Bright Kids - 2 June 2015

THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2015

special

Global learning for future leaders

2 bright kidsTHE STAR, TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2015

Enhancing English skillsA CHILDS character is shaped through education, which begins the moment the child is born and continues when he or she starts communicating verbally and attending playgroups or kindergarten.

Providing the best early childhood education to children is every parents hope. To achieve this, teaching them to use English as a medium of learning from a young age is important as English is one of the most important lingua francas.

Smart Reader Worldwide offers the Smart Reader Kids Intensive English Programme (IEP), which emphasises vocabulary development, communication and public speaking.

Rajeswary Moorty believes that the Smart Reader Kids IEP, which caught her attention four months ago, can help produce more students who are proficient in English.

She is very satisfied with what the programme has provided for her six-year-old daughter Shuneessha Mariappan, who is studying at Smart Reader Kids Damansara Heights.

My daughter is learning new things every day. I know how much she enjoys the programme because she is always talking about

her IEP classes, says Rajeswary.Within three months,

Rajeswarys daughter was able to read without pronunciation errors and could write without making spelling mistakes.

Since joining the Smart Reader Kids IEP, Shuneessha has enjoyed communicating in English at home. She can now speak fluently and confidently in the language.

The Smart Reader Kids IEP components include public

speaking, appreciation of poems and rhymes, oral communication, word treasure, drama, storytelling and writing.

The programme is interesting and helpful in building a good foundation for each child to master the English language.

Ellya Robani and Affendy Osman are also thankful that both their children, six-year-old Armand Nur Rizq and five-year-old Arshad Nur Rizqin, have no

difficulties in understanding lessons taught in English.

The siblings are from Smart Reader Kids Taman Impian Putra and have been enrolled in Smart Reader Kids IEP for a month.

Arshad is now more confident and participates in public speaking activities.

His brother Armand now exhibits more creativity in his thinking and boldly expresses ideas in English, a tremendous

improvement from less than a month ago.

The Smart Reader Kids IEP provides fun learning opportunities, where children are taught English through exciting activities, such as singing, games, poems and choral speaking.

Every day, they will tell me about all the exciting activities they did in their IEP class, says Ellya.

Now, my sons participate and communicate more with their friends and I am glad both of them are able to interact well in English.

Children are a blank slate. It is up to the parents to fill the slate and determine the childs future.

Therefore, children must be given a good education with different approaches to learning. Smart Reader Kids offers just that quality pre-school education that shapes a childs future.

To quote South Africas former president and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.

n For more information, call 03-6279 5555 or 1300 885 555 or visit www.smartreaderkids.edu.my

Rajeswary witnessed her daughters love for learning grow through the Smart Reader Kids Intensive English Programme.

Ellya Robanis children exhibit more creativity in expressing themselves after attending the Smart Reader Kids Intensive English Programme.


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Career planning with guidanceTOWARDS the completion of their school career, students reach a critical point where they face one of the most important decisions they will have to make career choices.

It is a decision that is potentially life-changing, and as the weight of its importance sinks in, students can easily slip into a morass of anxiety, indecisiveness and frustration if they do not receive proper guidance and advice.

The role of the Sunway International School (SIS) Guidance and Career Office is essential throughout a students secondary school experience.

The schools career guidance staff members provide students with advice and effective strategies to help them think clearly and carefully about the educational choices that will eventually lead them to their careers.

At SIS, career planning for the future is considered so vital that an entire week of themed activities titled Career Week is organised by the school every academic year.

Career Week features activities such as online career testing, panel discussions featuring professional speakers, Take Your Kid to Work Day experiences and in-class study of work-related issues that include transferable skills and stress management.

The SIS guidance staff considers Career Week to be important as it inspires students to plan for their future and has customised activities that benefit individuals of different grade levels.

Inspiring planningIt is the hope of the guidance

counsellors to have SIS students actively dedicate time to career planning by taking advantage of the activities organised and resources provided during Career Week.

Career Week allows students to see that the skills and values they learn in school can be applied in the outside world.

