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The Alice Smith International School

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The Alice Smith International School - Excellence in Learning Through Nurturing, Inspiring and Enriching

1. Please mention about the school and its mission/vision and various infrastructural facilities.

 

Alice Smith School was the first British international school in Malaysia and the only British international school in Kuala Lumpur which is ‘not for profit’.

 

With two stunning campuses, Primary and Secondary, providing world-class facilities and an abundance of green, open spaces, we are passionate about the difference we make and proud of our excellent reputation in providing an outstanding and thriving all-round education based on the British curriculum for 3 to 18 year olds.

 

Our Mission

To provide an outstanding British education for a successful international future

 

Our Vision

To lead the pursuit of excellence in learning through nurturing, inspiring and enriching the lives and characters of young people.

 

2. Kindly mention about the prominent personality of the school and his/her role in the development of the school.

 

The school was started in 1946 by Alice Fairfield-Smith at her home in Jalan Eaton, Kuala Lumpur at the end of the Second World War. A biology graduate from Harvard University and an experienced teacher, Alice Smith only had a handful of expatriate children then, including her own daughter, Lindsey. Alice Smith’s founding ethos of wanting to provide a high quality education for expatriate families living in Kuala Lumpur is still as relevant today as it was almost 75 years ago when the school first began.

 

3. Kindly describe about the various courses offered by the school and their salient features.

The primary curriculum is divided into 3 stages:

Foundation Stage

The Alice Smith Early Years Curriculum follows the skills and directives set out in the English National Curriculum. In the Foundation Stage, students will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through 7 areas of learning and development.

 

We aim to create a treasure-house of wonder and joy for curious young minds.

 

Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)

In Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2), your child will experience free flow classrooms and play areas enabling them to select the activities planned by our teachers that interest and stimulate them the most. Your child will develop skills more quickly by engaging them in this way than in a formal class setting.

 

Key Stage 2

In Years 3 to 6, our flexible, well planned cross-curricular units encourage students to make sense of their learning by creating links between subjects and the real world. Learning initiated by student questions is encouraged, celebrated, tracked and recorded as part of the connected and authentic learning process.

 

Planning is based on the teacher’s reflections and their knowledge of your child. Content is not fixed each year which allows for a genuine connection with our ever changing student body and current affairs around the world.

 

Secondary Curriculum

Our secondary curriculum comprises English, mathematics, science and technology, sport, languages and the arts reflecting the very best of British education, enhanced and enriched by our international context. Our students are encouraged to become proficient lifelong learners through the explicit development of our KLASS learner attributes – – Happy and Healthy, Respectful, Community Minded, Independent Learners, Communicators and Problem Solvers.

 

Our curriculum is structured into three distinct phases: Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9), Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form) and follows the National Curriculum for England through to (I)GCSE and A Level.

 

Key Stage 3 (11-14 years old)

In Key Stage 3, your child will build upon knowledge and understanding gained during their early education whilst developing their proficiency in a wide range of subjects through the acquisition of key learning skills. They will study 14 different subjects including English, maths, science and two modern foreign languages.

 

Key Stage 4 (14-16)

In Key Stage 4, your child will learn English, mathematics, science and a modern foreign language whilst also specialising in subject areas which reflect their interests, strengths and aspirations. This stage culminates in (I)GCSE examinations.

 

Students have the option between 9 and 11 (I)GCSEs depending upon their learning preferences (via combined core and additional mathematics plus triple science). Alongside the academic subjects your child will continue to receive physical education lessons and participate in our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) programme, ACHIEVE.

 

Key Stage 5 (Age 16-18)

Our Sixth Form offers your child the opportunity to achieve their academic potential with a choice of over 24 A Level subjects and the option of completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), as well as a variety of enrichment activities (including leadership, service and physical activity).

 

4. Please mention what steps are you taking beyond the traditional curriculum to ensure overall development of the students?

Across the school there are over 100 activities to choose from each term. Not every activity is open to every age group but there is more than enough to satisfy everyone’s tastes and interests.

 

In addition the service learning dimension of our enrichment programme encourages students to work constructively with others and build communication skills. Our students work on projects both here in Kuala Lumpur, with organisations such as the UNHCR, and throughout the region.

 

5. What steps does the school take to motivate and develop the students’ interest towards education?

The Student Support Programme (SSP) is a scheme that allows our older students to help other students in their academic studies. The scheme involves volunteers from Year 12 and 13 offering support to students in the lower year groups in a subject of their choice. These choices are then matched with teachers’ requests for support in their subjects. Students involved attend regular training at which support strategies and feedback from teachers are given.

 

6. How are you providing financial assistance to the students in need?

As a not-for-profit institution funded solely by parent fees, the school ensures that all financial resources are invested in providing the highest quality of education possible for its students, as well as supporting the wider community.

