Cognita Asia News Highlights:
Keeping parents, pupils and teachers informed
ISHCMC celebrates 20 years! AIS congratulates 2013 graduates St. Andrews Cambodia half marathon FUNdraising for charity Stamford’s Adam Torrens named Elementary School Teacher of the Year Greetings from Canada!
Plus lots more inside...
Welcome to Cognita Asia News, designed to keep parents, pupils and teachers informed of all our latest news, events, achievements and opinions.
Celebrating 20 years!
On December 2nd 2013, the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) celebrated our 20th Anniversary. ISHCMC is the oldest school in Ho Chi Minh City and for 20 years has been offering educational success to students in Vietnam. The ceremony opened with the ISHCMC community singing our school song and our Headmaster Mr Simon Leslie making an inspirational introductory speech. One of our longest attending students Jee Ye Hong, currently in Grade 10, spoke to the students, teachers and special guests in attendance. Jee Ye has been at ISHCMC for 12 years and this is what she had to say: “It’s difficult for me to precisely recall my first day here at ISHCMC—though I do remember how different ISHCMC was, physically. Yet, I know too, that it was as welcoming then as it is today.
Minh City, a school that promotes the fact that we, as students, are all different, with our own unique aspects—I may not be able to score that winning goal in soccer, or perform as a member of the orchestra, yet that will never make me less of a person. Furthermore, ISHCMC has also taught me that there is no line which separates different cultures, nationalities and races, another positive component of this school. ISHCMC sincerely appreciates the different beliefs and practices we have as individuals, but never allows it to distinguish us from each other. Lastly, I would just like to express how proud I am to be a part of such a school community, and I would like to congratulate everybody on the 20th Anniversary of the founding of this school.”
I have met, got to know personally, and worked with all kinds of people; athletes, musicians, performers, mathematicians, photographers, debaters, and so many more, all of whom I stand before today. Attending ISHCMC, I have truly learnt and understood the significance of individuality and diversity. I have found my own qualities too, qualities which constitute the person I am. I strongly believe, and am grateful always that I am a part of a school community as accepting as the International School of Ho Chi
1214 students, teachers and staff came together to make the human ‘20’ on the field. This photo will be treasured by the ISHCMC community for years to come. Three of our staff members were given special recognition for 20 years of service at ISHCMC as were numerous others that have shown continual loyalty to the school over the past 10 years. Another main highlight of the morning was cutting the enormous cake by 20 selected students, teachers and staff. The cake was enjoyed by all! The release of 20 giant balloons by 20 of our oldest and youngest students marked the occasion and each grade level placed an item in the 20th Anniversary time capsule to be opened many years from now!
The Price of Privilege by Madeline Levine Ph.D. - a must read for all parents in international schools. By Adrian Watts, Director of Academic Studies, Deputy Headmaster, ISHCMC. I have just spent a few days obsessed by reading a book that brings together so many of the issues that I have noticed developing in international students over the 30 years I have been abroad. This book is a MUST read for all parents attending international schools, as its contents apply as much if not more to them than to the target audience in the USA. To do the book justice I would suggest that families buy two copies, one for mum and one for dad, read a chapter, reflect and discuss its contents. I think it is that important. Without wishing to spoil its content here is an extract from a blog post that highlighted some of its findings. http://tonymorganlive.com/2013/07/08/the-price-of-privilege-10-strategies-for-raising-healthy-kids-that-most-parents-ignore/
10 Strategies for Raising Healthy Kids that Most Parents Ignore 1 Prioritize family responsibilities over extracurricular activities. ”While demands for outstanding academic or extracurricular performance are very high, expectations about family responsibilities are amazingly low. This kind of imbalance in expectations results in kids who regularly expect others to ‘take up the slack,’ rather than learning themselves how to prioritize tasks or how to manage time.” 2 Eat together as a family. “Families who eat together five or more times a week have kids who are significantly less likely to use tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana, have higher grade-point averages, less depressive symptoms, and fewer suicide attempts than families who eat together two or fewer times a week.” 3 Let kids begin to solve their own problems. “Certainly there are times when children, particularly young children, need parental intervention. But these times are fewer than we think, and the goal should always be to help the child learn about how to act on his own behalf.” 4 Let kids fail when the consequences are small. “By allowing them to get occasionally bruised in childhood we are helping to make certain that they don’t get broken in adolescence. And by allowing them their failures in adolescence, we are helping to lay the groundwork for success in adulthood.” 5 Don’t reward kids for their performance. “Never bribe children to learn; it sets the stage for them to depend on rewards of one kind or another to learn. This sets them up to be good performers and poor learners.” 6 Allow kids to experience consequences to their actions. “When we mitigate natural consequences for our kids we deprive them of one of life’s most important lessons: that we are held accountable for our actions.” 7 Don’t become a kid-centric family. “Mothers and fathers spend whole weekends for months on end shuttling their children to athletic events, ignoring the fact that friendships and marriage suffer under the barrage of childcentered activities.” 8 Set boundaries and use appropriate discipline. “Various studies have found that firm parental control is associated with children who can take care of themselves, who are academically successful, who are emotionally well developed, and who are happier.” 9 Be real and be vulnerable. “One of the reasons that life in an affluent community can feel so lonely is because affluent people have the resources to buy their way out of many types of trouble and are reluctant to turn to neighbors for fear of being rejected or humiliated.” 10 Make healthy marriage a priority. “The best gift you can give your children is a good marriage.”
