Of Empathy and Excellence
Concord College International School Malaysia know that grades matter but compassion and creative problem-solving skills are also essential in securing your children’s future success
Concord College International School Malaysia (CCIS), a British international school renowned for its highly successful ethos of rigour, kindness, and creativity, is set to open its doors in September 2024. The learning institution, geared towards students aged 5 to 18, offers a broad and balanced education based on Britain’s National Curriculum for Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form (A-level), following in the footsteps of its successful sister school, Concord College, UK (CCUK).
The establishment of CCIS in Malaysia stems from a strategic partnership between Sunsuria Berhad and Concord College International Limited, marking the Malaysian property developer’s foray into the international education sector. Concord College International Limited is a subsidiary of the Bell Concord Educational Trust, an educational charity based in the UK responsible for overseeing CCUK, regarded as one of Britain’s premier independent co-educational international schools..
“We are honoured to bring a prestigious international school from the UK to Sunsuria City—the first in the Asean region to be modelled after the award-winning Concord College in the UK. This development reflects our vision for Sunsuria City as a ‘Smart, Livable, and Sustainable’ township that inspires people to pursue knowledge, creativity, and learning,” says Tan Sri Ter Leong Yap, executive chairman of Sunsuria Berhad and chairman of the Board of Governors, Concord College International School.
CCIS fosters a secure and dynamic environment, imbuing students with the timeless Concord principles of harmony, decency and trust. It endeavours to nurture disciplined minds devoted to personal and academic excellence, incorporating the pillars of resilience, reflection, curiosity and collaboration. This dedication is balanced with warmth and compassion, fostering confidence and a worldly understanding to prepare students for life’s challenges.
Recognising the importance of creativity often overlooked in traditional curricula, CCIS places a premium on cultivating creative
problem-solving skills, empathy, communication, teamwork, and time management. These qualities, alongside academic achievement, are regarded as integral to a wellrounded education.
Drawing on his 25 years of educational leadership experience, Neil Hawkins, former principal of CCUK, assumes the role of founding executive principal of Concord College International School, Malaysia. With a profound understanding of the Concord ethos, Hawkins emphasises the significance of respect and kindness in fostering a thriving and conducive educational community.
“It is my aim that CCIS will not just be a good school but will become one of the top schools in Malaysia and in the region. This will be achieved by children, educators and parents working together to deliver the central Concord ethos, while recognising that each child is unique and is constantly changing and developing. My experience as an educator has taught me that the quest for high standards and good discipline is the bedrock of educational success. When this is linked with fostering curiosity and creative problem-solving, measurable success is achieved,” Hawkins asserts. Concord’s experienced leadership team, including head of secondary Dr Phil Outram and head of primary Rosanna Kirkbride, remains united in their commitment to creating an environment in which students can reach their full potential.
CCIS also provides a boarding option for students starting from Year 7, centred around the concept of “coming home to care.” This ensures that boarding students always have a dedicated staff member serving as a parental figure. The boarding model emphasises age-appropriate routines, offering increased structure and support for the youngest boarders to foster independence and readiness for adulthood. This nurturing environment is maintained by empathetic boarding parents and pastoral assistants.
The entire boarding process presents an enriching and thrilling opportunity for students to cultivate lifelong friendships, often regarded as an integral part of the “complete” educational journey. CCIS provides cosy on-campus student residences conveniently located within walking distance of other campus amenities, ensuring a seamless as well as fulfilling living and learning experience.