Four graduate teachers from Tenby Schools Ipoh were feted to a memorable graduation ceremony at Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park, Kuala Lumpur recently. The occasion was to celebrate the completion of their Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) (PGCEi) course. The course was conducted over nine months by Queen’s University and Stranmillis University College from Belfast, Ireland.
They were among the 19 Tenby graduates from all five Tenby Schools in Malaysia who formed the second cohort of teachers to receive this international teaching certification through a three-year training partnership between Tenby schools and Queen’s University. Another five teachers from Tenby Ipoh were selected to participate in the third PGCEi training course which began in September 2016.
For Janel Kong, the student representative of the second cohort for primary teachers and currently teaching at Tenby Ipoh, it was not an easy task juggling between full-time teaching and fulfilling the requirements of the course. “It’s tough going but worth every effort as we learnt so many practical lessons from the course. What stood out for me in particular was the importance of post-lesson reflection in order to improve our teaching strategies and class delivery,” she said. She credited the tutors and mentors for guiding them along the way.
The PGCEi course is an internationally-recognised master’s level professional development course for graduate teachers. It is one of several staff development opportunities currently provided by Tenby for their teachers to remain at the forefront of teaching and learning in Malaysia. In addition, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education and the Cambridge CICTL/CIDTL programmes are also available to teachers at Tenby for their professional development. Tenby Schools Malaysia CEO Mark Parkinson says, “We believe the future is bright for international and private education in Malaysia and that Tenby is taking a leading role in raising educational standards and achievements in the country. We are committed to support our teachers in their development as lifelong learners and professional, international educators.”
University graduates who are keen to enter the teaching profession are encouraged to apply for a teaching position at Tenby schools, where upon appointment, will receive opportunities for ongoing teacher training.
Those interested may write to the Human Resource Department, Tenby Schools Malaysia, A-G-1, No.1 Persiaran Greentown 2, Greentown Business Centre, 30450 Ipoh.
Wern Sze Gill
