Steeped in a history dating back 159 years, Epsom College is an institution that is every bit as historical and impressive as Oxford University or Eton College in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1853, when there was a genuine need to provide preliminary education for students destined for the medical profession, because in the first half of the 19th century, towns had grown so fast that demand for medicine often outstripped supply. But enrolling in medical-focused preparatory courses in ordinary schools was not possible without incurring expenses beyond the means of many parents.

So in 1855 with Royal patronage granted by Her Majesty Queen Victoria, the founder of Epsom College, Dr John Propert, raised funds to build a foundation to help orphans and widows of members of the medical profession, and the Royal Medical Benevolent College (now known as Epsom College) opened its doors that year. Epsom College has a long tradition of excellence – consistently delivering a first-class education for boys and girls to thrive and develop in a stimulating environment. With its medical heritage, the college has a worldwide reputation for excellence in the sciences and that reputation now extends to all areas of its broad academic curriculum. Everyone at Epsom is encouraged to achieve their maximum potential.

Following the footsteps of its successful parent college in UK, in September, Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) will be opening its doors for the first time outside the United Kingdom to offer students a first-class British day school and boarding experience. According to the Head of Senior School, Mike Oliver, ECiM is a wonderful opportunity for students and parents alike to experience the best of British education, as the experience garnered at the institution will not only ensure academic excellence, but also provide students with an all-round development.

“Epsom College is not just another private school aimed at academic excellence, but it is an educational institution with a holistic approach where we teach children the knowledge, values, and survival skills needed for when they leave school,” said Mr Oliver.

Following the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) syllabus, Epsom College in Malaysia aims to mirror the academic excellence of Epsom College in the UK, which consistently achieves high rates (over 80%) of A-level grades at A*, A, or B grade.

“There will be 34 teaching staff, and we have handpicked our teachers from the UK. They each have the qualifications and experience to deliver a UK curriculum at their relevant level, be it at prep school level or pre-university students studying for their A-levels. With a maximum class size of 24 students in the Senior School and 16 in Prep School, we are perfectly poised to provide a world-class education here at Epsom College in Malaysia,” remarked Martin George, Headmaster of ECiM.

Martin George, who was educated at Durham School UK, noted that the 50-acre site where ECiM sits is a land of opportunities for the students; with a 650-seat theatre, 80 classrooms, recording studios, recital hall, sports centre along with hockey, rugby, tennis, netball, and squash facilities, all students need to do is reach out and seize the opportunities offered.

The Epsom College vision embraces the personal development of each student through innovation and creativity to achieve academic excellence and aspires for its students to secure places at the world’s top universities. However, ECiM will emphasise not only academic excellence, but also an all-round co-curriculum to maximise each student’s full potential. Apart from the excellent track record in the academic field, Epsom College also has a long tradition of distinction in the provision of the boarding and pastoral care for its students. The close-knit house system has become one of the contributing reasons parents choose Epsom College for their children.

“The team of experienced Housemasters and Housemistresses live alongside the students and are responsible for their welfare and progress at ECiM; be it academic, co-curricular, social or personal,” said Mr Oliver. He further added, “This home-away-from-home setting has become an integral part of college life and ensures students receive the guidance and support they need in a safe and supportive environment. Epsom’s approach to student boarding fosters a community atmosphere among students, in addition to teaching them to be independent and tolerant.”

ECiM can accommodate 900 students in the senior school while the prep school can take in 80 students. Understanding the range of emotions that comes with placing your children in a boarding school, Epsom College UK pioneered the popular weekly boarding concept, which will also be available in Malaysia. This model of weekly boarding allows children to travel to school on Monday morning and return home on Saturday afternoon and provides a wealth of benefits such as spending quality time with family during weekends, building confidence and self-image, and providing an opportunity to try, improve, and excel at the wide range of co-curricular activities available. The modern and spacious
boarding facilities create a conducive environment for students to flourish academically, socially, and personally. With 14 boarding houses built, there will be separate boarding houses for boys and girls: four Transition houses for years 7 and 8, and ten Senior houses for years 9 to 13.

Before students are accepted into ECiM, they will have to undergo an assessment to determine their eligibility and placement. Currently, Epsom College in Malaysia is limiting the first year’s intake to 200 students and is presently holding Entry Assessments for pupils aged 3-17 at the College’s local office located in Publika Shopping Mall.

Source: The Expat Magazine April 2014

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