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Established in 2004, Beaconhouse Preschool Subang has long served the educational needs of families with young children in the Subang neighbourhood.
As one of Beaconhouse’s flagship preschools, the licensed kindergarten and daycare centre is a prime choice for those seeking quality education for their little ones, with an emphasis not just on academic excellence, but holistic development.
Head of School Ms. Melody Wan (pictured above) is spearheading the establishment by preserving its rich traditions, while introducing new and improved pedagogical approaches that are up to date with the times. She is a passionate educator and has extensive experience within the brand, formerly leading other preschool branches as well.
Developing children in all aspects
Beaconhouse Preschool Subang stays true to the brand’s “Play to Learn, Learn to Play” philosophy, but with a touch of its own character.
“At Beaconhouse, it’s all about joyous learning and celebrating successes,” says Melody. “Play is purposeful, and it is adopted into lessons as well. So even though activities are play-based, there is always an educational outcome that we hope to achieve,” she adds.
Core subjects such as English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mathematics are based on the National Preschool Standard Curriculum (KSPK), integrated with various approaches such as sensory play for young learners, and project-based learning for older pupils.
For the five- and six-year-old age groups, parents can choose either English-medium or Mandarin-medium ‘streams’ for their child – to help them prepare for national and international primary school, or Chinese vernacular primary school, respectively.
The timetable of the two differs slightly, with the latter having Mandarin as a daily subject. Mathematics is also taught in dual languages.
Extracurricular activities and enrichment classes include speech and drama, modern dance, arts and crafts, public speaking, and Taekwondo, which run after the half-day programme finishes at 12.30pm. For children in the full-day programme, teachers help them with reading and homework, so parents get to enjoy more quality time with their child at home.
Beyond cultivating their academic skills, the school also focuses on social and emotional development, which Melody believes should go together with knowledge acquisition.
Activities such as group and pair work, as well as cultural celebrations, offer opportunities for children to exercise their communication skills, collaborate with each other, and make friends.
The children are also taught moral values, such as manners and respecting elders. “Standard practice is for the children to greet not just the teachers every day, but also the aunties (helpers). We are Malaysians, and budi bahasa (manners) is a part of our lives,” says Melody.
Safe and conducive environment for learning
Beaconhouse Preschool Subang has spacious premises that span two buildings, connected by covered walkways. The number of pupils in each classroom strictly adheres to guidelines from the Ministry of Education, which designates a certain amount of space per pupil.
Technology is used to facilitate learning. Teachers utilise Chromebooks to present lessons and interactive activities like quizzes and educational shows on smart TVs.
Plans are also in the works to upgrade the school’s playground as well as the driveway, to ease pick up and drop off for parents. CCTVs are strategically placed in common areas and the daycare rooms, while a guard is on-site from 7am to 7pm on weekdays.
Cleanliness and safety are taken seriously at Beaconhouse Preschool Subang. The school premises are thoroughly cleaned every weekend, and bedding and cots are cleaned with antiseptic before being dried out in the sun. Learning materials are sanitised daily and are cleaned with disinfectant every week.
Supporting parents in their child’s learning journey
It’s clear that Beaconhouse Preschool Subang enjoys a high level of trust, which they have nurtured over the years with the local community.
“There is a sense of belonging, and there is open communication between parents and the school,” says Melody. “Leaving everything else aside, it’s important for parents to feel that their child is safe. I think that they can see that our teachers are truly dedicated and care about the children,” she concludes.
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