By Leanne Yuen

What better way to learn about the wonders of Malaysia than by experiencing it first hand! On 4 August 2008, ELS Language Centres (Petaling Jaya) and Just English Sdn Bhd jointly organised a 5-day 4-night exploration camp for 32 students at Taman Negara (National Park). Their nationalities consisted of Yemenis, Koreans and Chinese, and their ages ranged from 12 to 20. Everyone had a wild, wet and wonderful time.

The youth camp offered ELS students exciting opportunities to practise English, make friends from around the world and experience the secrets of Taman Negara – ‘the oldest jungle, the best kept tropical rainforest and a great natural wonder of the world’!

Day One
The enthusiastic youths boarded a bus from Kuala Lumpur at 9.00 a.m. and arrived at Kuala Tahan at 1.00 p.m. After checking into the air-conditioned Agoh Chalet, everyone tucked into their lunch and was eager for their first adventure - the cave exploration at Gua Telinga.

The guide divided the students into three groups and briefed them about wearing life jackets and other safety measures before steering them into three long canoe-like boats to get to Gua Telinga.

Visiting the cave was a wondrous experience with the sight of millions of bats clinging upside down on the cave walls. You could actually reach out and touch them – that’s how close they were! The ELS team was lucky enough to enter the cave as this is not possible during the rainy season when the floor of the cave gets flooded by the river.

In the evening, the group went for a night jungle walk. There were seven look-out towers or ‘hides’ as they are called. This is where people stand and watch as the animals come near the man-made ponds and swamps.

Day Two
After a hearty breakfast, the ELS team was set for botanical jungle trekking – 6km of it! It was a real experience witnessing the tropical flora and fauna and even poisonous creatures like scorpions and huge cave centipedes.

Part of the jungle trekking included a canopy walk which is said to be the longest canopy walkway in the world! It consists of 10 bridges with a span of 1.5 to 2km in total and a height of 500 ft. The bridges are connected from tree to tree! The walkways are narrow and the students were advised to hold on to the sides of the canopy and to walk 5 to 10 metres apart.

The last part of the trek was climbing Teresik Hill. It was very steep but well worth it for the aerial view of Taman Negara.

After lunch, the ELS team was off riding rapids at Jeram Dedari. In three boats, with 12 people in each boat, they sped down the river and through the rapids.

After getting drenched, it was time to dry out at the Orang Asli village. The team learned how to use a blowpipe and make a fire using wood and rotan. As part of community service, the students donated RM5 each to the village head. After that, it was time to get wet again - swimming at a nearby river.

In the evening, team building activities were done with the students, and a briefing was given on the next day’s activities.

Day 3
After checking out of the chalet, the team made its way to the Lata Berkoh base camp which was 8km away - yes, more trekking! The tent equipment, etc was sent by a boat to lighten the students’ load. At the campsite, tents were pitched, food rations and cooking equipment were distributed and all were set for a camp cook out. In the afternoon, the students went for a swim at a waterfall nearby.

Adventure living in the jungle seldom goes without a story. That night one of the students’ tents collapsed in the rain, so they had to dive into the tent next to them to stay dry.

Day 4
The students participated in a fish conservation programme in which people can ‘adopt a fish’. The conservation guide gave each student one small ikan kelah (Malayan masheer) to release into the river and a huge one that was worth over RM1,000 for the group to release. Before the big fish was released, everyone wanted to have their photo taken with it. The conservation guide presented a certificate to each participant for taking part in this fish adoption programme.

Since there was ample time before lunch, the team canoed at the nearby rapids in Lubuk Tenor or the fish sanctuary. They learned how to paddle using the oars, wear a life jacket and how to swim with a life jacket on. This is called ‘water confidence’.

Day 5
Immediately after breakfast, the closing ceremony was conducted. There was certificate giving and picture taking. Then it was time to check out of the chalet. Before heading back home, a video of the elephants was shown at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary. Because the students had to return to KL earlier than expected, they did not have time to clean, feed, ride and bath the elephants.

There is so much to see and do at Taman Negara, so if you have not been there, sign up for the next camp!

Thank you for your ongoing support and for your kind efforts in everything we do. This day, we celebrate our appreciation for all teachers in Malaysia. So…

HAPPY TEACHERS’ DAY!