AIS congratulates their 2013 Graduates on recent exam success The Australian International School in Singapore has a vision to be known internationally as an institution which represents educational excellence in all aspects of its operation. The School philosophy commits to the notion of a holistic, rounded education, which cherishes the arts and sports as well as academics as essential dimensions of each student’s education. At AIS each child is special, each is important. Last year the School celebrated its 20th anniversary of providing a quality international education in Singapore. In 2014 AIS continues to excel academically – deeply committed to the concept of inclusive education, AIS aims to support students in gaining the best possible academic grades, as well as equipping students with a set of values, skills and attributes that will enable them to flourish and succeed in life. In the Secondary School AIS offers a range of challenging academic programs. In Year 6 to 8 students study the Australian National Curriculum which is mapped within a school-specific curriculum framework. Students in Years 9 and 10 study and complete the Cambridge IGCSE. This two year course is specifically designed to ensure that students have learned all the prerequisite knowledge, skills and understandings to be able to commence the IB Diploma or HSC programs fully prepared to achieve the best possible results. Moving through into the final two years of study, the learning choices continue to grow. AIS is authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) as well as the New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC), so our Year 11 and 12 students have two rigorous and international matriculation pathways from which to choose. Of the 38 students who completed the IB DP, in AIS’ second year of these exams, 10 achieved 39 points or more and one student achieved an incredible 44 out of a possible 45 points. AIS students achieved an average IB DP score of 33.3, more than three points clear of the global comparison, 29.95. The AIS pass rate of 97.4% also exceeds the 78% global pass rate.
AIS strives to be a globally recognised centre of educational excellence whose students consistently exceed expectations and are committed to addressing the needs of our world. The recent, outstanding results of AIS’ 2013 Year 12 graduates, in both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), and the New South Wales, Higher School Certificate (HSC) embody this vision.
AIS also celebrate the HSC results in which 25.3% of students who completed the exams achieved an ATAR score of over 90. Overall, 9.7% of graduating students achieved an ATAR of over 98 with 21.8% achieving an ATAR over 90. (NB: ATAR scores are calculated according to HSC and IB DP results internally as results are not accessible by individual schools.) This year’s results continue to demonstrate that AIS students are academically in the high ability range and experience superior average growth compared to the best performing Australian state or territory – the ACT. For AIS students, studying in Singapore is a lifechanging experience. The School’s world class facilities, diverse student population and range of co-curricular and service opportunities develop independence, responsibility and encourage academic excellence. The release of the recent Australian White Paper: Australia in the Asian Century, highlights the importance of Australia in the region and the exceptional academic and holistic opportunities that studying in this part of the world can present for young people lucky enough to live abroad. At AIS these opportunities are enhanced in an inclusive and intellectually stimulating academic setting.
Congratulations to all AIS’ 2013 graduates on their outstanding exam success.
Prep at Australian International School Layla and Mimi exploring ecosystems in the Junior School Inquiry Centre as part of their current Primary Years Programme unit of inquiry.
self expression innovative learning We’re not looking for the ordinary AIS students are academically in the high ability range and experience superior average growth to the best performing Australian state or territory – the ACT. This means that with self-motivation, hunger to learn and a global outlook, our students are in the best environment to exceed our expectations... and their own. *2007-2012 NAPLAN comparative data shows that AIS students are in the high ability range and experience superior average growth to the best performing Australian state or territory – the ACT.
EXPRESS YOURSELF admissions@ais.com.sg | +65 6517 0247 | www.ais.com.sg Australian International School Pte Ltd is registered by the Council for Private Education. CPE Registration Number 199204405H. Period of Registration 6 July 2011 to 5 July 2015.
