THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 JUNE 2019

BRIGHT KIDS

Unleash your child's creativity

Music and the arts are great developmental tools for children, and parents
should encourage their children to explore these areas.
8 Bright Kids
Hajj education for
Muslim students
IN a continuous effort to provide
quality early childhood education
to the younger generation, Smart
Reader Worldwide organises
educational events to complement
the excellent educational
experience it offers. Smart Reader
Worldwide, via the Smart Reader
Kids Islamic Programme, is giving
students valuable hands-on
experience with its upcoming
Smart Hajj event on July 22.
The Smart Hajj event caters to
Muslim students at Smart Reader
Kids centres nationwide. It is a hajj
simulation that will be conducted
on a much smaller scale to pique
students’ interest and evoke their
curiosity on the practice and
conduct of this fifth pillar of Islam.
This event offers practical activities
of hajj rituals, which include tawaf,
wukuf, adorning the ihram and sa’i
to ensure students receive the best
educational hajj experience from a
young age.
An extension of the curriculum
offered in the Smart Reader Kids
Islamic Programme, this event is
held in collaboration with
Persatuan Tadika Islam Malaysia
(Pertim). All participants will
receive guidance from
experienced Pertim officers.
Regarding the importance
of participating in this
event, Smart Reader Kids
Taman Kinrara franchisee
Siti Muharram Beevi Abdul
Rahuman says, “The children are
taught that hajj is the fifth pillar of
Islam. This programme encourages
them to gain more knowledge
about hajj as well as the process
itself.”
She also shares that her interest
in the event stems from her desire
to ensure that the children have a
better understanding of Islam as a
whole under the Smart Reader
Kids Islamic programme. In an
effort to make this simulation more
exciting for Smart Reader Kids
students, each participant will be
equipped with an ihram cloth/
praying attire, hajj simulation
module, hajj kit and certificate of
participation that they can use as
reference in the future.
When asked about how she
incorporates the spirit of Ramadan
into daily lessons
during this holy month, Smart
Reader Kids Taman Universiti
(Johor) principal Yuliza Hasmah
Yahya says, “The common practice
at school during Ramadan is to
recite prayers and hold simulations
of wuduk. Besides that, the
children are encouraged to
perform prayers and charitable
actions (sedekah).”
Smart Reader Kids welcomes
parents to experience this exciting
journey together. Parents are
invited to visit any of the 300
centres nationwide to enquire
about the international award-
winning programmes, enrolment
and facilities offered by Smart
Reader Kids.
n For details, call 03-62795555 or
the SMARTLine at 1300 885 555, or
visit www.smartreader.edu.my
Dancing through life
AMANDA Tay Xiao-Ping, a
professional dancer and dance
instructor, describes ballet as an
artistic performance that usually
tells a story through dance. It is
believed to have originated from
the Italian Renaissance courts in
the 15th century.
It is a wondrous experience to
watch a ballet recital with the
dancers gliding across the stage
with ease and poise. However, of
all the people in the audience
mesmerised by ballet dancers, how
many know the countless hours of
practice needed and discipline
these professionals have?
Don’t be put off by this if you are
considering ballet as an
extracurricular activity for your
kid, because this dedication and
discipline is the very reason ballet
makes for a great activity.
An elegant art form
According to Tay, not many
people consider ballet when
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 JUNE 2019
choosing extracurricular activities
for their kids, which to her is a
mistake.
“Ballet is not just a performance
art but also an exercise form that
can be immensely beneficial to
children. It is highly technical and
consists of graceful movements,
which require a lot of focus and
discipline to learn.
“It also helps children be aware
of their bodies and enhances
coordination as well as balance,
because ballet involves all the
muscles in the body from the neck
to the tips of the toes,” says Tay.
Another factor that makes ballet
a great extracurricular activity for
children is how it teaches the
importance of teamwork. Ballet
recitals are rarely performed solo
and when performing alongside
others, everyone must work with
each other. It requires a great deal
of collaboration and learning it
from a young age will train
> TURN TO PAGE 4
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 JUNE 2019
SUNWAY International School (SIS) has built
its reputation of more than 10 years by
offering one of the world’s leading curricula
from Ontario, Canada. Sunway has “hung
its hat” on Canadian education for good
reason. By many measures, both
quantitative and qualitative, it leads the
English-speaking world in terms of student
results.
