by on 17/03/2020 846 487
Modern English opened in 2011, fuelled by more than 20 years of experience in the English teaching field.
Spanning two floors that hold a spacious lobby, 7 classrooms, a library with over 600 titles and a computer lab, Modern English is prepared to discuss your English language goals with you – whatever they may be.
Steve Holloway and his partner, Angie Yeo, are qualified English teachers who founded their centre with the aim of bringing the best teachers to as many people as possible.
Their dedication to enabling accessible English learning opportunities can be seen not only in their classes, but also through one of their admirable initiatives: an English writing competition open to pupils from government primary schools.
Last year, an eight-year-old from a local Chinese school won first place, which includes a RM1000 cash prize for the student, and another RM1000 for the winner’s school.
Steve, a British national who has lived in Malaysia for almost 30 years, explains, “State school teachers are doing very good work in difficult circumstances. That’s why we give the prize to the school as well as the child.”
The centre offers English programmes for children and adults, from age 5 onwards. Students may enter at any proficiency level as they are carefully placed into groups according to age and ability.
Whether you want your child to be ready for primary education, transition into an international school setting, or study in a college overseas, Modern English can assist you through the learning journey. They can also help your child (or you) prepare for English language exams such as the IGCSE, Cambridge and IELTS.
With an impressive track record of former students, the establishment has seen their alumni move on to top universities like Cambridge and Oxford.
If you invest in teachers, the rest takes care of itself – this is what the founders of Modern English believe. Since no two classes are ever the same, the centre prioritizes the need for educators to be responsive to the unique dynamics that come with every classroom.
Half the teachers at Modern English are foreigners, while the other half are Malaysians. All teachers are required to have a degree and can speak at native-speaker level.
“Malaysians can be as good, if not better, than native speakers at teaching English. But no matter what language you want to learn, it makes sense to have exposure to native speakers.
For me, I don’t speak any other language. If the kids want to talk to me, they have to speak English. So, they’re put in a situation where they are forced to use the language in a conversational way – and they don’t even consciously think about it.Steve elaborates
The teaching approach at Modern English is student-led, where teachers act as facilitators, encouraging discussion and initiative. The teachers are also highly approachable and can be seen chatting with students at their level, without an air of superiority.
This friendly, open atmosphere makes picking up and practicing a language much easier.
“It’s not going to work when parents have to pull their kids up our stairs. But if it’s the other way around, we see that as a great thing,” Steve says with a smile.
Modern English emphasizes meaningful learning – but with heaps of fun. They want students to stop thinking of English as an academic subject and instead see it as a method of communication.
When it comes to the teaching and learning approach, Steve and Angie understand that both children and adults learn best when they’re interested in an activity and enjoying themselves.
Thus, when it comes to their program for young children, Angie ensures lots of moving and playing. Lessons are filled with lively games that bring out friendly competition between students. In addition, classes for young ones are supported by teacher’s assistants: allowing for the most conducive learning experience.
Regardless of age and level, activities in all classes are designed to be interactive and engaging.
Parents are free to come up anytime and speak to Steve and Angie about their child’s needs or related concerns. “We are very open,” Steve stresses.
To update parents on the performance of students, progress reports are provided at the end of each term (where there are 4 terms in a year). In the report are comments by teachers and a checklist of learning objectives that the student has met. At the end of the year, the centre organizes a ‘parents-meet-teachers’ day.
“We have parents who drop off their young kids at the door with us, without coming in. I think this speaks to the level of trust parents have in us,” reveals Steve.
