This piece showcases the Neev campus through a different lens, in the style of an architectural blueprint, in order to represent the fundamental aspects of school identity. This edition features the scientific and cultural events that are the foundation of the Neev experience, and help build this identity - ayadrithi Urs, Grade 11A
Lights, Camera and Action
Kiara Bhalla, Grade 3C
Neevotsav is a fun annual theatre performance and this year Grade 3 performed musicals. Grades 3A and 3B performed Aladdin while Grades 3C and 3D performed Peter Pan. I played a pirate and my s dancing on ‘The Wellerman Song’ along with my friends
reen room and the waiting room, my friends and I chatted, cracked jokes and helped r with our costumes. Our teachers did final touch ups on our makeup that our parent rs had beautifully done for us hours before the show When I was nervous before how, my friend (and co-pirate) Anika said to me, “If you think you can’t do en you won’t be able to do it, but if you remind yourself you can, then you !”, and I’m thankful to her because listening to her really worked My proudest ment was when I spoke in Hindi to introduce the play. I felt proud that I could eak with expression and confidence in a language I am not as fluent in.
otsav helped me gain confidence by performing in front of a large audience h Sir helped us gain this confidence, and have good stage presence. It was erful to spot my parents and sister cheering for me in the crowd. I’m grateful that these three great opportunities, and I am both sad and happy that this is the time I’ll experience it.
Show-Spirit and Favourite Moments
Rishi Arora, Grade 2B
I enjoyed Neevostav because everyone had a lot of fun, especially during the practice sessions. Everyone did very well in the music and dancing. I played two different roles, and it was new and fun to change between them in the middle. I really liked the songs this time and my favorite was “Cruising for a Bruising” in the play Tin Soldier I liked the snail dance on this song, because it was really funny and unique I can’t wait for next year!
A Whole New World - Preparing for the Plays
Reyansh Bhandari, Grade 3B
Our class put on a play for Aladdin for the performances and I played the Sultan. I prepared for the play by watching the movie with my friends to understand the characters better. Initially I was nervous and felt like I would be embarrassed, as I was supposed to wear a white beard, and go outside my comfort zone. Our dresses were very nice. I had to wear blue balloon pants and a blue jacket. My mom made a homemade Arabian turban with a blue feather which was stitched in the turban
My main learning was that it is not easy being someone else or acting like someone else on the stage. Ultimately, the play is a story about someone with an honest and pure heart winning in the end, and it was really fun being part of the show
Neevotsav: The Medley
Aryan Kora, Grade 3D
The loud speakers boomed and so did the claps and cheers of the parents. I stepped on the stage, the spotlights blaring on us. It was thrilling, it was legendary, it was Neevotsav - our annual theatrical event celebrating the significance of role play, music and dance
As I was transported into the enchanting realm of Neverland with Peter Pan, the fairies, lost kids and natives, my fear of performance melted away. Through this art form, I had an opportunity to witness how art can work a miracle by bringing people in communities together Art also has the power to transport you to places you have never seen or been before The best thing about Neevotsav is that I got to dance, sing and talk - an opportunity that provided unending joy.
Our Last Neevotsav
Anaya SV Goel, Grade 3D
This year was our last Neevotsav, and it was both exciting and a little sad. Neevotsav is a special time for all of us, and we look forward to it all year! It’s a time filled with music, dance and so much fun
From the very first practice, we helped each other. If someone forgot a line, we cheered them on and encouraged them to do better Every little effort made a big difference. We spent weeks practicing, laughing, and making wonderful memories with our friends and teachers When the final performance day arrived, we went on the stage in our costumes and performed. Our parents, teachers, and friends were amazed! The cheers made it an unforgettable moment
We will truly miss this experience, but we’ll be there to cheer for others next time I can’t wait to watch my little sister perform when she joins Neev! I guess it will not be my last Neevotsav after all.
Growth and Discovery
Saanvi Nair, Grade 5B
PYP-X was certainly a memorable experience Not only did we learn about our chosen topic, but we built many important skills and made new friends. It was a rollercoaster of emotions; whether it was the initial excitement, the testing of resilience, or the excitement yet nervousness of the presentation day We didn’t just improve academically, but behaviorally as well We realized the importance of putting your all into a project, and it improved our time management skills as well This project was a part of our personal growth; it helped us understand the importance of teamwork and dedication Through PYP X we developed a strong sense of responsibility, and it was a serious yet enjoyable experience.
