Search Results

An International School is an educational institution that offers a curriculum that is different from a particular country’s national curriculum. These international schools are usually established to educate students from other countries or have diverse cultural backgrounds. The main goal of an international school is to provide quality and globally relevant education, and to prepare students for challenges and opportunities in an increasingly connected & multicultural environment. 6 Characteristics Found in International Schools Some common characteristics of international schools include the following: International Curriculum International schools usually adopt globally recognized international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), or curricula from other countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia. Language of instruction Most international schools use English as the language of instruction, although there are also international schools with other languages of instruction, depending on the curriculum and country of origin. Student Diversity Students attending international schools come from different countries with diverse cultural backgrounds. This creates a multicultural and inclusive learning environment. International Teachers International schools often have teaching staff from different countries, ensuring different learning experiences and a global perspective for students. Facilities and Technology Usually, international schools are equipped with modern facilities and cutting-edge technology to support effective teaching and learning. Global Education and Active Learning International curricula often emphasize active, collaborative, and problem-solving-based learning to prepare students to become skilled and knowledgeable global citizens. High Demand for International Schools The demand for International Schools has been on the rise in recent years in Jakarta. This is due to several factors. First, these schools offer high educational standards and a comprehensive curriculum with innovative learning approaches. Parents are looking for a better educational environment for their children, and international schools are considered a better option than the national education system. In addition, modern facilities, state-of-the-art resources, multicultural environments, and preparation for global careers are additional attractions for parents who want their children to thrive in an increasingly connected global environment. Furthermore, increased global mobility, the need for communication skills in foreign languages, and the prestigious reputation of some international schools also contribute to this high demand. However, remember that the increased demand can also bring challenges, such as higher fees and fierce competition to get into these schools, as well as the need to accommodate students from different cultural and academic backgrounds. International School Recommendations in Jakarta One of the best options for those looking for an international school in Jakarta is Ichthus International School, a leading international school in the Jakarta area. Ichthus School focuses not only on academics but also on instilling religious values in students. Every child has a unique personality and potential. Therefore, it is the school's responsibility to explore their potential. As an International School in Jakarta, Ichthus School provides a comprehensive education with an academic curriculum and social, character, and spiritual development. Through this curriculum, Ichthus School prepares students for the IGCSE certification academically. In addition, the school also aims to mold students into individuals who are ready to compete in a globalized society. Spiritual aspects are also essential to their learning approach, where students are taught to honor God through their daily activities. International schools may implement structured character development programs, such as extracurricular activities focusing on leadership development, teamwork, and social responsibility. These programs help students develop the social and moral skills necessary to interact with others positively and face the challenges in life. Ichthus International School Program The education program at Ichthus School is designed to help students discover and develop their talents through an academic approach rooted in Biblical values. With the support of qualified teachers, the school provides individualized attention for each student. The primary program offers a six-year international curriculum for children aged 6-11, including preparation for the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint exams and the Indonesian Grade 6 National exams. Interactive and intellectually stimulating learning is combined with character-building based on Biblical values. The secondary program, specifically for students in grades 7-10, offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances academics with spiritual, social, and life skills development. Diverse learning approaches, including student-led projects and events, allow students to grow holistically and develop leadership, teamwork, and presentation skills. At Ichthus School, students can choose from various exciting extracurricular programs. These programs help students explore and develop their public speaking and argumentation potential. In addition, the school also offers opportunities for students to participate in various clubs and other extracurricular activities, ranging from leadership activities to community service projects. Ichthus School is committed to characterizing students with values such as respect, teamwork, perseverance, and self-confidence, thus equipping them to become individuals ready to face challenges in a diverse global society. Ichthus International School Extracurricular Program International schools can implement structured character development programs through various extracurricular activities focusing on developing leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility. These programs are instrumental in helping students hone the social and moral skills essential for interacting positively with others and facing the challenges of everyday life. These activities are important in developing students' potential and fostering a sense of responsibility. Extracurricular activities allow students to explore and develop their talents, interests, and creativity. Extracurricular options include arts and crafts, sports, and various other activities. At Ichthus International School, students can get involved in various clubs, including student council leadership activities, community service