In addition to the opportunities to explore occupation options, the aimof the event is to educate students about the changing nature of the modern workplace and assist them in gaining first-person insightsinto the challenges and opportunities experienced by professionals.

These lessons become so much more effective by virtue of having the students encounter the experience themselves.

For example, the ninth graders pick up people management skills by shadowing their mentors in Take Your Kid to Work Day.

From this experience, students can begin to understand the daily operational requirements of

their mentors job as well as the amount of time, analysis and effort required to resolve issues.

Customised activities During Career Week, a range

of activities are planned to suit the different age and maturity levels of the SIS student population.

Some activities involve every student while others are specifically targeted at individual grade levels.

For instance, Grade 11 students tackle workplace concerns such as stress management and wage equality to prepare them for the realities of working life while Grade 10 students are encouraged to think about transferable skills to stimulate awareness and appreciation of their own skills.

Immediate results SIS proudest achievement

and most popular event is the Guest Panellist Sessions.

During these sessions, students have the opportunity to present questions to invited speakers and absorb useful tips from presentations.

This gives them valuable real-life insights into professions spanning a multitude of scopes and industries.

It is especially rewarding for the school to see its students take away a new sense of purpose and motivation from these activities.

Some of the activities can even spark an interest in careers that students had never considered before.

Tools such as online career tests are an engaging way of identifying students interests, competencies and strengths.

Teachers and students build on these findings so that they can explore possible occupations that match these characteristics.

Career Week encourages students to take ownership of their career planning as well as become more specific in their enquiries about post-secondary entry requirements, university rankings and the like.

With the introduction of Career Week, the SIS Guidance and Career Office aspires to produce graduates who are not just academically prepared, but cognizant of the flexibility and skills that employers are looking for in an ever-evolving labour market.

Armed with the proper guidance and advice, graduates of SIS can forge their way to fulfilling their aspirations, enter the workforce confident of their capabilities and be prepared for a promising career.

Join SIS Registration Week from now to June 5 for admission into the July intake.

n For more information,call 03-7491 8070 or visitwww.sis.sunway.edu.my

Students had the opportunity to present questions to the speakers at the Guest Panellist Sessions during SIS Career Week 2014.


Vitamin D and calcium, which are found in milk, can enhance childrens health.

Innovative learningQ-DEES preschool programmes are fun-filled and conducted in a dynamic environment by dedicated teachers.

Its programmes are distinctive as it integrates the latest in teaching methodologies and technology to deliver lessons.

There are three programmes incorporated into the preschool syllabus Fliptec@Q, Beamind Foundation and Q-dees Love to Life.

Fliptec@Q utilises the Focus Learning Imaginative Play technology, which is effectivein motivating learning, concentration, recall and understanding.

Beamind Foundation is uniquely designed to stimulate intelligence by empowering creative and logical thinking as well as enhancing language proficiency.

Q-dees Love to Life is a programme that aspires to nurture and promote love, kindness and other essential moral values.

Customised and highly effective teaching tools have been developed to make learning fun through songs, dance, animation, rhymes, poems, stories and other methods.

This enables a higher rate of learning, improves attentiveness and enhances the ability to apply concepts learnt into daily activities.

Q-dees Fliptec@Q and Beamind Foundation programmes are geared to enable students to master English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. The lessons are designed to promote proficiency through practice. Students are

equipped with the ability not only to speak but also to read, write and listen attentively.

Allowing children to experience technology first hand at an early age can enhance their learning experience and prove to be an added advantage for the future.

As children tend to have short attention spans, the inclusion of attractive visuals, audio and animation in lessons can help engage children and promote interactions.

By employing a combination of new teaching and technologically advanced tools in the classroom, challenging topics such as mathematics and science can be made easy to understand, thus accelerating childrens mastery of the subjects.

In addition, the e-Readers programme under the Beamind Foundation programme has been successful in instilling a reading culture among children as young as three years old.

The e-Reader books are developed meticulously and graded with a controlled vocabulary to maximise word identification and fluency.

Being accessible from home, the programme is aimed at fostering a passion for independent reading and allows parents to be involved in their childs reading session.

