THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

special

Supporting
global
education

THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

2 bright kids

By THERESA BELLE
GREATER demand for quality
education among Malaysian
parents today has led many to
consider a wider range of options
for their childs schooling.
The Education Ministrys move
to lift the quota for local students
in international schools back in
2012 further encouraged this trend
the number of local students
enrolled in these schools have
steadily increased every year.
While these schools are largely
based in central areas such as
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, the
boom of international and private
schools can now be seen across the
country.
Penang and Johor, for instance,
are considered new education
hubs in line with the Governments
plans for developing the education
sector under the New Economic
Policy (NEP).
Private and international schools
have become the primary choice
for parents who prefer a holistic
English-medium education for
their children, especially if they
intend to send their children
abroad for tertiary education. But
why has this trend taken hold and
what can these schools offer?

Head start in learning

The global recognition attained
by graduates of these schools
grants them access to more
universities worldwide.
In addition, teachers are highly

Accessibility and draw

Private and international schools offer young learners much more in terms of
academics, language acquisition and a global outlook.

qualified and are able to pay closer

individual attention to students
due to smaller classroom sizes and
effective assessment methods.
The importance of preschool
or kindergarten is now generally
acknowledged and accepted
as a vital first step not only in
academia, but also a childs
overall development.
Under the education National
Key Economic Area, the private
sector is encouraged to open up
more early childcare and
education centres.

Modern preschools place greater

emphasis on individual growth
and learning, focusing on the
creative use of space and the
environment to identify and
nurture interests and skills.
Odyssey, The Global Preschool,
for example, which opened
its first Malaysian campus in
Penang last year, adopts a learning
approach that encourages
discovery through exploration
and inquiry.
We chose to expand here as we
recognised the diverse culture and

community backed by the state

governments strong commitment
to transform Penang into an
exciting regional education hub,
given its proximity to high-demand
international student markets,
says Azman Atan, general manager
of Odyssey Malaysia.
There is also a focus on language
acquisition in a bilingual learning
environment, espousing the
importance of a head start in
certain aspects of learning.
Such schools often design
curriculum and lessons while
taking local contexts into account,
For example, English and
Mandarin are offered at Odyssey
Macalister given the sizable
Chinese-speaking population in
Penang.

already setting up in Iskandar

Malaysia and the regional
development authority targeting
six more, Johor is well on its way
to becoming an international
education hub.
One of these schools is
Marlborough College Malaysia,
an expansion of Marlborough
College in the United Kingdom.
One of the reasons this location
in Johor was chosen is its space
availability within a suitable
environment.
Part of our education
philosophy is that children need
space to grow and develop as this
creates a positive effect within the
classroom, says master of
Marlborough College Malaysia,
R.B. Pick.

Blurring borders

Global reach

Through another NEP entry

point project, the Government
looks to increase the number
of international schools in the
country while encouraging
expatriates and Malaysians
returning from abroad to enrol
their children in these schools.
The growing population of these
groups can be seen in large-scale
developments such as Iskandar
Malaysia in Johor.
With six international schools

The presence of such schools

across different locations in
Malaysia opens up a world of
possibilities for education which,
up till a few years ago, were
considered exclusive to expatriates
or wealthy city dwellers.
The concerted efforts of the
Government and private education
providers to improve the local
education landscape signal hope
for the future of education in
Malaysia.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

IN 2013, Garden International

School launched a 1:1 iPad
programme for its students aged
eight to 14.
With the development of an
innovative approach to the
research and development of new
teaching and learning practices,
the school has been recognised
for outstanding education and
leadership by Apple Education.
We are proud of this
achievement and how it reflects
the quality of our teachers and
students. The recognition that we
are a learning community rather
than separated groups is the core
of our recent development and
success.
Garden International School
practises large-scale enquiry
learning. Large-scale enquiry is
based on the fused principles of
enquiry, project and problembased learning.
It creates learning experiences
that allow students to gain
knowledge, skills and
understanding through exploration
and experience.
It is designed to create high
levels of engagement, develop
higher-order critical thinking and
allow for what many educational
theorists refer to as deep
learning.
This means that learning is
deeply embedded and has longterm application as opposed to
shallow learning, which is shortterm in nature and often the result
of a read-remember-regurgitate
process of learning.

bright kids 3

Large-scale enquiry
drives innovation

Students are focused, engaged and working collaboratively with iPads under
the 1:1 iPad programme at Garden International School.

Enquiry-based learning is
adapted by many schools across
the region and the world,
particularly for primary school
children.
The enquiry event allows
students to explore a big idea over
the course of a week within mixedage groups.

