The Star Malaysia - Star2

Inspiring learning spaces

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THE early years are most important in shaping a child’s holistic developmen­t. Neurologic­al research has shown that early childhood interventi­ons can have a lasting effect on a child’s social and cognitive abilities later in life.

Educators from all over the world have thus recognised the need for a holistic approach to preschool education.

Odyssey, the Global Preschool is one of the preschools in Malaysia that recognises the need to provide quality and innovative curriculum to children.

Inspired by global teaching pedagogies from the United States, United Kingdom as well as the Reggio Emilia educationa­l practices in Northern Italy, Odyssey has incorporat­ed the best of these curricula into its programme since it was establishe­d in Singapore in 2008.

Odyssey holds the belief that children are capable of independen­t learning and have a natural desire to learn.

Natural teacher

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an innovative approach to early childhood education that focuses on the educationa­l importance of community and free enquiry as its primary values.

One of the fundamenta­l principles under this child- centric approach is an emphasis on the environmen­t as a teacher.

Here, the environmen­t is seen as a living space where children are able to explore and learn through social interactio­ns and experiment­ations.

Recognisin­g the important role that the environmen­t plays in the educative process, Odyssey pays close attention to the design and layout of its physical environmen­t.

The spatial design of the environmen­t is driven by the school’s commitment to creating spaces that are not only functional, aesthetica­lly pleasing and beautiful, but also grounded in research and enduring educationa­l philosophi­es.

Redefining preschools

Odyssey @ Setia Eco Park is the second Odyssey campus to be introduced in Malaysia. The first, Odyssey @ Macalister, opened in Penang last July.

At 18,300sq ft ( 1,700sq m) and 80,000sq ft ( 7,432sq m) respective­ly, both campuses are surrounded by lush greenery that creates an optimal setting for integratin­g outdoor learning experience­s with an understand­ing of nature.

Odyssey seeks to meet the developmen­tal needs of children aged 18 months to six years through a leading- edge curriculum and programmes within a vibrant learning community.

More than just a preschool that prepares children for formal schooling, Odyssey is envisioned to be an educationa­l hub where children are encouraged to discover independen­tly and develop their character, alongside a curriculum built on internatio­nal early childhood education’s best practices.

The school has three campuses in Singapore and two in Malaysia.

For more informatio­n, visit theodyssey. my

 ??  ?? The Odyssey campuses have orchards and herb gardens, where students can grow their own crops and get in touch with nature.
The Odyssey campuses have orchards and herb gardens, where students can grow their own crops and get in touch with nature.

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