THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

special

Best learning picks

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

2 bright kids

Right academic fit

By THERESA BELLE
WIDE recognition and acceptance
in tertiary institutions around the
world have granted international
school curricula an edge in
todays increasingly globalised
education landscape.
With efforts shifting to
creating self-learners and
holistic individuals, co-curricular
involvement and out-ofclassroom learning are regular
fixtures across the board in
British, American, Australian,
Canadian, Malaysian and
International Baccalaureate

Structure

Aims

Content

schools in the country.

Here is some important
information on curriculum
structure, aims, content and
assessment found in Malaysia
for you to consider for your
child.
The international

curriculum summaries below

are derived from their
countries of origin local
adaptations of these syllabi are
altered to suit context and
education needs, using the
original versions as a strong
basis.

British

American

Australian

Divided into four key stages

(Years 1 to 2, 3 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10 to
11) and involves subjects classified
as core or foundation. A typical
school year begins in September.

Consists of elementary school

(Grades 1 to 4), middle school
(Grades 5 to 8) and high school
(Grades 9 to 12). In the United
States, policymaking is done at state
and local levels, which means there
is no standardised national syllabus.

The Foundation Year 10 curriculum follows a

three-tier system much like the Malaysian system,
consisting of primary school until Year 6, then
secondary school in Years 7 to 10, and finally
tertiary education, which can be in Years 11 and
12 or college.
At the Australian International School Malaysia
(AISM), which offers the New South Wales Board
of Studies (NSW BOSTES) curriculum, students
start Foundation year at five years old. Years 1 to 5
are primary school, Years 6 to 8 are middle school
and Years 9 to 10 are senior school.

Divided into elementary

(inclusive of kindergarten) and
secondary school in Ontario.
Grade structures vary between
provinces as there is no
integrated national system of
education.
Sunway International School
(SIS) offers the Ontario middle
school (Grades 7 and 8) and
high school (Grades 9 to 11)
curricula.

To introduce pupils to the essential

knowledge needed to be educated
citizens, generating an appreciation
of human creativity and achievement.
The United Kingdom Department
of Education states that The national
curriculum provides an outline of
core knowledge around which
teachers can develop exciting and
stimulating lessons to promote the
development of pupils knowledge,
understanding and skills as part of
the wider school curriculum.

Generally, K-12 education aims to

develop well-rounded individuals
with critical thinking skills,
problem-solving skills and creativity
when approaching real-life
situations.

Designed to develop successful learners,

confident and creative individuals, and active,
informed citizens.
The curriculum aims to nurture seven general
capabilities, which are literacy, numeracy,
information and communication technology
capability, critical and creative thinking, personal
and social capability, ethical understanding and
intercultural understanding.
These apply across subject-based content and
develop children into lifelong learners.

According to Creating
Pathways to Success: An
Education and Career/ Life
Planning Program for Ontario
Schools, Policy and Program
Requirements, Kindergarten to
Grade12,2013, the education
policys goals aim to ensure that
students develop the knowledge
and skills they need to make
informed education and career
or life choices through the
effective application of a
four-step enquiry process.

Core subjects English, mathematics

and science are taught at all levels, as
is physical education.
A selection of foundation subjects
such as art and design, computing,
design and technology, geography,
history and music are taught at the
first three key stages.
Foreign languages are taught in
key stages 2 and 3. These subjects are
also offered at key stage 4 optionally.

Students are allowed greater

flexibility in selecting subjects in
middle school, where they have
different teachers for different
subjects as opposed to the grade
teachers in elementary school who
teach several core subjects.
In high school, they take on a
variety of subjects that extends
across a broad spectrum.
Mandatory subjects are in the areas
of science, mathematics, English,
social sciences, physical education
and health.
Students may also choose elective
subjects on technology, arts or
foreign languages.

Eight disciplinary knowledge learning areas

of the Australian curriculum are English,
mathematics, science, health and physical
education, humanities and social sciences,
the arts, technologies and languages.
Health and physical education, humanities
and social sciences, the arts, technologies and
languages all encompass multiple subjects
pooled into one learning area.
As per NSW BOSTES recommendations, AISM
allocates at least 25% of school hours to English,
20% to mathematics and a minimum of 6% to
other learning areas.

Canadian

Students first experience a

curriculum that includes the
arts, languages, health and
physical education,
mathematics, science and
technology and social studies
then later in high school are
exposed to Canadian and world
studies, guidance and career
education, and interdisciplinary
studies.

Assessment

In the first three key stages,

students are tested on literacy and
numeracy as well as other subjects
of study through standardised
examinations.
They then prepare to take
national qualification examinations
in key stage 4, which is usually the
General Certificate of Secondary
Education (GCSE, or IGCSE outside
the UK).
The A-Levels typically follows in
sixth form or college.

Students are consistently assessed

throughout the school year to
produce a final grade.
High school students typically
complete the SAT or ACT (American
College Testing) examinations in
preparation for university entrance.
They can also take on Advanced
Placement (AP) courses, which allow
them to earn university credit and
eases placement of high school
diploma holders.

Students are assessed through ongoing

formative assessment within classrooms, biannual
summative assessments, annual testing in Years 3,
5 and 7 for literacy and numeracy, and periodic
sample testing of specific learning areas.
At AISM, 50% of the final grade is based on
assignments, examinations and projects while the
other 50% depends on external examination,
which is used to moderate school-based
assessments. Students graduate with a Higher
School Certificate upon completing Year 12.
To obtain the Higher School Certificate (HSC),
students take up five or six subjects leading up to
their first tertiary placement.

At SIS, 70% of students final

grade is determined by work
completed during the course,
while 30% is determined by
final evaluation.
School-leavers can go on to
pursue the Canadian Grade 12
at Sunway College, known as
the Canadian International
Matriculation Programme
(CIMP).

Local adaptations can be found at

Raffles American School and
International School of Kuala
Lumpur.

Local adaptation based on the NSW BOSTES

curriculum is available at AISM.

Schools

Local adaptations can be found at

British International School Kuala
Lumpur, Garden International
School, Epsom College in Malaysia
and at the soon-to-be-opened St
Josephs Institution International
School Malaysia, among others.

Local adaption of middle and

high school syllabi Years 7 to
11 is available at SIS. Sunway
Iskandar in Johor, which opens
next year, will offer the full
Ontario curriculum from
preschool to Grade 10.

> SEE PAGE 4

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

bright kids 3

High school principal Stuart Glascott (second from left) with parents at a St Josephs Institution
International School Malaysia event.

Relevant
curriculum
choice
ST JOSEPHS Institution International School
Malaysia (SJIIM) recently announced that it
had received the International Baccalaureate
(IB) World School status a few months ahead
of its opening in August this year.
In keeping with the standards of the IB, all
schools must complete an authorisation
process before offering one or more of its list
of programmes.
Relating the rigorous process, SJIIMs high
school principal Stuart Glascott says, After
submitting an application for our IB Diploma
Programme (IBDP), we had to demonstrate
that we had all the key attributes of an IB
school which can be hard for a new school.
We documented specifics on the
resources, facilities, curriculum planning
and teaching pedagogy to illustrate that we
had what it takes to run a good IBDP.
From there, an IB inspection team visited
the school for a three-day inspection to
verify that we had all the aspects
documented, he explains.
SJIIMs IB coordinator from the United
Kingdom and teachers selected from all
around the world to teach in the school
beginning August were also part of this
verification visit.
Having attended the respective IB
workshops, they were then required to
demonstrate their understanding of the
programme and the commitment needed
to successfully run the programme.

