THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019
BRIGHT KIDS
Safe space to give and grow
By NGEH CHEE YEN
CHOOSING a charity or organisation to start
volunteering at can be tough with the
diverse range of charity work available.
There is then an added barrier when looking
for a suitable place for your child to
volunteer, as most non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) do not allow the
participation of children and individuals
below the age of 18 in their volunteering
activities.
However, there is a valid reason for this.
World Vision Malaysia chief executive officer
Daniel Boey explains, “Some NGOs do not
have suitable volunteering work that is
relevant to a child’s age, while some do not
have proper guidelines or procedures to
protect child volunteers.”
He adds that child safety is always a
priority. Therefore, it is not suitable for
children to volunteer at public events, for
example, as there may not be sufficient
manpower to look out for their safety.
Nevertheless, there are countless benefits
in introducing your child to volunteer and
the sooner you do so, the better. Your child
can still volunteer at NGOs whose activities
are more child-centric or child-friendly, such
as administrative work, packing care parcels
and interacting with other children, senior
citizens or animals.
Nurturing what is natural
The benefits of giving could impact
children as young as two years old. Studies
have supported the notion that one feels
happier when giving up something of his
own to help another person. In 2012, three
psychologists from the University of British
Columbia, Canada, published a journal
article titled Giving leads to happiness in
young children.
The article explored toddlers’ reactions
when they were instructed to give a treat of
their own to a puppet versus a treat that was
passed to them by an adult. In the
experiment, it was observed that the
toddlers projected a higher scale of
happiness when they gave their own treat to
the puppet, in contrast to when they gave the
puppet something that wasn’t theirs in the
first place.
Contrary to the belief that children are
naturally self-centred, these results suggest
they are actually altruistic. Thus, it is crucial
that parents and guardians hone children’s
natural gift of giving to ensure kind,
empathetic and responsible future adults.
Small in size, big in love
Instilling the values of volunteering and
social work in children at a young age do
not just benefit your child’s character
Even though volunteering can help with your child's development, always keep their safety in mind.
development, but also impacts NGOs and the
recipients of the volunteer activity.
Paws Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
public relations officer Jonathan Yeoh says,
“Children are, in many cases, more genuine
and sincere in helping. They do not look
forward to being praised or getting
rewarded for their efforts.”
This perspective gives older volunteers a
fresh outlook, especially when things get
hectic or stressful and one forgets why she
started volunteering. Boey shares this
sentiment, as he says children are often
fascinated by things adults deem mundane,
bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to an
organisation. They are interested in learning
and often eager to try new things.
Yeoh adds that when a child starts
volunteering at a young age, they get used to
the idea of volunteering and understand the
impact their effort makes in the lives of the
people they help. Therefore, they are more
inclined to continue volunteer efforts as they
get older, in contrast with children who are
not exposed to volunteer activities in the
first place.
Unity in saving the world
It is a given that not all NGOs are able to
accept children as part of their volunteer
teams. The nature of the job, skills or
certifications needed, and environmental
safety are valid reasons children may not
always find their place at various NGOs.
However, Boey provides some advice for
NGOs who wish to include children in their
efforts. NGOs must:
l Have proper guidelines to protect
children when they volunteer
l Adhere to safety policies religiously
l Have clear objectives of volunteering
for the children
l Inform children on how their work
will contribute to the big picture
He adds that NGOs can educate parents on
the benefits of volunteering and encourages
parents to volunteer along with their
children. Children generally mirror the
actions of their parents, so when they see
their parents’ positive reactions to
volunteering, the child will also associate
volunteering with a positive outlook.
In line with this, schools can also take the
initiative to expose their students to
volunteer work. Inviting NGOs to give talks,
exhibitions and workshops will not only be
informative for students, but also provide
experiential knowledge of what is being
done to help the vulnerable.
Boey says, “By working with schools, NGOs
can involve children in actual projects that
help communities. NGOs can also work long-
term with relevant societies in schools. For
example, they can encourage schools to set
up a volunteering club to recruit volunteers
and allow NGOs to submit requests for
volunteers.”
