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Lively voices fill the air as we approach PeiKen Mandarin-English Preschool, tucked in a lush green residential area in Bandar Puteri Puchong. The school’s weekly Monday assembly is in session, and since it’s also World Book Day, students are being regaled with a storytelling session.
As the children cheer and respond enthusiastically to the performance, several parents gather on the sidelines, smiles on their faces as they share in the excitement.
Such events and activities are common at PeiKen, a preschool under the renowned Beaconhouse brand. The Head of School, Miss Elise Cheng, strongly believes in creating a supportive environment where children can learn beyond the four walls of a classroom and where parents can be involved in their child’s learning journey.
A positive learning environment
PeiKen’s highlight is its dual communication medium, which emphasises Mandarin and English, with Bahasa Melayu as a third language.
Language is the bedrock of literacy, and is essential for reading and writing. Studies have found that bilingual children have an edge over their peers in many aspects, from better creativity and problem-solving, to enhanced listening and social skills.
As such, a bilingual approach is integrated across all the preschool’s subjects, from Knowledge and Understanding of the World to Mathematics and Creative Development.
Teaching aids and displays are presented in two languages. There are usually two teachers, or a teacher and an assistant, in each class – one who communicates in English, the other in Mandarin.
All of PeiKen’s teachers are dedicated professionals holding diplomas or degrees in Early Childhood Education, or relevant certifications in childcare. They are also trained in first aid and safeguarding.
For children aged 18 months to 6 years old, small class sizes ensure personalised attention. Meanwhile, gym and swimming sessions are held weekly to promote physical activity.
Students also spend time outdoors as part of hands-on learning. They may go bug hunting to learn more about insects or participate in flour and water play in the assembly area.
“Our curriculum is a carefully crafted, balanced approach that encourages learning through play and exploration,” explains Ms. Elise, a veteran educator with over 15 years of experience in early childhood education. “In addition to incorporating elements from the National Standard Preschool Curriculum (KSPK) and our own comprehensive Beaconhouse Early Years curriculum, we offer engaging programs like Jolly Phonics for early literacy development and Cambridge English for a solid foundation in the language. Our goal is to nurture children through diverse, interactive experiences that spark their curiosity and love for learning.”
The goal is to nurture young minds in line with Beaconhouse’s learner profiles: to foster creative and innovative, inquisitive, empathetic, globally aware, ethical, analytical, resolute, digitally literate, and healthy and active individuals.
Students also benefit from a strong co-curricular programme encompassing enrichment activities such as public speaking, speech and drama, modern dance, robotics, and Taekwondo.
Additionally, they can participate in biannual field trips, festival celebrations, thematic days, carnivals, yearly concerts, and more, which promote inclusion and equality.
Stellar facilities
Spacious and well-equipped are apt descriptions of PeiKen Mandarin-English Preschool’s impressive facilities.
The purpose-built campus is deliberately designed to mirror a primary school, which helps familiarise pupils with formal settings so they can adapt more easily when they further their studies.
The two-and-a-half-storey building houses multiple classrooms, a music room, a STEM lab, an IT lab, a library, and a cafeteria. There is also an outdoor playground, sand pit, and indoor swimming pool.
Security and hygiene are paramount. The school’s premises and facilities are cleaned and sanitised daily, with another round of deep cleaning on Saturday.
As for safety measures, they implement a strict pick-up policy and regularly update parents about their child’s progress and status through the LittleLives app.
Conclusion
Fostering a love for learning through hands-on exploration and a balanced curriculum focused on language immersion, PeiKen Mandarin-English Preschool nurtures the whole child with personalised attention and boundless opportunities for growth.
The school envisions raising the next generation of innovative thinkers and compassionate leaders. By sparking their innate curiosity and equipping them with essential knowledge and skills, students will be motivated to positively impact their communities and shape a better future, no matter which path they choose.
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