The school’s holistic approach fosters an environment where students thrive academically and socially.

Maple Leaf Kingsley International School is guided by the values: ‘Invest, Impart, Instil’.

PETALING JAYA:

Academic success can be a challenging journey, but in a nurturing and supportive environment, it becomes an exciting expedition of growth and opportunities. This is the very essence of what ML Kingsley aspires to provide.

“Being a student is so much more than academics, and at Kingsley, I really do feel as if I’m able to learn and grow much more as a person because of the support that I’m receiving, both academically and socially,” said Singam Reshmanraaj, a current A-level student at Maple Leaf Kingsley International School (ML Kingsley).

Beyond the books

Christine Ong Yee Ten, head of English & Pre-U studies pointed out that the tight-knit A-level community – where classrooms typically host just 25 students on average – fosters a personalised environment ensuring that every student receives individual support.

Ong takes pride in her A-level students and values ML Kingsley’s nurturing environment which allows them to flourish.

In this nurturing setting where growth is a priority, it’s no surprise that even though extracurricular activities (ECAs) are not obligatory for A-level students, a substantial number of them display a keen interest in leadership projects such as organising cultural festivals and charity events.

“During these events, we teachers will act as their supervisors and allow them to take charge. When you give them the opportunity, they will eagerly embrace it, there’s no need to force them,” Ong shared.

Saruwatari Fuka (left) and Singam Reshmanraaj (right), both current A-level students, are eager to learn and grow even more with ML Kingsley.

Another A-Level student Saruwatari Fuka fondly recalled her involvement in a charity event last July, where her team sold ‘kakigori’, a Japanese shaved ice treat. Each member had distinct roles, such as communicating with teachers, accounting and more.

“As a team, we developed leadership skills and honed our event planning abilities. The event also allowed us to immerse ourselves in different cultures through cuisines like Korean and Malaysian Nyonya food. It was a wonderful experience,” said Saruwatari.

Singam also expressed a keen interest in participating in future events such as the A-level prom night and the November donation programme if the opportunity arises.

Core values

ML Kingsley’s commitment to inclusivity and well-being is demonstrated through multiple initiatives. Its ‘Wall of Fame’ celebrates student achievements, fostering acceptance and pride within the school community. Simultaneously, the school’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes emphasise empathy and community engagement amongst its students.

Secondary principal Simha Priya highlighted the seamless integration of PSHE (Personal, Social Health Education) programmes into students’ lessons. This educates students on recognising and addressing various forms of bullying, equipping them with tools to involve teachers when needed.

Simha Priya spoke of the future activities and programmes planned for the betterment of the school.

The saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, emphasises the significance of ongoing communication between the school and parents, which is made possible through the school’s Parent-Teacher Portal (PTP).

This portal offers regular updates on classroom activities, including weekly feedback for parents. This seamless connection ensures that parents are well informed, fostering a productive partnership that promotes their child’s holistic development.

Simha further reinforced: “We communicate very closely with all the parents and it’s great if parents were to come and talk to us, discuss any issues and matters. We are always there to offer our help and assistance.”

Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2023/10/07/ml-kingsley-dedicated-to-nurturing-well-rounded-leaders/

Performing Arts consist of a broad range of activities that include any form of artistic expressions that is performed in front of an audience. This field includes the presentation of original works of Music, Dance, and Theatre. Performing Arts take many forms; they can be found in theatres, concert halls, all social media such as television and radio stations and increasingly in education now.

Although there are common elements in all Performance Art, such as acting or singing, each form has its own unique characteristics. The three basic types of Performing Arts are:

1.  Drama – The art of acting out a story, usually through speech and movement. Drama is designed to tell a story and is most often performed on stage. It has been around for centuries and is one of the oldest forms of performing arts.

1. Dance – This art form is characterised by movements rather than images or words. Dancers use their bodies, costumes and props to express ideas about themselves and the world around them through movement alone.

1. Music – The art of creating and performing music is one of the oldest forms of performing arts.

Are performing arts beneficial for children?

As a parent, you may be wondering how Performing Arts can benefit your child and the multitude experiential learning each child can achieve.

