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Cognita Asia News Highlights:

Keeping parents, pupils and teachers informed

EducationUSA selects Stamford as k-12 partner Stamford launches Global Mentor Program Largest Swim Clinic for local and International students at AIS NASA Astronaut visits ISHCMC AA Moon Festival at International School Saigon Pearl St. Andrews Wai Khru Ceremony St. Andrews Choir at Bumrungrad

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.

EducationUSA selects Stamford as first K-12 on-campus partner

EducationUSA selects Stamford as first K-12 on-campus partner to host Singapore’s only EducationUSA Advising Center United States Ambassador to Singapore, Mr. Kirk Wagar, inaugurated Singapore’s only EducationUSA Advising Center at Stamford American International School, marking the official launch of the school’s new Phase II facilities.

The opening of the U.S. Department of State’s EducationUSA facility at Stamford is one of the key features of the campus, bolstering its position as one of the world’s most progressive and innovative school campuses.

The Singapore EducationUSA Advising Center will be open to all local and international students, providing information and consultation on pursuing an education at any of the over 4,000 accredited universities and colleges in the United States.

“The U.S. Embassy is pleased to open this new EducationUSA Center at Stamford American International School in Singapore. EducationUSA provides information and counseling services to students throughout the world who want to study in the United States. American universities offer Singaporean students unparalleled innovation, research resources and world-class instruction. We share Stamford’s goals of promoting high quality university education for tomorrow’s leaders and look forward to a successful EducationUSA partnership” U.S. Ambassador, Mr. Kirk Wagar.

information about accredited U.S. colleges and universities. EducationUSA advisers and staff work with U.S. higher education professionals to promote international student enrollment.

The Advising Center will not just give Stamford, but all local and international, students in Singapore a convenient and complete resource that supports their education careers from their Singapore school through to top American colleges and universities.

A State-of-the-Art School Campus Stamford is one of Singapore’s most innovative institutions. The state-of-the-art school is also home to world-class facilities including a 500-seat performing arts theater, which is fully connected to the Cognita iLEarn™ interactive learning environments around Stamford’s campus. The Cognita iLEarn allows for performances, talks and lectures from visiting speakers to be screened at multiple schools within the Cognita portfolio of leading international schools.

“We recognize that today, especially in Asia and in an incredibly modern and diverse country such as Singapore, education is very competitive.

Demand for exceptional education is high and we are now perfectly positioned to cater to this with the opening of Stamford’s Phase II as we progress to expand our school years up to Grade 12. We are innovating education by partnering with some of the world’s top minds, athletes and industry leaders, all housed in over 54,000 square meters of campus,” said Brian Rogove, CEO of Cognita Asia.

Singapore’s Only EducationUSA Advising Center Centrally-located off Upper Serangoon Road, Stamford has been chosen by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) as the first K-12 partner to host Singapore’s EducationUSA Advising Center. The Advising Center, available to all students in Singapore, is one of a network of hundreds around the world. It serves as a resource for accurate, comprehensive, and current

In order to provide Stamford students with a truly world-class education, an innovative, dynamic yet nurturing environment is part of the school ethos. Australian-based FJMT Architects and A61 Architects in Singapore collaborated to ensure that space is well-utilized and created with a specific purpose in mind—to inspire students by creating an environment that will be engaging and getting them excited about the learning process.

The 500-seat Reagan Theater, one of the largest in Singapore, has a full 10-meter by 6-meter LED screen that allows students to control their backdrops or even look into chroma-key compositing for their productions.

Access to the Best International Minds and Leaders To supplement the in-classroom experience to help students develop future-proof life skills, Stamford is working with industry partners to integrate advanced hardware, software and expertise into the curriculum.

With top-in-class educators and staff, Stamford is also focusing on partnerships with some of the world’s greatest minds, athletes and industry leaders through the new Global Mentor Program.

The Global Mentor Program will give students access to global figures in the fields of business, science, social enterprise, athletics and the arts to motivate them to excel in their chosen paths.

