edm2014_full

The definitive resource for expatriate and Malaysian parents

Step-by-step guide to choosing the right school for your child

Comprehensive overview of the various curriculum options

100% complete international school directory

PP 18082/03/2013(033395)

RM20.00

GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL & PRIVATE SCHOOLS

2014

2015

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APS_Ad_250x176_June2014.ai 1 6/4/14 3:34 PM

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Raffles American School (RAS) offers an American Curriculum for Pre-kindergarten through Grade 12, fully accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), culminating in the US High School Diploma with opportunity for Advanced Placement Course Credit. The school welcomed its first intake of students into its Anjung campus in 2012. January 2015 is the target date for shifting to the RAS campus. At every grade level and in every subject area, students will be given the opportunity to be exposed to, to practice, and to be given feedback on their demonstration of RAS Schoolwide Learning Outcomes.

Problem Solving/ Thinking SkillsThink analytically, critically, creatively and independently

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Learn More About Us...Raffles American SchoolLot 1-4, Anjung Neighborhood Center,5 Persiaran Ledang Heights,79250 Nusajaya, Johor.

T: 07 510 2668/ 2868F: 07 510 2768E: [email protected]:www.raffles-american-school.edu.my

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www.EducationDestinationMalaysia.com6

C O N T E N T S

Introduction 7-15 Publishers Note Welcome Message

Essential Information 16-64 Map An Established and Expanding Industry

Expert Analysis Types of Schools in Malaysia National or International School? The Benefits of Boarding

Choosing the Right School for your Child Choosing the Right Preschool for your Child Steps to Enrollment School Fees

Curriculum Choices 65-94 Preschool Curriculum Options International

Preschool Curriculum International Middle Years Curriculum American Curriculum Australian Curriculum

Cambridge International Examinations CBSE International National Curriculum of England Ontario Curriculum

International Baccalaureate Program

Inside the Schools 95-121

School Showcase 122-160 Comparative Reference Charts International School Directory

Regional Education Scene 161-168 International Schools in Southeast Asia

Other Learning Opportunities 169-192 Pre-University Options and Opportunities

Choosing the Right Learning Center for your Child

Editorial DirectorWilliam Citrin

Business Development DirectorNickie Yew

Business Managers Stephany Loh, Fizan Jameri

Client Support Manager Jenny Ng

AdministratorAng Wai Lin

Graphic DesignersDing Siew Ming, Yusri Din

ContributorsSebastian Barnard, Christopher Bell,Janet Brock, Daniel Chandranayagam,Lydia Ishak, Anne Keeling,David Kilpatrick, Santhi Latha,Shen-Li Lee, Derek Mackey,John Mackle, Kerstin Mockrish,Rob Mockrish, Jane Smith

Web & Social MediaJustin Tee, Chen Su Zanne

ProofreaderKiri Cowie

Publishers Michele Lam, William Citrin, Nickie Yew

Published byMint Communications Sdn Bhd (701835-T) Suite 14-3A, Level 14, Wisma UOA II, Jalan Pinang, 50450, Kuala Lumpur [email protected], (+603) 7986 0070

PrinterSky Press Sdn Bhd (920029-P)No. 15, Jalan PBS 14/3, Taman Perindustrian Bukit Serdang, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor

Mint Communications Sdn Bhd, July 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, or stored in a retrieval system of any nature without the written permission of the copyright holder, application for which should be addressed to the publishers. The publishers, authors, contributors and endorsers of this publication each excludes liability for loss suffered by any person resulting in any way from the use of, or reliance on this publication.

The information in this publication is accurate at the time of printing. Please check with the individual schools for the latest information.

Photographs of the schools that appear in the publication are provided by the individual schools.

Education Destination Malaysia: Guide to International & Private Schools,201415 Edition

www.EducationDestinationMalaysia.com8 Education Destination Malaysia: Guide to International & Private Schools 9

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the second edition of Education Destination Malaysia: Guide to International & Private Schools.

We are proud to once again produce this annual publication, which serves as the definitive resource on the international and private school system in Malaysia for parents of prospective students.

The number of international and private schools in Malaysia has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and parents now have an amazing array of options in terms of cost, curriculum, size, location, facilities, and other factors to choose from.