My PYP-X Experience
Vihaan Lakhani, Grade 5A
I had a very unforgettable experience at the PYP Exhibition this year We chose our topics based on areas of interest, and mine was about stray animals in India. Day after day, we did our research, and our language, math and additional language integrations The final week was the most stressful. All our displays, charts and individual workpieces had to go up Messages flew through the late evening and even on weekends. On the very last day to set up, our board was stuffed, and we had many decisions to make
This experience has pushed me to research in depth and challenge myself A big takeaway has been that teamwork pays off, even if we may not always be on the same page and our working styles may differ Overall, the PYP Exhibition was a really special experience for me, and it will always stay close to my heart
PYP-X: A JourneyLong, Stressful and Successful
Saige Sarawagi, Grade 5C
PYP-X, a journey long and hard, The start of the process caught us all off guard, Making us all feel wild and stressed, All of us, wishing for the best.
We were all collaborating the best we can, All the groups having different plans, Working together helped us get through, We would eventually have disagreements, we all knew.
Towards the middle we all had fun, But our work was no where close to done, Though we had our ups and downs, We said goodbye to all our frowns.
Around the end, we were all in a rush, Trying to get all our work done in a gush, Some of us lost hope in completing our tasks, Wishing that the final day would be a blast
The day finally came, All of us playing our best game, Though the first day was stressful, It somehow ended up being successful.
The second day was easier for me, My heart, full of glee, After the project was finally over, I felt so great, like I found a four leaf clover
The Purpose of a Project
Saanvi Singh, Grade 10B
On the 7th and 8th of February, Grade 10 presented what we had devoted ourselves to for a year: our Personal Project These projects varied from things as unique as sustainable jewelry to documentaries, all based on our own passions The projects were reflections of what we had a deep interest in and this really came out when explaining our process to the audience.
My group, the Science Spectrum, primarily had products with the aim of spreading awareness on medical disorders Over the course of the two days, I slowly began to see the purpose of every product in the grade What I didn’t initially notice was that through the journey of working on the projects, in some way, shape, or form all projects had an impact on the broader community. Despite how diverse the fields were, all projects had the potential to make a difference in this world This brought me to the general realization that no matter what we end up doing or what our interests may be if we put in enough effort and dedicate ourselves to them, whatever we do can be impactful.
The PYP-X Journey
Reyansh Magotra, Grade 5C
PYP-X is a keystone project in the Neev curriculum, marking an important milestone for fifth graders. The journey took about three months, starting with brainstorming ideas and ending with a presentation Though it was challenging, PYP-X taught us the value of collaboration, as we worked in small groups based on similar topics The experience wasn’t easy, but the effort paid off in a memorable and impactful project To make a really successful project, you will have to work very hard, and, even though it seems tough, it is all worth it for that final moment when you get to present to your parents, the Neev community, and even students from other schools!
The Products of Passion
Sayuri Manon, Grade 10B
We all do projects for school, some with excitement and some grudgingly But imagine a project where you get to pick any topic, explore it in-depth, and actually create something. That is the Personal Project. Over the span of the last year, we, grade 10 students embarked on this journey From board games, to websites, to cookbooks, we created true passion projects to showcase at the Keystone Exhibition.
For my project, I chose to create a cookbook that compares and contrasts 5 pairs of Indian dishes from different states, along with their history. I was inspired by how food connects people across generations The journey wasn’t always smooth. I faced challenges like time management, perfecting my book and finding experts. But overcoming them made the final result even more rewarding Finally, presenting my work at Keystone was an amazing experience. Displaying my project, explaining my process to others, and looking at the work of my classmates made me realize how much we had all grown through this project
Some of us discovered new skills, others deepened their passions, but in the end all of us took away something valuable
Cause and Effect - The Science behind an EE
Aditi Kaila, Grade 11A
Keystone day is a special milestone, incorporating the Extended Essay Presentations, which exhibit the year-long efforts and research made by Neev’s senior batch towards a subject they are dedicated to. Under the sciences, the extended essay offers students an opportunity to investigate a phenomenon or theory that piques their interest in a focused and experimental manner
The EE allows one to delve into their curated research question, observing patterns and relationships to derive a cause and effect relationship of variables From investigating the controlled release of ibuprofen using coordination complexes, to exploring factors affecting magnetic field strength, the science extended essays at Neev challenge students while building perspective through analysis and critical thinking
Additionally, this glimpse into detailed research under the fields of biology, chemistry and physics, provides a chance to explore enthralling and complex topics during a critical era of science-based research In essence, Keystone Day and extended essay under sciences, stand as a testament of the dedication, curiosity, and rigorous research undertaken by Neev’s students, building the passion for learning
Labors of Love
Riya Bopanna, Grade 9C
This year I was excited to attend the Keystone Exhibition and watch the grade 10 personal project presentations. As I would be beginning my own personal project soon, I looked to these presentations for inspiration and guidance I was blown away by the endless variety of products and topics I saw, that ranged from short films about school stress to robotic cars. It was interesting to see how the students' unique personality and interests influenced their project. As a result of this, it gave the students a chance to discover something new about themselves and grow as a person by developing new skills and facing challenges This helped me realise the perseverance and dedication that this project requires It was clear that each project was a true labour of love.
