Cognita Asia News - Australian International School

Cognita Asia News
Highlights:
Keeping parents, pupils
and teachers informed
EducationUSA selects Stamford as k-12 partner
Stamford launches Global Mentor Program
Largest Swim Clinic for local and International
students at AIS
NASA Astronaut visits ISHCMC AA
Moon Festival at International School Saigon Pearl
St. Andrews Wai Khru Ceremony
St. Andrews Choir at Bumrungrad
Plus lots more inside...
Welcome to Cognita Asia News,
designed to keep parents, pupils
and teachers informed of all our
latest news, events, achievements
and opinions.
EducationUSA selects Stamford
as first K-12 on-campus partner
EducationUSA selects Stamford as first K-12 on-campus partner to host Singapore’s only
EducationUSA Advising Center
United States Ambassador to Singapore, Mr. Kirk
Wagar, inaugurated Singapore’s only EducationUSA
Advising Center at Stamford American International
School, marking the official launch of the school’s new
Phase II facilities.
The opening of the U.S. Department of State’s
EducationUSA facility at Stamford is one of the key
features of the campus, bolstering its position as
one of the world’s most progressive and innovative
school campuses.
The Singapore EducationUSA Advising Center will be
open to all local and international students, providing
information and consultation on pursuing an education
at any of the over 4,000 accredited universities and
colleges in the United States.
“The U.S. Embassy is pleased to open this new
EducationUSA Center at Stamford American
International School in Singapore. EducationUSA
provides information and counseling services
to students throughout the world who want to
study in the United States. American universities
offer Singaporean students unparalleled
innovation, research resources and world-class
instruction. We share Stamford’s goals of
promoting high quality university education
for tomorrow’s leaders and look forward to a
successful EducationUSA partnership”
U.S. Ambassador, Mr. Kirk Wagar.
information about accredited U.S. colleges and
universities. EducationUSA advisers and staff work
with U.S. higher education professionals to promote
international student enrollment.
The Advising Center will not just give Stamford, but
all local and international, students in Singapore
a convenient and complete resource that supports
their education careers from their Singapore school
through to top American colleges and universities.
A State-of-the-Art School Campus
Stamford is one of Singapore’s most innovative
institutions. The state-of-the-art school is also
home to world-class facilities including a 500-seat
performing arts theater, which is fully connected
to the Cognita iLEarn™ interactive learning
environments around Stamford’s campus. The
Cognita iLEarn allows for performances, talks and
lectures from visiting speakers to be screened at
multiple schools within the Cognita portfolio of
leading international schools.
“We recognize that today, especially in Asia and
in an incredibly modern and diverse country
such as Singapore, education is very competitive.
Demand for exceptional education is high and we
are now perfectly positioned to cater to this with
the opening of Stamford’s Phase II as we progress
to expand our school years up to Grade 12. We
are innovating education by partnering with some
of the world’s top minds, athletes and industry
leaders, all housed in over 54,000 square meters of
campus,” said Brian Rogove, CEO of Cognita Asia.
Singapore’s Only EducationUSA
Advising Center
Centrally-located off Upper Serangoon Road,
Stamford has been chosen by the U.S. Department
of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
(ECA) as the first K-12 partner to host Singapore’s
EducationUSA Advising Center. The Advising Center,
available to all students in Singapore, is one of a
network of hundreds around the world. It serves as
a resource for accurate, comprehensive, and current
In order to provide Stamford students with a truly
world-class education, an innovative, dynamic
yet nurturing environment is part of the school
ethos. Australian-based FJMT Architects and A61
Architects in Singapore collaborated to ensure that
space is well-utilized and created with a specific
purpose in mind—to inspire students by creating an
environment that will be engaging and getting them
excited about the learning process.
The 500-seat Reagan Theater, one of the largest
in Singapore, has a full 10-meter by 6-meter
LED screen that allows students to control
their backdrops or even look into chroma-key
compositing for their productions.
Access to the Best International Minds
and Leaders
To supplement the in-classroom experience to help
students develop future-proof life skills, Stamford
is working with industry partners to integrate
advanced hardware, software and expertise into
the curriculum.
With top-in-class educators and staff, Stamford
is also focusing on partnerships with some of
the world’s greatest minds, athletes and industry
leaders through the new Global Mentor Program.
The Global Mentor Program will give students
access to global figures in the fields of business,
science, social enterprise, athletics and the arts to
motivate them to excel in their chosen paths.