Q-dees strives to deliver the best, meeting both international standards of education while also nurturing values that empower lifelong education.

n For more information,call 1700 815 077 or visitwww.q-dees.com

Q-dees lessons integrate the latest in teaching methodologies and technology to deliver its quality learning programmes.

Building strong bones CHILDREN benefit greatly from a physically active lifestyle. It promotes growth, development and fitness while improving balance and posture.

Getting enough physical activity also ensures that children can achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

This lifestyle builds their self-esteem, which can help them become more motivated, alert and successful.

Here are some ways you can encourage your children to be healthy:l Join in the fun If you are

active, it is likely your children will follow suit. l Feed children the right foods

Children need the right nutrients to help them stay healthy and active. l Give them milk Milk is

important for building strong bones, which is a key factor in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. When children have strong, healthy bones to support their bodies, they can keep up with physical activities.

Ensuring that your child has strong bones allows them to enjoy a

healthy and active lifestyle that helps build strength and confidence.

The right nutrientsChildren need the right nutrients

to build stronger bones and healthier bodies. Ensure that children get enough of the following nutrients each day:l Calcium Important in

strengthening bones and providing skeletal support. Children can consume dairy products to get a good dose of calcium each day.

l Vitamin D Helps the body absorb calcium. Sources of vitamin D include fish, egg yolks and milks fortified with vitamin D. l Protein Building blocks for

bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. Protein and calcium interact in the body to promote bone health.

Marigold UHT Milk is enriched with calcium, protein, vitamin D and unique BonePlus formulation to supplement children with the nutrients and minerals needed for an active lifestyle.

5THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2015


Children are more keen to participate in lessons if they find the learning experience fun.

Enjoyable English classesLEARNING a language is not the same as studying subjects that involve memorisation of facts such as science, history or geography.

Language needs to be absorbed and practised. The main objective for language teachers is to ensure that their learners become more proficient in using the target language, particular in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Children are best motivated to learn and use a new language when placed in a non-stressful learning environment.

When a child believes that learning a language can be fun, he or she will be eager to participate.

Games and other activities are useful media to teach language in a non-stressful way. This facilitates the target language to be acquired as part of the activity and be used naturally in familiar situations that children can relate to.

At Cambridge English For Life (CEFL), this communicative method of teaching is used to help students acquire English and prepare them for the Cambridge English tests and examinations.

Enrolment is open to children aged as young as four years old, where they begin their journey to attain a high level of language proficiency. It is important that children begin learning English efficiently and effectively at an early age.

CEFL classes have four components reading, writing, listening and speaking. Children are encouraged to speak English and actively use it in classroom activities to

gain more practice and confidence.Other tasks such as drawing, colouring

and speaking to the examiner motivate and inspire children in their learning as well.

In addition to developing English language proficiency and preparing students for the Cambridge exams, CEFL also provides enrichment programmes.

The up-to-date course materials include topics of global interest historical, environmental and cultural to broaden the minds of students and widen their perspectives. Students are also encouraged to be independents learners in the process.

To be the best that they can be, children need to have an environment conducive to learning that is non-threatening and fun.

n For more information, call 03-7883 0912 or visit www.cambridgeforlife.org

Instil love for readingINSPIRING children to enjoy reading isone of the most important things to do asa parent.

While children develop reading skills at school, this often leads to reading being associated with work rather than pleasure.

The most effective way to encourage children to love books and reading is to read aloud to them, even when they have learnt to read by themselves.

Why children do not like reading

Its boring You can vary reading activities at home and relate them to the childs interests.

Too busy Some children need help in rearranging their schedules to make timefor reading.

Too hard If your child is having a hard time reading, talk with the teacher and ask how you can find interesting books and materials that match your childs reading ability.

Too much pressure For some children, especially those who have difficulty reading, reading causes anxiety.

Even for children with strong reading skills, performance-driven reading can place a lot of pressure on them. Give them space to just enjoy reading for fun.

Encourage readingUse childrens interests and hobbies as

starting points to find good materials for them to read. Build on that interest and read short selections aloud and discuss things that interest them.

Play games that are reading-related such as spelling games or board games that require players to read cue cards.

