Articles

With an outstanding career, this principal is returning to Malaysia to lead a renowned international school

Published by SchoolAdvisor | May 12, 2017

Australia’s Peninsula Grammar School has a long tradition of producing top-notch students who go on to gain entry into top universities worldwide, excelling in their chosen fields. Now Malaysia has access to this prestigious school and its curriculum and programmes at the Peninsula International School Australia in Setia Alam opening in January 2018.

In this two-part interview with Peninsula International School Australia’s principal, Clive Rogers discusses his inspiration, the recruitment of quality teachers and how the school will ensure continuous high standards that have made the school a leading and desirable, educational institution worldwide.

Clive Rogers is an experienced and motivated international school leader and has been in the field of education for almost 4 decades

What’s been your journey in the field of education?

I haven’t travelled the traditional route you would probably expect a principal to have done in their career. I started my teaching career as a PE (physical education) teacher, 38 years ago and this has given me the privilege to travel the world and experience diverse cultures and educational systems. I’ve worked in the United Kingdom, Caribbean, Italy, India and Malaysia. In Malaysia, I was a very successful Founding Principal of an International School in Kuala Lumpur and I have a strong desire to return to Malaysia and work with the people here.

Previous successful appointments were as Head of School at International IB Schools in Italy, India, United Kingdom, Caribbean, British Council and the PDO/Shell school in Muscat, Oman.

Working in many diverse educational systems can be very demanding and requires a high level of experience and management skills in many critical areas of both the educational aspects of a school and the overseeing of the full operational aspects of the transition and start-up of an international school.

Asia, in particular, is going through a lot of transformation, especially in education. Since Malaysia opened its international school doors, the number of international schools in Malaysia has increased and the number of students attending these schools has almost doubled. These private schools are constantly in pursuit to be the best international education provider in the region. Part of my role coming here and founding Peninsula International School Australia is to raise standards through effective teaching and learning while combining new educational initiatives with excellence aimed at preparing students to be global citizens.

Peninsula International School Australia is a superb project built on a strong educational ethos and a global curriculum. Most importantly, parents now have a quality alternative to the Cambridge and IB Curriculum and have access to the high quality Victorian Curriculum.

As a principal, it is absolutely essential for me and the team to ensure that the school employs high calibre, trained and experienced teachers that are able to deliver the Victorian Curriculum. In my journey, there is no doubt that the main concern of most parents is the quality of teachers. It is, therefore, my job to ensure this school has the best teachers possible that not only make a difference in the child’s education but also support and encourage students to succeed in their educational journey.

After 38 years of teaching in a variety of educational systems, my own enthusiasm and passion for teaching are as powerful as it was when I started way back in 1976.

What is the teacher recruitment process like at Peninsula International School Australia?

First of all, it is important for the teacher to understand the curriculum and its values. We want teachers with international experience, a passion for teaching, able to work in a multi-cultural community and place a high value on teaching and learning and pastoral care. I think what would set our teachers apart from other international schools is their ability to go beyond the classroom and contribute to the wider aspects of a child’s learning.

The school’s management team carefully reviews each application with the students’ best interest in mind and is also committed to conducting background checks for safety to certify that each staff member has appropriate qualifications; the safeguarding of children is a priority for the school.  Once the initial selection process is complete, we will arrange interviews session and ensure that a high level of quality assurance is used before confirming an appointment.

Above all, the most essential quality I look for in a teacher is his or her ability to make lasting connections with their students because I think the relationship between teachers and students is paramount and critical in preparing a child for future success. Peninsula Grammar in Australia has a first-class Pastoral Care programme. The school provides age-appropriate pastoral programme to all students. It is through these personal and life skill developmental opportunities that the school can monitor the holistic educational experience and development of each child. The Peninsula Grammar facilitates this through formal and informal academic and pastoral approaches and we will most definitely aim to provide the best educational experience for our students.

How does the school ensure its standards and academic quality?

We have constant curriculum monitoring and self-assessments from the school’s internal body to maintain the quality assurances needed to deliver the curriculum at the highest levels and standards. We’re also being observed by the school in Melbourne as well as the Victoria Curriculum and Assessment Authority. That’s really another factor that I appreciate about this partnership, as it supports collaborative practices and standards between the two schools.

Our teachers are continuously monitored in-house by performance management and appraisals to maintain the quality of teaching and learning and the delivery of the programme. Besides that, teachers are trained to deliver the Victorian Curriculum with cutting edge ideas, creativity and technology which will be able to maximise the educational opportunities of our diverse student population.

Mr Rogers is a believer in raising standards through effective teaching and learning, continually looking at students learning preferences and teaching styles, whilst, combining new initiatives such as learning platforms and embedding them into the curriculum.

How’s life in Malaysia?

I find Malaysia a wonderful country to live in and work in. I have a 9-year-old son who absolutely adores Malaysia and I think it’s a wonderful place to raise a family and of course the food is incredible! Wherever my education journey has taken me, I’ve been able to connect with the community and I find this crucially important.

In my free time I swim, wash, cook and iron just like the average person because that’s just who I am. Throughout my working life, I’ve been a footballer, a coach and I’ve worked in industry. These life experiences that I’ve have had better prepared me to be a teacher because I can relate to people from all walks of life.

What’s your favourite football club?

Manchester United of course!

And food?

It has to be pasta as my favourite destination would be Italy!

About the school

Peninsula International School Australia is set to open in Malaysia in January 2018, offering Australia's Victorian Curriculum based Primary and Secondary education for students from PreP (Age 6) to Year 12 (Age 18). The school allows students in Malaysia to study for an internationally recognised qualification without having to leave their home. Our students can develop a high level of fluency in English and a strong understanding of a global education system. This ensures that they are well prepared for study at both local and western universities in the future.