bright kids - School Advisor

THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016
special
All-round advancement
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016
2 bright kids
Coming
out stronger
Beyond everyday
education
By THERESA BELLE
BOARDING schools are more than
institutions of learning – they are
every student’s playground, home,
and growth platform. When a child
arrives at boarding school, it is the
beginning of a whole new chapter.
Today, these schools are moving
further away from the reputation
of aggressive disclipining and
ragging that they held decades ago,
moving with the times to become
institutions that prioritise
wholesome development.
Principal Bill Ironside of Sunway
International School, where
the hostel houses international
students from grades 9 to 11, says
that if done right, boarding can be
quite a motivating experience for
children.
“Boarding builds a community
where kids can be safe away
from their families. Within
this community there is safety,
nutrition, and a range of afterschool programmes that provides
students the opportunity to play
and learn outside the classroom,”
he says.
While the merits of a completely
immersive experience are still
topics of widespread debate,
there are clear advantages that
underscore the boarding
experience. With almost 40 private
and international boarding schools
in Malaysia, the preference for
modern boarding is growing
among local and expatriate
families alike.
Living up to excellence
Exposure to a wide range of
academic and co-curricular options
allows students to further develop
their abilities and interests in a
completely immersive
environment.
Whether it is through basketball,
drama or the science club, students
fill their days with purposeful
activities that develop the
mind and body, together with
their peers.
Being part of such a community
is what builds the esprit de corps
that is so synonymous with
boarding school alumni. It is a
spirit of pride that school-leavers
carry well into their adult lives,
driving them to be a part of their
alma mater’s growth long after
they leave.
“Being a team player is
enormously valuable because very
few jobs require people to operate
in a vacuum. An obvious means of
instilling this attribute is through
sports or as part of a cast for a play
or musical ensemble. Pupils
become used to grouping together
to achieve the same goals.
“High expectations require
students to be honest about their
individual contributions and to
offer constructive criticisms to
others,” says Mark McVeigh, head
of Senior School at Marlborough
College Malaysia.
It is not hard to see the appeal of
this lifestyle to parents, especially
those who are busy, live far away
or are going through circumstances
that render them unable to pay as
much attention to their children as
they would like.
Most of the time, though, the
reason is simple – parents want
their children to have a solid
chance at success, and esteemed
boarding schools have the
resources, experience and routine
to make this happen.
Camaraderie in
competition
Healthy competition in boarding
schools keeps students engaged,
challenged and continously
striving to be better than they
were yesterday.
According to Martin George,
headmaster of Epsom College in
Malaysia – where pupils aged
11 to 18 can opt for day or
boarding school – it is not the
competitive spirit alone that is
fostered in such a setting, but the
camaraderie between students that
generates kinship and loyalty
among them.
“Competition can be motivating
for students. Children are natural
risk-takers to some extent and
providing the right opportunities
to test them against their peers
can lead to well-embedded
learning.
“We celebrate successes equally
regardless of discipline or
achievement. Through team
events, we can celebrate the
successes and talents of individuals
as well, and we also look for
examples of our students’ success
outside school that we can share
and celebrate here.”
This traces back to learning,
playing and growing in a tight-knit
community, which also presents
benefits to individual development.
ONE of the many well-known
benefits of boarding is that it
moulds children to become
responsible individuals who are
able to stand on their own two
feet, but it is important for
parents and children alike to
recognise that this change does
not happen overnight.
No matter how old they are
when they first step foot into a
hostel, students may have to
deal with homesickness or
academic stress.
Here are some ways these
challenges can be overcome
together in the first few months
of boarding life.
l Homesickness – It is
natural for children who are
removed from familiar
environments to miss their
family, pets, friends and
comforts back home, but it is
necessary for them to adjust to
being away for long periods of
time as boarding school marks
the beginning of their
independent journey.
Keeping busy is the best
way to get new boarders to
acclimatise.
When they are immersed in
learning, making new friends
and participating in all sorts of
new activities, their energy will
be put to good use as they begin
to understand the purpose of
them being there.
Boarding schools today are
more liberal about the use of
technological devices, so kids
should know that their parents
are only a phone call, text
message or e-mail away if they
are needed.
At the same time, parents
should be careful not to
encourage kids to develop a
dependence on them from afar.
Being reassuring and
supportive is key, and this
includes efforts by school staff
and the senior body.
More often than not,
teachers, housemasters or
senior mentors would be able
to empathise with a new
student who is homesick and
can lend words of support or a
listening ear.
l Academic stress –
Boarding schools are known for
rigorous academic routine and
high standards, which lend to
their long-standing reputation
of excellence.
Total immersion in this
routine can be overwhelming
at first, but students can learn
to cope.
Coming up with a study
schedule of their own can help
students allocate more time
to difficult topics or subjects,
and having set time for
homework and revision
ensures they keep up with
schoolwork at all times.
Besides that, the various
sports and extracurricular
programmes on offer at
boarding schools serve to
diversify students’ activities, so
they are not strictly occupied
with classroom and study
sessions.
Getting enough exercise is
not only vital for physical and
mental development, but can
be an outlet for stress relief.
They can also spend some
time on therapeutic hobbies
such as reading and drawing.
Staying focused on their
academic and career goals will
also reassure boarding school
students that their efforts will
not be for naught.