At Rafflesia International & Private Schools, reading activities such as Literacy Awareness Week and Book Parade help promote and instil reading habits in Rafflesia students.

Students are encouraged to read and learn and the school also promotes reading and learning to teachers and other staff members.

Learning is extended to parents of Rafflesia students through seminars held by its board of governors, which are held from time to time to share expertise on supporting the education process at home.

Rafflesia invites parents and children to come and visit the school on its Open Day on June 20 from 10am to 4pm at its Puchong and Kajang campuses to find out more about its International School and Private School syllabus as well as its learning culture.

n For more information, call 03-8953 9088 or 03-8741 7099 or visit www.rafflesia.edu.my

The library is one of childrens favourite places to be in at Rafflesia International & Private Schools as this is where they can enjoy the fun of reading together.


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Creating successful global citizensUCSI International School recognises the importance of holistic learning from a young age, as is reflected by its offering of the full array of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes.

Combined with its full boarding facilities, this has set a strong foundation for the school to achieve its mission of providing international education to nurture knowledgeable and responsible global citizens.

Revolutionising learningUCSI International School

incorporates the IB syllabus throughout primary and secondary education.l Primary Years programme

(ages three to 12) Focuses on developing students inquisitional capacities involving knowledge and skills derived from six areas of study. The areas are language, social studies, mathematics, arts, science as well as personal, social and physical education.l Middle Years programme

(ages 13 to 15) At this stage, students are groomed to become independent, critical-thinking global learners. Students take up courses in language, individuals and society as well as mathematics and science, among others. They also complete an actions-as-service

component and personal project.l Diploma programme (ages

16 to 19) This programme is designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students, preparing them for university life and beyond.

Students take six subjects in the areas of language, arts, mathematics and science. They also complete an Extended Essay as well as Theory of Knowledge and CAS (creativity, action and service) components.

To complement its solid academic programmes, the school offers various opportunities for co-curricular involvement through its After School Programme.

Under this programme, students can get involved in coding, drama, choir or sports such as football, swimming, tennis and basketball.

These are supported by top facilities and learning resources, including Wi-Fi availability, five science laboratories and a library.

The overall experience here is truly amazing. Our teachers,

facilities and programmes are incredible. We have created an amazing school community, says UCSI International School principal Kathryn Farrell.

The IB advantageThe IB programme is

internationally recognised for its unique structure and pedagogy, which places emphasis on application, synthesis and analysis in learning.

On top of that, community

Top facilities and resources support holistic learning at UCSI International School.

Students are exposed to greater learning opportunities through the IB programme.

service is integrated into the curriculum in line with the IB Mission Statement to help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

According to Farrell, teachers at IB World Schools act as meddlers in the middle they apply concept-based, inquiry teaching as facilitators. All UCSI International School teachers are formally trained under the IB.

IB graduates have also shown great interest and success in higher education, making them prime candidates for top universities worldwide. Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency comparing two academic years between 2007 and 2009 showed that IB students were more likely to enrol into a top 20 higher learning institution, receive honours degrees or awards, andbe employed in graduate level positions and higher paid occupations.

UCSI International Schools Open Day will be held on June 13 from 10am to 4pm at the Springhill campus. Grade 8 students will also be taking part in a fun run in conjunction with the Open Day.

n For more information,call 06-653 6814 or visit www.ucsiinternationalschool.edu.my


Effective digestion in childrenPARENTS today are more health-savvy and capable of taking preventive measures to ensure their childs good health.

Although people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of nutrition, the same cannot be said about awareness of good gut health.

Ensuring that your child receives a well-balanced and nutritious diet is in vain if his or her gut is not in a healthy state to absorb the necessary nutrients, says nutritionist Neoh Guat Khim.

A large part of maintaining a healthy gut involves having a balance of good bacteria known as probiotics.

A healthy human gastrointestinal tract is surrounded by up to 80% of good bacteria, which is necessary in maintaining the balance of a good gut microflora.

Good bacteria act as the first line of defence in the gut by lining the gut membrane to form a physical barrier that blocks the action of pathogens and allergens.

When this intestinal balance is compromised and there are insufficient good bacteria, the

membrane is easily infiltrated, leading to the weakening of thegut and a host of other health complications.