Parents considering sending their children for an international or private education often ask us: Which school is the best school? The answer to that question is that there is no best school, but there is a right school for each and every child.

The purpose of Education Destination Malaysia: Guide to International & Private Schools is to help parents find the right school for their children.

The book contains practical articles taking parents step by step through the school selection, application and enrollment process; an in-depth overview of the international and private school system in Malaysia; a comprehensive school directory with detailed profiles of individual schools; and informative articles about various topics including curriculum options, pre-university opportunities, and learning centers.

We hope that this guide will serve as a valuable resource for parents of prospective students, empowering them to make informed decisions about their childrens education.

Parents should also make sure to visit www.EducationDestinationMalaysia.com, the official website of the publication, which is the premier source of ongoing news and information about the international and private schools in the country.

Another way parents can find out more about the educational options that these schools offer is by attending our Private & International School Fairs (PISF), which are held throughout the year in Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Penang. Education Destination Malaysia: Guide to International & Private Schools is the official publication of the PISF.

For more information about our products and services, email [email protected].

Lastly, we would like to take the opportunity to thank TalentCorp Malaysia for endorsing Education Destination Malaysia: Guide to International & Private Schools, our fantastic in-house team for all of their hard work, the educators and education specialists who wrote articles for their contributions, and the international and private schools that are advertising in the publication for their generous support.

PUBLISHERS NOTE

William Citrin

Michele Lam

Nickie Yew

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INTRODUCTION

Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp) is pleased to support the second edition of Education Destination Malaysia: Guide to International & Private Schools.

This annual publication serves as a valuable resource for both Malaysian and expatriate parents looking to send their children for an international or private education in Malaysia and as a powerful vehicle to promote Malaysias international and private education sector here and abroad.

TalentCorp endorsed the inaugural edition of Education Destination Malaysia: Guide to International & Private Schools, which came out last year, and distributed the publication to our network of talented Malaysians and expatriates throughout Malaysia and abroad.

Established in 2011 under the Prime Ministers Department, TalentCorp works with leading employers in Malaysias key industries to help them meet their talent requirements so that they can continue to drive the countrys economic transformation.

In todays global economy, the competition among countries to attract and retain talent is fierce as talented individuals have employment options and opportunities all over the globe. When deciding whether to remain in or relocate to a given country, one of the main factors that many professionals consider is the availability of high-quality education for their children.

For TalentCorp, the strength of the private education sector in Malaysia is one of the value propositions for top talent in Malaysia.

For parents with school-going children, there is an impressive and ever-expanding range of educational options here.

In particular, the international and private education scene in Malaysia is booming, spurred by proactive policies on the part of the government, an influx of students, and strong and sustained investment from the private sector.

The continued development of the international and private education scene in Malaysia will no doubt have a positive impact on the growth of the countrys economy, and will also help entice talented professionals to relocate and remain here.

We at TalentCorp believe that Education Destination Malaysia: Guide to International & Private Schools is a valuable tool to explore the countrys numerous educational opportunities that help support the attractiveness of Malaysia as a destination for global talent for talented Malaysians and expatriates alike.

We are delighted to officially support the publication once again and to distribute and share it with our global network of talented Malaysians and expatriates.

WELCOME MESSAGE

Johan Mahmood MericanChief Executive OfficerTalentCorp Malaysia

Learning Beyond Boundaries

At ISP we pride ourselves on being a small school with a big reputation. We are an innovative school that gives students, parents and teachers a refreshing alternative to other schools. Our emphasis is on learning through engagement, enquiry and enjoyment. We have created a strong balance between academic rigour, desire to succeed, and a nurturing learning environment.

