School Advisor Articles

The Kingsley Advantage: Combining Excellence in Bilingual with a Global Perspective

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Nov 22, 2024

Every parent dreams of seeing their kids flourish, not just academically, but as well-rounded individuals prepared for life’s challenges. At Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, this belief goes beyond achieving good grades—it’s about shaping students into confident, capable people who can thrive in a global world.

Kingsley’s mission is clear: to integrate strong academics with personal growth, ensuring students excel in all areas of life. While their British curriculum forms the foundation of their academic structure, Kingsley takes this further by embedding traditional values into each lesson. The school recognises that learning starts early, but it’s not just about today—it’s about preparing children for a bright future, ready to take on the world.

 A Vital Part of A Brighter Future

Mandarin at Kingsley is more than just another subject. In a world where communication is key, the ability to speak Mandarin can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. From building cultural appreciation to enhancing career prospects, Kingsley positions Mandarin as a vital tool for student's future success.

Despite the challenge of accommodating all students from diverse backgrounds and ages, Kingsley's teachers offer specialised attention to every student, ensuring they are able to understand the lessons and excel.

According to Chua Ming Zhen, a Mandarin teacher at Kingsley, "We have a clear level distribution to help meet the needs of each student." Additionally, as the teachers understand the challenge of teaching non-native speakers, they focus on creating a comfortable environment for the students to help them build their confidence.

At Kingsley, the Mandarin syllabus focuses on practical language use and cultural integration, prioritising interactive and participative learning to develop students' overall language skills. This approach contrasts with local Chinese schools, which often emphasise traditional language learning and writing skills, building a strong foundational knowledge of Mandarin. While each method has its strengths, Kingsley’s flexible and diverse approach better accommodates the varied needs of students, helping them gain confidence to communicate effectively in real-world situations.

Alyssa Revindran, a primary student, shares, "In every class, we play games and do activities, which helps us learn Mandarin with confidence." She also mentions how she is now able to use Mandarin in her daily life, contributing to the success of all the theory and practical lessons during her classes at Kingsley.

 

Fostering Academic Excellence and Beyond

Beyond Mandarin classes, Kingsley helps students excel in all areas of life, cultivating a well-rounded learning environment that fosters both personal and academic growth with a global outlook. Kingsley's experienced teachers bring their expertise to every classroom, with multiple educators assigned to each class to ensure every student receives the focused attention they need to thrive.

Parents like Vicky appreciate Kingsley's nurturing approach. She shares her satisfaction, saying, "The teachers don't rely on strict methods to manage students. I can see my daughter is much happier here, and that’s why I’ve decided to enrol my second child at Kingsley as well."

Many Kingsley parents come from a background in Chinese schools and understand the intense academic pressures these environments can create. Because of this, they place a high priority on a happy, supportive learning atmosphere for their children. They know that when kids feel comfortable and supported, they’re more motivated to learn. Strong, positive relationships between teachers and students are essential for building confidence, as children feel valued and understood. This nurturing foundation encourages them to explore new ideas and face challenges without fear, knowing they have the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.

Kingsley also provides diverse extra-curricular classes such as fencing, horseback riding, cooking, and baking for students to partake in. Instead of emphasising purely on academics, clubs and societies at Kingsley focus more on fun subjects for students to enjoy. Students can connect with new friends from different cultures and backgrounds, broadening their horizons and shaping them into global citizens.

Nurturing Personal and Emotional Growth

Realising academics is not the only thing that matters, Kingsley also focuses on nurturing the personal and emotional growth of its students. How they answer on paper is indeed essential, but their personality and emotions are also as important in shaping an all-rounded individual.

Kingsley promotes a no-bully environment where students practice being respectful towards each other. They make it a norm to greet each other, be it students, teachers or just visitors.

The school also helps its students build their characters and foster necessary life skills such as empathy, leadership and confidence. Vicky comments on his daughter's behaviour after enrolling in Kingsley, "Her attitude and personality have changed. She is no longer shy."

Creating Global Citizens

In a rapidly changing world, Kingsley prepares students for the future by blending academic excellence with personal development. Kingsley shapes students into confident, resilient global citizens, ready to face whatever challenges come their way.

As a parent, choosing the right school for your child means looking beyond academics. It’s about finding a place that nurtures their intellectual and emotional growth—a place where they can truly thrive. At Kingsley, we support every child’s journey, ensuring they are equipped for a future as bright and limitless as their potential.

To know more about Kingsley, visit https://www.kingsley.edu.my/kis/