Children typically take up to two years to develop a mature digestive system.

As they grow, they are increasingly exposed to various viruses and bacteria, especially through interactions with peers.

It can be difficult to monitor your childs diet and activities atall times, let alone ensure that they are maintaining healthy eating habits.

On top of this, some children can be picky eaters, which makes it harder for them to receive adequate nutrients.

Children who are constantly on antibiotics may have a harder time maintaining healthy intestinal microflora because antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria.

An unhealthy gut leads to an increase in a childs susceptibility to illnesses, which are made worse with changing lifestyles and dietary habits.

Therefore, parents need to recognise the importance of good

bacteria in their childrens digestive system.

We rely very much on our nutrient intake to supplement us with good bacteria.

An unhealthy gut affects nutrient absorption, thus affecting the balance of essential nutrients. This can cause children to fall ill frequently, which will affect their growth, says Neoh.

Positive synergistic effects

Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-5) and Bifidobacterium lactis (BB-12) are probiotic strains that optimise food digestion and nutrient absorption.

Individually, the LA-5 strain is known to aid lactose digestion and reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance while BB-12 promotes high bile tolerance, acid resistance and widespread colonisation in the gut.

Chicory inulin, which is extracted from the chicory plant root, has been identified as a complementary prebiotic that works well with LA-5 and BB-12.

This oligosaccharide (saccharide

polymer containing small numbers of simple sugars) assists in the absorption of nutrients while promoting growth and development in children.

Chicory inulin works synergistically with probiotics to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, thus improving intestinal microflora and function.

When combined, LA-5, BB-12 and chicory inulin enhance nutrient absorption of calcium and other minerals as well as vitamins.

These are the characteristics of a healthy gut, which allows regular bowel movement for an overall healthier and happier child.

This article is brought to you by BiO-LiFE.

n For more information, e-mail [email protected]

Maintaining a healthy diet is essential in protecting gut health.


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The wonder of multilingualismAN Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) education provides young minds with more than a solid academic qualification.

Part of our learning is the inclusion of cultural aspects of life, which is evidenced by the importance we place on language acquisition, says Spanish teacher Louise Capon.

Language plays an increasingly crucial role in transforming the educational landscape. To become frontrunners in an increasingly globalised world, students must equip themselves with as many skills as possible, including the ability to speak various languages.

ECiM recognises the importance of multilingualism and promotes this by offering five languages throughout all levels of education.

Besides English, languages taught at ECiM are Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, French and Spanish.

Students in Years 7 and 8 study all five languages and are required to pursue at least one of the four additional languages at the GCSE level.

Enhancing the learning experience

It is not a mammoth task to gauge the value of multilingualism in such a diverse campus.

On top of local students of various cultural backgrounds, the ECiM student body consists of large numbers of British, Japanese and Chinese students.

Students often come together to celebrate one anothers cultures during festivities and International Day events. Such celebrations highlight the rich cultural variety in ECiM while enhancing intercultural understanding and appreciation.

These values are especially crucial in a boarding school such as ECiM, where students must learn to be respectful and supportive of fellow boarders.Students learn to use appropriate language in different contexts and display initiative by checking translations of words or phrases

Epsom College in Malaysia provides a multicultural and multilingual learning environment.

From the headmasterTEACHING was not my first choice of career. After university, I served for 10 years in the British Army as an infantry officer before taking my first teaching post.

The career move was tougher than I had imagined it would be, but it quickly became apparent that I had made the right decision. Epsom is the fourth school I have worked in, and the second as a headmaster.

Previously, I spent six years as head of Durham School, a 600-year-old boarding school in the North of England.

My subject is history and politics and I have always maintained some teaching responsibility, even as a headmaster.

I currently teach a few periods of A-Levels politics. It is important that headmasters maintain their professional connection with classroom practice.

At ECiM, we have achieved an extraordinary amount in a short period of time.

Opening last September with 130 pupils, we ended the year

with well over 200.This term, we had our first

A-Levels examinations. We have had great success in the English Speaking Board Exams with 100% distinctions/merits.

