actonkl-ms-eagles-blog

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 7, Weeks 3-5

The 3 final weeks went by quickly and this session saw all our MS Eagles getting a job/apprenticeship. Can you imagine, when ActonKL started less than a year ago, most Eagles struggled to write emails. Today, many demonstrated that they could contact companies and find opportunities on their own!

Here are the highlights of the last 3 weeks of this academic year:

Getting that job

On the job

Exhibition day & Parties

Party time, and Eagle Buck spending spree

Last day and Looking toward to 2017-2018

Getting that job

Making that first step to get the job can be stressful. Your hands turn sweaty, your knees go the way of the jelly, and your heart sank into a black hole somewhere. If you’re lucky, you get the job at the first try

Some of the Eagles had to preserver. An Eagles got rejected 9 times, only to get her lucky on the 10th call. Even cats don’t have 10 lives, but our Eagle showed shear determination to get her goal. Another Eagle had to undergo a 1 hour 30 minutes ‘grilling’ interview! 

These anxious feelings are something you’ll only get when you actually get down to doing it. The Eagles now have that experience, and they sure can draw upon this experience in their future job search, or even when making the proposal…

Calling for a job. Can you guess which before and which is after the call?

Never giving up, 10 times a charm...

On the job

Throughout the whole 3-4 weeks, the Eagles spread out across different jobs at different times. That left the MS Studio to be rather quiet at times, but it was great to see them coming back with smiles from their work.

In the end, Eagles had found jobs in f&b, child care, pets & services, tv show production, product design, industrial coatings, recycling, and mural painting!

A big thank you to all the places and people who accepted our Eagles under their wings. You have given them an insight to your industry as well as a glimpse of what you do on a day-to-day basis.

myBurgerLab, Krop Krop by Oinkz, Xiao By Crustz, Bucket B Cafe, Fikcles, WildsnapperTV, Delco, Petsmore, Meows & Paws, Tadika Fairfields, Taska Umi Sayang, Al Coating, iCycle, KenjiChai

Exhibition Day

After the Eagles finished their apprenticeships, they proceeded to finalise their journal, and to prepare for the exhibition day. Every end of session, the Eagles put on an exhibition to show-case their effort. This time around, the format is a 5-minute presentation (slides or animation) including Q&A in front of an audience. It was still a big challenge to many of them, but with previous exhibitions on their (for some, this is their 6th exhibition), they managed to fight through the nerves to prepare and present.

Golden tip for a great presentation, rehearse, rehearse and rehearse

Presentations and Q&A forum

Party time, and Eagle Buck spending spree

With all the hard work, a little fun and play is in order. This session we had saw a number of birthday parties, including the one of the Guides. Somehow they decided to utilise a rarely used item on the Eagle Buck Store menu, Pie-a-Guide.

An innocent party, add Eagles with lots of Eagle Bucks to spend

The Eagle Buck Store also saw an addition mid-session, and it proved to be a hit! 

Lots of spending happened these weeks, due to the end of the academic and with lots of “cash” to spend. One Eagle “cleaned up” the fridge on the last day of term and “ta pau” (take-away) the remaining ice-cream and drinks. Another Eagle chose to donate her Eagle Bucks  

Last day and Looking toward to 2017-2018

We had a get together for makan-makan for the last day of the academic year. It is a thank all the founding families who joint us on this journey to start Acton Academy KL. We shall always be grateful to all who have lent their support in big and small ways.

Nice sunny day for food and chat

All 24 Thank You cards. We are all individuals that when joint together can create great things.

T-Shirt with our founding families tree

The next academic year starts on September 4th 2017 with the “Cooking and Chemistry” quest. Time to sharpen the knife and split some atoms.

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 7, Week 2

This week is a low-key week, not without Eagles breaking new grounds with nerves of jelly steel.

Highlights are:

Getting physical

Building Blocks #2 - Hero’s Journey

Into the Abyss with the job pitch

Info session

Getting physical

Currently for Physical Education (PE) at ActonKL, one day is spent with professional trainers doing sports such as dodgeball and badminton at the nearby community centre. The second PE day, we do physical drills and free play. Eagles have a choice to stay away from certain activities, provided they compensate with alternative activities that are inline with the objectives of PE.

This week, some Eagles took this opportunity to try the alternative activity of doing two rounds of 7-minute workouts.

Amazing how much sweat you can break with just a 7-minute workout

Building Blocks - Hero’s Journey

We had two events this week; first event was a Building Blocks workshop for the Parents of ActonKL with the Hero’s Journey as the central topic of discussion. Central to our promise at ActonKL is that every Eagles will “Begin a Hero’s Journey.” These Building Blocks are workshop-style activities that equips the community with our philosophy and processes.

Thank you for spending the time with us, and for sharing your Hero Journeys with the community. We hope to take time to reflect the Hero's Journey to in our own lives.

“When we quit thinking primarily about ourselves and our own self-preservation, we undergo a truly heroic transformation of consciousness.” – Joseph Campbell.

Into the Abyss with the job pitch

Speaking of Hero’s Journey, after having done the research and choosing the apprenticeship they want, it is time for some of the Eagles to track “Into the Abyss” and make first contact. Making that first call/email for your first job is nerve-racking, a feeling that make of us had went through sometime in our lives. It was tough.

Our Eagles came out of it feeling victorious having “slain that dragon”, and release some of that “stress”. Well done guys and gals!! There are more of you out there, but here only some of the photos that we got.

Remember the first time you ever tried put in a job application / make a call about your first job?

Info session - last one for 2016/2017 academic year

We ended the week with an ActonKL with our second event; an Info Session for the public. The event is typically run by the Eagles. They greeted the guests, registered them, took them for a tour and even answer all their questions. Thank you Eagles for helping out for this session, and for taking the courage to step out of your comfort zones to host the guests.

Eagles greeting and registering guest

A little activity conducted by the Guides before general Q&A

ActonKL has three (3) info sessions in an academic year. Our next one is on 10th November 2017. Register your interest here and save the date. 

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 7, Week 1

We started the final session for the 2016/2017 academic year here at Acton Academy KL. Our Eagles are raring to go, and to start looking for a apprenticeship..! 

Here are the highlights:  

Family Day & Start of session 

Apprenticeship Quest

Marshmallow tower challenge

MS-Buddy taken up a notch

Gentle steps back towards self governance

Family Day & Start of session

We started the session with a family day. It was a good opportunity to burn off the calories after the Raya Holiday festivities. The weather was great and we had a few games between Eagle and Parent; even Guides were ‘mokeying’ around!

Relaxing time before the start of session

Kids, don’t do this without adult supervision

With all the fun and festivities, the last session of this academic year begun. Our mission at ActonKL has always been to inspire everyone who enters our doors to find their passion. This is also extended to any Eagle who left Acton but is determined to come back and prove themselves. Hence, we would like to invite back our Eagles who undergone our re-application process. We all hope to see great work done and living up to promises!

School is in session, who says we can’t have a little fort making fun

Apprenticeship Quest

In the final session this year, the Eagles are challenged to get a job! To be precise, to find an apprenticeship by following Six Steps to Find a Life Changing Apprenticeship

Find an adventure that matches your gifts and passions.

Do deep research about your target company and who will be hiring you.

Create a compelling email, phone and in person pitch, each advancing you closer to hearing the magic phrase: “I’ll give you a chance to prove yourself!”

Craft a clear covenant between you, your employer and your parents.

Prepare to execute by showing up early, working hard, staying late and taking careful notes about who you meet and what you learn.

Follow up afterwards with a thank you note and request for a letter of reference.

This week, the Eagles are hard at work doing research; researching inwards and outwards. Researching inwards to discover their passion involves brainstorming and thinking deeply about their gifts and their desires. At the same time, they also research outwards to discover clues that leads toward a path of industry expertise. At this stage, they struggle balancing between a few high potential but difficult to secure apprenticeships, and ones with less sizzle but a high chance of securing. This this feeling sound familiar?

Marshmallow tower challenge

Our ES studio is doing an Architecture Quest this session. The MS Eagles took this opportunity to gate crash join in their Marshmallow Tower challenge. The task is to build a tallest free-standing tower made of spaghetti with the marshmallow at the top. Good teamwork and constant “experimenting” are needed for a tall steady structure. Besides, a hands on game tinkering with spaghetti and marshmallows is bound to be fun!

Busy experimenting with different structures for the Marshmallow Tower challenge

The materials: spaghetti, tape, string and a single marshmallow (not to be eaten)

MS-Buddy taken up a notch

While everyone’s Hero’s Journey is an individual struggle, victories mean little unless shared with others in community. Great leaders invest into the community by guiding, encouraging and inspiring others, while learning how to lead a studio, a community or help other leaders build world class organizations.