Each year, the school offers full KLASS Scholarships and partial Reach for the Stars Scholarships for deserving students.

The KLASS scholarship is a full scholarship with the underlying aim to benefit high achieving post-SPM Malaysian students with limited financial means. Scholars are expected to push themselves in all aspects of learning, attain high levels of excellence in both academic and non-academic fields and become a fully integrated member of our school community.

Reach for the Stars scholarships are partial scholarships and can be awarded up to 50% off fees. Reach for the Stars scholarships are awarded on academic or talent merit.

Applications are welcome from students who excel in their academics or excel in music, performing arts or sport. Interested scholars will need to show strong academic performance and be an outstanding model student. This scholarship is awarded for both (I)GCSE and A level programmes.

 

7. What are the career opportunities available to the students after completion of their courses?

At Alice Smith, we have made Higher Education Counselling provision a core part of our Sixth Form package with the focus being on finding what American counsellors call the ‘right fit’ university for each student.

 

We look at their academic ability, professional objectives, extracurricular interests and even personality traits to help guide students to the right university for them.

 

At Alice Smith, we take great pride in our ability to give the best possible advice on university and other post school options. However, it is clear that the accelerated pace of change we see in the workforce is now filtering down to universities; so we will be working very hard over the next few years to make sure we keep up with this rate of change.

 

8. Other than traditional occupations, what other career field options are available for them?

With a wide range of A Level subjects offered at the school, our students have gone on to careers or courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Research, Genetics, Pathology, Physiotherapy, Sports Science, Physiology, Optometry, Law, Psychology, Pharmacology, Forensic Science, Agriculture, English, Engineering, Accountancy and many others.

 

 

9. Please enlighten us about the school’s major awards/achievements, its accomplished/renowned alumni, remarkable collaborations, and major accreditations.

 

The Alice Smith School is an accredited member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and a founding member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA). Additionally it is a member of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) and the Council of International Schools (CIS).

We are thrilled to be recently shortlisted for an award in The International Independent Schools of the Year category. The Independent Schools of the Year awards launched in 2018 celebrate the success stories of schools and their students across the independent education sector in the UK and British schools overseas.

Other notable achievements include being shortlisted for the TES International School of the Year Award in 2015, the British International School Awards (BISA) 2018 and Relocate Awards 2018. The school was also shortlisted in two categories for the International School Awards 2019, winning the Pastoral Initiative category. The awards recognise and celebrate excellence in educational practice in international schools worldwide.

10. Kindly elaborate about the future plans of the school in the same.

The school has an overall long term Master Plan with regards to its buildings and facilities. The latest phase was completed in November 2018 and consisted of extensions and refurbishments to the Humanities, Library, Sixth Form and Indoor sports blocks with over 6,000 square metres of new space at the Secondary Campus. This followed the expansion of the sports facilities, including the addition of an IAAF certified running track in 2016 and the Jubilee Centre, which houses our Students Canteen, Parent Deli and various office spaces at our Primary Campus was completed in 2015.

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Dalat International School – Sculpting Future-Ready Intellectuals

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Dalat International School - Sculpting Future-Ready Intellectuals

Overview/Mission/Vision

Dalat International School, founded in 1929 in Dalat, Vietnam, is an American Pre-K-grade 12 school on the island of Penang in the northern region of the West Malaysia peninsula. The school relocated to Penang in 1971 to continue its mission to provide an education for life founded on a Biblical worldview. Dalat now educates more than 700 students from Malaysia and 25+ countries worldwide, and maintains an outstanding boarding program for students in grades 6-12 whose families may live and work outside of Penang. Dalat International School is the only school outside of the United States to achieve exemplary accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools International, and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

All Dalat students participate in service outreach, helping to demonstrate and model greater understanding and commitment to Servant Leadership. Students entering Dalat must have a good grasp of the English language before being admitted so that they can be successful in the rigorous academic environment. If financial aid is required for a student to attend Dalat International School, the family’s needs will be evaluated on a case-by- case basis.

Dalat employs a professional workforce comprised primarily of American-educated teachers and administrators. The American teaching pedagogy accomplishes goals to prepare students for higher education, serve their communities, and to contribute to the workforce. In recent years, Dalat International School has grown at a pace like no other time in its 90-year history, the largest percentage of growth represented by native Malaysian students who now make up nearly one-third of the student body.

Dalat maintains strong relationships with the families of students by hosting parent and family events, providing parents’ access to campus, and engaging an active Parent-Teacher Organization to support children and teachers. A commitment to excellent communication with families on all levels, including a world-class website and social media presence (www.dalat.org), is a hallmark of Dalat’s administration.

