Coming to you with a fresh new approach to Early Education, Footsteps Global Preschool is here to revolutionise early childhood development by providing the latest immersive ways of learning.
With an aim to globalise and provide quality education through their unique combination of a well-adapted curriculum, highclass teacher training, carefully chosen teaching aids, pedagogically designed activities, and easy-to-use ICT tools for everyday school life, Footsteps Global Preschool (FGP) has quickly become one of the leading Online preschools with a flexible program that is accessible from any part of the world.
This concept, designed by early childhood education experts who we will get to meet in the following pages, equips students with opportunities to learn and engage with a variety of hands-on experiences led by qualified teachers locally and internationally. Such excellence and innovation in their industry has recently led them to receive recognition as Asia’s Most Creative Physical and Online Preschool really opening the doors to more exposure and opportunity for global partnerships. The latest and most exciting venture is their global partnership with Sophia High School, a UK Based Online School which is one of only three online schools accredited by The Council of International Schools, guaranteeing that the programmes it offers are of the highest standard. By partnering with Sophia High School, Footsteps Global Preschool has access to professional development for teachers and leaders, curriculum support, and a range of resources to ensure each lesson is vibrant and exciting.
The first years of a child’s life are the ones where they grow in all areas the most, on a very steep learning curve. Not just learning to walk and talk, but the basic academic concepts that are introduced in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The addition of Metaverse Experiences (non-immersive) allows FGP children to have a unique opportunity to experience future-learning alongside their innovative online programme. This prepares students for the future of education at a much earlier stage than most of their peers. The FGP team are experienced and qualified in EYFS, and are responsible for creating and implementing programs that effectively integrate these new methods of learning into a seamless curriculum. This dedication to excellence is shown in the continuous professional development that they engage with, to ensure that the highest standards of teaching and learning is the main objective.
This tailor made curriculum and attention to detail makes Footsteps Global the ideal place to support the growth and development of young children, while they also get the social and emotional support they need to navigate their daily lives. Having a programme that encompasses all these key areas of development, with skilled teachers who know early childhood development, and using the most modern technology available is what makes this merger between Footsteps Global and Sophia High a truly remarkable venture and the best possible avenue for your child to develop their skills.
FAZRA IRFAN
Director Footsteps Preschool Dehiwala Head of Operations Footsteps Global Preschool
Tell me a bit about yourself?
I’m a professionally qualified, passionate Early years educator with over a decade of experience with a demonstrated history of working and management in the Early Childhood sector. I am a determined, dedicated leader with a sharp vision and focused mind. I believe that all students have the right to receive high quality education regardless of circumstances. I am the Director and Head of Operations at Footsteps Global Preschool.
Walk me through the partnership with Sophia Technologies?
Sophia High School is a UK Based Online School teaching children from across the globe who want access to high quality learning. This partnership came up with our recent accolade as Asia’s Most Creative Physical and Online Preschool and it is truly a privilege to network with Early childhood Education experts and leadership experts from across the globe. We want to penetrate the global market and provide quality education through our unique combination of a well-adapted curriculum.
How do you incorporate the role of technology in the Early Years Classroom?
Virtual learning requires new skills and methods to teach through the screen. We constantly make changes in the curriculum to suit the different learning styles making sure our students remain engaged throughout the lesson. There are no limits to the ways to use technology in the classroom to create an enriched learning environment. In a recent survey we shared, a large number of parents believe that technology is harmful. Yes, it can be when offered for the wrong reasons but right now it is imperative. We are moving towards a more digitalized era through the Metaverse education and we must prepare students to face it sooner rather than later.
You just mentioned that Technology is imperative. What are your strategies in staying updated within the digital space?
The best way to keep up with the latest trends is reading related articles, following social media content and gathering information from the industry’s top minds and organisations specifically dedicated to early childhood education.Gaining additional qualifications and pursuing professional development opportunities keeps me up to date with the latest research, techniques and trends in the sector.
How do you address negative feedback from parents?