activities, external competitions, and various other co-curricular activities. All activities provided aim to foster the transformation of our students, with an emphasis on values such as respect, teamwork, perseverance, and self-confidence. Some examples of extracurricular activities available at Ichthus are: Music, Choir & Performing Arts Ichthus has a long and robust tradition of extracurricular performing arts activities. In music, vocals and instruments form part of the compulsory curriculum at Ichthus. One very successful extracurricular activity is the choir, which has recorded numerous achievements, including being the Double Winner of the DKI Jakarta Christian Choir Competition. Sports & Athletics Ichthus strives to encourage its students to develop a spirit of cooperation and a sporting spirit in the field of sports. Especially in the sports of soccer and basketball, Ichthus has achieved many notable achievements in inter-school competitions. At Ichthus, after school hours, all students have the opportunity to choose extracurricular activities, including Soccer, Basketball, Table Tennis, Badminton, Taekwondo, or other contact sports. Learning Journey, Community Service & Service Mission It is Ichthus' goal to nurture compassion, servant leadership, service, and gratitude, and Community Service and Mission Trips are an integral part of the Ichthus core curriculum. Literature Club & More Ichthus offers various extracurriculars spanning several fields, including debating club and aspiring writer extracurriculars. The debating club at Ichthus is known for its strong culture and outstanding achievements, with a history of winning team and individual competitions at national and international levels. Best International Schools in Jakarta, Indonesia - In terms of achievement, many Global Sevilla students achieve top marks in Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A Level examinations. Many students are also accepted into world-class universities worldwide, such as Boston University, UCLA, Gajah Mada University, University of Indonesia, University of Nottingham, Monash University, Tsinghua University, and many more. From these names alone, parents can already see the quality of the school and its education. Ichthus International School, one of the best international schools in Jakarta, Indonesia - has several achievements. Many ICHTHUS students have won awards in several competitions, including Ichthus students who have appeared in the Badminton Final. The student, Merlyn, won a gold medal in the Badminton championship between schools in Jakarta, proudly flying the Ichthus flag. Not only that, but we also made a great achievement as the champion in the 10th annual story writing competition for children. The student was named Keiko, and now her book will be sold at Kinokuniya. In addition, the Ichthus choir also showed its prowess by winning the title of DKI Jakarta choir champion for three consecutive years at the national level Christian choir competition (Pesparawi). All these achievements are a true testament to the dedication and exceptional talent of the winners. In the academic field, our students also managed to get scholarships at one of the world-class universities, namely Audrey Febrina, who received a full scholarship to study Engineering at the University of Hong Kong. Audrey achieved top marks in the Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A Level examinations. Many students have also been accepted into world-class universities around the world, such as Boston University, UCLA, Gajah Mada University, University of Indonesia, University of Nottingham, Monash University, Tsinghua University, and many more. From these names alone, parents can already see the quality of the school and its education. Locations West Campus Ichthus School has two campuses on the prestigious and established side of Jakarta. The West Jakarta campus is located at Sunrise Garden, Jl Panjang, close to amenities such as Puri Indah Mall, RS Griya, and Jakarta Eye Center. South Campus The South Campus is located in the Pondok Indah neighborhood, Jl Caringin Barat, with easy access to world-class facilities, including Pondok Indah Mall I, II, & III, Pondok Indah swimming pool, and Pondok Indah Hospital. Both campuses provide an amalgamation of education levels ranging from kindergarten to high school, providing the convenience of unparalleled learning logistics.

International schools in Jakarta are popular among parents who want to provide quality education for their children. Quality education is important for students, serving as a foundation to help them achieve the key to success as they attain knowledge, build their skills & competencies, and broaden their horizons in school. In addition to providing high-quality education, international schools also offer a variety of programs, modern facilities, and a conducive learning environment to support their students. However, with so many international schools available in Jakarta, it can be confusing for parents to choose a school. Therefore, for those of you who are confused about choosing the best international school in Jakarta, this article can be your reference to choose the right school for your children’s education. Before we delve deeper into our best school recommendation, it is necessary to understand why parents choose international schools for their children. These are some of the most common reasons why parents choose international schools: 1. International Accreditation The best international schools in Jakarta must have international accreditation. International accreditation shows that the school has met international standards and credibility. Some well-known international accreditation bodies include the Council of International Schools (CIS), the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). 2. International Curriculum A good international school usually offers a globally recognized international curriculum. International curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge International Examination (CIE) can help students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become future leaders in an ever-evolving global environment. 3. Facilities and Resources Adequate facilities and resources are a must-have for international schools, as they are useful to support effective teaching and learning. Some of the facilities that international schools need to have include libraries, science laboratories, music & art rooms, sports fields, technology facilities, and more. In addition, international schools also need to be supported by qualified and experienced teachers and professional development programs to support quality teaching. 