The perfect curricular fit

Over the years, the IBDP has gained
widespread recognition as a leading
pre-university course, particularly for its
unique ability to create well-rounded
learners ready to take on the world.
We chose the IBDP for our Year 12 and 13
programme because we believe that it will
prepare students more comprehensively for
university life and help them access a wide
range of top universities around the world,
says Glascott.
Interestingly, the holistic learning that is
central to IBDPs ethos is also a vital aspect of
the SJIIM education philosophy.

This, together with its common focus on

academic excellence and service, will
enhance the IBDP learning experience at
the school.
As an IB World School, SJIIM will be
offering the diploma programme in Years 12
and 13. As such, students progressing from
Year 11 will have the option to continue
with the IBDP upon completion of their
International General Certificate of
Secondary Education (IGCSE) examination
with the school.
According to Glascott, this academic
pathway is quite common in prestigious
schools in Asia and beyond as both the
IGCSE and IBDP are internationally
recognised with externally verified and
authenticated assessment systems.
With this pathway, students at SJIIM will
have the most ideal curricular structure to
cater to their global needs.

Vision of excellence
IBDP teachers are known to be top
classroom teachers who create frameworks
that harness students ability to develop
their own ideas.
This allows students to build on each
others knowledge and skills while
enhancing their individual analytical
capabilities.
The IBDP is also offered at St Josephs
Institution in Singapore, where students
achieve excellent results year after year.
One might wonder how SJIIM plans to
emulate that success here in Malaysia.
When you walk around SJI Singapore,
you get a sense of community and the first
goal of SJIIM is to match that in terms of
making students feel happy, safe and part of
the larger Lasallian community, says
Glascott.
We believe that if students feel this way
and are comfortable with their teachers and
peers, they will enquire and explore in the
way that is relevant to the IB philosophy.

n For more information, visit

www.sji-international.edu.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

4 bright kids

Structured for development

International Baccalaureate (IB)

> FROM PAGE 2

Structure

Consists of the Primary Years Programme (ages

three to 12), Middle Years Programme (ages 11 to
16) and Diploma Programme (ages 16 to 19).
There are also career-related programmes that
lead to higher education and employment for
diploma students.

Aims

Its one-of-its-kind ethos separates IB from

national systems. The International
Baccalaureate Organization states The IB aims
to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring
young people who help to create a better and
more peaceful world through intercultural
understanding and respect.

Content

Language, social studies, mathematics, science

and technology, arts, and personal, social and
physical education are studied in the primary
and middle years programmes.
In the diploma programme, students study six
subjects chosen from these subject groups,
complete an extended essay and complete theory
of knowledge and creativity, action, service
components.

There is a variety of
curricula to choose
from. Study all your
options thoroughly
before making a
decision.

Assessment

Schools

Internal and external assessments are used

throughout the IB, which include oral, field,
laboratory, artistic and investigative work as well
as essays, case studies and response questions.
Students work is assessed against programme
goals as direct evidence of achievement.
UCSI International School Springhill, Fairview
International School

Malaysian

Structure

Aims

Content

Assessment

Schools

Students start primary school (Standards 1

to 6) the year they turn seven years old and
secondary school (Forms 1 to 5), typically the
year they turn 13. Form 6 is available as a
pre-university option at certain public and
private schools.
The National Education Policy states that
education in Malaysia is an ongoing effort
towards further developing the potential of
individuals in a holistic and integrated manner
so as to produce individuals who are
intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and
physically balanced and harmonious.
Core subjects are Bahasa Malaysia, English and
mathematics. Upper primary students explore
science and aspects of geography and history.
Students can take language classes in their
mother tongue. Living skills, visual arts and
music classes are also offered as part of the
primary curriculum.
After Form 3, students are streamed into
science or arts classes or go on to pursue
technical and vocational, or religious education.
Islamic or moral education is compulsory
throughout the schooling period, as is physical
or health education.
Monthly tests and biannual examinations
allow teachers to gauge progress at every level.
Students sit for the Primary School
Achievement Test (UPSR) at the end of primary
school. In Form 3, they undergo the Lower
Secondary Evaluation (PT3) and in Form 5, take
the secondary school leaving examination for the
Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM).
Upon graduating, students can do two years of
Form 6 for the Malaysian Higher School
Certificate (STPM) qualification, matriculation or
other pre-university courses.
All public schools Sekolah Rendah (primary
school), Sekolah Menengah (secondary school)
and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (vernacular,
national-type secondary school).
Some private and international institutions
also offer the local curriculum, including
Rafflesia Private School Kajang.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

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Scholarships
available

THE Australian International

School Malaysia (AISM) is
offering scholarships for Years 6
to 12 (pre-university) to
deserving Malaysian and
expatriate students.
AISM is the only international
school that offers the Australian
curriculum in Malaysia, which
leads to the internationally
recognised Higher School
Certificate (HSC) acceptwed by
top universities worldwide.
The full scholarship is offered
to pre-university students (Years
11 and 12) who would not
otherwise be able to study at
AISM.
Malaysian students sitting for
SPM, IGCSE or O-Levels
examination this year who are
not enrolled at the school are
invited to apply.
The scholarship holders will
enter Year 11 and continue to
Year 12, at which time they will
complete the Higher School
Certificate and be able to apply
for their university of choice in
other places such as in the
United Kingdom, United States,
Australia, Malaysia, Japan, South
Korea, countries in Europe and
more.
The scholarship covers 100%
of cost admissions fee and
tuition fees for the entire
duration of schooling at AISM
from year of entry.
Application fees, annual
technology fees and yearly
deposits are waived. This
scholarship will be extended
to cover the fees for some
university degrees at Taylors
University, depending on the
students performance (terms
and conditions apply).
The scholarship is awarded
based on the strength of
students academic performance,
participation in school
activities, including leadership
roles, sports and the arts as
well as involvement in school
community projects.
Preference is given to those

who would not otherwise have

the opportunity to attend and
benefit from a school such as
AISM.
Many Malaysian students
have benefited from this
scholarship, which has been
offered for the past nine years
at AISM.
Students have gone on to
study medicine, law, science,
accounting, business and more
in top universities around the
world.

Special 10-year
anniversary offer
AISM is offering 50% and 30%
fee-reduction scholarships to
deserving students to mark its
10th year of being part of the
Taylors Education Group in
Malaysia.
Malaysians and expatriate
students not currently enrolled
at AISM who are aged 11 to 18
are eligible for entry into
programmes from Year 6 to
pre-university.
A discount of 50% or 30% on
the admissions fee and tuition
fees is offered for the entire
duration of schooling at AISM
from year of entry, while the
application fee, annual
technology fees and yearly
deposit are waived.

How to apply
To apply or enquire further,
call the principals office at
03-8949 5000 or e-mail
paprincipal@aism.edu.my by
June 24.
You can also visit the school
during the Open Week held on
June 10 and 11 for a short
briefing on the scholarships.

n For more information, visit

www.aism.edu.my/fullscholarships (pre-university
scholarships) or www.aism.edu.
my/partial-scholarships (10th
year celebration scholarships).