You must learn to receive criticism, as long as it is constructive, with a positive mind set. Feedback is a key driver of performance when it comes to leadership effectiveness. Negative feedback in particular can be extremely valuable because it allows me to track performance and make calculated adjustments that result in positive feedback in the future. Every negative feedback is an opportunity to learn, unlearn and relearn.
Flexibility within your role? How do you balance?
Flexibility is a skill, and greatly complements my goal driven personality. It takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master. It’s all about adapting successfully to changing situations & environments while keeping calm in the face of difficulties. It is always imperative to plan ahead and have alternative options in case things go wrong. Having worked with diverse management, I have successfully gained enough experience to deal with these problems as they arise.
Your personality plays a major role in your success. Do you agree?
There is no magic formula. I treat everyone the way I want to be treated. You need to be a people’s person to shine in this role. A career in Early Years Education is an incredibly rewarding one. I strongly believe that I’m one of the few educators who never give up, while connecting with the children on a human and personal level. My passion towards Early Years Education, in addition to my personal characteristics such as creativity, and out of the box thinking motivates me to succeed and leave a positive impact on a child’s learning journey.
Your piece of advice to others?
Be Patient and brutally honest. Life is not a competition. Invest in yourself, for you are your own greatest asset. Learn to create an environment that’s so different from others that people will always choose you. This is education and the best seed should be planted in their early lives.
MELLISA MCBRIDE
Co-Founder / CEO Sophia Technologies and Sophia High School UK.
Tell me a little bit more about yourself?
I am Melissa McBride, Founder of Sophia Technologies and Sophia High School. As CEO of Sophia and a leading Metaverse Strategist for Education, I’ve been closely watching the intersection of technology and education and the opportunity that developments in areas such as VR education, immersive learning and AI bring to the sector as we build a new future of education. Having been a career educator for over 20 years, and mom myself to four children, preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world is a priority for me both personally and professionally.
What does the future hold for education?
As we look to a future of education in a tech-driven world, I believe we need to prioritise human development. While artificial intelligence (AI) and automation may be able to replace certain tasks, they cannot replicate the unique qualities that make us human: creativity, collaboration, and global citizenship.
Creativity can be fostered through hands-on learning, experimentation, and diverse perspectives. Collaboration skills can be developed through group projects, online communication tools, and teamwork-based learning experiences. Global citizenship can be emphasised through cultural understanding, international programs, and sustainability education. These skills and values are crucial for students to thrive in a tech-driven, interconnected world. This is what makes the global classroom that we develop alongside Footsteps so powerful as we are building from the ground up to give these experiences to children at the start of their educational journey.
Can you explain what the metaverse is and how it relates to education?
The metaverse refers to a virtual world that exists in cyberspace and allows users to interact with each other and digital content in a way that is similar to the real world. It has the potential to revolutionise education by providing new and immersive ways of learning, from virtual field trips and simulations to collaborative projects and online classrooms. In a metaverse environment, students can experience new cultures, explore different perspectives, and engage in hands-on learning experiences that are not possible in a traditional classroom.
What are the benefits of incorporating the metaverse into education?
Immersive 3D enabled learning experiences are the Holy Grail of education as students are connected, engaged and feel like they have stepped inside of a game. There are several benefits to incorporating the metaverse into education, including:
1.Immersive learning experiences: The metaverse provides students with immersive and interactive learning experiences
2.Increased access to education: The metaverse has the potential to democratise education and make it more accessible to students around the world, regardless of their location or financial situation.
3.Collaboration and community-building: The metaverse provides students with opportunities to collaborate with peers from different backgrounds and cultures, fostering a sense of community and promoting global citizenship.
4.Hands-on, project-based learning: The metaverse provides students with hands-on, project-based learning experiences that allow them to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills to real-world problems.
What are some of the challenges of implementing metaverse education in schools?
There are several challenges to implementing metaverse education in schools, including:
1.Technical barriers: The metaverse is still in its early stages of development and there are technical barriers to its widespread adoption, including the need for high-speed internet access and powerful computing devices.
2.Cost: Implementing metaverse education can be costly, as it requires investments in hardware, software, and training for teachers and students.