Facilities

Dalat implemented a campus development plan that has dramatically transformed the beautiful tropical seaside campus. The school was enhanced and strengthened for the future as new purpose-built, multi-story buildings replaced aging and obsolete structures. First to be completed in 2016 was the Center for the Arts, Sciences, Technology, and Learning Education (CASTLE), which includes a large library, science and technology classrooms, computer labs, and student services. In 2017, Dalat completed a new boarding facility called the Lighthouse, housing three separate dormitories for up to 48 students. The third and largest building, the Harbor, includes high school classrooms, administrative offices, a 500-seat auditorium, and accompanying

parking areas. The newest building, The Galley, a cafeteria with a second-story multi-purpose recreation space, will be completed by January of 2021. These new buildings are added to existing single-level Elementary classrooms that surround a courtyard with a playground, a multi-level Middle School building, playing fields, and a large gym.

School Leadership

An active Board of Governors comprised of parents, alumni, and community members oversees Dalat International School. Dalat alumnus and Head of School Karl Steinkamp, and Deputy Head of School Shawna Wood manage daily operations. Three principals (high school, middle school and elementary school) lead their respective divisions.

Strategic Plan

Dalat’s Board of Governors and school leadership are entering the fourth year of a school-wide Strategic Plan that drives the school’s vision for the future. Four primary outcome objectives were identified, including 1.) Authentic Transformation, 2.) Innovative Learners, 3.) Passionate Personnel, and 4.) Intentional Community. Dalat aims to promote authentic community engagement, and attract and develop exceptional Christ-centered educators. Additionally, we will foster spiritual growth, create relevant and innovative learning experiences, and inspire students to have a Biblical and global perspective in order to influence their world.

Academics

Dalat’s American education curriculum and instruction provides a broad basis in general education and a strong preparation for entry into university systems worldwide. All students are given ample opportunities within the curricula and through daily extra-curricular programs to explore and develop a variety of interests and skills. In addition to the basic school day, Dalat offers an added optional extended curriculum in each division giving students topics of personal interest to explore.

All grade levels benefit from an active and engaged team of Guidance Counselors who provide academic and personal assistance, as well as a Learning Supports team who aid students that need extra help with learning. Dalat assists advanced English language learners with an English as an Additional Language program.

A deeper dive into Dalat’s American school curricula can be found at https://www.dalat.org/web/curriculum-archive/main-2/.

● Elementary (Preschool – grade 4)

Elementary students are inspired to do their best, think creatively and critically, and to work cooperatively with their peers. Life skills development is important, as they learn to be respectful, responsible, helpful, and safe citizens. As a school, we value holistic education, character development, differentiated instruction, and active learning. In addition to core subjects, students in grades K-4 study music and art, Bible, and physical education.

● Middle School (grades 5-8)

The Middle School years are some of the most formative in the life of a student. Grades 5-8 are key years where students learn to develop healthy relationships with peers, begin to explore diverse interests, and develop skills and habits that will serve them throughout their lives. At Dalat, our goal in these years is to guide Middle Schoolers through the maturing transformation from childhood through their teens and beyond. Middle School students at Dalat receive a well-rounded education, studying core subjects of English, Mathematics, History and Science, plus a wide variety of other subjects to explore. All Middle School students take band, physical education, Bible and art classes, and may take additional electives. Our goal is to present students with quality educational experiences in a diverse array of focus areas.

● High School (grades 9-12)

Dalat’s high school curriculum provides 24 units of credit over four years, culminating in the American high school diploma. The curriculum and instruction provide a broad basis in general education and a strong preparation for university systems worldwide, but that is only the start of the broad array of learning provided to Dalat students. Students may also choose to study Mandarin or Spanish languages.

Dalat kicks off a partnership with Grand Canyon University in the 2020–21 school year to provide qualified high school students enrollment in college courses prior to graduation. GCU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are accepted by the vast majority of American colleges. All of these programs challenge high school students with classes and activities to prepare them for post-secondary education in any field they wish to pursue.

Dalat is growing a mission-driven regional outreach program for high school students called IMPACT, designed to introduce and model best practices in 21st century American and Christian outreach. Integrating outreach efforts with organizations already working throughout Southeast Asia gives students life-impacting outcomes, alongside a sense of belonging and contribution.

Boarding & Residence Life

The Dalat boarding community is a home away from home for families who want their students to grow in nurtured independence. Living in the dorms is a great way to make new friends and

learn life skills while living in a supportive and encouraging environment. The home-like atmosphere helps students feel comfortable, secure and well cared for.