The usual timetable is suspended

for two days as learners explore
new concepts and try to develop
original and personalised
outcomes.
Within each group, students
develop individual skills that
contribute to the group as a whole.
During our respect theme, students

were tasked to produce a powerful,

short and high-quality video aimed
to raise levels of respect within the
community.
The desired learning outcomes
are to develop emotional
intelligence, improve the quality
of video productions using an
iPad and develop teamwork.
We adopt the use of a free-flow
concept and create a two-hour
window where students are free to
explore an interactive environment
that is set up to help them explore
the big idea and pinpoint an area
of personal interest.
Not only does this inspire
students to generate ideas but also
demonstrates that giving students
the freedom to think and move is
beneficial.
Developing expertise within the
student groups was also a key to
success. For example, in their role
as filmmakers, a student from a
group of three would be assigned
to be the camera operator, director
and editor.
This encourages them to learn
new skills and work together to
produce a high-quality outcome.
Teachers also take on a specific

role, either to design and deliver

the free-flow section, mentor
groups or run expert sessions.
The majority of teachers become
group mentors and this ensures
that teachers become guides and
observers rather than just
instructors.
The effective utilisation of
technology has also been a real
success story.
The design of the projects
allows learners to experiment
with applications and methods
of information transfer.
The iPad is a wonderful tool
for students to develop and
demonstrate their thought
processes and create professional
looking outcomes.
Large-scale enquiry is just a part
of our rich and diverse curriculum
but we have found that it has
become a powerful driver of
positive development in the school.
We will continue to use these
projects to drive innovation. By
James Welling, teacher at Garden
International School

n For more information, visit

www.gardenschool.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

4 bright kids

Growing with grace, greatness

THE first year at Epsom has
been an extraordinary one. From
a starting roll of 134 pupils, we
ended the year with more than
200.
Our expectations are that we
will start our second year with
around 300 students and finish
the year with around 350.
This steady and substantial
growth is most encouraging and
allows us to develop our academic
and co-curricular programmes in
the most creative and dynamic
manner.
There has been an abundance
of notable achievements in the
first year.

About Epsom College in

Malaysia
THIS month, Epsom College in
Malaysia (Epsom) opens its
doors for the second year
following the success of its
maiden year at its Bandar
Enstek campus.
As a branch of the esteemed
Epsom College in the United
Kingdom, Epsom is a
co-educational facility with
boarding options and top
amenities.
With its modern, holistic
approach to education, Epsom
is set to produce quality
graduates ready to take on
the world one step at a time.

Drawing from retrospect

Perhaps most pleasing has been
our first set of public examination
results. For the iGCSE
(International General Certificate
of Secondary Education), our
students achieved an outstanding
96% of A*/A grades.
At AS level, using the Cambridge
Examinations Board, we recorded
more than 70% of A/B grades.
Our sports teams have
developed and achieved some
notable results, including
tournament victories in netball
and basketball.
In terms of music and drama,

Epsom students thrive academically and in co-curriculum programmes.

the school has produced some

amazing performances, including
Arabian Nights, A Midsummer
Nights Dream and the Globe
Theatres production of Hamlet
as part of their World Tour.
Co-curricular activities have
flourished at Epsom, having
won the Bronze, Silver and Gold
International Awards, National
History Competition and the
Scholars Cup and organising
local and international trips,

charity work and creating many

new clubs.
Our thriving House community
has been a defining feature of this
first year, with outstanding spirit
being developed alongside a
fiercely contested programme
of inter-house competitions.

Optimism moving
forward
As we enter our second year,

we look forward not just to

maintain the same standard, but
develop new initiatives such as our
18-month A-Levels programme,
English Language programme,
Mother Tongue programme, the
Sports Academy, first university
applications and many new
co-curricular activities.
At the same time, we are
beginning to explore the
development of our already
impressive facilities, both to build

on and improve what already

exists and provide the capacity
for future growth.
Our new staff members have
arrived and are hard at work
alongside those who joined last
year as we prepare for the start
of term. By Martin George,
headmaster of Epsom College
in Malaysia

n For more information, visit

www.epsomcollege.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

bright kids 5

Natural
and safe
treatment

AS choosing an effective and safe

lice treatment is a challenge, head
lice infestation is a nightmare for
parents.
Head lice can be tough to get
rid of because they are easily
contagious through close contact
and have a high reinfestation rate.
After a child is diagnosed with
an active infestation, treatment
should be initiated quickly to avoid
the parasites from spreading to
another person.
Many head lice formulae are
available without a prescription at
clinics and pharmacies. These are
commonly used to get rid of both
adult lice and the tiny eggs (nits)
stuck to the hair shaft.
Such formulae include
insecticides and natural remedies.
Pyrethroids (such as resmethrin
and permethrin) are insecticides
that effectively kill adult and newly
hatched lice for up to several days
after treatment.
These insecticides kill live lice by

attacking the nervous systems of

lice but not unhatched eggs.
Therefore, a second treatment is
necessary on the ninth day (nits
take about six to nine days to
hatch) to kill any newly hatched
lice before they can produce new
eggs.
With studies associating
overexposure of permethrin to
skin irritation, itchiness and tingly
or prickly sensation at the site of
contact, it is best to be safe and not
overuse similar products.
Products containing dimethicone
are secondary alternatives to
insecticides in getting rid of
head lice.
Dimethiconeis a type of silicone
oil, which coats lice and causes
their death by either suffocation or
dehydration. While dimethicone is
non-toxic, it does not kill nits and
efficacy has been reported to be
unsatisfying.
For parents who prefer a
natural and safe treatment that

