THE STAR Tuesday 2 December 2014

StarSpecial

Spotlight on
creativity
Unleashing the power of the mind > 4

Fulfilling boarding experience > 11

2 BRIGHT KIDS StarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014

By ANUSHIA KANDASIVAM

ALAYSIANS are
undoubtedly familiar with
ubiquitous classes that
students attend after school.
Extra tuition for various
subjects aside, children
everywhere take part in extracurricular lessons, with parents
enrolling their children in all kinds
of classes.
Music and art classes
have always had an enduring
popularity in Malaysia. Learning
to play a musical instrument
means you have yet another
skill to be proud of, but many
parents may not understand
that immersion in the arts
music, art, drama and literature
does actually benefit a childs
development.
From earliest childhood,
children are exposed to music
and poetry of some sort. Nursery
rhymes are standard fare in every
household. These small and simple
ditties not only entertain, they
also teach and not just moral
lessons.
It does not take an expert to
know that nursery rhymes help
children develop language and
motor skills (as they learn to clap
along or perform simple actions).
Further than that, research
in the field of early literacy has
shown that they also help children
develop cognitively in terms of
memory and comprehension
skills, and socially and emotionally
in terms of interaction with adults
and peers.
Immersion in the arts
throughout childhood can
positively impact a childs overall
development. A collaborative

The science of arts education

Training in the
arts can influence
cognitive
processes in
children through
increasing
attention spans.

Immersion
in the arts
benefits
a childs
development.
study by the University of Oregon
and The Dana Foundation, a
private philanthropic organisation
that supports brain research,
found that training in the arts
can influence cognitive processes
in children through increasing
attention spans.
The study was developed to
test the theory that when children
who have high interest in the
arts receive the relevant training,
they develop high motivation,
which sustains attention. Leading
on from this, high sustained
motivation and attention coupled
with engagement in tasks that
require conflict resolution
improves cognition.

But what if a child has no

specific interest in the arts can
using the arts in teaching and
learning processes still benefit
him?
When used purely as a
pedagogical tool, the arts can
be successful in engaging the
attention of the student in a
lesson.
In the same way, iPads,
projectors, eBoards, microphones,
cameras, paper and pencil are all
tools in the kit bag of a teacher,
so should cross-curricular
techniques of teaching be.
The benefit is in a more
rounded and enriched teaching
process, which can only raise the

engagement and achievement

targets of the learning experience
and the learners aspirations, says
performance poet and educator
Dreadlockalien, who recently
conducted poetry workshops at
an international school in Kuala
Lumpur.
Beyond providing an academic
challenge, the arts help in
the formation of self-esteem,
motivation, aesthetic awareness,
cultural exposure, creativity,
improved emotional expression,
and motor capacities that are
driving forces behind all learning,
adds John Mackle, principal of
Sunway International School.
Self-esteem, confidence
and creativity are also given a
boost through performance and
competition.
Performance engages both
the participant and the audience,
helping to engage perceptual and
cognitive skills.
Learning today is not
limited to what you know but
is dependent upon how you

find information and how you

use it quickly, creatively and
cooperatively, explains Mackle.
The competition element is
a traditional incentive technique
used in education worldwide
recital competitions, spelling
bees, even the exam grading
systems are based on scores, says
Dreadlockalien, explaining that
the competition element is merely
a tool for engagement.
Without the scores a poetry
slam, for example, becomes a
showcase for students talent
and hard work, allowing them
to exercise the skills they have
acquired and gain new ones.
American arts and leadership
educator Lisa Phillips writes that
apart from these skills, the arts
promotes collaboration, focus,
perseverance and dedication.
Experiences in theatre, dance and
art teach children methods of nonverbal communication.
Participation in any kind of
arts opens children to receiving
constructive feedback, allowing
them to learn that criticism and
comment are part of improvement
and development.
All these skills are important
not only for academic achievement
but also for success in life.
A child who is exposed to the
arts will certainly grow into a
well-rounded individual who is
open to new ideas, has a wider
perspective and ready to take his
place in a globalised world.

StarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014

BRIGHT KIDS 3

Eating right for better health

O

FTENTIMES, we neglect
healthy eating habits
because of our hectic
schedules, laziness or even
because we think it is too tedious
to prepare a healthy, homecooked meal. If we continue eating
Unhealthy eating habits

unhealthily, it can be detrimental

to our health and well-being in the
long run.
These are some unhealthy
eating habits and how they can
negatively impact your body and
your health:
Effects

Excessive eating
This occurs when you eat more than
what is required by your body and
cannot stop eating even though you
feel full. This often happens when we
eat our favourite foods.

Excessive weight gain, resulting in

obesity
Chronic diseases such as diabetes,
heart disease and cancer

Late night eating

This means eating less than three
hours before bedtime and worse still,
consuming large servings of oily
foods and sugary drinks.

Excessive weight gain, resulting in

obesity
Chronic diseases

Excessive dieting
This includes cutting down on food
intake excessively by following a
particular diet with the only intention
of slimming down for aesthetic
purposes. Severe restriction of food
is not a safe and sustainable way of
losing weight.

Risk of nutrient deficiencies, which

can affect normal functioning of the
body
Does not result in long-term weight
loss

Picky eating
Being very picky with food and
choosing to not eat certain types of
food such as vegetables, fruits or
dairy.

Risk of nutrient deficiencies, which

can affect normal functioning of the
body.

