The Critical Role of Emotional Intelligence in Student Growth

Today’s learners need more than intelligence to thrive - they need empathy, resilience, and the ability to connect with a diverse world. That’s exactly why Emotional Intelligence is just as important as a high Intelligence Quotient in young children. 

Parents, teachers and even students often find themselves caught up chasing the perfect scores and highest grades as a sign of academic achievement. While these markers are often important indicators of any student’s progress, they’re not always the most ‘complete’ indicator. By now, we know that children need more than just theoretical knowledge to build a strong foundation for their future - they need real-life skills that will help them relate to the real world which they will go on to shape in the future. Then, let’s ask ourselves this question - “Why do we focus just on academic marks, when our children need so much more for holistic growth?” 

This is where Emotional Intelligence steps in - the ability to understand and manage their own emotions, while also being able to empathise with others around them. For children, especially those with unique developmental needs, building emotional intelligence can play a pivotal role in helping them navigate social situations, regulate emotions, and foster meaningful connections. What does this crucial social skill actually encompass? Let’s find out. 

- Self-Awareness: The ability to recognise one’s own emotions, and understanding how they impact thoughts and behaviours to act consciously. 

- Self-Regulation: This is the power to control, shape and change one’s actions based on emotions. 

- Empathy: One of the most important characteristics of a leader is the ability to put oneself in the other’s shoes and consider their feelings when making decisions. - Motivation: A passion for life and work that goes beyond traditional success - this aspect focuses on getting inspired to make an impact on the world around.

- Social Skills: The ability to manage interpersonal relationships and build networks, so one can find common ground and build healthy, nurturing connections. 

Now that we know what Emotional Intelligence is, let’s explore why it’s just as important for a young student as academic success. 

At some of the best international schools in Bangalore like Chaman Bhartiya School, this soft skill is considered one of the cornerstones of nurturing well-rounded young leaders who can not just relate to the community, but make an actual impact on it. This inclusivity-focused approach means creating an environment where all students - whether they’re neurotypical or neurodivergent - feel valued and empowered. Emotional Intelligence (EI) helps create space for diverse ways of learning and experiencing the world, so each student feels they belong. 

This is because EI fosters essential life skills, such as resilience and adaptability, which help students navigate challenges both in and out of the classroom. When students feel understood and supported, they are more likely to engage actively in their studies, leading to improved overall performance. Finally, EI encourages empathy, allowing students to understand and share the feelings of others. 

Building Emotional Intelligence from a Young Age at CBS 

At CBS, we understand that emotional intelligence (EQ) is foundational for a child's holistic development. Our approach recognises that every child has unique needs and potential. Through dedicated counselling sessions, we offer ongoing support to all students, including regular parent-counsellor meetings that help align school and home approaches to emotional growth. At the core of all of our pillars of learning is the need to build empathy in these young leaders, right from the start. The best international schools in Bangalore and around the world are the ones that recognise this need and work towards holistic, not just academic success. 

From the Early Years to Older Students 

In the early years, our WE LEAD curriculum is designed to instil core values of emotional intelligence. This inclusive approach also takes into account students with special needs, creating engaging, sensory-friendly activities that ensure everyone can participate. Through play-based activities and emotional regulation sessions like Circle Time, children learn to identify and express their emotions, laying the groundwork for empathy and self-awareness.

In the MYP, we deepen this emotional learning by challenging students to reflect on their experiences actively. Projects emphasise conflict resolution and collaboration to build solutions for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, equipping them with essential social skills. 

For our older students in senior grades, emotional intelligence becomes a vital part of their academic and personal growth as they continue to learn leadership through the lens of empathy, community service and more. 

The IB Learner Profile and Emotional Intelligence 

The IB Learner Profile is the perfect testament to the fact that Emotional Intelligence is just as important as academic indicators of growth. Through key characteristics like being caring, open-minded and reflective, the profile serves as a roadmap for the best international schools in Bangalore to nurture young leaders with a high Emotional Quotient. 

For instance, being caring not only fosters empathy but also encourages students to support one another. Meanwhile, the reflective attribute prompts them to consider how their emotions and actions impact their learning journey and their peers. 

Nurturing Well-Rounded Individuals 

At CBS, we believe that nurturing emotional intelligence is crucial for developing well-rounded, successful individuals. By weaving emotional learning into our academic programs, the best international schools in Bangalore empower students with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. And for children with diverse needs, emotional support from their counsellors and faculty makes a profound difference, offering them a space where they can confidently express themselves and connect with others. It’s not just about high marks - it’s about cultivating compassionate leaders, effective communicators, and lifelong learners. 

As we continue to emphasise the importance of emotional intelligence, we urge parents to join us on this journey by being open with children about the need for emotional and social skills and help us shift the focus away from traditional, academic growth as the only marker of success. Together, we can help our children become not only exceptional students but also empathetic human beings ready to make a positive impact in the world.