Groves (fourth right), Tiong (fourth left) and others at the launch of the Cambridge A-Level Programme at Woodlands.
SIBU: Provider of international education here since 2013, Woodlands International School has progressed remarkably.
Its principal Aubrey Groves said it is the first and only school to offer international education in Sibu, preparing students for the growing global community in the 21st century.
“Schools often dream of producing life-long learners. At Woodlands, we foster this principle – leading by example not just for the students but staff as well,” he said at the opening of the Cambridge A-level programme at the school yesterday.
Woodlands board of directors chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King was also present.
Saying a school is only as good as its teachers, Groves said Woodlands provides ongoing professional development and in-service training for its staff every month.
He said the school is committed to the Cambridge International Curriculum which is taught from Year 1, a curriculum recognised and endorsed by international schools in over 140 countries worldwide.
“To this end, Woodlands is beginning the Cambridge Teaching Diploma for our teachers – the first school in Sarawak to do so – with 14 local teachers beginning their training next month.
“Despite being an international school with the curriculum taught in the English medium, we embrace and celebrate our local cultural roots. Our results in both Malay and Chinese are fantastic,” he disclosed.
As part of its commitment to personalised learning, Woodlands will be offering every Y12 student a dedicated teacher mentor who supports his/her endeavour for the duration of his/her studies.
He believes in developing a sense of community, as highlighted by the attendance of the school’s board of governors and
board of directors, with a shared objective and goal to make Woodlands stand out as a school in Sarawak.
“We are looking at extending our community outside Sibu area including Bintulu, Mukah and Sarikei. To this end, we are finalising boarding facilities next door to the school,” Groves added.
He also invited the public to attend the school’s Open Day on Sept 30 to encourage Woodlands’ growth in the community.