Skipping meals
Regularly skipping main meals such
as breakfast and eating at irregular
hours every day. Some people have
the mistaken belief that skipping
meals can help them reduce weight.
The fact is that skipping main meals
does not help at all in reducing
weight.

Risk of nutrient deficiencies, which

can affect normal functioning of the
body.
Risk of getting gastritis.

Eating healthy will

have you feeling
great and energised.

Make healthy eating a way of life for you and your family.

Tips to eat healthy

There are three basic principles
in healthy eating balance,
moderation and variety. You
should also consume less foods
that are rich in fat, salt and sugar.
To have a balanced diet, each
meal should have foods from each
food group such as grains, meat,
fish, eggs and legumes, fresh
fruits and vegetables and dairy
products.
Having balanced meals will
ensure your body is provided
with a mixture of carbohydrates,
protein, fat, vitamins and minerals
to nourish your body adequately.
Moderation is learning to listen
to your body by eating when you
are hungry and stopping when
you feel satisfied.
This is because it takes a few
minutes for your brain to tell your
body that it has had enough food.
Moderation is vital when
eating. Do not eat too much or too
little of a particular food. If eaten
in moderation, all foods can be
part of healthy eating.
Varying your meals will give
you better healthy eating options
so choose to be adventurous.
Because different foods provide
different nutrients, you are more
likely to obtain all the nutrients
you need daily if you eat a variety
of foods.
This means trying a different
type of fruit with every meal,
different vegetables, different

meat, fish and so on.

Benefits of healthy eating

When you eat healthy, you will
get the right amount of energy,
vitamins, minerals and other
nutrients.
You will also feel better and
have plenty of energy. It can even
allow you to handle stress better.
Healthy eating can also prevent
a host of illnesses, including heart
disease, high blood pressure, Type
2 diabetes and some forms of
cancer and nutrient deficiencies.

Making healthy
eating a habit
Healthy eating is the
cornerstone to a healthy life, so
you should start today to make
healthy eating the way of life for
yourself and your family.
It is not difficult, it just
requires a bit more discipline and
determination. Every time you
purchase food, prepare meals and
order food, pay more attention to
the nutritional value of the food
rather than just relying on its
taste.
You should also eat with others
whenever possible as this has
plenty of social and emotional
benefits. This also helps you to
develop eating habits that are
healthier.
When you eat in front of the
television, it more often than not

leads to mindless overeating.

Always eat a healthy breakfast
as it can jumpstart your
metabolism for the day. Choose
to eat small, healthy meals
throughout the course of the day
as this will keep your energy
levels up.
Eating healthy will have you
feeling great and energised, and it
is the first step in leading a more
healthy and fulfilling life.

About the Nestl Healthy

Kids Programme
THE Nestl Healthy Kids
Programme is aimed
at improving nutrition
knowledge and promoting
active lifestyles among school
students aged between seven
and 17. It consists of two
modules a Primary School
Module called the Nestl
Healthy Kids Programme, and
the Secondary School Module
called Program Cara Hidup
Sihat. Both programmes are
based on a multi-partnership
approach, collaborating
with national health and
educational authorities such
as Ministry of Education,
Nutrition Society of Malaysia
and Universiti Putra Malaysia.
To learn more about the
Programme, visit
www.healthykids.org.my

4 BRIGHT KIDS StarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014

Unleashing the power of the mind

T

HE Beamind International
Programme is a unique
enrichment programme
that exposes students to global
standards of learning and equips
them with tools to master
important skills.
With Beamind Internationals
English and IQ Math Programme,
students now have the
opportunity to improve their
aptitude in these two essential
subjects.
The programme engages
students through the Link & Think
methodology, which is exclusive
to Beamind International.
The methodology encapsulates
Beaminds philosophy of
providing effective and lifelong
empowerment that drive students
to become highly motivated and
independent learners.
The Link and Think
methodology promotes subject
mastery by linking logical
reasoning to creative application.
When properties of the left brain
(responsible for logic, language
and sequence) and the right

Beamind Internationals English and Math Programme aim to ignite curiousity and
passion among students for these subjects.
brain (responsible for creativity
and imagination) are linked to
thinking, new mindful learning
experiences are formed while
also fortifying neurological
connections, thus empowering
students to become rational,
analytical and creative.
The programmes are delivered
in a controlled environment that
stimulates learning by highly
trained and fully qualified
educators known as Beamentors

who are dedicated to mentoring

and coaching each student.

Central to Beamind
The Beamind Hub incorporates
the latest technology and
teaching techniques into a highly
interactive software that acts as a
virtual teacher to guide students
through new and exciting learning
adventures.
It is geared to make complex

learning simple through the use

of animation that capture the
interest of students.
The Beamind International
English Enrichment Programme
utilises 10 distinct global
components to augment students
proficiency of the English
language.
It is an internationally
benchmarked syllabus that
teaches them to read, write and
speak with heightened confidence
as they are exposed to native
speaker pronunciations and
given opportunities to grow their
vocabulary.
The Beamind International IQ
Math Enrichment Programme
aims to ignite students curiosity
and passion for the subject.
Through highly developed
components that emphasise
logical approaches and creative
applications, the students
understanding and ability are
developed and they become
capable of solving complex
equations and problems.
The Beamind International

Programme is not merely an

enrichment programme aimed at
extending the childs continuous
development.
It operates on a sophisticated
level that promotes subject
mastery through a distinctively
exhilarating pedagogy while
imbuing essential linguistic
and cognitive lifelong skills that
empower logical and creative
intelligences, cultivating students
to become leaders of the future.
For a limited time, visitors
of the Beamind International
Centres will receive a free
Beamind diagnostic assessment to
understand their childs specific
learning needs as well as how they
can unleash their childs logical
and creative intelligences.
There will also be an upcoming
year-end Beamind Holiday Camp:
Learn, Laugh, Link and Think to
help prepare your child for the
demands of primary school.
n For more information,
call 1700 815 077 or visit
www.beamind.com

Marigold UHT Milk is rich in calcium, protein and BonePlus Formulation to supply your children with
their daily nutritional need.

