ALAN STEVENS, the Master (and father of a former boarder) of Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM), described as “Asia’s only authentic British Boarding School”, provides an insight as to why parents consider boarding at international schools in Johor Bahru as a logistical saviour.
Boarding school is often the solution that allows children to attend their choice of international schools in Johor Bahru, without parents needing to be in two places at once. Or it’s the solution that removes the drudgery of a long commute.
However, parents quickly realise the inherent benefits of a boarding education at international schools in Malaysia, which are priceless and present unparalleled opportunities for children to grow in independence and confidence, and to refine emotional intelligence, academic, social and co-curricular skills.
International school in Malaysia teacher presence
The boarding houses at MCM are all run by highly-trained, experienced senior teachers who live in them with their families. They’re staffed by teams of Marlborough teachers who provide constant pastoral and academic guidance. The teachers also cultivate the atmosphere of a community.
With its award-winning boarding care and guided independence, MCM boarding offers the best possible preparation for the complete self-management required at university.
The days at boarding
Much like at home, the boarding day begins with breakfast together before lessons begin. Each boarder takes responsibility for tidying themselves and their own room; guidance is available to ensure that good habits are formed for life. At the end of the day, instead of bus journeys home, boarders relax together over refreshments in-house.
A favourite and much-discussed feature of boarding is meals. The College’s catering manager, head chef and nutritionist design a varied menu that rotates every three weeks. A boarders’ food committee provides regular feedback and guidance to the catering manager, helping to shape the menu.
Every sitting includes a range of European, Asian and vegetarian meals. Weekends and special holidays often include themed evenings. The nutritionist ensures that all dietary requirements are catered for and every child at the international school in Johor Bahru is well nourished to flourish.
Time out of formal lessons at this international school in Johor Bahru is a careful blend of structured and unstructured, with time specifically dedicated to non-device leisure when children experience the joys of reading books, playing chess or simply having conversations with each other and their Housemaster or Housemistress.
Structured times offer an enormous range of activities from the extensive resources of the MCM campus. This includes every possible sports resource, a climbing wall, a golf driving range and a boating and fishing lake, to off-site activities such as ATV driving or horse riding.
Children also engage in philanthropic ventures. These focus on either local environmental conservation or a regular contribution to local communities such as a nearby orphanage. In the process, they form meaningful relationships and learn that they have the ability to make life better for others.
International school in Johor Bahru boarding leadership opportunities
A constant theme of Marlborough boarding international school in Johor Bahru is leadership opportunities. Each House is an extended family of siblings and conversation. Compassion and companionship are the College-wide values. These inform the leadership expectations and practices that are infused by Housemasters and Housemistresses.
Lots of formal positions of leadership exist, giving children the chance to affect change and lead others. At the same time, everyone plays their part in a close-knit community with shared responsibilities. Senior pupils also have the opportunity to engage in a formal award winning leadership programme.
Marlborough College Malaysia
marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org
Jalan Marlborough, Puteri Harbour, Johor
+60 7 560 2200 | malaysia@marlboroughcollege.my
This article first appeared in the October 2022 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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