by on 15/05/2025 85
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Tucked within the lively, cosmopolitan enclave of Bangsar South, White Lodge Bangsar South is a vibrant community where children from all over the world come together to learn, play, and grow. As one of the very few international preschools in the area, White Lodge stands out with its inclusive culture, a strong emphasis on life skills, and a forward-thinking approach to early childhood education.
Led by the passionate and articulate Victoria Lin, Principal of White Lodge Bangsar South, the school champions values that resonate deeply with modern parents; confidence, creativity, empathy, and independence. “We hope to liberate and empower our children and motivate them to use their individual gifts with confidence,” says Victoria. “At the same time, we want them to be generous, loving, and responsible individuals.”
White Lodge began its journey in Singapore back in 1999 and has since evolved under the Invictus brand while retaining its identity and values. The Bangsar South branch opened its doors in April 2017 and quickly became a beacon of international education in the preschool segment.
This distinction is not just about curriculum, it’s about culture. The preschool is proudly multicultural, with children from Germany, India, Russia, Japan, Korea, China, and more learning side by side. “The children here don’t see skin colour. They are colourblind in the most beautiful way. They are bonded not by background, but by shared experiences,” Victoria shares. “Everyone is the same but different, and we celebrate that.”
At White Lodge Bangsar South, education goes beyond the ABCs. The heart of the school’s philosophy lies in preparing children for real life — emotionally, socially, and practicality.
“We prioritise life skills and school readiness,” Victoria explains. “Even if your child is just two years old, we start training them to be independent. They learn how to put on their own shoes, feed themselves, and express themselves with confidence. It gets messy sometimes — but that’s real learning.”
The school embraces a Thematic Approach to teaching, with rotating themes such as dinosaurs, space, and cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya. These themes are not only engaging but designed to build understanding, creativity, and problem-solving skills that stay with children long after preschool.
One memorable classroom project involved a “palaeontology dig,” where children became mini-explorers searching for dinosaur bones hidden in sandpits. “They learned how to handle delicate objects with care and focus,” Victoria recalls. “That’s science, discipline, and imagination all in one lesson.”
White Lodge’s academic backbone is strong — especially when it comes to literacy. A key pillar of the curriculum is Jolly Phonics, a British-based system that supports early reading and writing in a fun, multi-sensory way. “All our teachers must have a diploma in Early Childhood Education and strong phonics training,” Victoria says. “It’s non-negotiable.”
The school maintains a low teacher-child ratio — starting from 1:6 for the youngest group to 1:12 for kindergarten — ensuring personalised care and attention. Assistant teachers are also trained through Malaysia’s PERMATA programme, upholding national standards.
But beyond structured learning, there’s room for joy. The school incorporates plenty of sensory play, movement-based activities, and creative arts throughout the week. From baby yoga and Zumba to puzzles, songs, and storytelling — the school day is a carefully curated dance between structure and play.
One of White Lodge’s strongest offerings is its enrichment programme, which includes optional classes in coding, robotics, languages, karate, music, and the arts — all conducted during nap hours to provide additional stimulation for curious learners.
But the real magic happens beyond the classroom. Every quarter, the school organises interactive field trips to places like Zoo Negara, chocolate factories, UPM Fresh Farm, and even fire stations, often with parents invited to join. “These moments make school life memorable. Learning becomes something you experience, not just something you’re told,” says Victoria.
During term breaks, White Lodge offers a holiday programme full of fun (and no textbooks), where teachers return voluntarily, showcasing the team’s dedication and passion for nurturing young minds.
White Lodge takes safety and hygiene extremely seriously. The school is equipped with 23 surveillance cameras, double-access doors, and a strict pickup policy that only releases children to pre-approved guardians. Teachers are trained in child-specific CPR and the school complies with MOH’s health and illness guidelines rigorously.
Meals are cooked fresh daily by an in-house chef who is typhoid-vaccinated and practices strict hygiene. The school provides breakfast, lunch, and tea with a focus on balanced nutrition — including vegetarian options and a firm no-nuts policy. “We even run ‘Fruity Fridays,’ where children bring fruits to share with friends. It’s our way of making healthy habits joyful,” shares Victoria.
Toys and classrooms are disinfected through daily sanitisation, weekly soaking (for plastic toys), and airborne fumigation to prevent flu and infections, giving everyone a peace of mind.
White Lodge nurtures a strong school-home partnership using the Storypark app, a secure communication platform where teachers update parents daily on meals, toileting, naps, and activities. Every week, a summary of learning highlights is shared, while every six months, teachers conduct a private Parent-Teacher Conference covering five milestone areas: physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and self-help.
“We give parents real insight into their child’s growth and how we can work together to support them,” says Victoria.
As education trends shift toward technology and AI, Victoria remains grounded in what truly matters. “Yes, children need to know robotics and coding. But the fundamentals which is confidence, independence, creativity, are evergreen,” she says. “As educators, we must remain passionate, consistent, and nurturing. Technology can support learning, but it cannot replace the heart.”
In an age where education often feels rushed or transactional, White Lodge Bangsar South offers a refreshing reminder of what childhood should be: a time of discovery, joy, and deep human connection. Here, children are equipped with the tools to live, lead, and love in a multicultural, fast-changing world.
If you’re looking for an international preschool that genuinely cares about your child’s all-rounded development, White Lodge Bangsar South is a place where hearts and minds grow together.