International Primary School In Malaysia – Finding the Best Fit

Finding the right International Primary School in Malaysia

International primary schools in Malaysia offer educational excellence that could be advantageous to your child’s academic and holistic development. When considering your child’s lifelong educational growth, an international primary school might be an option that’s worth exploring.

What is an international school?

An international school is a private school that offers diverse curriculums and syllabuses, unique teaching methods, and a conducive, globally-minded learning environment with English as the primary medium of preference. The demand for international education in Malaysia is driven by both expatriate and local families.

Malaysia has a high concentration of quality schools with global associations and accreditations, excellent teachers, and great facilities with more affordable tuition fees. For Malaysian parents, these schools are chosen primarily for their English-medium instruction and stable curriculum.

Why choosing the right international primary school is key for a child's holistic development?

An international primary school has a different approach towards its curriculum that is termed the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). This approach is child-focused and is an integrated framework. The key features are:

1. Discovering Thematic Curriculum

Children get to learn subjects like science, history, geography and art, and the themes are fun and exciting to spark curiosity and imagination.

2. Holistic Learning

Learning processes are structured in stages from participating in hands-on activities, understanding overall themes, exploring the theme in depth and so much more.

3. Learning Goals

Children will have goals to achieve for their subjects, personal development, and international awareness.

4. Parental Involvement

There will be regular evaluations to check on the child's progress, and parents are encouraged to participate.

The right age to join an international primary school

In Malaysia, international primary schools accept children aged 5 to 11. However, the age ranges may vary depending on the school and curriculum.

The uniqueness of an international primary school

There are specific pointers that make an international primary school unique. They are as follows:

1. An international curriculum

The international primary school curriculum includes the Cambridge Assessment International Education, designed for students aged 5 to 11. This approach incorporates the Cambridge Primary Progression Tests to track a student’s progress.

Meanwhile, the Primary Years Programme (PYP), under the International Baccalaureate (IB) system, caters to children aged 3 to 12 - fostering lifelong learning and globally-mindedness by nurturing their curiosity, critical thinking and independent research.

2. Multicultural learning

International schools offer invaluable opportunities for learning beyond the classrooms. Students can explore sports, arts, music and various programmes that help them discover their interests and talents while fostering teamwork, discipline and overall well-being. More importantly, studying in a multicultural environment allows children to gain global perspectives and share cultural insights.

3. English first

In international schools, English is the primary language of instruction and for all core subjects like mathematics and science. However, many international primary schools in Malaysia do offer bilingual or multilingual programmes like Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin or other foreign languages - depending on the school’s focus and student demographics.

4. Developing skills for the 21st century

Most international school programmes focus on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration and communication.

5. Cutting-edge facilities

With modern classrooms, specialised facilities, outdoor learning spaces, digital learning resources, creative art facilities and secure campuses, international primary schools in Malaysia provide a holistic education that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.

The benefits of an international primary school

An international primary school has many benefits for your child. Here are some of them:

1. Academic Excellence as a priority

Academic excellence is the priority when your child is in an international school. This means the curriculum is of high standards and demanding. However, this approach enables your child to establish a strong foundation to achieve academic success in the future. Your child will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving and inquiry-based learning skill. This ensures that your child will remain engaged in their education, cultivating continuous curiosity and learning.

2. Global citizenship

As part of an educational establishment with diverse cultures, your child will gain valuable global perspectives and insights, develop intercultural understanding and be prepared to expand their future career beyond Malaysia.

3. Holistic development

Beyond academics, we believe in holistic development for your child. This means we also emphasise your child’s social, emotional and physical well-being. To achieve this, your child is encouraged to try out a variety of arts, sports, music and other extracurricular activities that are available. This process enables them to discover their personal needs and develop effective learning approaches.

How to choose the right international primary school?

There are several important factors to consider when choosing an international primary school in Malaysia:

1. The curriculum

The types of curricula typically offered include the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Examination (IGCSE), and the American curriculum.

2. Experienced teachers

Find out about the staff's qualifications and teaching experience. Greater experience generally leads to better academic outcomes for your child.

3. Facilities and amenities

Research the school's facilities and amenities. Modern, well-maintained facilities enhance your child's learning experience.

4. Extracurricular activities

Look into their extracurricular activities. The school should have a balanced approach among sports, arts, and other enrichment programmes, as these activities contribute to a balanced education and personal development.

5. Fees and financial aid

Make sure the school's tuition fees fit within your budget. Consider whether the fees and other costs cover enrolment, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. If needed, inquire about financial aid options.

6. Location, location, location

Consider the school's location. Choose a location that's convenient for both you and your child, whether it's closer to home or your office.

7. Interactions with teachers

Lastly, it's important to have regular interactions with the school's teachers and students. These interactions can provide valuable insights into the school's environment and how well your child might fit in.

Which international primary school is ideal for your child?

Finding the right international primary school for your child requires you to consider a couple of factors. But it shouldn’t be complicated.

1. A child’s learning style and personality

Is your child’s learning style more visual, auditory or action-based learning? Or are they a combination of all? Does your child have a particular interest in arts or academics? And is your child outgoing or shy?

2. Research and seek advice

Research thoroughly and seek advice from other parents and education experts. Once you have compiled the vital points, you'll know which international primary school will help your child's overall development.

3. Trust your gut

By taking these into consideration, you could narrow down the school that fits your child well.

Bringing it all together

Choosing the right international primary school in Malaysia ensures your child's academic and personal growth is on the right path. Quality education will always have a positive impact on your child's future success and joy.

As the demand for international education continues to grow, we expect to see future students who are globally competent, socially active, and self-motivated individuals.

At REAL International School, we are committed to providing quality education and an excellent curriculum designed by Cambridge. Our approach balances academic and holistic development, so students excel and grow in the modern world.

Discover more about REAL Schools and how we can help your child begin their international education. Visit REAL Schools to book a visit for trial class today.