All Bina Bangsa Pre-Schools are introducing the Cambridge Early Years programme. They include Bina Bangsa Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) Pre-School, which is run by Principal Pusparini Margie Wirda and has more than 200 learners aged 2 to 5 years.
Pusparini Margie Wirda and Yuliana Puspitasari, Academic Director of the Bina Bangsa group of schools in Indonesia, told us about their approach and reasons for choosing Cambridge Early Years.
'At the beginning of the academic year in July 2023, we introduced Cambridge Early Years for our learners aged 3 and over. Our hopes are high for the positive impact it will have on our young learners.
'Early years education is important because it sets the stage for lifelong learning and ensures that students are well-prepared to tackle whatever opportunities and challenges come their way.
'Our approach to early years has always extended beyond academics, as instilling essential soft skills and fostering a positive approach to learning are equally important for students to become lifelong learners.’
Key benefits of Cambridge Early Years
'Cambridge Early Years provides a holistic educational approach that complements our school's values and the desired learner profile we aim to cultivate, emphasising qualities such as perseverance, open-mindedness, empathy, integrity, marvel and adventurousness.
'A key benefit of the programme is its flexibility, which has allowed us to gradually transition from our previous Singapore-Integrated curriculum to the Cambridge curriculum.
'By offering Cambridge Early Years, we have addressed certain gaps in children's learning and development, as the Cambridge curriculum provides a structured and research-based approach to early childhood education.
'The programme aligns with our school's existing use of Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Lower Secondary, ensuring learners receive a consistent, high-quality and seamless educational experience throughout their journey at our school.’
Equipping teachers with tools and guidance
Together with the initial curriculum guide that we access through Cambridge’s School Support Hub, Cambridge provides us with valuable resources, as well as guidance during our transition.
'The Cambridge programme has provided our teachers with a more structured and comprehensive guideline for planning student activities, which we believe will lead to enhanced learning experiences.
'Additionally, the introductory training on the Cambridge curriculum equipped our teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively read and implement the suggested plans from Cambridge.
'The continued support from Cambridge in the form of professional development and resources will be invaluable as we move forward with this educational journey.’
Preparing learners for an ever-changing future
'We believe that this curriculum will not only prepare our early years children for the next stages of the Cambridge Pathway but also equip them with essential skills and knowledge for their lifelong learning journey.
'By nurturing foundational skills and attitudes early on – such as problem-solving, communication, creativity and resilience – we empower learners to face challenges with confidence and adaptability, helping them to thrive in an ever-changing future.
'While it is still early in our implementation, we look forward to witnessing the long-term benefits of the Cambridge Early Years programme on our young learners.'