Kolkata’s Hare School claims its football ground hosted India’s first football match. The historic institution, established in 1818 , is also recognized as Asia’s first to offer Western education.
School History and Legacy
Founded by Scottish watchmaker David Hare, the school aimed to introduce Western learning in India. Hare also co-founded Hindu School in 1817. Hare School has always been a boys’ institution.
Student Population
Currently, Hare School educates 1,074 students . Classes run from Grade 1 to Grade 12. Each grade typically has two sections. Grades 11 and 12 offer Science, Arts, and Commerce streams with three sections each.
Educational Evolution
Hare School pioneered a Westernized curriculum in Asia. Initial instruction was in English. It later offered instruction in both Bengali and English. Today, it operates as a full Bengali-medium school.
The school transitioned to Bengali medium post-India’s independence. It declined a government request to offer English medium classes. This decision was partly due to the heritage building’s space limitations. Expansion is restricted as it is a heritage site.
Teacher Shortage
The school faces a significant teacher shortage. Approximately 50 teaching positions are sanctioned. However, only 25 permanent teachers are currently employed. Retirements have not been matched by new hirings.
Recent recruitments in 2017 focused on new model and integrated schools. These were funded by the central government under the Samagra Siksha Abhiyan. Hare School received one teacher from this initiative, which was insufficient.
Notable Alumni
Hare School boasts distinguished alumni. These include physicist Jagadish Chandra Bose and chemist Prafulla Chandra Roy. Roy founded Bengal Chemicals. Mathematician Radhanath Sikdar calculated Mount Everest’s height.
Nagendra Prasad Sarbadikari is another prominent alumnus. He is known as the father of Indian football. The school’s football ground is named in his honor.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The school maintains well-equipped laboratories for science subjects. It also has facilities for visual arts and a language lab. The language lab supports recitation, drama, and pronunciation practice. Students develop original scripts there. History and math labs are also available.
Student Demographics
Hare School enrolls students from diverse backgrounds. Many students have origins in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Assam. The school also has students from Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.
Attractions and Challenges
The school’s football ground, Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari Krirangan, is a major attraction. It is noted as the site of the nation’s first football match.
The state government offers several scholarships. These include Shikhasree, Aikyashree, and Swami Vivekananda Merit Scholarship. NGOs partner with the school for mid-day meals.
A notable challenge is the Commerce stream. It has only one teacher. This teacher also serves as a Booth Level Officer (BLO). Election duties lead to class disruptions for Commerce students.