“A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in the pupils.” ~Ever Garrison

雅思英文考试成绩鼓舞人心

滨华扎实英语中心成立的宗旨是以提升学生的听、说、读、写技能为目标。为了证明我校扎实英语第六级（Advanced 1） 的程度与国际性英文考试的水准不相上下，我们赞助6位去年高三毕业生于2007年2月3日参加雅思英文考试，成绩令人鼓舞。（见下表）

IELTS雅思英文考试成绩（学术类）

若与其他国家与考生在各项技能的平均等级（见下表）相比，我校学生的表现毫不逊色。由此证明我校英文属于第六级或以上的学生，应付校外考试的能力是毋庸置疑的。

排在首20位世界各国的与考生在雅思各项技能的平均等级（摘自雅思网站）

我们预期2008年后，本校毕业生的英文程度都能达到第6级或以上，即具备大专生的英文水平。滨华扎实英语中心在师生的努力下，学生可以掌握英文，面对全球化的挑战!

注：雅思全名International English Language Testing System，简称IELTS，与托福考试一样，它也是一项国际英语水平测试，由剑桥大学测试中心、英国文化协会和澳大利亚高校国际开发署共同管理。雅思考试分为两种模式：a.学术类，用于测试应试者的英语水平是否能够在英语环境中就读大学本科和研究生课程；b.普通培训类，则侧重评估应试者是否已具备在英语国家生存所需的基本英语技能。在欧洲和北美，越来越多的院校开始接受雅思考试成绩。

With the recent emphasis on innovative education by the Ministry of Education, Just English Sdn. Bhd. with the cooperation of Science and Mathematics Officer of Kinta District, Perak, Pn. Noraini, conducted a workshop for Science and Mathematics as well as English Teachers in Kinta District, Perak on 5 May 2007 at ELS Language Centres Ipoh. Pn. Noraini and 37 English, Science and Mathematics teachers attended the three-hour workshop. The teachers came from 17 schools from the District. They shared practical and innovative methods of teaching using the English language as well as online support programmes created specially by Just English.

The participants were shown various techniques in conducting reading classes using the Just English Magazine and Explorer, and how to access online lesson plans and guides specially created for subscribers of these magazines. In addition they were introduced to the latest online programme “Literature for Secondary School” meant for PMR and SPM students. The teachers found this workshop session to be enriching and expressed their desire to join other courses conducted for them in order to make their teaching in the English language could be more effective and interesting for their students.

ELS Language Centres announced a special programme for Science and Mathematics teachers as part of their on-going support for the development of English in schools. Teachers could attend a six-level course that will be bundled together with an online English language programme – 24/7 Interactive English. This online programme is versatile and would serve the needs of individual teachers who can work at it from their homes. Many of those attended expressed great interest and an offer will be made throughout the state for all Science and Mathematics teachers via the various District Education Offices. Individual teachers interested could contact Mr. Victor Chew at victor.chew@els.edu.my.

Schools or individuals wishing to learn more of such ICT-related programmes, activities and materials for the teaching and learning of English can contact Just English Sdn Bhd: Mont Kiara 03-62018331, Ipoh 05-2436530 or visit our website at http://www.justenglish.com/

Saturday 28 April 2007 saw SMK Methodist (ACS) Ipoh holding its Teaching Profession Day, like all other schools in Perak. In line with the call to modernize and be innovative in teaching methods, the school invited Just English Sdn. Bhd. and associate company ICT Learning Sdn. Bhd. to conduct an ICT learning resource workshop for over 20 teachers. These teachers are currently teaching English or Science & Mathematics in English.

Mr. Tang Kok Keong of ICT Learning Sdn.Bhd. (http://www.ictlearning.com/) demonstrated the use of the Internet for the teaching of English, Science and Mathematics, in particular the latest online teacher tools and learning materials. He introduced 24/7 English, a powerful online English multimedia program based on Cambridge material that is particularly strong in giving Listening & Speaking practice through the use of sophisticated speech analysis tools, and Universal Curriculum, extensive teaching and learning material of international standard for Science and Mathematics.

Just English Sdn . Bhd. introduced its Online English Programme as well as an online PMR and SPM Literature Programme available through its websites, to assist teachers in improving their English proficiency in their teaching as well as to provide them with lesson plans for lessons in class using the Just English Magazine or the Just English Explorer magazine. These are two magazines specially designed for use in classrooms to help students prepare for all levels of school examinations as they are graded and cover a wide range of writing genres.

