Most students begin university studies at 18, often after completing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or A-Level programme. These rigorous pre-university qualifications provide a strong foundation in various subjects, helping students develop critical thinking and research skills crucial for higher education.
However, there is another pre-university qualification that can get you straight into university after IGCSE: the International Foundation Programme (IFP). The IFP is an alternative route for students who may not have taken the traditional IB or A-Level paths. It offers a tailored curriculum that bridges the gap between secondary education and university, focusing on key academic skills and knowledge required for higher education.
Kate Chew, for instance, chose this path after her IGCSEs at the British International School Kuala Lumpur (BSKL). She was only 16 when she started at the University of Warwick.
“I had been exploring studying in other locations as I wanted a change of scenery after IGCSEs,” she says. “While most people, including many of my friends, would move on to complete sixth form at a boarding school or college, it was not something that appealed to me. At the time, the concept of a foundation year was relatively unfamiliar, and it was not until my close friend had considered applying that I started to explore it.”
Studying at BSKL
Kate studied at BSKL for 12 years and loved how the school made learning fun and engaging. The reward systems, like collecting marbles and house stamps, helped students develop discipline and a strong work ethic from a young age. The school excelled in creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment. Simple activities, like collecting rewards, were more than just fun — they were instrumental in preparing students for future challenges.
The diverse learning experiences at BSKL extended beyond the classroom. Students participated in sports days, swimming galas and various extracurricular activities like handball, karate and sewing. The dedication of the teachers was evident as they often stayed after school to support these activities. The classrooms were welcoming, with comfortable pillows and student art projects adorning the walls. Storytime and other interactive sessions made learning enjoyable and engaging.
Kate found the bonding trips across Malaysia and the adventurous field trips, including visits to indoor playgrounds, an exciting way to create lasting memories with friends.
The campus itself left a lasting impression on Kate. "I believe BSKL has an amazing campus, which might be one of the best in Malaysia. I remember playing on the gigantic astroturf pitch and reading in the library before heading home. There were also multiple play areas, both indoors and outdoors, and an impressive-sized auditorium and swimming pool.”
What's more, the bonding trips and field excursions, whether to various parts of Malaysia or indoor playgrounds, provided her with unforgettable experiences and enriched her school years with a sense of adventure.
Transitioning from Year 6 to secondary school marked a new chapter in Kate’s academic journey. Although the learning environment became less distracting, it remained dynamic and engaging. The curriculum continued to be diverse, with subjects like Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia, Spanish, French and others. Meanwhile, Kate took English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Art and Design and Geography.
The lessons were intellectually stimulating, preparing students for IGCSEs through collaborative and independent learning. Although the higher standards of learning presented challenges, teachers were supportive and guided students to overcome difficulties.
"The passion of our teachers was appreciable. For example, Mr. Toby Dunkin was a chemistry teacher at the school who often performed thrilling experiments, making his lessons very captivating. Additionally, the school provided us with a lovely counsellor available for students who want support with their personal challenges."
Another example is when Kate began studying Economics for her IGCSEs, she initially found it challenging, particularly since the early stages of learning were conducted online due to the COVID pandemic. However, once in-person classes resumed, her understanding of the subject deepened rapidly, leading her to excel in the subject.
What made the in-person classes particularly enjoyable was the engaging and entertaining approach of her teacher, Mr. Mark Tidball. “I specifically looked forward to the games, such as Kahoot and other competitive games, that we would play at the beginning of every class. He was also a very friendly teacher, and I felt comfortable approaching him for his assistance.”
The result? Kate scored 8A*s and 1B in her IGCSE examination.
Kate also valued BSKL’s efforts to embrace and celebrate various cultures. Major events such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali were highlights, offering opportunities to engage in dress-up days, try different national snacks and participate in festive assemblies. The school also played a crucial role in supporting personal growth in many divisions, such as taking part in the orchestra, FOBISIA games and the BSKL Model United Nations (MUN) Conference, honing the children’s skills for their future careers.
Participating in BSKL’s Got Talent during Year 8 with five others significantly boosted Kate's personal growth and confidence.
While Kate was not extensively involved in co-curricular activities, one significant experience was participating in BSKL’s Got Talent during Year 8. This event was a pivotal moment for her personal growth. Despite her reserved nature, Kate bravely stepped outside her comfort zone. The support from friends and the cheering audience helped boost her confidence, teaching her valuable lessons in teamwork, collaboration and risk-taking.
"I am grateful to BSKL for creating such valuable opportunities for my younger self and the passionate students who have and continue to showcase their talents. This experience mainly fostered my team spirit, collaboration skills and ability to take risks, essential skills when working on projects in university and societies.”
Pathway to University
BSKL played a crucial role in Kate’s journey to higher education. In early 2022, the school invited a guest speaker from the University of Warwick, which piqued Kate’s interest in their International Foundation Programme. "Attending the talk provided me with information about life at Warwick, the campus, their community and more. It allowed me to ask questions and engage with the speaker to help me evaluate whether this decision was right for me."
Plus, Kate was intrigued by the idea of studying a course tailored to a specific pathway. She had always wanted to focus on economics and had never been enthusiastic about studying additional subjects at A-Levels apart from Economics and Math, which is why she chose the IFP.
While Kate completed much of the application process herself, she was grateful for the support from BSKL’s Higher Education (HE) team. Ms. Emily Galloway’s initiative in inviting the guest speaker and guiding students through the admission process was invaluable. Additionally, Mrs. Katie Humphrey’s assistance in improving Kate’s English Literature and Language skills greatly enhanced her writing skills, which made it much easier to convey her interests in economics and gain admission to the University of Warwick.
Contributing to University Success
After completing her foundation programme, Kate is pursuing a BSc in Economics and Management at King’s College London.
"I enjoy studying Economics and Management, as it is a versatile course that covers aspects of economics, business and finance while also allowing you to gain fundamental mathematical skills. Especially for courses within the business department, studying at a London university is incredibly beneficial, as the city is surrounded by opportunities that are harder to come by elsewhere."
Kate earned five distinctions at the University of Warwick's International Foundation Programme.
She recently completed her first year with first-class honours. Kate’s background from BSKL significantly contributed to her success at university. She credits the school for familiarising her with the UK university system and helping her adapt to the academic environment.
The network and friendships formed at BSKL continued to benefit Kate in university, providing opportunities for collaboration and career-related connections. The school’s emphasis on cultural awareness and global citizenship prepared her well for interacting with peers worldwide. “This is always a wonderful opportunity, as I no longer feel divided by the year group we were in, allowing us to bond over our experiences in BSKL and university.”
Kate believes studying in an international school gave her the advantage of forming friendships with other schools. “This network carries on overseas, as I have met people whom I share mutual acquaintances with. It is particularly useful when it involves career-related opportunities, facilitating individuals to network with schoolmates with similar career passions.”
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