The photographs above were taken during the recent International Day @ ISP, which is celebrated in spectacular style. International Day @ ISP is a day that helps us to reflect, recognise and celebrate the cultural diversity within our special school. It is a day when over 40 nationalities represented in the school unite to showcase their variety through dress, decorations, dance, food, language and other activities. International Day is an annual event on the ISP school calendar and it truly embodies our motto of learning beyond boundaries. We think that were fantastic, but dont take our word for it, come and see for yourself.

www.ISP.edu.myTel: +603 6280 8880

1 Jalan Intisari, Desa ParkCity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur.

Email: [email protected]


ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

1 Al-Noor International School2 & 3 Alice Smith School4 Asia Metropolitan International School5 AsiaPacificSchools6 Austin Heights Private & International Schools7 Australian International School Malaysia8 Baseerah International School9 - 11 Beaconhouse Schools12 British International School of Kuala Lumpur13 - 15 Cempaka Schools16 Dalat International School17 Eaton International School18 Ekhlass International School19 & 20 elc International School21 Epsom College in Malaysia22 Excelsior International School23 - 26 Fairview International Schools27 & 28 Garden International School29 & 30 Global Indian International School31 Havil International School32 HELP International School33 Highlands International Boarding School 34 IGB International School 35 International Islamic School 36 International Modern Arabic School37 International School of Kelantan38 & 39 International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)40 International School of Kuantan41 International School @ ParkCity42 International School of Penang (Uplands)43 Kidurong International School44 Kinabalu International School45 Kingsley International School46 Kolej Tuanku Jaafar (KTJ) 47 Kolej Yayasan Saad Melaka (KYSM)48 Kolej Yayasan UEM (KYUEM)49 Labuan International School50 Lodge International School51 Malacca Expatriate School52 Marlborough College Malaysia53 MAZ International School54 Melaka International School55 MontKiara International School56 Mutiara International Grammar School57 Nexus International School58 Nilai International School59 Nobel International School60 Pegasus International School

61 Pelita International School62 Prince of Wales Island International School63 RafflesiaInternational&PrivateSchools64 RafflesAmericanSchool65 - 67 R.E.A.L Schools68 Regent International School69 Sayfol International School70 Seri Omega Private & International School71 Sri Ara International & Private School72 Sri Bestari School73 Sri Dasmesh International School74 Sri Emas International School 75 Sri KDU Schools76 Sri Kuala Lumpur School77 Sri Sempurna International School78 - 80 Sri Utama Schools81 St Christophers International Primary School82 St Johns International School83 Straits International School84 Sunway International School85 Tanarata International School86 Taylors International School87 - 91 Tenby Schools92 Time International School93 Tunku Putra School94 & 95 UCSI International Schools96 Vikas International School97 WadiSofiaInternationalSchool98 Westlake International School99 Woodlands International School100 Zenith International School

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN MALAYSIA

ESSENTIAL INFORMATIONIn this section, we give you an in-depth overview of the international and private school scene in Malaysia, and take you step by step through the school selection, application and enrollment process.



International Education in Malaysia: An Established and Expanding Industry

The Malaysian international school industry like the young minds it is educating is expanding rapidly and robustly. In recent years, due to proactive policies and the relaxation of restrictions by the Malaysian government, there has been a steady and significant increase in terms of the number of international schools and students as well as investment from the private sector in international education.

This international school market in Malaysia has been growing at a rate of 19% per annum for the past five years, and is showing no signs of stagnation. As of April 2014, there were 99 international schools in operation in Malaysia, with numerous new schools set to open in the near future, and 23 licenses for new schools already approved.

For parents looking to send their kids to international schools, this is very good news indeed. There is a wider selection of schools and this means more choices for their children.

International schools were once the exclusive domain of expatriates and

schools (which offer instruction mainly in Bahasa Malaysia), vernacular Chinese or Indian schools, or private and international English-medium schools.

With changing government policies over the years, the medium of instruction in public institutions has shifted back and forth between Bahasa Malaysia and English.

The decision by the government to use Bahasa Malaysia as the main medium of instruction has given rise to a strong private education sector to meet the demands of parents in the local and expatriate communities here who are looking for an English-based education for their children.

A BOOMING MARKETThe international school industry in Malaysia has thrived steadily over the years, due to a variety of factors. The first is the strong and sustained investment on the part of the private sector, spurring the continuous establishment of new schools. The growth of the private

education sector dates back to the late 1960s, with the emergence of private education companies that started out as small enterprises and grew into massive educational conglomerates encompassing full-scale colleges, universities and international schools.

Now Malaysia boasts an incredible array of world-class international schools as well as reputable private colleges and universities, which have forged alliances with prominent overseas universities.