For example, World Vision Malaysia
carries out school engagement with its
Global Citizens Programme, where lectures
are given at school about the programme
and children are equipped and encouraged
to take up the challenge of fundraising as a
response to what they have learnt.
Learning as they help
Children of different ages are capable of
different responsibilities. Therefore, it is up
to the parents to understand their child’s
abilities when choosing a volunteer activity
for him or her.
Yeoh gives some examples of how PAWS
delegates tasks to volunteers of different
ages. “Younger children can give the animals
treats, walk small dogs, pet cats and engage
in general play. Teenagers, on the other
hand, can help with work that is more
physical, such as cleaning food bowls,
animal cages and enclosures.”
Boey says children above the age of 15
are usually computer-literate and thus able
to perform tasks such as data entry. They
are also capable of doing stock checks and
packing items. With proper delegation of
work, children can proudly contribute to
the organisation they volunteer at.
Be the example
René Bekkers of Utrecht University in the
Netherlands published a journal article in
2007 titled Intergenerational Transmission of
Volunteering. In the paper, she investigated
the strength of intergenerational
transmission of volunteering for non-profit
associations in the Netherlands.
Bekkers found that parents who
volunteer at religious or quasi-religious
associations increased the likelihood of
their children volunteering for secular
associations, even though this occurrence
was largely caused by how the parents’ and
social status culture is naturally passed
down to the child.
Consistent with the explanation of value
internalisation, where a child naturally
adopts the norms and actions of his
surrounding society, this spillover was not
because of the direct social pressure of
parents.
The results of this study still ring true
today. Yeoh advises, “While we encourage
parents to inculcate the spirit of
volunteering in their children, we also hope
parents will set a good example by joining
their kids in the volunteering activities and
not just drop them off and pick them up.”
Children hone their humanitarian nature
when they interact and understand each
other’s perspectives through personal
experience. When volunteering and helping
people in need, they are exposed to living
experiences outside of their bubble of
family and friends.
Therefore, volunteering should be
considered an important part of child
development to build a future society of
kind, empathetic and responsible adults.
2 Bright Kids
Inculcating a
love for science
SCIENCE is the study of phenomena and
events around us through systematic
observation and experimentation.
Even though it is now considered a core
subject across curricula in all countries, it
became a recognised school subject only at
the end of the 19th century.
The study of science remained a pursuit
of society’s elite until the mid to late 20th
century. Of course, since those days, we
have seen many major reforms in science
education. Not the least being a major
move away from a focus on content, to
emphasising inquiry, the scientific method
and the social, economical, historical and
philosophical aspects of science.
Embracing the learning of science will
enable our children to lead responsible
lives by encouraging them to learn
independently, deal with new and
unknown situations, reason critically,
think creatively and make informed and
intelligent decisions to solve problems.
Science education develops lifelong skills
that allow them to generate ideas and
understand the evidence behind public
policymaking.
elc emphasises the scientific method by
teaching students how to think, learn,
solve problems and make informed
decisions. These skills are integral to every
aspect of a student’s education and life,
from school to career. To enhance
students’ scientific literacy, elc’s teachers
take students through investigative
activities that involve planning,
measuring, observing, analysing data,
designing and evaluating procedures and
Embracing the learning
of science will enable our
children to lead responsible
lives, by encouraging them
to learn independently, deal
with new and unknown
situations, reason critically,
think creatively and make
informed and intelligent
decisions to solve
problems.
examining evidence.
Even though the importance of
technology in teaching cannot be
undermined, a good curriculum should
incorporate and have a balance of three
main themes – content, process and
context. The content, pedagogy, outcomes
and assessment must be integrated with
each other and informed by a process of
educational research based on good
scientific enquiry.