Globally focused, distinctly Australian AIS is part of the Cognita Group of Schools www.cognitaschools.com
St. Andrews International School Sathorn • Sukhumvit 107 • Green Valley
International Focus. Community Feel. St. Andrews International School, preparing students for the future – wherever it may take them!
Our diverse student body benefits from the warmth and support of the school community, mixed with student-centred learning, driving students to reach the heights of their abilities. British International Curriculum
Caring, experienced teachers
Over 50 nationalities
Small classes and low student to teacher ratio
Accepting applications now! www.standrews-schools.com
admissions@standrews-schools.com
St. Andrews takes part in Cambodia half marathon
On Sunday 1st December a group of teachers from St. Andrews Sathorn and 107 set off on a journey to Cambodia to take part in the Angkor Wat 18th Half-Marathon. They joined a record number of approximately 7,580 participants at the UNESCO World Heritage site. The stunning temple complex of Angkor Wat was a fantastic place to complete a half marathon; the race course offered picturesque views of historical temples and lush jungle reflecting in the ponds and moats as the morning mist rose. The course followed the main area of Angkor ruins and was, truly, an opportunity not to be missed. The race started shortly after sunrise with a buzzing mix of amateur and professional runners from around the world. There was also a wheelchair and artificial limbs race, particularly for those Cambodians who have been injured by land mines and funds raised from entry fees went to support land mine survivors in Cambodia. Although some of the teachers had felt nervous before the run, by the time the gun went off and the massive crowd started shifting forward, they were full of
excitement and determination. The first two kilometers were incredibly crowded and instead of worrying about going too fast, the teachers were fortunate enough to have to slow down to weave in and out of the multitude of people. As the teachers continued the race and it started to feel more grueling, all the beautiful temples began to appear. The Bayon Temple, with its 216 massive faces of Avalokiteshvara, and the narrow Angkor Tom gate built in the 12th century helped to take their minds off the run. “Running through Angkor Wat ancient temples felt like running through time and with the throngs of children cheering you on and giving you high fives along the route, it made the 21km run really enjoyable!� said Caroline Ingle. In the final kilometer, the run finished alongside the massive moat which surrounds Angkor Wat itself. With a final push, the seven ambassadors for Cognita managed to complete the run in just over 2 hours and, with the help of friends, family and colleagues, they managed to raise just over 40,000baht for Cancer Research.
FUNdraising for Charity: Swimathon St. Andrews Green Valley Primary School Swimathon: Taking action for ‘Hope for Haiyan’ hearts out on the day to try and complete as many laps as they could in the time allotted. Teachers dressed up in costumes and lots of cheering and crowd support ensured a funfilled day was enjoyed by all.
In support of ‘Hope for Haiyan’, Year 5 Primary students from St. Andrews International School Green Valley Thailand organized a ‘swimathon’ to raise money for those affected by the typhoon in the Philippines. Having recently studied the effects Natural Disasters have on communities, it was an authentic opportunity for students to take action and help others in a practical way. The students came up with the idea of the swimathon and then rallied support from teachers, parents and students to ensure the success of the event. Students promoted the cause at assembly and created a class competition to encourage as many people as possible to sponsor the swimmers for every lap of the pool completed or to make a donation. They created a class tally chart and tracked the daily progress of the funds raised per class. All the children followed this with great anticipation and could be seen crowding around the chart each day as the new totals went up on display. Children, teachers and parents from years 1 to 6 swam their
Along with funds raised by the Y5 students selling badges with symbols of the Philippines and second-hand items at the school fair, a total of 75.000 baht was raised for ‘Hope for Haiyan’. We are extremely proud of our year 5 students for taking the lead in such positive social action for such a worthy cause. The support received from students, parents and teachers was further evidence of the school’s strong sense of community and commitment to helping others less fortunate than ourselves. See more: www.fb.com/StAndrewsGV
Rigorous American Curriculum
Integrated Technology
Library Media Center - over 7,000 English books
Experienced, passionate teaching staff
Wide range of after-school activities
Multi-purpose built facilities on the fringe of District 1
Admissions now open! Elementary School Campus International School Saigon Pearl 92 Nguyen Huu Canh, ward 22, Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (84-8) 2222 7788/99 Email: admissions@issp.edu.vn
www.issp.edu.vn
Middle and High School Campus ISHCMC - American Academy Vo Truong Toan, An Phu Ward, D2, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (84-8) 3898 9098 Email: admissions@aavn.edu.vn
www.aavn.edu.vn
Part of Cognita Schools Group Over 60 schools in 7 countries
I can speak Mandarin as well as English. Did you know that Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world? It all started at Stamford where I have daily Mandarin lessons with my favorite teacher. Stamford is a world-class school with over 60 nationalities of students from 2 years old through High School, offering daily Mandarin and Spanish and the rigorous IB Program enhanced by American standards.