Another factor behind the robust development of the international and private school scene is the growth of the expatriate population here. The number of expatriates in Malaysia has increased exponentially over the years, and there has been a corresponding need for increased capacity in international schools. This influx of expatriates has been spurred by Malaysias economic growth, government policy and the establishment of government-linked entities such as TalentCorp, whose aim is to attract talented expatriates (as well as talented Malaysians) to relocate and remain in Malaysia.

The Malaysian government, particularly in recent years, has been a significant catalyst in terms of the growth of the international and private school market here. The governments implementation of proactive policies and relaxation of regulations and restrictions have fuelled the development of the private education industry.

In 2012, for example, the government made a landmark decision to remove the quota for local students at international schools (Malaysians were previously only allowed to comprise 40% of the student population at any given school). With the easing of this regulation, there is no cap on

The international education industry in Malaysia has grown phenomenally in recent years, both in terms of the number of schools and students. The number of Malaysian students attending international schools has skyrocketed, and in 2013 for the first time ever Malaysian enrollment in international schools actually exceeded expatriate enrollment. Executive Chairman of Brighton Education Christopher Bell and William Citrin take a look at the latest trends in the thriving international education industry here.

affluent Malaysians, but now, with many more affordable options in the market, they are available to everyone.

Indeed, the demographics of the international school student population have changed significantly. The 2012 decision by the Malaysian government to eliminate the quota for Malaysian enrollment at international schools has opened the floodgates and Malaysian students are now pouring into these schools. In 2013 for the first time ever the number of Malaysian students attending international schools actually exceeded the number of expatriate students.

THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE IN MALAYSIASince colonial times in Malaysia, there have been English-medium schools in the country that catered for the needs of the expatriate community here as well as locals looking for an English-based education. These schools existed alongside Chinese-, Tamil-, and Malay-medium schools, which emphasized the language, culture and values of those communities, respectively. This rich and diverse educational system stayed in place even after Malaysia gained independence in 1957; Malaysian parents still have the choice in the public sector between government

Source: PEMANDU



the number of Malaysians that international schools can admit. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of local students enrolling in international schools.

As a part of its Economic Transformation Plan, the government through PEMANDU, (the Performance Management and Delivery Unit) is introducing and undertaking numerous initiatives called Entry Points Projects (EPP). One of these is dedicated to Scaling Up International Schools. This EPP calls for the establishment of 87 international schools (a number that has actually, already been surpassed) with 75,000 students by the year 2020.

To stimulate private investment in the international education sector, the government has removed barriers for local and foreign investors, created initiatives such as Public Private Partnerships and Foreign Branch Campuses, offered generous tax incentives to new and existing schools and supported land

acquisition and soft loans for these institutions.

All of these government policies have facilitated the growth of the international education sector, resulting in an influx of private investment and a substantial increase in the number of international schools and students. A SURGE OF STUDENTSIn recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of students enrolled in international schools. As of April 2014, the total number of students in international schools stood at 39,460, a sharp upsurge from the figure of 19,929 in 2010.

In terms of the overall composition of the international school student population, the number of Malaysian students attending these schools now exceeds the number of expatriates. With the surge in interest in international education among the local community, the Malaysian segment of the

student population is due to swell considerably in the coming years.

If we take a closer look at the nationalities of the foreign students, the largest group comes from South Korea, followed by (in descending order) India, the UK, the USA, Australia, Indonesia, Iran, Singapore, Japan and Pakistan.

What can be said with certainty is that the total number of students attending international schools will rise in the next five to ten years, and the overall number and capacity of these schools will expand to meet this demand. A VARIETY OF CHOICESFor parents looking to send their children to international schools, Malaysia offers a wide range of choices in terms of cost and curriculum.

All of the globally predominant curricula and programs the UK National Curriculum, IGCSE, A Levels, the American Curriculum,

In 2013 for the first time ever the number of Malaysian students attending international schools actually exceeded the number of expatriate students.

the International Baccalaureate (IB) are offered widely here, while other curricula such as the New South Wales Board of Studies Syllabus, the Ontario Curriculum and the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi are present as well.

In terms of curricular trends, the UK national curriculum, IGCSE and A Levels will likely continue to be the most commonly offered curricula by international schools here, while the IB will become increasingly popular over time.