4. Extracurricular Activities International schools generally offer a wide range of extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, music, debating, etc. help students develop social skills, leadership, and self-confidence. Recommended International Schools in Jakarta Having discussed why parents choose international schools for their children, here are recommendations for the best international schools in Jakarta: 1. Ichthus School Ichthus School Jakarta is a Christian International School located in Jakarta. Ichthus School has two campuses: Ichthus School South in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, and Ichthus School West in Kedoya, West Jakarta. Founded in 2001, Ichthus School is one of the best international schools in Jakarta. As an international school, Ichthus aims to provide quality education and prepare students with high moral and spiritual values as a foundation for greater things in their lives. Additionally, Ichthus School has received international accreditation from WASC and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). With these accreditations in place, Ichthus proves its commitment to a high-quality and comprehensive education for their students. Ichthus Education Program Education is an important part of one's life. For this reason, choosing the right school is crucial to ensure a child's future. Ichthus education program is here to help children discover and develop their God-given talents through strong academics grounded in the scriptures. Ichthus offers a comprehensive education program that aims to help children discover and develop their God-given talents through a strong academic foundation based on biblical principles. Ichthus offers educational Primary and Secondary programs. - Primary program is a 6-year education program for children aged 6-11 Years old. The Primary program curriculum follows international standards for Cambridge Primary Checkpoint exam preparation. The classes are fun, interactive, and intellectually stimulating, with a safe and homey environment. Character building is based on biblical values and is the main focus of every lesson and activity. Children are encouraged to seek their own answers with a balance of learning through text and projects. The program also offers experiential learning through field trips and school events. - Secondary program covers grades 7-10 The secondary program emphasizes holistic growth, including academic excellence, spiritual & social development, and personal responsibility. The curriculum follows international standards and prepares students to sit the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Advanced Level Examinations. Learning Environment Ichthus also offers a fun, engaging, and intellectually stimulating learning environment and is supported by qualified and passionate teachers who work hard to create a conducive learning environment for the students. Furthermore, Ichthus believes in learning outside the classroom, encouraging field trips and various school events that provide opportunities for character development, research, teamwork, organization, and presentation skills. The school prides itself on consistently delivering outstanding academic results that exceed global averages, and its alumni have been successfully accepted into top universities around the world.

by Pinkan Margaretha, M.Psi., Psikolog, CEC We had the privilege of having Mrs. Pinkan Margaretha, a psychologist and chairwoman of Focus on Family Indonesia at the end of April 2023. We discussed mental health issues, the dilemma of ethics and technology, as well as what it means to have deep, meaningful conversations with our children. Thank you to all the parents who attended this talk! We look forward to having you at the next one.

"Failure is God's way of redirection" quoted from Mr. Jeremy Ibrahim's talk to all secondary students last week during the General Assembly. He shared how the Ichthus Yearbook 2020 had brought him encouragement during down times last July, 2021. He felt his classmates' personal messages were something sent by God to help him realize that he is resilient, a great leader, and a talented person. and that he will surely succeed in life. He ended the talk by saying "do not compare yourself with others. Instead, compare yourself with your past self." Thank you, Mr. Ibrahim, for sharing your valuable experiences! 🙏🏻

International School Jakarta If you’re considering to send your kids to an international school Jakarta, then you must choose the right ones. This because Jakarta has an estimated population of over 10 millions in 2017 with a lot of international schools. But, no need to worry! More of them leads to many selections for comparing and searching for the best option. Why? Of course, not all international schools deliver the international education and good service. Sometimes they just care about profit by accepting too many students without paying attention to their quality. It seems contrary to the wishes of parents who want their children to get professional and trusted education in international school. 1. Service On this 1st point, You should ask for school visits to get the school environment directly. Beside that, you also can seek for recommendations from friends, relatives, or families who first have sent their kids to your choice of . ​ 2. Communication Another tip to get the credible school is make sure that they have a good communication with parents. Meeting the needs of student and providing the honest, quick response, open and two-way communication between parents and school is mostly their first priority. The best international school as much as possible has a regular meeting agenda with parents to discuss, share, and also give advices regarding the education program. 3. Reputation This is the most important key factor. International school with the good reputation and trustable will make you feel confortable and peaceful to send your children to your choice school pick. Other than that, the well-reputed school will minimalize fraud and other negative cases that occur in schools these days. Those are some guides to help you for choosing the credible international school Jakarta, make sure you have followed them so that your kids are able to attend the international school with the best quality. Here are various curriculum of international school Jakarta which are widely used: 1. Curriculum Cambridge International Having a flexible working principle, also following by the right assessment and practice of the education. Therefore, the Curriculum Cambridge standard has been approved by the world to be used in various countries, one of them is in several international schools in Jakarta or throughout in Indonesia. Some of schools in Indonesia have done 28.000 times of test with a reference to the Curriculum Cambridge International. In Indonesia itself, there are currently around 166 schools that use the Curriculum Cambridge International. While there are more than 9.000 schools in 160 different countries which offer this curriculum. 