Stamford launches Global Mentor Program with visit from Nobel Laureate, Professor Sir James Mirrlees

As we approach a globalized future, it is imperative that schools are able to provide students with a dynamic, yet nurturing learning environment, where they will constantly be challenged. There is no straight path to success. On one hand, pure academic excellence is valued and in many cases revered. However, there are also many who believe that their success lies in the fact that they have been provided with a more dynamic approach to education.

Peace Foundation to support its 5th ASEAN event series ‘Bridges – Dialogues toward a Culture of Peace,’ which will see acclaimed Nobel Laureate speakers conduct talks and workshops at Stamford.

This is why at Stamford American International School, we believe that when it comes to our students, we need to surround them with the best of the best, so that they receive an even more dynamic education and are inspired to be at the top of their game. To achieve this, we are innovating education by partnering with some of the world’s top minds, athletes and industry leaders, all housed within one of the world’s most progressive schools.

Students have access to the best international minds and leaders through our unique Global Mentor Program.

Exposure to global figures in the fields of business, science, social enterprise, athletics and the Arts, invigorate, inspire and motivate Stamford students with the drive to excel in their chosen paths and equips them with an enhanced set of skills.

While past mentors include Gerhard Zandberg, Olympic Swimmer and World Champion, and Yale University’s all-female A Cappella group Whim n’ Rhythm, this year we have hosted the inaugural Singapore Swim Stars clinic that gave our students a chance to meet and be trained by American Olympic Medallist and World Record Swimmer Jessica Hardy. Beyond sharing her best competitive swimming tips, Jessica also gave a workshop on overcoming adversity and becoming your “best self”.

As a leading international school, it is imperative that students have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the diverse and rich cultures in Asia and the world. Stamford has partnered with the International

On October 1, 2014, Nobel Laureate for Economics, Professor Sir James Mirrlees spoke to 500 students and teachers at Stamford American International School on “Conflict, cooperation and the common good”.

With his visit to Stamford, Professor Mirrlees officially launched the Global Mentor Program - which gives students access to leading global figures in the fields of business, science, social enterprise, athletics and the arts, to motivate them to excel in their chosen paths— an initiative that coincides with the launch of Stamford’s completed Phase II facilities.

Through a highly engaging keynote address and dialogue with Stamford’s high school students, Professor Mirrlees shared how students could look at creative ways to solve the world’s current problems—optimal income taxation and conflicts around the world. ”It’s very impressive to see a school that it this wellequipped and equally impressive to talk to such an organised and enthusiastic group of wonderful and well prepared students. It was enjoyable speaking to them and answering their interesting questions about current economic trends, and seeing how excited they are to learn and explore,” said Professor Mirrlees.

From state-of-the-art facilities, to diverse scholastic programs and a solid curriculum hard-wired with the right educational rigor, we are providing a path to success for our students. Stamford’s ethos is to continually develop and drive education to ensure that students are prepared and given the tools they need to be future leaders. Our commitment is; to equip our students with a dynamic and innovative education by providing an environment of learning excellence.

Future Nobel Laureates Required Ages 2-18

Stamford American is proud to announce our Global Mentor Program.

Our unique Global Mentor Program equips students to excel and become leaders in their chosen field.

Exposure to global minds in the fields of business, science, social enterprise and the Arts invigorate and develop Stamford students with the skills, mindset and ambition they require. Sir James Alexander Mirrlees – 1996 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences – will speak with and inspire our students this Fall.

We are ready and waiting to meet your future Nobel Prize winner.

Please introduce us.

Stamford offers an outstanding international education for students from 2 to 18 years.

We offer the rigorous IB Program – enhanced by American standards and a focus on languages – to equip your child for global citizenship.

Open House

Friday, November 7th 2014

Stamford American International School CPE Registration Number: 200823594D Period of Registration: August 10, 2014 to August 9, 2018

Register at www.sais.edu.sg

10 minutes from Orchard Be it academic, sporting or artistic at AIS we foster a culture of excellence, innovative learning and a global outlook for all our students.

1 2 3 4 5

Best of the International and Australian Curriculum

The only school in Singapore offering the Australian Curriculum enhanced with IB PYP, IGCSE, IBDP and HSC, for students aged 2 to 18 years old.