Leadership, sports, the arts and school community involvement are

important evaluation criteria in selecting suitable candidates for the
scholarship at AISM.

AISM pre-university students learn from each other in an interactive and engaging classroom.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

6 bright kids

CHILDREN and motherhood

magazine BabyTalk Malaysia has
been running a yearly survey the
BabyTalk Readers Choice Award to
find the favourite brands of their
readers.
Last year, Morinaga Chil-kid
was awarded as Readers Choice
Awards 2015 winner for Best
Nutrition Milk by BabyTalk
and MamaPapa magazines.
In the same year, Morinaga
Chil-kid was again voted Best
Nutrition Milk for Children under
Readers Choice Awards 2015
winner by Natural Health and A
Healthy Lifestyle magazines.
The product is a high-quality
milk formula that supplies
essential nutrients in a wellbalanced ratio for children, based
on the international standard of
growth formula and latest
scientific knowledge.
Morinaga Chil-kid, a growth
formula for children aged one
and above, is enriched with
prebiotics arachidonic acid (AA),
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA),
galacto-oligosaccharides(GOS)
as well as nucleotides (five
nucleotides), to provide the
optimum nutrition for childrens
growth.
AA and DHA enhance the

Voted best nutrition milk

Morinaga Chil-kid is launching a promotion from June 15 to Aug 15 for its

quality nutrition milk.

development of the brain and

central nervous system as well
as visual and retina function.
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.
Morinagas extensive research
and development has resulted
in the discovery of well-known
probiotics Bifidobacterium longum
BB536, which is one of the most
widely recognised probiotics in the
world, as well as lactoferin, which
is widely used in children formula
to improve immunity.
Morinaga Chil-kid is produced
and imported from a state-of-theart plant in the Netherlands using
Japanese technology and stringent
double-safety standard. The
product is halal certified.
Choose Morinaga Chil-kid and
you can rest assured knowing that
you are offering children the best
in terms of quality.
Morinaga Chil-kid can be found
in Tesco, Giant, Cold Storage,
Mercato, Aeon, Sogo, Isetan, Urban
Fresh, Village Grocer, SJ Kota, De
Market, Haniffa, Alpro Pharmacy,
Chinese Medical Halls and baby
shops. It is also available on online
stores such as HERMISO.com,

About Morinaga
MORINAGA Milk Industry Co Ltd
is the second largest dairy
product company in Japan and
was founded on Sept 1, 1917 as
Nippon Rennyu Co Ltd.
Morinaga started its business
with the production of condensed
milk before producing the first
milk powder in 1920.
Today the mega brand is
well known in Malaysian
households and prides itself in
being committed to creating
nutritious and healthy products
for all ages and exports its
products worldwide to more
than 30 countries.
Morinaga has been in Malaysia
for almost 50 years and was the
first Japanese milk formula
available in the market.
Lazada and 11 Street.

n For more information,

visit www.facebook.com/
MorinagaMilkMalaysia.

Spinning
bucket
THIS experiment allows children
to learn about cetripetal force. It
is also a fun outdoor activity for
a hot day.
What you need:
l A bucket with a strong
handle
l Water
l An open area outside
What to do:
l Fill the bucket with water
until it is about half full.
l Stand well clear of other
people and anything that could
get in your way.
l Hold the bucket tightly by
its handle with your arm
extended and start spinning
quickly, moving the bucket
towards the sky and back to the
ground in a circular motion.
Make sure to spin the bucket fast
enough to keep the water inside
the bucket.
l Stop spinning before your
arm gets tired. Watch out for

splashes as you carefully bring

the bucket to rest on the ground.
How it works:
The water does not spill out of
the bucket and wet you even
when its over your head. Why
does that happen? How fast do
you have to spin to make this
happen?
When you spin, the water in
the bucket is affected by
centripetal force, which is the
force directed at the centre of an
object that makes it follow a
curved path. You can also see
this force at work on roller
coasters.
As you spin the bucket, you
may feel that it wants to fly out
of your hand in a straight line
away from you. This is a
demonstration of Newtons first
law of motion an object will
continue in a straight line unless
an outside force (in this case,
your arm) acts upon it.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

bright kids 7

Making a
difference
THE important thing is not to
stop questioning, quotes Albert
Einstein, a physicist who had
published many scientific works
and is most notably known for
writing the formula E = mc2.
He believed in the need to
question questioning and
enquiry lead to the discovery
of many wonders in the eyes of
students.
In an environment of
safety, students are lead and
encouraged to question, explore
and enquire. This freedom to
make mistakes provides the
best environment for creativity.
Creativity is important in
todays world as jobs of
tomorrow are unknown and
one must be creative to adapt
and adjust to a constantly
changing world.
This happens when a teacher
exposes students to many things
and shows them where to look
but not point out what to look
for.
Often, students attend schools
that have things well-arranged
and given to them, which makes
them unable to produce their
own ideas.
However, more and more
students are now exposed to
various curricula and
programmes, which can either
be boring or awaken minds.
Hence, it is at the hands of
amazing teachers that the joy
of learning and curiosity
flourishes.
These teachers can nurture
students minds, encouraging
them to step out of their comfort
zone and be courageous.
Aristotle, the great
philosopher, stated that human
beings are curious by nature.
This curiosity, with the correct
stimulation and environment,
can grow and lead to
understanding.
Many curricula and
programmes, be it Cambridge,
International Primary
Curriculum (IPC), The
International General Certificate
of Secondary Education (IGCSE),
A-Levels or International
Baccalaureate (IB) have the
ability to stimulate minds.

Teachers determine if
students memorise content,
develop skills or understand
concepts.
These are all important but
a teacher who can teach a
student how to grow
independently, think, question
and apply is to be applauded.
The curriculum is but a
means to expose students to
different content areas. The
ability to manipulate the
information obtained is more
important.
UCSI International School
teachers strive to expose
students to a variety of content
and guide them to understand
that there is so much more to
explore beyond the classroom.
In the safe environment of
the classroom, however,
students can make mistakes
and learn from them. They
understand how to apply what
they have learnt to different
situations.
The cultural diversity of the
teachers at the school allows
students to view things from
different perspectives and
understand that there are
many ways to deal with
situations.
In this environment and
under the teachers guidance,
18 students from UCSI
International School Subang
Jaya in six teams, with just
more than a week of
preparation, participated in
the World Scholars Cup, Kuala
Lumpur Round, on May 14
and 15 this year.
Three teams qualified for
the Global Round in Bangkok,
which is an amazing
accomplishment for students.
This would not have been
achievable if their curiosity
was not nurtured and if they
were not encouraged to think
independently.
Therefore, a school is but a
building, a curriculum a guide
to follow. It is the teachers that
make the difference.

n For more information, visit

www.ucsiinternationalschool.
edu.my.

The alpaca was elected the mascot of the World Scholars Cup.