As a school, elc is committed to students'
learning and consistently produces
outstanding results in the International
General Certificate of Secondary Education
(IGCSE). In the 2018 Cambridge IGCSE
exams, elc scored an average of 81.5%
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019
To enhance students’ scientific literacy, elc’s teachers take students through investigative
activities that involve planning, measuring, observing, analysing data, designing and
evaluating procedures and examining evidence.
distinctions (A* to A) in all science papers help them meet changes and challenges
sat (combining biology, chemistry and in society.
physics papers). Much emphasis is laid on the 4Cs of
elc prepares students for a future in 21st century skills, namely, critical
science, equips them with the practical thinking, creativity, collaboration and
knowledge and skills that they need when communication. These skills are vital for
they leave school, build their scientific a student to be recognised in the job
literacy to enable informed participation market. With the ever-evolving education
in science competitions, develop their system, we must equip our students to
skills in scientific thinking, appreciate the face the challenges of the modern world
work of past and present scientists who and bring out the best in every child. –
have contributed much to enhance our by Deepa Krishnamoorthy, Head of
lives, respect and care for the environment Science, elc International School
in order to facilitate sustainable living and Cyberjaya Campus.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019
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4 Bright Kids
EDUCATOR'S DESK
The worrying world
of convenience
WE live in an age where
everything is quite literally at our
fingertips. You can teleport to a
desired location in a matter of
seconds through Google Maps, or
FaceTime someone from the other
side of the planet as if you were
there. What about ordering in? You
could have someone deliver food
right to your doorstep with a few
clicks of a button on a smartphone
app.
If you put some thought to
the structure of the many
conveniences we use daily, you’ll
come to find a hidden compromise
which most of us are comfortable
living with. Let’s take the food
delivery app, for instance. Many a
time, we pay more for the food
because of delivery costs. We also
do not get the experience we
would have in a restaurant. There
are times when the delivered food
doesn’t have enough hot sauce, its
meat is under or overcooked, side
vegetables do not match or the
order simply lacks that all-
important serviette.
I’ve come to realise that for
consumers, what may seem like a
serious problem when dining in
has somewhat become negligible
where food delivery is concerned.
After dissecting this model of
convenience, I find that we are
inadvertently succumbing to
Dr Glenn Moodie
Principal of KTJ
compromise, if the convenience
satisfies a different outlet
altogether – in this case, hunger.
But is this convenience model
really something we want? Having
spent most of my adult life in
education, I think not. It’s no doubt
that the education landscape is
rapidly changing, and some aspects
of learning have become far more
“convenient”, from the availability
of international education to
technology which allows young
people to learn anything,
anywhere at any time.
But does this convenience
impact upon the quality of
education? Given that the choice of
a school is perhaps the biggest
decision parents make on behalf of
their children, it is vital that
convenience doesn’t slide into
compromise.
Let’s take time, for instance. It is
the enemy of every parent out
there, having to juggle their work
with family life and ensuring their
children grow up with a broad
range of experiences which isn’t
dominated by Netflix and Food
Panda. Sports, music and a rich
variety of other extracurricular
activities are essential in building
character and giving students the
“edge” when it comes to applying
for university and graduate jobs.
Busy working parents either
exhaust themselves ensuring their
children have such experiences
and have a negative effect on the
quality of their family dynamics
as a result or feel guilt for not
being able to offer such things.
I’ve worked in boarding schools
for over twenty years and to me
this is their real value. They can
offer children these opportunities
and remove the stresses and
conflicts which can invade the
lives of many families with two
working parents.
Many parents think they would
not be able to cope with their kids
being away from home. However,
apart from the confidence,
independence and character
which boarding builds, parents
find that boarding strengthens
their relationships with their
children. When their children
come home for the holidays,
everyone is able to commit time
to their family relationships.
Conversations between parents
and their teenage children become
richer and bonds become stronger.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019
KTJ believes that a boarding
education gives students the
best opportunity to thrive and
become well-rounded individuals.
Many parents dismiss boarding
without any real consideration of
what it could offer their children. I
would recommend all parents
carefully consider whether they are
making education decisions for their
own convenience. At KTJ, we firmly
believe that a boarding education
gives our students the best
opportunity to thrive and become
well-rounded individuals who will
make a positive impact on the
world.
Come visit the school to see it in
action. I would be delighted to meet
with you and discuss your child’s
future.
n Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar is the region’s
premier British International School
for students aged three to 19 years.
For more information, call 06-758
2561, or email registrar@ktj.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019 Bright Kids 5

Singular focus on quality

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On top of ensuring your milk formula is
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has a ton of benefits for your toddler.