> TURN TO PAGE 6
HERE are some private and
international boarding schools
in the country that you can
consider:
International schools
• AIU-Irsyad International
School
• Marlborough College
Malaysia
• Nexus International School,
Putrajaya
• Matrix Global Schools
• Highland Boarding
International School
• Cempaka International
Ladies College
• Sunway International
School
• MAZ International School
• Chinese Taipei International
School
• Fairview International
School, Kuala Lumpur
Campus
• Vikas International School
• Sayfol International School
• International Islamic School
• Vision International School
Options for boarding
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• Dalat International
Charis International School
School
Kolej Yayasan Saad
• Highlands International
International School (KYSIS)
Boarding School (HIBS)
Zenith International School
• International Islamic
UCSI International School
School Malaysia (IIS)
Springhill
• International School of
Prince of Wales Island
Penang (Uplands)
International School
• Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ)
(POWIIS)
Epsom College in Malaysia
Private schools
(ECiM)
• Tenby Schools
Seri Omega International
• Sekolah Wadi Sofia
School
• Sekolah Taman Ilmu dan
Excelsior International
Budi Setia Budi
School (EIS)
• Sekolah Menengah
Pegasus International School
Advent Tamparuli
Raffles American School
• Sekolah Swasta
Nilai International School
Saleha Genting Highlands
Wadi Sofia International
• Iraqi Private School
School
Malaysia
Tenby International School
Westlake International
Source: schooladvisor.my
School
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016
bright kids 3
Learning and a whole lot more
BOARDING schools have long been
considered of great value especially
to parents who want their children
to stay in a disciplined and wellmaintained atmosphere.
In a boarding school setting,
students are able to use their time
productively as they are exposed to
fewer daily distractions and are
better prepared for college as they
learn how to live independently
early in life.
This factor becomes an
advantage to students as they learn
how to organise themselves and
take not only initiative but also
responsibility of their actions.
Great care
Schools such as UCSI
International School Springhill
offers a boarding programme
where students are under the
guardianship of professional and
experienced houseparents and a
residential life coordinator, giving
them optimum care.
To ensure students’ security,
guards patrol the campus 24 hours
a day, seven days a week, with a
wide coverage of CCTV cameras.
Experience like no other
UCSI boarding or residential
Purposefully
designed
spaces are a
hallmark of
UCSI
International
School.
The residential programme at UCSI offers trips, sports and other activities on
weekends as well as free time for students to rest and interact with their peers.
programme is engaging and offers
trips, sports and other activities on
weekends as well as free time for
students to rest and interact with
their peers. The programme is
structured and students are
supervised at all times.
Teaching and learning are lifelong journeys, and a boarding
programme can certainly
contribute to this process by
providing extended learning
experiences, unique challenges
and opportunities for students in
multiple areas.
These experiences will lead them
to develop a thorough and deep
understanding that goes beyond
what is taught in class.
Designed for a purpose
When architects design a
building, they have to carefully
consider its purpose, whether it is
for work, play or study. Therefore,
when designing a school that will
be used for all three, including
being a home, architects have to
take into account a range of
factors.
A well-proportioned classroom
should have appropriate storage,
the right amount of display, is
flooded with natural light, has good
acoustics, good air quality, a
comfortable temperature, and
sufficient space to accommodate a
range of activities.
Therefore, the designers of
UCSI’s Springhill Campus, located
in a lush green setting and a
20-minute drive from the idyllic
beach town of Port Dickson,
created a school that is wellequipped with state-of-the-art
facilities and amenities that cater
to both the academic and
recreational needs of students.
The facilities and design have
also been a major factor in
attracting students and families.
Kayoko Shimamura and her
family from Tokyo, Japan, are
currently attending a summer
camp at Springhill, using the
various features in the school, such
as the music, art and drama rooms.
She says they are overwhelmed
by the vivid colours and style
of the campus.
Core beliefs
UCSI International School
believes in sharing, camaraderie
and teamwork, which are
necessary values to help an
individual succeed in life.
Boarding life is an education in
itself, which is why UCSI provides
an attractive campus setting and
exceptional facilities to encourage
students to live and study in a
quiet, peaceful environment, which
also offers plenty of opportunities
not only for staying focused on
studies but also to participate in
sports, social activities, trips and a
whole lot more.
n For more information, visit www.
ucsiinternationalschool.edu.my or
call Mark Smith at 03-5637 7108.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016
4 bright kids
Nutrition for
growing children
CHILDREN and motherhood
magazine BabyTalk has been
running its yearly survey – the
BabyTalk Readers’ Choice Award –
to seek out favourite brands of its
faithful readers.
Last year, Morinaga Chil-kid was
awarded the Readers’ Choice
Awards 2015 for Best Nutrition Milk
by the BabyTalk and MamaPapa
magazines.
In the same year, the product
was again voted the Best Nutrition
Milk for Children under Readers’
Choice Awards 2015 by the Natural
Health and A Healthy Lifestyle
magazines.
Morinaga Chil-kid provides
a milk formula that supplies
essential nutrients in a
well-balanced ratio that children
need, based on the international
standard of growing-up formula
and the latest scientific knowledge.
Morinaga Chil-kid, a growing-up
formula for children aged one
and above, is enriched with
AA (arachidonic acid), DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid), prebiotic
GOS (galacto-oligosaccharide) and
nucleotides (well-balanced five
nucleotides) to provide nutrition for
growing children.
AA and DHA help enhance the
development of the brain and
central nervous system as well as
the visual and retinal function of a
child.
GOS helps to establish a
Bifidobacterium-dominant flora and
suppresses the growth of harmful
intestinal bacteria. GOS
is important in alleviating
constipation while nucleotides
promote a healthy gut.
Morinaga Chil-kid is produced
and imported from a plant in the
Netherlands using Japanese
technology and stringent doublesafety standards. The product is
halal-certified.
Morinaga Chil-kid is having
a promotion until Aug 15 this year.
The promotion is a complimentary
Morinaga Chil-kid box (700g) with
purchase of an 11-box pack (700g).
Morinaga Chil-kid is available in
Tesco, Giant, Cold Storage, Mercato,
Aeon, Sogo, Isetan, Urban Fresh,
Village Grocer, SJ Kota, De Market,
Haniffa, Alpro Pharmacy and
Chinese medical halls.