Stamford launches Global Mentor Program
with visit from Nobel Laureate, Professor Sir James Mirrlees
As we approach a globalized future, it is imperative that schools are able to provide students with a dynamic, yet
nurturing learning environment, where they will constantly be challenged. There is no straight path to success. On one
hand, pure academic excellence is valued and in many cases revered. However, there are also many who believe that
their success lies in the fact that they have been provided with a more dynamic approach to education.
Peace Foundation to support its 5th ASEAN event series
‘Bridges – Dialogues toward a Culture of Peace,’ which
will see acclaimed Nobel Laureate speakers conduct talks
and workshops at Stamford.
This is why at Stamford American International School,
we believe that when it comes to our students, we
need to surround them with the best of the best, so
that they receive an even more dynamic education and
are inspired to be at the top of their game. To achieve
this, we are innovating education by partnering with
some of the world’s top minds, athletes and industry
leaders, all housed within one of the world’s most
progressive schools.
Students have access to the best international minds
and leaders through our unique Global Mentor Program.
Exposure to global figures in the fields of business,
science, social enterprise, athletics and the Arts,
invigorate, inspire and motivate Stamford students with
the drive to excel in their chosen paths and equips them
with an enhanced set of skills.
While past mentors include Gerhard Zandberg, Olympic
Swimmer and World Champion, and Yale University’s
all-female A Cappella group Whim n’ Rhythm, this year
we have hosted the inaugural Singapore Swim Stars
clinic that gave our students a chance to meet and
be trained by American Olympic Medallist and World
Record Swimmer Jessica Hardy. Beyond sharing her best
competitive swimming tips, Jessica also gave a workshop
on overcoming adversity and becoming your “best self”.
As a leading international school, it is imperative that
students have the opportunity to learn about and
appreciate the diverse and rich cultures in Asia and the
world. Stamford has partnered with the International
On October 1, 2014, Nobel Laureate for Economics,
Professor Sir James Mirrlees spoke to 500 students and
teachers at Stamford American International School
on “Conflict, cooperation and the common good”.
With his visit to Stamford, Professor Mirrlees officially
launched the Global Mentor Program - which gives
students access to leading global figures in the fields
of business, science, social enterprise, athletics and the
arts, to motivate them to excel in their chosen paths—
an initiative that coincides with the launch of Stamford’s
completed Phase II facilities.
Through a highly engaging keynote address and
dialogue with Stamford’s high school students, Professor
Mirrlees shared how students could look at creative
ways to solve the world’s current problems—optimal
income taxation and conflicts around the world.
”It’s very impressive to see a school that it this wellequipped and equally impressive to talk to such an
organised and enthusiastic group of wonderful and well
prepared students. It was enjoyable speaking to them
and answering their interesting questions about current
economic trends, and seeing how excited they are to
learn and explore,” said Professor Mirrlees.
From state-of-the-art facilities, to diverse scholastic
programs and a solid curriculum hard-wired with
the right educational rigor, we are providing a path
to success for our students. Stamford’s ethos is to
continually develop and drive education to ensure that
students are prepared and given the tools they need
to be future leaders. Our commitment is; to equip our
students with a dynamic and innovative education by
providing an environment of learning excellence.
Future
Nobel
Laureates
Required
Ages 2-18
Stamford American is proud
to announce our
Global Mentor Program.
Our unique Global Mentor Program equips students
to excel and become leaders in their chosen field.
Exposure to global minds in the fields of business,
science, social enterprise and the Arts invigorate and
develop Stamford students with the skills, mindset and
ambition they require. Sir James Alexander Mirrlees –
1996 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences
– will speak with and inspire our students this Fall.
We are ready and waiting to meet your
future Nobel Prize winner.
Please introduce us.
Stamford offers an outstanding international
education for students from 2 to 18 years.
We offer the rigorous IB Program –
enhanced by American standards and
a focus on languages – to equip your
child for global citizenship.
Open House
Friday, November 7th 2014
Stamford American International School CPE Registration Number: 200823594D Period of Registration: August 10, 2014 to August 9, 2018
Register at www.sais.edu.sg
10 minutes from Orchard
Be it academic, sporting or artistic at AIS we foster a culture of
excellence, innovative learning and a global outlook for all our students.
1
2
3
4
5
Best of the International and Australian Curriculum
The only school in Singapore offering the Australian Curriculum enhanced with IB
PYP, IGCSE, IBDP and HSC, for students aged 2 to 18 years old.
Enrolling for
January 2015
Book your
personal visit today!