With 23 new licenses for new schools already approved by the Malaysian government, the total number of international schools is set to rise. This means that there will be even greater variety of alternatives for parents to choose from, with many more affordable options for middle-class families. Indeed, a high-quality, English-medium international education in Malaysia is now within reach for all. THE BENEFITS OF AN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONFor parents considering sending their child to an international school, Malaysia is the perfect place to be! With the growing number of options and choices of schools, more and more students will

have the opportunity to pursue an international school education.

An international school education is beneficial in so many ways, both academically and developmentally, and it can open many doors in terms of higher education and employment.

An international school education will have a profound and lasting impact on your child. It will make him or her an adaptable and independent learner of the 21st century, able to think critically and creatively throughout his or her life.

An international school education will offer your child a world-class teaching and learning experience, which incorporates the latest technology to enable inquiry-based activities that foster problem-solving skills and creativity.

An international school education will prepare your child to be more global by enabling him or her to gain a mastery of English while at the same time learning to grasp other languages and appreciate other cultures.

An international school education will help mold your child into a holistic human being, a citizen of the world who possesses a truly global outlook.

An international school education is a wise investment indeed, and Malaysia is the right market in which to make that investment.

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Expert Analysis: Malaysias International Schools Set

for More Growth

Malaysias international schools are expected to see significant growth in the next few years, providing a greater range of educational options for the parents of both local and expatriate children in the country.

The English-medium international school sector is already a healthy one in Malaysia, thanks to the Malaysian government, which is supporting its development and expansion. Malaysia views international schools as an important option for both expatriates and local families. International schools play an essential part in attracting highly skilled, young professional expatriates to relocate to the country. They also provide an important option for wealthier local

Kuala Lumpur has the largest number of international schools; 27 are located in the city educating over 15,000 students. Other major centers for international schools are Penang and Iskandar. 66% of the international schools in Malaysia follow a UK-oriented curriculum and 8% follow an American curriculum. 65% say they are also internationally oriented in their learning approach and 25% of Malaysias international schools are bilingual. 13 international schools deliver the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, 59 take IGCSEs, and 25 take GCE A Levels. 73% of the international schools have less than 500 students, 8% have over 1,000.

ISC says there is a strong presence of, what it considers to be, premium schools in Malaysia. These are

reputable, accredited, international schools that are highly sought-after and tend to be larger in terms of their student population. These premium schools tend to reflect the evolving international school demographics within a region. 39 of the 99 international schools in Malaysia are considered to be premium schools and between them they provide education for over 22,000 students (more than 50% of the countrys total international student population). These premium schools are currently employing mostly British, American and local Malaysian staff. 40% of the students at the premium international schools are local Malaysian children, 9% are British, 6% South Korean, and 4% American. Over 70% of these schools are currently at total capacity and, in Kuala Lumpur, school capacity is even higher.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTSISC predicts that all of Malaysias international schools will see higher enrollment of both expatriate and local students within the next few years. This is as a result of the Malaysian governments aim to transform the country into one of Asias top performing economies by the year 2020.

One step towards achieving this aim took place in 2012 with the lifting of restrictions on the number of Malaysian citizens who were able to attend international schools. A 40% cap was removed and no new limitations put in its place. This now means that international schools are legally entitled to enroll up to 100% Malaysian nationals if they choose. A number of premium schools are aiming for a 50:50 ratio of local and expatriate children, representing within their intake an increasingly popular overarching school ethos that combines both local culture and global mindedness.

families who may be looking to an English-speaking, internationally-oriented education to provide expanded opportunities for university and the workplace for their children.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OPTIONS IN MALAYSIA Market intelligence and data on Malaysias international schools is collected and evaluated by the International School Consultancy Group (ISC), a UK-based organization which has been researching the worldwide international school market for over 25 years. According to the latest data, there are currently 99 English-medium international schools in Malaysia teaching a total of 39,460 students and employing over 4,500 full-time staff.

Another recent development, led by the Malaysian government, has been the establishment of two new education hubs for the country: Education City in Kuala Lumpur and EduCity in Iskandar, Johor. Both hubs will provide high-quality internationally-oriented education for all ages, including tertiary education. These education hubs are designed to further attract skilled expatriates and also to increase the options for local citizens, reducing emigration of Malaysians who move overseas for an improved standard of education including university.