It is also available online on
HERMISO.com, Lazada and
11 Street.
n For more information,
call 03-7982 5299,or e-mail
jess.chang@oz-marketing.com.
Building
good global
schools
IT takes bringing together a
combination of elements to build
a good school. GEMS
International Schools in
Malaysia offer a curriculum that
provides the knowledge, tools
and skills children need to be
masters of their destiny and
excel in a global context.
GEMS International Schools
apply a philosophy of education
that emphasises qualities such as
self-direction, social skills,
critical thinking and creativity.
They provide an innovative
and vibrant environment that
inspires children to explore and
grow. Operating more than 70
schools worldwide, GEMS
Education establishes schools
that students, parents and staff
love.
In addition to making quality
education available to families
around the world, GEMS
International Schools bring a
bold, fresh-thinking alternative
to Malaysia, helping children
earn good grades as well as
develop distinctive skills and
traits that position them to thrive
in a global society.
Parents embrace the
philosophy and structure of the
GEMS curriculum, which
provides a balance between
these soft skills and rigorous
academics.
In promoting academic
achievement, GEMS
International School Pearl City,
Penang and the interim campus
in Tropicana Metropark, Subang
Jaya, help children adopt a
values-driven perspective that
serves as the foundation for a
happy, healthy and successful
life.
The academic programme at
the schools features an enriched
version of the British Curriculum
for England and Wales (also
known as the British
Curriculum), which is used in
more than 150 countries.
The British Curriculum
provides a robust and detailed
blueprint for fostering and
charting the academic progress
of students from ages three to
18.
At GEMS schools, this
progression extends from Little
GEMS Early Years Foundation
programme through to the
Cambridge Primary, Secondary
(IGCSE) and Advanced phases of
the curriculum.
The schools go by the maxim
“Malaysia first, the world next”.
Supported by excellent
textbooks, media resources and
assessment tools, the curriculum
helps students recognise and
appreciate the history, culture
and ways of Malaysia as they
embark on a journey of
understanding the wider world.
In addition to a wide array of
extracurricular activities such as
athletics, games, the arts and
sciences, GEMS students include
music productions, community
projects and study trips to their
school experience.
Together, these experiences
are intended to facilitate
students to achieve a balanced,
well-rounded view of the
modern world.
All these experiences are
made possible by the GEMS’
team of carefully selected and
GEMS-trained principals,
teachers and staff.
GEMS teachers operate from a
shared-values platform. Their
dedication to developing each
student’s potential motivates
them to provide the right
culmination of experiences and
deliver these lessons well to
bring out the best in their
students.
It is this kind of commitment,
approach and contribution
that reinforce parents’ belief
in the education provided,
encouraging and enabling them
to join GEMS in bringing out the
special star quality that lies in
every child. This is the unique
offering GEMS schools bring to
students in Malaysia.
n For more information, visit
www.gemsinternationalschoolpearl.com.
Creativity and
self-initiative in
the classroom
are encouraged
at GEMS
International
School, where
students learn
English through
scriptwriting
and acting.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016
bright kids 5
Exploring science and
maths at your pace
IN April last year, Gakken
Classroom Malaysia opened its first
Science Experiment and Math
Classroom for kindergarten and
primary students aged four to 12.
These programmes are unique
because they aim to nurture
the joy in learning science and
mathematics using unique tools
and worksheets. During hands-on,
guided sessions, children are
provided the space and resources
that drive self-initiated exploration.
Through questioning, learning
from each other and playing,
children build the self-confidence
necessary to take charge of their
own learning from a young age.
Every Gakken Classroom
operates on four guiding
principles: establishing
fundamental academic abilities,
self learning, no great method
(meaning no one method is
recognised as the best – learning
should be according to a student’s
individual progress) and wellrounded life skills (holistic
education).
Sessions are led by teachers who
are trained in the different class
themes monthly. Training is
provided by an experienced
Japanese correspondent who
ensures a seamless transition and
delivery of the programme in
Malaysia.
Students undergo periodical
A full scholarship was awarded to a grade 9 student at Fairview’s Honours’
Day this year.
Where our future lies
THE stage at the HGH
Convention Centre was
transformed into a sea of colour,
song and dance as students
performed the Fairview edition
of The Lion King; a story about
how size, colour and creed do
not matter. Everyone has a
rightful place in the world and
when one values that, peace
prevails.
Fairview celebrates the end of
the academic year with a prizegiving ceremony and a concert
called Honours’ Day. This year, a
full scholarship of RM17,500 was
awarded to a grade 9 student
who achieved a full score.
In his speech, Dr Lim Chia
Sien, the chief academic officer,
said, “Fairview is the undisputed
leader in the International
Baccalaureate (IB) education in
Malaysia, being the first to have
all three programmes under one
roof. Our successful evaluation
cycle by the IB after five years is
proof of our strength.
“With the strength of the
faculty, it goes without saying
that our students perform well
academically. The IB diploma
programme students have scored
above the world average every
year.”
In Fairview, students are
tasked with global issues to
explore, research and find
solutions.
Through the various subject
disciplines, students collaborate,
debate and form opinions,
respecting that everyone has a
right to agree to disagree.
Students take action in the form
of community service by taking
some time off their busy
schedules and engaging in
various activities, including
painting school walls, building
libraries and donating to a good
cause.
In conjunction with Honours’
Day, Fairview donated RM10,000
each to the National Kidney
Foundation and the Japan
Foundation as a token to alleviate
the sufferings and losses of the
tsunami victims. The money was
raised through the annual
charity carnival.
