Royal Institute International School (RI) stands as a premier educational institution in Sri Lanka, offering a comprehensive curriculum from Nursery to Advanced Level, encompassing Edexcel, Cambridge, and National curricula. Established in 1971 by Founder Chairman Mr. G. T. Bandara, RI has earned acclaim as a leading private sector international school, known for nurturing global citizens enriched with knowledge, skills, and compassion. From its inception, RI has provided a nurturing ‘home away from home,’ fostering the growth and development of countless students, embodying a legacy of care and academic excellence.
In addition to the standard curriculum, RI offers remedial lessons for students requiring extra support, particularly in core subjects. This ensures that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We interviewed Ms. Dinesha Jayathilaka, the academic coordinator at RI, to explore their approach.
Ms. Jayathilaka highlighted the personalized nature of their remedial programmes, emphasizing that each student receives tailored support based on their individual learning needs. ‘Our goal is to bridge any gaps in understanding and build a solid foundation in key subjects,’ she explained. Let’s ask her a few questions about how these programmes benefit students.
Hi Ms. Jayathilaka, how does RI accommodate students with mixed abilities in mainstream classes?
In our mainstream classes at RI, we recognize that students have diverse learning abilities. While many students can effectively engage and progress in regular classes, some may require additional support to reach their full potential. To address this, we implement a comprehensive approach that includes remedial classes starting from grade one. These classes are specifically designed to support students who may struggle to achieve above 40% in key subjects.
Our remedial programmes are structured to provide targeted assistance, focusing on strengthening foundational skills and addressing individual learning gaps. We employ qualified educators who work closely with students to ensure personalized attention and support. This approach not only helps students improve their academic performance but also enhances their confidence and motivation in the learning process.
Can you elaborate on the structure and teaching methods used in remedial classes?
During remedial sessions at RI, our approach is designed to provide targeted support and enhance student understanding. We revisit the core content covered in regular classes using simplified and engaging methods. The sessions emphasize repetition and recapitulation techniques to ensure thorough comprehension and retention of key concepts.
The structure of our remedial classes allows for a more personalized learning experience compared to mainstream settings. We maintain smaller class sizes to facilitate increased student engagement and individualized attention. This setup enables our qualified educators to closely monitor each student’s progress and adapt teaching strategies based on their learning pace and needs.
Remedial sessions are typically held once a week, either early in the morning or after school, depending on the students’ preferences and availability. This flexible scheduling helps accommodate the needs of both students and their families.
How do you measure the effectiveness of these remedial sessions?
To gauge the effectiveness of our remedial sessions, we employ a systematic approach. We track students’ progress through regular evaluation examinations and meticulously record their performance data. These statistics serve as critical indicators, allowing us to assess the impact of our teaching strategies and monitor students’ academic growth over time.
This continuous assessment enables us to identify areas where students may need additional support or where our teaching methods can be adjusted. By analyzing trends in student performance, we can tailor our remedial programmes to more effectively support the personalized learning of each student. Whether it’s revisiting foundational concepts, introducing new instructional techniques, or providing extra practice opportunities, we strive to optimize the learning experience and ensure that every student can achieve their full potential.
In summary: At RI, the commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity is evident through their comprehensive approach to education. With personalized remedial programmes and a supportive learning environment, every student, regardless of their abilities, is given the opportunity to thrive. Through continuous assessment and refinement of teaching methods, RI aims to empower students to achieve their full potential and prepare them for future success in a globalized world.
Registrations for Royal Institute International School across its five branches in Havelock Town, Nugegoda, Maharagama, Maya Avenue (Girls’ School), and Gampaha for the September intake from Nursery to Advanced Level are now open. Please visit royalinstitute.org for more information.