Our dorms are family-style, which means each dorm includes both genders and a variety of ages (grades 6 to 12). This creates a close-knit family atmosphere, fosters healthy relationships between dorm students of different ages, and allows siblings to live together in the same dorm. Dorm family-bonding opportunities help students make lasting connections and grow a sense of belonging. Activities from birthday parties, special outings and activities, family devotions and cooking, to service projects, Christmas parties, and an annual dorm retreat make dorm life special. Parents traveling to Penang short-term can stay in with their children in a family apartment.

Available to students in grades 9-12, Life Prep families may choose one-quarter or one-semester options for their students to live in the dorms while developing practical skills guided by adult dorm parents.

Community Service & Leadership Development

All Dalat students engage in active service projects, outreach efforts, and volunteer opportunities throughout the school year to learn team building, how to care for those less fortunate, and ways to impact their communities and the world for good.

Student Care and Share volunteers learn the value of service working throughout the island of Penang and on the mainland with refugees, at orphanages, in local schools and in small rural villages.

Dalat students are encouraged to apply for and serve in leadership positions. American governance models enable students to run and be elected by and serve their classmates by making key decisions through a democratic process. They are guided by advising teachers in every division, with more extensive leadership opportunities available during the high school years.

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Kingsley International School

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Kingsley International School – ‘Invest, Impart, Instil’

“We nurture future leaders with good character, good attitude and discipline”

Established in 2011, Kingsley International School is on its way to be a global platform in fostering great character, strong values and high achievement in all their students. They are on their mission to provide an enabling learning environment for their students to attain their fullest potential and to embrace their core values – ‘Invest, Impart, Instil’.

Inception Story

Kingsley International School started its operation in September 2011 setting the momentum for the establishment of the Kingsley Education Group. The new school campus is strategically situated at Kingsley Hills and commenced operation in September 2015. Surrounded by lush green and offering a breath-taking sight of the city sky-line of Kuala Lumpur, offering a healthy and clean studying environment far from the industrial and city areas. 14 acres of beautiful land offers children the opportunity to study with great facilities and educators. The school can cater to up to 2700 students. With plenty of rooms for studies or activities, students experienced studying in a tranquil and pollution free environment.

The KIS campus features many state-of-the-art facilities including air-conditioned classroom with Smartboards, canteen, IT resource centre, music room, dance studio, speech & drama rooms, storytelling room, sewing room, music rehearsal room, language lab, science and media labs, outdoor basketball courts, futsal courts, gymnastic halls, a library, sound-proof music rehearsal rooms, multipurpose halls, a swimming pool, even indoor and outdoor playgrounds for Early Year Education students and two hostel blocks catering to their international staff and students. The new campus also features a brand new sick bay where full time in-house nurses will be stationed to take care of the students’ health.

From the Leader’s Desk

Kingsley International School is a bully-free school. Our culture of care and trust is why our students, parents and teachers believe in the Kingsley way. The School’s bully-free policies are preventive and restorative as harsh discipline does not benefit children. Our primary concern is to safeguard a reassuring environment for every child, where no one is singled out or ignored. Through role-play, discussions, and daily interactions, kids are taught the importance of reflection and respect in an environment of trust right from the start. Anti-bullying awareness is also one of the three pillars of the Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum.

In Kingsley, we globalise our students’ character through healthy habits and positive learning. The Student Development Programme complements academic study to broaden our student’s world-view while cultivating healthy attitudes and good attributes. These experiences help kids develop and demonstrate leadership, initiative, discipline, reflection, communication skills, respect, and empathy. At the end of their education at Kingsley, kids go on to become more holistic, self-motivated and mindful individuals who are confident of their place in the world.

Diversified Curriculum and Facilities

Kingsley International School, uses English Language in the delivery of all its subjects in school. There are foreign languages Offered-Spanish, Mandarin while it is compulsory for all local students to take the national Language of Bahasa Malaysia.

Kingsley International School is a Cambridge International School with CIE (Cambridge International Examinations) accreditation offering a strategic curriculum and character education from Nursery to Pre-University. The Curriculum developed by University of Cambridge International Examinations and National Curriculum for England and Wales. Visualization and active learning will be integrated in every subject.

In Learning and Development, there are Seven Areas of Learning which the curriculum is organised to make sure children make all round development in this important stage. These seven areas guide the teaching and learning in the Foundation Stage Years – nursery and reception classes. They ensure the young children make good and strong progress in their earliest years. This stage in life is the most important as children’s minds and bodies grow and develop the most.

Our teachers are multinational. They are passionate, competent and caring. The maximum student per class is 25 students. Students get personalized attention. Kingsley’s teachers and staff aim to provide the best for the education of every child. Apart from striving in academic, we at Kingsley aim to build characters and good values in our students.