2. Curriculum International Baccalaureate (IB) This international basis of curriculum is located in Geneva, Switzerland. It was established in 1968 and has been the official qualification as an educational foundation and is globally recognized for preparing high school students to go to the existing university around the world, including international schools in Jakarta as well as in Indonesia. For the IB Diploma program, students must attend at least six subjects that are specially created to develop their local and international languages, social, experimental, mathematical, and art skills. The IB diploma program is also made up of three core requirements that can encourage students to reflect what they’ve learned including: extended essay, theory of knowledge, and CAS (creative, action, service). 3. International Primary Curriculum (IPC) Although it’s classified younger than other curriculums, which was introduced in the early 2000s, this curriculum continues to grow and has been used in 65 countries worldwide. The foundation of this curriculum are comprehensive, thematic, and creative. So far, the learning is given with the theme, such as holiday or other themes which are close to the students. So in general, students are asked to combine each of their personal experiences with the presented themes. In this way, students are expected to absorb lessons easily. Not only that, IPC curriculum aims to create a good cooperation and communication with other children, have a high caring spirit and good respect and moral in the field later. 4. Curriculum Singaporean Primary School This curriculum generally teaches some subjects, including math, science, international English, art, music, and social understanding. This advanced curriculum is worldwide well-known due to curriculum capabilities that are trusted to expand more critical mind and intellectual skills of each student. Here are some models of international school curriculum that you can choose. One of the schools which implement these curriculum is Ichthus School. We was established in 2001 and have been providing education services for primary, secondary curriculum, and A level of Pearson Education for 16 years. ​ ABOUT ICHTHUS - Jakarta International School International school with the motto “Wisdom in Him: Nurturing Excellence” has got 3 international accreditations from ACSI (Association of Christian School), WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), and the last one is from Cambridge School or IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) for grade 6, grade 8, and grade 10. If you would like to survey and inquire about Ichthus School, please come to our school located in Cilandak, South Jakarta and Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. What’s in The Name? The name chosen for the school is a word received from God as experienced by our Director. ICHTHUS means "fish" in Greek, and the acronym stands for :​ ​I stands for ‘IESOUS’ – JESUS CH stands for ‘CHRISTOS’ – CHRIST TH stands for means ‘THEON’ – GOD U stands for ‘UIOS’ – SON S stands for ‘SOTER’ - SAVIOR Our Logo The logo of ICHTHUS is God inspired. Each character in ICHTHUS is inscribed in the logo. The palm leaves in a crossed bundle is symbolic of Christ's disciples and the palm leaves used on Palm Sunday to welcome and celebrate Jesus's entrance to Jerusalem. There are twelve leaves on each palm representing the twelve apostles. The four colours have their individual significance as explained below : ​Our Vision " So that, whoever comes will have a transformed life " Our Mission We believe that all students grow and develop in their individual ways and that as educators it is our privilege to impart knowledge, biblical values and ability to discern right from wrong in leadership, in action and in communication. In addition as educators, it is our duty to prepare students to live a Christian life in a global society. Our Accreditation 1. ACSI Accreditation ACSI provides a highly regarded accreditation program for secondary, elementary, and standalone and attached preschools. ACSI has partnerships with all of the U.S. regional accreditation agencies. ACSI schools seek accreditation to validate their quality and verify that they are striving for excellence based on a solid Christian philosophy of education foundation. ​ The ACSI accreditation protocol is unique in two major ways: (1) it probes the spiritual aspects of each component of the organization and (2) it addresses the educational quality and integrity of the organization. The latter addresses the issues demonstrating that the school is true to its own statements of philosophy, mission, and goals, and that it is meeting the standards of quality and effectiveness. Source: ACSI website Ichthus is proud to have achieved ACSI Accreditation in 2015, having worked so hard to build a school of academic and spiritual excellence. 2. WASC Accreditation The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), a world-renowned accrediting association and one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States, works closely with the Office of Overseas Schools under the U.S. Department of State. ACS WASC provides assistance to schools worldwide, primarily in California, Hawaii, Guam, Asia, the Pacific Region, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Accreditation is integral to a school’s perpetual cycle of assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, and reassessment based upon student achievement. It fosters excellence in elementary, secondary, adult, and postsecondary education by encouraging school improvement through a process of continuing evaluation and to recognize, by accreditation, schools that meet an acceptable level of quality in accordance with established criteria. In addition to its official title, WASC also means We Are Student-Centered. Source : WASC Website ICHTHUS is a proud recipient of the WASC accreditation, having gone through rigorous accreditation processes to achieve this recognition. This is a testament to the high quality and standard of the education program in ICHTHUS. 