A balanced diet for

growth and development
WHEN you ask your child to name the
things that he or she loves to eat the most,
does he or she say chocolates, sweets, cakes
and ice-cream?
It is no surprise if they do because these
days children and junk food have become
inseparable and healthy eating is becoming
more and more challenging.
So how can you ensure that your child
consumes a balanced diet to support his or
her growth and development?
Here are some tips to provide your child
with a balanced diet:
l Start with a homemade breakfast
Breakfast is an important kick-starter of the
day as it supplies your child with sufficient
amounts of energy and nutrients for the
whole day.
By preparing a simple but wholesome
meal at home, you can control the amount
of unhealthy ingredients such as salt, oil
and preservatives or colouring that go into
your childs first meal of the day.
A bowl of hot oatmeal topped with fresh
fruits or wholegrain toast with scrambled
eggs paired with a glass of milk such as
Marigold UHT Milk can offer your child the
right start for the day.

l Give them plenty of fruits and greens

Fruits and vegetables not only add colour
to meals and make them more appetising
but they are also a rich source of vitamins
and minerals for healthy growth.
Be sure to incorporate them into your
childs daily meals so that she receives a
variety of nutrients. You can also introduce
fruits and greens in more creative ways
such as in juices, yoghurt or even as a salad
to help your child enjoy them better.
l Ensure a daily intake of calcium and
protein Growing children need sufficient
amounts of calcium and protein every day
to help build strong bones and teeth and
also to promote growth.
Foods such as dairy products, spinach
and fish are good sources of these minerals.
In addition, you can give your child
milk such as Marigold UHT Milk, which
is rich in calcium, protein and BonePlus
Formulation to supply your child with her
daily nutritional needs.
A balanced diet is important for proper
growth and development so be sure to
provide your child with the right foods and
nutrients every day.

StarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014

BRIGHT KIDS 5

Reaching out to the community

C

OMMUNITY outreach is
an education in itself. As
Mahatma Gandhi once said,
The best way to find yourself is
to lose yourself in the service of
others.
Serving the community enables
students to practise positive
values, impart empathy and
develop their social responsibility
to the community in which they
live.
The Ontario secondary
school curriculum at Sunway
International School (SIS) exposes
students to community service
and encourages them to give back
in profound and meaningful ways.
Students are required to
complete a minimum of 30 hours
of community involvement. They
are encouraged to contribute 10
hours of their time at each grade
level, from Grade 9 to Grade 11, to
a cause or non-profit organisation
of their choice.
The non-profit organisations
that have benefited from Sunways
students involvement run the
gamut. They include animal
welfare societies, orphanages,
hospitals, environmental
protection agencies, social relief
centres and charity fundraisers,
both local and international.
SIS students have approached
this exercise with a zest and
wholeheartedness that have
surprised and impressed many,
particularly their own parents.
The students have shown the

The Interact Club and student council of Sunway International School hosted the SIS Amazing Race to raise money for the
National Cancer Council Malaysia.
ability to combine commendable
commitment and creativity in the
fund-raising and charity projects.
Just recently, the schools
Interact Club collaborated with
the student council to host the SIS
Amazing Race.
The students dedicated the
days earnings to the National
Cancer Council Malaysia (Makna)
and even sourced sponsorship for
prizes instead of using the clubs
funds. While the participants
had fun, they were also reminded
that their participation supported
future cancer research and
projects.
Since SIS first intake of
students in 2008, its students
have been regular participants of
the Terry Fox Run, representing

the only Canadian international

school in Malaysia taking part in
remembrance of a Canadian that
devoted his life to cancer research.
In fact, many of the causes that
students contribute their time
to provide a hands-on approach
that is reflective of the learning
approach used in their lessons,
thus applying the concepts
and theories learned through
assignments and coursework.
During the week-long October
break, SIS students geared up
to feed and take care of turtles
at Juara Turtle Project, a turtle
conservation project in Tioman
Island.
Twenty students volunteered
to clean the beach, release turtles
into the ocean, look after the nests

and perform general maintenance

chores as well as give talks and
tours to the general public.
For the River & Trees for Life
campaign in Shah Alam, students
got their hands dirty planting
saplings along the Damansara
River.
As many as 8,000 saplings
were planted in the first phase of
the campaign, and SIS students
have been contributing regularly
to tree-planting initiatives ever
since.
Monthly dress-down theme
days collect contributions that
are donated to a variety of causes
and each semester will feature at
least one field trip that provides
an opportunity to engage with the
wider community.