Kingsley also offers more than 60 ECA (Extra Curricular Activities) with a wide range of Sports, Clubs and Societies. Students learn the value of discipline, healthy competition, teamwork, sportsmanship and determination while exercising their bodies, minds and social skills through regular sporting activities and inter house games. The school’s vigorous sports programme provides opportunities for kids to develop motor skills, fitness and good sportsmanship. In addition to a regular fitness routine, students get to choose from a wide variety of athletic and sporting activities. Kingsley has four school sport houses named Tudors, Romans, Vikings and Stuarts (named after the legendary Old World conquerors). Every year, the four sport houses compete for house points to win the Inter House Sports Cup. It is through sports that our students learn discipline, teamwork and leadership and that, win or lose, the most important thing is making it to the finish line.

We have a diversity of nationalities students who are from Malaysia, Europe, America, Australia, India, Indonesia, China, Japan, Korea and Middle Eastern Countries therefore, Kingsley also provide two hostel blocks where boarders maintain good discipline and develop character and learn to be independent whilst living in the residential hall. A teacher supervises and advises students in their after-school programs like homework completion, daily revision as well as participating in diverse extracurricular activities such as dance, playing a musical instrument, arts, swimming and a variety of sports. Dinner is usually served between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thereafter, students have free time for board games or to prepare for their classes for the next day or just to be with their friends. Two full-time nurses work on shifts to provide medical care. Pastoral care comes form of a team of caring

wardens and a counsellor to ensure the students’ mental and social well-being is taken care of. A team of well-trained security guards work on a rotation of 24-hours to ensure the campus is a safe and secure environment to study and live in for all students.

Kingsley has outsourced third party bus operators for parents who need transportation for their children. There are several bus operators serving various parts of the city.

Accolades- Accreditations and Awards

Kingsley was announced as a winner of RFL (Recycle for Life) with collaboration with Global Environment Centre (SMART RANGER ROJECT) partnered with Coca-Cola Foundation under the Ministry of Education (MoE) this year. At Kingsley, we teach our students to save Mother Earth. For all top achievers in academic and sports activities, we have a committee to recognize our students and honor them with monetary rewards since we had our first cohort in 2012.

Beyond Traditional Learning

At Kingsley we are heading towards becoming a school influencer. We offer e-learning, innovation and futuristic learning, interdisciplinary active learning, research based, problem based learning, enhanced advance digitization learning, blended learning technology and engage cutting-edge technology in our pedagogy. These are incorporated in the curriculum for the overall development of the students.

Kingsley provides an exciting and interesting problem-based blended learning, hands on activities, projects, learning journeys and is a keen promoter of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Young people are often disconnected from what it means to relate to others even though they are connected 24/7. Children are engaged from an early age to get involved in the local community and to take an interest in the wellbeing of others. Students participate actively in CSR programs such as Orang Asli (ethnic group) Foundation, BORNEO Orang Utan Foundation, National Cancer Council (MAKNA) Foundation in Malaysia.

Learning Journeys are a series of real-world experiences for primary and secondary students which enriches the academic learning with hands on exploration to allow them to manage real life issues in the places they visit. The programme offers opportunities for students to embed themselves in new cultures and gain personal insight on living in a wider world. It is tailored to specific areas of interest and learning needs of each group of students by our experienced educators.

Providing Blooming Opportunities

In Kingsley, we believe in aiding and rewarding students who perform well, not only academically, but also in their field of interest and skills. Since the year 2013, we have offered scholarships to deserving students to continue their high school education in year 7. Besides scholarships, Kingsley also offer student volunteer work part time, fee staggered payments and work for credit scheme.

After completion of High School students can proceed to Kingsley Cambridge A- Level (Sixth Form). The Cambridge A Level (Sixth Form) will commence in September and January every year for students

who completed their IGCSE/O Level examinations or equivalent. The Cambridge A Level is a pre-university programme targeted for students who want to pursue their tertiary studies. There are also University Partnerships and collaborations besides A-Level.

Kingsley is planning on providing more vocational courses in areas that benefits and enhances life-long learning for our students.

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Paradise Valley Private School: Providing excellent, holistic and inclusive learning environment

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Paradise Valley Private School: Providing excellent, holistic and inclusive learning environment

  1. 1.      Please mention about the school and its mission/vision and various infrastructural facilities.

     

    VISION

    At Paradise Valley Private School, we aim to provide an excellent, holistic and inclusive learning environment where children can maximize their full potential to discover the genius within themselves, enabling them to become caring and responsible global citizens.

     

    MISSION

    Paradise Valley Private School’s endeavor is to provide a comprehensive international inclusive education that encourages students to be compassionate, responsible and inquiring life-long learners, with a global perspective.  Engaging learning experiences and purposeful assessment are facilitated through innovative learning and teaching practices which serve to empower students to live in, and contribute to, a changing society. The school seeks to emphasize the importance of the cerebral, emotional, ethical, physical and social areas of a child’s development. The Paradise Valley environment is one where all are respected and where we seek to understand and celebrate diversity. 