The Programme for International Student
Assessment conducted by the Organisation
of Economic Co-Operation and
Development has consistently ranked
Canada ahead of all other English-speaking
nations such as the United Kingdom, the
United States, Australia and New Zealand in
its assessment of reading, mathematics and
science for 15- to 16-year-olds.
In addition, a recent and extensive
qualitative research study conducted by The
Economist magazine places Canada second
in the world in preparing students for the
future, beaten only by New Zealand. This
qualitative study of inputs, supports and
pedagogies in education, conducted through
interviews of many of the world’s leading
educators, is another testimony to the
efficacy of Canadian education.
Strong foundations in its world-renowned
Early Years Program and 21st century
educational thinking have provided
Canadian and SIS students with a
springboard to develop critical thinking
skills, work and learn collaboratively and
creatively, be effective communicators,
develop positive character attributes and
become truly global citizens; the six Cs of
leading edge curricula, as described by
Michael Fullan, a world leading educator
and advisor to the Ontario (Canada)
Ministry of Education.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Programmes
SIS is also an IB World School, offering
the IB Diploma Programme at both Sunway
City and Sunway Iskandar campuses. The
IB Diploma Programme is perhaps the most
A leading curriculum
for the 21st century
Strong foundations in its world-renowned Early Years Program and in 21st century
educational thinking have provided Canadian and SIS students with a springboard to develop
critical thinking skills.
highly regarded high school diploma in the
world. Universities across the globe highly
value students with an IB Diploma
Programme, often providing advanced
placements up to a full year. They know
that students with an IB Diploma come well
prepared for the challenges of university
life.
In addition, SIS Sunway Iskandar has
become an IB Middle Years Program (MYP)
candidate school, with full authorisation
expected in 2020. In the MYP, SIS will
continue to offer the Ontario curriculum
with the required adjustments and
additions within the framework of the MYP.
The school has been preparing diligently to
Bright Kids 9
develop the necessary scope and sequence,
complements and connections between the
core Ontario curriculum and requirements
of the MYP, all the while keeping in mind
that the IB Diploma Programme is a great
option for the students at SIS.
Congruent and leading-edge
curricula
SIS Sunway Iskandar will incorporate two
of the worlds’ most esteemed curricula in its
programme offerings from kindergarten
through Grade 12, in a seamless, coherent
and congruent manner. The Ontario and IB
curricula are both founded on similar
principles of developing and graduating
students who are internationally minded,
critical thinkers and oriented towards a
collaborative mindset of shared
understandings.
Both programmes understand that well-
being is integral to student success and
enhanced by offering a balanced course of
study. They understand that connecting
learning in an integrated manner and
applying learning to real-life situations
through experiential learning opportunities
deepen student learning outcomes.
SIS is part of the Sunway Education Group,
which is owned and governed by the Jeffrey
Cheah Foundation. Come and talk to the
admissions team at both campuses in
Sunway City and Sunway Iskandar.
n For more information, visit sis.sunway.
edu.my
10 Bright Kids
EDUCATOR'S DESK
Mothers are our first teachers
SRI Bestari International School (SBIS), a
school that values parents and especially
mothers as the first teacher of their children,
had its students all geared up with special
gifts to honour their mothers on Mother’s
Day.
As the saying goes, “Being a mother is
about learning strengths you didn’t know
you had and dealing with fears you didn’t
know existed.” This special occasion once
again reminded me of the tenacity that my
mother possessed throughout her journey in
raising me.
Ever since my father fell into severe
depression when I was seven, my mum had
no choice but to take on the role as the sole
breadwinner. Life was difficult as she had to
resort to taking on several jobs just to make
ends meet. Eventually, mum decided to be a
babysitter so that she could be part of her
children’s journeys and care for us closely as
we grew up.
I used to wonder if she ever slept and was
curious of the kind of superpower she had
back in those days. It drained her of energy
to look after four to five toddlers and babies
at the same time, while also taking care of
the laundry and never-ending house chores.
Many times, the help I extended to lighten
her workload would be turned down with a
Dr Wong Siew Chin
Principal of SBIS
gentle reminder of my need to study for a
better future.
