THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 AUGUST 2017
The whole picture
THE British Higher Education Statistics
Agency (HESA) found that International
Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
students have 57% higher probability to
enter one of the United Kingdoms best
colleges or universities compared to
traditional A-Level students. They also have
higher likelihood of being awarded first- and
second-class honours.
Sunway International School (SIS) started
offering the IBDP since January in both their
campuses, Bandar Sunway and Sunway
Iskandar.
The distinctive feature of IBDP is the core,
which consists of a theory of knowledge
(TOK) course, 4,000-word extended essay and
ongoing out-of-class activities called
creativity, activity and service (CAS).
TOK hones each students ability to assess
the uncertainty about information presented
to them. The extended essay, written over 10
months under the supervision of an advisor,
develops each students ability to research
and persuade.
In CAS, students use the ideas and skills
they have learnt to contribute to their
community based on its needs. They
learn about themselves and how to manage
human-based projects more effectively
through the activities that they organise.
Creativity, activity and service
Each student chooses the activities they
wish to organise or take part in. Then, they
work with advisors within the school to
develop and implement their plan through
a series of monitored stages. A CAS activity
may be a single or continuous programme,
For a stronger
immune system
IT can be difficult for parents to ensure
their children consume sufficient daily
nutrients to maintain good health and
strength. Childrens immune systems are
still developing and can sometimes weaken
enough to allow infection.
Chewies Immunolicious is a supplement
for children that comes in the form of
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Wellmune is a natural yeast-based gluco
polysaccharide beta-glucan derived from a
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beverage ingredient so parents can be
assured of its safety.
Once ingested, the immune system
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Then, cells called macrophages digest the
Wellmune into smaller chemical fragments
to be slowly released over a number of
days. Once released, the fragments will
then be bound to neutrophils, the most
abundant immune cells in the body.
Wellmune helps improve the key
immune function of neutrophils. It helps
them process and assimilate more
efficiently throughout the body. A strong,
well-performing immune system can
individual or collaborative work, and it
may focus on oneself or community work.
IBDP students remain active, healthy,
well-rounded and engaged with their
community through CAS.
Reflection journey
IBDP students are required to implement
their initiatives and witness its efficacy,
hence, CAS is an ideal tool to teach
reflection with. Student learning is enhanced
by reflection on their choices and actions.
Through reflection, a student examines
Chewies Immunolicious
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help children fight off common infections
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Chewies Immunolicious is non-allergenic
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In addition, these gummies come in a
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prevents children from overindulging in this
supplement so parents can be assured of
their supplement intake.
Chewies Immunolicious is available
in three flavours Mega Mango, Super
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contains 50mg of Wellmune. This
supplement comes in bottles of 30 or 60
gummies.
The recommended intake for optimal
results is two gummies daily for children
aged two to 12 and four gummies daily for
adults.
This article is brought to you by AJ
Research and Pharma Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call 03-2161 1595 or
visit www.ajrph.com.
Sunway
International
School offers the
International
Baccalaureate
Diploma
Programme,
which is one of
the most popular
English language
curricula for
international
schools.
ideas, which leads to improved problem-
solving, higher cognitive processes and
greater depth of understanding.
Teachers regularly meet with students
individually to reflect on their progress,
skills and challenges they have encountered.
Each student is given an opportunity to
describe what they have learnt about
themselves and the strategies they have
implemented to overcome the obstacles they
face.
By the end of the two-year IBDP, students
plan and implement CAS activities, show
the ability to reflect on the activities they
Inspiring talent
CAMBRIDGE English For Life (CEFL)
organises a major event every two years to
provide a platform for children to express
themselves creatively in English.
This years challenge was a postcard story
contest, a 100-word short story contest with
three themes, which were humour me, scare
me, and inspire me. It was hosted on CEFLs
Facebook page recently.
The panel of judges featured CEFL chief
executive officer Dr Elsie Chin, author and
newspaper columnist Lydia Teh and
educator, Mark Wright.
The event was officiated by guest of
honour, Deputy Education Minister Datuk P.
Kamalanathan.
According to Dr Chin, reading hundreds of
entries not only made them enjoy what they
do but also believe that they can make a
difference by educating. She also encouraged
the contestants to continue writing and
cherish the moment when they were first
declared writers because writing does not
end with the contest.
Talent can be polished, skills can be
enhanced but the contestants have shown us
the passion that comes from within; the
passion to be writers and storytellers, said
Dr Chin.
The awards ceremony was held on July 17
at Atria Shopping Gallery and was proudly
have organised, use that reflection to
improve those events and demonstrate
the ability to collaborate effectively.
In addition, students also produce a CAS
portfolio. This portfolio can be of any form
blog, journal or artwork.
Their portfolios include a description of
what they have done, problems faced, and
practical ways of improving their initiatives.
This framework assists students to identify
achievable projects, overcome challenges,
develop their ability to communicate,
collaborate with others and recognise
personal development.
Along the journey in planning and
reflecting the CAS experiences, students are
constantly receiving support from their
supervisor, designated IB CAS coordinator
and IB coordinator who coach and monitor
their progress every week. CAS lessons
are a part of the weekly Friday colloquium
to equip students with relevant knowledge
and skills required in IBDP.
CAS complements a challenging academic
programme, providing opportunities for
self-determination, collaboration,
accomplishment and enjoyment.
Visit SIS Bandar Sunway during its IBDP
Exploration Day on August 12, from 10am to
1pm.
n For more information, call 03-7491 8070
or visit www.sis.sunway.edu.my/IBExplore.
Cambridge
English For
Life organises
many
interesting
educational
events to
encourage
children to
learn English
from a young
age.
sponsored by Atria Shopping Gallery,
National Geographic Learning, Meeples
European Boardgame Caf, CHASSasia and
Oishi Green Tea.
The grand prize winner from each
category walked away with a seven-inch
tablet, RM300 cash, a trophy as well as
vouchers from Atria Shopping Gallery and
Meeples European Boardgame Caf.
The second prize winner from each
category received RM250 cash, a trophy,
along with vouchers from Atria Shopping
Gallery and Meeples. Meanwhile, the third
prize winner from each category received
RM200 cash, a trophy and vouchers from
Atria Shopping Gallery and Meeples.
The most popular entry, which received a
total of 2,440 votes from CEFLs Facebook
page won a trophy and camera. The best
presenter was awarded with a trophy and
merchandise from Meeples.
Join the other 10,000 CEFL students by
enrolling in CEFLs English programme at
Cambridge English For Life centres
throughout the country. Do not miss the
opportunity to learn different skills in
English in their lively English classes.
n For more information, e-mail
info@cambridgeforlife.org or visit
www.cambridgeforlife.org.
2 Bright Kids THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 AUGUST 2017