Even in the midst of

celebrations, SIS students
remember the less privileged.
This year, the People to People
International Club hosted 45
refugee students at SIS annual
Halloween celebration.
The refugee students had the
chance to experience activities
at an international school. The
value of community outreach is
indisputable, benefiting not only
the students but the school and
community as well.
SIS students have displayed
remarkable personal growth
through their involvement in
these activities such as better
teamwork, self-esteem and time
management.
They embody the character
values that are desirable in todays
leaders, including traits such
as empathy, compassion and
responsibility.
Community service activities
provide students with the
opportunities to develop skills
and values related to both future
careers and civic responsibilities.
SIS places great emphasis on
producing socially responsible
individuals. Through community
involvement, SIS students are
inculcated with a giving nature
and aspire to make a positive
change in every aspect of their
lives.
n For more information, visit
sis.sunway.edu.my

6 BRIGHT KIDS StarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014

Grooming leaders of tomorrow

T

HE first four years of a childs life

are said to be the time when brain
development is at its highest. The brain
forms important neural paths that help
develop the childs ability to perform tasks
well.
Children of this age are able to learn new
things and absorb information very quickly.
Pre-school is crucial to childrens
education because it is during this time that
they are exposed to a variety of skills that
develop school readiness.
Choosing the right pre-school can
determine whether or not a child receives
the necessary foundation to enable a
smooth transition into primary school.
The skills and knowledge that a child
receives during pre-school may have
an impact on how well he performs
academically once he begins his formal
schooling years.
Smart Reader Kids recognises that young
minds are extremely malleable. Using
the extensively researched Smart Reader
Creative Teaching Methodology, children
are nurtured to develop awe-inspiring
social, cognitive and pre-academic skills.
Irene Yap Wai Yeng, principal of Smart
Reader Kids Taman Melati, says that when
students first enrol at her centre, they are
shy and slightly reserved.
They slowly develop more confidence
as they start socialising with children their
own age and become motivated to learn

Hasmida Halid, with her son Muhammad Razin Hafiz from Smart Reader Kids Pusat Komersil
TSB, Sungai Buloh, says that she is very pleased with her sons progress.
new things every day.
I believe that a good pre-school
education is a must for all children, to help
pave the way to success in primary school.
Smart Reader Kids programmes have a
well-designed syllabus to suit children of all
ages.

The fun lessons, coupled with our

dedicated and well-trained teachers, not
only ensure that students look forward to
classes, but also guarantees that they are
groomed to have what it takes to become
future leaders, she says.
Similarly, Joanne Tham, principal of
Smart Reader Kids Pantai Hillpark has
witnessed first-hand how students at her
centre who spoke practically no English,
began to show significant improvement
after they enrolled.
Tham says that thanks to the highly

effective syllabus structure that Smart

Reader Kids has, each child is able to move
from one stage to the next at his own pace
and capability.
Hasmida Halid, mother of five-yearold Muhammad Razin Hafiz, shares how
pleased she is with Smart Reader Kids.
Before I enrolled Razin with Smart
Reader Kids, he was not able to read or
write but after four months, I noticed a
significant difference in him. Now, he is not
only able to read and write in English but he
has also picked up drawing skills and Jawi
writing. He thoroughly enjoys attending
pre-school and looks forward to meeting
his friends every day. What surprises me
most is that he talks about his aspiration to
become a doctor someday.
Shalini Letchmanan and Ron Miller
Anthony say that six months after they
enrolled their daughter Shefrin Hazel with
Smart Reader Kids Taman University, she
began to speak and read fluently in English.
Socialising with children her own age has
enabled Shefrin to gain the confidence to
speak English.
It is undeniable that Smart Reader
Worldwide, which is the franchisor of
the Smart Reader Kids programme, has
successfully established itself as the premier
provider of early childhood education in
Malaysia. There are more than 300 centres
nationwide where children are groomed
every day to become intelligent and capable
leaders of tomorrow.
n For more information, call
03-6279 5555, 1300 885 555 or visit
www.smartreaderkids.edu.my or
www.smartreader.edu.my

StarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014

BRIGHT KIDS 7

World-class international education

U

A holistic approach

CSI International School,

which is located in
Bandar Springhill, Negri
Sembilan, offers the Middle Years
Programme (MYP) and the IB
Diploma Programme (DP). Both
are International Baccalaureate
(IB) programmes that are
academically challenging and
balanced.

Well-rounded students
The MYP provides students
with a holistic education. The
academically rigorous curriculum
is complemented by the Service
as Action programme, personal
projects and the After School
programme.
The reflective approach
of the MYP extends learning
opportunities to every student.
The Service as Action
programme is an integral part of
MYP and presents opportunities
for students to engage with the
community.
Students in Grade 8 and
Grade 10 conduct two major
projects as part of the Service
as Action programme. Grade 8
students collaborate with their
teacher to develop and implement
a plan to address a need in the
local community.
In Grade 10, students complete
their personal project, which is a
collaborative project that involves
service and action in the wider
Malaysian area.