3. Cambridge School We are a Cambridge examination school. Ichthus students study and prepare towards the Cambridge Checkpoint and IGCSE external examinations for Grade 6, Grade 8 and Grade 10. Ichthus Academic’s 1. PRIMARY CURRICULUM The Ichthus Primary Program is a 6-year educational pathway for children aged 6-11 years old. We follow the Comprehensive Ichthus Curriculum, which is enquiry and value-based and project-enhanced as it adheres to international standards preparing students for the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Indonesian National Grade 6 exams.​ ​​​ 2. The Curriculum The Comprehensive Ichthus Curriculum is integrated and uses an enquiry-based and project-enhanced learning approach incorporating both international and Indonesian curricula. It is based on sound educational practices, using and implementing standards which allow our students to perform optimally on external assessments that are standardized and give a measure of the school’s excellence. As it is value-based, students perform well and take pride in creative endeavours that reflect God’s love and Biblical values as they study subject-based themes. Our Teachers The students enjoy one Homeroom Teacher and one Assistant Teacher per class. Also, our Specialist & Subject Teachers are highly experienced in their fields of expertise. 1. SECONDARY CURRICULUM Ichthus Secondary School (Grades 7 to 10) offers secondary education integrating the Cambridge Secondary Curriculum for Cambridge Checkpoints in Grade 8 and the Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum in Grades 9 and 10, as well as the curriculum for the Indonesian National Examination in Grade 9. ​ 2. The Curriculum The Comprehensive Ichthus Curriculum's aim for the Lower Secondary level is the holistic growth of the student; hence, importance is given not only to academic excellence but also to spiritual and social development. In preparation for tertiary education, students are taught not just the knowledge and understanding needed to succeed in examinations, but also on how to take this knowledge and apply it creatively to their lives and experiences. 3. Our Teacher Our teachers have the required qualifications and classroom experience, and they undergo regular in-house professional development sessions to ensure that they keep abreast of current developments in the teaching/learning process. Facilities The school provides standardized facilities (including IT Labs, Science Labs, Library, LCD overhead projectors) to carry out the required academic activities in preparation for the Cambridge and National examinations. A-LEVEL Ichthus School is offering the Edexcel International A levels by Pearson Education Ltd., which is one of the UK’s largest awarding organizations, offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning, both in the UK and internationally. A Pre-University learning environment is to be introduced. Subjects offered will include: Compulsory Ichthus Curriculum subjects: Life Skills Christian Studies Pre-College English ​ Minimum of 3A Level subjects need to be selected: English Literature Business Studies Economics Mathematics Biology Physics Chemistry ​ Around 250 Edexcel Partner Universities worldwide will automatically recognise the A level grades of our future Grade 12 graduates. ASSESSMENT Internal External School Examinations International Examinations National Examinations School Based Smestral Examinations Grade 3: International Schools Assessment (English & Math) ​ Grade 6: Ujian Sekolah Berstandar Daerah (Bahasa Indonesia, Math & Science) Grade 6: Cambridge Primary Checkpoint Test (English, Math & Science) Secondhand Grade 7 – Grade 10 Internal External School Examinations International Examinations National Examinations ​ School Based Smestral Examinations Grade 8: CambridgeSecondary Checkpoint Test (English, Math & Science) ​ Grade 9: Ujian Nasional (Bahasa Indonesia, Math & Science) Grade 10: Cambridge IGCSE Cambridge IGCSE SUBJECT (English, Mathematics, Bahasa Indonesia, Information, Communication & Technology) IGCSE PURE SCIENCE STREAM SUBJECTS (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) IGCSE BUSSINESS STREAM SUBJECTS (Combined Science, Business Studies, Economics) ​ A-Level Grade 11 – Grade 12 Internal External ​ School Examinations International Examinations National Examinations School Based Smestral Examinations Grade 12: Cambridge International A (Advanced) Level Read More: http://www.whatsnewjakarta.com/profile-of-the-month-mrs-suparno founder-of-ichthus-school/ International School di Jakarta Selatan ​

Sharing by Audrey Febrina Audrey Febrina was the only participant from Indonesia who was awarded the Reach Cambridge Summer Program Scholarship last summer; together with more than 120 students from all over the world, these students had a chance to experience campus life in the University of Cambridge, England. Congratulations Audrey. We are proud of you. “I felt proud of myself for working hard to get the scholarship. I have learnt to be more independent as I was on my own in a foreign country during the program. The program helped me to be a more confident person and be more aware about different cultures and nationalities allowing me to build an international network of friends. Studying at Ichthus where there is diversity among students and teachers helped me fit in easily with my peers while I was there.” – Audrey Febrina; grade 12 student I’ve always been interested in science and engineering; it has also been a dream of mine to study in a top university in the UK due to the high quality of education and many top ranked universities there. In the pursuit of this dream, I did some research and found out about the Reach Cambridge program that offers aspiring students a chance to experience campus life in the University of Cambridge. This summer program brings together aspiring students and top scholars from all over the world to one meeting point, that is, the University of Cambridge. In this program, we will be exposed to life on campus, there will be excursions and trips, leadership development and opportunities to learn from top notched professors and meet famous personalities. As excited as I was to apply for the program, I realized that there was a significant hurdle to it – the program cost. A good program doesn’t come cheap which made me realize that the cost at British pounds 7295 excluding living cost, would be prohibitive for me. Nevertheless, never giving up on my dreams, I decided to apply just the same, “What is there to lose?” The application was quite rigorous; a slew of documents and essay writing was required. Personal essays, letter of recommendation from school, personal video, school results and transcripts. I enjoyed the process of application anyway as this will come in handy as a practice for future university applications. The essay question, “If you had a billion dollars to