Baby Steps BBs-3 has none of the
“musky” taste usually associated with fresh
goat milk. Goat milk is also known to be
gentle on little tummies, thanks to its fat
globule size that is a mere third of that of
cow milk, and its proteins form softer and
lighter curds, all of which result in easier
digestion for your toddler.
Baby Steps BBs-3 is also exceptionally
high in DHA – the gold standard of all milk
formulas today – with 115mg of DHA
(omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil) per 100g
of milk powder. DHA aids crucial mental
development during your toddler’s
growing-up years.
Goat milk is also less allergenic, because
while both cow and goat milk contain the
allergenic alpha-S1 casein protein, goat
milk only has an average of 4% compared
with the 36% present in cow milk.
Additionally, goat milk is naturally high in
A2-type beta-casein and none of the A1
type, which is abundant in cow milk and
can cause inflammatory response in the Baby Steps BBs-3 is dedicated to ensuring that your toddler only gets safe, nutritious goat milk.
digestive system of some toddlers, resulting
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6 Bright Kids
Equipping children
with future skills
THE world has become extremely
competitive and is rapidly
changing. To be self-sustaining,
knowledge alone is not enough.
Strong learning skills and positive
work habits are often an indicator
of future success in school, at home
and in life in general. Learning
skills and work habits will appear
differently in individuals as they
grow and mature.
Understanding the importance
of these skills and habits, the
Ontario (Canada) Ministry of
Education has further emphasised
the significance of developing
learning skills and work habits in
youth in school to provide them
with the tools to be self-sustaining,
lifelong learners.
The Ontario education system
is ranked among the best in the
world in preparing students for
academic excellence (according
to the 2015 Programme for
International Student Assessment)
and future success (according to
the 2018 Worldwide Educating for
the Future Index). As the only
school in Malaysia to offer the
Ontario curriculum, Sunway
International School students are
benefiting from the direction set by
the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Students under the Ontario
curriculum are not only assessed
for their knowledge and
understanding of each subject, but
also evaluated for six learning
skills and work habits as part of
their learning. The evaluation of
these aspects will appear in their
report cards.
The six learning skills and habits
are responsibility, organisation,
independent work, initiative,
collaboration and self-regulation.
Each is explained below.
l Responsibility is the students’
accountability in fulfilling
commitments in class and school,
meeting submission deadlines for
homework and assignments and
managing their behaviour in class.
l Organisation measures each
student’s ability to create and
follow a plan to complete work,
stay organised in planning the
execution of tasks and evaluate his
capacity to gather and manage
various resources to understand
and complete his tasks.
l Independent work is
something that is expected.
Students should be able to
independently monitor, assess
and revise their plans to complete
tasks, meet goals, use class time
appropriately and follow
instructions with minimal
supervision.
l Initiative involves students’
ability to demonstrate their capacity
for innovation and risk-taking,
curiosity and interest in learning,
taking up new tasks and looking
for, as well as acting on, new ideas
and opportunities for learning and
self-improvement.
l Collaboration involves the
interplay of cognitive, interpersonal
and intrapersonal competencies
necessary to participate effectively
and ethically in teams. It requires
versatility and depth of skill applied
across diverse situations, roles,
groups and perspectives in order to
co-construct knowledge, meaning
and content. Students must be able
to learn from and with others in
physical and virtual environments.
l Self-regulation is an important
habit to nurture. A student who is
able to motivate herself, set her
own goals and monitor her own
progress without close reminders
Sunway International School teachers work with students and their
parents to ensure that the students are absorbing work and learning
skills.
from others will be able to
move forward efficiently.
Students self-regulate to become
lifelong learners and reflect on
their thinking, experience and
values, as well as the critical
feedback they receive, to
enhance their learning.
The Ontario curriculum
employed at Sunway
International School will help
ensure that all students develop
the knowledge, skills and
characteristics to become
successful, economically
productive and actively engaged
citizens.
Sunway International School
teachers work with students
and parents to ensure that they
Nurture and raise
a caring generation
HAVING compassion is a
quality that all parents want to
instil within their children.
