School News

Empowering Students for Success through Personalised Education and Diverse Opportunities

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Jul 13, 2023

 

GIS offers a wide range of subjects for students to choose from and maximise their potential. 

Garden International School (GIS), a world-renowned institution accredited by the Council of International Schools, is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Malaysia. It has a campus at Desa Sri Hartamas for Early Years (Nursery to Reception) and another at Mont Kiara for Primary and Secondary education (Year 1 to Year 13).

At GIS, education is more than just an academic experience. The school’s focus on Academic, Pastoral and Wider Learning, works together to provide an extensive and personalised education that prepares students for university and beyond.  

Year 10 to 13 are critical in shaping a child's educational journey. To support students during this crucial time, GIS provides students with the foundation they need to succeed in their desired future endeavours. Whether students dream of attending a top global university, racing in motorsports, or making it big in Hollywood, GIS is the perfect launchpad for their ambitions. 

Here are eight key factors that make GIS a superior choice for students looking to pursue IGCSE and A Levels in Malaysia:

1. Broad and Customisable IGCSE & A Level Offerings

Imagine a school where you can create your ideal learning environment and be encouraged to explore and develop your passions. With a broad range of subjects to choose from, GIS students can customise their IGCSE and A Level studies to match their personal needs and goals. The class of 2022 have gone on to study 51 different courses across 47 institutions in 10 different countries. With courses ranging from Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain-enabled Business, Neuroscience, Medicine, Law and Economics, Computer Science and Engineering, it is clear that the personalised learning approach and bespoke curriculum at GIS enable each individual student to fulfil their potential and pursue a path that is well suited to them!

GIS students begin with a solid foundation in the Early Years Centre (EYC), setting the stage for a journey of exploration and discovery. As they progress through the years, they’ll delve into a rich and diverse curriculum, uncovering their passions along the way. By the end of Year 13, they will have acquired the knowledge and skills required to thrive in their chosen fields.

If your child has not yet started their journey with GIS, you can still enrol them now. GIS is known for its academic excellence, supportive learning community, and commitment to student success, making it an ideal place for your child's growth and future success.

2. GIS Wider Learning Opportunities and Programmes    

With over 150 CCAs (co-curricular activities) and a variety of wider learning opportunities such as sports, student leadership groups, service learning activities, language clubs and others, the school provides numerous platforms for students to showcase their talents, nurture their passions, and differentiate themselves on their university applications. 

Besides this, GIS offers the Oxbridge CCA programme for Sixth Form students. This provides students with an in-depth understanding of Oxbridge courses, college selection, admission tests, and more. Students interested in applying to Oxbridge will be attached to a subject specialist mentor and have one-to-one interview preparation with the school's HE team. GIS also offers the MedSoc programme, a school-based Medical Society that provides students with insights into the medical field, and opportunities to discuss Medical Ethics. Over the past decade, the school has seen much success among its MedSoc members who have gone on to enrol in some of the world’s most prestigious universities.

GIS’s students are encouraged to hone their talents and nurture their passions through the many co-curricular activities available.

GIS offers several programmes such as Aspire and THRIVE to help students hone their leadership skills and gain real-world experience. The Aspire corporate visit programme allows students to delve into the inner workings of top companies and gain a deeper understanding of the business world. THRIVE is a four-week internship programme for GIS Sixth Form students that provides hands-on work experience in a variety of industries through partnerships with over 200 companies.

GIS values a well-rounded education that prepares students for future success with a diverse skill set and broad knowledge base. The school’s curriculum features a variety of GIS elective programmes such as film studies, political affairs, engineering, public speaking, and others, allowing students to follow their passions and interests. 

3. Pastoral Support for Student Success

GIS recognises that every student has unique needs and, therefore, ensures they receive the necessary support to succeed. To that end, GIS offers students 10 minutes of one-on-one time with their teachers in the mornings and 25 minutes in the afternoons every Monday to Thursday. The sessions are used to review the student's progress, set goals, and address any difficulties. 

GIS teachers for Years 10 to 13 closely monitor each student’s progress, develop a strong understanding of each student's needs, and create personalised learning plans. This close relationship between teacher and student ensures students receive the necessary support and guidance to reach their full potential.

Students at GIS have an excellent opportunity to have one-on-one sessions with teachers to discuss their academic progress or address personal issues.

