School: General Information and Academic Administration

This page is about my receiving school in Bengkulu, Indonesia - SMP Sint Carolus --- AND If you’re expecting a welcoming home away from home, SMP Sint Carolus is definitely one for the books!

I. SCHOOL PROFILE

SMP SINT CAROLUS

Location: Jalan Todak 162, Bengkulu City, Indonesia
Website: https://smp-carolus-bkl.tarakanita.sch.id/
For More information on its History: Visit this link

More About SMP-SC

SMP Sint Carolus, a junior high school in Bengkulu, Indonesia, gave me an unforgettable experience as a student, a foreigner, and a pre-service teacher. Molded by “One Spirit, One Heart, Tarakanita, Yes– Sint Carolus, Itu Paksi!” – a phrase I learned during the first day and also became a comfortable and motivational phrase for me all throughout my stay– this Catholic School never fails to surprise me with their brilliant ways of teaching and learning, making students, teachers, parents, staff, and administrators work together towards one common goal of “Creating a professional learning community, supported by a religious atmosphere, discipline, honesty and capable leadership so that a whole person is formed.” as what their Mission states.

Staying at SMP-SC for almost a month of teaching, interacting, working, learning, and such to everyone in school made me realize that if this learning community develops a whole new character in me during this short time, how much more of a good character will the students get here as they stay here for their Junior High School years? Well, it definitely lives up to its mission of developing a good character, faithful, honest, fair, intelligent, independent, creative, skilled, noble character, national insight and driven by God's compassionate love for humans, especially the poor, marginalized and suffering.

Founded on August 1, 1954, with more or less 35 students at that time having slow developments due to limited growth of enrollees, SMP-SC is gifted with an unrealistic beauty of Bengkulu along the west coast of Sumatra. Its location is a win for me for having it near the church and the city center, where it’s only like 15-20 minutes of motorcycle ride from my dormitory, and a little less 20 minute-ride going to the mall. That’s where I can say that it took its place well since it’s kind of far and away from the crowds.

Other than it’s mission and vision, school environment, rich history, and great location, SMP-SC also taught me how to be a globally prepared teacher. Given that the population of Bengkulu City is heterogeneous, consisting of various tribes and their respective cultural customs, the students from SMP-SC are not only from the Chinese tribe, but also other tribes such as Batak, Javanese, Rejang, Padang.

"In other words, if you’re going to ask me what SMP-SC is, I will confidently say that “SMP-Sint Carolus is probably the most meaningful reason on how I achieved my purpose through the SEA Teachers Program. This Catholic, private learning Institution did not just make me strengthen my love in the teaching profession, but it also made me realize how passionate I am in this field. And for the many other reasons, I loved teaching Mathematics in Bahasa Indonesia. It’s going to be a story I’ll never get tired of telling people. Indeed, SMP-SC is going to be one of those ‘schools’ who shaped me into the person that I am today, and in the future.”

Diana May B. Cabalo | 2024

II. ACADEMIC SUPPORT SYSTEM

Coming here for the first time, my eyes were blessed with the beautiful balance of blues and greens in their environment. The blue and white color schemes of the school matched perfectly well with the nature’s greenery. This school offers an automatic nature therapy for everyone with how they’re surrounded with nature naturally.

My top 3 favorite places in SMP - SC:

The Classrooms

This is where the magic happens-- the magic of teaching and learning in the hands of both me, the student-teacher, and the students. Nothing feels more special in Indonesia than all the four corners of the classrooms in SMP Sint Carolus.

The Teachers' Room ft. my Table

The place of my learning experiences. Feeling so grateful for my mentors and teachers whom I share this faculty room with for making me feel like one of their own. Their expertise and wisdom motivated me to become better in each day that I went to this school.

The Hall

The main hall of SMP - Sint Carolus which witnessed everything that happened to me there. From introducing myself on my first day to all the activities I participated and was invited to, until the last day when I bid my bittersweet goodbye to everyone.

The facilities and infrastructure available at SMP Sint Carolus Bengkulu are as follows:

Below is a short video of SMP - Sint Carolus nestled in a serene, green landscape, where I am always relaxed to look at offering a refreshing space for students to grow, explore, and excel. From well-kept gardens to open-air learning spaces leading to a close connection with nature that nurtures both the mind and heart. Inside every bright and spacious classroom, students engage in dynamic learning experiences, supported by a dedicated team of educators. Discover the vibrant and nature-friendly environment of SMP Sint Carolus where learning flourishes in harmony with nature.

III. TEACHING SYSTEM

During the discussions that I have observed in some of their Mathematics, English, and Religion classes, I noticed how they conduct a balance in procedural and conceptual teaching approaches.