Newly appointed principal of Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM), Martin George, made a recent visit to the site and addressed the media at a press conference on his plans for the school.
Currently Headmaster of Durham School, Mr George will take up his new post in July 2014, prior to the opening of the College's sister school in September this year.
Seen as a major development in the field of education in Malaysia, ECiM, is attracting much interest worldwide as a new international boarding and day school. Located on an impressive 50-acre site at Bandar Enstek, south of Kuala Lumpur, the co-educational senior and prep school will offer first-class education for pupils aged 3-18 years.
During his visit, Mr George, together with Chairman of Governors, Tony Fernandes, met with key ECiM staff and Governors and viewed the facilities.
Prospective parents are now able to tour the campus and see for themselves the striking buildings, which include spacious boarding houses, a medical centre and a massive sports hall and amphitheatre. Work is underway on the glass curtain wall to be installed along the main academic spine of the school and turf and astroturf pitches are being prepared.
Based on the home model, ECiM will combine academic excellence with a first class British boarding experience, with up to 90% of the senior school boarding. The emphasis will be on creating a family environment within a structured school routine, with a traditional House system fostering a strong feeling of belonging and community.
ECiM will follow the British National Curriculum with all teaching in English. Teachers with qualifications and experience from the UK have been selected to deliver a UK curriculum standard to the students.
"What strikes me about ECiM is the strength of the values which underpin the educational philosophy. I am eager to get started - together, we will build an amazing school," Mr George said.
A former pupil of Durham School, Mr George read Politics and Modern History at Manchester University before serving in the Army from 1984 to 1994, leaving as a Major.
He began his teaching career at Newcastle-under-Lyme School, where he ended up as Director of Studies. In 2004, he was appointed Deputy Head of King's School, Tynemouth, and returned to Durham School as Headmaster in 2009.
The Board of Governors of Epsom College in Malaysia were delighted to be able to make this appointment and believe that Mr George has the experience and attributes to establish and lead a school that upholds Epsom College's distinctive approach to a holistic education.
http://www.epsomcollege.org/news/10th-january-2014-countdown-to-ecim-opening-underway