Articles

How do I get into an International School?

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Nov 18, 2016

Most international schools are opening their doors to new students for their January 2017 intake. For pupils who have completed their Standard 6, this would be the perfect time to make that transition. The exciting life of international schooling awaits!

With the recent UPSR results, it is apparent that students lack higher order thinking skills which was tested in the new format of the examination. Only 4,896 students managed to score straight As, a far cry from 38,344 the year before. As a parent, one cannot help but wonder the effectiveness of our national curriculum to produce well-rounded, independent and critical thinkers.

In the most recent PISA (The Programme for International Student Assessment) evaluation on 15 year-old school students, Malaysia performed the second worst for Maths and Science in Southeast Asia behind the likes of Vietnam and Thailand. Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan topped the world list comfortably making us question the inevitable, what can we do differently to help our children fare better on the global stage?

The International School Difference  

Only the most qualified and passionate individuals are selected to teach at international schools. Teachers are committed in helping each student by differentiating their teaching to accommodate different learning styles and abilities because no two students are alike.

Students are encouraged to be independent learners, confident communicators and problem-solvers. The school also helps students develop ways of working with others which is increasingly important for success as global citizens. International schools believe that a child’s well-being is just as important as academic results and as such they are encouraged to lead healthy lifestyles.

Most importantly, students are made to realise that it is not all about the As!

What’s the budget like for an entire secondary programme?

International schools fees for a secondary programme can range from RM50,000 to RM500,000.

What's the process of applying to an International School?

Most schools would require students to complete and submit their application form online, others would want potential students to mail it as such, it is important to read the instructions on the school’s website carefully.

The completed application form is to be submitted together with the following documents:

• Student’s Birth Certificate and/or Identity Card and/or Passport
• A copy of each parent’s Identity Card or Passport
• A copy of each parent’s Entry Visa stamp on Passport (for foreign students)
• A copy of student’s school records for the past 3 years translated to English
• A copy of the student’s official leaving certificate from previously attended school.
• A copy of student’s health report (including immunisation records)
• 2 recent passport-size coloured photographs
• Payment of a non-refundable Application Fee ranging from RM500 to RM3,500 depending on the school. It is important to understand that this payment does not confirm a place for the child in the school).

Assessments are conducted to determine whether the school is suitable for your child and to place them in a level that is most suitable to his or her level of knowledge and study. The nature of the assessment is different for each level. Most schools would assess a child’s ability in Mathematics, Science and English.

*Acceptance to international schools is subject to satisfactory assessment

The student’s application and assessment will be checked thoroughly by admissions to ensure that the school is capable in meeting the child’s need and also that they are able to settle happily with the school.

Once the child’s application is successful, the school will issue an offer letter. The acceptance of the offer must be made prior to the child’s commencement of the school. The payment of the required Registration and Deposit constitutes the acceptance of a place and therein confirms the place for the child.

Your child is now ready to experience a learning institution that is designed to stimulate the mind to new possibilities and teaching that is not confined to the classroom.