Tel: +65 6517 0247
www.ais.com.sg
Academic Excellence
IB Diploma results 12% higher than the world average and NAPLAN results
over 20% higher than the Australian national average in Elementary Numeracy
and Reading, mean our students graduate to the top universities in Australia,
UK, US and around the world.
International Sports Program
Cricket, rugby, basketball and swimming clubs, 12 representative sport teams
and 20 international tours across Australia, Asia and Europe every year.
Globally focused, distinctly Australian
Contact: +65 6517 0247 | www.ais.com.sg
Global Language Program
Daily Mandarin for 3 to 11 year-olds; Mandarin, Indonesian or French in
Secondary and a dedicated mother tongue program for native speakers.
Early Childhood Excellence Starting at 2 Years Old
Dedicated maths co-ordinator, daily Mandarin and individualised goal setting
in the Preschool inquiry centre.
AIS is part of the Cognita Group of Schools
www.cognitaschools.com
Australian International School Pte Ltd is registered by the Council
for Private Education. CPE Registration Number 199204405H. Period
of Registration 6 July 2011 to 5 July 2015
Olympic Champion Swimmers Coach
Largest Swim Clinic for Local and
International Students at AIS
In September, a total of 74 Swim lovers from
SportCares, Australian International School (AIS), and
Raffles Institution were coached by eight of the best
Swim Stars from Australia.
The Swim Clinic was part of the Singapore Swim
Stars event that was held 5-7 September 2014. During
the clinic, the Swim Stars shared tips on technique,
competition and sporting values with the students.
After a short relay competition at the Swim Clinic, a
few of the best swimmers were part of the Swim Clinic
showdown at the OCBC Aquatic Centre.
Team AIS
10 students from Raffles Institution, 4 sports boys
from SportCares including youth swimmer from the
Deaf Sports Association, Tan Jiahao, alongside 30
AIS students learnt championship swimming skills
from 4 Australian Olympic Swimmers—Ashley
Delaney, Brittany Elmslie and brothers Andrew and
Matthew Abood.
About Prudential Singapore Swim Stars
Held from 5 – 7 September, the Prudential Singapore
Swim Stars was a three-day swim festival that included
an unprecedented competition format involving
some of the world’s best swimmers from 17 different
countries, a synchronised swimming showcase as well
as swimming clinics conducted by the swimmers and
an open water event for the community.
The Prudential Singapore Swim Stars kicked off with
the thrilling inaugural one-day swimming event
involving some of the world’s best sprinters at the
OCBC Aquatic Centre. Doing away with the traditional
heats, eight of the best swimmers in the world for
each swim stroke featured in direct finals in 100m
events. The OCBC Aquatic Centre also saw the fastest
men and women in the 50m Freestyle take on each
other in semi-finals with the two fastest swimmers go
head-to-head in a showdown.
Aside from all the competitive action in the pool,
there was a whole host of fringe activities for swim
fans over the weekend. Spectators at the event caught
one of the world’s top Synchronised Swimming teams
from France during the festival. And on Saturday, 6
September, the swim stars conducted swim clinics at
selected schools around the island before culminating in
a relay swim-off featuring both the Swim Stars and their
charges at the OCBC Aquatic Centre. This was a relay
both the Swim Stars and the children will never forget.
The local community were able to put their swimming
prowess to the test at an Open Water Challenge over
two categories (800m and 4km) held at the Sea Sports
Centre (Changi Coast Walk) on Sunday, 7 September.
ISHCMC hosts historic event with world
renowned universities
On Sunday, September 14th, the International School
Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) hosted a University Public
Information session for the HCMC community with
globally renowned U.S. universities. In attendance were
representatives from Duke University, Georgetown
University, Northwestern University and two Ivy
League universities, Columbia University and Princeton
University. ISHCMC was honored to host this historic
event, as this was the first time ever that universities
of this caliber had visited Vietnam for the purpose of
meeting with prospective students.
The event was open to the public and reservations went
quickly. The session was a huge success with more than
250 visitors to the school. Attendees were granted an
opportunity to hear from and speak with representatives
from the university admissions offices regarding
admissions processes and application preparation.
According to ISHCMC University Counselor, Casey
Nolen Jackson, ISHCMC expects to welcome more
than 200 universities to ISHCMC before December for
the purpose of recruiting new students. Ms.
Nolen Jackson works one-on-one with ISHCMC
students throughout the school year to assist
them with university selection, guide them
through the various application procedures and
assist them so that they are able to submit the
strongest application possible.
