Source/Author: By Yvonne T. Nathan

Council of Education (COE)

Far from resting on the laurels of its 2014 achievement as top-performing private school, Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur has become an international school.

The reputable private school in Sentul marked its change towards becoming a full-fledged international school with a Thanksgiving service gathering for all 1,000 students.

Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur will be the first of the five Wesley Methodist private schools using the national Standard Secondary School Curriculum (KBSM) to make the shift.

In celebrating the milestone, Bishop Dr. Ong Hwai Teik blessed the gathering with hymns, a sermon and a prayer for the future.

The students were not to be left out and played their part with a celebratory dance by the Girls’ Brigade and a performances by the choir group.

Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur principal Chia Loy Tian said next year’s Form One intake will use 100% international school syllabus while Forms Two to Five will use 80% of the international syllabus and 20% KBSM.

“We resisted the change for so long but the need became so great, the change had to come if we wished to stay the benchmark for education.

“Therefore, with very careful planning and consideration, taking into account the fees as well, we want to make sure we give quality education at the same time parents can afford.

“What made the school what it is today are the people who gave it its life and soul, the students and teachers of past and present who serve the school with love and unflagging dedication,” she said.

The change will require immense dedication by their teachers who have been receiving daily in-house training to gain the necessary skills.

Methodist Council of Education executive director Khor Hong Yin spoke on the importance of on-going learning for the teachers’ professional development, stressing on creating a learning community.

“This is the first time Methodist Church Malaysia has made an investment of this magnitude in education.

“It’s because we believe in building character foundation through a holistic education that encompasses universal values in our community, bringing a transformation of life to our students and teachers.

“Our Methodist Education has come a long way from its humble beginnings, we want to stay relevant according to the time and season; we are here to stay,” he said.

He added that with another wholly international school expected to begin by 2018 in Georgetown, Penang, the school is set to continue blazing its trail forward.