by on 07/05/2021 2302
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The widely praised Goshen Programme has been operating since 1996, offering children a creative trilingual education that meets each child at the level of their development. There are currently 21 learning centres across Malaysia using the Goshen Programme and counting.
The founder and principal, Ms. Ai Ling Kong graduated from Walsh University, Ohio, USA with an Honours Degree in Elementary Education (K-8). She then went on to become a principal for a church operated preschool for the next 9 years. When her daughter turned 3, Ms. Kong started developing the Goshen programme, to provide Early Childhood Education for 3- to 6-year-olds. Her intention was to create a fun, loving, understanding, and creative environment where children could learn and grow, just like what she would want for her daughter.
The Goshen programme is designed to meet each child at their level of development. The programme takes into account their age, existing subject knowledge, personality, interests, and individual needs. It incorporates various aspects of Maths, Science, Languages, Critical Thinking, Listening, and Speaking into the curriculum for a well-rounded education.The learning outcomes also follow the Malaysian National Preschool Curriculum.
Goshen aims for children to be well-versed in three languages - English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Chinese - by the age of 6. This is done through a combination of instructional teaching and play-based learning that also effectively equips children with critical life skills for the modern society.
Over the years, the Goshen programme has been regularly updated to encourage development of each child and their unique interests. For example, Cooking, Drama, Music, and Science Corners have been introduced after certain students showed an interest in such areas.
To complement the Goshen programme, Goshen also offers the Goshen Reader and Goshen Kids Programme. The Goshen Reader is a one-to-one after school programme for pre-schoolers, where teachers help children revise the day’s learning activities and help them understand better. The Goshen Kids programme is made available after school and also during school holidays. During this programme, students focus on character building and developing their physical, emotional, and mental health, in a nurturing environment.
Goshen also hosts many extracurricular activities and encourages parents to get involved. These activities include field trips, Sports Days, festivity celebrations, graduations, and concerts. However due to COVID-19 restrictions, activities or events have been halted temporarily or adapted to suit the new normal.
Centres under Goshen are designed to be safe environments which promote healthy exploration and curiosity. Furnishings in classrooms and play areas are child-sized, which encourage independence and development of gross-motor skills. All classrooms are equipped with different learning stations and materials that stimulate children to learn across a wide range of subjects. With an environment conducive to growth, children adapt quickly into their routines, knowing what is to be expected once they arrive at the centre. Teaching materials are also designed to be age appropriate; they are constantly updated and rotated to keep each child interested and to comply with the Malaysian curriculum.
Teachers are hired based on their passion for Early Childhood Education. Teachers are also required to have certain qualifications, enthusiasm, and a forward-thinking mindset. Prior to starting their role as a Goshen educator, they are trained to meet Goshen’s standards. A regularly updated teaching manual assists teachers in preparation of the syllabus, allowing quality control and consistency in all centres utilising the Goshen programme. In-house training workshops are also held regularly to keep teachers up to date with the latest information on child psychology, effective classroom management, teaching methods, and other relevant subjects.
Goshen realises the importance of maintaining an excellent parent-school relationshipn. The school works closely with parents to ensure children receive a well-rounded education. Goshen always requests feedback from Goshen Parents, which allows the school to respond to questions or queries regarding each child’s development. Ongoing Progressive Reports track children’s growth from the moment they set foot inside the centre, while allowing educators to learn which skills need further development in preparation for primary school.
Parents are also regularly invited to attend and participate in various extracurricular activities to strengthen parent-child bonds. Parent-teacher talks are held annually with the school principal and teachers to update on their child’s progress and allow space for discussions on their development. Children’s daily activities are also updated on social media such as Facebook, with consent, so families can see how their child is doing at Goshen.
Goshen always puts the education of children first and strives to adapt to advances in technology, while welcoming new ideas and changes to benefit all Goshen children and their families. Over the years, Goshen graduates are known to be well-quipped with literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills needed to succeed in primary school, and in a modern world. Goshen graduates are lifelong learners who can proudly say that their formative years at Goshen have set them up for a meaningful life of constant learning.
