Cover The Primary Sustainability ECA participates in a range of environmentally-friendly activities, including tree-planting (Photo: KTJ)
The Primary Sustainability ECA participates in a range of environmentally-friendly activities, including tree-planting (Photo: KTJ)
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British-style international school Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar (KTJ) prepares students for all aspects of life
Since 1991, Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ) has led the way in British-style, holistic education. Founded by three members of the Negeri Sembilan royal family, Tunku Dato’ Seri Utama Naquiyuddin, Tunku Tan Sri Imran and Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah, the idea behind KTJ was based on their personal experiences of studying in top boarding schools in the UK.
The school’s vision is to empower students to become leaders of a sustainable, global community. KTJ understands that we live in a world where issues of sustainability need to be addressed, and outdoor education is key to this. Students are engaged in activities such as kayaking, gardening and orienteering on KTJ’s 80-acre campus, filled with greenery.
Read more: The founders of Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar on educating tomorrow's leaders today
Above Fruits and vegetables are regularly harvested from the Secondary School garden and served to students and staff for lunch and evening meals (Photo courtesy of KTJ)
Fruits and vegetables are regularly harvested from the Secondary School garden and served to students and staff for lunch and evening meals (Photo courtesy of KTJ)
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These on-campus activities are complemented by annual residential trips, which provide opportunities for students to experience adventurous activities such as archery, camping, high ropes and white water rafting. Form 4 students are encouraged to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which also helps to boost future university applications. These outdoor educational activities promote an appreciation of the natural world, while allowing students to take risks and build resilience in a safe and controlled environment.
“The best education,” explains KTJ’s principal, Dr Glenn Moodie, “is an education which prepares students for an unknown future. We equip students with a range of skills which will allow them to adapt, flex and be agile in whatever they do.”
See also: KTJ principal Dr Glenn Moodie leads the way in holistic education
Above KTJ's holistic approach to learning combines academic excellence with a broad range of sports, including basketball (Photo: KTJ)
KTJ's holistic approach to learning combines academic excellence with a broad range of sports, including basketball (Photo: KTJ)
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KTJ’s holistic approach to education prepares students not only for exams but for all aspects of their lives. Over 100 extracurricular activities (ECAs) are offered across the Primary and Secondary School, from basketball, coding and debate to environmental sustainability, golf, and music. KTJ Sixth Form students are also given the opportunity to bolster their university applications through specialist ECAs and events. These include building a competitive law or medical application, the annual Oxbridge and KTJ Law Moot, Friday night enrichment talks from expert speakers and national competitions in debate, engineering and public speaking.
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“Our approach to enrichment and the super curriculum goes beyond the A-Level syllabus,” explains the head of Sixth Form, Emma Davidson. “We engage students in challenging conversations and academic investigation. Students explore the complexities and diversity of the world, and discover their own interests and talents.”
In 2022, KTJ Sixth Form students were accepted into top universities in the UK, US and around the world. These world-class institutions included Durham, King’s College London, LSE, UCL, Warwick, Columbia, UPenn, Melbourne, National University of Singapore and Seoul National University. KTJ student Chooi Je Qin made national headlines when he was just one of six Malaysian students to be accepted into Harvard University. “The encouraging student environment and the excellent further education support at KTJ inspired me to apply to Harvard,” describes Chooi. “It was a moment of disbelief when I received my offer letter!”
Above The diverse boarding community is at the heart of KTJ (Photo: KTJ)
The diverse boarding community is at the heart of KTJ (Photo: KTJ)
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At the heart of the school is the boarding community. An important aspect of KTJ, boarding allows students from Primary Year 6 to Sixth Form to form strong bonds with their peers, while developing important skills in independence, mutual respect and time management.
“Boarding is a great experience which allows students to benefit from everything the school has on offer,” explains the director of boarding, Gary Slade. “The best moments are often enjoyed during the ‘unstructured’ time spent with friends, in dorm rooms or around the pantry table. This is where lasting memories and friendships are made!”
Read more: Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar: Head Of Sixth Form Emma Davidson Talks School, University, And The Future
Throughout KTJ’s 30-year history, the school has remained steadfast in its commitment to provide a British-style day and boarding school experience firmly rooted in a Malaysian and Southeast Asian context. With a diverse student body from over 24 countries, including China, Indonesia, the Maldives and South Korea, KTJ students develop an understanding of different cultures and religions. “This is important in the development of global citizenship, the championing of sustainability and the promotion of diversity and inclusion,” explains Dr Glenn Moodie, “and we will continue to reflect these values in all that we do for years to come.”
To book your place on a KTJ Open Morning, please visit ktj.edu.my.
