MindChamps International Preschool now open

A branch of Singapore's MindChamps International Preschool has been opened today in Maldives, with education having begun as well.

The school is located at Ma. Athamaa Villa, Rahdhebai Magu.

The school was constructed specifically with preschool education in mind, with it being able to teach 700 students.

The school's principal Dr. Amathulla Shakeeb told Mihaaru News that they have begun teaching 67 students. She said that enrollment opportunities are currently ongoing.

Each grade will be taught for three hours. Play School students and Nursery students will be taught from 7:45am to 10:45am and 11:30am to 2:30pm. Kinder students will be taught from 7:00am to 11:00am and 11:15am to 3:15pm.

The building has four floors. The ground floor has a hall and a playground. There are 17 classrooms from the first floor to the third floor. The third floor also has an open playground.

The fourth floor has a MindChamps gymnasium.

Amathulla said that the school specializes in the growth, safety and well-being of their learners.

"Other private schools in Male' lack the physical well-being component. Our school was created with such a well-rounded education in mind," said Amathulla, one of the most experienced teachers in Maldives.

The gym, which was designed with the physical well-being and health of students in mind, is the most important part of the school's curriculum.

Speaking on NeuroMoves Gym, Amathulla said that the gym would teach various skills to the children, such as motor skills, coordination and aiding in fitness. 

The school teaches Dhivehi, Arabic and English. In teaching Islamic Studies, the subject and the faith's basics were designed to be taught to students in an interesting manner, and to instill adoration in the faith.

"Reading and writing is not the only thing we will be prioritizing at this school. We are teaching Arabic as a language. The students who graduate from our school will be able to speak in Arabic," said Amathulla.

Even though MindChamps falls under Singapore's curriculum, the curriculum has been changed to fit Maldives. She stated that the curriculum at their school would differ greatly from other schools and the national curriculum.

"This school will highly prioritize Dhivehi and Islamic Studies. The Dhivehi, Islamic Studies and Quran subjects were made specifically for this school. The entire curriculum was made to fit the Maldivian community," said Amathulla.

The school currently has 17 teachers. All of the teachers are Maldivian, except the teacher who teaches Arabic. All these teachers have been trained in Singapore specifically for this school.

After serving the education sector for more than 24 years in Maldives, Amathulla acquired a PhD in the inclusivity industry, and then came back to practice education in Maldives as MindChamps' principal.

Amathulla acquired her PhD from Deacon University, Melbourne, Australia. She is also the Managing Director of MindChamps International Preschool Maldives.