Uniqueness of Marlborough College Malaysia in South East Asia

THE following article was written by Mark McVeigh, Head of Senior School at Marlborough College Malaysia:

Marlborough College Malaysia is a distinctive school, and what sets it apart is its shared ethos with Marlborough College UK. I am fortunate to be able to return to Marlborough UK a few times per year and the very real sense of connection between the two schools is palpable. My own Marlborough roots go back a long way.

I was appointed there as Head of Department, then was asked to be Housemaster, and finally International Liaison Coordinator, before joining MCM as Deputy Head.

I have been Head of the Senior School for over a year and can testify first hand to the genuine expansion of our sister College in the UK. For us, ‘franchise’ is a word that denotes a much weaker association.

At both schools there is an evident commitment to meeting the developmental needs of individual pupils.

Identifying those needs requires the establishment of a positive relationship between pupil and teacher.

This is encouraged by a comprehensive pastoral care structure, directed by Housemasters and House-mistresses, and implemented through the tutorial system.

All of this is based on the mutual respect between pupil and teacher, and working together for a common goal.

At Marlborough College Malaysia we believe that the needs of individual pupils are best served in the context of boarding.

Boarders have more opportunities to build confidence and develop relationships.

They quickly understand their strengths and weaknesses, and integrity and courtesy are promoted. They acquire resilience and independence. They are motivated to serve others and appreciate the value of strong friendships.

The boarding community has thrived here and the Boarders’ Christmas Supper exemplified this, with pupils giving excellent speeches and wonderful performances.

The inclusive life of a boarding school feeds into the day pupil community, too, allowing development opportunities outside of the restrictive day school period.

Marlborough College Malaysia is rightly expected to provide stimulating teaching and an excellent academic programme.

In addition to this, great importance is placed on a significant co-curricular dimension, which is unique in the region.

The co-curriculum is a critical part of a meaningful holistic education, and we expect all pupils to engage with a broad range of activities outside the classroom such as sport, music, drama, art and design, expeditions, and community service.

These activities provide the very best practical opportunities for development of crucial talents such as leadership, teamwork and communication.

Good exam results are very important, but are nullified if the individual does not possess the emotional intelligence to recognise how to be happy and the life skills to be successful.

Marlborough College Malaysia is establishing a reputation for co-curricular distinction.

It has hosted a series of high profile sports tournaments, such as the MCM Straits Trophy events, involving teams from Malaysia and Singapore.

Pupils have excelled in prestigious international sports competitions, and in individual sports, some being selected for national squads. Pupils have honed their musical skills as part of the College Choir, Chamber Choir, String Quartet, Wind Band and College Orchestra, with performances in College and, indeed, at venues such as the Kranji War Memorial, and at the Medini and Komtar JBCC malls.

Marlborough College UK provided the inspiration for outstanding pieces of a cappella in the House Harmony Competition, and the best of community singing in the House Shout Competition.

At Marlborough College Malaysia we share the description quoted on the Marlborough College UK website of a pupil becoming a “well-rounded individual who has a sense of perspective for the community and the wider world.”