Unique fun
EDUCATORS are becoming more creative with extracurricular activities to get students interested and involved. Here are some unique offerings in international schools that can make learning new skills fun:
Modern and martial arts What: Photography Where: Garden International School
Why: There are many factors and technical details that go into capturing and processing digital photographs - through schoollevel opportunities such as this, children learn how to take better pictures and join in photographic challenges in a fun and stimulating environment.
What: Capoeira Where: elc International School
Why: This Brazilian martial art brings dance, acrobatics and music together in a show of speed and power. It is gaining traction in Malaysia and provides a one- of- a- kind opportunity for students to enhance agility and focus.
Capoeira’s cultural significance is recognised by Unesco with the “intangible cultural heritage” protection status. Sports and fitness What: Rowing Where: Epsom College in Malaysia
Why: This Olympic sport is not a huge hit among younger Malaysians but it does attract a niche crowd, especially at university level.
Rowing can be recreational or competitive, and is beneficial to health as it helps burn off fat and improve cardio- respiratory fitness. As a team sport, it is also challenging yet rewarding. What: Yoga
Where: UCSI International School Subang Jaya
Why: An ancient practice that has made its mark in modern society, yoga is widely practised in different parts of the world today for its benefits to health and fitness.
It combines spiritual, mental and physical elements to promote overall wellness, balance and flexibility. It is also a mechanism for relaxation, coping with stress and finding peace. Language and speaking What: Spoken word poetry
Where: Sunway International School, Taylor’s International School, and others
Why: Sunway International School has held numerous interschool poetry slams with other schools in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area, in collaboration with Blu Bricks speech and drama studio.
Poetry has long been a staple of literature studies, but these competitions have taken it one step further by acting as platforms on which students can present their own pieces while engaging and entertaining a crowd.
It builds confidence and presentation skills while celebrating language in a creative, exciting and accessible manner.