The enquiry-based learning of the IB programme supports and guides students in their learning while playing on individual
strengths and areas of interest.
In pairs, Grade 10 students
implement a plan on how to
address a need in the community.
The plan is implemented over
the course of the academic year
with an advisor who guides and
supports the students.
The DP further prepares
students for effective participation
in a rapidly evolving and
increasingly global society.
The programme was designed
for students aged 16 to 19 to
address their intellectual, social,
emotional and physical wellbeing. The programme has gained
recognition and respect from the
worlds leading universities.
The DP allows students to:
l develop physically,
intellectually, emotionally and
ethically.

l acquire knowledge and

understanding in breadth and
depth through studying courses
from six subject groups.
l develop the skills and positive
attitude towards learning that
will prepare them for higher
education.
l study at least two languages
and increase the understanding
of their own and other peoples
cultures.
l make connections across
traditional academic disciplines
and explore the nature of
knowledge through the
programmes unique Theory of
Knowledge course.
l undertake in-depth research
of an area of interest through the
lens of one or more academic
disciplines in the extended essay.

l enhance their personal and

interpersonal development
through creativity, action and
service.
The DP curriculum consists of
six groups of subjects. Students
must choose one subject from the
first five groups to ensure that
they gain a breadth of knowledge
and understanding of their first
language, additional language(s),
social sciences, experimental
sciences and mathematics.
Additionally, students may
choose either an arts subject from
Group 6 or a second subject from
Groups 1 to 5.
At least three and not more
than four subjects are taken at
a higher level, while the other
subjects are taken at a standard
level.

The IB programme provides

students with comprehensive
education and development. With
its interdisciplinary learning
method, students study distinct
academic disciplines and the links
to other disciplines, which reflects
the complexity of the world.
Enquiry-based learning
supports and guides students as
they learn how to study, allowing
individual differentiation based
on strengths and specific areas to
encourage growth.
Conceptual learning, as
opposed to learning content,
encourages students to become
adept problem-solvers and
thinkers. To deliver the highdemanding IB programmes,
USCI Bandar Springhill employs
teachers who are highly qualified
professionals.
As facilitators, guides and
mentors, the teachers connect
with the students to support them
as they develop their full potential.
UCSI Bandar Springhill also offers
full boarding and a plethora of
facilities that students can enjoy,
including a golf course, swimming
pool, gymnasium, football field
and basketball court. UCSI Bandar
Springhills intakes are in January,
April and September.
n For more information, visit
www.ucsiinternationalschool.edu.
my

8 BRIGHT KIDS StarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014

Making mealtimes
more interesting
P

ICKY eating is a common

problem faced by parents with
toddlers or young children.
Being a picky eater can be natural
for young children whose taste buds
have not fully matured.
As a result, they tend to prefer
foods that are sweet over those that
are sour or bitter. In some cases,
picky eating can be due to the fear
of new things or a pre-schoolers
way of declaring independence.
Parents of picky eaters are often
concerned that their kids are not
getting enough nutrients, which
will jeopardise their health, growth
and development.
Here are some tips to handle a
picky eater:
l Develop a mealtime structure
Give children three regular
meals a day and two healthy
snacks in between meals. Picky
eaters are often grazers who eat
small amounts of food throughout
the day. Structured meal and
snack times will help ensure that
children eat when they are hungry
and also helps reduce snacking
opportunities.
l Be fun and creative Serve
veggies with their favourite dip or
sauce.
Top cereals with fruit slices.
Serve a variety of food with bright
colours in different arrangements
such as animal shapes.
l Be a good role model Set an
example by eating the food you
want your child to eat.
l Introduce small amounts of
new foods When introducing
new foods, give your children just
a taste and let them ask for more.
That way they will feel more in

Vitamins
Taking
multivitamins
will help boost
your kids
vitamin intake
and ensure
that they are
getting the
right nutritional
support.

control and you will not waste food

if they do not like it.
l Minimise distractions Turn off
the television and other electronic
gadgets during mealtimes. This will
help children focus their attention
on their food instead.
l Supplement with multivitamin
Taking multivitamins will help
boost your kids vitamin intake and
ensure that they are getting the
right nutritional support for optimal
growth and development regardless
of their food preference.
Nutrients are important aspects
to the growth and development
of kids and has a direct effect on
their level of health as adults.
Multivitamins for kids that are
available in the market are not all
created equal.
It is therefore important to
choose the one that comprises all
the essential nutrients that kids
need.
Natures Way VitaGummies
Multi + Vegies contains eight
essential vitamins vitamin A, B3,
B6, B12, C, D, E and biotin plus five

Benefits

Vitamin A Healthy eyes and skin

Vitamin B3 Strong defence system
Vitamin B6 Healthy nerves
Vitamin B12 New red blood cells
Vitamin C

Strong defence system

against cold and flu

Vitamin D
Vitamin E

Strong bones
Strong blood capillaries

Biotin

Strong hair and nails

Vegetables
extract
Spinach
leaf
powder

Benefits
Rich in minerals and
provides dietary fibre to
prevent constipation

Tomato
fruit
powder
Carrot root
powder

Rich in antioxidant
lycopene and promotes
healthy skin
Rich in beta carotene, zinc
and copper for a strong
defence system
Beetroot
Rich in vitamin C and iron,
root
which promotes formation
powder
of new blood cells
Artichoke Rich in antioxidant
flower bud complex silymarin that
powder
protects the liver from
free radical damage
types of vegetables carrot, tomato,
spinach, beetroot and artichoke to
provide support for optimal growth
and development so that your kids
can get a head start in life.
This quality product is imported
from Australia.
This article is brought to you by
Natures Way.