invest in your country, what you would invest in and why?” I struggled at the beginning on how to get started and had to do some research to make it an intelligent writing. I researched on the economic development of Indonesia especially in the area of infrastructural needs. Once the engines started, I couldn’t stop. It was actually fun and insightful to read about the economic needs of my own country and I wrote about the need for renewable energy, infrastructure, and telecommunications in Indonesia, and how funding in these sectors could vastly improve the country and living conditions here. After all the preparation and submissions, all I could do was to pray and wait for the results. I was hopeful yet bracing myself that the application may not be successful I prayed and waited for the result, and on the first week of December I received an email to attend a scheduled interview with the selection panel. The interview was an interesting experienced, while I thought I had prepared well for the interview, the butterflies in my tummy did not go away. I thought I stuttered in the interview and my opinions were not clear but on the other hand, I thought I didn’t fare that badly. I explained to them that this is a dream of my lifetime but I would need financial aid to be able to experience this wonderful program. A week passed without any news and an eagerly awaited email popped into my email account and…. I was accepted!!!! And with a full scholarship – tuition fees and living expenses. I was most elated yet grateful and humbled. Thank God, thanks to my teachers who gave me a good recommendation and most of all, there is no loss in trying and on never giving up. I was a bag of mixed emotions, - Excited, nervous, worried yet eager. This will be an amazing experience. I can’t wait to meet new people and learn many things this summer. I would like to end my little sharing with an encouragement to all my friends and anyone who is reading this. There is nothing to lose in trying. You will never know. Keep your pace, do your research and remember there are no short cuts. Practice, research and hard work to go for any interviews well prepared. Keep your cool, stay calm and say a joke or two during the interview… after all “what is there to lose?” Feeling blessed and grateful, Audrey Febrina; Grade 12 Student.

Every parent who wants to send their children to school, surely will choose the best school for the child. In fact, there are some of the parents who consider international schools. Why does it have to be an international school? This is because parents believe that international schools are the best schools and excel when compared with other schools. Not only that, when parents put their children into international schools, it is because parents hope that their children can compete in the global world easily when they grow up. For that below, there are several advantages of the international school itself. The following is an explanation for you. Curriculum differences If local schools refer to the national curriculum, international schools choose the use of an international curriculum in the teaching process, such as IB (International Baccalaureate), Cambridge, and others. Based on the international curriculum, all teaching material will be delivered in English. Because of that, many parents think that the international curriculum will make children smarter than if they learn to use the national curriculum. More Interactive Learning In this school, you are given a wide space to talk to express the contents of the mind. The teacher not only explains in front of the class alone, but also interacts both ways with students. There is no IPA-IPS National schools in Indonesia are familiar with what are called majors in Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. However, this does not apply to international schools. The average curriculum used by international schools is International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge. Proficient in English As the name implies, international schools have teaching and learning processes that are required to use English. Thus, it is not surprising that children who go to international schools will become more proficient in English. Learning different languages Not only master in English, going to an international school will give you opportunities to learn other languages. Once you have learned a second or third language, you will be trained to fully engage in other cultures as well as break any language barriers. More so, this is not just all about the skills you can get from speaking different languages but also about the skill in communicating effectively with other nationalities. Chance of Expression Some curriculum used by international schools provides freedom for children to choose the learning activities they want. That way the child will be able to learn according to their respective abilities. International schools basically tend to give freedom to children when compared to ordinary schools. So, the child will have more chance of expression. More career opportunities Currently, there are many businesses operating on a global scale. Therefore, many companies are more looking for and choosing individuals who have experience working with different cultures and are exposed to various languages. And students who attend international schools are more likely to meet this qualification. With this, there are more career opportunities waiting for you who go to international school after graduation. Exposure to new cultures International schools use an internationally recognized curriculum. Therefore, people who study in international schools understand how to deal with different types of people from different races and countries. The cultural training experienced by these students directly can be a big advantage for them in terms of diversity and appreciation of people. ​ More individualized attention Smaller class sizes combined with excellent educators allow your child to have a type of individual attention that cannot be found in public schools. Children are not just numbers. Every child is a valuable human being with gifts and unique talents that will be carefully nurtured in the classroom environment. Needs of Children Accommodated Most international schools are able to accommodate the needs of each child. Some curriculum even gives children the freedom to choose their own learning activities so that children can learn according to their abilities. International schools tend to give more freedom to children than ordinary schools so that children have more opportunities for expression. Education is one of the top things that parents can give to their