Hey folks,
Thanks for following along, there are updates presented here in regards to ML's curriculum induction as its own ICC (International Core Curriculum), its an interesting thing to watch as it unfolds. Certainly not an interesting process to be apart of as an experienced teacher (in my opinion, but hey-to each their own).
Update #1 (2019)
Here is the official news on the topic of MLIS putting the BC ministry of education on the backburner. They are cooking-what are they cooking? Well according to themselves-smells great. Realistically, let's call it a move to make work cheaper and eventually develop into what many other internatinoal schools have which is British Curriculum with the incorporation of an IB framework-folks will say "No, that's not it at all" even if its not with the IB brand or the official National British Curriculum-it will will be developed through the same standards and ways that both of those have been developed to incorporate ICC across China for the last decade. Good luck to MLIS, this is my last year-you have provided plenty and I was happy to have a few years experience with you. At this particular point in time though, my exit couldn't have been better timed it seems.
China Maple Leaf Educational Systems Limited 中 國 楓 葉 教 育 集 團 有 限 公 司*
(Incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability) (Stock code: 1317)
VOLUNTARY ANNOUNCEMENT
— BUSINESS UPDATE The board of directors (the ‘‘Board’’) of China Maple Leaf Educational Systems Limited (the ‘‘Company’’, together with its subsidiaries, the ‘‘Group’’) is pleased to announce that the Company has introduced the new Maple Leaf World School Program (‘‘World School Program’’). Implementation of the World School Program will take place over a 3-year period commencing from September 2020.
Pursuant to the World School Program, the Company’s high school program in China will be moving away from the British Columbia curriculum to the Maple Leaf World School curriculum. The Company’s first batch of graduates from the World School Program will receive the Maple Leaf High School Graduation Diplomas in June 2023, endorsed by Cognia (formerly known as AdvancEd), which is the largest, globally recognized school accrediting agency in the world.
This strategic shift is being implemented after consultation with the British Columbia’s Ministry of Education, who formally agreed to cooperate with the Company during the transition period. In addition, the transition to the World School Program has been discussed with the Company’s university partners. Having conducted meetings with key universities in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland and the Netherlands, these key universities have confirmed their continued intention to preferentially recruit students from China from our high schools.
Our schools will continue to be subject to Cognia’s rigorous school inspection processes, in addition to meeting their stringent school continuous improvement plans. All our schools will be certified by their local authorities, as well as by Cognia. In addition, all our teachers will continue to be government certified and meet the Company’s high-quality hiring standards.
* For identification purpose only – 1 – Moving to the World School Program enables the Company to further enhance its internationally recognized educational programs, which prepares students for entry into top universities, and strengthens their understanding of global issues and international cultures. This includes features such as doubling English class instructional time; offering AP (Advanced Placement) Mathematics and Science subjects; expanding Social Studies curriculum to cover World History, Geography and International Issues, as well as adding leadership perspectives training. The Chinese Humanity courses as well as the many other elective subjects that we are currently offering will remain and become integrated parts of the World School Program.
The World School Program provides a smooth transition from the compulsory Chinese Mandarin language-based grades 1 to 9 curriculum to the English language-based grades 10 to 12 curriculum. It embeds, across all subject areas, key teaching and learning strategies which are known to be the most effective manner for ESL learners to complete an English high school program.
The Company expects that the transition to World School Program will further strengthen its leading position in the education industry, enlarge its market share, and present a wider opportunity for our students and universities worldwide.
By Order of the Board China Maple Leaf Educational Systems Limited Shu Liang Sherman Jen Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hong Kong, 27 November 2019 As at the date of this announcement, the Board comprises Mr. Shu Liang Sherman Jen, Ms. Jingxia Zhang and Mr. James William Beeke as Executive Directors; Mr. Howard Robert Balloch as Non-executive Director; and Mr. Peter Humphrey Owen, Mr. Alan Shaver and Mr. Lap Tat Arthur Wong as Independent Non-executive Directors.
_________________________________________________________________________________
The school moves on...(Later in 2019)
Thanks for following along, there are updates presented here in regards to ML's curriculum induction as its own ICC (International Core Curriculum), its an interesting thing to watch as it unfolds. Certainly not an interesting process to be apart of as an experienced teacher (in my opinion, but hey-to each their own).
Update #1 (2019)
Here is the official news on the topic of MLIS putting the BC ministry of education on the backburner. They are cooking-what are they cooking? Well according to themselves-smells great. Realistically, let's call it a move to make work cheaper and eventually develop into what many other internatinoal schools have which is British Curriculum with the incorporation of an IB framework-folks will say "No, that's not it at all" even if its not with the IB brand or the official National British Curriculum-it will will be developed through the same standards and ways that both of those have been developed to incorporate ICC across China for the last decade. Good luck to MLIS, this is my last year-you have provided plenty and I was happy to have a few years experience with you. At this particular point in time though, my exit couldn't have been better timed it seems.