Developing a love for learning

ENGLISH is an important language
to master to succeed in our global
community.
As children progress in their
learning, the ability to communicate
in English will become more and
more important.
Learning to communicate
in English is made easier when
students are taught by native
English-speaking teachers who also
understand the learning process
involved.
This is because they know the
small steps that each individual can
cope with and can support progress
at a comfortable pace for children.
Morris Allen English uses an
interactive model for the learning
of English that nurtures successful
learning for all students.
In this quality interactive

enrichment programme, children

are actively involved in speaking,
listening, reading and writing in
English.
This interactive method allows
children to experience learning
English in more meaningful and
effective ways.
Speaking is a fundamental part
of every class as teaching children
to learn good oral skills makes
it easier for them to pick up the
different sounds in English and this
is why native English-speaking
teachers provide good languagelearning models.
All of the courses offered at
Morris Allen English undertake this
interactive approach through fun
methods that help instil the love of
learning in children.
There are regular enrichment

Children
enjoy the
fun and
interactive
learning
style of the
classes at
Morris Allen
English.

classes that take place weekly for all

levels of schooling and short courses
as well as holiday programme have
been popular among parents.
Morris Allen English offers
short courses that focus on specific
skill areas while offering a good
introduction to the Morris Allen
English teaching methodology.
The Creative Writing course
develops students writing skills
while the Speech & Drama course
develops students self-confidence
in oral communication and the
Headstart and Phonics short courses
have been very popular for younger
children as it helps build a strong
foundation in English.
Many of the students who
started with the short course opt
to enrol in a regular weekly class as
they find the interactive methods
to be fun while parents are pleased
with the progress their children are
making.
The interactive learning
approach practised at Morris Allen
English has helped a number of
students shine as they develop a
love for learning.
n For more information,
call 03-7726 7656 (Centrepoint
Bandar Utama) or 03-5611 9296
(Empire Gallery Subang) or visit
www.morrisallen-malaysia.com

StarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014

BRIGHT KIDS 9

The one-stop school shop

The Cambridge International Diploma for Teaching and Learning is designed to help teachers
develop their professional thinking and practice, and enhance the quality of teaching and learning.

Raising the bar

T

HE teaching profession is constantly

evolving, both in terms of teaching
and methods of delivery, to remain
relevant to the expectations and demands
of the fast-paced world we live in. Teaching
is a profession that requires creativity,
passion, commitment and persistence.
Effective teaching requires more than
that and Cambridge English for Life (CEFL)
prepares and equips teachers with the
necessary skills and knowledge that enables
them to raise the bar in education through
the Cambridge International Diploma for
Teaching and Learning (CIDTL).
CIDTL is a professional teaching diploma
that is developed by the University of
Cambridge International Examinations
(CIE). It is currently taken in more than 150
countries by some two million students
every year.
CIDTL is designed to help teachers
develop their professional thinking and
practice and enhance the quality of
teaching and learning. It provides the
ultimate framework for anyone preparing
for their first teaching position or for
any practising teacher looking to further

develop their skills.

It is inclusive and relevant to all teaching
and learning contexts ranging from primary
and secondary general education to
vocational education and training to further
adult and higher education.
Candidates will undergo training with
emphasis on development of knowledge,
skills and understanding of key aspects of
teaching and learning.
The diploma programme aims to deliver
clear, up-to-date and valued performance
standards for the delivery, assessment,
evaluation and improvement of learning
activities and programmes. The standards
of this programme have been developed
in the United Kingdom and are the same
as those used to assess the performance of
trainee teachers.
It utilises a manual that is designed
to be a source of ideas, information and
possibilities relating to the diploma
framework.
n For more information, call 03-7883 0912,
e-mail info@cambridgeforlife.org or visit
www.cambridgeforlife.org

MJ Boutique is the largest school supplies

chain store in Malaysia that offers a full
range of products, including uniforms,
shoes, bags, socks, belts, umbrellas, pencil
cases, lunch boxes and watches.
Swan bags are available in more than 400
stores in Malaysia, including hypermarkets,
departmental stores, chain stores and retail
shops.
Swan continues to impress with its
latest Mars Rocker 3 school bags with 3D
cartoons, including the Powerpuff Girls and
Ultraman. The Mars Rocker 3 is equipped
with six staircase wheels, making it easier
for students when they climb up the stairs.
The Mars Rocker 3 also incorporates
a special air-ventilated EVA padding to
cushion the weight on the shoulders and
back.
Another great feature is the detachable

castor wheels that allow students to

comfortably switch from a rolling bag to a
sling bag.
Swans Airlite bags will give your child
the right back support, helping to prevent
an early onset of chronic back pains and
strains.
With its spinal muscle back support
padding, this special design can help
prevent hunching and encourages an
upright standing position. Swan Premium
Uniforms are made with a special textile to
ensure that they will not turn yellow as a
result of frequent use and wash.
This also helps parents save on uniform
costs. Additionally, Swan uniforms now
come with safety pocket zips in pinafores
and trousers to protect your childs
belongings.
The wear and tear from carrying heavy
school bags will slowly degrade the base
padding on your childs shoes. It is therefore
important to choose the right pair of shoes
for your child.
Swans latest U Bounce shoes come
with three layers of padding to protect
your childs feet, allowing your child to go
through his or her day with comfort and
ease.
The first layer aids in ventilation, keeping
your childs foot cool throughout the day
while the second layer provides an extra
sponge for comfort.
The third layer has an extra soft rubber
base, enhancing the benefits of all three
layers, making walking and running a
comfortable experience for your child.
Swans famous shoe lace design and
Easy Slip-On shoes are also available for
secondary school students. MJ Boutique has
30 stores nationwide.

