Beyond traditional borders
“EDUCATION that is academically rigorous, deliberately multicultural and concerned with developing personal values that include a commitment to community service is an invaluable resource for any and all of us,” said George Rupp, the recently appointed chair for the International Baccalaureate Board of Governors, in a speech about global education a few weeks ago.
UCSI International Schools are committed to delivering rigorous academic programmes in a multicultural environment in which excellence is the basis.
This excellence comes from a combination of new teaching methodologies based on technology integration and digital literacy with tried and tested methods.
These methods are based on principles such as Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory and approaches that allow students to extend their knowledge beyond classroom walls.
Identifying new needs
Students at UCSI International Schools are encouraged to take risks so that they are exposed to new experiences as well as become aware of the environment School trips, such as this one to Beryl’s Chocolate Factory, expose students to new experiences.
and others around them.
This leads them to engage in social service and activities to give back to the community, which develops their confidence, raises awareness and fosters initiative.
Engagement and handling responsibilities give them the advantage of being better prepared to live and succeed in a world that is increasingly competitive and that needs global citizens who are willing to use their time and capabilities to benefit and support others.
Another aspect of navigating a globalised world is the ability to
use tools successfully in a responsible manner.
Digital literacy is based on the use of people’s knowledge, skills and behaviours in a broad range of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers, all of which are seen as part of a major network rather than just computing devices.
At UCSI International Schools, students find a safe, structured environment to develop digital literacy skills to produce quality work and develop other relevant skills. UCSI International School’s students are constantly engaged in practical explorations of science.
Best of both worlds
A challenge faced by educators nowadays is finding the balance between inculcating academic and practical skills.
A balanced timetable, continued professional development and visionary leadership can be the keys to the delivery of a holistic programme.
A holistic programme is one that gives students the opportunity to explore the virtual world by connecting with others near and far as well as express themselves through social media.
In a holistic programme, students learn how to produce academic papers based on relevant research and cite their sources in a proper manner to guarantee academic integrity.
Such a programme provides time and space for collaborative hands- on projects such as tending to a garden, taking care of class pets, working to help those in need through local and global charities, and offering support to their peers by sharing various skills, including in music, art, language and sports.
UCSI understands that in an inter- connected global world, every child should have the opportunity to receive a high- quality international education.
To provide such an international education, it is necessary for schools to keep a certain focus on how the curriculum is built so teachers and students are able to experience a variety of methods and tools that expose them to learn not only the content of each subject, but also skills that are essential for life.
For more information, visit www. ucsiinternationalschool. edu. my