     

    OBJECTIVES

    ·         To meet the demand for quality international education for Omanis and expatriates

    ·         To run an inclusive bi-lingual private school offering the IB curriculum

    ·         To provide a holistic learning environment for all students including those with special needs.

     

    2.      Kindly mention about the prominent personality of the school and his/her role in the development of the school.

     

    The President of the School Management Committee, Mr. Mahesh Verma had earlier served on the Board of The American International School of Muscat (TAISM) for four years and later on the Board of Governors of the Indian Schools in Oman for three years. Having realized that the Sultanate needed a world class inclusive school in Muscat, he got in touch with Mr. Arun Kapur, a passionate educationist with a track record of establishing schools of excellence. The meeting of two minds led to the germination of an idea that became Paradise Valley Private School.

    Mr. Verma found like-minded partners and started a company called Paradise Sprig Investment Management Company LLC, which teamed up with Pallavan Learning Systems, an education research organisation headed by Mr. Kapur. The formal contract was signed in April 2018 but the actual idea was mooted in 2015. The governance of the Paradise Valley Private School is vested in the School Management Committee which reports to a distinguished Board of Directors whose Chairman is Al Sayyid Talal bin Badar bin Saud Al Busaidi.

     

    3.      Kindly describe about the various courses offered by the school and their salient features.

     

    Paradise Valley Private School, powered by Pallavan Learning Systems is a new inclusive school of the highest educational standards where all students are nurtured to achieve their best, regardless of their background or levels of ability.

    An independent, co-educational day school, it is under the supervision of the Ministry of Education in Oman and governed by the School Management Committee reporting to a distinguished Board of Directors. The school has started with the IB Primary Years Programme from September 2019, and we are accepting students from KG1 to Grade 4. The school will strive to grow into a full-fledged school offering the Middle Years, Diploma and Career Programmes, and as of January 2020, Paradise Valley Private School is now a candidate school for the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World School shares a common philosophy-commitment to high quality, challenging, and international education- that we believe is important for our students.

    As an International Baccalaureate candidate school our students learn through the study of units of inquiry where subjects are blended into our programmes.  Students enjoy the study of music, visual arts, dance, drama, maths, science social and cultural studies and languages in a cross-curricular approach.  The Inclusion Team support the learning with Global, Targeted and Individual therapy sessions to meet all identified needs.

     

     

    4.      Please mention what steps are you taking beyond the traditional curriculum to ensure overall development of the students?

     

    With a focus on holistic development, we believe that social and emotional needs are as important as the academic needs. Systems for compassionate responses to these needs are therefore an integral part of the school’s culture. Ensuring social-emotional well-being of everyone in the school leads to a healthy learning environment and each child can grow up to the best that he or she can be.

     

    The school follows an inclusive school culture and every member has to be always vigilant to ensure that we maintain the highest standards for fostering a child-friendly learning environment that provides equal opportunity and access for all students. Every student in the school is the collective responsibility of all teachers and staff; and their education and safety are our prime concern.

    All students are placed in the homerooms under the care of the homeroom teachers. Special educators and other specialists support the homeroom teachers and co-teach whenever necessary. Homeroom teachers and specialist teachers work collaboratively to identify each learner’s style; they scaffold their learning, ensure appropriate accommodations, and differentiate instruction and assessment so that each child may learn and grow to reach his/her full potential.

    Paradise Valley Private School believes that all students should have access to an appropriate education that affords them the opportunity to achieve their personal potential. Some students may not always meet the goals of mainstream education; however with support and encouragement many children with special needs can be successfully mainstreamed.

    The inclusive classrooms use differentiated instruction, with staff collaborating on the implementation of appropriate instructional strategies to meet students’ needs and provide appropriate challenges.

    Inclusion is an ongoing process that aims to increase access and engagement in learning for all students. This is accomplished by identifying and removing barriers and creating a school culture that is fully participatory, collaborative, and respectful of diversity and differences that gives a sense of belonging to all students.

     

     

    5.      What steps does the school take to motivate and develop the students’ interest towards education?

     

    Parents and students are very involved in goal setting, with Individual Learning Plans being collaboratively established for any students with individual learning needs.  The Inclusion faculty consists of a Special Needs Coordinating teacher, a physiotherapist, a speech and language therapist and an occupational therapist who provide support for teachers, students and our families. With an emphasis on the five areas of development (physical, social, ethical, cerebral emotional) within a child-centered inquiry based curriculum, students are highly engaged.

     

    6.      How are you providing financial assistance to the students in need?

     

    Paradise Valley School, despite being a start-up, does not turn away an applicant because of their inability to meet the fees. The Management discusses with the parents their budget and plan out a payment plan that suits them. We aim to provide quality education at affordable prices.