Performing Arts offer an opportunity for children to self-express creatively while developing important skills such

as Self-Confidence, Teamwork and Discipline. Below are some benefits from participating in Performing Arts.

Enhanced Creativity and Self-expression

Performing Arts allow children to express themselves creatively and develop good imagination skills. Through

acting, dancing, singing, and other forms of Performing Arts, children can explore different forms of emotions and types of characters.

Building Confidence and Self-esteem

Performing in front of an audience is not an easy task for everyone, but it can also be a great confidence booster

over time. Children who participate in Performing Arts gain self-confidence and self-esteem by developing their skills and receiving feedback from their mentors and peers.

Encouraging Teamwork and Collaboration

Performing Arts also help children develop important social skills such as communication and collaboration by working together on projects and learning how to give each other constructive feedbacks in order to improve their performances.

Discipline and Focus

Learning a dance routine, memorising choral lines, or practising any type of sporting or musical instrument

requires discipline and intense focus. By participating in Performing Arts, children develop the important skills

that can help them in many other areas of their lives, such as schoolwork and sports.

An outlet for emotion

With EQ stationed in place, children are able to use their bodies and voices to translate and express their feelings

through dance or drama classes. They are then able to work through those emotions more effectively. These also provide another opportunity for teacher to do student counselling when needed.

Cultural Understanding

Through Performing Arts, children can learn about different cultures and traditions. This can help them develop a greater appreciation for diversity and a broader understanding of the world around them.

Performing Arts Programme at Kingsley

The Performing Arts Programme at Maple Leaf Kingsley International School encourages children to participate in dance, drama and music clubs as a part of STEAM education.

From boosting their creativity and confidence to developing imagination and empathy, the skills students learnt in our Performing arts programme prepares them for the different stages of life. These set the tone for life-long learning.

ML Kingsley integrates speech and drama into almost every English lessons for our primary school students. Students learn about body language, facial expressions, acting and intonation, enabling them to sit for Trinity College London examinations in drama.

Every year, ML Kingsley opens its doors to families and extended families of our students for events and special functions. Click here to learn more about the extracurricular activities at Kingsley or ask us more about our events!

Artificial Intelligence Specialist, Big Data Scientist, Cloud Architect, Digital Marketer, UI/UX Designers – What do these jobs have in common?

They didn’t exist 10 years ago!

Now, that’s an interesting fact that shows how fast global advancement and technologies change the way we learn, work and live. With such developments, our children must also be ready with knowledge and skills for such a future.

And while we can’t predict what lies ahead, the best we can do is to instil good values, impart skills, and invest in the future for the next generations.

At ML Kingsley International School, we champion STEAM education. Each programme is specially curated to support the growing demands of the future while catering to the needs of children. One such programe is the Robotics Engineering programme.

In the fascinating world of robotics technology, young minds explore design, constructional and operational aspects of robotics.

Dive further and learn more about the importance of robotics engineering:

1. Hands-on experience in STEAM

Delving into the realms of science, art, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEAM), children not only gain valuable knowledge in Robotics Engineering but also discover the interconnectedness of these subjects.

From basic knowledge of coding, to the intricacies of designing, building and programming robots, what better way for children to be inspired and gain invaluable insight into the how’s and why’s of technology.

2. Encourages children to try new ideas

We encounter roadblocks in our daily lives. Hence, our children are encouraged to apply the skills they learned in Robotics Engineering to think and solve problems.

While Robotics Engineering typically leads to better outcomes in resolving math-related problems, robotics isn’t just about logic:

• Children develop an aptitude for creative problem-solving when looking at issues from a different perspective
• Children acquire patience and overcome frustration while working on complex problems
• Children grasp understanding of different materials and how it works best for each project

3. Improves teamwork and collaboration

Each project calls for different abilities and skills. In our Robotics Engineering programme, we encourage our students to work with each other.

Children not only master the hard skills in the programme, but make a powerful impact through effective communication when they:

• Speak up and convey their ideas
• Actively listen to their groupmate’s suggestions
• Work together to achieve a common goal.

These learnings are crucial within and outside the classroom, which helps set them up for success as adults who have mastered the ability to build interpersonal relationships and communicate effectively.

