Corrington Premium Preschool & Academy, Bayan Lepas

When Penang father and business owner Mr. Alan Chuah set out to find a suitable preschool for his child, he was dissatisfied with the limited options in the area.

“I found the British curriculum to be the best approach, as it also resonates with our local curriculum. However, it was difficult to find something that I felt would fit my child,” says Mr. Alan.

This was the spark that led to the opening of Corrington Premium Preschool & Academy in Bayan Lepas, an exclusive preschool offering authentic and engaging programmes for children aged two to six.

Established in 2019, this Ministry of Education-registered preschool features a unique blend of the Malaysian and British curricula, delivered in a cosy and authentic yet stimulating environment that is conducive for learning.

What a premium preschool means

Premium denotes something of exceptional quality. At Corrington, this covers its teaching philosophies, its educational approach, as well as its environment.

The school’s campus spans three floors and boasts superb facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, a gym room, a dance room, a kitchenette for cooking activities, and a playground. These amenities are not merely for play but are thoughtfully integrated into the learning process to make education a fun and joyous experience for children.

“Children at this age are like a sponge for knowledge, and they have a natural curiosity that needs to be cultivated,” Mr. Alan explains, adding that the school is inspired by methodologies such as Reggio Emilia’s “The Hundred Languages of Children”, which believes in the extraordinary potential in children and the many ways in which they construct knowledge and express themselves.

The school’s comfortable and welcoming setting, in turn, enhances the child’s receptivity to learning. “The idea is to create a place where school is seen as fun. Our pupils are excited to learn and come to play with their friends. It’s very different from a traditional classroom,” says Mr. Alan. 

Holistic curriculum

Corrington Premium Preschool & Academy blends elements from the Malaysian National Standard Preschool Curriculum (KSPK) and the British curriculum. This hybrid approach supports holistic development and caters to individual learning needs.

The curriculum also integrates Montessori principles and a play-based approach, particularly for developing fine motor skills in younger children. As they progress, children are assessed on their milestones, allowing teachers to provide personalised support.

When teaching, they employ the use of objects to connect the children’s learning with actual concepts. For instance, teaching about apples involves not just spelling but also exploring their taste, colour, and texture.

The preschool offers both half-day and full-day programmes, complemented by enrichment activities such as music classes (piano, ukulele, and K-pop dance), sensory integration, and language enrichment classes in English and Mandarin. The goal is to nurture a lifelong love for learning, ensuring that education is not just about rote memorisation but about exploring and understanding the world.

Learning also extends beyond the classroom. The school organises excursions to various places such as parks, aquariums, and supermarkets, providing children with real-world experiences and practical knowledge. These outings teach children about currency, buying and selling, and distinguishing between wants and needs, thus preparing them for everyday life.

A cosy and safe space

Safety and hygiene are paramount at Corrington. Classrooms for the youngest children are designed without tables or chairs to prevent climbing accidents, and padded corners minimise injury risks.

The premises are monitored by CCTV, covering 90 percent of the area. Daily cleaning routines, temperature checks, and regular sanitisation of mattresses ensure a hygienic environment.

As for teachers, they hold relevant Early Childhood Education (ECE) diplomas and receive ongoing training to stay updated on the latest pedagogy. The school collaborates with the MOE for professional development, ensuring teachers are well-equipped to deliver high-quality education.

Meanwhile, effective communication with parents is facilitated through a dedicated parenting app, where daily updates, photos, and homework details are shared. This app allows direct interaction between parents and teachers.

Additionally, the preschool organises regular parent-child bonding activities, such as cultural celebrations and cooking sessions, to build a strong sense of community.