The UCSI International School Subang Jaya team for the World Scholars Cup.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

8 bright kids

AN equitable distribution of
resources and peaceful human
relationships lead to a better
quality human life.
Grade 6 students (aged 10 and
older) in Fairview International
School set out to investigate this
statement, working on three main
lines of inquiry:
l Current issues causing conflict
among nations
l How people communicate and
connect to solve problems
l Organisations that try to solve
problems
Throughout the six-week
journey, students researched on
their iPads, spoke to parents and
teachers, and worked on library
resources to gather facts to support
the statement.
Teachers guided the students in
integrating mathematics, science,
social studies, physical education
and even art in their enquiry.
A five-day expedition to
Singapore provided insights into
how this small city state uses its
limited resources to maximise
benefits in the face of adversity.

Knowledge through enquiry

At Fairview International School, students explore, reflect and enquire to gain

a better understanding on approaching real-world issues.

Fairview students, aged three to

12, are armed with a set of 10
attributes and 12 attitudes that
form the backbone of the Primary
Years Programme (PYP).

These students work on an

enquiry cycle to address each unit
of work over six weeks. Learning
does not only take place in a
classroom nor is it dependent on

textbooks or teacher-directed
instruction.
After the six weeks, students
reflect on their learning journey
and tell their stories to parents,
with teachers facilitating the
process.
Various modes are employed,
such as presentations, 3D
models, essays, comics, art and
cartoons to deliver the message
to the parents. A performance
relating to the enquiry is usually
the highlight.
Fairview students are driven
to success through the skills
training and approaches to
learning that are part of their
curriculum.
They learn research skills,
time management skills, thinking
skills, referencing skills and
social skills, to name a few.
With students as young as 10
years old already equipped with
these skills, they can progress to
the Middle Years Programme
(MYP) and the International
Baccalaureate Diploma

Programme (IBDP) with ease.

The IB MYP has been
introduced in selected public
schools and is recognised by the
Malaysian Qualifying Board as
equivalent to SPM or UEC.
Fairview is the largest
network of international schools
in Malaysia with five campuses
across peninsular Malaysia.
The campuses in Penang,
Johor, Subang and Kuala
Lumpur are IB World Schools
while the campus in Ipoh is in
the early stages of reaching this
status.
To know more about learning
in Fairview, you can participate
in an exhibition conducted by
the IB PYP Grade 6 students on
June 11 from 10am to 12.30pm,
happening across the five
campuses. Fairview Open Day
will also be on the same day.

n For more information,

call 03-4142 0888 or visit
www.fairview.edu.my or
e-mail jovelle@fairview.edu.my.

Students can be well prepared for the UPSRs English examination to

ensure a stress-free experience.

Score A for English

THE UPSR examination that
Primary 6 children are taking
this September is of vital
importance as it is an indicator
of the learning achievement of
each student.
The examination system also
encourages healthy competition
among students, which will
enhance results and recognition.
Sitting for their first-ever
national examination at the age
of 12 may be an overwhelming
experience, particularly with
the increasing stress to do well
in all subjects.
Cambridge English For Life
(CEFL) believes that sitting for
UPSR does not have to be a
fearful experience.
CEFL can help prepare UPSR
students and build their
confidence to sit for this
important examination.
If you would like to help your
child score an A in the UPSR
English paper, come visit one of
CEFLs 60 centres nationwide
and discover how CEFLs UPSR
English Workshop can help your
child achieve that goal.
CEFLs UPSR Workshop can
help your child develop the
necessary skills and techniques
to answer questions in the UPSR

English paper, identify the

problem areas that they may face
during the examination and
focus on making improvements.
Each student will be provided
notes, practice exercises and
sample tests in the new
examination format.
CEFLs experienced teaching
faculty will share important
knowledge on how to approach
typical examination tasks and
guide students on how to
complete them, while creating a
wealth of knowledge useful for
the English subject.
Your child can revise
effectively to prepare for the
UPSR English Paper as CEFL
provides face-to-face integrated
learning, flexible delivery
according to the candidates
needs as well as opportunities to
revise units missed in the
previous years while reinforcing
lessons learnt in the year that
they will face UPSR.
CEFLs UPSR English Workshop
is now open for registration.

n For more information, call

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

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

SMART Reader Kids prides

itself as the nations leading early
childhood provider and this has
been proven by the numerous
prestigious accolades and
recognitions accorded from local
and overseas institutions. Constant
research and development of the
curriculum has enabled this
renowned brand to remain at the
helm in providing quality
education for preschoolers.
At Smart Reader Kids, children
are not only exposed to numbers,
letters, colours and shapes, but
they also learn to interact with
other children.
The Smart Reader Creative
Teaching Methodology unleashes
childrens creativity and inculcates
a love for learning.
Alvin Liaw Tse Hou, franchisee
of Smart Reader Kids Kuchai
Exchange, believes that a solid
learning foundation should start
from preschool.
The strong foundation built
during childrens early years
ensures that they have a smooth
transition to primary school and
beyond.
Children at Smart Reader Kids
are exposed to a wide range of
hands-on activities that enhance
their creative and expressive skills
and imagination. They are
groomed to be confident, excited
and interested in the learning
process. Many of our students are
doing very well in primary school
now, says Liaw, who offers the
Smart Reader Kids Classic
programme at his centre.
Franchisee Melinda Seng May
Yee of Smart Reader Kids Pandan
Indah and Smart Reader Kids Bukit
Indah, Ampang, says, We offer the
Smart Reader Kids Classic
programme at both centres and the

bright kids 9

Optimise learning potential

Franchisee of Smart Reader Kids Pandan Indah and Bukit Indah Melinda Seng May Yee with
her students.

Smart Reader Kids Islamic

programme at Smart Reader Kids
Bukit Indah to meet the needs of
our Muslim parents, says Seng,
franchisee for 16 years.
Many parents saw progress in
their childrens language and
communication skills after a
few months at the centre. Their
children could read, write and
speak English well and had
excellent interpersonal skills,
she says.

Franchisee Kalimani Velaitham

offers Smart Reader Kids Classic,
Smart Reader Kids Intensive
English Programme and Smart
Reader English Tutorial
programme at his centre in Bandar
Dataran Segar, Lukut, Port Dickson.
He says, Children love to go
to our centre because they have
lots of fun in the classroom due
to the Smart Reader Creative
Teaching Methodology, which
encompasses elements of creativity

Teachers and students of Smart Reader Kids

Bandar Dataran Segar, Port Dickson.

and imagination.
Some children were initially shy
but they soon became excited after
attending the classes. They look
forward to going to school every
day. Their parents were surprised
to see their childrens excitement to
attend classes and praised the
Smart Reader Kids syllabus that
has helped their children read,
write and speak well. The children
have also become more confident
and polite, says Kalimani.

The educational programmes

offered by 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.

n For more information, call

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

The evolution of education

MANY of us hear stories from
grandparents or parents about
how school was different back in
the day, but do you ever wonder
what it would be like to go to
school in a different century?
Education systems, as a fixture
of civilisations across the world,
evolve to match societys changing
circumstances and needs according
to each era.
You may be surprised to learn
that in 1045 BC China, for example,
girls only learnt rituals, conduct,
and silk production and weaving
before Confucianism introduced
philosophy, which developed the
curriculum of Chinese education
for the next couple of centuries.
In fact, it was not until the Ming
dynasty (1400 AD) that women
started reading and writing even
then, education was a luxury
reserved for rich women with the
time and means to write poetry.
Here is a simplified timeline that
will give you an idea of the
evolution of western education and
how it served purposes that were
relevant to that period in history.

l Ancient Greece and Rome

Spartan boys as young as seven
years old were sent for rigorous
military-style training to prepare
them to become warriors by the
time they turned 18.
Over in Athens, both school and

exercise were given weightage.

