Sri KDU Schools' Anthony Partington on Building Future Leaders

Through the Digital Leadership programme and other unique co-curricular initiatives like the recent Music Marathon (comprising performances by 1,578 students in the largest student participation in a 7.5-hour non-stop musical marathon that was recently recognised in the Malaysia Book of Records), Sri KDU students are equipped with the skills and opportunities not just to excel in examinations but also thrive even in uncertainty. Placing equal importance on academic excellence, soft skills and character development, Sri KDU prides itself in offering a world-class holistic education in line with its founding ideal of ‘Malaysian Hearts, Global Minds’.

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“There’s the perception at times with international curriculum schooling that we're putting people on track to leave Malaysia and go overseas,” says Partington. “We’ve always made it clear that while we might offer a different kind of curriculum at Sri KDU, our students are still very much invested in their school community and in the wider society too. We’re proud of those who have gone on to make a difference in this country.”   

Partington elaborates on what sets Sri KDU apart and why a safe and supportive school environment is more relevant than ever for students after the pandemic.

What is Sri KDU all about?

One of the earliest private and international schools in Malaysia, Sri KDU's focus has always been to provide an enhanced curriculum. So it’s not only about providing a Malaysian or British curriculum, but developing the child holistically. We want students not only to get great qualifications but to be equipped for life. That requires developing their skills and character. It’s about making sure they’re not just getting the right SPM, IGCSE or IB results, but that they also have resilience, that they become leaders who have empathy. 

How does Sri KDU build future leaders?

The key thing is providing opportunities to build the child's character. These opportunities are afforded at Sri KDU. Over time, we've created programmes not just around academic achievement but co-curricular activities too, so every child has the opportunity to try those experiences and be stretched and challenged in a good way.

Why is it important for kids to be challenged to go outside of their comfort zone in school?

It's important for students to try new things, to challenge themselves and make sure they don’t hold back. Sometimes, that can be a challenge with children, especially those who are so set on getting excellent academic outcomes that they sometimes neglect other aspects of their learning which are not accredited. But these aspects are really important. Realistically, you won’t be a success in your future life if you haven’t developed the kind of skills and abilities that may not necessarily earn you a certificate.   

How has Sri KDU adapted during the pandemic?

The pandemic taught us different approaches to learning. It taught us to understand what schools are about. Schools are not really about acquiring knowledge or teachers imparting facts. Schools are spaces where people are brought together for discussions, collaborations and other social reasons.

We’ve often talked about whether schools will be replaced by remote learning. I simply don’t believe that will happen. Some things that formerly may have been regarded as important in education have probably gone by the wayside because we realised we don’t need them anymore. But schools play a part in being the glue of communities.   

What achievements are you most proud?  

I’m proud of our legacy; it’s a great thing to build on. It shows that we can see students through from their schooling right through their lives. As a school, when you expand, there’s a danger of diffusing what’s always been done. But I’m proud of the fact that we’ve retained a level of consistency and a standard, such that whether you’re in the Klang campus, the Kota Damansara campus, or the Subang Jaya campus, you know you'll be getting that same high standards throughout.

What are you most excited about the future of Sri KDU Schools?

That we will finish the school year in person. That’s a big achievement! And catching up on the things we’ve missed out on during the height of the pandemic, like sports days, performances and rebuilding our communities.

A key focus for us is constantly improving and listening to our stakeholders, our students, our parents and indeed our staff. It’s also on keeping abreast of what’s happening in the world. It’s about developing skills in our students and bringing real world problem-solving into the curriculum. We believe if we give our students agency and we give them the skills to deal with problems, they too will be able to adapt. 

Contact Sekolah Sri KDU Kota Damansara and Sri KDU International School Kota Damansara, Sri KDU International School Subang Jaya or Sri KDU International School Klang to schedule a campus tour in 2022. Enrol now for the new intake at Sri KDU International School Kota Damansara and Sri KDU International School Subang Jaya which commences on August 24, 2022, or for Sri KDU International School Klang which commences on September 5, 2022. Enrolment for Sekolah Sri KDU Kota Damansara are open for 2022 and 2023 intakes.

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