John Curtin College of the Arts is thrilled to announce its selection for the esteemed ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE School Partnerships Program. This exciting initiative will see the College embark on a collaborative journey with a partner school in Southeast Asia, fostering invaluable cross-cultural learning and building lasting friendships.
The College is delighted to welcome Akademi Sains Pendang from Kedah, Malaysia, as its partner in this enriching program. Located in a rural region of Malaysia, Akademi Sains Pendang is a public secondary school specialising in gifted education within the sciences, catering to 300 students across lower and upper secondary levels. This partnership offers a unique opportunity for John Curtin students to gain firsthand insights into the Malaysian education system, experience their vibrant culture, and connect with the daily lives of young Malaysians.
Facilitating this exciting intercultural exchange on the ground in Malaysia is Mr. Adzrul Syafiq Bin Adzhar, a dedicated and experienced Sejarah (History) and Psychology teacher at Akademi Sains Pendang. Known affectionately as Syafiq, he plays a crucial role in curriculum development and also coaches the school’s debate teams. His fluency in English, alongside his native Malay, makes him an ideal point of contact and facilitator between the two schools. Notably, Syafiq has previously visited Australia, providing him with a valuable understanding of the Australian context.
Over the coming months, students from John Curtin College and Akademi Sains Pendang will engage in a variety of collaborative projects, virtual exchanges, and shared learning experiences. These engaging activities are specifically designed to:
- Enhance global citizenship and intercultural understanding: Broadening students’ perspectives and fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures.
- Develop digital literacy through collaborative online projects: Equipping students with essential skills for navigating the modern digital world.
- Provide authentic contexts for language learning: Offering practical opportunities to improve language skills in a real-world setting.
- Create opportunities for student leadership: Empowering students to take initiative and develop leadership qualities within a global context.
- Foster meaningful connections between Australia and Malaysia: Building lasting relationships and promoting understanding between the two nations.
The College views this partnership as an exceptional opportunity for its students to develop crucial international perspectives, refine their cross-cultural communication skills, and forge meaningful connections with their peers in Malaysia. The experience promises to be both enriching and transformative for all involved.
Get Involved!
John Curtin College of the Arts students and teachers who are eager to participate in the exciting activities planned as part of the BRIDGE Program are encouraged to reach out to Associate Principal Fiona Tholet for more information on upcoming opportunities.
Stay tuned to future editions of “Building Bridges” on the College website for regular updates on this exciting journey in the ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE Program!