There have been several successful trips, both locally and overseas.

We have achieved some notable sporting successes, including the girls senior squad winning the Penang schools football competition.

We have also hosted some fantastic events on site, most notably the performance of Hamlet by the Globe Theatre on its world tour.

It is scarcely believable that in such a short space of time, our staff, pupils and parents have generated an incredibly close, supportive, energetic and purposeful community.

I suspect I have the best job in the world.

n Martin George is the headmaster of Epsom Collegein Malaysia.

opportunities in the global employment market.

I believe that being able to speak a second or third language can set students apart from their counterparts, opening the doors to international employment, she says.

While many people in England are still complacent due to the fact that English is so widely spoken, I think the Asian education systems hold great store in the value of being

to better express themselves.Capon explains that because

language learning is centred around communication in terms of listening, speaking, reading and writing, improving in a second language should assist in developing those realms of communication in the students native language as well.

Multilingualism opens doors to the world and it is very much alive in ECiM, she says.

At times, I hear conversations being conducted in up to three languages with students switching naturally between them.

Educators set examples by using the language they teach to converse with students both in and out of the classroom. They also converse with other faculty members in a common language besides English.

Opening doors to a brighter future

Many people believe the early years of schooling is the best time for second language learning as this is the time childrens brains are developing the most.

At this point, they have not yet developed a strategic system for learning, making it easier for them to absorb and retain new sounds and words of a second language.

In the words of Capon, younger children do not yet have a bias telling them that things have to work in certain ways. This makes them prime candidates for language acquisition.

English lessons are compulsory for all ECiM students, with non-native speakers receiving additional support to allow them to catch up with others at their level. Bahasa Malaysia is compulsory for Malaysian students up to the GCSE level.

Students are also exposed to modern languages with a global reach such as French and Spanish, which promote the development of a truly international perspective.

Capon attests to the benefits of multilingualism herself, explaining that multilingual graduates have greater

able to communicate competently across borders.

Learning new languages exposes students to a whole wealth of cultural richness, making them more tolerant and accepting of

others while equipping them with a skill that will further increase and diversify future career options.

n For more information, visitwww.epsomcollege.edu.my


Optimiselearning abilitiesIRON, iodine, fibre, calcium and magnesium deficiencies are some of the most common nutritional problems that affect children.

These elements are needed in a childs everyday dietary intake as they each perform a different function in the body.

The body may only need iron in trace amounts daily, but the mineral has important roles in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis, energy metabolism and oxygen storage and transport.

The most glaring sign of iron deficiency is microcytic, hypochromic anaemia, which causes a child to tire easily and become befuddled, thus affecting his or her studies.

Adolescents from the ages of 14 to 18 are the most vulnerable as their bodies rely on iron for muscle growth. If a young girl is menstruating, she is losing even more iron and requires an extra supply of the mineral.

Providing children with adequate iron and vitamin C can improve their energy levels as well as improve brain development linked to

behaviour, cognitive abilities and subsequently academic scores.

The body requires vitamin C to help absorb the iron optimally.

Despite living in a country that is sunny all year round, many young Malaysians lack vitamin D. Children should be exposed to sunlight besides getting their vitamin D from food sources.

Apart from helping the body absorb calcium for the toughening of the bones and teeth, vitamin D is crucial for bolstering cognitive performance and overseeing normal brain development and function.

Iodine is fundamental in the production of thyroid hormones. Depending on age and gender, children only need around 90mcg to 150mcg iodine per day.

We can help children counter iodine deficiency by increasing their intakes of food rich in iodine, iron and selenium, which play a part in maintaining healthy thyroid functions.

A healthy gut also plays a part in ensuring that children have a healthy mind. Regular bowel movements ensure healthy intestines and brains. The intestine is a part of the enteric nervous system, linked to the brain by the vagus nerve.

If children are experiencing irregular bowel movements, there is a high probability of pathogenic bacteria dwelling in their guts, consequently compromising the immune system.

Isomalto-oligosaccharide, a functional fibre, amplifies the beneficial intestinal flora population of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum. The probiotics strengthen the immune system and help salvage cognitive functions.