Hiroyuki Orikasa, who
received the cheque on behalf of
the Embassy of Japan, said: “It is
indeed a rare opportunity to
witness such an event. The IB
programme has made the
children confident, responsible
and carry leadership qualities
that we need for the future.
“Japan, in realising the value
of the IB programmes, has
entered into a deal with the
International Baccalaureate
Organisation for the
establishment of IB schools in
Japan.”
To give back to society,
Fairview offers RM2.5mil in
scholarships and sponsorships
for various causes a year.
n For more information, visit
www.fairview.edu.my.
assessment using standardised
sheets, which teachers then use to
evaluate progress. As lessons are
designed for each level, students
will backtrack and repeat exercises
on targeted areas until their
understanding improves.
The teaching style and
homework assignments in the
Gakken Classroom cultivate
consistent learning behaviours,
which are ideal in mastering
science and mathematics and
preparing them for examinations.
Children who learn to retain
knowledge need not cram at
the last minute as their interest
would have helped develop
clear insight and comprehension
Parents are updated on their child’s progress in the Gakken classroom so that
they can engage with teachers to improve their child’s educational experience.
of topics.
Science students take home a
report after each class so that
parents are aware of their child’s
progress and can engage with
teachers to improve their child’s
educational experience. As for
mathematics, teachers constantly
update parents through progress
reports.
Fun Explorer Sdn Bhd, the main
licensee in Malaysia, works
together with the recently
launched Gakken Education
Malaysia Sdn Bhd to offer these
enrichment programmes. It is
looking for qualified, experienced
and passionate partners to open
centres in new locations.
n For more information, visit
www.gakkenclassroom.com.my
or call Gakken Classroom
headquarters at 012-382 8421.
For licensing programme enquiries,
call Amy at 016-263 5723.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016
6 bright kids
Creating resilient individuals
> FROM PAGE 2
Working hard to achieve
academic and extracurricular
goals gives students a sense of
ownership over their education,
and by extension, their
accomplishments.
Having to take care of
themselves and their belongings
teaches them about
independence, setting and
following schedules encourages
self-discipline, and being exposed
to so many different personalities
and ideas helps children discover
themselves and mature into the
person they are meant to be.
Different strokes
A boarding student
learns to carry out basic
chores such as ironing.
Every child is unique in his or
her development, so while some
12-year-olds may fit right in at
boarding school, there is an equal
chance that others would not.
Coping with monumental
lifestyle changes requires
resilience and a certain courage
that may not be innate for every
child.
If a student’s learning and wellbeing suffer immensely when
they are away from home, they
are not suitable for boarding life
yet – and that’s alright.
Therefore, understand your
child’s abilities, preferences and
goals before considering
boarding. If they are not ready
to be away from home during
their preteen years, you can
revisit this option when they are
approaching pre-university stage.
Perhaps, the primary aspect
to consider is if the child’s dreams
and objectives are aligned with
what the institution has to offer.
Going to boarding school
should be a step in the right
direction that parents, students
and educators embark on
together – only then will it reap
the desired results.
Q-dees’s various programmes provide children with a well-rounded
learning experience.
Holistic child
development
SINCE its inception more than
25 years ago, Q-dees has grown
into one of the foremost
establishments in early
childhood education in Malaysia.
With more than 170 centres
nationwide, Q-dees has
successfully prepared more than
200,000 students for private,
national and international
schools.
Fun and holistic, Q-dees’
programmes empower children
with a strong foundation for the
future. Q-dees Starters is a
cutting-edge preschool
programme stringently
benchmarked against global
standards.
The language programmes
are geared to enable children to
master English, Bahasa Malaysia
and Mandarin. Taught
thematically and phonetically,
the lessons encourage children
to expand their vocabulary while
also fostering the correct
contextual usage of the language.
Encompassing the essential
skills of reading, writing,
listening and speaking, the
Q-dees approach nurtures
mastery of subject matter
beyond students’ age so that
they can confidently express
themselves in these languages
regardless of their background.
At Q-dees, seemingly complex
mathematics concepts are made
simple and fun for children to
understand using Hands-on
Mind-on Mathsboard.
The science programme has
been designed to make science
simple and stimulating to learn.
The lessons encourage hands-on
participation in fun experiments
to ignite children’s curiosity for
the world.
Q-dees’ art and craft
programme develops children’s
creativity and imagination in
tandem with the daily theme.
Through the GymFlex
programme, they learn about
teamwork, improve body
coordination and further
develop fine and gross motor
skills through fun exercises,
physical activities and team
games.
The Q-dees Love to Life
programme ensures Q-dees’
programmes are infused with
good values that teach children
how to love and care for others
and be responsible individuals.
Q-dees Scholars offers primary
enrichment programmes in IQ
Math and International English.
Centred on the award-winning
Q-dees Link & Think
Methodology, learning is made
fun through the integration of
logical and creative concepts.
The IQ Math programme
caters to inquisitive minds to
catapult intellectual capabilities
to greater heights by combining
the child’s logical and creative
thinking skills.
The Q-dees Scholars
International English
programme is designed to foster
your child’s proficiency in the
English language.
It is aimed at instilling
children with the confidence
to independently listen, read,
write, converse and exhibit
their expertise in the English
vocabulary through the use
of interactive multimedia.
The Q-dees Scholars
programmes’ usage of interactive
multimedia through the Q-dees
Hub (computers with Q-dees’
unique software) not only
stimulates your child’s interest
in learning concepts through
graphics and songs, but will
also help in increasing your
child’s grasp of technological
advancements.
Q-dees’ programmes are
dynamic and undergo constant
improvements to not only
meet but surpass local and
internationally benchmarked
standards.