children, so investing in good education is truly important. For a brighter future for your children, it would not hurt for you to consider bringing them to an international school in Jakarta and see the benefits for yourself. For those of you who want to go to Jakarta international school or send your child to an international school in Jakarta, then you can consider Ichthus School. Ichthus School As one of Jakarta International Schools, Ichthus School is a leading Christian educational institution that provides a comprehensive education that includes a comprehensive curriculum and social, character, and spiritual development. Ichthus School prepares students academically for IGSCE certification. Hence, Ichthus School is widely considered one among the leading international schools in Jakarta and trusted in providing quality education and preparing students towards high standards of ethical and spiritual values ​​as a basis for greater things in their lives. Moreover, Ichthus School has obtained international accreditation from WASC and ACSI, which reflects its commitment to a high-quality and comprehensive education for their students. In addition, Ichthus School also has other advantages that make it suitable for your child's education system. Some of these advantages are Has a Quiet and Safe Academic Environment Children spend most of their time in school. Ichthus School is aware of this and takes seriously the beliefs of parents, and does everything in its power to ensure that the school environment is calm and safe for students. Ichthus School Supports Children Become Themselves A school is a place for students to learn and develop. For this reason, teachers and trainers will try to expand their comfort zones. Even when failure lurks, we provide a safe place for them try again, understanding that failure creates new learning opportunities. We create a safe place for students to be themselves; all growing up in the Ichthus School environment. The uniqueness, creativity, enthusiasm, and passion of students are embraced. Have a Strong Student-Teacher Relationship Ichthus School has a strong relationship between teachers and students. Moreover, Ichthus School also has a good relationship developed by students with each other. This is because the class sizes at Ichthus School are small, allowing teachers and students to get to know each other as individuals. Students also look after each other and care for one another. Ichthus School, a Jakarta international school, is the perfect choice for parents looking to provide their children with a world-class education in a multicultural environment. Our experienced and qualified staff, along with state-of-the-art facilities, make Ichthus School a hub of innovative and supportive learning for students from diverse cultural backgrounds. At Ichthus School, your children will experience a holistic education that not only focuses on academics, but also nurtures their social and emotional development. Our structured and challenging academic program, which incorporates project-based learning and hands-on experiences, is designed to prepare students for success in today's globalized world. We also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, art clubs, and language clubs. This allows students to explore their interests outside the classroom and develop broader skill sets. At Ichthus School, we place Christian values at the heart of our teaching and student development. We introduce students to heartfelt spiritual experiences through school worship, religious classes, and mission programs. We believe that Ichthus School provides a loving and supportive learning environment that prepares students to face the challenges of the global world. Join us at Ichthus School and let's work together to pursue a successful future for your children. That's the other advantage that makes Ichthus School suitable for your child's education system. For those of you who are interested in sending your child to school at Ichthus School and need further information, you can get it through the Ichthus School website at www.ichtusschool.com. ​

We are blessed to be a blessing - the heart of charity. Our secondary students volunteered and planned a charity drive and trip to reach out to the children living in the slums of the city of Jakarta. Nurturing the heart for charity, mission and servant leadership is a deliberate program in Ichthus with the purpose to create a new generation of caring and serving leaders in our students.

Believe-Execute-Surrender-Trust. Regina Jasmine, In her last speech to her teachers, juniors and friends as she graduated from Ichthus Schools to pursue Political Science in University of Indonesia. Achieving Cambridge Excellence Award in psychology, Jasmine harbors ambitions to be a politician in Indonesia to drive change for her country. (BTW, This was way before Melania's Trump's campaign on "Be Best") "Good afternoon Dr. Suparno, Mr. Jonathan, Ibu Wendy, teachers, parents, awardees and of course, my fellow graduates. It is truly an honor and I am humbled to have been chosen as the Valedictorian this year. I have very large shoes to fill considering the past Valedictorians, so please lower your expectations and bear with me. First and foremost, I would like to thank both of my families, my real family and my Ichthus family. Without all of your endless support and love, I would not be standing here today. I am grateful and so blessed to have such an amazing support system so from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. But above all, I would like to thank my personal savior and God, Jesus Christ, for everything. I am speaking in front of you all today because of Him, because of His grace. He is my driving force and everything I do is for His glory and His only. Grade 12 was a challenging year. Making big decisions, sitting for exams, applying for universities, the works. But because of those challenges, I went through the process of maturity, self-discovery and personal growth. I’m sure that there will be much more of that in the future but I am proud of my journey thus far and I know that my journey is far from finished. I mentioned before that there were a lot of big decisions made this year. As some of you might or might not know, I moved from the A level curriculum to take on the national curriculum. It was a huge step that I never thought I would have to take and certainly one that I didn’t see coming. It changed everything, from the medium of instruction, to material and the teachers. What was a class of 5 to 6 students became a class of 2 so it was more like a private lesson rather than a class. The road to that decision was not easy. In the