China Maple Leaf Educational Systems Limited 中 國 楓 葉 教 育 集 團 有 限 公 司*
(Incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability) (Stock code: 1317)
VOLUNTARY ANNOUNCEMENT
— BUSINESS UPDATE The board of directors (the ‘‘Board’’) of China Maple Leaf Educational Systems Limited (the ‘‘Company’’, together with its subsidiaries, the ‘‘Group’’) is pleased to announce that the Company has introduced the new Maple Leaf World School Program (‘‘World School Program’’). Implementation of the World School Program will take place over a 3-year period commencing from September 2020.
Pursuant to the World School Program, the Company’s high school program in China will be moving away from the British Columbia curriculum to the Maple Leaf World School curriculum. The Company’s first batch of graduates from the World School Program will receive the Maple Leaf High School Graduation Diplomas in June 2023, endorsed by Cognia (formerly known as AdvancEd), which is the largest, globally recognized school accrediting agency in the world.
This strategic shift is being implemented after consultation with the British Columbia’s Ministry of Education, who formally agreed to cooperate with the Company during the transition period. In addition, the transition to the World School Program has been discussed with the Company’s university partners. Having conducted meetings with key universities in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland and the Netherlands, these key universities have confirmed their continued intention to preferentially recruit students from China from our high schools.
Our schools will continue to be subject to Cognia’s rigorous school inspection processes, in addition to meeting their stringent school continuous improvement plans. All our schools will be certified by their local authorities, as well as by Cognia. In addition, all our teachers will continue to be government certified and meet the Company’s high-quality hiring standards.
* For identification purpose only – 1 – Moving to the World School Program enables the Company to further enhance its internationally recognized educational programs, which prepares students for entry into top universities, and strengthens their understanding of global issues and international cultures. This includes features such as doubling English class instructional time; offering AP (Advanced Placement) Mathematics and Science subjects; expanding Social Studies curriculum to cover World History, Geography and International Issues, as well as adding leadership perspectives training. The Chinese Humanity courses as well as the many other elective subjects that we are currently offering will remain and become integrated parts of the World School Program.
The World School Program provides a smooth transition from the compulsory Chinese Mandarin language-based grades 1 to 9 curriculum to the English language-based grades 10 to 12 curriculum. It embeds, across all subject areas, key teaching and learning strategies which are known to be the most effective manner for ESL learners to complete an English high school program.
The Company expects that the transition to World School Program will further strengthen its leading position in the education industry, enlarge its market share, and present a wider opportunity for our students and universities worldwide.
By Order of the Board China Maple Leaf Educational Systems Limited Shu Liang Sherman Jen Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hong Kong, 27 November 2019 As at the date of this announcement, the Board comprises Mr. Shu Liang Sherman Jen, Ms. Jingxia Zhang and Mr. James William Beeke as Executive Directors; Mr. Howard Robert Balloch as Non-executive Director; and Mr. Peter Humphrey Owen, Mr. Alan Shaver and Mr. Lap Tat Arthur Wong as Independent Non-executive Directors.
_________________________________________________________________________________
The school moves on...(Later in 2019)
Greetings Maple Leaf Teachers,
On November 8th, I shared a PPT on the plans by the Board of Directors of MLES to transition to the MLWS Program in September 2020. This would be a 3-year transition with Grade 10 moving to the MLWS curriculum in September 2020, Grade 11 in September 2021 and Grade 12 in September 2022. The first MLWS graduates would graduate in 2023.
The Board of Directors confirmed its intentions in a news release on November 28, 2019. This release was sent to all Maple Leaf staff in the BC Program.
Many of you have spoken to me directly about the excitement you feel regarding this transition to the MLWS Program. Others have shared their apprehension on leaving the BC Program for an accreditation by Cognia, the largest accreditation agency in the world. I shared these feelings when I first learned of the possibility of leaving the BC Program. I have been in education for over 3 decades, the majority of which was in the Province of British Columbia. I am proud of the educational program that the Ministry of Education provides to students in BC. However, the requirements for offshore schools are different and this has placed challenges on Maple Leaf in areas of teacher certification, assessment, uniqueness of the provincial curriculum, inspections that need to focus on continuous improvement, as well as the political realities in China that could impact international school. Upon further reflection, I have come to realize that a new approach is needed for Maple Leaf as we move forward with the 6th Five Year Plan and the rebranding of MLES as Maple Leaf World Schools.
I am asking for your support as we transition to the MLWS Program. There will be challenges but I am confident that the professional teachers and administrators we have at Maple Leaf can successfully address these challenges. Attached to this email is an FAQ for Teachers that answers a number of questions that have been asked regarding the MLWS Program. If there are still questions, please send me an email and I'll try to address your concerns.
Best regards,
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There is so much more that makes me shake my head "unofficially" and some much more that can't be answered yet because no one put the forethought into the question of-"What next?" and that is a huge portion of why I am leaving the company. When this school system says "we haven't really thought that far ahead yet, it generally means-we know what we are going to do but you won't like it." This school has a terrible reputation for playing their cards too close to their chest and not getting called on their bluffs-on all accounts, when in reality they got nil in their hand.