Q-dees has been awarded The
BestBrands in Education – PreSchool Education Excellence by
the BrandLaureate for the past
eight consecutive years (2008 to
2015) as well as the BestBrands
in Education Programme
(2015) in recognition of its
revolutionary Q-dees Link &
Think methodology.
n For more information,
call 1700 815 077 or visit
www.q-dees.com.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016
bright kids 7
Creative and innovative journey
PARENTS are understandably
eager to equip their children
with the ability to read, write
and recognise numbers while
they are still in their formative
years. This goal can be achieved
by building and providing the
right foundation.
Over the years, many parents
have chosen to enrol their
children in a Smart Reader Kids
centre due to its nurturing
environment and stimulating
curriculum.
Moreover, the teachers are
equipped with adequate
knowledge in the field of early
childhood education. They
employ creative and innovative
teaching and learning techniques
to ensure each child performs
with excellence.
More than 300 Smart Reader
Kids centres nationwide will
open their doors to the public on
Aug 6, Sept 3, Oct 1 and Dec 3 as
part of its Nationwide Open
Days.
The event will be held from
2pm to 6pm to enable parents
with preschool-age children to
visit centres nearest to them to
learn about the various Smart
Reader Kids programmes.
Participating centres will also
host a variety of interactive
activities and workshops for the
children, while the parents tour
the facilities and browse through
the teaching materials.
Moreover, parents can catch
the glimpse of an actual
classroom in session and gain
insight into the Smart Reader
Kids programme.
As a special promotion,
parents who enrol their children
for the 2016 academic year are
entitled to gifts.
These include track top and
bottom, colour pencils and
colouring folder and six dots
game board. A special edition CD
awaits siblings registered on the
day. These gifts are available
while stocks last.
According to its franchisee
Nazreena Devi of Smart Reader
Kids Taman Bayu Mutiara, Bukit
Mertajam in Penang, there are
plans to conduct sand art
sessions, science experiments,
storytelling and treasure hunts,
which will involve current
students as well as visiting
children.
“Parents are welcome to visit
us at the centre to witness what
we have to offer in building up
the students’ confidence by
exposing them to a variety of fun
and creative activities.”
In Kemaman, Terengganu,
Students of
Smart
Reader Kids
Taman
Perling,
Johor Baru,
Johor, learn
about
dental
hygiene in
class
through fun,
engaging
ways.
Andy Chin, franchisee of Smart
Reader Kids centre of Taman
Cukai Utama, says the centre will
have the current students as its
little ambassadors to entertain
the guests, especially the
children.
“We have been training a
group of our outstanding
students to play host to our
guests during the upcoming
Open Days.
“Apart from interesting and
fun games for kids to participate
in, we are going to do what we
do best, showing parents and
potential students what we have Students of Smart Reader Kids Taman Cukai Utama,
Kemaman in Terengganu, learn to build their confidence
to offer.”
through creative and fun learning methods at the centre.
Malathy Thanarajan,
franchisee of Smart Reader Kids
centre of Taman Perling, Johor
Baru, Johor, says the guests will
be treated to a tour around the
centre.
She also runs three more
centres – Smart Reader Kids
Bandar Baru Uda, Smart Reader
Kids Larkin Jaya and Smart
Reader Kids Taman Pelangi.
“Here at Smart Reader Kids,
we offer a holistic preschool
education, particularly for
children aged three to six,
whereby they will be exposed to
an environment that is fun and
conducive to learning,” she says.
The Smart Reader Kids’
signature Creative Teaching
Methodology enables every child
to be a team member, a leader, a
creator and an executor as the
method incorporates
interpersonal, social and creative
skills, building character and
emotional maturity.
These are the important
characteristics that make the
Smart Reader Kids Programme
effective.
Programmes that are currently
being offered under the banner
of Smart Reader Worldwide are
Smart Reader Kids, Smart Reader
Kids Islamic, Smart Reader Kids
Mandarin Medium, Smart
Reader Kids Intensive English
Programme and Smart Reader
Kids++ franchised programmes.
There are also the Smart
Reader Kids Intensive English
programme, which is conducted
in the afternoon and is specially
designed for children
undergoing the Smart Reader
Kids programme.
n To find the centre nearest
to you or for more information
on Smart Reader Worldwide’s
programmes or events,
call 03-6279 5555 or the
SMARTLine at 1300 885 555 or
visit www.smartreader.edu.my.
Nazreena Devi (second from left, back row) pictured with her
educators and students from Smart Reader Kids Taman Bayu
Mutiara, Bukit Mertajam in Penang, has exciting activities planned for
visiting children during the upcoming Nationwide Open Days.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016
8 bright kids
LAST December, Sunway
International School (SIS)
welcomed principal Bill Ironside,
who is also director of the
Canadian International
Matriculation Programme at
Sunway College.
Having previously helmed a
Canadian school in Shanghai,
Ironside is enthusiastic about
working with international
students immersed in the Ontario
programme.
On what he enjoys most about
his role, Ironside says, “It is the
students. They make our jobs easy
with their positive perspectives,
natural curiosity and creativity
that they bring to the classroom.
Every day as a teacher, you are
surprised to learn from a moment
shared with a student or class, and
I believe that this is a blessing.”
Dedication in vocation
Ironside started out as a
geography and outdoor education
teacher, leading activities in the
Canadian wilderness. He was also
a programme consultant for the
Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District
School Board of Education in
Ontario.
Throughout his 28 years in
education, Ironside has
participated in growing the
relevant and vibrant Ontario
programme to become a leading
English language curriculum
globally.
Leading with enthusiasm
communication with parents,
School should
through the recently formed
parent council, as well as
be a safe place for
principal’s messages
kids to take risks, ask monthly
and quarterly newsletters.
questions and push
Celebrating learning
themselves out of
Ironside says that some of his
their comfort zones
favourite moments as an
educator come from seeing the
so they can learn
on students’ faces when they
from their mistakes. joy
take pride in having learnt
When the opportunity for him to
bring his expertise to Malaysia
came along, it was too good to pass.