4. Enhances spatial awareness and logical skills

Is your child struggling to understand the concept of space and time? Our Robotics Engineering programmes breaks down big ideas into smaller, digestible pieces of information that eventually helps children understand the bigger picture.

Robotics engineering involves understanding and working with three-dimensional space, which enhances spatial awareness. Children who learn robotics at school also learn about mathematical concepts such as:

• Geometry
• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• and many more…

All of which are essential to programming and controlling robotic projects.

These skills are also important in other STEAM fields leading to architecture, engineering, physics, interior design, gaming, programming careers and more.

5. Teaches perseverance in the face of failure

Life can be a breeze; but the challenges that come with it makes life much more interesting!

In the many challenges that we may face is life, we want to ensure that our children are well equipped. The Robotics Engineering programme at Kingsley is designed for the exact purpose!

The programme is an age-appropriate challenge which prepares students at a foundational level. Children are often motivated to look at daily life through a solution-oriented lens and inspired to push forward through each setback.

These are the exact reasons why we strive so hard to create and promote a positive and bully-free environment where children empower themselves and each other to go the distance, persevere and recap the positive results later.

6. Develops critical thinking skills

Critical thinking skills are often flouted as one of the most important skills to learn. But have you ever wondered how do children gain these skills that would easily give them an edge in the working world?

Critical thinking is described as the analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information in a logical and systematic manner. This helps to children to look at and process data which is not always presented in an easily comprehensible way.

By developing and building on critical thinking skills, children are able to make well-informed decisions based on their analysis of complex data and choose the best solution to solve the problem at hand.

These skills are highly valued in the real-world and requires students make the best use of their reasoning skills, weighing the pros and cons for different options, and make the best course of action – and are essential for success in many areas of life including academics, career and personal relationships.

7. Boosts creativity and imagination

The use of creativity is often associated with the arts – but did you know that well-known professionals in the field of science, physics, architecture and more are also considered creative individuals?

“Creativity is intelligence having fun” – Albert Einstein. 

At Kingsley, we give our students the liberty of expression in their work. This includes the freedom to design and program robots according to what they have envisioned. By exercising creativity and developing thinking power, children are able to translate these personal endeavours into success in the future.

8. It boosts confidence and self-esteem

Our Robotics Engineering programmes requires children to work both independently and in groups. The flexibility and duality of the work objective enhances cooperation and collaboration amongst the children – they become self-assured in their communication and confident in their work ethics.

Similar to adults, we want to give our children the opportunity to come into their own and see the labour of their hands-on project come to fruition, giving them a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work.

What makes learning Robotics Engineering with Maple Leaf Kingsley International School different? 

Established in 2011, Kingsley brings forth an exceptional British curriculum and has grown with its community ever since. Through close collaboration with the families of Kingsley, we have studied and understood the positive impacts of experiential learning on young minds.

Robotics Engineering projects are challenging but rewarding, and keep children motivated and engaged throughout their endeavours. It is an essential component for success in terms of character building while having fun!

Our programme at Kingsley is taught as part of the STEAM lwhich includes a gamut of extracurricular activities from art and Clay Modelling to Sports and Performing Arts. We regularly exercises extra-curricular activities into the schedule to allow for a robust programme that nurtures well-rounded leaders who are grounded and guided by strong positive values.

We foster environments that challenge students to think about thinking, be creative, developing their potentials in every subject and through each meaningful experience. As we nurture the future generation, we envision a seamless integration of these disciplines, fostering a rich tapestry of learning experiences for your child.

Get in touch with us to schedule a visit to our campus and get a first-hand experience of our facilities and services.

Have you ever asked yourself what success looks like? How do you measure success?

Success presents itself differently to a diverse group of people – it could be the ability to speak fluently in multiple languages, play musical instruments beautifully, or even score exemplary grades in school.

At Kingsley, we underscore the importance of recognising each individual’s potential. By acknowledging the different potentials, we aim to set children up for success!

“You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” – John C. Maxwell

Being a successful student is not just about intelligence or talent; it’s about developing effective habits that can lead to academic excellence and personal growth.

The popular belief of success being determined by natural abilities contradicts the ongoing argument of “nature vs nurture” – one can be successful so long as the right habits are being developed.

