results, demonstrating both the resilience of the students and the effectiveness of the support systems in place.
Operating under a strict no-rejection admission policy, the school welcomes all learners and provides structured support through parent psychoeducation programmes, an active Inclusive Education Core Team, early screening and intervention mechanisms, and referrals to national institutes for specialized services when required. Assistance with certification and access to educational concessions further helps remove barriers to learning.
Principal Moitreyee Mukherjee expressed pride in the achievements of her students.“I am extremely proud of our CWSN students and their board examination results,” she said. “They have demonstrated that they are every bit as capable, intelligent, and determined as any other student. I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to support and nurture their growth.”
Creating Strong Foundations Through Experiential Learning:
The Primary Wing of Army Public School Barrackpore, serving students from Balvatika to Cla,ss V embraces experiential and child-centred learning aligned with the principles of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
“Our approach emphasizes learning by doing,” said Headmistress Adwitia Mukherjee. “We strive to cultivate curiosity, creativity, confidence, and critical thinking through activity-based learning experiences.”
A well-equipped playroom in the Balvatika and foundational sections supports cognitive, social, kinesthetic, and motor skill development. Situated within the tranquil surroundings of the historic Barrackpore military campus, the school environment provides an ideal setting for holistic growth.
Teachers develop customized Teaching-Learning Materials (TLMs) to address diverse learning needs, while inclusive classroom practices ensure that neurodivergent students actively participate in academics, sports, cultural programmes, and co-curricular activities. Peer-learning initiatives and buddy systems further promote empathy, collaboration, and social integration.
The primary curriculum also incorporates Indian Sign Language, computational thinking, and interdisciplinary learning, reflecting the school’s commitment to preparing compassionate and future-ready citizens.
Students regularly represent the institution in inter-school competitions, earning recognition and accolades across a variety of disciplines. Reflecting the diverse backgrounds of Army families from across the country, the classrooms serve as a vibrant “Mini India,” where students learn to appreciate cultural diversity, national unity, and shared values from an early age.
Through its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and holistic development, Army Public School Barrackpore continues to demonstrate how modern education can empower every learner while preparing the next generation for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