“I have been overwhelmed with
the positive energy of the students,
staff and families at SIS so far. In
addition to the day-to-day teaching
and learning in our classrooms, we
have more than 40 active sports,
clubs and societies for kids to
participate in and we are proud of
how our teachers implement the
curriculum in an engaging,
student-centred approach,” says
Ironside.
Collaborating efforts
The principal’s goals at SIS serve
to build on the strong learning
culture the school prides itself on.
“As a teacher leader, I want to
seize the opportunity to help build
a school that makes sense for
the community and allows
children to thrive.
“School should be a safe place
for kids to take risks, ask questions
and push themselves out of their
comfort zones so they can learn
from their mistakes,” explains
Ironside.
This happens by continuously
improving teaching methods and
Bill Ironside
analysing achievement data. A
development initiative this coming
semester involves teachers
collecting evidence of student
learning.
This practice, called the
triangulation of evidence, involves
observing student learning
conversations and recording them
to assess a child’s learning.
Ironside stresses that in the
Ontario Programme, assessment is
continuous throughout the
semester.
He is grateful for the 40 Ontario
Certified Teachers that exhibit
expertise and professional energy,
encouraging collaborative
efforts to build the best teaching
practices.
“This happens at staff and
department meetings and
professional development
workshops such as sharing
sessions on using Online Learning
Portal effectively, during which a
number of expert teachers guide
their colleagues, but mostly
during those teachable moments
between two teachers on any
given day,” he says.
Ironside believes that his role
as principal involves establishing
constructive, two-way
something new.
As a father of two, he enjoys
graduations as this is when
parents and teachers see young
people at their best.
“Knowing that you have had
some impact on a child’s learning
and development through those
formative, curious years is a huge
reward.
“To me, education should
equip students with the
knowledge, skills and attitudes
to be successful individuals
contributing to families, work
and communities. I want to be a
part of this at SIS for as long as I
can bring value to the school.”
n For more information,
visit www.sis.sunway.edu.my.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016
bright kids 9
A healthy gut and strong
immune system make
your children less
vulnerable to common
colds and the flu.
Fight
the
common
cold
COLDS and the flu are very common in
young children. On average, a child may
catch more than five colds during the first
two years of his or her life.
Preschoolers or children in daycare
centres are even more susceptible to colds
and the flu because viral agents are easily
spread through physical contact. Some
airborne viruses can also spread through a
sneeze or cough from an infected person.
Parents are aware of the need to boost
their children’s immune system in raising
healthy and happy kids. But how can it be
done?
Many have heard about the use of
vitamin and mineral supplements such as
vitamin C and zinc in revving up their
child’s immune system. However, many are
unaware that the body’s largest immune
defence is located in the gut.
Eighty per cent of immune cells residing
in the gastrointestinal tract and probiotics,
also known as live culture or friendly
bacteria, can communicate to activate an
immune and defence response at times of
viral attacks.
Probiotics can help regulate children’s
immune functions. Lactobacillus acidophilus
LA-5 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 have
been clinically proven to improve the
digestive system and immune functions in
children.
Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 is able to
adhere in the gastrointestinal tract and
increase the phagocytic activity (ability to
destroy harmful foreign substances by
ingesting them) of white blood cells.
White blood cells play an important role
in defending the body against infectious
agents and foreign substances.
Both Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and
Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 assist in the
digestion of lactose and reduce the
symptoms associated with lactose
intolerance.
Continual administration of
Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 can also
increase the immune factor secreted by
intestinal cells such as immunoglobulin A
(IgA).
Not all probiotics are created equal.
Different strains of the same species, called
strain-specific probiotics, can manifest
different health effects.
There are many probiotic products in the
market. Nonetheless, to be a good probiotic
product, the probiotic strain has to come
from a renowned source that confers
particular health benefits to humans, as
substantiated by scientific evidence.
The correct unit of measurement on
probiotic product labels should be colonyforming units (CFUs), not milligramme (mg).
Moreover, a good probiotic strain
has to survive through the passage of
gastrointestinal tract.
Both Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and
Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 have been
proven to possess such acid- and bileresistant characteristics.
These attributes ensure their survivability
through the digestion system before finally
colonising the colon. Bifidobacterium lactis
BB-12 also has the ability to regulate your
bowel and soften stool.
Additionally, more and more research
studies today are focusing on prebiotics.
This is because probiotics are able to use
prebiotics (non-digestible fibres) as their
food source to stimulate the growth of
bifidobacteria – friendly bacteria that help
fight pathogenic bacteria in the gut.
This prebiotic effect has been proven in
one study conducted by Bouhnik et al in
2004, which showed that the consumption
of 2.5g of inulin twice daily was able to
increase the amount of bifidobacteria (good
probiotic) within a month.
Probiotics, when consumed together with
prebiotics, will deliver synbiotic benefits
(synergistic health benefits).
Hence, a synbiotic formula is deemed
more superior compared to conventional
probiotic products.
A synbiotic formula can enhance nutrient
absorption from the gut, balance up
intestinal bacteria and strengthen the
immune system, thus providing better
protection and improving your child’s
health.
Minimised infections and illnesses,
together with the right nutrition, may help
children reach optimal growth and their full
potential later in life.
This article is contributed by BiO-LiFE
Marketing Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call BiO-LiFE
Customer Care (Monday to Friday from
8am to 5pm) at 03-7882 8888 or e-mail
health@biolife.com.my.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016
10 bright kids
Soft skills beyond the classroom
WHEN I was at Marlborough
College in the United Kingdom, my
wife told me about a pupil who
had helped her when she was
heavily pregnant.