British boarding school Epsom College is one of the new additions for KLEC (Kuala Lumpur Education City). This will be the first overseas campus for the school, and will open in September 2014 with boarding and day school facilities for pupils aged between 3 and 18.

Once established, Epsom College in Malaysia will have places for 900 senior students and 650 prep school pupils. Several other British as well as American schools and universities will have a presence in these education hubs.

In addition to developments in Kuala Lumpur and Iskandar, the Malaysian government has also issued a significant number of licenses for new international schools in other areas of Malaysia over the next three to five years. ISC says that these will contribute a 39% increase in international school student places. Many existing international schools are also predicted to expand.

Plans to develop international education in the country are likely to produce an upward trend in the countrys skilled labor force, states ISCs latest Country Report on Malaysia.

There has been phenomenal growth in the number of international schools around the world over the past ten years. That growth looks certain to continue for a further ten years, if not more. Malaysia, in particular, looks set for significant developments. Anne Keeling from ISC Research takes a closer look at the trends in this market.

The International School Consultancy Group (ISC) is the leading organization in the world for market intelligence on the international schools market. It provides a range of services to meet the market intelligence needs of schools, higher education, school suppliers, investors, developers and professionals involved with international education. For more information, visit www.iscresearch.com



Types of Schools in Malaysia

Making a decision about which school to send your child to whether in the early years, or at the primary or secondary school level can be challenging. Many factors influence this decision and it is important to determine what kind of educational environment and experience you want for your child and what your long-term educational goals for your child are.

The various Malaysian education platforms like the countrys cultural and ethnic landscape are diverse and provide parents with numerous options. The existing systems include government (also referred to as public) schools and private schools offering the Malaysian national school curriculum; the vernacular schools

in essence it means that for the children to whom this new structure applies, ultimately there will be no centralized assessments or examinations until they reach Form 5. Whether this will have a positive impact on the totality of the childs education or not remains to be seen.

Ministry of Education officials are working toward the achievement of all the outcomes specified in the Blueprint, which should be rolled out in totality by 2017.

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL SYSTEMThe private school system, which has been operational in Malaysia for almost 40 years, began as an effort by Malaysian education providers to expand and enhance the learning opportunities available for Malaysian families who could afford to send their children to these institutions. To send their children to private schools, parents are required to pay full fees including application and registration fees, tuition fees and fees for co-curricular activities.

Although private schools follow the Malaysian national school curriculum, what differentiates these schools from government schools are their more extensive physical infrastructure and facilities, which enable greater access

to technology, offer additional language classes as well as a whole range of other academic and non-academic activities that widen and enhance their educational experience.

Other benefits of many private schools include more individualized attention for students, smaller classes, as well as typically higher levels of interaction between the school and parents of the students.

For more and more Malaysian parents who can afford it, the private school system has become a viable alternative to the government school system, which is often perceived to be over-crowded and less personalized.

THE VERNACULAR SCHOOL SYSTEMVernacular schools were created to cater for specific ethnic and cultural communities in Malaysia,

that cater primarily for the Indian and Chinese communities wherein Tamil and Mandarin, respectively, are the mediums of instruction; and the international school system.

THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL SYSTEMThere are more than 10,000 government schools strategically dispersed throughout Malaysia. These schools are government-funded and parents are only required to pay minimal fees, ensuring that each and every Malaysian child will have access to education at the primary and secondary school levels.

The core curriculum in these educational environments emphasizes the national language of Bahasa Malaysia and the teaching of all subjects, except other languages, is done primarily in Bahasa Malaysia.

The Malaysian Ministry of Education introduced the Malaysian Education Blueprint in 2012, specifically to reduce the emphasis on examinations and rote-learning and to focus more on continuous assessments and independent learning. This effort by the Malaysian government is aimed at promoting active learning and nurturing well-rounded individuals. While commendable,

namely the Chinese and Indians, who wished to have their respective languages and cultural values promoted in their schools.

Over the last three decades, however, the vernacular school system (the Chinese schools in particular) has been significantly enhanced and developed through community effort and it is common now to see children from other ethnic communities learning in such environments.