MJ Boutique has 30 stores nationwide and

offers a wide range of school supplies.

n For more information call 1300 886 887

or visit www.swanbag.com

10 BRIGHT KIDS StarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014

Bringing Christmas cheer to people

S

INCE 2009, elc International

School has played host to
the Annual Christmas Cheer
event. Every year, approximately
200 underprivileged children from
homes all over the Klang Valley
come together for a day of fun,
food and frolicking.
There is no doubt that
Christmas can mean so many
things to different people.
It may even be argued that
Christmas true miracle is its
power to cut across cultural and
religious differences.
You simply cannot help but get
drawn into the spirit of giving and
fellowship.
In this time of debt, rising costs
and uncertainty, the elc student
body led by the elc Interact Club
along with the Rotary Club of
Damansara continue to come
together and keep that spirit alive.
Commendably, the young
members of the Interact Club
continue to shoulder their
responsibilities in organising the
Annual Christmas Cheer event
with minimal adult help.
The clubs committee writes
letters of appeal, requests for
quotations, keeps accounts,
decorates the venue and organises
the eager student labour force.
Detractors and critics will say
that it is the parents with deep
pockets that are really the silent
foundations upon which the
students stand.
While the event could not

All too often we

find ourselves
being armchair
critics, not
realising that
each one of us
may have the
power to make
a significant
difference to our
community.

Students at elc International School are stepping up and doing something good for the community.
survive without parental
help, it cannot be denied that
these young people are doing
something remarkable.
The schools young Interact
Club members go out and busy
themselves and there is no
time to worry about negative
comments.
These students and others
like them all around the world,
are stepping up and getting busy
by doing something good.
All too often we find

ourselves being armchair critics,

not realising that each one of us
may have the power to make
a significant difference to our
community.
For those who are finding it
difficult to organise an event or
even knowing where to start, visit
knowhownonprofit.org or www.
institute-of-fundraising.org.uk.
Alternatively you can visit the
charity that you wish to support
and ask them how you can best
help. In many instances, money

is not always the only answer

to problems; volunteering your
time and expertise can also
make a huge difference.
For the students at elc, this
years Annual Christmas Cheer
may have concluded but the next
event, a carnival to support the
Alzheimers Disease Foundation
Malaysia, is already being
planned. The students are out
getting busy for this event with
confidence and courage to make
the school proud.

elc International Schools Annual

Christmas Cheer event brings together
children from homes across the Klang
Valley.

StarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014

PSOM College in Malaysia

is a highly esteemed
co-educational British
day and boarding school for
students aged three to 18.
Epsom College opened the doors
of its first overseas campus in
Bandar Enstek in September.
The campus is located south
of Kuala Lumpur, 15 minutes
drive away from Kuala Lumpur
International Airport (KLIA).
Utilising the Cambridge
International Examination
(CIE) syllabus, Epsom College
in Malaysia (ECiM) will be
bringing along 150 years
of educational brilliance
to Malaysia, boasting an
impressive 84% consistency on
A-Level grades of A*, A or B. The
consistent grades are a result of
well-qualified and experienced
teachers who influence
the students educational
development.
ECiM continues Epsom
UKs tradition of offering full
or weekly boarding to its
students. The option of full
or weekly boarding emulates
the residential system of our
school in the United Kingdom.
Weekly boarding is the more
popular choice as it provides
sufficient space and time to
be independent but allows
students to meet up with their
family over the weekend, says
Jane Smith, ECiMs head of Prep
School.
Epsom College believes that
having a balance between
academic excellence and a
well-rounded co-curriculum
brings out a students full
potential. House events such
as barbecues, inter-house
competitions, movie nights

Fulfilling boarding experience

Boarders at ECiM are provided excellent pastoral care, allowing them sufficient
space and time to be independent and grow into well-balanced individuals.
or trips to the beach can
encourage students to socialise
with one another, says Smith.
Boarders have the
opportunity to engage in
many co-curricular activities
such as sports matches and
cultural events on a daily basis
after classes to add some fun
to their daily routines. On the
weekends, full boarders get to
go on trips to Kuala Lumpur and
give back to the community
through charity work.
ECiM is split into two schools
prep school for Year 1 to Year
6 students, and senior school
for Year 7 to Year 13 students.
The curriculum in prep school
aims to instil self-belief in
students and help develop an
individualistic way of thinking.
Besides science and humanities
studies, ECiM offers subjects
such as literacy, drama, cultural

Increasing your childs IQ

VICTOR (not his real name)
is a 14-year-old who used
to perform well in primary
school. However, his academic
performance dropped when
he joined secondary school. He
even scored the lowest grade
among his classmates in last
years science and mathematics
final exam. This went on for
some time and it caused Victor
a lot of stress and emotional
pain over the past year.
Victors mother Ernie decided
to seek a psychoeducational
assessment from professional
educational psychologists at
EduPsych, the Educational
Psychology division of the
International Psychology Centre
(IPC).
The child psychoeducational
assessment at IPC began with
an interview with Ernie to
review the background of
Victors developmental history
and to identify the cause of
Victors problem. The interview
revealed that Ernie had not
paid enough attention to Victor
when he was young and would
often get irritated by the many
questions he posed. This caused
him to get more and more
discouraged and he eventually
stopped asking questions. His
curiosity died and with that his
IQ gradually decreased.
Apart from the interview
session, the educational
psychologist also conducted
various international
validated psychometric tests
to further diagnose Victors
IQ and learning abilities. The