My key takeaway from the presentations was the importance of choosing a project that I connect with personally in order to make the most out of this opportunity. It was a valuable learning experience for us ninth graders as we begin to embark on our own personal project journey this year.
Growing Voices - The Humanity of an Essay
Sanjana Garg, Grade 11A
The Extended Essay allows individuals to research and present knowledge in greater depth than what is provided in a classroom setting. Specifically in humanities, this involves many disciplines, including psychology, history, literature, etc When we think about the ‘big picture’ these self-directed inquiries help us gain awareness about current events, and debates, and contribute to a larger body of knowledge on the chosen topic
In terms of skill development, Extended Essays require extensive research This pushes students to synthesise multiple perspectives and do a literature review of papers and knowledge that came before theirs. This fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, which are key to higher-level education, in conjunction with gaining the academic writing skills necessary for it
Although intimidating, the possibilities posed by the humanities EE are endless It allows us to discover and examine fields that we want to pursue and acts as a microcosm for all that is to come.
Bigger Eyes
Siddhanam
Kolhapure, Grade 4C
The last four days were different The world outside home and school is much bigger and more wonderful than I ever thought. Stories about our history and subjects I never knew about It was the first time I was on a bus for nine hours, the first time I packed my suitcase, and the first time without my parents. Teachers and friends were my home. My father said “You will come back with bigger eyes” When I was leaving home for Hampi, I wasn’t sure what he exactly meant but after coming back, I understood the true meaning of this.
The Secrets of Hampi
Prisha Agarwal, Grade 4B
It was just a small engraved flower painted in red and blue, about the size of my hand I spotted it as I emerged from the maze-like passages. This was the secret chamber said to be built by King Krishnadevaraya to conduct meetings If that flower could talk, what secrets would come out? Would there be secrets about how the kingdom flourished and expanded? Or would it be the secrets behind the engineering and architecture of Hampi? The secrets of Hampi are still being excavated, maybe someday we will find out.
As I lay on my own bed after three-nights at Hampi, I reflected on my journey and I remembered that forgotten, faded flower engraving. Despite not being grand, it was still as much a part of the Vijayanagar Kingdom where the artisans paid immense attention to every detail, big or small.
Echoes of Hampi
K Veda Ponnappa, Grade 4B
Through ancient lands I gently flow Whispering tales of lives ago I stand where kings and legends stay, Watching the sunrise gold each day Stone-clad steps and echoes grand, Where kings once ruled this sacred land.
Walls that speak in carvings old, Rama's tale in stone retold
Grace in stone, so light and fair, A palace floating in the air.
Majestic halls of stone so wide, Where royal beasts once stood in pride Fierce yet calm in stone divine, A guardian lost to sands of time.
Whispers linger in walls so deep, Where secrets of the past still sleep. Stone by stone, the waters gleam, Reflecting tales of a vanished dream
Hampi stands, though time may flee, A timeless song in history.