Vitamode Delice Hair Wash

comes with a magnifier lens
and fine-toothed metal comb
to facilitate the treatment of
lice infestation.

can kill head lice and control nits,

Vitamode Delice natural hairwash is their optimum choice.
Vitamode Delice hair-wash
is formulated to help kill head
lice and control nits infestation
among children.
Stemona root extract in
Vitamode Delice prevents eggs
from hatching, thus interrupting
the life cycle of head lice. Lemon
peel oil helps in soothing and
moisturising irritated or sensitive
scalp.
Vitamode Delice is free of toxic
pesticides, malathion (maldison)
and pyrethroids, which have been
linked in various studies to birth
defects, cancer, immune system
suppression, hormonal disruption,
reproductive problems and
genetic damage.
It is effective at first use (based
on the bioefficacy test performed

by the Department of Medical

Science, Ministry of Public Health,
Thailand) and is suitable for
all ages.
To use, lather Vitamode Delice
hair-wash on wet hair and
massage lightly until completely
soaked. Cover hair with a shower
cap and leave hair-wash on for
10 minutes. Then, rinse hair
with water.
To remove dead lice and nits,
use Vitamode Delice fine-toothed
metal lice comb, which is more
effective compared with common
plastic comb.
Nits are easily removed by
combing while the hair is slightly
damp. You may need a magnifying
glass and bright light.
Comb the entire head from the
scalp to the tip of the hair at least
twice and rinse out the comb
often under running hot water as

you go.You may use Vitamode

Delice Hair Wash three to
five times weekly to prevent
recurrence.
To facilitate the treatment of lice
infestation, free magnifier lens
and fine-toothed metal comb are
provided with Vitamode Delice
Hair Wash.
To avoid reinfestation, parents
should check their childrens
heads for lice on a regular
basisand educate them about
reducing direct contact with other
children such as touching heads,
and avoiding sharing objects such
as brushes, combs and clothing.
This article is brought to you
by Vitamode.

n For more information,

call 1300 800 228 or visit
www.medispec.com.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

6 bright kids

Affordable
security
TRADITIONAL security systems
tell you whether your door is
open or closed but Sharps Cloud
Smarthome System, which is a
smart home monitoring
solution, goes beyond that
perimeter.
It allows you to observe and
listen to events captured on
its high-definition (HD) video
monitoring, two-way audio and
motion detection system.

Accessible
to all

Have complete control of your home security.

The latest addition of the

Smart Starter Kit (YL-SU50M) by
Sharp is aimed at giving security
to the masses with its multifunction, multi-user friendly and
multi-location security.
Leveraging on its Cloud
Smarthome technology and
integrated apps platform, it
provides fast alerts to multiple
authorised users.
The average alarm system
would cost a few thousand
ringgit or require monthly
fees, while a CCTV system
often lacks the immediate
notifications to multiple users.
The Smart Starter Kit,
however, shifts this landscape of
affordability to RM1,499.
It consists of one unit of OPU
(overcloud processing unit),
which is the control hub, a highdefinition Internet Protocol (IP)
IP camera, wireless magnetic
sensor and 16GB USB flash
drive.
Alternatively, consumers can
add another RM1,000 and enjoy
the Starter Kit YL-SU100M
(priced at RM2,499), which
comprises one unit of OPU, two
HD IP cameras, two wireless
magnetic sensors, a remote
control and 16GB USB flash
drive.
The HD IP camera has a
built-in motion sensor and
night vision (zero lux) features
that enable you to detect and
record any movement even
in total darkness.

With mobile devices such as

smartphones and tablets, you
can access live video streams
and recordings of events
wherever you are.
This is why the Smart Starter
Kit makes monitoring your
property and loved ones easier
than before.
It is also designed to be fully
expandable to cater to the
changing lifestyle of users. The
additional Alarm Kit
(YZ-AL100M) consists of one
siren unit, one
motion sensor unit, two door/
window sensors units, a remote
control and panic button while
the Add-on HD IP camera Kit
(YZ-VC100M) comes with two
powerful HD IP cameras. Each
of these add-on kits are priced
at an affordable RM999.
Sharp Cloud Smarthome
System is easy to set up just
plug, activate and play.

