Championing effective learning
AT Matrix Global Schools, which consist of Matrix International Pre-School, Matrix International School, Matrix Private School and Matrix Global School Boarding House, we offer the Malaysian curriculum and an international one in the form of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Cambridge Checkpoint and General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
We believe that the most important part of education is the child in the classroom. In addition, a strong emphasis on the learning process must be at the heart of any programme of study.
At Matrix Global Schools, we worry more about how we are teaching and what we are doing to facilitate true learning in students rather than the “what” with regards to the syllabus and examinations.
We successfully operate the two systems side by side and believe the removal of boundaries encourages children to learn together and achieve their true potential.
At Matrix Global Schools, we aim to not only remove boundaries between the different programmes but also remove the procedures, paperwork and restrictions that so many good teachers feel bound by.
Instead of being restricted by red tape, teachers feel empowered to develop an environment that truly supports learning and builds strong relationships with the young learners.
This does not mean teachers are not held accountable for all that they do in the classroom. At Matrix, our school leaders check to ensure that teaching is sequential, relevant and of high quality.
We do not advocate a completely open system with no quality assurance in place, but we aspire to have a balance between programme direction and flexibility.
As the campus principal, some of the best learning I have witnessed took place when the textbook was closed and students could feel, taste and experience first-hand the theories behind the topics being taught.
I suggest we close our textbooks more often and remind ourselves that learning is not about reciting data but being present and seeing for ourselves the outcomes of our actions.
At Matrix Global Schools, we believe learning is by its very nature a creative process. Our students look, observe, try and test. They build on their findings and move forward.
Learning is about creating a new path for our students, at their pace. It is about creating themselves over and over again, each time better for the experiences they have faced.
Whether these experiences are in the classroom, on the sports field or through facing a difficult situation, they learn.
In determining the most effective type of education, we may ask: What experiences have shaped our worlds? What really makes us who we are? I am certain that our most treasured learning memories are not when you read page 45 of a textbook.
At Matrix Global Schools, learning is all about the aha moment. As educationists and parents, we should be taking more time to consider how we can create more of these aha moments.
Is it about time we all stop arguing about the programmes we use. Instead, we should work together to give our children the fun experiences that they can truly learn from.
For me, learning is about the fun moments. I am now off to learn how to fly a kite, so why not join me at Matrix Global Schools, where learning is at the heart of our campus.
The January 2018 intake is ongoing and early bird discounts for enrolment in Matrix Private School are available for all successful registrations by Nov 30. – By Denise Sinclair, campus principal of Matrix Global Schools
For more information, call 1300 229 888 or visit www.matrixschools.edu.my.