Register for our Open House at www.sais.edu.sg.
+65 6602 7247
www.sais.edu.sg
Stamford American International School CPE Registration Number: 200823594D Period of Registration: August 10, 2010 to August 9, 2014
Stamford’s Adam Torrens named elementary years teacher of the year Stamford’s Kindergarten 2 teacher Adam Torrens has been selected by a panel of education experts as Cognita’s Elementary Years Teacher of the Year.
“Stamford has recruited the best teachers we can find anywhere in the world. Adam is an excellent example of someone who has moved from his native country Australia to Singapore in order to teach at our school. This award is a fitting recognition of his effort.”
Adam, who has been teaching at Stamford since 2010, received the award in recognition of his outstanding work implementing a new and exciting curriculum together with his demonstrated level of care for his young students. The recognition was part of the second annual Cognita Awards for Excellence which celebrates outstanding teaching across the Group’s 64 schools world-wide. Adam was selected from a field of international nominees from Chile, Vietnam, Brazil, Spain, Thailand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. A judging panel comprised of Cognita business leaders and experts in the areas of education, human resources and school management carefully assessed each of the nominees in order to decide the winner. Mr. Malcolm Kay, Superintendent of Stamford, said Adam was a deserving winner whose commitment to education reflects the attitude of all the teaching staff at the school.
“We nominated Adam because he has constantly demonstrated his commitment to the highest standards of teaching during the crucial elementary years. Adam has an ability to instill a love of learning in his students, a quality that will serve them well throughout their academic careers,” Mr. Kay said.
Greetings from Canada! An ISHCMC - American Academy graduate shares their insights on life after AA. Le Quang Thanh Tue, graduate of Class of 2013 gained: 1. The Academic Excellence Award 2. The SUPA credit 3. AP Scholar It was a surprisingly hot day when I arrived in Montreal. My relatives here inform me, however, that days like that are mere anomalies of the summer. Roads here frequently crack due to thermal effects, a constant reminder that the legendary Canadian winter is coming. I feel glad to have arrived quite early, three weeks before school starts, and as a result have had plenty of time to recover from the jet lag and adapt to the new environment. I recommend my readers to do the same, if possible.
Most of the buildings I visited have exhibitions on display. My favorite is the Rutherford Physics Building. Once inside, one immediately sees an eminent statue of Ernest Rutherford, surely the most famous faculty member at McGill. Photographs of some Nobel Laureates in modern physics are also on permanent display on every floor. It is impossible to traverse this building without encountering some kind of presentation. In fact, a nuclear physics poster is just a few steps from the first-floor restrooms!
I visited McGill University’s Downtown Campus multiple times – both by myself and during Orientation – and felt delighted every time. It is in fact a combination of an educational institution, a museum and a public park. It has only nominal gates and no fences. Students may study almost anywhere: on the grass, on the benches, in the lounges, in the libraries, in empty lecture halls and in the cafeterias. The only thing I can really complain about is that it takes up to an hour to get to campus from my new home in Laval, which lies alongside Montreal on the huge St. Lawrence River. On the bright side, however, we live in a tranquil residential district far away from the boisterous city.
The McGill Bookstore is a wonder that I have not yet fully explored. Out of necessity, I spent much of my time the basement, where textbooks of various sizes are sold. Some will demonstrate their importance by mass. Some will delight you and conceal their profundity by compactness. Others will dazzle you with their covers and illustrations. My collegiate career has started well. Le Quang Thanh Tue Graduated 2012-2013
Become what you want to be More than 80 percent of students offered university scholarships
The International School Ho Chi Minh City – American Academy offers a rigorous, accredited American curriculum. Our students graduate with an Advanced Placement International Diploma and we are the only school in Vietnam to offer Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA). The SUPA program allows American Academy students to take Syracuse University courses while still in high school, earning university credit which helps students save time and money when completing their degree at university.
Tour American Academy Now! Tel: (848) 3898 9100
Email: admissions@aavn.edu.vn An International School for students aged 11 -18
Celebrating our Diversity Cognita have schools based in the UK, Spain, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil and Chile