So how does one make these small changes to improve quality of life? It’s important to identify one habit at a time and make it part of one’s daily routine.

Let’s explore some key habits that successful individuals cultivate, and how these seemingly small changes can have a profound impact on their lives.

Manage time

“The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.” — Stephen R. Covey

Time management is crucial in success. It’s a valuable commodity that cannot be exchanged for anything else except for invaluable moments that define the person we choose to become.

What does a typical day look like for a student at Kingsley?

Our children start bright and early – we encourage them to make the most of their time in school and lead by example.

The children are provided with a timetable, designed to maximise their learning experience which include:

1. Core subject learning & lessons
2. Elective subject lessons
3. Revision time
4. Extracurricular activities

This curated schedule ensures that each child is given the opportunity to build on their potential while teaching them about the value of time well spent.

Our students are also encouraged to create their own schedule or to-do list, breaking down assignments and study sessions into manageable chunks. By allocating specific time slots for different activities, they are able to accomplish more and put off less urgent tasks.

They also set realistic deadlines for themselves, completing their work well ahead of time so that they can revise and improve it, while slotting in ample time to rest and recover.

Set goals

“The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.” —Bill Copeland

Feeling lost? It’s okay.

That feeling is completely normal, but it should not hinder children from achieving milestones and recognition for their accomplishments.

Our teachers and staff consistently strive to ensure that each lesson, activity and interaction with students is significant–by demonstrating the purpose.

The meaningful outcome goes to show how crucial it is for students to create objectives that they want to achieve.

Goals provide direction for their studies and help them focus on specific areas of improvement. Each assignment is broken down into manageable chunks and is scheduled in their agenda for completing each step.

This helps them avoid procrastination and stay on track with their work.

Learn to focus

“The shorter way to do many things is to only do one thing at a time.” – Mozart

Studies at Stanford University have shown that multitasking is less efficient than focusing on a single task at a time.

In order to be successful, focusing on one task at a time is paramount to productivity and learning. This allows them to complete an assignment without interruption and make the most of their time.

Focusing also has multiple benefits which include:

1. Improved Quality of Work
2. Increased Productivity
3. Better Time Management
4. Enhanced Concentration
5. Reduced Stress
6. Improved Memory Consolidation
7. Enhanced Decision Making
8. Increased Job Satisfaction
9. Effective Communication
10. Reduced Mental Fatigue

Children benefit from the outcome and learn to understand that distractions can derail them from achieving their goals and must take measures to avoid these distractions.

This might mean turning off their cell phones when they are studying, or taking a break from their routine and going for a walk.

Find Your Motivation

 “All our dreams can come true — if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

Apart from a goal, motivation is the fuel that keeps us moving forward. It drives students to continue working on a task even when they don’t feel like doing it.

Children are capable of self-motivation by contemplating the rewards of finishing a task, such as the feeling of accomplishment, getting good grades in tests or the knowledge that something important has been attained.

Self-care and balance

“There’s nothing more important than our good health – that’s our principal capital asset.” – Arlen Specter

ML Kingsley International School recognises the importance of well-being and self-care. We nurture our students by providing them with love, care and guidance, while instilling the independence of self-care within themselves as well.

Successful students recognise the significance of self-care and maintaining a healthy balance between academic commitments and personal well-being.

What does a balanced schedule look like?

The children prioritise:

1. getting enough sleep
2. eating well
3. engaging in regular exercise

These habits all contribute to improved focus, productivity, and overall mental and physical health.

They also make time for hobbies, relaxation, and spending quality time with family and friends, recognising the importance of a well-rounded life.

Enriching the lives of our students

At Kingsley, we believe that academic success is not solely dependent on natural intelligence or talent. It requires a commitment to developing good study habits and daily routines. Our holistic curriculum ensures that each student acquires a range of skills and knowledge, including academic, social and emotional competencies. With a strong foundation in these areas, students are more likely to be successful in school and beyond.

Students can choose from a wide range of subjects, finding ample opportunities to develop real-world skills as they learn and grow in a global community. We design our lessons to be interactive and engaging. We help our students achieve their educational goals by using innovative teaching methods such as discussions, pair work, presentations, debates/dialogues and hands-on activities.