Easy installation
and use
There is no need to hack your
wall, drill holes and install
messy cabling. Place the OPU on
a shelf or table in a central area
of your home, plug in power and
connect to your broadband.
Its integrated Sharp Security
app is available free on Android
GooglePlay and iOS Appstore
and features continuous
recording, scheduled arm/
disarm control and an option to
store information on Dropbox.
This powerful system helps
put you in control. You can
determine who will become
authorised users, select which
area to arm, name your camera
and select your emergency
contacts the choice is yours
with the Sharp Security app.
Sharp Cloud Smarthome
System is available at major
electrical retailers and selected
CCTV retailers.

n For more information, visit

www.sharpsmarthome.com

Sharp Cloud Smarthome

System offers better security
for your home.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

bright kids 7

Two quality
options
SUNWAY International School
(SIS) offers one of the most
highly respected curriculums
in the world the Ontario
Secondary School programme.
The unique Ontario approach
focuses on students continuous
development, with formative
assessment that is cumulative
and consistent, derived
primarily from coursework and
a final portion allotted to an endof-semester evaluation.
Early exposure to this style of
practical assessment endows
students with smart study skills,
real-world knowledge to develop
critical thinking and experiential
reflection, and a sense of
responsibility as students.
Last years Cambridge GCE
A-Levels top scorer for Sunway
College was, in fact, 2013 SIS
graduate Masayoshi Kuwabara.
The emphasis on
understanding and applying
concepts rather than simply
memorising and subsequently
regurgitating facts for exams
sated my curiosity and provided
me with a strong foundation for
furthering my education.
This nurtured my enthusiasm
for learning and is beneficial
for anyone keen on pursuing
tertiary education, says
Kuwabara, who is currently
pursuing his undergraduate
in engineering degree at the
University of British Columbia.
SIS is pursuing authorisation
as an IB World School and
anticipates offering the
International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme (IBDP) by
2017 in both its Bandar Sunway
and Sunway Iskandar campuses.
Many of the goals in the IB
programme develop inquiring,
knowledgeable and encouraging
young individuals to positively
impact the communities they
live in parallels the objectives
of the Ontario Secondary School
curriculum practised at SIS.
The IB programme requires
students to study multiple
subject disciplines before taking
the examinations after two years
of study.
Students explore the
connections between different
areas of study through an
international perspective,
reflect critically on aspects of
knowledge, pursue independent
research and have the
opportunity to apply their
knowledge and skills through
local and community services.
This complements SIS Ontario
curriculum in significant ways.
The individual course,
Independent Study Unit, is a 30%
project that requires students to
apply the theories learnt and
expound on it further with
external research and produce a
completed mini thesis to be
presented to their peers.
It gives SIS students a
comparative advantage when

they take on the extended essay

and Theory of Knowledge
components of the IB
programme.
The CAS (creativity, action
and service) element in the IB
programme mirrors the existing
tenets prevalent in the Ontario
curriculum.
It is geared to arrive at similar
outcomes for students achieve
personal growth, foster
collaboration and teamwork,
and provide an avenue for
students to express themselves
through the creative arts.
SIS offers multiple
opportunities for involvement
such as a 40-hour community
Both the International Baccalaureate and Ontario curriculum employ hands-on, inquiry-based education.
service requirement, 60 types of
clubs, sports and teams activities
in the SIS extracurricular
calendar.
There is also the healthy-living
syllabus, monthly creative
showcases during Open Mic
sessions concerts and talent
nights every semester.
This is because SIS recognises
the importance of students
developing their leadership
skills, self-esteem and civic
responsibilities while finding an
outlet to play and perform with
their peers.
As the overall education
philosophies, curricula content
and delivery model of both the
IB and Ontario programmes are
substantially similar, compatible
and interchangeable, students
may transfer from one
programme to the other with
relative ease.
In this curriculum delivery
model, students can continue
accumulating credits and be
eligible to receive the Ontario
Secondary School Diploma or
pursue the IB Diploma.
Each of these programmes
assure students of infallible
progression pathways to higher
study.
The global recognition of these
qualifications pave the way for
students to actively pursue
specialisations in their chosen
fields of study at prestigious
educational institutions
anywhere in the world.
It is assuring for students to
know that in SIS, they are able
to access two of the worlds
most sought-after and highquality post-secondary
programmes in the IBDP and
the Ontario Secondary School
Diploma.
Both these programmes are
capable of preparing them for
tertiary success through their
academic rigour, social
responsibility and personal
development.
Sunway International School
is hosting a Parents Info Session
at its Bandar Sunway campus on
Sept 12 from 10am to 2pm.

