GEMS International School, Tropicana Metropark, Subang Jaya

Turning off the Federal Highway, I noticed various highrise construction projects on my left and also to my right. Then as I turned a corner and crested a slight rise, the GEMS International School complex came into view.

Our interview with GEMS’s Principal, Mr. Simon O’Grady and his Deputy, Mr. Craig Lewis was scheduled for 11:00 am. At a little before 11:00 am we were ushered into the meeting room and right on the dot at 11:00 am both Mr. O’Grady and Mr. Lewis appeared, smartly attired with ties and immaculately groomed. The interview began, and this in itself was an experience! GEMS must have looked through their whole database of suitable candidates to have matched Mr. O’Grady with Mr. Lewis. They were the epitome of the dynamic duo. They complemented each other so perfectly that the interview appeared as a seamless unbroken flow of data and information. Mr. O’Grady was learned, thoughtful and the tone of his voice was like waves from a calm ocean breaking upon a white sandy beach. Mr. Lewis was no less learned and thoughtful but being the perfect foil to his Principal, he appeared “larger than life” with a bright and more energetic outlook.

From staff to students, every individual at GEMS is encouraged to embrace and live out the GEMS Core Values. Why? Because they believe in the holistic development of an individual, not just academically but in also cultivating the values that shape a responsible and caring person.

01Learning through Innovation

Embrace change and challenge convention

02Growing by Learning

Strive to develop your potential

03Pursuing Excellence

Work to continually exceed expectations

04Global Citizenship

Actively contribute to the local and global community

“Today, more and more talented young people are competing for a limited number of places at international universities and academics isn’t the only criteria that a student will be measured against. Hence, our students are encouraged to develop other traits such as initiative, self-direction, a collaborative spirit, critical thinking and creativity. We believe that these soft skills are qualities that will see our students stand head and shoulders above others, setting a standard that will see them through their academic years and well into their adult lives,” said Mr. O’Grady.

The academic curriculum at GEMS International School, Tropicana Metropark features an enriched version of the National Curriculum for England and Wales. The British Curriculum provides a detailed blueprint for charting the academic progress of students aged 3 to 18 years. This progression extends from the Little GEMS Early Years Foundation programme through to the Primary, Secondary and Advanced phases of the curriculum. This skills and knowledge based curriculum is served by excellent textbooks and media resources including Information and Communications Technology.

GEMS International School Curriculum Pathway:

Stages of Study:

The GEMS vision of “making quality education available to everyone” starts at Little GEMS Early Years’ Foundation Stage. At Little GEMS, direct teaching is combined with a developmental approach – plan, explore and review – to engage the children and to enhance their learning experience. It is designed to promote cognitive development through movement, music, world languages and digital learning tools such as WiFi, interactive whiteboards and proven online learning platforms. Supported by a physical environment of flexible open concept classrooms that can be easily modified for a specific lesson or spur-of-the-moment activity, both the indoor and outdoor spaces will inspire the children to initiate their own learning, to work collaboratively, to focus and to relax in the knowledge that their actions are both supported and appreciated within this safe and nurturing environment.

“All these environments, facilities and resources are merely tools to help our educators inspire, motivate and challenge the students to bring forth the uniqueness of each child,” says Mr. Lewis. “The future depends on the standards we set today. With our years of experience, we are able to source from a worldwide network for the best. All our teachers and staff, who include both expatriate professionals and local Malaysian teachers, are highly trained and qualified. Being passionate and patient, they are entrusted to maintain high standards in the classroom and provide individualized attention to every child,” adds Mr. O’Grady.

Being acutely aware that GEMS is an international school in a host community, the GEMS curriculum has been specially devised to give students a deeper appreciation of their roots as they develop a global worldview. This includes coursework in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin, Malaysian History, Moral and Islamic Studies. Diverse relevant content is presented through imaginative project and problem-based activities that promote racial integration, cultural tolerance and a sense of pride in the local heritage and identity.

Facilities enjoyed by students at GEMS include a full-size swimming pool, a full-size football pitch complete with floodlights, badminton and basket ball courts, fully equipped science labs, well stocked and designed libraries, music rooms and even a gymnasium that doubles up as a concert hall replete with lighting and sound systems. For extra curricular activities, a student can choose from a list that includes Language, Laughter and Learning, P4C (Philosophy for Children), Calligraphy and Rock Band! Security is excellent with access card entry and exit with different drop off and pick up points for Early Years, Primary and Secondary sessions. To add even more value to what they already offer, GEMS also provides a comprehensive transportation plan to and from the nearby neighbourhoods. There is also a meal plan whereby healthy, nutritious and yummy food is catered fresh daily for lunch. However, the clincher here is that the teaching staff eats the exact same food that the students get to eat and at the same cafeteria. The teachers are not complaining and having tried the food ourselves, we would definitely return (if invited to) for a lunch or two or three! Yes, parents, students, ladies and gentlemen, it is that good!