Agra Fort
Yuvaan Singhal, Grade 5B
On our first day in Agra, we visited the Agra Fort. This monument stood out to me because three generations of Mughals worked on it Akbar built the main fort and also used it as a palace. Then Jahangir, a fervent art enthusiast, took over We could see how he blended different forms of architecture in his designs. In his courtroom, there were intricate pillars of Indo-Persian art Then Shah Jahan came, and replaced a lot of sandstone with marble. That’s why we could see a lot of marble structures on one side of the fort, with a few sandstone pillars still supporting them. It was an amazing experience, and I loved seeing history come to life in Agra Fort
The Green Revolutionaries
Myra Nigam, Grade 6D
Looking back at the long and challenging process of Eureka 202425, I realize that all the obstacles I faced not only helped me grow but also led to many important discoveries. I was part of a Eureka group called The Green Revolutionaries, where we explored how algae can be transformed into biofuel Despite facing challenges such as not having the right chemicals, juggling out-of-school activities, and trying not to miss deadlines we worked together to overcome them This experience taught me the importance of three key skills: collaboration, communication, and critical thinking These were essential in solving problems, sharing ideas, and working together toward our common goal.
I thank all the teachers who provided us with resources, the parents who ensured we completed our work and put up with all the stay-backs and long Zoom calls But the most important pillar of this successful project was my team Our dedication, research, and organization were as much a highlight as were the loud laughs, candid photo sessions, food, and fun chatter that made this experience truly special
The RK Narayan Reading Growth Award - PYP
Arth Palo, Grade 2C
activities It started in November 2024 and ends in February 2025 You will have to read 2-3 books each week, with a total of 20 in 4 months. 50 teams of 2nd and 3rd graders participated in this competition The challenges for me were the activities which made me think out of the box Another challenge was that I was sick for 1 week, so I missed a few activities. During the competition, I had a lot of fun and learned new things. One of my favorite books was “Building A Dream” This book is about a group of boys who build their own soccer ground on water. Reading this book, I learned to have perseverance. I did not qualify for the semi-final round, which made me disappointed and sad, but I continued to cheer for my friends who qualified for the semi-final and I look forward to participating again next year.
My Reflections on Eureka
Haya Nasir, Grade 6C
This year, I participated in the Ambedkar Debate Prize and Chandrashekar Science Award, both of which taught me a lot despite challenges. As a 6th grader, my first year in Eureka pushed me to think critically and apply knowledge in innovative ways.
For the science project, my group explored natural dyes, which strengthened my collaboration skills and helped me understand my peers better. Managing time was challenging due to other extracurriculars, but we learned to coordinate efficiently. Trial and error taught me the importance of perseverance, as setbacks like failed dye attempts required creative problem-solving.
The Ambedkar Debate Prize introduced me to structured debate Facing 8th graders in our first round was intimidating, but learning from other experienced debaters improved my skills Though we didn’t reach the semi-finals, it was an enriching experience that enhanced my confidence and strategic thinking.
A Science Odyssey
Hana Yenepoya, Grade 11A
The Collaborative Science Projects (CSP) was a unique experience in 11th grade that moved beyond the curriculum of individual subjects, offering an integrated approach to scientific exploration Each group distinctively brought together physics, chemistry, biology and ESS, exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives, and creating a deep understanding of global issues
My group in particular focused on the effectiveness of chemical and mineral sunscreens when it comes to blocking UV radiation, considering factors of SPF rating This experiment aligned with broader prospects as to how companies present information in marketing, circling on accuracy and reliability of their claims, extending to the TOK theme of myth versus reality
My Eureka Moment
Dhanvi Khemani, Grade 8A
“My eureka moment!” What my teachers truly meant is now clear to me. As I stood in front of my trifold and tried to explain our topic to the judges, I could hear a lot of commotion going on around me. I was relieved at the end of Eureka, because this was my last year of it
CSP, and its collaborative nature allowed us to engage with ideas across all sciences as well as with the feedback from our audience Insights on the vitamin D absorption, and the electron excitation mechanism of the sunscreens were brought up, establishing new pathways of exploration. This holistic experience not only gave way to the foundational steps of our IAs, but it also cultivated collaboration between peers, giving an experience of scientific exploration beyond a classroom.
My juniors were approaching me for guidance on whether or not to color our trifold or whether I was going to visit their stall? Looking back now, Eureka was more than a science project or taking trips to the biology lab. It was about curiosity, discovery, and learning From brainstorming about ideas for what our topic should be, to arguing with my team member if a green or pink background will look better, every moment was a lesson in itself.