“It was a great privilege to host these universities
and to welcome the local community to ISHCMC.
These university visits that we host throughout the
year are extremely valuable. They help to guide our
students and their families through the university
application process by enabling them to learn more
about each school and understand which type of
students they are looking to admit. This information
gives our students a much better chance of gaining
acceptance at their chosen university”
Simon Leslie, Headmaster at ISHCMC
Why we love
mistakes
Energized Engaged Empowered
Because at ISHCMC we
understand that mistakes are
stepping stones to
genuine learning.
Today’s students need to do more
than memorize information in
traditional classrooms. They need a
more evolved approach to education
that allows them the freedom to
pursue their passions fearlessly. In
addition to a strong academic
foundation, they need opportunities
to be creative, innovative and
analytical, all of which lie at the heart
of the ISHCMC philosophy.
Come and see
the difference we can make
in your child’s life.
A fully accredited IB World School,
authorized to teach all 3 programs
of the International Baccalaureate
curriculum to students
ages 2 – 18 years.
28 Vo Truong Toan, District 2
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 (8) 3898-9100
Email: [email protected]
www.ishcmc.com
Nathan, Grade 1
ISHCMC student since 2009.
St. Andrews
International School
Sathorn • Sukhumvit 107 • Green Valley
International
Focus.
Community
Feel.
St. Andrews
International School,
preparing students
for the future –
wherever it may
take them!
Our diverse student body benefits from the warmth and support of the school community, mixed
with student-centred learning, driving students to reach the heights of their abilities.
British International Curriculum
Caring, experienced teachers
Over 50 nationalities
Small classes and low student to teacher ratio
Accepting applications now!
www.standrews-schools.com
[email protected]
Sensational IGCSE Grades Confirm St. Andrews
International as Premier School in Rayong
Students, parents and teachers at St. Andrews International School Green Valley are once again celebrating
fantastic IGCSE results. In total our students achieved grades of A* - C 87.1% of the time, 41.6% of these being
grades of A* and A. These results far exceed the UK national average of 69% for A* - C and the average
scores of other international schools in the Rayong area.
These students include: Edward Varnes with eight A*’s and
two A grades, Saisitorn Suksaisakulsakdi eight A*’s and
one A grade, Ty Kerr six A*’s and three A grades, Ruksakul
Sungpapan six A*’s and four A grades and Farrukh Khaitov
with five A*’s and four A grades.
“We are very proud of all our students’
exam results, like previous years a large
group of talented and hardworking
students achieved exceptional results
that reflect the outstanding teaching and
learning that takes place at St. Andrews”
St. Andrews sensational grades were however not limited
to a small group of students, our overall grades in different
Mr. Harrison the Principal at St. Andrews
subjects were excellent. In eight different subjects areas
students achieved grades of A* - C 100% of the time: English
Literature, French, Mandarin, Art, History, Music, Drama and
Dutch. These perfect results were backed up in English, Maths
and Science. Students in First Language English and English
Literature achieved grades of A* - C 90% of the time with 55% of grades being A* - A. Maths were equally
successful achieving 92% A* - C with 52% A* - A and students in Science were also were successful with 85%
A* - C including 42% A* - A.
While other local schools are satisfied with having results which are in line with international standards, St
Andrews is not. Head of Secondary Mr. Kevin McGee stated: “Our aim is to far exceed international standards
every year and we have once again done this. Our results are 18% above UK averages, once again showing the
quality of the programme we offer and just how hard our students work”.
Many students in year 9 also sat the English as a Second Language exam two years early and 94% of these
students achieved a grade C or above, with 73% achieving A* - B. Year 9 and 10 students who sat French
exams one of two years early achieved grades of A* 100% of the time. These are tremendous results which
clearly show St. Andrews wish to push its students to excel, even from an early age.
St. Andrews International
School, Sathorn Wai
Khru Ceremony
Wai Khru is a Thai ritual in which students
pay respects to their teachers. It is
regularly held at the beginning of the
school year. At St. Andrews Sathorn,
students start the ceremony with a
recitation of the Wai Khru chant which
expresses the student’s respect and
gratitude and asks for blessings from their
teachers for their studies. This was followed
by paying respect by offering flowers
to their teachers. It is important for all
students to understand the local culture in
which they are living and studying in.
St. Andrews International School,
Sathorn Choir at Bumrungrad
Living in Bangkok Fair
St. Andrews International School participated again at this
year’s Living in Bangkok Fair at the Bumrungrad Hospital.