Enrolling for January 2015 Book your personal visit today!

Tel: +65 6517 0247 www.ais.com.sg

Academic Excellence

IB Diploma results 12% higher than the world average and NAPLAN results over 20% higher than the Australian national average in Elementary Numeracy and Reading, mean our students graduate to the top universities in Australia, UK, US and around the world.

International Sports Program

Cricket, rugby, basketball and swimming clubs, 12 representative sport teams and 20 international tours across Australia, Asia and Europe every year.

Globally focused, distinctly Australian Contact: +65 6517 0247 | www.ais.com.sg

Global Language Program

Daily Mandarin for 3 to 11 year-olds; Mandarin, Indonesian or French in Secondary and a dedicated mother tongue program for native speakers.

Early Childhood Excellence Starting at 2 Years Old Dedicated maths co-ordinator, daily Mandarin and individualised goal setting in the Preschool inquiry centre.

AIS is part of the Cognita Group of Schools www.cognitaschools.com 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

Olympic Champion Swimmers Coach Largest Swim Clinic for Local and International Students at AIS In September, a total of 74 Swim lovers from SportCares, Australian International School (AIS), and Raffles Institution were coached by eight of the best Swim Stars from Australia.

The Swim Clinic was part of the Singapore Swim Stars event that was held 5-7 September 2014. During the clinic, the Swim Stars shared tips on technique, competition and sporting values with the students.

After a short relay competition at the Swim Clinic, a few of the best swimmers were part of the Swim Clinic showdown at the OCBC Aquatic Centre.

Team AIS 10 students from Raffles Institution, 4 sports boys from SportCares including youth swimmer from the Deaf Sports Association, Tan Jiahao, alongside 30 AIS students learnt championship swimming skills from 4 Australian Olympic Swimmers—Ashley Delaney, Brittany Elmslie and brothers Andrew and Matthew Abood.

About Prudential Singapore Swim Stars Held from 5 – 7 September, the Prudential Singapore Swim Stars was a three-day swim festival that included an unprecedented competition format involving some of the world’s best swimmers from 17 different countries, a synchronised swimming showcase as well as swimming clinics conducted by the swimmers and an open water event for the community.

The Prudential Singapore Swim Stars kicked off with the thrilling inaugural one-day swimming event involving some of the world’s best sprinters at the OCBC Aquatic Centre. Doing away with the traditional heats, eight of the best swimmers in the world for each swim stroke featured in direct finals in 100m events. The OCBC Aquatic Centre also saw the fastest men and women in the 50m Freestyle take on each

other in semi-finals with the two fastest swimmers go head-to-head in a showdown.

Aside from all the competitive action in the pool, there was a whole host of fringe activities for swim fans over the weekend. Spectators at the event caught one of the world’s top Synchronised Swimming teams from France during the festival. And on Saturday, 6 September, the swim stars conducted swim clinics at selected schools around the island before culminating in a relay swim-off featuring both the Swim Stars and their charges at the OCBC Aquatic Centre. This was a relay both the Swim Stars and the children will never forget.

The local community were able to put their swimming prowess to the test at an Open Water Challenge over two categories (800m and 4km) held at the Sea Sports Centre (Changi Coast Walk) on Sunday, 7 September.

ISHCMC hosts historic event with world renowned universities

On Sunday, September 14th, the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) hosted a University Public Information session for the HCMC community with globally renowned U.S. universities. In attendance were representatives from Duke University, Georgetown University, Northwestern University and two Ivy League universities, Columbia University and Princeton University. ISHCMC was honored to host this historic event, as this was the first time ever that universities of this caliber had visited Vietnam for the purpose of meeting with prospective students.

The event was open to the public and reservations went quickly. The session was a huge success with more than 250 visitors to the school. Attendees were granted an opportunity to hear from and speak with representatives from the university admissions offices regarding admissions processes and application preparation.

According to ISHCMC University Counselor, Casey Nolen Jackson, ISHCMC expects to welcome more than 200 universities to ISHCMC before December for

the purpose of recruiting new students. Ms. Nolen Jackson works one-on-one with ISHCMC students throughout the school year to assist them with university selection, guide them through the various application procedures and assist them so that they are able to submit the strongest application possible.