At that time, her centre of
gravity had suddenly moved and a
young stranger who had spotted
her struggling to carry shopping
bags, offered to carry them with a
smile and engaging conversation.
Not surprisingly, that boy became
senior prefect a few years later.
A good school regards holistic
education as a vital preparation
for life beyond school and
opportunities should abound
for the young to acquire these
characteristics.
Good communicators relate
well to others, listen carefully
when others speak and understand
the importance of articulating
their points in a confident,
unthreatening way.
Schools can help pupils by
embedding presentation skills in
lessons and by promoting
discussion and debate.
A team player is considered
valuable in the job market and this
attribute may be instilled through
sports, or as part of a cast in a play
or musical as pupils familiarise
with collaborating with one
Sports is a great way for students to acquire attributes of
being a team player.
another to achieve the same goals.
High expectations require them
to be honest about their individual
contribution and to offer
constructive criticism to others.
The process of listening to
guidance should neither be entirely
dismissive nor passive.
The way in which pupils deal
with advice is also important, as
the willingness to change will be
more effective than becoming
upset at a sign of disapproval.
Pupils should be given
opportunities to gain leadership
experience, which may take
place in class by leading
Marlborough College Malaysia’s Taylor boarding house
is one of the accommodations on offer to students who
opt to board.
group discussions.
A comprehensive co-curricular
programme will offer pupils the
chance to be captain of a team or
leader of an ensemble.
A pastoral care structure will
have pupils in positions of
responsibility, such as heads of
house and prefects. There is a
bigger scope for this in a boarding
community, where leading by
example is highly regarded and
pupils can be guided to show
initiative.
Learning all the dates of the
Battle of the Somme in World
War 1 may be tedious but looking
into timelines, and understanding
causes and effects, provide a much
richer studying experience.
Pupil commitment can also be
encouraged by participation in a
raft of co-curricular activities, from
sports to stage art.
Service undertakings are
important as they develop
empathy. Pupils gain a lot from
improving the lives of the less
fortunate and pupil-led events at
orphanages and hospitals.
Schools may encourage
creativity by teachers urging pupils
to step outside their comfort zones
and asking questions to individuals
directly. Programmes such as the
Duke of Edinburgh’s International
Award are excellent in allowing
pupils to take calculated risks.
It is the school’s responsibility to
ensure that pupils learn soft skills
that are embedded in the
curriculum, even beyond the
classroom.
Teachers need to be given the
direction to encourage the
acquisition of these attributes. An
effective means of doing this is to
reassess the teachers’ professional
reviews and developments (PRD)
system.
This can begin by deciding what
the school wants the pupils to
learn, then ways of promoting this
through a PRD system can be
identified.
With further focus on soft skills,
more children will be prepared to
contribute effectively to society,
which may start with giving the
occasional pregnant woman a
helping hand with her shopping
bags. – By Mark McVeigh
Mark McVeigh is the head of
senior school at Marlborough
College Malaysia.
n For more information, visit www.
marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016
ESTABLISHING a new international school
that seeks to be different is a huge challenge,
particularly in the Klang Valley where
international schools have reached a
saturation point.
It is therefore with some trepidation but
trust in God that we set out on the journey to
establish the first Lasallian international
school in Malaysia.
As with all new projects, there have been
many twists and turns along the way. Not
least was the concern that we might be over
ambitious in opening classes at all levels
from nursery to year 12 in the first year.
However, just weeks to welcoming our
founding students for the first time on Aug
29, I am happy to report that the St Joseph’s
Institution International School Malaysia
(SJIIM) campus is ready and we have
received an overwhelming amount of
interest in the school, which permits us to
open two classes at most levels.
The special interest in our new school is
due to a number of factors, including the
appreciation of the Lasallian heritage in
Malaysia, which goes back to 1852 with the
founding of St Xaviers Institution in Penang,
and the success of our brother school
St Joseph’s Institution International School
Singapore (SJIIS).
Our Superior General Brother Robert
Schieler recently said, “A Lasallian education,
when it is true to the vision of Saint John
Baptist de La Salle, is conducted not by
individual teachers but by a community of
educators working closely with one another
bright kids 11
True to tradition
for the benefit of the students. It is an
education of relationships: teachers to
teachers, teachers to students, students to
students.”
Caring and compassionate teachers are at
the heart of our Lasallian educational
mission. SJIIS, which was established eight
years ago with a little more than 100
students, has been supportive of SJIIM in
every way and shares its best practices
with us.
Some of the founding fathers of SJIIS are
also the inspiration and driving force behind
SJIIM.
Fraternal links with SJIIS will certainly go
from strength to strength as with other
schools in the Lasallian family.
The curriculum of a Lasallian school is
marked by the promotion of justice and
peace and the integrity of creation. The
Brothers and teachers take care to safeguard
the rights of children and young people.
We expect the highest academic standards
from our students and will do everything we
can to facilitate this. This has always been a
hallmark of a quality Lasallian school but is
not in itself sufficient.
We will be encouraging our teachers and
students to create an educational
environment that builds bridges to unite
people for the common good and tears down
Today’s lesson,
tomorrow’s success
TO effectively learn a language, a person
needs to develop confidence in using the
language in all four language skills –
reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Although English is widely taught in
schools, lessons are generally imparted in
a theoretical manner, leading to very little
real-life practice for students.
Unsurprisingly, fresh graduates are
finding it increasingly difficult to secure
employment or advance professionally
because of their lack of English language
proficiency. Cambridge English For Life
(CEFL) applies the communicative approach
to language learning, allowing learners to
develop their language skills at their own
pace through stimulating contexts.
With a network of 60 language centres in
Malaysia, CEFL is dedicated to offering
learners from four-year-olds to adults the
right English language course to help them
achieve greater heights in life.