n For more information, visit

www.sis.sunway.edu.my/pis

THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

8 bright kids

Interactive
lessons
SMART Reader Worldwide aims to
nurture leaders of tomorrow to be
creative, productive, articulate and
eloquent in English. With this in
mind, Smart Reader Worldwide
has introduced its Smart Reader
Kids programme.
The programme, which has gone
through comprehensive research
and development.
It also focuses on training
children to speak English fluently
with accurate pronunciation and
correct grammar while developing
their creativity.
Smart Reader Kids inculcates a
passion for learning in each child
that extends beyond preschooling
years.
Using the Smart Reader Creative
Teaching Methodology, Smart
Reader Kids students are nurtured
to develop social, cognitive and
academic skills.
The programme allows students
to build confidence and express

themselves through socialising

with others.
With more than 300 centres
nationwide, the Smart Reader
Kids programme has prepared its
alumni well for primary school
education and beyond.
Famous model and host Chloe
Chen Tien Nee once studied at
Smart Reader Kids Damansara
Heights.
She completed her business
management degree in The
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Campus and won the coveted title
of Miss Malaysia World 2011.
It was a fun time learning at
Smart Reader Kids. I enjoyed going
to preschool because the activities
in the Smart Reader Kids
programme encompassed elements
of creativity and imagination.
Besides interesting class
activities, the preschool also
organised concerts and a sports
day to groom children to be

Students at the Wangsa Maju centre learn, play and grow together.

confident and competent.

Smart Reader Kids prepared
me well for primary school and
provided a solid foundation for my
academic and career success, she
says.
The Smart Reader Kids
programme incorporates various
exciting activities such as public
speaking, poem recitation, oral
communication, vocabulary
building, drama, storytelling,
writing and educational games
for students.

The effective teaching

methodology enables children to
gain a good grasp of the English
language in a short period of time.
Smart Reader Kids gives
importance to the learning of the
English language because having
an excellent command of the
language will create greater
opportunities for the students in
the future.
All Smart Reader Kids centres
across the country will open their
doors to the public on Sept 5 and

Oct 3 from 2pm to 6pm as part of

its Nationwide Open Day.
The Open Day will enable
parents to visit nearby centres to
learn about the various Smart
Reader Kids programmes.
There will also be promotions
offered on the Open Day to get free
Smart Reader Kids merchandise.

n For more information, call

03-6279 5555 or the SMARTLine
at 1300 885 555 or visit
www.smartreader.edu.my

Unleash your
childs confidence
CONFIDENCE and language go
hand-in-hand. Often, we find that
the most charismatic leaders are
those who are confident and
adept
in conveying their thoughts
and visions. Needless to say,
confidence is key to all great
achievements.
Children need to be groomed
for the future by helping them
discover their inner confidence.
As they grow up in an
increasingly connected world,
language needs are continually
evolving.
Given that the English
language is an integral part of
global communication, the key
to effective communication is
to ensure that children develop
strong English language skills
to allow them to express
themselves confidently.
Since 1980, Lorna Whiston
has helped students discover
their voice and confidence in
the English language.
With interactive classes that
engage students in listening,
speaking, reading and writing in
English, students are encouraged
to develop their own voice and
confidence in communication.
Lorna Whiston offers a wide
range of age-appropriate courses
that are approved by the
Education Ministry.
Catering for students from
four to 18 years old, the courses
include English Language,
Public Speaking, and Speech
and Drama.
New students are assessed
to ensure that they are
appropriately placed into classes
based on their capabilities and
skills.
All classes are taught by fully

Classes at Lorna Whiston are

taught by qualified and highly
dedicated teachers who are
native English speakers.

qualified and highly dedicated

teachers who are native English
speakers from Europe, North
America and Australia.
Mastering any language is a
dynamic process that requires
a multi-faceted approach to
ensure students maintain their
momentum and interest in
developing their skills.
Students at Lorna Whiston
enjoy optimum teacher-student
interaction with small and
friendly groups of no more
than twelve people.
Lorna Whiston language
centres are located in Taman
Tun Dr Ismail and Taman
Melawati.
Each centre is fully equipped
with an extensive library and the
latest technology, which provide
students with resources to
inspire their creativity, critical
thinking and self-expression.

n For more information,

call 03-7727 1909 (TTDI) or
03-4147 3229 (Taman Melawati).

THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

bright kids 9

Prioritising language learning

AS cross-border communication is
most often conducted in English, its
importance cannot be understated.
Many of the worlds top films,
books and music are published and
produced in English, while more
than 50% of content found on the
Internet is in English.
Therefore, understanding the
language gives you access to an
incredible wealth of information,
entertainment and cultural
knowledge of the world.
Cambridge English For Life
(CEFL) plays a role in supporting
students while they learn four
different skills of the language
reading, writing, listening and
speaking.
With CEFLs specially developed
content and professionally trained
teachers, CEFL delivers language
proficiency development
programmes that encourage
students to master English faster
and more efficiently.
To make the teaching and
learning of English interesting,
CEFL aims to provide its students
with opportunities to use the

CEFL teachers do their utmost to

improve students English language
proficiency.