Excellence in English
IN todays globalised world, the
importance of English cannot
be denied and learning the
language has become a necessity.
The international business
community uses the English
language extensively. It is the
language of diplomacy,
international relations, meetings
Penang, Krishnaveni Naidu, says
We have children of different
backgrounds having different
levels of proficiency in the
English language.
However, through this
programme, all my students can
write and speak confidently.
Smart Reader Kids Prestige Heights
making learning fun and simple by
using a combination of games
and fun activities to make learning
interesting and enjoyable. As
a result, creativity, imagination
and originality are cultivated
among students.
The list of educational
programmes that are provided

and conferences.
In addition, English is also
important for higher education
and specialised training. It is the
medium of instruction used in
most universities and institutions
offers the Intensive English
Programme.
She says parents are immensely
pleased as their children have
shown drastic improvements, both
academically and socially.
Picking the
by Smart Reader Worldwide
consists of Smart Reader Kids,
Smart Reader Kids Islamic, Smart
Reader Kids Mandarin Medium,
Smart Reader Kids Intensive
English Programme, Smart Reader

of higher learning around the
world.
To this end, the leading early
childhood education provider
Smart Reader Worldwide has
developed the Smart Reader Kids
Intensive English Programme.
This programme is dedicated to
children to build a strong
foundation in the language.
As children are exposed to the
power of words at a young age, it
enables them to reach higher levels
of English proficiency in future
without much difficulty.
The programme emphasises
vocabulary development,
communication and public
speaking skills to enhance
verbal expression, fluency and
articulation, as well as foster
self-confidence.
In addition, the programme has
a strong focus on the importance of
writing skills, as the ability to write
concisely and effectively is highly
valued.
Franchisee of Smart Reader Kids
Prestige Heights in Teluk Kumbar,
Nevertheless, learning a
language can be daunting and
challenging for children. As such,
the Intensive English Programme
implements its patented Smart
Reader Creative Teaching
Methodology.
This approach focuses on
Students of Smart Reader Kids Prestige Heights play memory games
under the Intensive English Programme, a good platform to learn and be
conversant in the English language.
right school
Kids Tamil Language Programme
and Smart Reader Kids++
franchises.
n For more information, call
03-6279 5555 or the SMARTLine at
1300 885 555 or visit
www.smartreader.edu.my.
FUNDAMENTALLY, parents must
weigh a wealth of options when
considering a school for their child.
Geography, fee structure, school
systems, curriculum, boarding,
meal plans and even nearby
accommodation are just a few
things up for consideration.
A common feature of schools
offering an international
curriculum is the use of English as
the main medium of instruction
and communication, says Nickie
Yew, co-founder of Mint
Communications Sdn Bhd that is
actively involved in educating
parents about international
schools. These schools differ from
one another in many ways
depending on the segment of
private education in which they
belong and the gap they wish to
fill.
A main consideration for parents
is location, as children will be
travelling back and forth between
home and school quite regularly.
Unless the school chosen is a
boarding school, parents should
ensure their children do not have
to travel very far to school by daily
commute as the children would be
involved in extracurricular
activities and other school events.
If parents are lucky, there could
be many options to choose from in
their location and guides such as
Education Destination Malaysia
(www.educationdestination
malaysia.com) can be useful.
> SEE NEXT PAGE
THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 AUGUST 2017
A joint decision
> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Subsequently, as curriculum offered
influences the main communication
language in private and international
schools, international schools in Malaysia
typically use English as the lingua franca,
which is also a consideration for parents
if their children were brought up with other
languages as the first language or if the
children are not fluent in English.
As English is the main language used at
schools offering an international
curriculum, it is important for children to