3.Lack of standardisation: The metaverse is still in its early stages of development and there is a lack of standardisation in terms of technology and pedagogy, making it difficult for schools to choose the right tools and approaches.
4.Privacy and security concerns: There are also privacy and security concerns associated with the use of the metaverse in education, as students’ personal and educational data may be vulnerable to hacking and other forms of cybercrime.
What role do you see schools and educators playing in the future of metaverse education?
Schools and educators will play a critical role in the future of metaverse education, as they will be responsible for creating and implementing programs that effectively integrate the metaverse into the curriculum. Educators will need to be trained on the use of new technologies and pedagogical approaches, and schools will need to invest in hardware, software, and infrastructure to support metaverse education. Additionally, schools and educators will need to work with technology companies and policy-makers to develop standards and guidelines for the use of the metaverse in education
VANESSA TEMPLE
Director of EYFS and New Projects Sophia High School, UK
Tell me a bit about yourself?
I am an Early Years Specialist, with over 30 years experience in Teaching, Leading and Directing EY schools and school groups internationally. Working mainly in the GCC and Asia has given me valuable insights into the different parental expectations, and cultures of education in these regions, which has meant that creating early years programmes for these different parent groups has been an exciting opportunity and challenge. During the pandemic I ran a GCC based early years online programme for over 1,500 young children, again allowing me to gain experience in what the highest quality of online early years education should, and could be. There can be no compromise with early years education, whatever form it takes. Children, and their needs, will always come first.
How did this partnership between Sophia High and Footsteps Global Preschool come about?
Having worked with the Footsteps team developing targeted online professional development, and getting to know Fazra and the leaders of the physical school through this, when the Footsteps Board decided to elevate their online offering to parents it seemed a natural fit for us to work together. My work at SHS as Director of New Projects gives me the opportunity to work with schools that we know are of outstanding quality and provision, and develop partnerships based on highly personal needs and parent requirements. No two school partnerships are alike, and it is this bespoke programme, and wonderfully close relationship, that makes Footsteps Global Preschool such a dream partner to work with.
How does Footsteps Global Preschool ensure that each child has a personalised education and helps them reach their potential?
FGP is unique as an online school in the region as it has a singular focus on Early Years Education. As children enter in the Toddlers Group, the songs, rhymes, movement and craft activities engage them in learning opportunities that are structured by the teacher, but supported by parents at home. As the children move through FS1, where they have a more challenging curriculum with appropriate activities and learning goals, and into FS2 with a more structured programme developing academic skills and content, the focus remains on ensuring each child is supported and challenged at a level appropriate for them. Parents are greatly involved, – they want to know what their child is learning and want to be a part of that experience. The teachers vary from subject to subject, so that each child has a stimulating day with the teaching team, and their passion for the subject they teach is evident in the joy our children express during their online lessons.
How does the partnership with Sophia High School support Footsteps Global Preschool?
Sophia High School (SHS) is one of only three online schools accredited by The Council of International Schools, which guarantees that the programmes it offers are of the highest standard. By partnering with Sophia High School, Footsteps Global Preschool has access to professional development for teachers, curriculum support, and a range of resources to ensure each lesson is vibrant and exciting. The FGP team are experienced and qualified in EYFS, and this dedication to excellence is shown in the continuous professional development that they engage with, to ensure that the highest standards of teaching and learning is the focus. The addition of Metaverse Experiences (non-immersive) allows FGP children to have a unique opportunity to experience future-learning alongside their innovative online programme.
Sophia High School and Footsteps Global Preschool have developed this exclusive method of online learning, and we are so proud that the partnership continues to flourish.
RAZANA MUZNI
Principal / Director Footsteps Preschool – Dehiwala
Tell me a bit about yourself?
I took wing to Dubai, UAE to join the prestigious GEMS Education group, where I served as an Early Years Teacher and Team leader from 2007 – 2019. Here, I was nominated for the much esteemed Varkey Award for Teaching Excellence, an achievement for selecting the best teacher across all GEMS schools globally. Additionally, I was nominated as the most outstanding teacher at the Global Teachers Standards forum conducted by the TELAL institute, UAE.
