Articles

How do I get into an international school from a vernacular school?

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Nov 28, 2016

Vernacular schools are exceptionally popular among Malaysian parents. These schools stress on manners, discipline and a good foundation with emphasis on the mother tongue. Most of their subjects with exception to Bahasa Malaysia and English are taught in the native language. By the age of 12 (Standard 6) students already have a strong grasp and in-depth knowledge of the mother tongue that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. As important as the native language is, English is equally as important and an essential skill in today's global economy.According to the English Proficiency Index, no skill since literacy has held such potential to increase the efficiency and earning power of so many. The impact of English on the global economy is undeniable.Mastery of the language can be difficult especially with minimum exposure to the language but parents must understand the value of investing in English as more employers (local and international) begin to realise its importance in the 21st century.Parents whose children are in vernacular schools should consider having their children explore education in English and ultimately equip them with the best of the east and the west.

SchoolAdvisor answers some of the frequently asked questions about making the switch.

1) How do I apply to an international school?

Parents would firstly need to download the application form from the school's website, fill up the details and provide all the necessary documents as specified.The documents (depending on the school) generally consists of:

• 2 recent copies of student's passport-sized photo
• Student's birth certificate and copy of identification card (if issued)
• A copy of student's leaving certificate and a testimonial from previous school attended
• Student's vaccination record
• Parents or guardian's copy of identification card
• A non-refundable application fee paid to the school

Plus: How do I get into an international school? and Is it really worth sending your child to an international school?

2) My child's English is poor, must she first attend remedial classes first?

No. International schools do not provide remedial classes but rather the child will be assessed for his or her level of proficiency. If the child's English is below average, the child will be placed in a class with students of the same proficiency level during the English period. The same goes for Mathematics as well as most students are generally more language or numerically inclined. This allows the teacher to focus 100% on helping the student fare better.(Pic source: qnetnews.ca)

3) Will the school place emphasis on English grammar?

Most vernacular schools relate success in English with having good grammar. However, this is far from the truth. International schools generally do not teach grammar but rather teach students literature, effective communication strategies and writing techniques. If the child does have problems with grammar, the teacher will immediately offer lessons to help the child.(Pic source: punch.photoshelter.com)

4) What will be tested in the assessment?

Most international schools will have two sets of tests. One is the cognitive ability test and the other is the written English test. The first comprises of verbal, mathematics, spatial and IQ tests and the latter essay and comprehension questions.*if the child's assessment results is far from satisfactory, then the application will be rejected.**some schools may test students in other subjects as well.