Our MS Eagles have buddied up with the ES Eagles from the beginning and had always tried to find ways to work more alongside them. This time, one MS Eagle found time from his schedule to assist in the ES Studio on a daily basis. At Acton, Eagles are allowed and encouraged to challenge themselves and to define their own independent “quest”. The ES Eagles are certainly assured to have a “big brother” around.

Guiding ES Eagles and require much patience. Keep it up!

Gentle steps back towards Self Governance

The Eagle wants a community that strives for high standards of work and integrity. They want guardrails to help each other on their own Hero’s Journey. 

Last session, the Guides had led majority of the studio governance and Eagles are used to earning Eagle Bucks for delivering on their work and goals (5 hours of work = $1EB). This session, Eagles are allowed and encouraged to ask for Eagle Bucks from each other to uphold the standards and principles of the studio.

The Eagle Bucks system is a game of economics with real life consequences. It empowers the Eagles to uphold the boundaries that they set for their studio. They also get to enjoy the efforts of their hard work from the Eagle Buck store.

Eagle holding up the boundaries by asking for Eagle Bucks 

Sales at the Eagle Buck Store was brisk. Sundae Cones disappeared without a photo taken. All that was left was the whipping cream

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 6, Week 6

This is the last week of the Entrepreneurship Quest and ended with our inaugural Children’s Business Fair 2017. Here are some highlights:

Hero Sharing by Evelyn Marieta of Wunderbath

Sharing of next academic year (2017/2018) plans

2nd chances - the Re-Application process

Prototyping and “beta-tasters”

Practice runs & practice pitching

Time for serious business - Children’s Business Fair 2017

Hero Sharing by Evelyn Marieta of Wunderbath

This week, Miss Evelyn Marieta, the founder of Wunderbath.co, visited and shared her journey with us as an entrepreneur in the beauty and skincare field. She told us all about the challenges faced, lessons learnt and joys gained over the past three years. Not only that, she also gave our young bath Entrepreneurs tips on how to improve their products for the CBF and got all our Eagles excited about Wunderbath’s hyper-realistic Pokeball soaps. After the session, some Eagles even started to approach Evelyn for a potential Apprenticeship next session (more on that in the next post).

Hero sharing by Miss Evelyn

Everyone likes a selfie

Sharing of next academic year (2017/2018) plans

Mid-week, we had a sharing with the MS Community. It is the first time we are publishing our plans for the coming year. As a snippet, Cooking & Chemistry, and Coding & Tech is our first two Quest of next academic year.

Discussion about the road ahead for the MS Eagles and their Parents

Some recommendations that came from the meeting:

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson - an excellent bestseller about where everything came from, especially if a family want to explore more Science.

Path to Purpose by William Damon - relates well to our Eagles’ journey, which are driven by an internal purpose and drive. Our ActonKL library has a copy.

Moana - It touches on the path of Finding a Calling, in an entertaining and powerful way :)

The calendar for next academic year has been published and can be found here.

2nd chances - the Re-Application process

Are 2nd chances meant to make things right? Or is it to prove you can be better after a setback? Who would you give 2nd chances to? Would the expectations be different for people who were given a 2nd chance?  Our Eagles debated this topic across this week.

Towards the end of the week, the Guides revealed that one of our Eagle who left was undergoing the Re-Application process. Our Eagles have concerns about this, but are generally supportive and believe in giving 2nd chances. It just means that the Re-Applicant Eagle will have to prove their word in delivering excellent work, while managing any past issues they may have.

Practice runs and “beta-tasters”

Throughout the week, the Eagles had opportunity to have practice run. They can practice setting up their stall, gathering early customer feedback and also try pitching to the “public”. With each practice run they have, they improve on their presentation/product based on the feedback and review given by their peers.

Peer feedback is important, e.g. “Sorry, your avocado guacamole tastes like durian..."

Safety is the most important priority, especially when handling a knife 

Trying out the arrangement for the day

Early decoration display, a Mail Capsule

Time for serious business - CBF2017

Finally, the Children’s Business Fair 2017 day had arrived! Our Eagle-eyed entrepreneurs came bright and early on Saturday morning to set up their booths. Armed with all their products and marketing tricks strategies, they went on for 2.5 hours of pitching to the general public, taking orders, accepting payment and recording their sales. Our first Children’s Business Fair was a success with over a hundred visitors and a total transactions valued at RM8,000! Well done to all the Eagles, and their supporting cast for a wonderful event!

Busy selling 

See you guys next year at the Children’s Business Fair 2018

More professional looking pictures can be found here. A big big thank you to Suresh Kumar for helping to document the event through your lens.

Next up, Apprenticeship Quest.

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 6, Week 5

This week, the flu came around, with many of our Eagles coming into contact with the bug. It had meant a smaller group of Eagles on average this week, but we still had a fair bit of activity done.

Highlights:

The games we play

Hiring Island & Value Chain discussion

Grittiness and the Pursuit of Happyness

Mural unveiling

Hero Sharing by Ganesh Muren, a Social Entrepreneur 

This week's activities had games built into the Challenges they do. Galactic Zappers may seem like a game, but it's also a powerful way to learn about production processes and bottlenecks. RoboRush helps to better understand the process business may go through when deciding if and when to hire employees.

Eagle working through RoboRush

Tabulating their “monthly” in-game progress

On one occasion, Dr Ewe showed them a game he previously made to work with kids on Scratch. This is a little prelude to a Quest next academic year.

On Thursday, due to low numbers in the studio, we played a number of games such as Charades. There were some excellent performances, while others were a leap of the mind. 

In place of the scheduled PE, the Eagles had a game of charades to challenge the mind and for sheer entertainment. 

Hiring Island & Value Chain discussion

Hiring Island started this week. Deciding when to hire employees is one of the biggest decisions an entrepreneur must make, and hiring the right people can play a role in determining the success of your company, what it becomes, and how much time you spend with your friends and family.

For this challenge, the MS Eagles started with the RoboRush game above. Many became accomplished in the game and attaining high-scores. They then helped their younger ES Eagles to get started.

Thank you to our MS Eagles who helped the younger ES Eagles

What happens when we want to further expand our business? Do we add more to our existing list of products/services? Or do we venture along our industry’s value chain? On Friday, with only a handful of Eagles around, we had a snappy discussion about value chain and how it is helpful. The example discussed was about KFC’s value chain.

Our Eagle’s artist impression of the value chain of the KFC fast food business

Grittiness and the Pursuit of Happyness

The civ-viewing for this week is The Pursuit of Happyness. It is based on the story of Chris Gardner, a man who loses everything, but eventually gets everything.

After the movie, the Eagles debated about various topics, e.g. What are the value that Chris showed to his son? Is it true that most people who live in poverty don't work hard and don't apply themselves? What factor does education play in this? Do you consider Mr. Gardner to be a male role model?

Here is one of the answer from the one of the Eagles to the question about role model. “Chris Gardner is definitely a role model. The pros are that he is willing to do anything for his family and he NEVER gave up on trying to make his son happy or to have a steady income. He also has a lot of grit and is very self-sacrificial but he does lie a lot. He lies because he doesn’t have enough money or he doesn’t want people to know what he was going through”

Mural unveiling

The last project to be completed is the mural project, the floor mural project.

Putting the final touches

Inspired by 3D floor mural, the floor mural depicts the Eagle’s Hero’s Journey. This project is done by two MS Eagles, Kat & KY. Thank you for all your effort!

Hero Sharing by Ganesh Muren, a Social Entrepreneur

This week, we were fortunate to have Hero’s Sharing with Ganesh Muren, a passionate young social entrepreneur who founded Saora Industries. They supplied solar powered water filters that brings clean drinking water and light to many rural communities in Malaysia.

Ganesh had kindly brought gifts for the Eagles, but there were not enough. Hence he had pledge to bring enough for all the Eagles who had attended (ES & MS). Thank you Ganesh for your advice to budding entrepreneurs in our Eagles.

“Plan carefully for your business, else you may end up learning an expensive lesson. Do all the research to ensure your plan will work, but also always be ready with a Plan B.”

It is now less than a week to our first ever Children’s Business Fair! Do come and support our young entrepreneurs.

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 6, Week 4

This week, the Eagles ventured more to understand their businesses and what it takes to make money. The week also turned out to have a little fast food theme.

Highlights:

Wrapping up DTP

Unit Economics Island

McDonald brothers and Ray Kroc

Market sizing fast food business

Wrapping up DTP

After the Design Thinking Programme (DTP) in the early part of this session, the Eagles wrote an email to invite Aunty Rosalind to come back and visit the studios. She gave thumbs up reviews for the changes, and noted that the room design can and should change depending on the need and feel of the users of the room. Thank you Aunty Rosalind for sparing your time to visit the Eagles.

Aunty Rosalind giving her thumbs up and giving more tips for the place

Unit Economics Island

This week, the Eagles began their work on the “Unit Economics Island”. In this challenge, they got introduced to business terms/jargon that like contribution per unit, cost (variable & fixed), pre-tax cash flow and break-even.

