Finding the perfect international school can be an overwhelming experience, especially for expatriate parents who are new to Malaysia. Here’s a handy guide to help iron out your concerns by having all the selection criteria and comparison tables listed down for you.
Our aim here is to provide you with information on the overall education structure, as well as the types of curriculums offered at various international schools, types of school fees, and the enrolment process.
There are two types of foreign-system schools in Malaysia:
- International Schools
- Expatriate Schools
Overview Of International School In Malaysia
Definition of International School
Schools that promote international curriculum are using English as their medium of instructions from pre-school to prepare the students. Who then will sit for the external international examination such as International Baccalaureate or IB Diploma, or Cambridge International Examinations, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge ‘O’ Level, Cambridge International AS and ‘A’ Level, and Cambridge Pre-U.
Definition of Expatriate School
Schools that use the curriculum and language of a native country such as Japanese schools, French schools, Islamic schools, Indonesian schools, etc.
The International Baccalaureate (IB)
Many international schools offer an IB programme. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an equivalent to the GCE A-Levels. It has worldwide recognition as a qualification entry to many leading universities. Some international schools offer education spans from pre-school to a pre-university diploma.
- The Primary Years Programme – (3 – 12 Years Old)
- The Middle Years Programme – (11 – 16 Years Old)
- The Diploma Programme – (16 – 19 Years Old)
What is IGCSE
IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. Which is an external international examination and was developed by the University of Cambridge International Examination in the year 1988. It is widely accepted by many universities around the world. The requirement is evaluated based on each subject taken by the student through a wide range of assessments and formal written examinations.
What is SAT?
The SAT is a standardised examination for college admissions, which was developed by the College Board, a non-profit organisation in the United States. It was previously called as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, then the Scholastic Assessment Test, it was later changed to SAT I (Reasoning Test) and SAT II (Subjects Test). SAT emphasises on three major sections which are Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing.
Curriculum
Parents need to take some time to understand which type of curriculum is best suited for their kids. Many international curriculums are specially designed to ensure students become well equipped with international standards of critical knowledge and skills.
Currently, there are four types of schools using an international curriculum and using English as a medium of instruction. Which is:
- American Curriculum
- Australian Curriculum
- British Curriculum
- Canadian Curriculum
American Curriculum
The first international school in Malaysia that offered American curriculum is the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), which was established in 1965. This US-based curriculum covers Prep-Reception for ages 3 to High School diploma, the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Advanced Placement courses.
Australian Curriculum
Australian International School Malaysia (AISM) is the only international school in Malaysia that offered the Australian curriculum and taught by Australian teachers. The education programme covers from pre-kindergarten (age 3 to 4) to year 12 (age 17).
British Curriculum
One of the schools that offer the British curriculum is the British International School Kuala Lumpur (BSKL). The education program covers from pre-nursery (age 2 to 3) to Year 12 (age 17). The school follows the UK-based education system. It is a standardised programme in British schools worldwide.
Canadian Curriculum
The only international school in Malaysia that offers a Canadian schooling program is the Sunway International School (SIS). The programme covers from Grade 7 to Grade 11.
There you go! Hope these little guidelines help in choosing the right school for your kids. After all, we know how important is in choosing the best school for kids to earn the best education.
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