With proper breakfast served on the table
every day (especially appreciated on
examination days) and her act of kneeling to
pray for me were some of the most profound
moments that reflected her love. My mother,
whom I regard as my first teacher, taught
me the value of grit – to persevere through
the raging storms in life.
In the 21st century, women are an
indispensable part of the workforce. There
are more women in leadership positions
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 JUNE 2019
now than we’ve ever had in the history of grateful, they become less materialistic
labour. No matter how high women have because they value intrinsic things rather
positioned themselves on the corporate than extrinsic things.
ladder, however, it is crucial for women SBIS had its inaugural intake in
who are also mothers not to lose sight of September 2017 and anticipates moving
their priceless gift – their children. into new buildings this September. The
Today, the role of a mother is no doubt new buildings will feature state-of-the-art
more challenging than ever. With a hectic facilities such as ICT suites, a Hall of Arts, a
lifestyle, it is good to spend some time to large multipurpose hall, fully equipped
ponder if we as mothers are “off the track” Science and Culinary Arts laboratories,
from our responsibility to be our own music and dance studios, a swimming
children’s teachers, touching their hearts pool, an indoor playground, a modern
and impacting their lives. library and purpose-built classrooms for
In the spirit of SBIS’ motto – “My growth 21st century teaching and learning.
mindset begins here with GRIT (Gratitude,
Resilient, Intentional Inconvenience and n For enquiries, call 011-5139 7866
Teamwork)” – Bestarians celebrated the or 03-6273 1072.
grace and grit of mothers by recognising
them as a special group of people and
regarding them as one of the most
important partners in their education
journey.
The seniors from SBIS Science Society
took the lead in baking the “Pretzel with
Love” and making suncatchers using
melted beads for their mothers. The
juniors from Little Master Chef and
Creative Arts Society jointly
expressed their appreciation by
making flower art and baking their
secret recipe chocolate cookies, which
were packed with personalised
messages.
Building GRIT in life through instilling
gratitude is pivotal to a child’s character
development. Studies have revealed that
grateful children do better in school and are
more likely to achieve their goals as they
are more satisfied with school and life. One
who embraces gratitude by counting his
blessings in life shifts his focus away from
materialism. When children are more
Learning valuable
lessons through dance
> FROM PAGE 2 well-to-do Malaysian parents,” she
concludes.
children to respect and communicate with
their peers. These are valuable lessons that
will come in handy throughout their lives. Saying yes to ballet
Lifestyle-wise, the consistent exercise can “There are already very few children
help children keep fit, healthy and strong, taking up ballet in Malaysia, but what’s
and establishing that habit in them early really sad is that not many do it seriously,”
on means they may find maintaining it shares Tay.
easier. Tay shares that kids can start doing Young dancers who are serious about
ballet from as early as four years old. ballet and have supportive parents could
In fact, the earlier you start your kids on end up making a career out of it. Tay also
ballet, the better, because bodies are much points out that kids wanting to pursue it
more flexible during childhood. This makes professionally must get a degree or diploma
it easier for them to progress to the more in ballet, because to become successful
challenging aspects of ballet as they get performers, they must be able to prove their
older. qualifications.
So, if you want your kids to learn
Addressing the gender bias discipline and teamwork in a fun way,
practise a culture of exercise and grow up
One common notion among parents is with the confidence that comes from
that ballet is only for girls, and boys who performing, consider enrolling them in
pursue it are looked at as “girly”. Tay ballet classes.
dismisses it by saying that it is mostly
because of the Asian culture and Starting kids young,
mindset. while they are still
“Ballet is well accepted as an flexible, can help
activity for boys and girls in Western them progress faster.
countries, where a boy who joins a
ballet class is not considered
unmasculine. On the contrary,
boys are actually required to
perform difficult techniques in
ballet, one of which is lifting
female dancers – a common
requirement for ballet duets.
“There is not enough
exposure for ballet in
Malaysia, which I
suppose is the reason
behind this mindset. In
my experience, it is
also why ballet is
more popular among
THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 JUNE 2019
Tap into our higher
education expertise
THE application process to higher education
is complicated and can become a source of
stress and anxiety for pupils and their
parents. University, college, undergraduate
degrees, foundation programmes; which is
best? What will better suit your son or
daughter and how do you, as parents and
guardians, choose between the many
courses that are on offer?