Literature was a central
component of schooling, and
older boys who were too poor
for school undertook trade
apprenticeships with philosopherteachers. Earliest knowledge
transfer on geometry, astronomy
and arithmetic took place in this
manner.
Roman education was influenced
by the Greeks with a heavier focus
on oratory skills.
Children learnt reading, writing
and counting, and upper class boys
were sent to grammar school and
trained in public speaking.

l The Middle Ages Following

the fall of the Roman empire,
medieval churches salvaged what
was left of western education.
Education centred on learning
Latin, mathematics and singing.
Education was more centred on
vocational schools for clerks
and clergymen.
It was not until the 12th century
that universities came into
existence to teach grammar,
arithmetic and astronomy again.
What followed were the
Renaissance and Reformation
periods, where the heavy religious
influence and the birth of
Protestanism created severe bias
on curriculum and its methods of
delivery.

l 17th century to 20th century

Education was a lot more
widespread by this time, with a
reformed system in Europe that
increased government interest and
involvement.
States came to be responsible for
carrying out an organised primary
systems involving all children.
Pedagogical systems were
properly developed at universities,
but education was still being used
to push forward political ideologies.
However, as people became more
literate, more desired to pursue
secondary education.
Considering education as we
know it only began to be adapted
worldwide in the 20th century,
it is hardly surprising that the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization estimates
more people will receive formal
education in the next 30 years than
in all of human history thus far.
Due to the rise of technology,
knowledge today is transferred at a
pace that would have been
impossible through traditional
methods alone.
Regardless of how schools develop
from this decade on, children of the
future will probably look back at
education in this period with the
same incredulity and fascination
that we experience when
considering past centuries.

Education during medieval times centred on clerks and clergymen, though

some universities were eventually opened and attended by sons of the
rich, as depicted in this mid-16th century manuscript.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

10 bright kids

INTERNATIONAL schools in
Malaysia offer a variety of
curricula, thus allowing parents to
choose one based on their childs
learning needs.
The vast majority of
international schools in Malaysia
offer the national curriculum of
England and Wales (generally
known as the British curriculum)
and the Cambridge programmes,
where students sit for the
International General Certificate of
Secondary Education (IGCSE).
However, the International
Baccalaureate is becoming
increasingly popular with a
number of schools offering it.
Other curricula in use include
the American, Australian,
Canadian, Indian, Islamic and the
International Primary Curriculum.
Each curriculum has its unique
characteristics, which may be seen

Choosing the best school

The Private & International School Fair gives parents the opportunity to learn
more about international schools before making a decision.

in the teaching methodology,

learning philosophy or objectives,
assessment methods and
extracurricular activities offered.
These curricula are

benchmarked against international

standards that emphasise learning
processes rather than the results.
Parents today have more
opportunities of finding the right

international school that meets

their requirements.
Mint Communications Sdn
Bhd initiated the Private &
International School Fair series
in 2012 to showcase the
different curricula.
These fairs allow parents to
obtain useful information about
international schools and let
them speak to representatives
from these schools. Every year,
the fairs attract an increasing
number of schools, preschools,
learning centres and parents.
According to Nickie Yew,
co-founder and director of Mint
Communications Sdn Bhd,
Parents often face the complex
task of choosing the right
international curriculum.
Through our fairs, parents
can find out more about their
options in international schools
before making a decision.
In the upcoming fair on July
16 and 17, parents will be able to
meet and speak to principals
and head teachers from various
international schools.

In addition, there will be talks

on the Cambridge programmes
and factors to consider when
choosing a school.
International education
consultant Santhi Latha will be
presenting a comparison
between the Malaysian and
international curricula, while
Figur8 founder Dr Lee Shen-Li
will be giving advice on how to
raise successful children in the
21st century.
Visitors will be able to get the
latest edition of Education
Destination Malaysia, a
comprehensive guidebook that
lists all international schools in
Malaysia and provides essential
information to help parents
make informed decisions.
Admission is free. Interested
individuals can register online at
www.pisf.asia to receive updates
on the fair.

n For the latest list of

exhibitors, visit www.
PrivateInternationalSchoolFair.
com.

Native-speaking English teachers guide and nurture students to read

and appreciate books.

Boost English skills

AT Morris Allen English,
teachers know the importance
of reading and nurtures
childrens appreciation for
books.
They ensure that students
use the right reading materials
according to their age and
ability and are guided in
selecting their preferred genre.
This freedom of choice can
sometimes mean the difference
between developing an avid
reader and a reluctant one.
Reading is one of the most
important ways for children to
enrich their learning of English.
Reading exposes them to a
variety of vocabulary, array of
spelling patterns and the correct
use of grammar and sentence
structures.
Morris Allen English adopts
an interactive learning
programme that not only
involves reading, but also
encompasses speaking, listening,
writing and creative thinking.
These crucial skills are
interrelated, allowing students
to develop their potential in the
holistic knowledge of using the
English language.
Nurturing creativity and
originality allows students to
express their ideas both verbally
and through writing.

Teachers achieve this through

higher-order questioning,
requiring students to make
inferences based upon
predictions and personal
experiences.
When students are supported
through this process, positive
discussion is evoked, leading to
further ideas for creative writing.
Another avenue that builds
students confidence in using the
English language is speech and
drama classes, where the focus is
placed on speaking and giving
presentations.
In these classes, students are
involved in fun speaking and
role-playing exercises, oral
readings to entertain and speech
presentations with guidance
from qualified native-speaking
English teachers.
With English being a global
language, Morris Allen English
understands the importance of
the language in todays world.
Morris Allen English builds its
students to become individuals
with a strong command of the
English language, preparing
them for greater opportunities in
the future.

n For more information,

call 03-7610 9889 or visit
www.morrisallen-malaysia.com.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

bright kids 11

All-rounded, unique
innovative space
THE Learning Village, set within
the heritage-rich grounds of Jalan
Macalister, will house two
reputable preschools, a leading
enrichment provider, as well as a
global research and training
college specialising in early years
development, curriculum design
and professional development.
At the heart of the village are
two popular preschools The
childrens house and Odyssey The
Global Preschool.
With more than 40 years of
experience between them, both
preschools offer internationally
recognised and proven teaching
methodologies, giving parents
more to choose from when it
comes to their childrens early
years education.
The village was conceptualised
with the vision of providing a
unique innovative learning space
for the early foundation years, and
we saw it as a fantastic opportunity
to present Penangites with more
quality choices for their childrens
early years education under one
roof, says Nurjiwawati Aris,

managing director of Global

Educare Sdn Bhd.
The childrens house is the first
preschool to introduce the
Montessori method of learning to
Malaysia in 1986 and has served
more than 20,000 local and
expatriate families over the years.
With nine existing campuses in
the Klang Valley, The childrens
house Macalister is delighted to
finally set foot in Penang.
Nan Civel, founder of The
childrens house, says, We believe
the Montessori method can enrich
and benefit a childs life, as it is a
scientifically proven curriculum
that has been around for more
than 100 years. This year, we
celebrate our 30th anniversary and
we are excited to introduce the
brand to the people of Penang.
Also within the village is
Odyssey The Global Preschool, a
multi-award-winning Reggio
Emilia-inspired preschool from
Singapore.
Set to exceed international
standards of early childhood
education, Odysseys educational