be sufficiently proficient in the English
language for them to understand and
participate in the lessons actively, says Yew.
An important element in picking an
international school is to visit the school
with your child so that they can get a feel
for the place and give their opinion. Allowing
children to have a say in the decision-making
is important because essentially, their
success is going to be based on how happy
they are at school.
A good education is one that prepares
children for the future. It is important
for schools to equip children with skills
Bright Kids 3
that will enable them to be successful in
whatever environment they find
themselves in and therefore, picking a
school cannot be a decision to be made
lightly, says Mint Communications
co-founder Michele Lam.
Needless to say a schools safety and
security measures are of utmost importance.
Facilities such as health and first-aid
services and emergency procedures should
be present in any school parents may be
considering.
Details of security measures in and
around the school should be taken note of
such as whether there is a visitors check at
the front gate and interaction of other
parents and strangers with students.
When meeting with teachers and the
principal, do ask about the schools
recruitment policy and the kind of vetting
procedures in place when hiring.
As is the case with most private and
international schools, parents can take
advantage of the availability of reputation
information to judge schools based on
standards such as their international
excellence ranking, facilities and services
available, class sizes and pastoral care.
4 Bright Kids THE STAR, TUESDAY 1 AUGUST 2017

EVERYONE has a shared responsibility to

care for and conserve the environment.
Regardless of how small the contribution is,
each person has a role to play in returning
the favour of mother nature's greatest gifts.
Taylors International School Puchong
(TISPC) played their part in imparting this
value through Eco Week. Striving to give
their passionate students an environment to
flourish, TISPC cultivates students to be self-
motivated learners.
Student Emilio Lim, who is a member of
the Eco Weeks committee team, shared the
original inspiration behind Eco Week. It
started as a simple save electricity and
save paper plan.
However, when more members joined
and gave splendid ideas,
we came up with Eco Week to find ways
and activities that would involve students
to be aware of environmental issues,
Students organised a zero-waste picnic and donated potted plants as part of the activities during the school's Eco Week.

said Emilio.
Fun and interactive, the Eco Week had
certainly brought a wave of excitement to
TISPC. The event kicked off with students
playing their part and showing their support
towards the campaign.
Students contributed recyclable items to
the schools recycled sculpture and
swapped their pre-loved books as well as
donated potted plants for the schools zen
garden.
These activities helped students develop
into respectful, responsible and caring
individuals towards the environment.
One of the highlights during the Eco
Week was zero-waste picnic where
everyone collectively packed zero-waste
Sustainable practices
lunches to reduce daily waste. Charlotte
Baker, the teacher who orchestrated Eco
Week, hopes that the zero-waste picnic
will have far-reaching effects on the school
community.
The eco-committee will use this event
as a springboard to move towards a
more sustainable canteen and try to
have more zero-waste lunches and events,
said Baker.
By creating an enjoyable environment
such as this, TISPC believes that learning
does not only happen in the classroom
but also in various range of activities.
The Big Idea competition encourages
students to form opinions, critical
thinking for problem solving for the
environment. Most students chipped in
with their ideas for eco-awareness
through creative video, art or film
presentations.
The success of Eco Week is a testament
to how people can actually make a
difference in climate change by working
together collectively. While TISPC continues
this effort within the school environment,
Baker believes that parents should also
play a role at home.
Eco-friendliness must become a way
of life and in order to be inspired, students
should receive the same message at home
and school, said Baker. She also hopes to
work with parents who are passionate
about delivering a change.
n For more information, call 03-9200 9898
(KL campus) or 03-5879 5000 (Puchong
campus) or e-mail admissions@pc.tis.
edu.my.