Schools or individuals wishing to learn more of such ICT-related programmes, activities and materials for the teaching and learning of English can contact Just English Sdn Bhd: Mont Kiara 03-62018331, Ipoh 05-2436530 or visit our website at http://www.justenglish.com/ 

Just English Sdn. Bhd. Conducted a two-week course for teachers from the various Just English Centres in Malaysia during the December holidays. Taking part in the training were newly recruited teachers, teachers currently teaching in our JE Centres, teachers in the main stream of English teaching in the schools where our centres are located and even two Coordinators from two centres. This intensive and exhaustive course is the desire of Just English to maintain a high standard of teaching in our centres. We also realize that one session is insufficient for the new teachers. That is why whenever possible current teachers are recalled. In addition, we expect these teachers to be trained in the course of their service by our trainers and the coordinators. We believe that this method of training is practical and efficient.

Our trainers are fully qualified, and the way they train the teachers is practical and easy to digest. Effective learning took place in a conducive manner making it possible for the candidates to absorb and retain. The friendliness shown throughout the course by the trainers enabled participants to be able to be more expressive and to experiment rather than to be self-conscious and inhibited. This resulted in presentations by most candidates being very impressive and beneficial to all. Corrections and comments were done in a pleasant yet firm manner that encouraged improvements.

A major outcome of the course is the close fellowship teachers from all over shared, and they could take fond memories back and also be able to share their successes and problems when they go back to teach in their respective schools. A firm bonding was made and it would surely benefit all centres and Just English as a whole.

Those who attended the course did not find it a laughing matter for lots of blood, tears and sweat went into it. Yet at the end of it all, as shown in the photographs taken during the end-of-course party, there were all smiles for a job well executed. They leave for home with a joyful heart, confident that they will be able to meet the challenges of the future with a strong sense of determination and dedication to serve their respective schools specifically and Just English generally.

By Victor Chew, A participant.

Ref School: SYC/IP/AM(52) Date: 15/11/2006

Mr Calvin Chee Vice President Business Development Division ELS Language Centres 4th Floor, Wisma Bougainvillea 2, Jalan Foo Choo Choon 30300 Ipoh Perak

15th November 2006

Dear Calvin,

On behalf of SJK (C) Yuk Choy, I would like to thank you for the splendid “School Adoption Programme” where 40 students have participated in it.

I am certain that these students have gained a lot from this programme. And I can see that they are more confident in using English language now. In fact, I am very impressed how the Just English Explorer magazine can be incorporated in the teaching and learning of English in the class. The highly interactive and communicative activities designed based on the magazine really amazed me. Obviously, the programme was enlightening, interesting and fun as the students were experiencing a different but interesting way of learning English.

Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to recommend this wonderful Just English Explorer magazine coupled with its interesting activities to be used in the English lesson.

Sincerely,

Poon San Nam, PPT Principal SJK (C) Yuk Choy Ipoh

With the Ministry of Education’s stated aim of making every school in Malaysia a Smart School, understanding the learners of today is vital not only to policy makers but practitioners in the education sector. Gerry Smith, an international educational consultant, is no stranger to Malaysia and on Friday 28th July 2006, Gerry conducted a workshop for Just English school principals, administrators, course coordinators and senior teachers at the Hilton, Petaling Jaya. Having been one of the pioneers of implementing the Smart School concept in Canada in the 1990’s as a school principal and moving on to policy-making and research, Gerry has advised governments and educationists for many years and is currently Professional Development Manager for Apple Inc. USA.

In his presentation and workshop, Gerry Smith touched on the nature of the students in our schools and the fact that they have changed, compared to students of the past. Research shows that the attributes of the current population of “millennial learners” are considerably different than those who entered our schools in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s. The role of computers, online connectivity and digital content in supporting teaching and learning for these students were discussed in depth during the session, with the hope expressed that there would be the adoption of new, creative ways of instruction in classrooms. The workshop saw healthy discussions on the best practices in embracing technology and the questions of practicality in local contexts, especially in view of our heavy emphasis on examinations.

Just English is pleased to announce that our office has moved from Plaza Mont Kiara to Wisma HB, Megan Avenue 2 on the 31st July 2006. From this vantage point, the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers can easily be seen and is within walking distance.

Our office occupies the entire 12th floor and is equipped with a training/conference room that can accommodate up to 25 people. This will serve as a training center for all clients and programmes.