“It was a great privilege to host these universities and to welcome the local community to ISHCMC. These university visits that we host throughout the year are extremely valuable. They help to guide our students and their families through the university application process by enabling them to learn more about each school and understand which type of students they are looking to admit. This information gives our students a much better chance of gaining acceptance at their chosen university�

Simon Leslie, Headmaster at ISHCMC

Why we love

mistakes

Energized Engaged Empowered

Because at ISHCMC we understand that mistakes are stepping stones to genuine learning.

Today’s students need to do more than memorize information in traditional classrooms. They need a more evolved approach to education that allows them the freedom to pursue their passions fearlessly. In addition to a strong academic foundation, they need opportunities to be creative, innovative and analytical, all of which lie at the heart of the ISHCMC philosophy.

Come and see the difference we can make in your child’s life.

A fully accredited IB World School, authorized to teach all 3 programs of the International Baccalaureate curriculum to students ages 2 – 18 years.

28 Vo Truong Toan, District 2 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Tel: +84 (8) 3898-9100 Email: admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn www.ishcmc.com

Nathan, Grade 1 ISHCMC student since 2009.

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

Sensational IGCSE Grades Confirm St. Andrews International as Premier School in Rayong Students, parents and teachers at St. Andrews International School Green Valley are once again celebrating fantastic IGCSE results. In total our students achieved grades of A* - C 87.1% of the time, 41.6% of these being grades of A* and A. These results far exceed the UK national average of 69% for A* - C and the average scores of other international schools in the Rayong area.

These students include: Edward Varnes with eight A*’s and two A grades, Saisitorn Suksaisakulsakdi eight A*’s and one A grade, Ty Kerr six A*’s and three A grades, Ruksakul Sungpapan six A*’s and four A grades and Farrukh Khaitov with five A*’s and four A grades.

“We are very proud of all our students’ exam results, like previous years a large group of talented and hardworking students achieved exceptional results that reflect the outstanding teaching and learning that takes place at St. Andrews”

St. Andrews sensational grades were however not limited to a small group of students, our overall grades in different Mr. Harrison the Principal at St. Andrews subjects were excellent. In eight different subjects areas students achieved grades of A* - C 100% of the time: English Literature, French, Mandarin, Art, History, Music, Drama and Dutch. These perfect results were backed up in English, Maths and Science. Students in First Language English and English Literature achieved grades of A* - C 90% of the time with 55% of grades being A* - A. Maths were equally successful achieving 92% A* - C with 52% A* - A and students in Science were also were successful with 85% A* - C including 42% A* - A. While other local schools are satisfied with having results which are in line with international standards, St Andrews is not. Head of Secondary Mr. Kevin McGee stated: “Our aim is to far exceed international standards every year and we have once again done this. Our results are 18% above UK averages, once again showing the quality of the programme we offer and just how hard our students work”.

Many students in year 9 also sat the English as a Second Language exam two years early and 94% of these students achieved a grade C or above, with 73% achieving A* - B. Year 9 and 10 students who sat French exams one of two years early achieved grades of A* 100% of the time. These are tremendous results which clearly show St. Andrews wish to push its students to excel, even from an early age.

St. Andrews International School, Sathorn Wai Khru Ceremony

Wai Khru is a Thai ritual in which students pay respects to their teachers. It is regularly held at the beginning of the school year. At St. Andrews Sathorn, students start the ceremony with a recitation of the Wai Khru chant which expresses the student’s respect and gratitude and asks for blessings from their teachers for their studies. This was followed by paying respect by offering flowers to their teachers. It is important for all students to understand the local culture in which they are living and studying in.

St. Andrews International School, Sathorn Choir at Bumrungrad Living in Bangkok Fair St. Andrews International School participated again at this year’s Living in Bangkok Fair at the Bumrungrad Hospital.

