the Australian Independent School (AIS) operates four sites throughout Indonesia, with over 700 students. Brenton Hall is the director of the AIS and also serves as head of the campus for the primary school in Kemang, Jakarta. Brenton shares with us his vision and experience.
start with some information - what brought you to Indonesia and that you kept here
My background is teaching and working as a school counselor and? administrator in Adelaide, Australia. In 2005, I took the opportunity to work as a consultant early childhood on an AusAID project in Flores, where I presented 500 schools a new curriculum using the Australian methodology - I am attracted by the possibility of influence others in best practices. I joined the AIS in 2007, as head of the primary school in Kemang. In 2013, I took on additional responsibilities as director for four sites. I guess you could say a love of Indonesia kept me here!
You mentioned the Australian educational methodology. What this implies
At AIS we have a "survey" approach - meaning that it is student-centered. Children are not passive learners - they are encouraged to follow their own ways of thinking within the program structure. We recognize our Australian heritage, observing holidays such as Australia Day and Aboriginal independence - but we also ask all students to study the language and Indonesian culture; it is important that they know where they are.
We are known for diversity and inclusiveness. high school students do not distinguish between them on the basis of nationality; they just want to be teenagers! We have 35 nationalities in primary school and 20 in secondary schools. The largest populations ago Malay, Indonesian and Korean; in the primary, Australia, Malay and Korean. In both campuses the number of Indonesians increases, as the South Americans and the Japanese. Our Indonesian children generally come from families with a certain affinity with Australia, maybe a relative learned there so there's a respect for our system.
What is your position on the market for competitive schools 'intercultural' and what makes you different?
There is a competitive market but there are different options available. Taking the distance of the equation (we think ideally you should avoid having your children traveling if you can), it is good choice here, and we strongly positioned. In Jakarta, in terms of size and programs offered, we are probably just after the intercultural school Jakarta and the British School. Compared to other schools, we offer a comprehensive, family feel, with smaller classes, giving students more individual attention.
We are also the only school that offers a learning support for those in need in all campuses and to accept English as another language (EAAL) students at all campuses , also.
Finally, our social protection program is well developed, with students having ample opportunity to develop confidence and leadership skills, whether through our program Hands Ambassadors of participation in Kampung foundation Helping children, or even with the refugees we help Indonesia and abroad.
What plans does AIS Indonesia growth?
We begin construction this year on a site opposite the Pejatan campus, which will be connected by tunnel under the road. The primary school will go there and increase its size and program offerings. In the long term, we will continue to develop this site with state of the art, while retaining our inclusive, Australian sensation. In Bali, we are building a new field of pool and football, and redevelopment of Balikpapan continues. These are our priorities before considering any expansion in Indonesia.
intercultural schools have a reputation for being expensive; what do you say to that?
They do, yes! We are similar to other schools; we do not charge anything unusual in comparison. With eighty percent of our turnover goes to teachers' salaries, and a policy of an expatriate teacher, a specialist in learning support and teaching assistant per class, you can see where the costs are . Part of this, of course is also in the school grounds.
Our children see local areas they are surrounded by. We take on walks, not in malls, but in actual community areas. They go on camping trips and learn a number of skills there. They can participate in our social protection program. They learn to respect others - including those who require learning support; our culture is to recognize differences and respect everyone. I do not feel our students might be called privileged -. They are just kids who want to be children, and to succeed
What parents seek in their child's education today?
The main objective is preparing to enter a university in the world. The key requirements for this day are first, a second language, and secondly, the confidence that goes beyond academia. Children need to be global citizens, not just on the surface, but by participating in things like awareness programs. Our high school students are the International Baccalaureate, an aspect that is community service -. Something we offer many opportunities
What advice would you give to future parents on how to judge a school?
If your child is already there, ask, they learn the proper dose, and are they happy? This is more important than the reasons and facilities. For schools that choose, look at the programs offered, and learn about teaching methods. An important question is whether the school wants you to be an active part of it or not - the answer to which should suit your preference. AIS encourages parents to participate. Our parents and friends group is very committed, the organization of numerous collections of funds throughout the year and special events such as the International Week.
There are two years we had a briefing embassies of Australia and the United States, and implemented all their advice. More recently we have introduced new measures on the recommendations of another counselor. Now we scan the parents and students in and out with cards - no photo ID there is no entry. We have strict service delivery intervals and lot of security staff, with whom we enjoy low turnover. We understand safety is a constant concern and parents want their children to be as safe as if they were in their own care, while we can not guarantee that such things do happen here, we can ensure that we everything possible.
Can you share with us your views on the recent events in intercultural school Jakarta?
This unfortunate experience has taught us that all the media is different here than at home and we should be treated differently. As a leader, you want to think it did not happen, but the courts will decide. If it did, it is sad for the children of course, but it is also sad for the school. AIS now requires police checks for teachers in Indonesia and Australia before use. We also have CCTV in all rooms in the school and on buses, in all campuses. Students learn "protective behaviors" and we organize workshops for children, parents and teachers about it.
How do you make sure that you have the personal right? Is it more difficult in some areas than others?
Our questioning when recruiting Australian teacher examines the ability to live in Indonesia. " We do not discriminate based on demographics or economics, we have a mixture of staff with families and homeless people, we pick the best most committed person qualified for the position. Although it may be more difficult to attract candidates to Balikpapan anywhere else, we were never in the position of having to accept someone just to fill a slot.
Thank Brenton. To get in touch please email: brenton.hall@ais-indonesia.com