Discussion about break even analysis

In the end of day, Eagles will want to know if their business at the Children’s Business Fair will yield any profit, and work out much do they need to sell to cover their initial capital outlay.

Eagles working on their CBF, and even making a music jingle for their stall!

McDonald brothers and Ray Kroc

This week, we showed the movie called “The Founder”. It depicts the founding people of the iconic company that with the golden arches, McDonald’s.

Movie time

Discussions soon take place after the 2-part viewing. Not only were the discussion about the price of the meal (35 cents only), but about the  McDonald's business model, the innovations they brought to the F&B industry, and the fallout of a lucrative business partnership and the ethical questions that come with it.

“Ray Kroc: I know what you’re thinking, how the heck does a fifty-two year-old, over the hill, milkshake machine salesman build a fast food empire with sixteen hundred restaurants and an annual revenue of seven hundred million dollar? One word: persistence.”

Market sizing fast food business

“How many Big-Mac meals does the local McD’s and A&W need to sell to break even?”

Continuing on with the fast food theme from the movie viewing, the Eagles were given the problem question above.

Field trip to gather data points used to improve their cost and revenue estimates

Some Eagles took to the challenge and worked out the variable cost per burger and researched up the monthly “fixed-cost” associated with running a fast food outlet. 

Those that went through the motions learnt the extent of their contribution to McD’s and A&W’s bottom line, each time they make a purchase.

Can Eagles bring Ray Croc's persistence and McDonald's lessons to their business at the Children’s Business Fair? Will they do more than breakeven? Come find out yourself on 17th June!

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 6 - Week 2 & 3

These two weeks went by quickly, and the MS studio completed its makeover by end of Week 2. The following week saw the studio coming back to a steady rhythm. Highlights:

Final week of DTP programme

Sharing for closure, openness and rebuilding trust

Team-building activities & badminton

Building Blocks: the 1st session

E-ship Quest: Market surveys & business identity

Eagle Bucks store

Final week of DTP programme

Week 2 saw the final week of the DTP programme. The designs and work all coming together and uplift the mood of the place. The Eagles learnt a thing or two to get their rooms/design ready on time. These include having strict quality control for the wall painting and to disallow any form of distraction between them. For instance, the recently gazetted Chillax Room somehow received a dark coat of paint before reverting to the original white matte finish design.

Chillax Room during and after. The bean bags are on the way

Worq Room 1 during and after

Worq Room 2 during and after

Floor Mural during and after

The Launch Room got a lovely paint printed tree on its wall. Mr Jia, our Community Champion, orchestrated the creation of this piece of art with our Eagles. The Eagles can now claim to have “green” fingers.

Great effort by all the Eagles involved (including some ES for helping out) to re-vamp the MS studio. Thank you all so much!

Sharing for closure, openness and rebuilding trust

At the early part of Week 2, Dr Ewe (Lead MS Guide) sat with the Eagles to share the turn of events of last session’s the drama. He candidly spoke from the Guide's perspective, laying out the logic and reasons of the decisions & actions taken. Each of our Eagles are under our duty of care and it is our priority is to ensure the safety of our Eagles.

Our Eagles had their 2nd session with the counsellor and this is purely by choice. The previous session was to build a rapport and to bring everyone on the same page. This session, was to break and remove all walls and restore trust - them to themselves; them to their peers; and, them towards the wider community.

In the middle of the week, we did a session of AMA (Ask-Me-Anything) with Mr Jia. Mr Jia stepped-out of this Guide role for this 10-minute session rapid fire of questions from Eagles. Some difficult and funny questions were asked, such as t“How did you meet your wife?” and “What do you dislike about Dr Ewe?”.

Team-building activities & badminton

During PE, both ES and MS Eagles got together for team-building games and relay races.

Ready, get-set, GO!

Balancing a ball together using plastic covers... Not easy!

The badminton sessions were energetic and we can see the Eagles (especially the ES) focusing and trying their hardest to hit the shuttlecocks. The past two sessions were focused on footwork and stamina.

Hard at play

Warming down activity

Building Blocks: The 1st ever 

We had our first Building Blocks session with the parents of Acton. Building Blocks are workshop style activities to equip parents with Acton's philosophy and processes. The format is a workshop format where we share our learnings as a community and came up with ways to cultivate these traits at home. Our first session was about Growth Mindset, which also ties with this Session's character trait: Grit. Thank you parents for making time to join us.

Our first Building Blocks workshop

Grit@Home, among the takeaways from the workshop

E-ship Quest: Market surveys & business identity

Throughout these 2 weeks, the Eagles kept busy learning about their customers needs, and creating an identity for their business at the Children’s Business Fair (June 17th).

Each businesses have been creating and sending out e-surveys to gather feedback from their potential customers. This is their first test of their business idea where making alterations to their idea is relatively quick and painless.

The e-forms made and sent by our Eagles

They also made their own branding and slogans for their business. The both ES and MS studios came together to present their designs, to get feedback and critique from each other.  Here’s an inspiring video about BeeSweet Lemonade which they watched and analysed together.

Taking turns to present and give constructive feedback

On Friday, all the Eagles went on a trip to The Good Batch café at Damansara Uptown. Miss Caroline, the founder and owner, recounted her journey into the F&B world, ways she branded the different outlets, and also tips to attract customers. A big thank you to Miss Caroline for affording us her time and reminding us to do our research thoroughly before starting a businesses!

Miss Caroline chatting about typical margins in F&B business

Group photo after some yummy food and tasty drinks

Eagle Buck store

After all the hard work this week, the Guide unveiled a new menu in the Eagle Buck store. Our Eagles earn Eagle Bucks (EB) for the work effort they put in, which roughly equates to $ 1 EB = 5 hours of work. Highlights, and one that is getting some attention is “Pie a Guide” item, but it’ll set them back $50EB. Time to get a towel ready and practice our Matrix move.

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 6 Week 1 - DT Programme 2, and launch of E-Ship Quest

This session’s quest is about Entrepreneurship (E-Ship), where the Eagles will “start” their own business and trade at the inaugural Children’s Business Fair KL 2017.

But before we get there, the MS Eagles are re-doing their studio to overhaul their learning space. Armed with their prior Design Thinking experience, it is time to get their hands dirty.

Highlights:

DTP (Design thinking programme), the sequel

Studio makeover begins

Team building games

Launch of E-Ship Quest

DT programme, the sequel

After the challenges from the previous session, we wanted to rejuvenate the studio. Hence, the MS studio is getting a make-over that is designed by our MS Eagles.

But before we can start work, the Eagles need to come up with their designs and work within a budget. They pitch their ideas to the community as a team or individual designers. We also had Auntie Rosalind in to give a talk about “Designs that give a positive vibe”. Thank you Auntie Rosalind!

Auntie Rosalind giving a talk

Eagles pitching for their designs

Some designs sketches

Studio makeover begins

After the Wesak day celebrations, we got started with the paint works. To most Eagles, this is the first time they got to paint an entire wall. 

There are generally two schools of thought when it comes to painting walls. A more structured and regimented way gives good results without wasting too much paint, while the more relaxed splash and dash approach would still give the results, but with a greater loss of paint and requires more time. Our Eagles got to experience both sets of approaches and they can certainly see and feel the result.

After two days of paint works, only 2-rooms still need major paint works, one room needs detailing work, and the mural which shall remain a mystery for the time being.

Getting the paint and lots of colours to choose from

Painting works begin

Mystery mural project

Healing arrangements & team building games

As guides, we serve our Eagles to help them find their calling. They are also under our duty of care to protect them against foreseeable risks of personal injury or harm. To help our Eagles gain closure from the crisis of last session, we have been in contact with a few counsellors who have offered their services to aid us through this crisis. This week, the Eagles had close to a 3-hour long session through various group & individual therapy.

We then followed up with plenty of games and team-building activities. This session, the Eagles are doing badminton once a week at the TTDI Community Centre.

Eagles at the start of the group counselling session. Guides were politely asked to leave shortly after.

“Rebuilding trust doesn’t happen by just saying the words, but let our action be prove of our promises”

Plenty of team-building sessions

Badminton at TTDI Community Centre

Launch of E-Ship

The E-ship quest requires our Eagles to run a business at our inaugural Children’s Business Fair. This is also the first time our ES and MS doing a joint quest together. We have heard some ES and MS Eagles are teaming up to form a business. We can’t wait to see what our Eagle Entrepreneurs come up.

Working together to understand their archetype and their motivations

ES and MS team building game together, form a ramp for a ball to roll down

Children Business Fair 2017

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 5 Week 5 - Exhibition!

A shorter 4-day week filled with challenges, ups & downs. But Eagles soared above and ended with a bang!

Also, we celebrated the 1st year anniversary of ActonKL being registered as an organization!

Highlights

Crisis

Downgrade

Preparation

ActonKL’s 1 year anniversary

Exhibition

Bank Negara Trip

Transformation

Crisis

The Eagle community were going through a crisis. Lack of intentionality, dirty studio spaces, late work submissions were common. The three promises which seemed so simple, but yet the community keep losing it.