philosophy was modelled after best

practices from the United States,
Australia, and Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Odyssey entered Malaysia in
2014 and currently has another
campus in Setia Eco Park in Klang
Valley.
We are confident that both
preschools bring with them unique
appeal, offerings and pedagogies
that will cater to the discerning
parents in Penang.
Parents will benefit from the
close exchanges between these
preschools in terms of best
practices and curriculum.
Of course, the sharing of
facilities within the 80,000sq ft
(7,432.2 sq m) campus will also
be a plus, adds Nurjiwawati.
Joining the preschools is a
leading enrichment provider,
Learning Horizon, which offers
enrichment programmes,
workshops and customised camps
to children from aged two to six.
Developed by specialised arts
and sports experts, more than
20,000 children embark on
enriching journeys with Learning

The childrens house and Odyssey The Global Preschool offer

internationally recognised early years education.

Horizon each year.

The programmes offered in the
village, including a signature
fencing programme, ballet and
speech and drama, are led by
professional trainers and serve
to promote an active learning
environment for children to
stimulate their creativity and
overall physical and socialemotional development.
The Learning Village will also
house Asian International College,
a globally accredited research and
training college with
establishments in Singapore,
India and now Malaysia.
Aspiring early childhood

educators and even parents

can look forward to a suite of
professional development
programmes to equip themselves
with comprehensive skills
pertaining to early childhood
education through contemporary
pedagogies and practicum
experiences.
Parents can tour The Learning
Village from Monday to Friday,
9am to 5pm, to learn more about
the programmes and meet the
team behind the community.

n For more information,

call 04-226 9090 or visit
www.thelearningvillage.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

12 bright kids

Enrichment through exploration

GAKKEN was established in 1947 based on
the late founder Hideto Furuokas belief that
a country is built by its people and people
are built by education.
The company started out in publishing
and currently holds the top market share for
educational goods in Japan.
With an extensive background in
education, Gakken has developed quality
educational materials for science and
mathematics based on the Japanese syllabus.
Using these materials, classes of five to
eight students are guided by a teacher as
they learn to apply new theories and solve
problems critically, each at their own pace.
It is anticipated that 65% of primary
students today will get jobs that do not even
exist yet, which is quite natural.
What we can do now is prepare them
with education that gives them experience
relevant to living in the modern age, and this
is the aim of Gakken Classroom, says
Gakken Educational president Koiichi
Deguchi.

(From left) Gakken Education Malaysia Sdn Bhds managing director Hiroaki Noh, Gakken
Educational Co Ltds president Koiichi Deguchi and Gakken Education Malaysia Sdn Bhds
director Yoiichi Moriya at the launch of Gakken Education Malaysia Sdn Bhd on May 19.

Today, STEM (science, technology,

engineering, mathematics) education is paid
attention to worldwide. Our experiencebased programmes cultivate in children an

interest in science and the environment,

allowing them to be curious and improve
their thinking skills independently.
Based on the Programme for International
Student Assessment rankings, Malaysian
students need more enriching development
when it comes to mathematics and science
subjects.
Through an internal comparison between
Japanese and Malaysian syllabi, we

discovered that the science and

mathematics components were highly
compatible, says Yoichi Moriya, director
of Gakken Education Malaysia.
With the launch of Gakken Education
Malaysia Sdn Bhd on May 19, the
enrichment programme provider is looking
for qualified, experienced and passionate
partners to open licensed centres in new
locations. It plans to establish 100 centres by
2020 to enhance the education of more than
5,000 students.
Gakken Classroom teachers are trained
monthly because Gakken believes a good
programme can only promise success when
delivered by experienced educators.
Parents and potential students are invited
to attend the Science Experiment Show Day
on June 11 at any of the nine Gakken
centres nationwide (Mont Kiara, Bangsar,
Bukit Jalil, Puchong, Setapak, Semenyih,
Sibu, Kelana Jaya and Damansara Jaya) and
sign up for the free two-week trial for
science and mathematics.

n For more information, visit

www.gakkenclassroom.com.my or
call Gakken Classroom headquarters
at 012-316 6103. For licensing programme
enquiries, call Amy at 016-263 5723.

Bending bones
THIS cool experiment uses chemistry to alter
the make-up of bones. If you are interested
in forensic science, this simple project is a
great gateway to more complex experiments.
What you need:
l A chicken bone (a drumstick bone
works best)
l Vinegar
l A jar large enough to fit the bone,
with a lid
What to do:
1. Rinse off the bone to remove any meat
and clean it.
2. Notice how hard the bone is. Try to bend
it gently (do not break it).
3. Put the bone in the jar and pour in the
vinegar until the bone is submerged.
4. Close the jar and let it sit in a cool place
for three days.
5. After three days, remove the bone. Rinse
the bone in water and try bending it; it

should bend easily.

How it works:
After soaking in vinegar for three days, the
bone will feel rubbery and bend easily. Why
does this happen?
Vinegar is a mild acid but it is strong
enough to dissolve the calcium in the bone.
Once the calcium is dissolved, there is
nothing to keep the bone hard; all that is left
is the soft bone tissue. This is why we need
calcium (usually derived from milk) to keep
our bones strong.
Does the length of time the bone is in
vinegar affect how much it bends? Try
soaking bones in vinegar for different
lengths of time to see what happens.
Does the type of vinegar affect how much
the bone bends? Try experimenting with
different types of vinegar.
This simple experiment can
expose children to the role of
calcium in growing strong bones.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

bright kids 13

Expansion to
improve learning
SUNWAY International School (SIS)
was founded on the motto
Nurturing Mind, Building
Character and has stood firm with
this principle ever since.
As an education provider in a
fast-paced society, SIS has been
consistent in providing an
environment for students to
flourish.
SIS strives to provide an
educational platform for all
students to continuously grow as
an individual both inside and
outside of the classroom, which is
made possible through eliminating
limitations in the learning
environment.
The ever-growing student body
means that there is a need for SIS
to expand. Recently, the school
expanded its wings to the East
Building.
The East Building offers an
additional 11 classrooms, a music
room and drama room. The
expansion of school facilities
provides a richer learning
environment for the SIS

community.
The performing arts is one of the
most exciting areas of learning in
school and SIS has provided
students and teachers with a new,
modern Black Box drama room.
Complete with a set of risers to
create a stage, curtains, lighting
and its own sound equipment, it is
a facility that will please all
performers.
Music also plays an integral role
in the field of performing arts and
SIS acknowledges the importance
of music as part of developing art
and literacy.
Hence, the new music room
caters to music-loving students as a
free space to unleash their inner
musician. It is also one of the many
steps taken towards introducing a
music programme at SIS next year.
On top of that, the school library
has been relocated to the East
Building. The enlarged facility
can now cater to three times
more students than before.
Equipped with an online search
terminal, the space also introduced

five zones to cater to different

needs media zone, silent study
zone, leisure zone, printing zone
and a collaborative study zone.
At SIS, students are given the
opportunity to expand and
improve literacy through several
fun initiatives, including The Battle
of the Books and the annual
Sunway National Poetry Slam
(SNaPS).
These fun out-of-class activities
improve students literacy and
complement a holistic education
system.
The Battle of the Books, which
was organised by the school library
committee, aims to improve
literacy by developing reading
skills and promoting the reading
culture as a lifestyle.
In this competition, teams
of students read a selection of
novels and compete to answer a
series of trivia questions based on
the novels.
A stellar performance by
participants of all grades is a good
sign that the SIS community has

The new library at Sunway International School offers various zones,

including a leisure zone, to accommodate different learning needs.

embraced a reading culture.

