How do I choose an international school?
“Help! How do I choose an international school? How will I know which school is going to be best fit for my kids?”. International School Kuala Lumpur reports.
12 November 2020
With over 170 English-medium international school choices alone in Malaysia, the options can be overwhelming. Making a decision about something that can have such a profound impact on a child’s future can be daunting – is it really possible to find the best fit?At The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), families of its 1,700 students representing over 65 nationalities can attest to why ISKL is their school of choice in Kuala Lumpur. ISKL’s educational approach is embodied by the school's call to action to 'Be All You Are’, which encourages students to explore their passions and interests, achieve their goals, and fulfill their potential. In line with the school’s vision, ISKL champions personal growth, development, and self-directed learning and as a fully inclusive school, programming provides equal access and opportunity for all students to succeed and find their passion. Students benefit from an extensive support services team, which includes English as an Additional Language (EAL), Learning Resource (LR), and Counseling professionals who work with classroom teachers to design learning that addresses the needs of every learner and fosters growth in the areas of academics, language acquisition, and social-emotional learning.Its flexible curriculum provides individualized programs to meet every learner’s abilities, interests, and aspirations – a best fit approach. In Grade 9 and 10, students have access to an innovative learning program that reimagines the school experience, PRAXIS 2030. Featuring a smaller learning community and flexible timetable, PRAXIS 2030 focuses on problem-based learning and situates the current Science, English, Social Studies, and Art disciplines around a series of complex, compelling real-world problems that demand an interdisciplinary approach.In Grade 11, students can choose to undertake the full two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), or the ISKL Pursuits Program which gives students the opportunity to combine individual IB, Advanced Placement, and High School Diploma courses to create their own program of study. This gives students the opportunity to focus on an Area of Distinction and take a deep-dive into a chosen area such as Global Issues or Engineering and Design.
The International School of Kuala Lumpur
ISKL is unique in offering this combination of curriculum options and students benefit from being able to tailor their educational program to their individual interests, aspirations, and university choices. Regardless of the pathway selected, the curriculum provides a rigorous and challenging academic program with students going on to attend leading universities worldwide. At ISKL, service learning is embedded within the school curriculum and this helps to shape global learners with strong values that will last a lifetime. The school-wide service learning program encourages students to make positive changes in the world around them and become involved in the exploration of community needs, solution planning, and action. This ensures that in addition to academic outcomes, students learn how to affect change and have a strong understanding of the importance and impact of taking positive action at both a local and global level. A wide selection of co-curricular activities provide students with an avenue to participate in sports, theatre, the Arts, advocacy, community partnerships, and humanities clubs, among other enriching activities. ISKL is a member of the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asia Schools (IASAS) and students benefit from participating in a variety of athletic tournaments, Cultural Conventions, and Model United Nations (MUN) with peer schools in the region. In addition, High School students have the opportunity to engage in the school’s Global Action Program (GAP) designed to increase students’ awareness of global issues by involving them in a range of cultural, environmental, and service opportunities across Southeast Asia. As passionate advocates for the benefits of outdoor experiential learning, GAP is the culmination of a school-wide program designed to provide students with hands-on opportunities to make a tangible impact in the wider community. Younger students begin with overnight trips in Elementary School, then on to one of the highlights of Middle School – Malaysia Week – before taking on the exciting challenge of GAP.Students are supported by international faculty who are experts in their fields, inspired educators, and forward thinkers. Over 90% of ISKL's faculty hold a minimum of nine years teaching experience, over 70% have a Master's or Ph.D., and over 60% of IB teachers are also IB examiners. Students benefit greatly from this knowledge base as teachers apply their experience and additional insights into classroom teaching and learning. Belonging to a vibrant and connected school community is important for parents too, ISKL’s dynamic Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is actively involved in activities ranging from new parent receptions to community-building events such as the annual International Fest. The PTA is an essential element in building the strong community feel that makes ISKL feel like a second home to its families.In 2018, the school moved to its new Ampang Hilir location, just 3 km from Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). The purpose-built 26-acre campus offers a full range of academic, athletics, and arts facilities. There are state-of-the-art technology and science laboratories, indoor and outdoor sports complexes, and an aquatic centre featuring learn-to-swim, competition and Olympic-sized pools. The Performing Arts Centre includes a 600+ seat theater, a black box-style theater with retractable seats, and an outdoor amphitheatre.There are many things that set ISKL apart from the many international schools in the region, including its status as a not-for-profit, parent-governed school. This means that revenue is reinvested back into the school to benefit all students. This has been ISKL's legacy since it was established in 1965, and as it celebrates its 55th Anniversary, ISKL is on track to keep changing the world – one student at a time. To find out more on how your child can learn about the ISKL experience, head over to https://www.iskl.edu.my.