On Wednesday morning, a group of parents requested an emergency meeting. There was a reported case of an Eagle self-harm in school yesterday, bringing much anxiety, fear and confusion to the young community.  

Guides took immediate actions. Acton Academy do not tolerate any such behaviors or violence within the community nor expose any Eagle to health and safety risk. The community cannot function when there is a safety threat.

So, what kind of community is Acton Academy during crisis times? We kept the information open, and many parents offered help; from sharing of expert resources, contacts of therapists and offers of workshop focused on healing and love.

Downgrade

Still, the Middle School Eagle community was indeed on the verge of breaking down. On Tuesday, they made a mess of the Elementary School studio. They apologized and yet still did it again on Wednesday.

The consequence: our ES Guide banned the use of ES studio during exhibition. No venue for exhibition? And only less than 18 hours to the exhibition!

Preparation

They accepted the consequence, and took it objectively. "Let's have it in the gathering. It is the second biggest open space after the ES studio.". After a few brief exchange of points, they voted "the gathering" unanimously.

No Eagle wanted to give up, they had been working really hard to prepare for their exhibition.

Eagles made continuous changes on their exhibition board. One Eagle figured that it was too complicated, so he made a simple guide book for the audience.

One Eagle had started investing at this tender age of 13. Her track record: 15% return per year. She plans to continue so. With a mere 120k of capital, her spreadsheet shows how it grows exponentially. A millionaire before 30 years old. $65 million at 56 years old. She is discovering the eight wonder of the world---compound interest.

Eagles rehearsed through the debates, skits and boards. They checked through their timings, made sure everything flows. Again, a heated debate whether guests should arrive on-time. But the Eagles figured a middle path---they gave a 15-minute buffer but made reminders.

ActonKL 1st year Anniversary!

On Wednesday, the community celebrated the 1st year anniversary of the founding of Acton Academy KL!

Cakes and a break from all the business and drama!

Exhibition

D-day. The Eagles and audience snuggled in, and started right on 3.15pm. Not a second delay.

"Welcome to Acton Academy's 4th exhibition."

Part 1 - Debate

The three debating topics: "Start from the bottom and work your way up or start with a job you hate to do what you love later on?", "Is College worth the debt?", and "Will money make you happy & secure?".

Eagles made their point across. More importantly, they debated closer about what values they uphold---material security or something deeper?

The winning debater, Katelynn, drove a strong point back: "Will wealth really make you happy and secure? At the end of the day, will you remember the happiness you got from buying that expensive car or the happiness you got from spending time with the people loved, cherished and cared about?"

Part 2 - Sketch

With such heavy debate topics, the Eagles entertained the audience with a sketch of how a small business can grow big through the help of the financial services, as well as the people.

Muthu stole the limelight. Kayeen's rendition of the Indian accent was so hilarious that the crowd burst into laughter. Again and again.

Check out my powderful Indian accent :P

Part 3 - Personal Finance Game of Life Board

Eagles presented their individual boards to their parents. They exhibited their life today at 25 years old. What sort of financial mantra they take? What job and income they have? What sort of lifestyle and life choices did they make? How about insurance, children and taxes?

They also presented their calculations. Some went deeper by having a full spreadsheet with how their assets might grow, or if they will become a multi-millionaire one day.

One Eagle had a chess tournament. Instead of quitting the exhibition, he used video recording. The process of public rating remained the same. What a way to honor the Quest process of every Eagle and yet respecting their passions and other commitments!

We ended the day with an announcement: Every Eagle will be able to go to the Bank Negara trip tomorrow!

Bank Negara Trip

This section is written by our Eagle Blogger, Gaia!

There was a trip to the Bank Negara Museum this Friday. We qualified for the trip by doing a survey. Although in the beginning Hadiya was the only one who qualified, the requirements were changed and everyone managed to go.

When we got there, the security was very high and we had to go through a lot of checks which included our bags and the boot of the car.

Inside the building we were introduced to Mei Yueh, one of the museum curators. She told us a little bit about the museum and what was on each level.

After that, we headed off into the first section of the museum. There was a huge tunnel where the walls were completely filled with money.

There was a lot of things to see after the tunnel. Such as games, how to identify if money is real and coin coloring. One of the games we played a lot was the investment game.

The second level had all the different types of coins and what was used as currency over the years. Some of the coins we saw was pretty interesting. There was a coin that looked like a rooster. Some valuable items were shown in glass cases. The items that were valuable back then looked like they would be of no value today.

After that, we went to an art gallery in the building that had many paintings of plants and nature related things. The paintings and drawings were very pretty. There was a place at the end called the activities corner where we drew on boards and papers and strung it up on strings.

We finished off the trip by going to the cafe at the ground floor and having lunch there. We went back to school right after.

Closure

Eagles ended the Session with sharing the memories they had, lessons learned, as well as Mongolian throat singing and some 3D printer surprises! 

See you next Session: Rebuilding + Entrepreneurship Quest!

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 5 Week 4 - Dramatic Week, a Contract from scratch

This week started with the Haggling Trip at the TTDI Central Market and ended with a Stock Market simulation. In between, Eagles had a studio-wide debate and burned their contracts for a restart.

But it is filled with high-intensity drama. Lots of it. 

One might even ask, is this too much?

The most important process at Acton is the Hero's Journey. We draw inspiration from it during hard times. Many Eagles have shared that their journey at ActonKL is their Hero's Journey. They had gone through the call, pass the threshold, faced many challenges and temptations. Along with it, meeting fellow travelers, mentors, and helpers. But they have not seen the abyss yet. Maybe we are approaching it. 

the abyss often the greatest challenge of the journey, where the hero must face death and overcome her/his greatest fears.

The intensity is necessary for the next step: a community of lifelong learning families that are committed to the Hero's Journey and learning philosophy of Acton Academy. An Eagle lives as an Eagle not just within the learning studios, but at home and outside. Repeated actions become character, and character becomes destiny.

Highlights

Haggling Trip

Studio-wide Debates

Stock Market simulation

Burning contracts, and restarting

The Drama

Haggling Trip

Many Eagles worked hard over the weekend to ensure that they earn the haggling trip on Monday. 

The challenge is simple: "Here's 10 ringgit. You can only purchase something if you get 25% off the original price. Your goal is to stretch that 10 ringgit for as much as possible."

Dr. Ewe handing out ang pao money

This is where we will haggle---TTDI Market

Eagles scouted the new environment and goods. Some Eagles hit it while many hesitated initially.

Some used local languages: "Makcik, ini harga terbaik ke?"

All in all, every Eagle got at least 25% discount and some Eagles managed to get more than RM7 discount off their RM10 purchases.

The biggest discount was this box of chewing gum, retailed for RM5.20 and they got it for RM3.00. A 42% discount!

Eagles reflected the day. Many were surprised how much discount one could get just by asking.

"Going forward, I will always ask if I can get a discount next time."

"I was afraid and too shy to haggle, but I saw Aqeesha doing it. So I decided to give a try."

What a fruitful morning!

Studio-wide Debates

Last two weeks, Eagles have researched into their debate topics, wrote debate papers and now entered the final stage: a studio-wide debate. They were full of energy, with deeper study of pathos, logos and ethos.

The voted winning topics for Thursday 27th April exhibition are:

Will money make me happy and secure?

Is college worth it?

Should you take a high paying job you hate to make money early to do what you love later or start at the bottom and work your way up?

Come to the Exhibition and see the Eagles for yourself!

Stock Market Simulation Game

"AirAsia reports 35% increase in 2Q load." AirAsia share price, up 2% to 2.83.

Is AirAsia shares going to go up or down? Should I buy more, sell now? Or wait on the sidelines?

Eagles entered a high-intensity environment of the stock market, where they experienced greed and fear. There were moments of indecision, as well as the frenzy of "buy buy buy, sell sell sell!"

It was a challenge to keep track of how many shares one have, as well as the amount of the cash remaining.

Eagles learned that news can be misleading, while decision making can be hard, and keeping track of money in all the dramas... even harder!

Burning Contracts, Restart

Wednesday was the cut-off date for any modifications to the current contract. However, the council members were frustrated that most Eagles are not taking it seriously. Only one Eagle went through the entire contract and suggested edits.

Pessimism spelled the studios:

"If we are going to sign them on Friday, it's going to be the same." "It's going to be worse. Look at what's been happening. I am not happy here."

Guides offered choices: "Do you wish to continue or do you wish to burn the contracts, and start all over again?"

"Burn the contract?!?"

During lunchtime, Eagles burned their contracts. This was a symbol of transition, and something to move on.

Yes. Burn them. But not without having a clear idea on the next steps. Do we keep all the contracts or only some of them?

Eagles went all the way and agreed that they keep the two base contracts: Guide-Eagle contract and Parents Contract.