These vernacular schools emphasize Mandarin or Tamil as the primary medium of communication and instruction, although Bahasa Malaysia and English are compulsory subjects.

The Chinese vernacular schools have earned the reputation of providing good quality education, although a common concern is the sometimes excessive amount

of homework that is assigned to students and the pressure that the child is placed under due to the school culture, which puts a premium on performance and academic excellence.

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SYSTEMUp until 2012, international schools in Malaysia were populated primarily by students from expatriate communities and there was a quota limiting the number of local students who could attend these institutions.

The Ministry of Education has since lifted these restrictions, and access to international schools is now open to both Malaysian and international students. As a consequence of the heightened interest in international education from Malaysians and the influx of new students, there has been a mushrooming of international schools throughout the country, and many more are expected to be established in the coming years.

International schools which all use English as the medium of instruction offer a range of curriculum options from the American Curriculum to UK Curriculum, from New South Wales to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, the International Baccalaureate, Islamic curriculum and the Ontario Curriculum.

Parents planning to send their children for an international school education have many options in terms of curriculum, cost, location and other factors to choose from in Malaysia and are encouraged to explore the different options extensively before making a decision.

Selecting a school for your child is a critical decision that will affect his or her future. For both local and expatriate parents in Malaysia, there are various options to choose from. In this article, education consultant Santhi Latha helps parents navigate the educational landscape by providing a broad overview of the different types of schools available in Malaysia.

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National or International School?

In the past, the simple and expected route for the vast majority of Malaysian parents was to enroll their children at the nearest government school and let the natural progression of the Malaysian education system take its course. However, since the removal of the quota for enrollments of Malaysian students in international schools in 2012 by the Malaysian Ministry of Education, this expectation has changed.

Malaysian parents who can afford it have to now grapple with whether to enroll their children at a local or an international school and there are many factors that need to be considered in order to make an educated decision. The key considerations that may influence the decision-making process include:

age of six is another question. Every child is different and there is no hard and fast rule dictating when your child will be ready to start school. You must assess your child individually to determine when he or she is ready to start. It would be useful if your child has attended preschool for at least three years and has a good grasp of the alphabet, reading and basic mathematics at the time of enrollment in an international school.

(2) MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTIONThe Malaysian national schools curriculum utilizes Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction, and English Language is a compulsory second language subject. Your long-term goals and aspirations for your child (whether you anticipate sending your child abroad for higher education) will influence whether to send your child to an international school. The reality is that the standards of the English language in an international curriculum are commonly higher and if your child completes an international primary and secondary education, there may be no need to achieve additional English language qualifications such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for entry into universities outside Malaysia.

(3) WHEN TO TRANSFER TO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLMany parents face the dilemma of when to transfer their children to an international school, if at all. For parents who have access to the necessary financial resources, ideally your child could enter international school at Primary One.

However, if there are limitations on your financial resources, it may be possible to allow your child to complete his or her entire primary school education following the Malaysian Curriculum or the vernacular school curriculum and to transfer your child to international school when he or she finishes Primary Six. However, if this is not possible, the last option is to move your child into an international school environment so that he or she completes the final two years the equivalent of Form 4 and Form 5 at an international school.

Most international schools are accustomed to recruiting students at these levels. Please note that your child may be required to pass an entrance test to gain entry.

It is strongly encouraged that you ensure your child has regular and consistent English language exposure prior to enrollment at an international school, particularly at the secondary level. This will enable your child to cope better academically at school.

(1) AGE OF COMMENCEMENT AND AGE OF COMPLETION OF O LEVEL OR ITS EQUIVALENTMost international schools take children into Primary One or its equivalent when the child is six years old. This means that your child will gain a year compared to the Malaysian national school system (whether enrollment is at a public or private school) where your child can only commence Primary One at age seven. Long term, this will ultimately mean that your child will finish the O Level or its equivalent at the age of 16 and be able to move on to higher education immediately after that.

Whether you think your child is ready for formal education at the

(4) NUMBER OF STUDENTS PER CLASS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL ATTENTION IN THE CLASSROOMA common observation about the public and vernacular school systems is that the classes are over-crowded and the teachers dont have enough time to give each and every child individual attention.

