SEOUL, KOREA – Branksome Hall Asia, the only overseas campus of Branksome Hall, one of Canada's most renowned independent girls’ schools, held its official opening ceremony at the Wellness Center on its campus in Jeju Global Education City (JGEC) at 3:00 p.m. on October 29.
Man-hee Han, Vice Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, Jong-il Byon, Chairman of Jeju Free International City Development Center (JDC), local lawmakers, Karen Murton, principal of Branksome Hall, and school representatives participated in the ceremony. The celebration began with greetings from Jong-il Byon, Chairman of JDC, and Branksome Hall Asia (BHA) Principal Glen Radojkovich, followed by congratulatory remarks by Vice Minister Han.
Branksome Hall Asia opened its doors on October 15 as scheduled, welcoming its first 310 students. The opening of Branksome Hall Asia has added momentum for JGEC to become a global educational hub.
Branksome Hall Asia held a ground-breaking ceremony in June 2011 to build a 95,000-m2 campus in Seogwipo, Jeju. It also completed recruitment of teachers who have extensive teaching experience working in North America, Asia and Europe as well as expertise in International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. The Jeju campus reflects the educational philosophies and systems that its main campus in Canada has maintained, aiming to provide IB programs to all students.
In addition, Branksome Hall Asia will provide one of the best educational programs through its STEM V Center (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics and Visual Arts Center), a cutting-edge learning facility. The school is equipped with advanced IT systems at each classroom to combine IT with teaching. A wireless Internet network is soon to be established across the campus.
“I thank the people of Jeju Island and Korea, a community and country and hope that as we work with you we can give as much back to the people of Korea and the beautiful island of Jeju as you have afforded us, by inviting us here.” said Branksome Hall Asia Principal Glen Radojkovich. “Branksome Hall Asia will inspire students to find their own remarkable, empowers dreams to become realities, and, compels our students take their place in shaping the world.”
Meanwhile, with 98 percent of its 2011 graduates receiving university entrance scholarships, Branksome Hall in Canada with 110 years of tradition is considered one of the top independent girls’ schools in North America.