Expressing kindness, being
caring and having a willingness
to help others are virtues that
can be imparted to children. By
volunteering, we may see less
of that “gimme gimme” attitude
and more of a genuine sense of
gratitude and generosity in
children. As parents, we can
make an effort to teach our
children more about giving
back.
Role model
One way to instil
volunteering is to lead by
example. Albert Bandura’s
social learning theory proved
that children learn through
observation. They look at the
habits and actions of people
around them and imitate that
behaviour. Hence, role
modelling is a very effective
technique to suggest the
importance of a certain skill
or habit to young children.
When children see their
parents performing various
actions regularly, they
understand it as a normal way
of life. With that in mind, if
parents regularly volunteer, it
is likely that their children will
grow up wanting to emulate
behaviour themselves. Parents
can also talk positively about
volunteering and show
excitement for an upcoming
volunteer opportunity.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019
understand learning skills and
work habits as well as their
importance in the students’ lives.
Students benefit when teachers
model the skills and habits and
explain how they will be
assessed and evaluated.
Teachers also ensure
assessments and tasks assigned
provide students with
opportunities to develop these
skills in class, school and
beyond.
Sunway International School’s
next intake is on July 16.
n For more information about
the curriculum, school or
admissions, call 03-7491 8070
(Sunway City) or 07-533 8070
(Sunway Iskandar).
Introduce your children
to volunteering early
Contrary to the belief that
children’s minds are a blank
slate, psychologists Jean Piaget
and Lev Vygotsky considered
children to be active learners
who are able to set goals, plan
and revise. Therefore, when
children are introduced to
volunteering at a young age,
they are more likely to continue
volunteering as they grow up.
Although it may seem like a
daunting task to bring a child to
a volunteering project,
especially a young one, parents
can approach this situation by
taking baby steps. Don’t start
off with bringing your child on
a complicated volunteer
project.
Instead, look for volunteering
opportunities that allow
flexibility and short shifts. For
example, volunteering with
Kembara Kitchen or SOLS 24/7,
which offer a variety of services
for the community.
Let your children
choose
Decision-making is one of the
most important skills your
children need to develop to
become healthy and mature
adults. Allowing your children
to choose a volunteering
opportunity is a great way to
> SEE NEXT PAGE
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019 Bright Kids 7

How do traditional boarding

schools relate to Gen Z?
FOR any A-Levels physical
education pupil, avid fan of
Tom Brown’s School Days (an
1857 novel by Thomas Hughes)
or student at Rugby School
(United Kingdom) between
1828 and 1841, Dr Thomas
Arnold will be an instantly
recognisable name.
At that time, the British
boarding school was somewhat
different. In Tom Brown’s
School Days, you will witness
unruly behaviour and a school
regime lacking in both morality
and leadership. They were
more often criticised for
turning out young men who
were a little less childish than
when they first arrived.
This changed over time, with
the cult of “muscular
Christianity” at the forefront of
this change. Sport was used as
a tool to create new men with a
less selfish view of society and
the world. Through a healthy
body, a pure mind could be
created and protected from the
lure of temptation. In Tom
Brown’s School Days, this is best
encapsulated by the move from
betting and gambling to
rationalised team sports, which
helped forge teamwork,
leadership, communication and
the moral fibre that still
underpins British boarding
schools to this day.
Much has changed, but at
Epsom College in Malaysia
(ECiM) the value of sports, the
arts and house life is still
integral to the development of
emotional intelligence, just as it
was when Dr Arnold looked
over the iconic playing fields of
Rugby School from his
headmaster’s study.
Much has also changed in
society and we have moved on
from the baby boomers,
generation Jones, generation X
(a great vintage), the millennials
and even generation Y. We now
sit in the tail end of the era of
generation Z, describing all
those who will come of age
between 2013 and 2020, and
who grew up with a
smartphone in their hands. In
education, these pupils have a
different sense of what learning
may entail, especially with
regard to technology and the
value of face-to-face
interactions over the virtual
world. A social media obsession
and low attention spans may
perplex their parents, but one
suspects being confused by the
next youth movement has been
a reality before these categories
were even given a label.
