In an era where critical thinking, creativity, and communication are key to success, MET Rishikul Vidyalaya School (MET-MRV) in Mumbai, India, is raising the bar in education by integrating performing arts and communication skills into its curriculum.
Leveraging Trinity College London’s Young Performers Certificate (YPC), Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) exams, Speech & Drama, Communication Skills and Performance Arts in Production, they are helping students develop 21st-century competencies that prepare them for future challenges.
The initiative, launched five years ago, has significantly enhanced the school’s enrichment programme by fostering a culture of reflective learning, improving communication skills and building confidence among its students. By incorporating Trinity assessments, the school has adopted a reflective approach, encouraging students to think critically about their learning journey while cultivating self-awareness and personal growth.
Unlike many institutions that run Trinity qualifications as co-curricular activities outside of normal lessons, MET-MRV integrates them seamlessly into the daily timetable. This approach ensures that all students can participate without adding to after-school commitments. The programme has been aligned with the annual academic calendar, including dedicated exam preparation periods alongside regular classes.
Trinity assessments: tailored for every stage of learning
Every student at the school is given equal opportunity and encouragement to participate in the programme, enhancing not only their language proficiency but also their confidence. Starting with the Young Performers Certificate (YPC) in pre-primary, students progress through Trinity College London qualifications, continuing through to school grades 11 and 12. This journey enables them to build an impressive portfolio of achievement certificates, enriching their personal development while elevating the school’s overall profile.
The Young Performers Certificate (YPC), introduced in the Early Years, transforms learning into a fun and interactive experience. Through storytelling, dramatisation, props and weekly performances, students engage joyfully with the material. Trinity examiners, framed as "guests" attending performances, help reduce the stress typically associated with assessments.
For older students, GESE develops individual speaking and listening skills, while Communication Skills focuses on personal reflection, presentation abilities and organisational skills. Mock exams simulate real assessments, easing student anxiety and enhancing readiness.
Additionally, the Drama and Performance Arts programme offers opportunities for teamwork, creativity, and leadership. Group plays and productions ensure every participant—whether on stage or behind the scenes—can build valuable skills and earn recognition for their contributions.
“It just gives something for everyone. I feel this is what Trinity does well, something for everyone. And personalisation means teachers have so many more options to make it more relevant and useful for different students.”
Dr G. Nagashree, Principal of MET Rishikul Vidyalaya School
Why Trinity College London?
The school sought a partner offering flexible, internationally recognised assessments that focus on speaking, listening and articulation skills. Trinity College London provided the ideal framework, enabling MET-MRV to cater to diverse learning needs while delivering measurable outcomes.
Comprehensive training, updated resources and ongoing support from Trinity’s teams in India and the UK made the adoption process seamless. Teachers found the resources easy to integrate with the school’s broader educational objectives, ensuring alignment and impact.
“What we really value is the international recognition that comes with the Trinity College London assessments.”
Dr G. Nagashree, Principal of MET Rishikul Vidyalaya School
Transformational impact on the school community
For students
The integration of Trinity assessments has had a profound impact on students, teachers, and the wider community. Teachers have observed that students have a marked increase in confidence and were more willing to participate in discussions and presentations more generally in other classes. Their communication skills improved significantly, with noticeable advancements in articulation, vocabulary and clarity of expression.
- Confidence and communication: students who were initially hesitant to participate in classroom discussions have displayed remarkable transformations. One student, initially hesitant to speak in class, achieved a distinction in Communication Skills, illustrating the programme's ability to unlock latent potential.
- Recognition and achievement: with a distinction rate of over 90%, Trinity qualifications are seen as both aspirational and achievable. Students find the process enjoyable and are motivated by the interactive and personalised nature of assessments, while the added benefit of UCAS points supports those pursuing competitive global university admissions.
- Personal growth: Parents report noticeable improvements in their children’s confidence and communication abilities, with students showing greater readiness to engage in public speaking and interpersonal interactions.
For teachers
The success of the Trinity programme within the school has fostered enthusiasm and collaboration among teachers. Initially met with mixed emotions, the programme now boasts a teacher-led model where educators across disciplines actively support the initiative. Teachers appreciate:
- The flexibility of Trinity assessments.
- The measurable impact on student development.
- Resources that enable them to tailor content to diverse student needs without compromising assessment standards.
The school has also seen students leverage their Trinity certifications to secure university placements, validating the programme's practical benefits while strengthening the school’s position in a competitive educational market.
Future aspirations
Inspired by the programme's success, MET-MRV plans to expand its offerings, particularly in drama and performance arts. Future initiatives will include more collaborative projects, designed to cater to a wider range of interests and abilities. By leveraging Trinity's flexible formats, the school aims to reach even more students.
MET Rishikul Vidyalaya’s adoption of Trinity College London qualifications has been transformative. By embedding these programmes within the curriculum, the Principal has demonstrated how arts education can complement academic excellence, fostering confidence, communication and creativity in students.
The measurable success — evident in high distinctions, improved confidence, and parental feedback — proves that Trinity assessments are more than exams; they are a gateway to holistic growth and global opportunities. MET-MRV continues to set a shining example of how schools can prepare students for personal and professional success in the 21st century.
