The British School New Delhi and the University of Warwick (UK) Launch a Ground-breaking Collaboration

From the first to the fifth of July, over 40 students completed the first ever Summer School hosted at the prestigious and newly refurbished British School in New Delhi and taught by senior faculty from the UK’s University of Warwick. Spread over five days, from the first to the fifth of July, students studied a combination of economics and finance. Reflecting the reputation of both institutions, students travelled from across India, and even from as far away as Singapore, to attend the School.

The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s top Higher Education Institutions and it ranks amongst the leading universities worldwide. In 2015 it was named as the University of the Year in the UK by the Times and Sunday Times Higher Education league tables. In the same tables, the Economics Department at Warwick was ranked as the Number 1 Economics Department in the UK. Professor Abhinay Muthoo, who is Head of the Economics Department at Warwick and Ms Vanita Uppal OBE, the Director of The British School were personally and closely involved in the development and delivery of this new venture. Professor Muthoo, who himself delivered much of the teaching on the Summer School, was thrilled with the outcome and said, “Economics remains the big issue of the day. Understanding why markets fail or how we can better address our most stubborn public policy challenges are just some of the pressing questions facing economists around the globe. I’m excited to be part of this collaboration in the heart of Delhi. I want this experience to show students what it is like to learn economics or finance at degree level in a top University like Warwick, and in so doing I hope it inspires them to explore the disciplines further. I’m also delighted to be working with such a fantastic partner as The British School who provided the very best facilities and environment for the students.”

Each day the students received four hours of academic lectures and seminars covering the core principles of economics and its applications, such as to the Global Economic Crisis. In addition, the students undertook personal development sessions where the focus was on strengthening key life skills such as communication techniques and effective teamwork. The Summer School culminated in a formal, gala reception to which all of the students and their parents were invited and during which a graduation ceremony was conducted, marking the successful completion of the School. The Director of the British School, Ms Vanita Uppal OBE commented, “The Summer School collaboration between The British School and the University of Warwick has been a tremendous experience for everyone involved. Our mission at The British School is to provide the finest British and International education with an Indian soul and the Summer School is an excellent example of that mission. There is a great synergy between the two institutions and Professor Muthoo and his team from Warwick share our passion for excellence in education. Equally significant was the opportunity the Summer School offered to students in Delhi who are considering options for higher education. This inaugural year was a tremendous success and we now look forward to growing the Summer School even further over the coming years.”

The University of Warwick, India Office works to facilitate admissions for Indian students. The set up began in 1998 in New Delhi by Ms. Kanika Marwaha, the Warwick India Representative. On the success of completion of Delhi Warwick Summer School, Ms Marwaha, India Representative, said that the University of Warwick, India is delighted to be associated with The British School and the Economics Summer School. As an educationist I feel the merit of such a programme is not only academic but also personal development for interpersonal and communication skills. We look forward to extending the reach of the Summer School to more students and cities of India.