BRIGHT KIDS 11

It is natural for children to be curious

and ask questions about the things
around them.
assessment revealed Victors
specific profile of cognitive
strengths and weaknesses.
Victor was then prescribed a
programme to enhance his IQ.
This IQ therapeutic programme
is specially designed to develop
and improve a childs IQ. In
addition, it increases a childs
knowledge, vocabulary and
comprehension abilities.
Part of the programme
involved enrolling Victor
into the Rainforest Nature
Multiple Intelligence Camp,
which provided him the
opportunity to practise the
various IQ-important cognitive
activities such as problemsolving, listening and decisionmaking.
This article is contributed
by EduPsych, Centre for
Educational Psychology of
International Psychology
Centres team of psychologist
and psychonutritional
therapists.
n For more information,
call 03-2727 7434, e-mail info@
psychology.com.my or visit
www.malaysiapsychology.com

studies and art to develop the

understanding and appreciation of
culture in its students.
In senior school, students are
exposed to a wide variety of wellbalanced curricular programmes
that aim to help broaden their

experiences and knowledge in

preparation for life in university
and work. In Year 10 and Year 11,
students take subjects leading up to
their IGCSEs (O-Levels) and in Year
12 and Year 13, also known as the
sixth form, students work towards
their A-Levels.
Students in the boarding
programme will be provided with
first-rate pastoral care. Boarders
will be placed in six boarding
houses.
Each house is monitored by a
housemaster or a housemistress
(HMM) and an assistant HMM. A
sanatorium with a full-time nurse
along with a doctor who comes
in everyday will provide students
with 24 hours of medical attention.
The school also has its own surau
and amphitheatre.
ECiM is equipped with the
finest facilities and equipment to

provide boarders with comfort

similar to home. Each student has
every opportunity to excel not only
academically but also in various
co-curricular activities. ECiM has
world-class in-campus facilities that
include a cricket field, gymnasium,
sports pavilion, 20 music practice
rooms, ensemble rooms and dance
studios.
There are also AstroTurf football
fields, two rugby pitches, three
squash courts, a sports hall with
10 badminton courts, a swimming
pool, two basketball courts and
a fitness centre. The school also
has wireless Internet, a 600-seat
theatre, 80 classrooms, recording
studios and a recital hall.
n For more information on ECiM
and admissions, call 03-6211 4488,
e-mail enquiries@epsomcollege.edu.
my or visit new.epsomcollege.edu.my

12 BRIGHT KIDS StarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014

A rewarding learning journey

G

ARDEN International School

(GIS) has a reputation for
excellent academic results
but how does the school keep
achieving these results?
A report entitled How the
worlds most improved school
systems keep getting better (2010)
by McKinsey and Company, a
global management consulting
firm, lists excellent teachers as the
first and last core element.
The recruitment process
for GIS teachers is simple. The
school invests time and energy in
finding the right people to meet its
expectations.
Its heads of school fly to the
United Kingdom in January every
year where they personally select
candidates who display passion,
an ethos of high expectation,
ambition for their pupils and a
personality that will complement
the GIS ideology.
Once on board, the teachers
continue their learning journey
with an extensive professional
development programme,
provided internally by their
mentors and externally by
professionals in their specific
fields.
GIS aims to be the professional
development hub for teacher
training in South-East Asia.
GIS 2014 academic year results
saw one in three pupils obtaining
straight As in every exam subject.
The schools International
General Certificate of Secondary

The programmes at GIS are designed to encourage each child to believe that he or she is capable of anything.
Education results last year yielded
an impressive 69% of straight As
a result the school intends to
maintain over the next few years.
However, GIS students have
surpassed expectations with an
overall result of 76% this year.
Most of these exceptional
students have been with GIS for
a large part of their educational
journey.
They build their academic
achievements year upon year from
pre-school to senior school.
From the very earliest of ages,

GIS provides its students a range

of choices in the next step of their
learning journey.
Students are offered positions
at top universities worldwide.
These offers are not only
awarded on the basis of academic
excellence but also on the holistic
education that GIS champions.
When evaluating what
constitutes a first-class education,
one must ask the question: what
values, skills, and capabilities
does a young person require to
become a caring, valuable and

participating member who is

able to facilitate change in the
communities in which he lives?
At GIS, these values, skills and
experiences are a fundamental
part of its education, characterised
by its five Cs criticism, creativity,
challenge, compassion and
contemplation.
Criticism is education of the
intellect where GIS develops in
young people the capacity for
sound judgment, problem-solving,
and critical analysis.
Creativity is education of the

imagination developing in young

people the ability to see the world
in a different way and to make
connections.
Challenge is education of the
will this provides opportunities
to extend ones mental and
physical limits and the capacity to
take calculated risks.
Compassion is education of
the emotions GIS encourages
its students to be able to identify
the needs of others and more
importantly, be able to take action
to bring about change in the lives
of others.
Contemplation is education of
the spirit the ability for young
people to experience a sense
of wonder and able to make
informed decisions about their
place in the universe.
This is achieved through the
provision of programmes, both
academic and co-curricular.
These programmes are
designed to encourage each child
to believe that he or she is capable
of anything under the mentoring
and guidance of GIS teachers and
staff within a framework, which
nurtures each child and allows
them to flourish.
Well-being has been identified
as a major component of longterm success.
This is also central to an
education at GIS.
n For more information,
visit www.gardenschool.edu.my