The learning environment of CEFL provides students with a balance of

strong teaching ethos and a friendly, enthusiastic atmosphere.

language in all possible means.

The ultimate goal is to develop
students confidence in using
English both at work and play.
A CEFL students achievement is
recognised by his or her success in
the Cambridge English Language
Assessment examinations
conducted at the end of each level.

Holistic approach
SINCE its inception more than 20
years ago, Q-dees has grown into
one of the authorities in early
childhood education in Malaysia.
With more than 150 centres
nationwide, it has successfully
prepared more than 200,000
students for private, national
and international schools.
Q-dees preschool programmes
are acclaimed for being fun and
holistic, empowering children
with the foundation they need to
exponentially grow from.
Its exclusive interactive
materials are meticulously
integrated to ensure children are
constantly engaged.
Q-dees language programmes
are geared to enable children to
master English, Bahasa Malaysia
and Mandarin.
Taught thematically and
phonetically, the lessons expand
their vocabulary while also
fostering correct contextual
usage of the language.
At Q-dees, seemingly complex
mathematics concepts are
made simple for children to
understand. Using Hands-on
Mind-on methodology alongside
Maths Board, children explore
concepts as they learn to count
efficiently and think logically.
The science programme
encourages hands-on
participation in fun and exciting
experiments to ignite childrens
curiosity in how the world
around them works.
Q-dees arts and craft
programme develops creativity
and imagination in tandem with
the daily theme learnt.
In the programme, children
are taught a wide range of
techniques such as perspective
drawing, rendering techniques
and three-dimensional
modelling. These help to
strengthen their photographic

Q-dees nurtures a love for lifelong

learning in children.

memory as well as logical and

reasoning skills.
At Q-dees, the physical wellbeing of children is as important
as their intellectual development.
Through the Gymflex
programme, children learn
about teamwork, improve body
coordination and further
develop their fine and gross
motor skills through fun
exercises, physical activities and
team games.
In line with Q-dees ethos of
holistic development, the Q-dees
Love to Life programme ensures
that its curricula are infused
with good values that teach
children how to love and care
for others, be responsible
individuals and be mindful of
preserving the environment.
Q-dees has been awarded The
Best Preschool Brand for the past
seven consecutive years by the
BrandLaureate as well as
received recognition through the
Innovation and Brand Excellence
by Smera.

n For more information,

call 1700 815 077 or visit
www.q-dees.com

At CEFL, trained teachers do

their utmost to improve students
English language proficiency using
the well-formulated syllabi
provided by CEFL.
Outside the classroom, staff
members do their best to enforce
the ongoing Speak English
campaign at CEFL centres.

Students are encouraged to speak

only in English when they are in
the premises.
CEFL provides high-quality
practical, vocational and
professional English language
training for children and adults of
all ages. It gives students a firm
grounding in the language, which
is developed level by level, so that
they attain English language
proficiency.
Achieving proficiency in a
language cannot be achieved

through crash courses or

quick-fix lessons.
It needs to be developed
progressively over a period of
several years.
The learning environment at
CEFL provides students with a
balance of strong teaching ethos
and a friendly, enthusiastic
atmosphere, which gives students
the confidence to flourish.
CEFL offers students courses in
a range of levels to optimise the
learning process.
All materials provided and
used in class are sourced from
the United Kingdom. They are
designed to ensure that students
not only have the highest quality
material to refer to but also gain a
broad cultural and educational
experience.
This enables them to have a
clearer understanding of the
nuances in the English language.

n For more information, call

03-7883 0912 or e-mail info@
cambridgeforlife.org or visit
www.cambridgeforlife.org

THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

10 bright kids

Know your
childs needs
MANOEUVRING to take its place as
an educational hub in the region,
Malaysia has seen an explosion
of educational institutions in recent
years.
Given Malaysias links to the
United Kingdom and fellow
Commonwealth countries, the
British curriculum has traditionally
been the first choice of education
among many individuals in
Malaysia.
However, the Australian and
American curricula have become
increasingly popular in recent
years as well.
There is also the International
Baccalaureate to consider, which
has been gaining popularity among
students and their parents who
want a broader approach to
education.
More and more educational
institutions are investing heavily
in first-class resources and
state-of-the-art facilities.
However, the curriculum and
facilities of a school are not the
primary determinants of a
students success. A truly
passionate teacher can produce
phenomenal results in students

irrespective of the system or

facilities at hand.
Therefore, when you identify a
school for your child, you must
first look at the management
and ethos of the school under
consideration. You need to be
sure that the school has strong
foundations and is prepared
for the future.
Once you are satisfied that the
school appears to have the right
moral compass, find out if the
teachers at the school are
passionate, enthusiastic and
disciplined individuals.
If possible, visit the classrooms
and look at the projects or pieces of
work done by the students. Guard
against being taken in solely by
state-of-the-art facilities.
If you are happy with the
teachers and confident that they
will impart to your children the
values and knowledge that you
as a parent deem important, then
you have found the right school for
your children.
A more pragmatic approach will
be to first ask yourself where you
see your child going in life and
whether or not the choice of