Signing the Guide-Eagle Contract

They will keep to the simplest three provisional promises:

Keep the Studio Sacred.

Do not distract yourself or others; and

Speak with kindness, encouragement, AND truth.

Even these three promises need clarification and have an agreed consequence. One Eagle puts it, the consequence needed to have "guardrails in a controlled environment so that we can do better". I’ve seen how much Eagles have grown. Few months ago, they only talked about “cause and effects”. Now, they reasoned with the deeper understanding of why agreements and consequences are needed.

Upon agreeing with a basic contract, the Guides hold up the mirror and ask "Are you keeping to the promises?"

We do not see any sign of true commitment. Yet.

The Drama

An Eagle left a phone on Wednesday. I saw a phone messages that was beeping and filled with abusive words, addressed to a person. ActonKL does not tolerate any form of bullying or threat within the community.

Given that Eagles had just made three simple promises, I replied: "Are you speaking with kindness, encouragement, and truth?" directly on the phone. It was an out of the norm act---a disobedience. But necessary to drive an urgency for the openness of conversation among parents, parent and Eagles, as well as Eagles and guides.

More Dramas

As you would expect, Eagles made a huge deal. Topics such as privacy, health & safety entered the picture. A heated debate: "This is our personal lives!" We expect similar conversations at home.

The rebellion continued. Post lunch time, dirty plates all around---the last time they left such mess was after an Exhibition. One warning from Guides, but the lord of the flies continued.

It was only hours ago that Eagles had signed their Eagle-Guide contract. Guides stepped in by bringing all their belongings out. The message is: you made your promises. Commit to it.

However, Eagles continued, playing music and singing in the rain.

A classic teenage rebellion. One Elementary School Eagle commented, "I don't want to be like the Middle Schoolers, they are so disruptive." 

By end of Thursday, Eagles were given a choice of true re-commitment: you either choose to come to ActonKL to commit, or stay outside. The studio is sacred.

The next day (Friday), Eagles came back, saying they are committing. The question is: will they prove it by action?

The day started with a launch outdoors. After a 3-minute pause, Eagles started the day with a refreshing shout and a clean-up to make the studio sacred. Then, Core Skills. There were still with some distractions.

An Eagle is an Eagle not within the school but both in and out of the school. The challenge is that how does a school model that into families? Next month onwards, there will be building blocks---workshops about Acton's processes and philosophies.

We look forward to working together with families and build a stronger community together. Is this the Abyss? Maybe the worse is yet to come. Either way, this is the Hero’s Journey. May the Transformation begin.

Eagles are offered the Disobedience reward, worth a million ringgit. I believe the experience of true responsible, ethical disobedience and excellence and grit will be worth much more. So, dear Eagles, how committed are you?

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 5 Week 3 - Time is Precious

Eagles have been exploring investments and assets. One asked: "What is the most valuable asset?"

"Time. There is so much you want to do and we only have 24 hours. Time is precious."

This week, we are blessed to have KC Lau, sharing his views and perspectives on money, investing, and life with the Eagles. We are grateful for his precious time and work.

Highlights of the week:

KC Lau's Sharing

Freedom Levels and Collaboration Cards

Strikes and Understanding Contracts

Serious re-commitments

Help: Moving the Garden bed

Mr. Jia's Owner’s Conference and Trip sharing

KC Lau's Sharing

An aerospace engineer by study, turned professional pianist to a blogger of personal finance? KC Lau took an interesting path of life. On Wednesday, he spent an hour with us, answering many of the Eagles questions.

Earlier in the week, the Eagles had been listing questions as they did some research on his website. The questions ranged from personal to finance, much of it driven by their curiosity. After warming up with questions of “Why do you do what you do?”, Eagles dig deep into the world of Personal Finance.

While Eagles have been learning about the history of money and making decisions about their financial life, KC illustrated further the concept of money through the exercise of "how much will you pay for this 1 ringgit"?

He also exposed the Eagles to the concept of investment and other ideas through relatable stories and examples. How do you assess an investment? He applied the principle that all stocks are businesses, and used examples that every Malaysian can relate, such as Nestle or AirAsia.

More than learning, the Eagles made a rapport in an hour. Towards the end, they asked a special request. "KC, can you sing a song for us?"

He did. With a friendly, cool "I'm only... one call away."

If only your personal finance gurus/ bankers are this candid with your customers :-)

Freedom Levels and Collaboration Cards

As promised last week, Eagles are introduced to Freedom Levels and Collaboration Cards. The idea of Freedom Level is simple: Eagles who have demonstrated independence and responsibility earn more freedom. Eagles who are yet to do so have more guardrails so that they can build habits of independence and responsibility.

Even at the lowest Freedom Level, Eagles have much more freedom than any traditional school---working at their own pace, taking short Pomodoro breaks, choosing their own deep books and decisions on many aspects of the learner-driven community. However, he/she is not to distract others and is required to keep collaboration open, relevant and transparent. At higher Freedom Levels, Eagles can listen to music, eating while working, and eventually set their own schedules, projects and so on.

Now, how about Collaboration Cards? Collaboration Cards are deliberate tickets that Eagles note down key details of collaboration prior to starting any collaboration. The goal is to keep these moments intentional. Often, without high stakes, "peer learning" disintegrate into unintentional chit-chat or socializing. Eventually, at higher Freedom Levels, Eagles do not need Collaboration Cards.

A yellow card as a reminder that "we are collaborating with intentionality" here.

Learning to use freedom wisely takes time and practice. Freedom Levels and Collaboration Cards are tools to get there. After last two week's dramas and distractions, Eagles embraced the adjusted environment with calmness and hard work.

The result: “I got so much work done.” was a common theme throughout this week’s session. 

Serious re-commitments

The changing tone has its struggles. On Wednesday, the learning community had a crisis. The Eagle Council made a statement: their job is too draining and they want to quit. A few proposed solution. Higher pay, outsourcing some of their jobs, etc. There is no satisfaction. So, what is the root of the problem?

Digging deeper --- the real issue is frustrations of the intentionality of the Eagle community. Reports of cases after cases have been logged. Many Eagle Bucks have been deducted too. But the cases of leaving scraps behind, lacking intentionality, and so on still persists. When the council took action, they were "it wasn't me" and other forms of fight or flight reaction.

Would you continue to react this way, and end up wasting your precious time, distracted and having all the dramas and emotional rollercoaster... or would you respect the processes that you have negotiated and signed for? What sort of the community do you want to become?

Recommitment means really going through all the contracts and holding yourself fully commitment to the Hero’s Journey and this community.

Eagles discussed deeper on Thursday morning. Eventually, they made two changes: recommitting together and changes to the Eagle Bucks systems.

The real test: can you prove your words through actions?

Strikes and Understanding Contracts

Few Eagles have been getting Strikes. Earlier this year, the Eagles signed their contracts. Two contracts ensure accountability within the studio---Eagle Bucks Process and Strike Contract. One gain Eagle Bucks through effort and studio community service, and lose it through violating rules that they've signed. Strikes ensure that Eagles who go in debt (of Eagle Bucks) are isolated to an environment which has less possibility of distractions.

However, Eagles who were on Strike wanted more clarifications of their status. What does “Strike One” really mean?

Given that Eagles have decided to re-visit their contracts. It is the perfect time to ask "How can you make the Strike Contract clearer?"

The contracts are referred through much more often now than ever.

On a lighter note, here are two more highlights for this week:

Help: Moving the Garden bed

There is an emergency at the ES studio project. The garden bed that was erected last week had to be moved due to misplacement. We had it underneath it a major roof drainage spot. The Middle Schoolers volunteered with Dr. Ewe. Let's see what the ES Eagles are going to plant next week!

Mr. Jia's Owner’s Conference and Trip sharing

Mr. Jia shared with the community on his recent trip to U.S., El Salvador, and Guatemala. The challenge of building the learner-driven community is hard, but there are 40+ schools doing it and we are all learning from each other.

Not sure if it is good or bad news, but we are still the only Acton Academy outside of the Americas.

He also highlighted the few changes that are coming along the way at the ActonKL community. The major one being on working together towards building ActonKL's Launchpad.

We look forward to working with the entire community to build a true platform for Eagles launching to the real world, to find their calling and change the world.

Like KC Lau said: time is precious, and we want to make the very best of it, for the next most important asset --- our Eagles and children.

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 5 Week 2 - New Perspectives from Global Nomads!

It has been a challenging week for many Eagles. Challenges, distractions, another Honor Code violations. At the same time, few Eagles managed to complete this week’s challenge and earn a bank study trip. Also, we had an insightful Hero sharing with two Finnish global nomads, Päivi & Santeri.

Highlights of this week:

Townhall and standards

Päivi & Santeri’s sharing

Job Pitch

A lesson on Honor Codes

Bank Study Trip

Freedom Levels ahead

Townhall and Standards

We started this week with a Townhall about keeping standards. Should Guides point out trivial issues such as cleanliness or should Eagles stay accountable themselves?