Do the timeless, old-fashioned
values of boarding have value
in this new world? What counts of whom attended boarding the very reason that traditional,
for value in a world without walls, schools themselves, seek the but modern, boarding schools
both virtual and real, limitless in strengths of their own school have such value in a modern
size and reach and where social experiences for their children. society.
interactions have been redefined? Whilst those in generation Z shrug Perhaps, we need to “bitcoin
As a parent and housemaster, I at their parents’ “old-fashioned” a phrase” for this hybrid
would argue that boarding school attitude to education and modern generation? (Sorry.) Generation
ideals remain as pertinent today as life, perhaps we do not need to XYZ? Generation Old School/New
ever before. The EQ developed live in a world of absolutes and a School? Ideas are welcome, so
through a boarding life, offers a sense of balance remains the key. please send letters or a postcard
counterbalance to the modern Life at ECiM supports this or arrange a chat over a cup of
world. balance, and as a college, we stand tea, but do not use Facebook as
Furthermore, while these values firmly behind our belief that our the pupils tell me that is now for
are perhaps timeless, the modern graduating alumni have one foot old people! – by Ian
boarding school still can support firmly in generation Z and the Squires, ECiM’s
generation Z with its varied other on the playing fields of Propert House
curriculum, controlled use of England in 1850. This is housemaster
technology and range of social,
leadership and interpersonal
experiences in and out of the
classroom. A normal day
would see a pupil sharing
collaborative ideas with his
peers and teachers via his
devices during prep time, only to
then lead 70 boys in a choral
practice in preparation for a
competition. Both
experiences have value,
particularly when merged into
one educational experience.
Parents who visit ECiM, many

One step at a time

> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
develop their decision-making
skills and inspire them to show
interest in the activity of their
choice.
So, instead of telling them
you’re taking them to volunteer,
which could sound like a chore,
sit down with your children and
talk about what volunteering is
all about and why it is important.
Then, encourage your children to
think about their interests and
ways they can volunteer to help
others.
For example, if your child
is passionate about the
environment and nature, the
Free Tree Society in Kuala
Lumpur is a good place to visit.
You can look for an opportunity
near where you live, or let your
children create their own plan.
Children are remarkably
innovative when they get the
chance to be.
Do it as a family
With so many families that
have both parents working,
opportunities to spend quality
time together is harder to come
by. Volunteering as a family is
the perfect way for families to
spend quality time together and
inspire young children to
volunteer.
Volunteering together is an
effective way for parents and
children to interact and
strengthen their relationship. It
is also a good way for parents to
teach their children a new skill
and the importance of their
work. When families come
together to contribute to a
volunteering project, parents
are laying the foundation for
their children for a lifetime of
service.
Children’s first teachers are
their parents and parents have
a special opportunity of
instilling the value of service
within their children. There are
plenty of organisations in
Malaysia that you and your
children can volunteer with.
By actively encouraging
volunteering, parents will not
only deepen their bond with
their children, but also increase
the likelihood that their children
will be lifelong volunteers.
8 Bright Kids
Real-world education for students
EARLY this year, R.E.A.L Schools embarked
on a dedicated transformation plan across
its three campuses in Cheras, Shah Alam
and Johor Baru that is set to offer students
an education experience with a real
difference.
Newly appointed R.E.A.L Education
Group chief executive officer Dr Goh Chee
Leong has been driving and spearheading
this rigorous transformation plan. He
believes that R.E.A.L Schools’ new approach,
which is based on its 10 Real Worlds model,
will equip students with practical real-world
skills and prepare them to face the
challenges of a volatile, uncertain, complex
and ambiguous world and the Fourth
Industrial Revolution (IR4.0).
Dr Goh says, “At R.E.A.L Schools, we
believe our education prepares students for
the real world. Our team of educators have
put together a unique and enhanced school
curriculum that makes education relevant
and exciting and will ensure your child is
ready to thrive.”
Among the highlights of R.E.A.L Schools’
enhanced curriculum include:
At R.E.A.L Schools, we believe
our education prepares
students for the real world.
