The 5S of Helix Open School

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A Lesson Beyond Classrooms

As an observer that day, my role was simple: observe, learn, and lend a hand where I could. Yet what I took away from those few hours was something far greater - a quiet revelation about learning, life, and what true education can look like when it’s built on heart, dignity, and order.

Hello, this is Sneha. I'm excited to share about an interesting Organizational Behaviour method in this blog… spoiler - it's Japanese.

So, 5S’s, though rooted in workplace philosophy, it’s much more than just a system of order. It’s a way of creating balance between space, purpose, and people. The five pillars - Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain are meant to bring clarity and discipline into our surroundings. But at Helix Open School, these words come alive with deeper meaning. They aren’t just about tidiness or process; they’re about nurturing mindfulness, kindness, and connection in every corner of learning.

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1. Sort - Removing the Unnecessary, Embracing the Essential

At Helix, “Sort” begins not with desks or books, but with ideology.The very foundation of the school is built on sorting out the traditional - removing the rigid layers of rote learning and examinations, and keeping only what truly serves the growth of a child.

This is a school designed specifically for children with learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and other neurodiverse needs. But instead of treating those differences as limitations, Helix redefines them as unique ways of thinking. The curriculum, the pace, and even the rhythm of each day are crafted to honor every learner’s individuality.

Here, learning is not a race - it’s an experience. Theory gives way to life skills, and lessons unfold through doing, creating, and discovering. Every activity, from art to cooking to carpentry, becomes a bridge between ability and expression.

In that way, Helix doesn’t just “sort” its methods - it sorts its values, keeping only what nurtures growth, compassion, and real-world readiness.

2. Set in Order - A Place for Everything and Everyone

The next “S” - Set in Order - takes tangible form the moment you walk through the gates. The school isn’t vast in size, yet every inch feels purposeful.

With about eight students per class, the space is open, breathable, and beautifully balanced between structure and freedom. The classrooms aren’t called “Grades” - they’re called Remedials (R1, R2, R3...), reminding everyone that education here is not about hierarchy but healing and growth.

Each class feels alive. There’s an artistic pulse that runs through the campus - every wall tells a story. I still remember standing by the staircase, admiring the Evolution of Man painted across one side, and a Fibonacci spiral transformed into a snail shell on another. It’s more than decoration - it’s symbolism. Order here isn’t enforced; it’s inspired.

The environment itself seems to participate in the process of learning - nature surrounds the campus in Pagalpatti, calm and green, while students alternate between interactive learning with tablets and hands-on experiences like pottery, short film writing, baking, and gardening. Emotional order is maintained not through rules, but through the gentle empathy of teachers who are deeply attuned to their students’ needs.

3. Shine - A Campus That Reflects Care and Clarity

If “Shine” were a feeling, Helix would embody it effortlessly. The school radiates warmth, not because it’s spotless (though it truly is), but because it’s alive with care.

Clean floors, neat classrooms, and painted walls all contribute to a space that feels more like a home than an institution. Every student, teacher, and staff member takes responsibility for keeping the campus pristine. From the janitors to the children themselves, everyone plays their part. Even the smallest habits - picking up after oneself, watering plants, maintaining shared spaces - are part of the culture.

On the first floor sits a cozy library, filled with thoughtful, creative, and heartwarming books - a quiet haven for reflection. Whether it’s the laughter from the art room or the calm in the corridors, Helix shines not from polish alone but from the dignity and pride that its people put into their environment.

4. Standardize - Creating Consistency Through Compassion

“Standardize” at Helix doesn’t mean uniformity - it means consistency in kindness.

The founders, Dr.Senthilkumar and Mrs. Priya, both psychologists, have built the school on the belief that differences should be handled with dignity. Dr.Senthilkumar’s background in Organizational Behavior reflects in how seamlessly the school’s systems function - emotionally intelligent, yet deeply structured.

Every student receives equal attention, tailored guidance, and emotional support. There’s a rhythm to the day: three hours of academic learning, followed by a variety of vocational and sensory-based experiences - from plumbing and pottery to direction writing and kitchen gardening.

Visitors and volunteers like me are often invited to share skills or experiences, blending community involvement into the curriculum. What struck me most was that this structure didn’t feel mechanical - it felt alive, evolving, and deeply human.

Helix has standardized something most institutions struggle to - the art of empathy.

5. Sustain - Keeping the Spirit Alive

The final “S,” Sustain, is perhaps the soul of Helix.

For over 25 years, the school has remained unwavering in its vision: to celebrate diversity with dignity. It stands as a safe space for those often unseen - children who may not fit into the molds of mainstream education, yet possess worlds of creativity waiting to unfold.

Here, sustainability isn’t about routine - it’s about preserving purpose. Teachers stay committed year after year, alumni return with stories and gratitude, and every new student is welcomed not as a challenge, but as a possibility.

Helix continues to grow not by expansion, but by intention - by ensuring that the same values of equality, empathy, and joy echo through its walls, day after day.

As I left the campus that evening, the sun setting over the green edges of Pagalpatti, I realized Helix Open School wasn’t just a school. It was a living example of what education looks like when it’s guided by heart, order, and purpose.

The 5S principles - Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain - weren’t painted on walls or listed in brochures. They were woven into the everyday rhythm of the school - in the laughter of the students, the calm in the teachers’ eyes, and the unspoken belief that learning should always begin with love.

And as a psychology student, I didn’t just witness a system in motion - I witnessed a philosophy that could quietly reshape how we think about education itself.

by Ms. Sneha

​Ms. Sneha is an optimistic ENFJ who loves people and brings a unique blend of technology, psychology, and empathy into everything she does. With a graduation in Information Technology, a Diploma in Applied Psychology, and an ongoing MBA at KIOT, Salem, she is also a passionate UPSC aspirant with a strong interest in Human Resources. She is certified in Graphology and Organisational Psychology and is known as an interpersonal influence architect with exceptional people skills. A gifted writer and versatile reader, she enjoys exploring theology, philosophy, mythology, technology, AI, and research. A natural orator and perpetual learner, she approaches life with warmth, enthusiasm, and kindness—always adding meaning, positivity, and a cheerful smile to every moment.