The International School of Kuala Lumpur
Relocate Award Shortlisted 2020
School Providing Outstanding Relocation Support
ISKL is unique in offering this combination of curriculum options and students benefit from being able to tailor their educational program to their individual interests, aspirations, and university choices. Regardless of the pathway selected, the curriculum provides a rigorous and challenging academic program with students going on to attend leading universities worldwide. At ISKL, service learning is embedded within the school curriculum and this helps to shape global learners with strong values that will last a lifetime. The school-wide service learning program encourages students to make positive changes in the world around them and become involved in the exploration of community needs, solution planning, and action. This ensures that in addition to academic outcomes, students learn how to affect change and have a strong understanding of the importance and impact of taking positive action at both a local and global level. A wide selection of co-curricular activities provide students with an avenue to participate in sports, theatre, the Arts, advocacy, community partnerships, and humanities clubs, among other enriching activities. ISKL is a member of the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asia Schools (IASAS) and students benefit from participating in a variety of athletic tournaments, Cultural Conventions, and Model United Nations (MUN) with peer schools in the region. In addition, High School students have the opportunity to engage in the school’s Global Action Program (GAP) designed to increase students’ awareness of global issues by involving them in a range of cultural, environmental, and service opportunities across Southeast Asia. As passionate advocates for the benefits of outdoor experiential learning, GAP is the culmination of a school-wide program designed to provide students with hands-on opportunities to make a tangible impact in the wider community. Younger students begin with overnight trips in Elementary School, then on to one of the highlights of Middle School – Malaysia Week – before taking on the exciting challenge of GAP.Students are supported by international faculty who are experts in their fields, inspired educators, and forward thinkers. Over 90% of ISKL's faculty hold a minimum of nine years teaching experience, over 70% have a Master's or Ph.D., and over 60% of IB teachers are also IB examiners. Students benefit greatly from this knowledge base as teachers apply their experience and additional insights into classroom teaching and learning. Belonging to a vibrant and connected school community is important for parents too, ISKL’s dynamic Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is actively involved in activities ranging from new parent receptions to community-building events such as the annual International Fest. The PTA is an essential element in building the strong community feel that makes ISKL feel like a second home to its families.In 2018, the school moved to its new Ampang Hilir location, just 3 km from Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). The purpose-built 26-acre campus offers a full range of academic, athletics, and arts facilities. There are state-of-the-art technology and science laboratories, indoor and outdoor sports complexes, and an aquatic centre featuring learn-to-swim, competition and Olympic-sized pools. The Performing Arts Centre includes a 600+ seat theater, a black box-style theater with retractable seats, and an outdoor amphitheatre.There are many things that set ISKL apart from the many international schools in the region, including its status as a not-for-profit, parent-governed school. This means that revenue is reinvested back into the school to benefit all students. This has been ISKL's legacy since it was established in 1965, and as it celebrates its 55th Anniversary, ISKL is on track to keep changing the world – one student at a time. To find out more on how your child can learn about the ISKL experience, head over to https://www.iskl.edu.my.
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