Eagles have the freedom to work in different areas. But sometimes, irresponsibility ensues. 

The Eagles agreed to have the Council (who they voted in last week) to resolve these issues. The solution: a running document for reporting and solving issues. If the issues are not resolved immediately, it will slip into the running document. The Eagle council have agreed that 3x Eagle Bucks will be the penalty. 

Well, it is not all sticks. The council also can award Eagles who are exceptional in holding high standards.

As guides, we hope there are no issues but high standards are rare in any community setting. Can this be an alternative to reprimand or nagging? 

Päivi & Santeri’s sharing

Can one live or even travel the world with limited money? Päivi & Santeri have been global nomads for 13 years. They shared their experiences of being resourceful and living simply with the Eagles.

"How did you sustain yourself?"

"What are your top 5 money saving tips?"

The Eagles were intrigued by how they live. Given the openness of our community, the Eagles also asked curious questions.

"What is the funniest thing you have seen in your travels?"

They ended their talk with an important message: their dream is one where there are no country as boundaries, and urge Eagles to explore as much as possible.

We thank Päivi & Santeri for giving all the Eagles such insights and willing to share with openness.

Job Pitch

Within the Personal Finance Quest, Eagles need to justify their income. They pitched their potential job application to the community. 

Then, the Eagle community grilled the job applicant with questions and comments.

"Why should I hire you?" “What sort of education prepare you for this job?” "What experiences have you demonstrated that you can do this job?"

Some Eagles have to make a new pitch as their previous pitch did not pass the hiring standard----a 2/3 majority vote.

After "hiring", the community vote if the Eagle will be hired at the low-end, mid-range or the high-range of the pay scale. With a salary in place, Eagles then follow-up in making decision about their life expenses, such as house, car, food, etc.

A lesson on Honor Codes

Another Eagle was caught misusing electronics, surfing certain gaming website. "This is an Honor Code violation" a neighboring Eagle fired. 

The Eagles called for an emergency townhall for discussion. The accused Eagle defended "I have only browsed the site, and have not played any games or watch videos today. And I thought it is OK to do this during lunchtime". The council suggested going through the browsing history. Right then, they found records of YouTube videos during Core Skill time.

The Eagle confessed head-down “Yes, I committed an honor code.”

Honor Codes are taken seriously, because any form of bullying, lying, cheating, and mistrust can damage the community. Mis-using tools of learning means an Eagle Buck. Lying in townhall is clearly an Honor Code violation.

But Eagles accusing something not stated as an Honor Code violation might also be considered an Honor Code violation. Especially it is done intentionally since it is considered abuse of accountability processes.  

Does all this sound complicated? The Middle School contracts are 10-pages long, and many have forgotten the details of the contracts. Yes, a learner-driven government is not simple. This event triggered plenty of What-Ifs, and questions on the principles of the Honor Code contract.

While three new Eagles are going to sign these contracts soon. One Eagle voiced out: "I think all of us ought to carefully study our contracts and make any updates, and resign our commitment again".

The next day, the accused Eagle declared his recommitment to the tribe. The rest of the Eagles agreed that they want to re-commit by resigning the contract.

How important is recommitment in a community?

Bank Study Trip

Four Eagles completed this week's challenges and are awarded to a "banking trip".

"What questions should one ask when choosing the right bank?"

Eagles surveyed four different banks and see which one offered the best rates, perks, and customer service experience. The process was simple: take a “counter number", and then proceed with a friendly starting line:

"Can I ask you some questions?" “What services do you have for somebody under 14 years old?”

Some Eagles push were more demanding. “Why should I choose your bank over other banks?”

Most bank staff were eager to help and serve these young customers. Especially on a Friday morning with hardly any customers. Interest rates, minimum balance requirements, bonuses for good exams results. Eagles discussed their learnings.

They were disappointed when the fourth bank refused to service them. 

Why did they say “no” when we asked them kindly?

Freedom Levels ahead

During Monday’s town hall, the Eagles have voted to have Freedom Levels rather than paying a certain amount of Eagle Buck tax for high levels of freedom. The principle of Freedom Level is that one move up the studio with more freedom as they demonstrate independence and responsibility. 

The studio has been losing intentionality this week. Is it because of distractions? Or is it because Eagles are pushing the boundaries knowingly?

"Maybe I should try pushing the limits further." noted one Eagle on the close on what are their thoughts ahead. We will see if standards are upheld with the contract resigning and Freedom Levels next week.

Can the Eagles step up their game?

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 5 Week 1 - Personal Finance Quest!

We enter the third session of the year, where Eagles dig deeper into Personal Finance.

As a learning community that continuously adapts, change is the only constant. One major source of inspiration has been the entire Acton Academy network of 40+ schools. Mr. Jia recently came back from a 3-week trip to the Acton Academy Owner’s Conference, as well as visits to our sister schools in U.S., Guatemala and El Salvador. Anything that moves ActonKL towards a “learner-driven community” and serving our Eagles’ growth and learning---we copy and adapt!

For a start, our PE sessions now include a weekly session of professional coaching by Yuber Sports. Here are our Eagles, challenging themselves to Dodgeball in our neighborhood community center.

Highlights this week:

Starting the session with a series of Session Challenges, three more Eagles and some serious Studio Revamps!

Studio Independence: A four-hour challenge

Launching the Personal Finance Quest

Becoming more Learner-driven: Eagles resolving issues through a process

Badges, badges... pressure for submission

Welcome Eagles to Session 5. Our community is growing. The Middle School studio has 3 more Eagles and we are now a community of 15 Eagles. They organized themselves into three Squads of five Eagles. Here’s one---being cheeky :-)

We launched with eight community challenges. Each challenge is a step closer towards a more learner-driven community. Many of these challenges involve Guides stepping out of studios and Eagles stepping up to lead and resolve issues. 

Well, Eagles are equipped with tools to help them through. This week, we introduced Conflict Resolution. Eagles recalled their past conflicts and role-played using the Conflict Resolution process. The first step involves cooling off, followed by a series of steps to ensure both parties are heard and understood. Then, they find a solution together and move forward.

“I hear you...”

Of course, the studio space keeps adapting too. Eagles cleared an existing wall to allow more space for a whiteboard space. The 3+ meter long wall will be used for Eagles’ progress and various feedback metrics. 

Many Eagles find cleaning up the walls therapeutic. 

The stationaries and classroom materials have been re-organized too, as Eagles reflected what has been the most effective setup.

We need less of these boxes. All the tech can be in one box, all our belongings can be another, etc.

Also, we installed a new fire escape. In the first trial drill, 15 Eagles escaped the studio under three minutes. 

How do we know we are heading the right direction? We offer choices and ask the Eagles of course.

Studio Independence: A four-hour challenge

On Wednesday, Eagles took on the first of the eight challenges. Can a Guide step away for four hours, while Eagles managed their own learning and governance? 

How will you measure all this? Eagles list down various metrics of measuring usage of Pomodoro technique, goals achieved and studio intentionality.

Great start. The challenge remains on having high intentionality for four hours. 

Launching the Personal Finance Quest

This Session, the Eagles are challenged to imagine their financial lives at 25 years old. First, they investigated the meaning of money. Then, they dig deep into researching jobs, their potential income through online salary surveys. Next week, they will have to pitch for their jobs.

All this invite a deeper reflection of what skills are needed for the future. One Eagle commented “Many jobs exist only 5 years ago. How can we prepare for something 10 years in the future?”

How many Eagles can you spot in this tight corner? Eagles working hard together. Often, with interesting conversations about their future.

In addition to all these... there was high pressure in completing their badges from last session.

Badges, badges... pressure for submission

Badge deadlines for last session’s work were announced a few weeks ago. Some of it, such as the Independent Learner Badge---two months ago. But like tax filings in the real world, many Eagles left their work to the last minute (or when prompted on the deadline).

Throughout the week, Eagles rushed for their badge submissions. There was a struggle as they had to digest the badge requirements, compile their work and go through multiple revisions. By Friday, many Eagles completed their work and were awarded badges.

Our aim is towards peer-reviewed badges, rather than having a “marking standard” by an adult. The community’s next challenge is to instill rigor among each other. Right now, they are progressing ahead in the self-governance. 

Becoming more Learner-driven: Eagles resolving issues through a process

When Eagles started their journey at Acton, often when they had arguments and conflicts---they “depended” on Guides to resolve issues. But Guides do not answer questions. Instead, we offer choices and questions. 

Three months in, Eagles, including the Elementary Studio come together for a round of PE warm-ups. It is telling how the Learning Community has evolved, especially coming new into each session.

But a community is never smooth sailing.

On Friday, there were two cases of honor code violations: bullying and plagiarism. The Eagles gathered for an Emergency Townhall and resolved the issue. 

