International schools are known to offer high-quality education, providing the best environment for students with the latest facilities, learning modules, and activities to mould well-rounded individuals.
They were first set up in Malaysia for children of expatriates but, over the years, their number has increased in line with Malaysian parents wanting to send their kids to these schools as well.
So, what are the benefits of enrolling your children in an international school?
- Community
From the student body to the teachers and administrative staff, the international school community is made up of individuals from all over the world and from different walks of life.
As these institutions tend to have a smaller enrolment population than government schools, student numbers in the classroom are kept to a minimum to ensure everyone receives equal attention from their teachers.
The schools also create a family-like community where parents are encouraged to be involved in their children’s lives and learning experiences.
- Facilities
There are many facilities on campus that are accessible to students, with classrooms that are air-conditioned for their comfort.
Every library, science and computer lab is equipped with the latest items and technologies to help kids learn more efficiently, while music, dance, and arts spaces allow them to express their creativity.
Sporting facilities help hone future athletes, and may include gymnasiums, swimming pools, rock-climbing walls, football fields, and running tracks, as well as basketball, tennis and badminton courts.
Schools are also equipped with a medical centre or infirmary with medically trained staff.
- Growth and development
International schools encourage students to participate in co-curricular and extracurricular activities to become well-rounded pupils.
Co-curricular activities that augment students’ in-class learning can include mathematics and science clubs, arts and crafts, music, robotics and STEM, as well as foreign-language clubs.
Extracurricular activities might include sports such as badminton and basketball, martial arts, dance and ballet, film and media, as well as orchestra and band.
Schools also frequently invite external professionals, tutors and instructors to share their expertise. Do note, however, that extra costs may be incurred if your child is active in extracurricular activities.
- Healthy competition
International school students take part in many interschool, national and global competitions, in both the academic and sporting arenas.
The International School Athletic Conference, Majlis Sukan Sekolah, and Sukma Games are some of the sporting competitions students could participate in.
Academic competitions include the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools from New South Wales, Australia; the Kuala Lumpur Engineering Science Fair; the Duke of Edinburgh Awards; and events organised by accrediting bodies.
- Accrediting bodies
The Council of International Schools, the Council of British International Schools, the Federation of British International Schools in Asia, and the Western Association of International Schools are some of the accrediting bodies for international schools in Malaysia.
These organisations govern the quality of international schools through rigorous assessments, and allow the schools to network and discuss facets such as the curriculum, their students, and their faculties.
Accrediting bodies also provide guidance on recruitment and safety to ensure the security of the community, as well as offer teacher-development programmes and other educational events.
Schooladvisor.my provides information on private and international schools, extra-curricular activities as well as other education-related topics in Malaysia.