Combining International Education with Local Values – Gateway College, Ratmalana
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The newest campus in Ratmalana, is the latest accomplishment of Gateway, in their constant endeavor and effort to provide the best facilities and opportunities for all students, a hallmark of the Chairman and the Directorate of the Gateway Group. Gateway College Ratmalana has been in session since October last year, with students enrolled from Play Group to Year 6. Having the Gateway stamp, the school is seen to be flourishing and growing with much promise for the future.
“It was a wonderful opportunity and we are fortunate to have a purpose built school that has all essential facilities” says Dr. Harsha Alles, Chairman of the Gateway group of schools. He explained that the transformation of the former Chemanex factory/warehouse to the current status where the school is built on an open concept with common spaces and lots of greenery is almost unbelievable.
Modern Facilities
The facilities include spacious STEM and computer laboratories and a library built on a novel concept. The new campus also brings flood-lit; state-of-the-art football grounds and a modern pavilion, with a basketball court, cricket nets, a badminton court and other facilities related to extracurricular activities in the works.
However, the facilities are only a part of what is important in the school. “What makes us unique is the quality of teaching and learning” says Ms. Nirmali Wickremesinghe, the Consultant to the Gateway group of schools. She explained that a strong foundation for holistic education has been laid out and is followed up, to date.
Combination of International curricular with Local values
Ms. Priyanthi Seneviratne, the Principal of Gateway Colleges, Ratmalana and Dehiwala added that Gateway has the right mix of a strong international curricular together with an environment that teaches the students to have strong values and a respect for the Sri Lankan culture. It was explained that the syllabus incorporates subjects that relate to the country such as history, geography and civic education. “Religion is compulsory at primary level” she said.
However, that is not the only aspect that makes the Gateway education system unique. “We follow the key stage system of education which is the state education system in England.” Ms. Seneviratne explained. By following the British system the students are well versed and equipped to do the London iGCSE and A/L examinations.
Meeting the Quality Standards
“The Chairman, Dr. Harsha Alles, takes a personal interest and gets very involved in the operations of the school. This is unusual, yet extremely beneficial” said Ms. Seneviratne. “He, in fact, interviews all the teachers personally in all our schools!” Ms. Seneviratne exclaimed. She stated that the Chairman even knows all the teachers by name and regularly walks around the schools and observes the classes and the daily functions.
It was added that in order to maintain a high standard in the school, the teachers are regularly sent for training programmes. The lessons delivered are monitored and assessed to ensure that the high quality required is delivered. “There is a maximum of 25 students per class.” Ms. Seneviratne said. This ensures that the students receive individual attention at all times. “In the primary school we have two teachers per class”, she added.
Being a part of the Gateway Family
“The concept of the Gateway Family is very strong’ Ms. Seneviratne said. “If I ever have a problem or a clarification, I can always call my colleagues in the other schools and discuss”. Ms. Seneviratne explained that due to the frequent programmes that are conducted between the schools, as well as for the teachers, a very strong relationship has been established amongst all. “We are encouraged to attend functions held by the other schools too” she said.
Gateway Colleges are located at Ratmalana: 4, Telawela Road, Ratmalana. Tel: 2610061 / 2635583 Dehiwala: 285/1, Gal Vihara Road, Hill Street, Dehiwala, 011-5757234 / 5757235, Rajagiriya: No. 185, Koswatte Road, Off Royal Gardens, 011-2888288 / 2 888280, Kandy: No. 80, Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Mw., Asgiriya, Kandy 081 – 2200300 / 2200206 and Negombo: No. 62, Negombo Road, Kurana. 031-2227722 / 2227722.