Indeed, the world has become a veritable village. Advances in technology and communication have made it easier for people throughout the world to interact with, and learn
from each other. Thus, the concepts of cultural sensitivity, appreciation of diversity and respect for the individual have become even more vital today. To be able to derive the best of what the world has to offer, a healthy appreciation for new concepts and the ability to discern lessons from everyday experiences is essential. Likewise, a global outlook and attitude are equally important to facilitate the exchange of ideas. Thus an international education is valuable because it enables students to absorb new concepts and lessons more readily. It equips them with the necessary “people skills” to help them relate to different cultures better.
While all international schools encourage the global perspective, it is perhaps the emphasis on “nurturing a culture of kindness” that makes Reedley International School stand out. A rigorous anti- bullying policy is in place, and students are made aware what actions could be construed as “bullying behavior.” Just as importantly, a personalized approach of mentoring is practiced in the school, so that the teachers and school officials know all their students. Undoubtedly, Reedley’s small class sizes and a faculty dedicated to bringing out the best in their students are distinct advantages towards encouraging versatile and well-rounded individuals.
“Our inspiration is that we are able to change lives. Happy and motivated kids make better achievers,” says founding directress Nellie Aquino-Ong. The values of family, nurturing, self-discipline and self-actualization are given importance and the school follows a program meant to encourage ability, confidence and kindness among students. Reedley’s goal, after all, is to make “every student fit in and every student stand out.”
In the Philippines, the school is one of only four accredited members of the Council of International Schools, an association that is committed to upholding high academic standards for international education. The school adheres to three international academic methodologies. While the American method for learning English, Social Sciences and the Humanities is followed, mathematics and science are taught the Singaporean way. This is a distinct advantage, should students prefer to go to colleges and universities abroad. In addition, education at Reedley satisfies the Basic Education Curriculum of the Philippines’ Department of Education so that graduates do not have adjustment problems should they choose to continue their education in Philippine colleges and universities.
To strengthen the idea that learning continues beyond the boundaries of the classroom, Reedley students recently went on a trip to Singapore. “The trip reinforces how fostering positive experiences for students in the real world complement the academic classroom—empowering Reesians with the knowledge, the skill and the confidence necessary to be successful in any setting,” explains Mrs. Nellie Ong.
The field trip included an afternoon at the Singapore Science Center, one of the top science centers in the world. There, numerous interesting and interactive exhibits kept students absorbed in demonstrations of various scientific and mathematical concepts for a whole afternoon. This was capped by a movie at the Omni- theatre, the five-storey high and 23 meter diameter hemispheric giant screen with sophisticated sound systems.
Meanwhile, a visit to the National Museum of Singapore at Stamford Road was a riveting lesson in history and culture for the students. We overheard several young men and women comparing Singapore’s history with the Philippines’ rich and colorful past, with their discussion spanning what they perceived were the differences and commonalities of the two cultures. The possibility of a museum demonstrating Philippine history likewise inspired several students to hope for a similar facility in the country someday.
Throughout the field trip, an academic module prepared by the school reminded the students that the expedition was not merely for pleasure. “What concepts in chemistry helped you in understanding the mechanisms of the car’s air bag? What concepts in physics helped you understand how the combustion chamber works?” The students were required to write essays on food, places, customs and culture. The students enthusiastically applied themselves to the required tasks.
For Reedley students, travel and immersion in a different culture was an enjoyable way to learn. We observed the ebullient students and wholeheartedly agree with Mrs Nellie Aquino- Ong when she says, “More than anything, they look forward to a learning environment that offers a change of pace from the regimented classroom setting. As teachers, we can feel the students’ excitement when they are able to study the nuances of a culture, peer into its intricacies and immerse themselves in its customs.”
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Reedley International School, located at Josol Building, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Ugong Norte, Libis Quezon City is a privately-owned co-educational school that hopes to foster global learning and internationalism among students. For inquiries and to learn more about the school, visit www.reedleyschool.com, email ris@reedleyschool.com or call telephone number 6312262 to 66.