My experiences there vastly enhanced my competencies and enriched my management skills. Given my credibility, I was chosen to coach trainers and be the focal point during the Dubai Schools Inspection visits by the government’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). My much acclaimed outstanding lessons coupled with my professional demeanour and conduct went a long way in the School getting a high grading during the inspections.
What role do you play at Footsteps Preschool?
As the Principal, I am responsible for a number of different operations at the school. I must ensure that the team is constantly motivated towards educational excellence and we meet the curriculum standards which are age-appropriate for preschool aged students. I also overlook the decisions concerning admissions and facilitate social and behavioural education. We must also keep in mind that our school is a government-registered model preschool in the Western Province and as such must make sure that we meet the national education requirements.
Some other responsibilities of mine are organising staff training, networking with educators & professionals in peripheral fields while simultaneously organising webinars and workshops.
Keeping all this in mind I must ensure that all long-term goals in terms of revenue generations, profitability and business stability are achieved.
How is play based learning applied at Footsteps Global?
Play based learning is a vital part of childhood because it’s how young children start learning skills informally before entering formal education. Children begin to use their hands from an early age. It is through handling things in a practical way that they begin to discover and experience the world around them and how things work. Children learn through playing. During the act of play children are exploring, taking risks, engaging their imagination, and solving problems. They are learning valuable skills that support social, physical and cognitive development.
What can you tell us about the curriculum employed at Footsteps Global?
We have adopted the Early Years Foundation Syllabus ( EYFS) from the United Kingdom as our core curriculum. This is accredited by Early Years Alliance of the UK, which is the largest accreditation body for EYFS, which we are a member of. This has resulted in a lot of positive feedback from parents, proving to be a testament to the policies and procedures Footsteps embraces.
The process of the curriculum takes place through action. The brain is stimulated in multiple areas through practical learning experiences. Through hands-on activities, children are encouraged to learn through exploration while developing thinking skills as well. The senses are engaged through physical participation. Through their five senses, children develop an understanding of their world and engage with different learning styles.
SUMAIYA NAHEEM
Early Years Teacher Footsteps Global Preschool
From a teacher’s point of view, walk me through the advantages of virtual learning?
The advantages are much more than we think. The negative mind set was built up mostly because nobody knew how to do it right. The shift from conventional methods to virtual methods obviously needs accurate training and experience in tailoring lessons accordingly to suit the needs of the children. Furthermore, it suits a variety of learning styles. Some thrive in the classroom, while others have trouble paying attention in class and do better on their own or in small class sizes. Some prefer books, others through digital and the rest who need a little bit of it all. Virtual learning is relatively cost effective and the best part is the parent is with the child and is aware of every bit of learning that takes place.
NUSRATH NEWSHARD
Early Years Teacher Footsteps Global Preschool
What is your role as a teacher? Any tips and tricks to keep the momentum during distance learning?
I focus on additional language making sure our Srilankan expat students get familiar with their native language. As the new online world is opening up, we are embracing the challenge to be the best online or virtual preschool available. Moulding children to start their journey with a strong sense that learning is a life-long, enjoyable endeavour is a very gratifying task. At Nursery level, it is to make it as exciting and interactive as possible for the children and encourage them to adapt to this method. Parents’ involvement is key. It’s rare for parents and children to have this much time together in an educational setting.
SUASHA PERERA
Early Years Teacher Footsteps Global Preschool
What kind of activities do you do?
Our online learning approach is carefully planned, with consideration to the time frame and the age groups of our students. All activities are differentiated, and delivered in the most interactive methods. This includes rhythm, movement, literacy, early numeracy, fine motor, sensory, storytelling, cooking, show & tell and arts & crafts activities. We also encourage interaction with the teachers so our students and parents can clarify what is being taught. Our lesson plans are tailored to cover all developmental areas as per the curriculum. We also provide students with a necessary tool kit including all essential resources to be used during live lessons.