We have had many amazing teachers who have inspired GIS students since the school opened in 1951. In order to help recognise their special contributions to our school, we have introduced a spotlight series for our teacher Alumni – just a small gesture to recognise and thank them for their impact on our GIS community. This time, we share the journey of Business Studies teacher Emma Jones who left us this year, having taught at the school since 2002!
Emma, what has been your role at GIS?
I have always worked in the Business Education Faculty, first as a teacher of Business and Accounting, then Assistant Head of Faculty in 2011 and this year I was promoted to Head of Faculty.
How was the GIS campus different back in early 2000?
The entrance was very small and understated, the rooms were mostly uncarpeted and quite dark, the field was unplayable due to the debris that was buried underneath the real grass and the main entrance to the grand hall was at the back car park entrance which was very strange. The secondary office main doors also faced the car park. It is so, so much better now with much improved facilities, a grand entrance which is welcome and truly a lovely representative space of ‘Garden’ school. The classrooms are now high tech, high spec, bright, airy and truly interactive spaces to provide the best learning environments for the students. The corridors too are brighter and lined with plants and stunning photographs of our students. Garden is constantly evolving to take advantage of the developments in architecture to achieve the best setting for our students to achieve their full potential.
What are your memories of teaching and learning at GIS?
The students, the students,the students! Teaching at GIS is amazing because of the students we have the pleasure to teach. The students want to learn; they are like mini sponges, soaking up everything they can because they care about their progress, their achievements and their future. They also laugh at my jokes which is brilliant! They love the interactions we have in the classroom making learning such an enjoyable experience. And of course, learning is always better when we have fun doing it!
What fond memories will you take back with you?
The most treasured memory is always how grateful the students are; the wonderful messages I have received over the years from students to show their gratitude and appreciation of all their teachers are so heartwarming. Other memories I will take with me are the very special bonds we all form as staff at GIS- the wonderful people I have had such privilege to work with are all amazing; life long friends scattered to the four corners of the earth are something truly special. I now have friends in Australia, Spain, China, Kenya, Brazil, Scotland, Denmark, and many other countries- I am so grateful for that and the wonderful holiday destinations that come with it!
Anyone you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank all the wonderful students I have worked with for being hardworking, dedicated, committed and most of all absolutely lovely, warm, delightful individuals. I would like to thank all the amazing people I have had the privilege to work with throughout my time, with a special thank you to my closest local friends who welcomed me into their world with open arms. Last of all, I’d like to thank the parents for trusting me with their child’s education- PTCs at GIS were always an absolute pleasure.
Do you have any advice to share with our GIS community?
Embrace everything KL (and Malaysia) has to offer; the vibrancy of this city is amazing! Now that KL is back, go out, explore, taste the vast array of amazing food from the street food to the top Michelin starred restaurants, and savour the sights of kampung buildings in contrast with high tech skyscrapers. Also, enjoy your children as they grow up. They’re in safe hands with all of their school work at GIS, so take them out with you and have fun exploring with them away from their desks!
What are your future plans after GIS?
The pandemic highlighted the importance of family and that is why I am leaving. I am moving back to the UK to take up a teaching position at Millfield School which I am very excited about. I just hope the people there are as friendly as the wonderful people I have met during my time in Malaysia!
A huge ‘Thank You’ to Ms Jones (Emma). We bid you and your family a fond farewell, and thank you for your commitment, hard work and inspirational teaching and leadership to bring out the best in your students. We wish you all the best in the UK and hope you know that you will always be part of our GIS Community!
If you would like to feature in our Alumni articles, just get in touch with us: alumni@gardenschool.edu.my. Because every story matters. Connect with us on social media via Facebook / LinkedIn or if you would like to read another article via the Global Alumni Website. If you haven’t become our registered member yet, please do so via this link.