GIS also provides support from two tutors for KS3 and KS4 students, as well as the Higher Education team for KS5 students. The tutors provide guidance and support to help students succeed, while the HE team provides personalised consultations during Y12 and Y13 to prepare students for higher education and beyond.

4. SEL and PSHE for Student Well-Being

With the increasing pressure to perform academically, students' emotional and mental health can be neglected, leading to burnout and decreased academic performance. To combat this, GIS places a strong emphasis on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Personal, Social, Health and Economic and Career (PSHE) Education. These programmes assist students in developing emotional resilience, self-awareness, and decision-making skills.

GIS incorporates SEL through a variety of activities and lessons. They also engage in group discussions and reflective exercises to improve their self-awareness and decision-making abilities. This focus on SEL extends beyond students to include teachers, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary tools to support their students. 

GIS goes beyond just academics. The school understands the crucial role of Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education and seamlessly integrates it into the curriculum. Here, students are given a safe environment to openly discuss sensitive topics such as drug use, sexual harassment, and career development. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for these discussions, students are empowered to make informed decisions and navigate these complex issues with confidence.

GIS emphasises the importance of PSHE education by creating a safe and inclusive environment to discuss sensitive topics.

At GIS, intercultural learning is the process of becoming more aware of and gaining a better understanding of one's own culture, identity and history, and that of other peoples around the world. This is with the aim of fostering dialogue, interaction, empathy and understanding across the school’s global and local communities. By creating an environment where all learners feel valued and have a strong sense of belonging, GIS prepares learners to take their rightful place in an ever-changing world with the cultural competencies necessary to stand out from the crowd.

5. Strong Parent-School Partnership

GIS recognises the importance of strong parent-school partnerships and provides various engagement opportunities to keep parents informed and involved in their child's education, fostering a strong partnership between home and school.

GIS engages with parents through regular parent-teacher conferences, to discuss their child’s progress and development. During these meetings, teachers provide updates on the child’s academic performance, including grades and assessments, and offer advice on how to support their learning at home.

In addition, GIS offers weekly parent workshops featuring diverse topics that provide a chance for parents to learn about supporting their child's education and exploring cutting-edge research.

6. Career and Options Workshop

GIS aims to assist its students in discovering their passions and provide the best possible educational experience. To do this, GIS has launched career and options workshops for students in Year 10 and beyond. These workshops provide students with a head start on their future plans by offering a glimpse into the various subjects and careers they can choose from.

Throughout the year, the school invites alumni and experts in the field to share their experiences and offer insights to current students. This is a great opportunity for students to learn firsthand about career paths as it allows them to make informed decisions about their studies. 

7. University Placement Counselling

GIS has a proven track record of helping its students secure admissions into top universities around the world such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, and Berkeley. In fact, in 2022, 92% of GIS students attended their first choice university. GIS makes this possible by offering personalised University Placement counselling to its students to ensure the best possible outcome.

GIS’ higher education counsellors work closely with each student to understand their aspirations and goals. Their extensive experience translates to a wealth of guidance and support throughout the university application process, and the school is  always available to offer personalised advice on university selection, personal statement and reference preparation, application assistance, and scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

8. Teacher Continuing Development Programmes

GIS elevates education by utilising an innovative approach to teacher development. Teachers participate in Teacher Continuing Development Programmes which encompasses at least 70 hours of professional development each year. This includes participating in workshops, conferences, and training sessions tailored to their specific interests, as well as online courses and webinars. 

The Teacher Continuing Development Programmes allow teachers to bring the best out of themselves and their students. 

GIS ensures that its educators are constantly growing and improving by cultivating a collaborative culture and encouraging teachers to share best practices and knowledge with one another and mentor fellow colleagues. This focus on teacher development sets GIS apart from other schools and allows students to reach their full potential and achieve incredible things.

Unleash Your Child's Potential at Garden International School

GIS brings out the best in students by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their future careers.

Garden International School stands out as the premier choice for students seeking to pursue IGCSE and A Levels in Malaysia. The school imparts a well-rounded education that equips students with the necessary skills to succeed in their future endeavours. With a team of experienced teachers, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive learning environment, GIS provides the ideal setting for students to reach their full potential.

To learn more about GIS, contact its friendly admissions team HERE.