The school sponsored the event by having a school booth, providing information to the visitors, as well as our St. Andrews Sathorn choir singing beautifully in their first performance of the academic year The students singing were between the age of 7 – 11 years old. They sang a selection of lively songs to a large crowd of visitors and parents in the Main Lobby and Sky Lobby of the hospital. The choir also got extra support from their school friends who went to cheer. What a fantastic job!

NASA Astronaut visits ISHCMC American Academy It was a very exciting time at ISHCMC American Academy when we were visited by a real NASA astronaut from the United States. Dr. James Reilly has flown on 3 space missions, made 5 space walks and spent over 850 hours in space. Our parent company, the Cognita School Group flew Dr. Reilly into Vietnam to give the keynote address at our graduation.

American Academy students had the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Dr. Reilly and be inspired by his amazing story as he told them, “to go beyond the horizon” and “you are only limited by the horizon you set for yourself”. He toured our classrooms, gave presentations, took photos and signed autographs for our students. Our parents were also able to meet Dr. Reilly when he was the special surprise guest at the end of the year parent function held at the Caravelle Hotel.

Using space-themed problems to launch STEM(Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities and programs, he engaged students to apply the skills and knowledge they learn in the classroom to real world 21st century problems. NASA astronaut, Dr. Reilly visited ISHCMC American Academy students to teach and inspire the young minds of the future and show science in action.

Students learned how collaboration is one of the most important 21st Century skills they will need to have to be successful in the modern world. He gave examples of his experience on the Russian space station Mir when US astronauts teamed up with Russian astronauts, called “cosmonauts” to deploy infrastructure that enabled them to build the International Space Station.

Welcome Dr. James F. Reilly 28th May 2014 James Francis Reilly, II, Ph.D. (born March 18, 1954) is an American geologist and a former NASA astronaut who has flown on three space shuttle missions: STS-89, STS-104 and STS-117.

An International School for students aged 11-18

BECOME WHAT YOU WANT TO BE “My SUPA classes provided me an excellent understanding of what my college classes will be like.

I am curious and excited!

The 17 SUPA university credits that I earned in high school will help my family save money by allowing me to finish university earlier than usual.”

Nguyen Ngoc Hoang An Class of 2014

University acceptances with different rates of scholarship from the following USA universities: Liberty University Mercyhurst University Northeasten University Oakland University University of Cincinnati University of Colorado – Denver

The Only School in Vietnam to offer Syracuse University Project Advance - Which prepares our students for success at university and gives them the opportunity to earn up to 1 year of university credit while they are still in high school Intensive English as an Additional Language Program - Ensuring our students are able to achieve their full academic potential and attain international standards in the English Language Highly Qualified American Teachers - Over 80% of our teachers have Master’s Degrees in their specialist subjects

Tour ISHCMC American Academy Now! 16 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (84-8) 3898 9100 Email: admissions@aavn.edu.vn www.aavn.edu.vn

Moon Festival at International School Saigon Pearl International School Saigon Pearl hosted the Moon festival on the 4th of September. The event gave us an opportunity to share with the parent community the new and updated facilities. The Moon festival was held at 5pm with traditional performance by the children within the atrium. All ages performed and showcased the different Vietnamese dances and songs.

The facilities were decorated with local Vietnamese fishing boats with lotus flowers for the children to make wishes for the New Year. Lanterns decorated the halls and entrances in bright reds, blues and yellows. Children also made their own lanterns which they were able to take home at the end of the night The story of Coi and the Banyan tree was told by the Grade 1 class through pictures, illustrating their own interpretation of the famous Vietnamese tale. The photo booth and art activities were received with fun and made special moments for the families. It was a great evening bringing the parents, children and teacher community together.

BECOME WHAT YOU WANT TO BE!

Admissions now open!

iPad interactive educational program starting this August!

• Teachers with Flair & Understanding • World-Class Facilities • Rigorous American Curriculum • A Truly Global Community • From Early Years to Graduation

Tour International School Saigon Pearl Now! 92 Nguyen Huu Canh St., Ward 22, Binh Thanh Dist., HCMC Tel: (84-8) 2222 7788/99

Email: admissions@issp.edu.vn | www.issp.edu.vn

An International School for students aged 2-11