The answer is: by accessing the expertise
available at your child’s school. There will
be a member of staff whose role it is to
answer all your questions, demystify the
process and support you and your child
every step of the way. With support and
advice, the application process can become
an exciting time of new opportunities and
exciting enticing experiences.
A solid foundation in the International
General Certificate in Secondary Education
(IGCSE), with a minimum of five passes at
grade C (level 6 and above to include
mathematics and the sciences), is going to
smooth the way to higher education. A good
grade in English is desirable, although
international students will generally
undergo the International English Language
Testing System (IELTS) that will allow them
access to universities in countries where
courses are delivered in English. IGCSE
scores show universities (in the United
Kingdom and the rest of Europe) and
colleges (in the United States and Canada)
that a student has a solid foundation on
which to build academically.
Once IGCSE is completed, the next step is
finalising your choices in A-Levels. Aim to
work with your child’s teachers to see
The most successful
candidates are able to think
creatively and outside the
box. This ability comes
from exposure to new
experiences and challenges
and having to apply
prior learning in new
contexts.
where his strengths lie and what
combinations would be best given his
areas of interest. Do not worry too much
about specific courses at this stage unless
your child is hoping to study medicine,
veterinary medicine or dentistry. Ask the
higher education advisor or counsellor any
questions you may have and remember
that he is there to support you.
How do you decide which country your
child should study in? As a general rule,
American, Canadian and Australian
universities and colleges provide a more
general education and the opportunity to
major in a subject or discipline later on. UK
universities tend to focus on a specific
subject or combination of subjects from the
outset. Remember that your child can
apply to institutions in more than one
country, so there is no need to decide until
Higher education counsellors can help you get your kids on the right track.
she has received her offers.
The application process should begin in
earnest in Year 12 with IELTS, SAT or ACT
(for US colleges) and personal statements
(for UK universities). Ask what support is
available for your child and, once again,
encourage your child to take full advantage
of the help on offer. Applications will be
sent from the month of September in the
student’s Year 13 and offer letters should
come shortly after.
Finally, what do you do if things go
wrong? What if there is a problem? The
answer is to seek advice from the school
advisor. There is always support available
and a plan B. In the meantime, encourage
your child to enjoy learning, read widely
and take advantage of all the opportunities
Bright Kids 11
available. The most successful candidates
are able to think creatively and outside the
box. This ability comes from exposure to
new experiences and challenges and
having to apply prior learning in new
contexts. – By Catherine Carden-Brown,
head of higher education and career at
Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM)
n ECiM is holding an Info Day for
prospective Sixth Form students on June
15. All Year 11 students and Sijil Pelajaran
Malaysia leavers are invited. The school’s
Sixth Form specialists will be on hand to
give advice and guidance about subject
combinations, university applications and
students’ future career options. To register,
email enquiries@epsomcollege.edu.my
12 Bright Kids THE STAR, TUESDAY 4 JUNE 2019

Healthy guts
THE human gut consists of a complex
community of microorganisms known as gut
microbiota. A child’s gut microbiota is more
susceptible compared with an adult’s, as

for stronger kids

children are born with sterile intestinal
tracts and gut microbiota only begin
developing after birth through interactions
with the environment.
This early establishment of gut microbiota
may be easily disrupted by factors such as
caesarean delivery, formula feeding and use
of antibiotics. A disrupted gut microbiota
balance in children may result in weakened
immunity, cases of diarrhoea, constipation
or upset stomach.
Probiotics, as defined by the World Health Clinical studies have shown
Organization (WHO), are live
microorganisms that, when administered in
that introducing probiotics
adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to growing children can help
on the host. Clinical studies have shown that
introducing probiotics to growing children
to improve their intestinal
can help to improve their intestinal function function and restore
and restore the balance of gut microbiota.
However, WHO confirms that health
the balance of gut
benefits from probiotics are strain-specific. microbiota.
In other words, the probiotics used in a
supplement must be clinically proven and
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suitable for children above the age of one, info@biogrow.com.my or visit www.
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