It is crucial to provide children with a variety of healthy foods to achieve a

balanced diet. Besides giving them proper meals, we can enhance childrens learning potential with JoyAmaze Inspired, a chocolate milk rich in nutritional value.

It provides schooling children and adolescents with 50% of the Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNI) the amount of nutrients needed by the majority of the population to meet the bodys requirements.

The chocolate milk provides a high content of DHA, vitamins A, B complex, C, D and E, iron, iodine, selenium, calcium, magnesium and zinc. It contains additional prebiotic isomalto-oligosaccharide to improve overall digestive health.

This article is brought to you by JoyAmaze

n For more information, call 1300 881 268.

JoyAmaze Inspired chocolate milk provides high content of DHA, vitamins and minerals for overall good health.

Geelong Grammar Schools School of Performing Arts and Creative Education is set to encourage students to innovate.

Inspiring creativityCREATIVITY and innovation are the focusof an exciting new approach to learning at Geelong Grammar School.

The school appointed Dr Tim Patston,who has built an international reputation as a pioneer in modern education, as its inaugural co-ordinator of creativity and innovation at the beginning of this year.

A former head of music at Australias National Institute of Dramatic Art, Dr Patston is also an honorary fellow of the Melbourne Graduate School of Educationat the University of Melbourne, where he lectured in positive psychology and curriculum development.

More than ever, schools have a responsibility to prepare children for a society of rapidly changing diversity and opportunity, explains Dr Patston.

Being able to innovate is the single most important skill our children can learn. I believe that creativity in all students and teachers can be accessed, ignited and nurtured if a supportive and sustaining environment is provided.

On May 23, Geelong Grammar School opened its AU$20mil (RM56.25mil) School of Performing Arts and Creative Education (Space) to act as a catalyst for the schools development of creativity and innovationas well as provide a focal point for the performing arts.

The building provides state-of-the-art

facilities for drama, music and dance.It has theatres, classrooms and spaces

designed for students and teachers to express themselves, explore creativity, collaborate and innovate.

This is the most exciting part of what we are doing, says Stephen Meek, the schools principal.

We want to encourage our students to find innovative ways of doing things.

Dr Patston believes this focus on creative learning highlights a fundamental shift in the way people view education, particularly as the South-East Asian region increasingly moves away from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based one.

Though computers can now do the jobs that people used to, they cant think laterally in a creative way and turn ideas into something practical. Creative students will find it easier to discover their own path in these new workplaces, he says.

Geelong Grammar Schools vision in nurturing this new approach to learning and developing the Space puts the school at the vanguard of contemporary education.

Geelong Grammar School will be holding an information session at 5pm on June 9 (Tuesday) at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

n For more information,visit www.ggs.vic.edu.au


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Australian education in MalaysiaTHE Australian International School Malaysia (AISM) has grown steadily since its inception 15 years ago.

It is the only international school in Malaysia offering an Australian curriculum for all year levels delivered by Australian teachers.

The school, located in a gated community in Bluwater Estate, Seri Kembangan, caters to students from ages three (pre-school) to 18 (pre-university). The student body comprises individuals of 40 different nationalities.

AISM offers the rigorous, holistic and world-renowned Australian curriculum in which senior students complete the New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC) before graduating.

The broad curriculum provides students with opportunities to explore their areas of interest and expertiseas well as excel in an internationally recognisedsenior certificate.

The HSC provides direct pathways to universities in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and India, where students can pursue degree courses in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, engineering, architecture, business studies, information technology and other areas of study.

A significant difference between the HSC and other international senior curricula is the recognition that students should be given opportunities to be assessed in a range of ways besides external examinations.

Assessment for the HSC has two components 50% of the overall grade comes from a final examination that is set and marked in Australia and the other 50% comes from school-

Accessible and flexible resources

To support the delivery of the Australian curriculum to students in urban, remote and island settings, the administering organisation, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), has developed a range of web-based reference and online interactive resources.

The resources are available to both domestic and international students and teachers. This makes the curriculum a particularly attractive option for international schools such as AISM as it serves a large expatriate population in Malaysia.

