Nexus International School, Putrajaya

There has never been a time in history when we have been as globally connected as we are right now, and future leaders need to be adequately prepared to take on this ever-challenging, ever-evolving and vastly diverse world we live in. At Nexus International School Malaysia, every area of our children’s education is supported, where learners are guided and prepared to occupy their respective places anywhere in this world as productive, responsible, internationally-minded citizens.

Kiddy123 spoke to Principal David Griffiths recently, in an aim to uncover some of the finer points of schooling at Nexus International School, Malaysia. “Our purpose statement is to educate the youth of the World to take their productive places as leaders in the global community,” Mr Griffiths shared, stating further on the school’s vision which is to be an internationally-minded learning community, enabling learners to achieve academic, physical and creative success and be able to make a difference in the world. Nexus is also a member of the Taylors Education Group.

“Nexus is a school that not only promotes academic success. We thoroughly embrace holistic learning and believe that our approach to child centred, action based learning enables learners to develop their independence and also recognise the interdependence of community,” Mr Griffths added.

Amidst the scenic backdrop of Putrajaya and its lush greenery, the Nexus International School campus stands, an impressive sight, providing a safe, highly conducive space for learners to flourish. The school’s tagline is Embracing Diversity, Challenging Minds and its guiding statements are articulated through what is known as the Nexus Way.

The Nexus Way

Families looking to enroll their children into an international school would justifiably be attracted to Nexus. This has a lot to do with the reputed Nexus Way of education, where Mindsets, Relationships, Innovation, and Inclusion are the four main elements. These intertwined qualities are integrated into the everyday experience of students with the aim of producing better attitudes, knowledge, and skills, alongside the nurturing of good behaviours. A positive mindset, for example, is said to be the main driving force towards academic excellence and personal growth and gratification - all of which are crucial in producing socially responsible, global citizens.

As for the element of Relationships, teachers and learners have healthy, learning-focused relationships, where children are empowered to take responsibility to become lifelong learners. The teachers at Nexus International School are some of the world's best, and as verified by Mr Griffiths, the school has a long waiting list of teaching staff eager to share in the Nexus Way. “Professional learning is one of the reasons that teachers stay at Nexus. There are currently Teaching Assistants taking teaching qualifications and class teachers taking higher qualifications such as Masters and Doctorates,” he explained.

Next, we have Inclusion. Due to the school's unique inclusive admission policy, students, or learners as they are known as at Nexus, come from all walks of life and may have vastly varying abilities, skills and needs. Hence, Nexus Inclusion truly means just that - for no child is left out in being cared for, in being educated, and in being appropriately challenged. This level of inclusion is made possible through regular assessment, flexible grouping, as well as through the services of EAL and Special Needs trained teachers, as well as Personal Learning Assistants (PLAs) in primary classrooms. There are actually many reasons why a child may have special or different learning needs and the Nexus Alternative Pathway programme is another example of its commitment to inclusiveness. All learners get the chance to progress and be challenged at the appropriate level.

In this era of information and technology, being innovative will help elevate us to higher levels in everything we do. Technology keeps evolving and Nexus believes in helping learners keep up and stay ahead in its usage. From the viewpoint of Nexus Innovation, this aspect is reflected in the level and quality of research, discovery and self-instructed learning. The learners are encouraged to make full use of the tools provided to stretch their imagination, explore and discover alongside studying and researching.

The Nexus difference

Programmes offered at Nexus International School include the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), International Primary Curriculum, and Middle School Programme, with learners sitting for their IGCSE and IB Diploma. Nexus International also offers specialised programmes such as Beyond The Classroom, Nexus English Pathway, and the aforementioned Nexus Alternative Pathway Programme.

Nexus is committed to its learners with the belief that every one of them has the potential to shine and bring something great to the table. We can see some of the latest technologies being used with updated pedagogical practices, alongside some hand-picked practices of traditional education, all with the goal of enabling learners to flourish in an international environment as good natured, well-adjusted and high achieving citizens. Families whose children are engaged in the Nexus Way at this acclaimed school can surely see how they can make a real difference in our world.