Rafflesia International School, Bandar 16 Sierra, Puchong

Rafflesia International and Private Schools, a brand under the Rafflesia Education Group, is an established name in the education field.

Founded in 2010 by Datuk Tan Yew Sing (who also founded the INTI Education Group) together with a group of visionary educationalists, the schools span two campuses, with one in Kajang and the other in Puchong.

Both international schools cater to students aged three to 16, covering the International Early Years Programme, the International Primary Curriculum, Cambridge Secondary 1, and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum. The schools are especially lauded for their IGCSE achievements, producing a high number of students with straight A’s each year.

Kiddy123 got the opportunity to tour its Puchong campus, where we spoke to principal Dr Chandra Mathy Veerapan and learned why the Rafflesia name so often tops the list when it comes to quality education.

Premium facilities

Spacious, modern, well-equipped: these are just some of the words that come to mind when stepping into the Rafflesia Puchong campus, nestled within the posh, leafy suburb of Bandar 16 Sierra.

A suite of learning and recreational facilities ensures a conducive environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Aside from a well-stocked library, science labs, and dedicated rooms for activities like cooking and dancing, the school also has an AI (artificial intelligence) lab, multipurpose hall, lecture theatre, activity hub, as well as an amphitheatre.

Students can also keep active with sports facilities like a swimming pool, squash court, badminton court, and basketball court.

Tailored learning for each child

What sets Rafflesia apart is their unwavering dedication to tailored learning experiences, ensuring that each child truly learns to the best of their strengths, whilst addressing any gaps they may have.

This differentiated learning forms a core part of Rafflesia’s pedagogy, which helps to foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

Dr Chandra explains that they use a concept called the ‘traffic light system’. “Teaching is conducted as a whole, but students in each class are grouped according to colours, where green represents advanced students who are capable of independent work beyond the class level; yellow represents students who are the expected level for their age group; and red represents those who require extra support to reach the desired learning objectives,” Dr Chandra shares. “Based on these groupings, teachers will modify their instructions and activities accordingly.”

This approach ensures that students learn to the best of their ability levels, where additional support is provided to students who need it the most whilst not neglecting the needs of more independent learners.

Leveraging technology for better learning outcomes

Technology is integrated into lessons to make them more engaging. Classrooms are fitted with Apple TVs, which double as interactive whiteboards. Primary students from Year 1 to Year 4 are given iPads at school when needed, and in Year 5 or 6, they will bring their own iPads for programming and coding subjects. 

While acknowledging that digital platforms cannot take over traditional methods of teaching, Dr Chandra believes that it enhances the experience. For example, students utilise applications like Nearpod and Kognity, a recognised teaching and learning platform for Cambridge IGCSE. 

Once students are done with work in class, they are logged into the system where they can work on additional activities. The content within is designed by Rafflesia’s teachers, with segments covering different subjects, such as “Maths Garden” and “English Garden”.

All-encompassing education

Besides academic rigour, Rafflesia’s programmes are aimed at creating well-rounded students who excel not just in studies, but also other areas of life.

There are various extracurricular activities to choose from, including sports-related clubs like fencing, archery, squash, basketball and badminton, and culture-based activities such as Chinese and German language clubs.

Dr Chandra emphasises that children cannot be classified based on academic performance alone, as there are many areas where students can excel. Assemblies afford an opportunity for students to present themselves and build confidence, be it through poetry recitation, storytelling, or sharing sessions.

The school also inculcates moral values and social responsibility through CSR projects outside the school, including beach clean ups, tree planting, and donation drives for the less fortunate.

A culture of inclusivity and support

Adjusting to a new environment can be daunting, especially in an international school with a diverse student body. Some of those come from non-English speaking backgrounds. Rafflesia Puchong adopts a two-pronged approach to help students manage not just academically, but also emotionally.

At the primary and secondary level, the school offers an English for Educational Purposes (EEP) programme, where students are immersed in special classes that may run up to 10 hours per week for up to two terms, so new students with low proficiency can brush up on their English skills. They still attend classes in mainstream subjects, allowing them to socialise with their peers in a regular setting.

For the secondary level, students with lower English proficiency are streamed into the English as a Second Language (ESL) group, where the focus is on improving their reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills before Year 10, so that they will be ready for IGCSE exams.

As for emotional support, Rafflesia implements a buddy system, where new students are paired with a teacher and a fellow student who act as mentors, to help ease them into their new environment.

Dedicated teachers who go the extra mile

If children are the seeds of the future, then teachers are the gardeners that nurture them into outstanding individuals who can contribute to society. Which is why Dr Chandra believes in looking for teachers that will go the extra miles—not in terms of putting in extra hours, but rather the way they care for each child.

Thursdays are dedicated to professional development for teachers, with training as well as knowledge and idea sharing sessions.

“Qualifications and experience matter, but with proper passion, teachers can excel. I always ask my teachers to imagine if their child is being taught by someone else. How would they want them to be taught? Parents have trusted us with their children for eight to ten hours each day, they are our responsibility, and we need to do our best,” Dr Chandra says.

Conclusion

As Rafflesia International and Private Schools, Bandar 16 Sierra Puchong continues to grow and innovate, it remains steadfast in forging a path in excellence. Plans are in the works to expand its facilities and offerings, including non-academic subjects such as sports, music and drama.

With its unwavering commitment to producing well-rounded individuals, complemented by personalised learning and a supportive community, the school equips its students with the skills and know-how to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape, empowering young minds to become future global leaders and street smart individuals.