The flexibility of the curriculum allows students of all abilities, including those with special needs and gifts, to experience robust and relevant learning opportunities that will allow each of them to be

challenged, engaged and prepared for life in a dynamic world.

Take the opportunity to visit the schools Open Week from June 8 to 13 (10am to 1pm) and understand how the Australian curriculum could suit your childs learning needs. Exciting activities are in store for your child, including science experiments, storytelling, Lego design and construction, and trial classes.

Parents will have the opportunity to meet the principal and heads of school over morning tea.

They can join a briefing that will help them understand the importance of cultivating good thinking skills in children as well as the differences between the Australian curriculum and other international curricula.

n For more information,call 03-8949 5000 or visitwww.aism.edu.my

Open communication and collaboration are key aspects of the Australian curriculum.

based assignments, examinations and projects.

This form of assessment provides every student with the opportunity to achieve their best, thus opening up a greater range of international tertiary pathways.

Curriculum for a multicultural society

According to an Australian Mutual Provident Society (AMP) report in 2010 titled Income and Wealth Report Issue 27 - Calling Australia Home, Australia was tied with Switzerland as the second most multicultural nation in the world, behind Luxembourg.

With a growing population made up of 25% skilled migrants, it was essential for Australia to develop a curriculum that met the needs of a mobile and globally focused multicultural community.

The new curriculum has been designed to improve learning outcomes for a diverse population of students, making the school an ideal choice for Australians, Malaysians and expatriate students in Malaysia.

The Australian curriculum embeds seven general

capabilities literacy, numeracy, ICT capability, critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability, ethical understanding, and intercultural understanding.

The curriculum has the flexibility to cater for the individual learning needs, strengths, interests and goals of students.


Getting enough calciumCALCIUM is one of the bodys most important minerals that helps bones and teeth grow and stay strong. Most parents provide their child

with multi-vitamins and vitamin C daily to boost their immune system and prevent them from catching a cold or the flu.

Unfortunately, calcium is often overlooked as an important supplement. Ninety nine percent of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones.

If children do not get enough calcium from their diet, the body will extract it from the bones, causing the bones to become weak and this will ultimately affect growth.

Building your childrens bone bank account is same as to saving for their education. The more they accumulate when they are young, the longer it will last them as they age.

How much calcium do children need?

The recommended daily calcium intake of a child increases with age as his or her skeleton grows.

Increasing calcium intake

Milk and dairy products are a good source of calcium. However, some children do not like to consume milk and dairy products. Here are some tips to increase their calcium intake:

l Replace milk with calcium-fortified juices for breakfast.l Choose calcium-rich food as

snacks for your child, such as crackers with low-fat cheese or yoghurt topped with their favourite fruits.l Ensure that your child eats a

variety of foods. Foods besides dairy

products may also contain calcium in smaller quantities such as fruits, dark green leafy vegetables and cereals.

The variety of foods accumulates a significant portion of your childs

Full CreamMilk (ml)

Age Calcium intake(mg/day)

One to three years old

Four to six years old

Seven to nine years old

10 to 15 years old

500mg

600mg

700mg

1000mg

360ml

360ml

550mg

800mg

The recommended daily calcium intake of a child increases with age as his or her skeleton grows.

Calcium is an important component of childrens growth.

daily calcium requirements.l Choose a good calcium

supplement for your child.

Choosing a good calcium supplementl A good calcium

supplement for children should contain a minimum of 200mg of

calcium, which is the optimal amount of calcium that a supplement should have.

While it is important to supplement a childs diet with calcium to ensure that they meet their daily calcium requirement, supplements should not be the only source of calcium. A balanced diet is recommended for children to maintain good health. l The calcium supplement should

contain 300IU of vitamin D3 for every 200mg of calcium. The added vitamin D3 helps to lock in the calcium in the bones because vitamin D3 helps your childs body absorb calcium more efficiently. l The calcium supplement should

be tasty. Children often refuse to take calcium supplements due to their chalky taste. Hence, try to find a calcium supplement that their taste buds agree with.

n For more information, e-mail [email protected]

Milk and dairy products are a good source of calcium.

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Bright Kids - 2 June 2015

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