The third annual SNaPS for SIS
was once again a great success. SIS
was awarded the overall champion
title for the third year running.
This remarkable achievement
is the result of the dedication
and commitment from the school
community in encouraging
students creative endeavours
and ensuring that students thrive
outside the classroom.
Following the success of the
campus in Bandar Sunway, SIS has
announced the launch of a new
Johor campus in Sunway Iskandar,
Medini next year. The new campus
will offer programmes catering to

early years up to Year 12.

In May, SIS was announced
the Gold winner for the Readers
Digest Trusted Brand Award in 2016
in the Private/International School
category, the first school to win the
award for two consecutive years.
SIS was also endorsed in the
same month by the Education
Ministry to receive the 5-Star
Quality Standards Awards for
Private Education Institutions
(Skips) for this year.
SIS next intake begins in July.

n For more information,

call 03-7491 8070 or visit
www.sis.sunway.edu.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

14 bright kids

Healthy
family drink
BEFORE you power through a busy
day, your body needs sufficient
energy and nutrients.
While we often turn to our
favourite foods such as nasi lemak
to feed ourselves and our children
before we head out, these foods
contain few health benefits and
cause hunger to strike before
lunchtime.

Benefits of purple sweet

potatoes
It is startling to note that one in
four children between the ages of
six to 17 skip breakfast while those
who do consume breakfast eat
unhealthy meals, according to the
nationwide MyBreakfast Study
initiated by the Nutrition Society
of Malaysia.
It also adds that only one in four
primary school children and one
in five secondary school children
consume wholegrain products
such as cereal and bread.
This is worrisome since it is

known that wholegrain foods can

keep us feeling full for longer and
contain ample health benefits.
Consuming our daily
recommended intake of nutrients
is important for a healthy mind
and body. However, this can be
challenging with a demanding
schedule. This is where NH Nutri
Grains can make life simpler.
NH Nutri Grains is a wholesome
health drink made from 20
nutrient-rich grains, purple sweet
potatoes and soluble fibres,
including FibreSol-2 and inulin.
This tasty instant beverage
contains grains that are packed
with protein, dietary fibre,
vitamins, minerals and
phytonutrients for good health.
The purple sweet potato is a
nutrition powerhouse it is an
excellent source of fibre, vitamins
and minerals and antioxidants,
and can help lower blood pressure
and boost immunity.
This root vegetable has the
highest antioxidant content

Kick-start your day

with NH Nutri Grains.

compared to other sweet potatoes

with white, orange or yellow
flesh. Purple sweet potatoes
contain anthocyanin, a flavonoid
pigment that gives it its distinctive
colour.
It also contains higher
antioxidant levels compared to
superfoods such as blueberries,
making it an essential component
to incorporate into your familys
diet.

A complete drink for

everyone
Our modern schedules may be

demanding but there is a way to

stay healthy despite a hectic
lifestyle.
With NH Nutri Grains, fulfilling
your daily nutrient requirements
becomes a cinch. Simply mix two
scoops of NH Nutri Grain powder
with cold or hot water and enjoy
this tasty beverage daily, anytime,
anywhere.
Kids will love the taste of being
healthy with NH Nutri Grain.
With its rich, flavourful taste,
your children can gain important
nutrients for a healthy growth
and feel energised throughout
their day.

The aroma of healthy grains

will make this an enjoyable drink
for adults, the elderly and
children alike, besides offering
health benefits such as promoting
digestive health and bowel
regularity, among others.
Keep your kids and family
strong and robust with NH Nutri
Grains. NH Nutri Grains retails at
RM78 (introductory price) for a
1kg tin. The drink is available at
all Watsons outlets.

n For more information,

call 1300 882 993 or visit
www.nhnutrient.com.

Holiday fun
at home

SCHOOL holidays are a time for children to

play and unwind, but busy working parents
may find it hard to find time for long
vacations.
Besides having fun and relaxing, children
also need to be consistently engaged in
activities that keep their minds and bodies
alert during their downtime.
Parents can get the ball rolling at home
these school holidays by engaging in simple
yet exciting and productive activities to keep
their children occupied. Try these to
encourage your child to explore and grow
while making good use of their break.
l Start a big project and work on it with
your child throughout the break. Building a
tree house together, for example, will
expose children to tools and safety
procedures in do-it-yourself projects and
teach them how to bring their imagination
to life.
l Older children can work on more
complex projects such as making a short
movie. Get them to write the script, figure
out props, costumes and locations, and shoot
and edit with some guidance. Besides
learning basic movie-making skills, they will
also have a creative outlet that can make it a
fun group activity.
l Dedicate some time every day to
teaching your child a new skill such as

baking or cooking. Get them to identify

their favourite flavours and foods and
source for the ingredients together.
Learning to cook or bake also instils
a sense of self-sustainability and
responsibility.
l Involve educational lessons in
everyday life and allow children to apply
what they have learnt at school in the past
term. When shopping, for example, use
principles of physics to explain how
shopping carts work and basic
mathematics to calculate expenditure
and advise on sticking to a budget.
l Get your children to start a holiday
journal or scrapbook to document their
school break. They can take photos and
write notes on exciting activities, different
foods they have tried, a TV programme that
they enjoyed or any interesting events that
took place. This encourages creativity while
ensuring children are constantly observing
their surroundings, writing down their
thoughts and expressing their ideas.
l Bring the outdoors indoors by camping
in the house or backyard. With just a few
sleeping bags, torchlights and snacks, you
can entertain children by telling stories or
building a pillow and blanket fort. Let their
imagination run wild and children will find
interesting ways to entertain themselves.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

FOLLOWING the blazing trail of

previous plays such as Mamma
Mia, Tarzan, Nanny the Musical,
Green Witch and Kristella the
Musical, this years live
presentation Lost in Qolora by
R.E.A.L Schools Cheras campus is
another full-fledged, self-produced
musical that lived up to its promise
of thrilling existing fans once more
and winning over new ones with a
spectacular showcase of theatre,
music and dance.
The campus Hall of Character
was once again transformed into
an enthralling wilderness that is
Qolora.
The two-hour musical, which ran
recently on three consecutive days,
kept audiences engrossed and
entertained with captivating
performances and even special
effects with fire breathers.
Lost in Qolora is testament that
last years success of R.E.A.L
Schools maiden original
production, Kristella, was no flash
in the pan. In fact, this latest
instalment has upped the ante,
especially in terms of costumes
and set design.
The superb live music that was
performed by talented members of
the school orchestra and choir also
featured songs that were originally
composed by the Cheras campus
staff themselves in particular its
passionate band of musicians.
Lost in Qolora tells the story of
Velma, an obstinate and rebellious
child who craves for her parents to

bright kids 15

Wonderfully lost in Qolora

Musical Lost in Qolora performed by students of R.E.A.L School Cheras was a

success and showcased the many talents of its students.

be more attentive to her needs.