We also encourage our students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, and community service. These activities not only help students develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication but also provide them with a well-rounded experience where they can explore their interests outside the classroom.

At Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, we encourage students to think independently and tackle challenges with confidence. This is why we believe in the importance of a holistic education that goes beyond just academics. Our students are encouraged to explore different aspects of their lives, develop their skills and interests and ultimately become well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.

Learn more about our curriculum today!

Nestled in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Odyssey’s pedagogy is the belief that every child is unique and has their learning style and pace.

Inspired by the best practices from the United States, United Kingdom, Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy, and Malaysia’s National Preschool Education system (KSPK), Odyssey The Global Preschool provides a Reggio Emilia-inspired campus fully-equipped for self-directed and exploratory learning.

Odyssey is a true international preschool that offers a curriculum tailored to the needs and interests of each child. We foster a collaborative educational structure that centres around the child as an engaged and capable learner whilst recognising the environment as the third teacher.

More than a preschool, we serve as a hub for research and education, where we develop innovative and globally recognised teaching curricula to create a distinctive Odyssey experience. This personalised approach ensures that children are engaged, motivated and stimulated in their learning.

What is the personalised approach to education at Odyssey?

The Reggio Emilia approach regards children as essential community members who are active, capable, and valuable. The approach promotes exploration, questioning, and interpretation of the world during the crucial first five years of life. This creates a strong foundation of experiences that will allow each child to achieve their full potential.

#1. Celebrating Diversity

At Odyssey, children learn about different cultures, languages and customs through various activities and experiences. For example, they may celebrate different cultural festivals, learn to cook international cuisine, or participate in language classes like our Chinese Language Immersion Programme. These activities allow children to better understand the world around them and develop empathy for people from different backgrounds.

 

#2. Fitness Fun: Outdoor Learning Experience

Outdoor learning experiences play a significant role in shaping the holistic development of our young children. We recognise that outdoor play and exploration are essential for nurturing children’s curiosity, creativity and physical skills.

With this in mind, we designed an outdoor learning environment that provides children ample opportunities to explore the natural world and engage in hands-on learning activities.

Outdoor learning activities at Odyssey, The Global Preschool, are made to support various areas of development. For instance, physical activities such as jumping and running help to promote gross motor skills and physical fitness.

Meanwhile, exploratory activities like observing insects or watching plants grow foster children’s natural curiosity. These activities might seem simple, but they profoundly impact children’s development. When they look at insects, they learn about the world around them. They might see how ants work together to build their homes or how pretty a butterfly’s wings are. They’ll start to understand how all the different living things, like bugs and plants, are connected and how they help each other to survive.

 

#3. Art Odyssey: Embark on an Artistic Adventure

It’s no secret that young children have a natural affinity for creating art, but did you know just how important these activities are during the early years? Engaging in art encourages children to explore, interact with their environment and learn how things work.

Each Odyssey campus has a dedicated Art Specialist who guides the children to explore their creativity using various tools and media and, often, through the inspiration of certain artists.

But creativity doesn’t just happen in the Atelier. We have many avenues to promote creativity. For example, our Little Chef Day event encourages children to explore their culinary skills and creativity by making their dishes while learning about nutrition and healthy eating habits.

In Colours of Odyssey, children express themselves through a myriad of media and techniques, including painting, drawing, and sculpting, while exploring the world of colours and hues. These events are showcases where our children express themselves in novel ways and develop essential skills like collaboration, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking.

 

#4. Music Odyssey: Discover New Sounds and Rhythms

More than the joy of music and developing a rhythm, music is an essential part of children’s brain development. When children listen to music, the neurons in their brains make connections, improving their ability to learn and process information.

Designed to introduce children to music and help them develop a love for rhythm and melody, Music Odyssey introduces children to a wide range of musical genres, instruments and cultures worldwide.

They learn the elements of music, such as tempo, dynamics and pitch, through singing and percussion. As they progress through the programme, they are introduced to new instruments such as ukuleles, keyboards and drums. This helps to broaden their understanding of music and its role in different societies and provides them with an appreciation of diversity and cultural differences.

Ready to enrol your child? Join us for a school tour to discover the Odyssey difference. Your child’s best start in life starts here.