Passionate teachers can import in children the values and knowledge deemed important for success.

curriculum will help or hinder that

journey.
For instance, choosing a British
curriculum at the secondary level
will more than likely gain your
child an advantage should he or
she wish to further his or her
education or seek employment in
the United Kingdom.
On the other hand, studying a
British curriculum when your child
wants to go to the United States
may slow down his or her
application process in pursuing
tertiary education in the US.
Nonetheless, it is important to
remember that change is possible
at any point.
With younger children at the
primary level, changes pose less of
an impact to them and decisions
rest mainly in the hands of their
parents.
At the secondary level, however,
changes to your childrens school

environment usually have more

serious implications.
Therefore, considerable
communication should take place
with educational professionals
before any decision to change
curriculum is made.
In many instances, change
cannot be avoided. As most
individuals require some time to
get used to a new environment, the
social and emotional impact of
change to a students environment
needs to be evaluated.
There are neither shortcuts
nor a sure-fire way of assessing
if a curriculum is right for
your children. Parents need to
determine that a schools offerings
are in line with their own
requirements and hopes for their
childrens education.
Even after a decision is made,
parents need to be flexible and
mindful of what is happening

Fun classroom activities are

essential to learning.

every step of the way in their

childrens development.
As parents, it is imperative that
you engage with the school and
teachers to enrich your childs
development. By Rajan Kaloo,
director of services at elc
International School

n For more information,

visit www.elc.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

bright kids 11

Focus on individual strengths

MUCH like the pattern of a snowflake, of
which no two are identical, every child is
unique and gifted.
R.E.A.L Kids celebrates the distinct talents
that each child brings to the world by
developing a way of learning that comes
most naturally to each of them.
This not only ensures that their individual
strengths flourish but also sows the seeds of
good character.
R.E.A.L Kids transforms children through
active learning. As a pioneer in adopting the
multiple intelligences (MI) approach, which
was founded by Dr Howard Gardner of
Harvard University, R.E.A.L Kids preschool
curriculum has proved to be highly effective
and enjoyable for children.
The preschool develops its own MI-based
curriculum through specially written
textbooks and activities that cater to
childrens individual talents.
The educational journey at R.E.A.L Kids
begins by identifying how each child learns
best. Only by understanding childrens
respective strengths and weaknesses are
schools able to apply the right learning
strategies and activities to support childrens
needs.
R.E.A.L Kids is driven by the aim of
bringing joy back into learning so that its
students are able to learn in a more positive
and effective way.
The joy of learning is achieved by making
learning at R.E.A.L Kids more interactive and
child-centred. In essence, Only when we
know how children learn best, are we able
to teach them.

R.E.A.L Kids encourages active learning by adopting the multiple intelligences approach.

All R.E.A.L Kids teaching staff are

equipped with relevant experience in
preschool education and, more importantly,
a genuine care and concern for their
students welfare.
Teachers at R.E.A.L Kids are passionate
educators who are supported by a team of
curriculum development specialists
dedicated to crafting R.E.A.L Kids unique
MI-based curriculum.
Their commitment to giving undivided
personal attention and care extends to
building relationships with parents through
the constant sharing of ideas, feedback and
the day-to-day progress of their childrens
education.
To create a safe, pleasant and nurturing

Learn through play

Children learn to negotiate and share through playing with others.

THROUGH play, children develop the skills

they need to succeed in life such as problemsolving, social, basic literacy, math and
science skills.
There are several benefits of play. For
example, playing with each other teaches
children negotiating and sharing, which are
important aspects of social and emotional
development.
Playing with toys also allows children to
learn as toys are excellent tools for learning
cause-and-effect relationships while
household items such as boxes, bowls and
cups provide opportunities for young
children to explore size and volume and
manipulate objects in various ways.
Also, children at play tend to make their
own predictions and reasoning, such as
whether or not an object will fit inside
another, before testing those predictions.
As children test and become more
accurate with their predictions, they will
discover the basic laws of gravity and
physics independently.
Besides free play, talking to children or
singing songs and rhymes encourage
children to learn language and understand
language use.
Books can also help cultivate a love for
reading and literacy awareness from
infancy. Read to children daily and give