She survives a plane crash but
ends up alone and stranded in the
jungles of Qolora as the fate of her
overbearing parents following the
crash is unknown.
Rescued from a pack of ravenous
wolves by Tigara the tiger, Velma is

subsequently taken in by the tigers

family and friends.
The storyline also revolves
around Tigara, who discovers the
truth behind his true origins while
being forced to stave off an
enemys plot to kill him and reign
terror over the kingdom of Qolora.

According to parent Choy Chee

Mei, Lost in Qolora surpassed my
expectations of a school musical.
Apart from the breathtaking
production, the story propagates
the value and importance of
teaching love to our children.
Being in a musical has exposed
me to the various techniques that
enhance an actors performance
and directors vision of the play.
Polishing these skills, which
involve singing, dancing and
improvisation, is a key element in
bringing a musical to life, says
Lam Cher Sze, who played Velma.
With wonderfully patient
teachers guiding us every step of
the way, we rose to the challenge
and I now have a newfound love
and respect for acting, says fellow
cast member Adam Adnan.
Britney Lim Yee Nie concurs,
saying, This musical has taught
me the finer details of acting. It has
also influenced my individuality
and altered my perspective of the
performing arts. This is a living,
breathing art form that can stir
and evoke strong emotions
between the performers and
audience, she says.
During the musicals half-time
intermission, there was a fashion
runway show featuring youthful,

budding models who paraded a

wide range of original clothing
creations crafted exclusively by
Cheras campus Art & Design
department.
It was a perfect platform
for aspiring fashion designers
and models to showcase their
fabulous designs and innovative
talents.
The department was also
tasked with coming up with
the musicals array of amazing
costumes and props.
Lost in Qolora is a major
undertaking that was months in
the making. It reinforces R.E.A.L
Schools practice and philosophy
of providing quality, balanced
education that goes beyond
academic results.
The performing arts, along
with a host of other unique
extracurricular activities and
school events, play a vital role
in fulfilling R.E.A.Ls mission of
transforming lives and
communities.

n For more information, call

R.E.A.L Schools at 03-9021 3601
(Cheras campus), 03-7842 3228
(Shah Alam campus) or 07-386
4468 (Johor Baru campus) or
visit www.realschools.edu.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

16 bright kids

Upholding educational excellence

IN 2011, Taylors International
School, Kuala Lumpur, changed
from using the national curriculum
of Malaysia to the national
curriculum of England and
incorporated the International
Primary Curriculum (IPC) into its
primary school at the same time.
The transition into the
international curriculum over
the last five years has been
successful.
This year, the school was once
again recognised by the Education
Ministry as a five-star school in its
quality standard awards for
private education institutions.
Another sign of success and its
teaching and learning quality is its
exceptional students
achievements.
In a short period of four years of
taking the IGCSE examinations, its
students have garnered 10 Top in
Malaysia awards and two Top in
the World awards given by
Cambridge International
Examinations.
The school continues to have a
strong holistic approach to
education and this is seen by its
success in sports as well as the
growing popularity of the schools
performing arts talents.
Last year, the school was invited

Taylors International School, Kuala Lumpur will strengthen its curriculum offering next year with the introduction
of A-Levels for Years 12 and 13.

to perform at 1 Utama Shopping

Centre as part of the Music and
Dance Festival event and at a
national corporate awards
ceremony attended by the most
successful businesses in Malaysia.
Taylors International School,
Kuala Lumpur, continues to grow

and carry on its tradition of

excellence.
The school is proud to expand to
include a Sixth Form programme
in January next year for Years 12
and 13.
This is a pre-university
programme built upon the success

of IGCSE and will offer A-Levels

enhanced with teaching of
leadership and life skills.
This two-year programme not
only focuses on academic
excellence but also prepares
students for university and beyond
by incorporating a leadership and

life skills programme alongside the

academic subjects.
The school will be offering a
range of A-Levels subjects,
including mathematics, science,
business and humanity.
A-Levels is one of the most
recognised pre-university
qualifications and is used to gain
entry to universities around the
world, including Malaysia.
However, universities these days
are asking for more than pure
academic qualifications they
expect students to have life and
leadership skills and experiences
that extend far beyond classroom
subjects. The programmes are
offered within the comfort of
familiar and safe surroundings,
where teaching is student-centred.
The TIS Leadership programme
and enhanced co-curricular
activities will expose students in
practical learning modules.
Students will undertake team
and individual projects to further
enhance their leadership qualities
and life skills.

n For more information about the

Sixth Form programme at Taylors
International School, Kuala
Lumpur, visit www.tis.edu.my
or call 03-9200 9898.

Breakfast
ideas
PARENTS usually wait until children are a
little older to let them help out with cooking,
but you can introduce younger children to
the kitchen with simple recipes that are fun,
quick and tasty. This school break, let your
kids have their hand at being chef for the
morning with these two yummy breakfast
recipes.
Parents or older siblings can help the little
ones with cutting ingredients up and using
the oven. Children can follow these simple
steps to spruce up their oatmeal breakfast or
prepare a delicious dip that could double as
a snack.
Apple cinnamon baked oatmeal
Ingredients:
l 2 cups oats
l cup light brown sugar
l 1 teaspoons cinnamon
l 1 teaspoon baking powder
l teaspoon salt
l 1 cups milk
l cup applesauce
l 1 tablespoon melted butter
l 2 egg whites
l 1 teaspoon vanilla
l 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled,
cored and diced
Optional toppings: Brown sugar, raisins,
dried cranberries, chopped almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Coat an 8x8 inch baking dish with
cooking spray.
3. Combine and mix oats, brown sugar,
cinnamon, baking powder and salt in a
large bowl.
4. Whisk milk, applesauce, butter, egg
white and vanilla in a separate bowl.
5. Pour wet ingredients over dry
ingredients. Stir until combined.
6. Gently stir in diced apples.

Apple cinnamon baked oatmeal.

7. Pour oatmeal mixture into baking dish

and bake for 20 minutes or until
oatmeal is golden brown and set.
8. Remove from oven and serve warm.
9. Add additional toppings of choice.
(Adapted from www.twopeasandtheirpod.
com)
Salmon cream cheese
Ingredients:
l 6 ounces cream cheese
l 2 tablespoons Greek yoghurt
l 1 tablespoon capers, drained and rinsed
l 1 tablespoon red onion, diced
l 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon
juice
l teaspoon horseradish or English
mustard
l 2 ounces smoked salmon, coarsely
chopped and divided
l 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for
garnish
l Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. Process cream cheese, yoghurt, capers,
red onion, horseradish or English mustard
and lemon juice until well incorporated.
2. Add two ounces of chopped smoked
salmon and continue processing until
smooth.
3. Transfer cream cheese to a serving
bowl, stirring in the remaining two ounces
chopped smoked salmon.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley and add
lemon slice on top.
(Adapted from Everyday Food Magazine)