     

    7.      Please enlighten us about the school’s major awards/achievements, its           accomplished/renowned alumni, remarkable collaborations, and major accreditations.

     

    Our academic partners are Pallavan Learning Systems based out of New Delhi in India, and their Founder-Chairman Mr.Arun Kapur was also the Founder-Director of the renowned Vasant Valley School in Delhi and the Royal Academy of Bhutan in Bhutan. Starting in September 2019 as an applicant for candidacy of the Primary Years Programme, Paradise Valley is striving to grow into a full- fledged school offering the Middle Years, Diploma and Career Programme and as of January 2020, the school is now a candidate school for the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy- a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education- that we believe is important for our students. As an IB PYP candidate school, our students learn through inquiry, where the learner is at the centre of all curriculum foci.  A common language supports each academic program and sees life-long learning as being imperative for students, parents, and staff.

     

    8.      Kindly elaborate about the future plans of the school in the same.

     

    We are in the process of finalizing our location for having a state of the art purpose-built campus which should be ready within the next three years. The School has opened its doors at its temporary premises near the Al Mouj Complex. The school serves the needs of the local Omani community as well as the demands of an expanding expatriate population for a quality education system and academic facilities, while laying special emphasis on promoting local language and culture.

     

    We will continue to work towards becoming a certified IB Global School within the next two years.

     

     

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World School: Knowledge, Values, Passion, and Transformation

World School: Knowledge, Values, Passion and Transformation

“Education should be approached with a vision and with a purpose”

Established in 2012, World School is Early Year – Class 9 school (growing yearly on grade-wise). World School is an initiative of International Training and Educational Services (ITES) Oman through Global Training LLC, a name that has been associated with quality education programmers in Oman and established with the guidance and supported in the initial years by the Legendary Educational group – BIRLA PUBLIC SCHOOL. Our aim is to provide world-class education focusing on the holistic development of young learners.

The Leading Light of the School

Dr. VS Sunil is currently the Executive Director of World School who is mentored by the visionary of the school Eng.Saeed Salim Ahmed Al Shanfari who is the Vice Chairman for the school. Dr.Sunil is the torchbearer to all the students and staff in not only educating the children but emphasizing on making that process a pleasurable, memorable and enjoyable process.

From the Leader’s Desk

Knowledge, Values, Passion, and Transformation are the core values that have enabled the school to cement themselves as one of the premier International school in the Sultanate. Embracing an international learning community, the students experience a quality education that flourishes in an extraordinary facility and is exclusive throughout the country.

Unleashing World-Class Facility:

· Planning, reflecting kid’s imagination and concern for convenience

· Well-equipped library with textbooks, reference books, and storybooks

· Access to Computer lab and Science lab, so that students are on par with technology

· Extensive arrangements that enable the students to learn different arts, crafts, and music

· Tech-enabled Smart classes, to make teaching enjoyable and refreshing

· Indoor and outdoor space to encourage all games and sports

· Large, spacious classrooms with fewer students become an ideal place for the kids

· Perfect atmosphere – creating a welcoming and pleasant environment for kids

Providing Blooming Opportunities

The expert teachers at World School are an eclectic team of educators who come to the classroom with extensive, real-world and international teaching experience. With even student-teacher balance, intensive training, collaboration and dedication, the teachers prepare the students for life.

In WS, education is a pivotal tool for the transformation of an individual, a family, a community and even for the Nation. Special emphasis is laid to ensure that the learning system is a pleasurable, memorable and enjoyable experience for the little kids. The school is creating an environment.

The management has divided the academic program into three levels that are listed below:

Lower Kindergarten and Upper Kindergarten are the earliest years of formal education for a child. The team in LKG works collaboratively to ensure consistency throughout the grade level. LKG classes have incorporated music and physical education as specialist subjects, along with the activities happening in the classrooms throughout the day. At least once a week Periodically every little tot visits the sand pit area, library, playroom, and the outside play areas.

Students in LKG are introduced to new materials, concepts and situations in a meaningful, play-based way that is interactive and hands on. Being responsible and independent are some habits that are inculcated into the little minds by involving them in interactive activities and lessons – taking care of their lunch boxes or backpacks. The management ensures that the little kids learn meaningful literature by interacting with letters, sounds, and stories through reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and presenting. These developmental skills are woven into an integrated and play based approach where children are valued and encouraged to evolve as creative, curious and confident learners.

In the UKG, the kids are introduced to new materials, concepts, and situations in an expressive, play-based way that is interactive and helps them to develop their own identity and social skills. The management embraces various innovative approaches into the learning methodologies that deepens and cements the grasping power of the students. The UKG classes begin at 7:20AM and end at 12:30PM and have a five-day week starting from Sunday to Thursday. The school has a quality pool of specialist teachers along with a well-trained support staff to assist the kids and to transform their early days of school as the best days of their life!