them books to explore as they learn a lot

about the world through reading.
Children should also be given the chance
to write and draw. Providing coloured paper
and age-appropriate writing instruments
such as crayons, washable markers and
chalk encourage children to express
themselves through art and writing.
You can prompt them to draw pictures of
stories that they can read with you. Art is an
activity that children and parents can enjoy
while giving children the opportunity to
develop fine motor skills, creativity,
confidence and communication skills.
When it comes to toys, ensure children are
provided with age-appropriate ones and
given the freedom to choose what they want
to play with as children are also quite adept
at choosing the toy that suits their
developmental stage, temperament and
interests. Examples of toys for play include:
l Art and writing supplies
l Wooden building blocks
l Plastic food, plates and cooking utensils
l Alphabet and number blocks
l Books
This article is brought to you by Morinaga
Milk Malaysia.

n For more information, call 03-7982 5299.

learning environment, each R.E.A.L Kids

kindergarten is designed and built with
the childrens interest in mind.
Every centre houses child-friendly
facilities that include swimming pools,
computer laboratories, playgrounds and

specially designed MI rooms, among others.

These, combined with a diverse range of
engaging activities, are geared towards
providing optimal learning fun.
In short, a truly enriching experience
awaits each child at R.E.A.L Kids, a place
where they can explore freely and let their
imaginations wander.
Established in 1986, R.E.A.L Kids (formerly
known as Child Enrichment Centre) is
Malaysias largest owner-operated
kindergarten chain with more than 30
centres nationwide.
All R.E.A.L. Kids centres provide full
programmes (from 8.30am to 3.30pm),
which include a host of enrichment lessons
and extracurricular activities.
Extended programmes are also available
(up to 6pm) to cater to busy, working
parents.
The R.E.A.L Kids Open Day will be
held on Sept 5 at all centres.

n For more information,

call 03-5631 8000 or visit
www.realkids.edu.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

12 bright kids

Top-quality UK education
activities are integrated into the
daily timetable and there is an
opportunity for pupils to do some
service-related activities at some
point in the week.
For some boarders, this takes
place on the weekends where
they volunteer at local
orphanages, churches or
rehabilitation organisations in
Johor Baru.
There are also further optional
activities and free time to relax
and catch up with friends.

MARLBOROUGH College Malaysia

(MCM) is an expansion of one of
the top boarding schools in the
United Kingdom.
The master of the college R.B.
Pick shares with us his belief in the
full potential of MCM in bringing
the British education system to
students based in Malaysia:

History of excellence
Marlborough College embarked
on its overseas expansion in 2007
to introduce a greater global
dimension to the college in the UK.
Asia was a preferred destination
as it was predicted to be the
economic powerhouse of the
21stcentury and would provide
the best opportunity to create
global citizens in both campuses.
Malaysia became a home for the
new campus as it was considered
a country that understood the UK
education system.
Acceptance of the syllabus and
education allowed for a smooth
and organised running of the
school.
The new location also provided
convenience to students seeking
to experience this academic
curriculum without any imposition
on quotas or the curricula.
MCM benefits from established

Quality teaching staff

and facilities
Music education is one of the many components given emphasis at Marlborough College.

connections and heritage with its

parent school in the UK.
The strong ties enable and
facilitate exchanges throughout the
year for pupils.
Recently, MCM held a tour to
top UK universities, including
University of Oxford and
University of Cambridge.
Pupils on the tour based
themselves in Marlborough College
in Wiltshire and had the
opportunity to visit the higher
education establishments they
applied to for the following year.

Well-rounded education
activities
There are currently 810 pupils
enrolled this academic year, out of
which 210 are boarders mainly in
the Senior School (Years 9 to 13).
The Common Room has nearly
130 teachers, which provides an
excellent teacher-to-pupil ratio
throughout the college.
Approximately 60% of students
are expatriates (UK, Europe,
Australia, New Zealand, North
America), 22% are Malaysians,

8% are Singaporeans, 5% are

Japanese and the remainder are
from other countries around Asia.
A total of 36 different
nationalities enrich the already
diverse international community
in this distinct British school.
A typical day at MCM begins
with optional exercise activities
such as swimming, running and
yoga, followed by breakfast.
Registration takes place in the
pupils house and lessons begin
after.
Games and other co-curricular

The teaching staff at MCM is

mainly from the UK and has
gained their experience from
similar, leading boarding schools
in the UK such as Marlborough
College, Radley and Millfield.
This builds a true British
boarding school culture, ensuring
that MCM retains all the traditions
of a top British public school
within the diverse setting of Asia.
MCM offers a global outlook
and provides a real alternative to
gaining a true British boarding
education outside of the UK.

n For more information, visit

www.marlboroughcollege.org