Our team of educators have
put together a unique and
enhanced school curriculum
that makes education
relevant and exciting and will
ensure your child is ready to
thrive in the world.
l Work internship programmes for senior
students
l Strong STEM programme that includes
opportunities to do independent research
with universities
l Computer programming and other
technopreneurship projects, which will
ensure students are IR4.0-ready by exposing
them to artificial intelligence, robotics, user
interface and data analytics, among others
l Real work simulations that expose
students to different careers
l Self-defence classes, outdoor survival
skills and first aid certification
l All students are trained to run 5km and
swim four laps of a swimming pool, as well
as learn 10 different sports
l Design and Innovation through Design
and Technology and Reka Bentuk Teknologi
(RBT) courses, with all R.E.A.L Schools
campuses hosting enhanced Makerspaces
l Financial literacy and entrepreneurship
skills
l Apple Partnership, through which iPads
and Apple tools and applications are used to
enhance students’ learning (R.E.A.L Schools
is the only Tier 3 school in its price range to
be an Apple partner)
l Excellent language programmes:
– SPM Bahasa Malaysia (offered to
international school students)
– Chinese school Mandarin
curriculum (offered to
international school students)
– Cambridge International
General Certificate in
Secondary Education English
subject for all students
– Arabic language for all
students
What is special about
R.E.A.L Schools’ curriculum
is that the above offerings are
all part of its core curriculum
and every student is able to
learn these skills, meaning
these are not merely
co-curricular activities.
Let kids grow as they give
IT is generally understood that volunteering
young provides your child with huge
benefits. But, how exactly does volunteering
support your child’s development? The
International School of Minnesota presents
a list of research-backed benefits of
volunteering young in its 2017 article, Eight
great ways kids benefit from volunteer work,
some of which are listed below.
l Builds empathy – Gwen Dewar,
founder and author of Parenting Science,
says people build their sense of empathy on
three distinct processes – emotional sharing,
empathic concern and perspective-taking.
Volunteering exposes children to different
perspectives and helps them understand
how others live, thus building their capacity
for empathy.
l Makes you happier and healthier –
According to a 2013 Harvard Medical School
article, Volunteering may be good for body
and mind, the effects of volunteering do not
just benefit one’s mental health, but also
relates to lower blood pressure and longer
lifespans. Possible theories connect these
results to the fact that volunteering keeps
the volunteer active while also reducing
stress; major factors that affect quality of
life.
l Promotes teamwork and cooperation
– In volunteer activities, everyone is on a
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019
On top of this, R.E.A.L Schools also offers
excellent value for money by providing
Tier 2-level education at Tier 3 prices.
Tuition fees for R.E.A.L International
School range from RM18,000 to RM30,000,
which is approximately half that of many
other Tier 2 schools with similar curricula
and offerings.
You are invited to explore R.E.A.L
Schools and discover what real education is
all about by attending its Open Days this
Saturday (Shah Alam Campus), on July 13
(Cheras Campus) and on July 20 (Johor
Bahru Campus). Meet the principals, tour
the schools, enjoy exclusive fee waivers
and more.
n For enquiries, call R.E.A.L Schools at
03-9021 3601 (Cheras Campus), 03-7842
3228 (Shah Alam Campus) or 07-386 4468
(Johor Bahru Campus). Alternatively,
email enquiry@real.edu.my or visit
www.realschools.edu.my
level plane with a common goal. Without
hierarchal distinctions such as age, academic
performance and social status in the way,
children learn the meaning of teamwork in
a relaxed setting.
l Develops leadership skills – The exact
factors encouraging teamwork in
volunteering also hones leadership skills in
your child. Karin Hurt, chief executive
officer of Let’s Grow Leaders, says the stress-
free environment of volunteering helps
people expand their perspectives, discover
new skills, have the freedom to experiment
and network with people outside of their
direct livelihoods.
l Helps children learn – The Youth
Development Study by University of
Minnesota suggests that volunteering
promotes higher grade point averages and
academic confidence in adolescents. “Service
learning” influences not just academic
performance but also deeper critical
thinking, problem-solving and application
skills.
All parents hope that their children grow
into mature, responsible and empathetic
adults. Volunteering can provide just the
right kind of human experience, skills-
building and character growth for your
child’s all-round development.