As CEFL’s teaching method is based on the
communicative approach to language
acquisition, the focus of all training –
whether at the beginner or advanced level,
in academic or business English – is to
develop fluency, improve reading and
listening comprehension, expand one’s
vocabulary, and refine pronunciation and
intonation.
The most effective way to boost your
motivation in learning English is to use the
language as often as you can.
Trying to have
more
conversations
in English is a
simple but
effective
method of
motivating
yourself to
learn the
language.
Practising English is fun, especially when
you are reading a good book, understanding
a song, watching an interesting movie or
exchanging e-mails with a native speaker.
In addition, using English is learning the
language. When you are reading an
interesting article or watching an exciting
movie in English, you are using the language
by learning new words and phrases.
When you write a message in an English
language discussion forum, you are
practising your writing skills.
Being constantly exposed to the language
can also increase your motivation to study
English in other ways. For example, if you
see that your knowledge of English
pronunciation helps you understand a movie
or speak more clearly, you will be motivated
to improve your pronunciation.
Whatever the technique or method used,
remember that practice makes perfect. As
learning a language is a continual process,
one small action every day is more powerful
than reading hundreds of articles or
volumes of reference books just before an
examination.
It is possible to master English through
constant practice. All you need is to make a
few minor sacrifices or changes, pick up a
book and start reading.
n For more information, call 03-7883 0912
or e-mail info@cambridgeforlife.org or visit
www.cambridgeforlife.org.
walls that alienate us from one another.
We believe our students are capable of
significantly contributing to a society that is
more inclusive, just and respectful. What a
gift this Lasallian spirit would be to
Malaysia.
In founding SJIIM, we believe that we are
offering a unique option combining a
300-year-old tradition of Lasallian education
with the best in modern holistic schooling.
On behalf of our founding principals,
Brothers and teachers, we would be
honoured and privileged to partner with you
in the education journey of your children.
Ora et Labora. – By Brother Thomas Lavin,
Brother President at SJIIM (Tropicana PJ
campus).
SJIIM welcomes prospective parents to
visit the school and explore what Lasallian
holistic education is all about.
n For more information, call 03-8605 3605
or e-mail enquiries@sji-international.edu.
my or visit www.sji-international.edu.my.
Brother
Thomas
Lavin.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016
12 bright kids
Nurturing 21st century learners
IN the past, education was
primarily about gaining
knowledge. Children sat in rows,
facing the teacher and the best
students were the ones who could
retain the most information.
The only voice in the classroom
was that of the all-knowing
teacher, whose job was to impart
all of his knowledge to students.
The purpose of education today
is to equip children with the skills
needed to prosper in tomorrow’s
world. The fast-paced, everchanging 21st century workplace
demands critical thinkers,
confident problem-solvers and
tech-savvy innovators with a thirst
for lifelong learning.
The modern school has changed
its methods, putting these key skills
at the forefront of its educational
ideals and basing its success on the
independence and resilience of its
students.
In the modern classroom, a tiny
silver box that allows students to
access all of the world’s knowledge
at a single click has replaced the
blackboard. Children face each
other so that they can share their
ideas and work collaboratively to
solve problems.
The contemporary teacher
is a facilitator of learning who
Classrooms have now evolved into collaborative working environments.
engineers situations that will allow
students to develop academically,
emotionally and socially. Twentyfirst century students are
encouraged to ask questions,
innovate, challenge themselves and
learn from their mistakes.
Taylor’s International Schools
are 21st century schools. The
Kuala Lumpur campus has been
extensively renovated and
upgraded to provide exceptional
learning environments in the heart
of the city. Its second campus in
Puchong is a brand-new, purposebuilt campus developed with
modern educational ideals in
mind. Its bright and airy
classrooms foster an atmosphere of
collaboration and innovation.
Children are encouraged to learn
through experience. In the science
department, for example, students
practise a hands-on approach to
learning.
The laboratories are designed
to maximise learning potential.
Separate spaces for small group
collaboration, individual writing
and quiet reflection blend
seamlessly with chemical
workbenches and fume hoods.
Students are set challenges and
encouraged to use the spaces
provided, their key strengths and
their learning time to work
together to accomplish their goals.
It is not unusual to see a
group of students who learn
kinaesthetically spending their
time experimenting with chemicals
and manipulating equipment.
The visual learners may be using
their MacBooks or iPads to access
the Internet or Taylor’s online
learning platform while the
auditory learners may be gathered
in deep conversations, listening to
their peer’s ideas and sharing their
own. Taylor’s science team is
acutely aware of the advantage a
firm grounding in science can give
to the 21st century student.
As Jonathan Rothwell, writing
for the influential American thinktank Brookings, said, “STEM
(science technology, engineering
and mathematics) workers are
disproportionately involved in
creating and running successful
tech companies and coming up
with breakthrough inventions. It’s
not an exaggeration to say that
STEM workers are the driving
force of economic prosperity.”
Taylor’s facilitators are
passionate about delivering a
wide-ranging, robust and varied
curriculum that is tailored to each
student’s needs.
The curriculum is designed to
engage and inspire young minds,
encourage all students to look at
the world with awe and wonder,
and develop a deep love for the
sciences that will last a lifetime.
At Taylor’s, students are
encouraged to value the strong ties
to their local community,
appreciate their place in this
developing global world, and ask
how they can make it a better place
for themselves and the rest of
humankind. Taylor’s ultimate aim
is to produce strong glocal citizens
with the skills and resourcefulness
to truly thrive in the 21st century
economy.
n For more information,
call 03-9200 9898 or e-mail
admissions@kl.tis.edu.my
(KL campus) or call 03-5879 5000 or
e-mail admissions@pc.tis.edu.my
(Puchong campus).