Eagles take turns to express their case, while following Rules of Engagement. After the various points have been heard, the Eagles make a decision through majority vote.

An Eagle was sent home as the community followed due process of the Honor Code contracts that were signed two months ago. 

Was it too harsh? You might be surprised---tough love exists even in a community of 11-14 years old.

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 4 Week 5 - Travel the World Exhibition Day

Eagles have spent the last four weeks exploring travel ideas. We were tempted to challenge our Eagles to make plans for exotic destinations such as Timbuktu, Easter Island and Antarctica. But we believe they will learn much more by planning a real trip they may execute this year.

This meant consulting their travellers, facing constraints, and attempt to meet everyone's demands. In other words, making real-life decisions. They studied travel brochures, looked up historical explorers, met seasoned travellers, and planned their trip using modern tools.

In this final week, the focus is around the Exhibition. Lots of preparation work, practice dry runs, and before the day arrives.

Brochures for the Travel the World Exhibition made by the MS Eagles!

Highlights:

Preparation work

Practice dry runs

Releasing stress

Exhibition Day!!

Preparation Work

Through this four weeks, the Eagles had collected, analysed and put together lots of information. They studied travel brochures, looked up historical explorers and spoke to seasoned travellers. They also used old and modern tools (e.g. compass for navigation and Google Maps) to plan their travels.

With the information overload, how to fit all that into short time they have with their booth visitor? This was a common question among the Eagles while doing their prep work. Some prepared a lot and some prepared a few.

They all start with their prototype first, before getting down to the real thing. The experience making brochures at the start of this Session helped to hasten their work.

Prototyping the presentation board.

Final touches for the presentation board.

Laying things out to see.

Working out problems and learning together.

Looking for inspiration.

Practice dry runs

Time to try out their presentation. Eagles get a chance to see and learn about their peer’s travel plans while giving constructive criticism on their presentations.

After each round of feedback, the Eagles improve their presentation, rework their boards or look back and revise their budget estimates. The earlier they get feedback, the more time they have to add improvements.

Getting early feedback even though the board is still work-in-progress.

Eagles practising their elevator pitch.

Giving feedback is equally important as taking feedback.

MC practising his own tour pitch.

Releasing Stress

A different guide this week meant new games. This week is a game called jeng-kek from the northern state of Kedah. It is a variation of the game of tag, but the person who is tagged can only chase on one-foot.

It is surprising how fast one can chase on one foot

In between practice runs, the MS Eagles found time to help coach their younger ES Eagles in their presentations, while having a round(s) of twisters...

Anyone for a human tornado twister?

Exhibition Day

The Eagles managed to squeezed in two dry runs before to the start of the Exhibition. This include clearing up the Studio and arranging everything prior to the first visitor arrivals. The timing was tight, but gates opened and started right on schedule.

Our Eagles had one-hour as “tour operators” to showcase their tours.

Posters used to promote their tours.

The MCs giving their opening speech to welcome the visitors.

Visitors asking probing questions. 

K-culture has landed in Acton KL

Reflection

The day after the exhibition; time to reflect and also see how well they did. The reflection time is good to see what could be done better, next time around.

Putting together a list of reflection points

With a little treat to a local eatery at stake, the Eagles tallied the scores by the visiting public. Some Eagles didn’t take too well that their efforts were measured solely by their exhibition, and felt their overall work was a better measure. In the end, as in the real world, there can only be some winners. 

Not all means of measure are fair, nor is real-life always fair. What is more important in the long run; doing your best work for the sake of recognition, or doing your best work for personal growth? 

Scores were tallied based on the feedback from Visitors during Exhibition day

Looking forward to next Session

Congratulations to all our Eagles for putting a great Travel the World Exhibition. We wish all Eagles and their families a good break and to be refreshed ready for the next session on Personal Finance…!

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 4 Week 4 - Traveler Tales

This week, the Eagles were blessed with two Hero Sharing from seasoned travelers. Each of them had travel for extended periods of two years around the world. They shared stories and adventures of their experiences, people they met, food they ate, and the various incidents. Eagles were curious with questions.

Special Thanks to Alison who shared an engaging story of her journey with her family on a Nissan 4x4. Adrian, her son was only 3 years old when they first set their journey from London.

How was Adrian like when he was traveling?

Highlights of this week:

Hero Sharing - stories from seasoned travelers

Travel Equipment Trip

Eagle Buck Role-plays

Core Skills & the Pomodoro Method

Playing Hard

Counting down to Exhibition Day

Hero Sharing - stories from seasoned travelers

Eagles started the week with a Hero Sharing session with Alison Murugesu. She traveled with her family for 2 years on a 4x4, starting from London, around Europe and then to Africa, and the rest of the world. 

Their journey was featured in a few media, including our local newspaper. Eagles asked plenty of questions, many relating to the 4x4 vehicle that they fitted for such journey.

This is how we entered Morocco, through a ferry. Eagles see the world from a traveler’s shoes.

During mid-week, Mr. Jia shared his stories of backpacking two years around the world. In light of the current events, the Eagles were curious particularly with North Korea. Eagles saw the world from a different perspective and explored large lands.

Mr Jia stepped out of Guide mode! A guide answering questions. Eagles probed deeper about the intricacies of the world.

Travel Equipment Trip

Did you know that there is such thing as dried nasi lemak?

Eagles who have completed their Travel the World Quest so far discovered various items in Explorer Outfitter, a specialized outdoor shop.

There is so much to discover that it becomes confusing. So the question is which is a want, which is a need?

so many things...

Last week’s birthdays and sugar high triggered lower studio intentionality on Monday. Eagles were eating chewing games, and had been snarky in the way they used their accountability systems---Eagle Bucks. 

The challenge has always been to ask if Eagles can uphold standards that they have promised or introduce important tools on a needed basis.

Eagle Buck Role-plays

Eagles revisited their Eagle Bucks, through doing role-plays. While the bad examples were comical, they did serve a reminder of how one uphold the standard of asking Eagle Bucks firmly.

Series of warning just doesn’t work

Still, there is much work to be done before Eagles can be fully self-governed. Intentionality, respect, promises and learning how to resolve conflicts are central to the “Learning to be” at Acton Academy.

Core Skills & the Pomodoro Method

In mid-week, Eagles were introduced to the Pomodoro Method. They received this with enthusiasm.

Immediately, Eagles used tomato timers and worked in a Pomodoro. A Pomodoro follows a cycle of 30-mins: 25-minutes of focused work with 5-minutes of rest or break. On the next day, the Eagles decide to work altogether and pushed themselves to four Pomodoros.

Counting down in 3,2,1... Silence and Focused for 25 minutes. Entirely self-governed.

It was an 180-degree change from the unintentional days of the early week. 

The next challenge is to be a ninja at blocking distractions, becoming more productive within individual Pomodoro time-slots, and being able to plan a task using this method. Companies and individuals are known to improve their productivity by 3-4x using this method. What changes will we see with these Eagles?

Playing Hard

With hard work together, Eagles let off steam together too. They played games in-between breaks, PE, and sometimes with the ES too. 

Fly-walking Kyeran-style :P

100% of the Eagles giving their 100% on frisbee.

Can you see the drone?

Counting down to Exhibition Day

We have started counting down to the Exhibition Day. This time, it will be open to the public. There will be intense work ahead. What surprises will they bring?

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 4 Week 3 - Birthday Madness!

This week was filled with celebrations! Three Eagles had their birthdays within the span of 7 days. They celebrated with stories, interesting facts, laughter, and lots of good memories!

Highlights this week:

Birthday Madness

Revisiting the Honor Code

Core Skill Changes

Realization of deadlines

Orienteering: Drawing Taman Zaaba

Moving back to PE

Travel the World Quests: Going deeper om their travel plans

ES and MS Interactions

Birthdays madness

Last week, Eagles celebrated Brien’s 13th birthday. This week, they celebrated Katelynn’s and Hadiya’s birthday. In addition to stories and facts of them growing up, the birthday Eagle brought food. As you would expect from Malaysia, there were plenty of food!

Usually, parents share stories as Eagle move through the sun candle. But this time, it’s by my dear brother.

Ice cream mix Birthday cake

Revisiting the Honor Code

Any visitor will find that Eagles express themselves naturally at Acton. The very reason for that is that we take community trust very seriously. 

The standards are upheld by the Honor Code. Basically, Eagles have to apologize in writing or give a speech to the community. Few violations will result in strikes and eventually rejection from the community. 

Lately, some Eagles have made inappropriate comments and cheated in their work. It was time to revisit the Honor Code contract and discussed various forms of cheating and bullying.

Giving a 360 rating with no comments, especially a low one. Do you consider that bullying? Eagles discovered deeper ethics through discussions around the Honor Code.

A community that sets a high standard in trust and honor is the foundation for everything else, especially learning and self-governance.