Cambridge International Primary, Lower Secondary and IGCSE, Programme

Primary level – Grade I to Grade VI

The CIPP (Cambridge International Primary Programme) curriculum of World School is based on the ideas, theories, and practices that match any other international curriculum and fully in line with the acclaimed Cambridge curriculum. The Primary programme covers the core subjects of English, Math, and Science, along with developing the essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and scientific inquiry. The management gives special recognition and significance to the study of Arabic language, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies. The ultimate objective of World School is to provide a holistic education and develop the skills necessary to prepare the students for the

challenges for the life coming ahead. The concepts designed by the management are an effective measure to develop knowledge, skills, and understanding in three key areas:

• Academics • Personal Development • International Understanding

Grade 7-8 : Cambridge Lower Secondary The programme provides a natural progression for children from primary education and prepares them for post-14 education programmes that lead to formal qualifications.

A curriculum framework is available for each subject. Each curriculum framework provides a comprehensive set of learning objectives detailing what learners should know and what they should be able to do by the end of each stage.

Grade 9: IGCSE : It is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 15 year olds. Not only is it truly international – it gives students more options than any other international qualification. That means more subjects to choose from, more ways to learn and more ways to succeed.

Cambridge IGCSE offers a flexible curriculum, with a choice of over 70 subjects in any combination.

Accolades- Accreditations and Awards

Providing quality education is a huge responsibility and World School has actually worked diligently and is consistent in creating an ‘all-around’ development for the students. These efforts have been noted at the international platform and the school has received various accolades and awards, some of which are mentioned below:

· Received the accreditation from the CIE for the Cambridge Primary on May 19, 2014

· 20 medals bagged during the National Cyber Olympiad in the first year

· Awarded certificate of USBES (UNITED STATES BOARD FOR EDUCATION STANDARDIZATION) in 2017

· Won as a Partner under school Partnership Collaborative projects, ISA program of British Council collaboration project 2017-18 from Podar International School, India

· Received certificate of Appreciation in March 2018 from British Council for the commitment in providing highest education standards through British Council

· Accredited by The International Accreditation Agency (IAO) and the United States Boards for Education Standardization (USBES) for CSR initiatives.

· Accreditation by Common Sense School for school’s dedication to teaching young people how to be safe and responsible digital citizens.

· National School Award for “Commendable contribution in International Education by NSA 2019-20.

· Best Director Award to Dr.V S Sunil in the category of Education Excellence by Global Guru’s Conclave,New Delhi 2019.

· The prestigious Outstanding School for Holistic Education award by IESA (International Education Summit and Awards) 2020 Bangkok, Thailand.

· “Best International School of the Year” in “International Business and Academic Excellence Awards (IBAE-2019)” in recognition of school’s exceptional caliber and outstanding performance in the field of Education.

More than Just a School

‘Extra-Curricular’ the very word brings to mind the images of star athletes, math club geniuses, gifted musicians and other prodigy like students. But is that all that there is to extra-curricular activities? Of course not, they are a lot more. Below are a few conducted campaigns:

Educational – Honing the leadership skills, WS bestows upon its students the ability to be the future leaders of the World. WS held its Investiture Ceremony in September 2019.

Launching new programs every year: Brain Lab, Abacus, Raz Plus, Mathletics, Science A-Z, Reading programs, Robotics and many more to keep our students updated.

Engage our students in exchange and ISA collaborative programs for exchanging the ideas globally. Debates, Declamation, quizzes, mental math and public speaking is a part of routine curriculum in the school to enhance the cognitive skills, reasoning and critical thinking, and personality development.

Vocational – Art, Craft, Music and sports are considered as the vital part of the curriculum. Various events are organized throughout the year honing these valuable skills.

Social – WS prioritize the social responsibility of the students, therefore organize various campaigns around the year to throw the light on the various pressing issues our world is facing and to find the significant solution and contribution as a responsible global citizen. Field Trips and International Trips to get the hands-on learning experience and to explore the world respectively. The recent was the Tour to London wherein 13 students along with their mentors went to explore the renowned places of educational and historic importance.

Environmental – Go Green Campaign in collaboration with Ministry of Environment and climate Affairs, Dhofar governate and our social partners Rotana club and Kairaba Mirbat Resort, “Say No to Plastics” campaign on Dahariz Beach and in collaboration with Ministry of Environment and “Save Water and keeping the environment `clean” Campaign done by the pre-primary and primary students in Gardens Mall, Salalah, educating the importance of water and pollution-free environment in our lives.