Our Visit to ISRO
Riddhi Mantri, Grade 6D
As a part of Eureka, our team took a visit to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). One of the main heads of ISRO took a session with us about artificial gravity and how we could experiment with it He answered our doubts and questions, explained gravity to us in detail, and gave examples from what ISRO had accomplished, making all of us feel privileged to be getting such an opportunity When they gave us a tour, we understood so much more about our topic We got to see real-time training capsules, classrooms, gyms, and spacesuits. Just looking at these made the experience so much more real. We entered with curiosity, but left with an urge for more learning, and with a passion for our topic.
A Creative Haven
Rohini
Arya, President of the Art Club
The Art Club at Neev started in 2021 when we were given the opportunity to start student-led clubs. The primary goal was to create a space where artists from different grades could interact with each other, allowing younger students to learn from their seniors while giving students an outlet for creative expression, even for those who didn’t take art as a subject.
Over the years, the club has improved significantly. We initially focused on 2D mediums like ink, graphite, and various paints However, as interest in other mediums, such as clay, grew, we broadened the range for our projects. One of my favorites was a fairytale-themed diorama where each member contributed a sculpture of their favorite character.
The legacy that Jayadrithi (vice-president) and I want to leave behind with this club would be a space that allows artists across all grades to freely express themselves creatively and have fun making art.
Music - Club Culture @ Neev
Devyanshi Chakraborty, Co-President of the Music Club
Music has the unique ability to bring people together, and our school’s Music Club is a place for students to connect with others who share a passion for music. As Co-President of the club, I’ve seen how this opportunity transforms confidence, creativity, and collaboration among students of all grades.
At its core, is emotion materialized and the club aims to foster this individual expression. The Music Club is about creating opportunities to perform and connect From jam sessions to performances, we provide a welcoming environment for students to express themselves through music This year, we reignited the spirit of busking, setting up opportunities for students to perform live during lunch breaks. Busking helps musicians overcome stage fright, gain realworld experience, and build an appreciation for live performances. For the audience, it offers a refreshing break from routine and a chance to support others Whether it is music, dance or the visual arts, our clubs allow students to take their first steps into the world of arts through these informal, yet deeply impactful, moments
We extend this invitation to all, whether you wish to share your voice or simply immerse yourself in the music Let us make our school a living, breathing stage where the arts are not an occasional indulgence but an integral part of everyday life
Meeting David Walliams
Vaanya Sureka, Grade 5B
A day at Neev Academy I will always remember is meeting David Walliams, the famous children's author! He told us all about how he became a writer and how important creativity and imagination are for making up stories. It was so cool to hear him read parts of his books out loud. We laughed a lot at the funny parts, and some parts were really touching too.
After reading, he answered our questions with so much enthusiasm and humor We also asked him which of his books is his favorite, and he said he loves them all but has a special place in his heart for "Mr. Stink." He even shared some funny stories from his life, which made us laugh even more. Meeting David Walliams was so inspiring, and it made me want to read more of his books.
Showstopping Shotstopping
Diya
Shetty, Grade 11B
Tradition Meets Twist
Myra Bhalla, Grade 6E
Friday, 7th February was invigorating, with the high-spirited girls of grade 9 to 12 aspiring to flaunt their technical mastery in football The event began with the first round of the Rhinos facing the Dolphins, and the Tuskers facing the Lions The matches saw decisive wins for the Dolphins and the Tuskers who advanced forward, both vying for victory Kaveri knocked it out of the field in their final match, securing a score of 3-1, with Ganges putting up a good fight Meanwhile, Brahmaputra maintained a valiant defence in the first half, resolute in blocking every attempt to shoot. Narmada, however, proved their prowess with a fiery comeback of 6 goals. Both matches saw some ferocious shots as well as some unfortunate self-goals Overall, it was a day of triumph, lively collaboration, friendly competition and entertaining commentary
7th and 8th Feb was a big day for all ICSE 6 & 7 students - it was our IDU culmination After 20 weeks of hard work we finally displayed all that we learnt in a class about this.
We were all so excited but nervous at the same time We faced many challenges when we were working on this project. When the date of the culmination started nearing, my group together began taking more initiative. When the date of culmination arrived I was relieved and proud of everyone and I had a memorable experience
The topic of this culmination was Karnataka Food and I enjoyed bringing and sharing the food that we had to make with our friends as well as visiting other stalls. I found it particularly interesting to see how the others creatively innovated Karnataka food with our modern day cuisines I am glad to have had this experience and looking forward to doing it next year.
