Tadika Kastil @ Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru

Tadika Kastil Bukit Indah was one of the pioneers of early childhood education in Johor Bahru. Founded by Mr. Lee as a precious gift to his daughter, he hopes to bring the same magical learning experience to every child that walks through the doors of the school.

With its name, the interior designers created a school with an exterior that resembles a castle. This intricately detailed façade has become a hallmark of all other Tadika Kastil branches. Enclosed within is a functional space that boasts a multimedia theatre, library, project workshop, computer and audio room, little farm, playground, and dedicated areas for creative and participative learning. This is the starting point for children to grow into happy, outstanding individuals who are creative and confident.  

Left- and Right-Brain Development

The Tadika Kastil curriculum is designed for 3- to 6-year-olds using the International Creative Teaching Method (ICTM). It is a unique teaching method, created by the school’s own research and development team, that targets on both left- and right-brain development. Children are either left-brain dominant (more analytical and are better with logic, linear thinking) or right-brain dominant (more creative and connects better with visuals and imagination). Thus, different methods of teaching and different education exercises are conducted in order to keep both sides of the brain stimulated.

To keep the left brain sharp, teachers expose children to lessons such as mathematics, science and languages. All lessons are adapted to match each child’s developmental level and style of learning. Many hands-on activities and games are used to keep it fun and engaging. These experiences help children pick up the fundamentals of academic learning that are suited for local primary schools.

To nourish the creative side of right brain learners, programmes like art, violin, leadership training and project management are implemented. Children develop habits and skills that they can take with them into adulthood when they learn to organise resources necessary to complete a project, perform on stage and present to large groups.

Ongoing Professional Staff Development

Throughout the whole process, teachers are trained to take careful observations of each child and use these observations as a reminder when planning for lessons. These observations are also used to give parents a good view of how their child is progressing over the school year.

For everything to run smoothly, teacher training is an important core element of the school. Training material is available online where the school’s team can always access at any day of the year to receive the guidance they need. Teachers are taught appropriate techniques that build off the needs of children in their classrooms, children psychology and development, and how to build a growth mindset that can help encourage students to do better.