_________________________________________________________________________________
In regards to that last statement I made, I wanted to pass along this interesting bit-context though, each year, generally there was a period of time in which the company was sweating on teacher retention and they would improve the salary as a whole across the scale or extend the pay scale to retain their experienced staff. At this point, here was a recent release on the topic from our school's Superintendent:
"Greetings from Seoul, Korea,
Best regards,
_________________________________________________________________________________
In regards to that last statement I made, I wanted to pass along this interesting bit-context though, each year, generally there was a period of time in which the company was sweating on teacher retention and they would improve the salary as a whole across the scale or extend the pay scale to retain their experienced staff. At this point, here was a recent release on the topic from our school's Superintendent:
"Greetings from Seoul, Korea,
It has come to my attention that a rumour is circulating, suggesting that the salaries for teachers in 2020-2021 will be cut by Maple Leaf. This rumour is false. However, I am sorry to tell you that because of the drop of enrolment in the BC program by 1,212 students over the past two years, Maple Leaf is unable to give a salary increase next year. I know that this is disappointing news.
There will be an increase in the referral fee to $1,000, with an additional $250 also going to the new teacher who is hired.
Some of you will be weighing your options for next year, especially in the context of Maple Leaf moving to the World School Program. It has been suggested that the Maple Leaf curriculum will not stand up to the British A Level or the BC Program. Be assured that the curriculum that is being developed and the policies that will guide the program will be of the highest quality. Jim Beeke and Jackie Kersey will be travelling to the UK in early January to confirm an agreement with NARIC, a curriculum accrediting agency, that will review all our Maple Leaf World School curriculum to ensure that it measures up to the British A Level and the BC Program. Aspects of the BC curriculum will be featured prominently in the MLWS Program since core competencies, personalized learning, inquiry-based and collaborative learning, are being woven into curricula in countries around the world.
We have a tremendous opportunity in developing a curriculum that equips our students for post secondary and beyond. We would like to see you continue with Maple Leaf as part of that vision.
Thank you all for your hard work preparing for inspections during the past two weeks. Our inspectors have commented on the amazing professional teams that have come from all over the world to teach at Maple Leaf. As Ed Noot, inspector for the BC Program, said, "You have dedicated people doing amazing things in your schools!"
Peter"
_________________________________________________________________________________
I'll keep you updated over the course of the year-this should be an interesting read.
Update: The school has been developing curriculum (in and out of house) to accommodate the incorporation of their curriculum as a standalone piece to univesities around the world-this has been said to include standarized testing as well as aspects of portfolio/capstone projects. So-its going to be an international curriculum looking for a certifying body (aside from AdvancED) that is boasted by a few schools that have it-UK Naric seems to be the taker, check it out in the Deputy Superintendent's email below.
"Hello, Maple Leaf Teachers.
Update: The school has been developing curriculum (in and out of house) to accommodate the incorporation of their curriculum as a standalone piece to univesities around the world-this has been said to include standarized testing as well as aspects of portfolio/capstone projects. So-its going to be an international curriculum looking for a certifying body (aside from AdvancED) that is boasted by a few schools that have it-UK Naric seems to be the taker, check it out in the Deputy Superintendent's email below.
"Hello, Maple Leaf Teachers.
It is hard to believe that it is already June 1st! I know that you are all working hard to get students to the end of courses, and you are counting down the days until the end of this unusual year.
This past year I have had the pleasure of working with 22 members of the Curriculum Team that have been working hard to create a new Maple Leaf World School Curriculum. We are at the "Draft" stage and have uploaded documents that we are working on to the MLWS Curriculum Hub. We are hoping that you can find time to have a look over the new curriculum and provide us with feedback, suggestions for additions, resources, etc. ...
Below you will find a brief summary of the process we have followed to create the curriculum and a link to the sharepoint site.
Best Regards,
Jacalyn Kersey
Assistant Superintendent
MLWS Writing Process:
1.Assemble teams of curriculum writers including experienced teachers and administrators with MasterDegrees, ESL and Literacy specialists and a team leader with a PhD in Curriculum Development.
2.Compare the curriculum outcomes and objectives of high-quality curriculum – A-Levels, Common Core, Western Curriculum Protocol (BC, Ont, AB), IGCSE.
3.Starting with grade 12, choose the outcomes and objectives that best suit our students’ needs and will allow them to complete AP and A-level grade 12 courses. Work backwards to grade 11 and 10 outcomes and objectives.
4.Show the draft documents to UK- Naric, an accreditation body, and our partner Universities for feedback.
5.Meet weekly to discuss selection and wording of outcomes and objectives and develop system-wide rubrics and strategies.
6.Meet monthly to update progress, share commonalities, and discuss best practices.
7.Prepare draft course overviews and unit plan overviews as the official curriculum documents to upload to the MLWS Curriculum Hub sharepoint site. This site will house our curriculum. (The unchanging parts)
8.Prepare draft unit plans, lesson plans, resources, assessments, rubrics for sharepoint and a Canvas Blueprint course. These sites will house our courses. (The parts that teachers and departments may change to best meet student needs)
9.Post all drafts at the end of May for feedback from Administrators and the Research department.
10.Post all completed courses on sharepoint and Canvas in June. (We are finally here!!)https://mapleleafedu.sharepoint.com/sites/MLWSCurriculumHub"
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