The school sponsored the event by having a school booth,
providing information to the visitors, as well as our St.
Andrews Sathorn choir singing beautifully in their first
performance of the academic year
The students singing were between the age of 7 – 11 years
old. They sang a selection of lively songs to a large crowd
of visitors and parents in the Main Lobby and Sky Lobby
of the hospital. The choir also got extra support from their
school friends who went to cheer. What a fantastic job!
NASA Astronaut visits ISHCMC American Academy
It was a very exciting time at ISHCMC American
Academy when we were visited by a real NASA
astronaut from the United States. Dr. James Reilly has
flown on 3 space missions, made 5 space walks and
spent over 850 hours in space. Our parent company,
the Cognita School Group flew Dr. Reilly into Vietnam
to give the keynote address at our graduation.
American Academy students had the once in a lifetime
opportunity to meet Dr. Reilly and be inspired by
his amazing story as he told them, “to go beyond the
horizon” and “you are only limited by the horizon
you set for yourself”. He toured our classrooms, gave
presentations, took photos and signed autographs for
our students. Our parents were also able to meet Dr.
Reilly when he was the special surprise guest at the end
of the year parent function held at the Caravelle Hotel.
Using space-themed problems to launch STEM(Science
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities
and programs, he engaged students to apply the skills
and knowledge they learn in the classroom to real
world 21st century problems. NASA astronaut, Dr.
Reilly visited ISHCMC American Academy students
to teach and inspire the young minds of the future and
show science in action.
Students learned how collaboration is one of the most
important 21st Century skills they will need to have to
be successful in the modern world. He gave examples
of his experience on the Russian space station Mir when
US astronauts teamed up with Russian astronauts,
called “cosmonauts” to deploy infrastructure that
enabled them to build the International Space Station.
Welcome Dr. James F. Reilly
28th May 2014
James Francis Reilly, II, Ph.D. (born March 18, 1954) is an American geologist and a
former NASA astronaut who has flown on three space shuttle missions:
STS-89, STS-104 and STS-117.
An International School
for students aged 11-18
BECOME WHAT YOU WANT TO BE
“My SUPA classes
provided me an excellent
understanding of what my
college classes will be like.
I am curious and excited!
The 17 SUPA university
credits that I earned in high
school will help my family
save money by allowing me
to finish university earlier
than usual.”
Nguyen Ngoc Hoang An
Class of 2014
University
acceptances with
different rates of
scholarship from
the following USA
universities:
Liberty University
Mercyhurst University
Northeasten University
Oakland University
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado
– Denver
The Only School in Vietnam to offer Syracuse University Project Advance - Which prepares
our students for success at university and gives them the opportunity to earn up to 1 year of
university credit while they are still in high school
Intensive English as an Additional Language Program - Ensuring our students are able to
achieve their full academic potential and attain international standards in the English Language
Highly Qualified American Teachers - Over 80% of our teachers have Master’s Degrees in their
specialist subjects
Tour ISHCMC American Academy Now!
16 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (84-8) 3898 9100
Email: [email protected]
www.aavn.edu.vn
Moon Festival at International
School Saigon Pearl
International School Saigon Pearl hosted the Moon festival
on the 4th of September. The event gave us an opportunity
to share with the parent community the new and updated
facilities. The Moon festival was held at 5pm with traditional
performance by the children within the atrium. All ages
performed and showcased the different Vietnamese dances
and songs.
The facilities were decorated with local Vietnamese fishing boats
with lotus flowers for the children to make wishes for the New
Year. Lanterns decorated the halls and entrances in bright reds,
blues and yellows. Children also made their own lanterns which
they were able to take home at the end of the night
The story of Coi and the Banyan tree was told by the Grade 1
class through pictures, illustrating their own interpretation of
the famous Vietnamese tale. The photo booth and art activities
were received with fun and made special moments for the
families. It was a great evening bringing the parents, children
and teacher community together.
BECOME WHAT YOU WANT TO BE!
Admissions
now open!
iPad interactive educational program starting this August!
• Teachers with Flair & Understanding
• World-Class Facilities
• Rigorous American Curriculum
• A Truly Global Community
• From Early Years to Graduation
Tour International School Saigon Pearl Now!
92 Nguyen Huu Canh St., Ward 22, Binh Thanh Dist., HCMC
Tel: (84-8) 2222 7788/99
Email: [email protected] | www.issp.edu.vn
An International School
for students aged 2-11