Core Skill Measure Changes

Previously, Eagles measured their Core Skill efforts through the amount of time spent. This week, we moved towards a result-based effort. While it is still early days, some Eagles thrived by earning badges in ReadTheory, a comprehension learning tool. They gave each other advice: “Focus, patience, and study through the mistakes carefully…" 

Our aim is to develop learning habits based on finding a state of flow and deliberate practice. Such habits take time. But Eagles are finding a more focused rhythm as they mature week by week.

Some Eagles also changed their work environments. E.g. working in the library.

Realization of Deadlines

Last week, Eagles were first introduced to Civilization (the history/ geography component at Acton). They needed to complete ticket questions to watch a documentary about explorers. There were stressful times, even tears, as many Eagles started their work in the last hour to the deadline. 

But this week, many of the Eagles realized a better plan was to look ahead to the deadline requirements. They planned ahead, delivered an hour before the deadline, and then concentrated back to other Core Skill goals. The result—higher quality work, less stressful and a happier Civilization sessions (with Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta)!

Their time management skills extended further. Some Eagles even managed to do extra work, and complete deadlines despite taking time out of school.

Many more Eagles getting their work done, on time!

Orienteering: Drawing Taman Zaaba

In Civilization, Eagles were exposed to various old maps. On Tuesday, Eagles were challenged to draw the map of Taman Zaaba, our neighborhood park. First, they did it by hand. This involved walking one round around the park to have a feel of the shape.

Is it a square, an oval, or some other shape?

Next, they did it with detailed estimation using compass and counting footsteps. Converting estimation proved to be really hard. Many Eagles found the second challenge overwhelming. At least, Eagles had a taste of the early explorers’ work of mapping entire continents using similar methods.

Moving back to PE

Some Eagles asked: "Why are we doing orienteering during PE time?” They discussed further and made their voice heard. Feedbacks are taken seriously in the learner-driven community. On Thursday, PE involved physical challenges and touch rugby. 

Come on, you can do it!

Touch rugby

Travel the World Quest: Going Deeper in their Travel Plans

Eagles spend their mornings in PE & Core Skills. In the afternoons, project work takes place. They continue building their itinerary by making decisions on accommodation, transport, food, insurance, souvenirs, etc. 

The challenges are real. Some Eagles had to juggle with constraints by their fellow travelers, requests, budget, and so on. They learned that sometimes, it is impossible to satisfy everyone’s needs.

Some wants seafood, others vegetarian… how can I make a decision?

In two weeks time, Eagles will be presenting their travel plans, in the form of a travel brochure and a detailed plan. In addition to presenting to their fellow travelers, the exhibition is open to the public. We upped the challenge by offering “consulting tickets” during exhibitions. If a visitor finds an Eagle’s plan interesting, they can book a time slot to consult further, for cash.

Imagine young travel agents for hire :-) 

ES and MS Interactions

We noticed a lot more interactions between the Elementary and Middle School studios. With Elementary School’s entomology quest, they attracted a certain following from the Middle Schoolers on their insect lab. This week, their pupae had blossomed into butterflies. 

“Look, it’s transforming!”

On Friday, some of them joined the younger Eagles to learn more through Dr. Heo, a forensic entomologist.

Besides exposing to entomology, the MS Eagles and ES Eagles interacted formally through PE, safety briefings, and guiding the younger Eagles in setting SMART goals and informally, through games. The current Elementary School trend—capturing a Middle Schooler with robot made up of blocks :P

Setting SMART goals on the Big Board

“Big car crossing… having fun simulating a busy road" 

"Save me!” Elementary School game.

How will this young community evolve as these two studios grow closer together? Stay tune ahead!

[actonkl-ms-eagles-blog]

Session 4 Week 2 - Day Trip and more!

Eagles worked hard and played harder this week. The week started with literally, a swinging jump!

Two Eagles who won last week's day trip competition organized an outing to Jumpstreet. But there's much more this week. Here are the highlights:

Day trip to Jumpstreet

Starting their “Travel the World” trip plans

Starting Civilization, the history & social science component of Acton Academy

Focused silent core skills :-)

Orienteering

Conference call with a veteran traveler (27 years of traveling!)

Celebrating Brien’s birthday

Info Session by the Eagles

Day trip to Jumpstreet

How does a learner-driven community organize their Day Trip? 

No adult involvement, except for chauffeuring on a pre-agreed time, arranged via official e-mails.

The organizers were the winning Eagles on last week’s pitch. Organizing was tough work. Consider this: they had to accommodate to various needs, food preferences, parents’ opinions, safety, transport, etc. Not to mention that an inclusion of an educational component too.

The organizers introduced the day with First Aid situations. They used resources from the British Red Cross, and made it fun through simulations and acting.

What do you do when a person faint?

Most importantly, they strived for an important message: Safety First. Jump Street, given the high impact activities, carry the risk of injuries. With safety briefing cleared, the Eagles arrived at Jump Street on-time for the 10.00am opening.

This is your consent form, fill it all up here. Independence in a learner-driven community.

Eagles challenged themselves to games of dodgeball, flips and all sort of actions.

Ready. Go! Dodgeball madness!

Who will be the last one standing?

Plenty of fun and with no hiccups. There were minor injuries, but the Eagles treated themselves through a first aid kit. No adult involvement needed.

I can handle it. First aid from the Eagles for the Eagles.

The Day Trip served an important purpose in this Session. It is an experiential learning on planning and execution, as the bigger project is planning their “Travel the World” plans. Also, it becomes the Eagles writing anchor for the rest of the week.

Starting their “Travel the World” trip plans

Eagles were introduced to this Session main project---planning a multi-day trip. The requirement is a minimum of 4-days if working alone or 9-days if working as a pair. They spent afternoons bouncing ideas off, making the major decisions of the trip: fellow travelers, rough budget, dates and most importantly---the purpose of travel.

In three weeks time, they will be presenting their detailed plans with an appealing brochure in a public exhibition. Also, these plans are meant to be executed this year. Real world scenarios and constraints!

Research. Ideas. Too many ideas… in the age of Internet.

Too ambitious a plan? Or a great learning experience?

Civilization, the history & social science component of Acton Academy

How do we learn history at Acton Academy? Instead of remembering facts, Eagles stand in the shoes of historical figures and ask "what makes civilizations rise and fall?". This session, we started with the Great Courses: Great Voyages of Explorers.

First, Eagles have to earn their way by answering Ticket Questions, such as: Are human born to travel or stay in one place? Then, they watch a documentary video. 

“How did the Polynesians populate almost the entire Pacific? With no proper tools of navigation?” Eagles explore the path of old explorers and their voyages with Professor Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius.

Next, Eagles explore deeper by engaging in Socratic Discussions. Finally, they write reflection pieces. 

Zero memorization of facts, but plenty of analysis between their daily lives and history. Ultimately, our goal is to hone Eagles with decision-making, through clear thinking and broad exposure.

Focused silent core skills :-)

Eagles have not been holding their standards. On Wednesday, Guides placed their contracts on the studio floor for reflection.

Will you keep the standards or lower them? Lowering standards meant submitting to authority, such as a classroom that takes order from an adult---a teacher.

An Eagle made a point: why are we here? If we submit to authority means that this is going to traditional school. A clear purpose, coming from the community point them back towards their true north. 

Guess what? Eagles made their point through action. They focused, not distracting each other, and had the first block of time doing core skills, silently.

Orienteering

How did the explorers get around the world? During the last two P.E. sessions, Eagles were challenged with concepts of running on compass directions. On Thursday, they started using a compass.

Finding bearings from Point A to Point B

Teaching younger Eagles on how to use a compass

The final challenge includes a three repeating 30-step walk over 120-degree turns. There was an "aha" moment as Eagles realized they walked in a triangle. Any deviation from the original starting point was due to errors. Many did it again, with a deliberate effort to get an exact bearing to get to their starting point.

Walking around in triangles? Here’s geometry, Scoutcraft, and leadership lessons all in one go.

Video conference with Roberto

We had the privilege of a video conference with Roberto, a seasoned nomad with continuous 27 years of traveling. He called in from Montevideo, Uruguay.

The Eagles were introduced through Mr. Jia's book. With some background knowledge, they huddled together and grilled Roberto with many questions!

Do you think you will ever regret, for not doing what most people do---settling down, getting married, etc? Eagles probed with curiosity.

Can you give 5 advice to a fellow traveler? What are the 5 things you will bring?

Brien's Birthday

The first birthday this year was Brien's. Typical to Acton's tradition, he moved around the candle (which represents the sun) as his mom, Aunty Selina shared stories of him growing up.

When I was younger...

Happy Birthday, Brien!

Info Session

Acton Academy is a learner-driven community. So, who runs the show when prospective families come to visit? The Eagles of course!

Eagles answered audience questions and demonstrated to potential families on what it means to be a self-governing community. "How do you make SMART goals?", “What is Eagle Buck?”...

What a week!

Eagles reflected this week, measured in comfort/ challenge and danger zone. Growth and learning happens in challenge zones!