beginning I thought I made the wrong decision, that I would regret it in the future. Fast-forward to the present, I knew that I made the right one. I had a blast in our little class of 2. For the first time ever in my life, I was actually excited to go to math class. Not because of the material, but because of the teacher. I have to give a big shoutout to Pak Luhut for making math class fun because that is no easy feat, almost miraculous in my opinion. Because it was just the two of us, things were a lot more relaxed and chill. We did things that were irrelevant to the topic or even the subject in general. We sang songs, well Pak Luhut did most of the singing, sometimes we would just be doing our work and he would suddenly go Hey Jude. We even talked about what William will be like as a father in the future. The topics that we discuss were varied, you see. I was able to learn not only the material we were supposed to be studying but also life lessons. The same goes for our other classes with Pak Yunus and Pak Anton. I have a huge amount of respect for them for tolerating William’s and my antics in class because God knows that takes a lot of patience. My teachers are one of the reasons why I do not regret my decision because if I did otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to get to know them like I do now. As students, we are always told to do our best. But I’ve always wondered, what is best? How do we know we did our best? What if we could have done more? and so on. So I have compiled some words that I thought were essential for us to do our “best”. Remember these four words: Believe, Execute, Surrender and Trust. When you put the first letter of these four words together they spell out BEST. The first word, Believe. Believe in yourself. I think that students these days lack self-confidence when it comes to their studies or any other thing, I know I do. Let me tell you that you are capable of anything if you just believe that you can do it. You will never discover your full potential unless you try. Please don’t give up. Please don’t underestimate your abilities because I believe in every one of you here. When you have a quiz coming up, study, practice, don’t take it for granted just because it won’t affect your report card that much. Because success is a series of small wins. If you don’t succeed the first time, that’s okay too. Sometimes we need to lose the small battles to win the war. This, I had to learn the hard way. I doubt myself and my abilities way more than I should. Afterall, it was one of the reasons why I changed courses. I thought I wasn’t good enough for the A-level curriculum, that I wouldn’t be capable of achieving the scores that I wanted. I thought I tried my best and that was still not good enough. So I switched. But I still took the exams. I didn’t think much of it because it was no longer my priority. Then the results came out. I was so surprised and could not believe what I was seeing. Right at that moment I realized that someone was rooting for me even though I wasn’t. God believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. When I saw those results, it was as if I could hear Him say “You are good enough and I believe in you, so why don’t you?”. So I am here to tell you that God believes in you so much and that He is proud of you. Believe in yourself. After that, you have to Execute the tasks that you are given. Execute your goals and set it in motion. This one is pretty self-explanatory. What is the use of believing in yourself if you don’t do anything about it? Work hard but don’t forget to give yourself a break. After you’re done with everything, the time is up, you’ve handed in your work, all that’s left for you to do is Surrender. Surrender everything to God. You’ve done your part and now let Him do His. You have no more control over what you have done so what’s the point of worrying. What’s done is done. This too I had to learn the hard way. I am quite the worrywart and tend to overthink and dwell on made-up situations that might never even happen. Take an example from Mother Mary, who said “Be it unto me according to thy word” and surrender, just like she did. This takes me to my last point, which is Trust. To surrender and to trust are interdependent. You can’t have one without the other. Earlier this Monday, Mr. Kevin Johnson talked about trust and he brought up one of my favorite verses which was Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse is very dear to my heart because whenever I am having a hard time or things are not going my way, I always turn to this verse. Sometimes things are the complete opposite to what you thought was best and it did not go your way whatsoever. You prayed every day but still, it didn’t come true. You are disappointed or maybe even angry with God. But this verse tells us exactly what we should do when we get to that point. Trust. God knows best. He is all-knowing and as cliche as it sounds, there is a reason behind everything. His plan will slowly unravel and reveal itself within time. One day, when you look back, you’ll understand why everything happened the way it did and you’ll be grateful that things did not go your way at that time. I hope some of you are still with me at this point since this speech is probably taking up way too much time. To my friends, the graduating class of 2019, it has been a privilege to stand alongside you. To the awardees and all the students present here today, keep it up. To each and every teacher and staff here, I can’t thank you enough for everything you all have done for me. I will miss every single one of you and it has been the greatest honour to have been taught by you all. Thank you for believing in me even when I doubted myself. Please continue being a blessing to others just like you all were to me. To Ibu Wendy, you are the best principal I’ve ever known. Anyone can see just how much you love your students. Thank you for always being so supportive and loving to me. To wrap up, I would like to remind you on how to spell BEST – believe, execute, surrender, and trust. I would like to quote some lyrics of a song sung by one of my favorite artists. Afterall, you can’t spell best without BTS. “The deeper the night, the brighter the starlight”. Stars can’t shine without darkness. The nights of life will allow us to appreciate the lights of life, no matter how small it is. So, shine. Let your darkness bring out the light in you. Let us be each other’s lights. Whatever it is you’re going through, I promise you will get through it. Just do your best and let God take care of the rest. " " xoxo Regina Jasmine

How the choir singing culture has anchored in the hearts of our students