Bringing joy to a school community is all about creating excitement, establishing genuine connections and fostering a culture that is embracing and united.
At The International School @ ParkCity (ISP), learning is not just about academic success—it’s also about discovering a sense of joy, curiosity, and community in the process. The school’s principal, Mr Nicholas Paul Belcher, shares with makchic about the importance of students being inspired enough to engage actively, both in and out of the classroom.
Core Values That Spark Joy and Build Community
Core values like kindness, respect, and collaboration are the secret ingredients that spark joy and bring people together. Think of these values as the sunshine that brightens up a community. When a community lives by these values, it creates a positive, uplifting spirit where everyone feels connected and supported.
“By ensuring warm greetings, respectful spaces and appropriate manners, students and staff learn, work and live in a harmonious and embracing culture,” shares Mr Belcher.
ISP’s core values of equality, integrity, responsibility, respect, celebration, creativity and passion, reflect the school’s commitment to preparing students for the dynamic, ever-changing world.
According to Mr Belcher, the school’s curriculum is designed to ensure that students embody these values, both in their interactions and in their approach to learning. By creating a positive, supportive environment, ISP makes learning an enjoyable experience, encouraging students to take pride in their achievements and their roles within the school community.
Holistic Education Beyond the Classroom
Co-curricular Activities (CCAs)
If you ask your school-going kids if they look forward to their CCAs before or after school, you would probably get a resounding yes! CCAs allow students to explore interests beyond the standard curriculum, further developing their enthusiasm for learning. Across each week, ISP offers around 100 teams, clubs and activities from sports, creative arts, academics and music.
Global Opportunities
ISP’s membership of associations like AIM (Association of International Malaysian Schools) and FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) opens up local and international opportunities for students to compete and collaborate with peers from other schools. These experiences contribute to their growth as global citizens, helping them develop social, emotional, and leadership skills.
Community Service and More
The COALS (Community Outreach and Life Skills) programme is another highlight of ISP’s holistic approach. This initiative, embedded within the curriculum, enables students to participate in field trips, personal projects, and community service activities that reinforce their learning, while teaching them practical life skills. By balancing academic and personal development, ISP ensures its students are well-prepared for both their future studies and life beyond school.
Parental Support: A Key Partnership
The relationship we have with our parents is one of gratitude and shared responsibility. The International School @ ParkCity is a truly unique environment and it cherishes the value and insights which parents bring. Developing your child and helping them to grow responsibly and respectfully is one of partnership and care.
Mr Belcher believes that strong partnerships with parents are essential for student success. At ISP, parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s education, attending workshops, coffee mornings, and events that offer insights into the school’s philosophy and teaching methods.
He goes on to share some considerations if parents wish to foster a more supportive home environment:
- Engage with your children about their school day.
- Help them reflect on their learning.
- Celebrate their accomplishments.
Activities like packing a school bag together, or preparing lunches can help children feel more connected and excited about their daily experiences at school. This shared responsibility strengthens the bond between home and school, creating a nurturing space for students to thrive.
Golden Manners @ ISP: Shaping Positive Behaviour
The Golden Manners @ ISP initiative is a cornerstone of the school’s ethos, promoting respect and responsibility among all members of the community. This initiative fosters meaningful connections by encouraging warm greetings, respectful communication, and harmonious interactions within the school.
Mr Belcher emphasises these values form the foundation of a nurturing school environment. As students practice these behaviours daily, they create a culture of kindness and mutual respect, both among their peers and with the staff.
Connecting with Peers to Spark Joy
From the moment students enter ISP, they become part of a dynamic community, beginning with the House system. This allows them to connect with peers and participate in house competitions, assemblies, and community events that help to foster a sense of belonging and healthy competition, while also reinforcing the school’s values.
Leadership opportunities are another key element of ISP’s community. With roles across sustainability, sports leadership, and the student council, students are encouraged to take on responsibilities that help them grow into confident, capable individuals.
The Mark of a Happy, Secure Student
When asked about the hallmark of a happy and secure student, Mr Belcher responds with pride: “One wearing an ISP uniform.”
The International School @ ParkCity creates a joyful and holistic learning environment where students are nurtured, challenged, and supported to become well-rounded individuals. With a strong emphasis on values, community, and personal growth, ISP ensures that its students thrive both in school and beyond, equipped with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in an ever-evolving world.
This post is sponsored by The International School @ ParkCity (ISP). ISP is a non-selective, co-educational international school following the Cambridge Curriculum catering for students from 3 to 18 years old. It is located in the award-winning township of Desa ParkCity. Register for a tour of the school, by reaching out to their friendly admissions team for more information!
Please do also note that certain year groups are already waitlisted for the 2024 to 2025 Academic Year. Please contact Admissions if you would like to enquire as to the Year Group availability.