How important is it for your child to have personal attention in the classroom? Bearing in mind that different children excel in different areas, and every child has different needs, it becomes particularly important that your child has access to personal attention in the classroom for subjects that he or she may have difficulty in. This will help to ensure that your child has access to the necessary support for learning, and will have a more likely chance for success in those areas of difficulty for him or her.

Is there an ideal maximum number of students per class? Recent international research in this area suggests that while the maximum numbers should not exceed 28-30 students in a classroom, there is a minimum number that is required in order to ensure effective interaction and communication among the students and the faculty. This number would be between 16 and 20 students.

(5) BALANCING ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC COMPONENTS OF LEARNINGChildren who are not academically inclined may thrive in an environment that balances the academic and non-academic components of learning. Such environments are best found at private schools offering the Malaysian Curriculum or at international schools. It is always useful to check which non-academic, extra-curricular activities are available to ensure that your child has a balanced educational platform and different opportunities to excel, both academically or non-academically. A private or international school environment provides exposure to more co-curricular activities, and certain students may find that they can excel in these areas.

With the relaxing of restrictions on the enrollment of Malaysian students in international schools and the increase in the number of international school options available here, Malaysian parents now have the option of sending their children for an international school education. It is imperative that these parents make an informed decision about how to do this if at all. Education consultant Santhi Latha advises Malaysian parents on the key factors to consider.



environment and the primary deterrent is usually the cost of doing so. While the fees for international school can be very high, with the liberalization of access to international schools for Malaysian students and the setting up of more international schools in Malaysia, the marketplace has become more competitive and parents will now be able to find international schools that offer more affordable fees than previously.

At the end of the day, we all want the best for our children. Whether you opt to send your child to a public or vernacular school or to a private or international school should be based on your resources and requirements, and ultimately on what is best for you and your child.

(7) THE NEED FOR PRIVATE TUITION OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM It is common in Malaysia for parents to send their children for additional tuition classes and paid extra-curricular activities outside the formal school environment. Whether these classes are to aid in coping with the school subjects

Generally speaking, the better qualified and trained the teachers are in the delivery of the specific areas of the curriculum, and the more focused and advanced the teaching-learning pedagogy used in the school, the better your child will learn. You will need to take the time to speak to school administrators and teachers in order to determine whether the school environment

you are planning to put your child into will fulfill your childs learning needs. Does the number of expatriate teachers in a school determine its success? Fundamentally, this does not impact the teaching and learning that takes place in the school. What is critical is that the teachers are properly trained to deliver the curriculum that is taught at the school.

or whether they are additional co-curricular activities such as music, sports, technology or others, these monthly costs add up. It is estimated that in urban Malaysia, a family with school-going children spend an average of RM500 per month per child on such additional support. Multiplied by ten school months in a year, this comes to a total of RM5,000 per annum. If a private or international school environment is able to provide this support as part of its curriculum, then it may be the case that placing your child in such an environment may at the end of the day, be a viable option, and affordable too!

(8) THE DOLLARS AND SENSEParents are often uncertain about whether to enroll their child into an international school

...the marketplace has become more competitive and parents will now be able to find international schools that offer more affordable fees than previously.

(6) QUALITY OF TEACHERS AND THE IMPACT ON LEARNING

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The Benefits of Boarding

More and more parents in Malaysia and around the world are opting to send their children to boarding schools, and a growing number of schools have started to offer boarding facilities for students.

Boarding schools typically offer three different arrangements: full boarding (seven days a week), weekly boarding (students live on campus from Monday to Friday and return home on the weekends), and flexi-boarding (students can opt to live on campus for one or several nights each week).

Modern boarding experiences have developed a great deal since the days of old-fashioned, draughty dormitories and aloof masters. Many of todays boarders have at their disposal world-class facilities

handpick their housemasters and housemistresses with great care and with very clear criteria in mind as to the type of people they want influencing the emotional, physical and academic development of the children in their care.

Small classes and heightened interaction between students and their teachers. Boarding provides a setting that promotes common experience, camaraderie, friendship, trust and honesty between children and adults. Boarding school offers a unique experience of community living, which builds an awareness of others and a tolerance of difference and diversity.

24-hour learning. Immersion in an educational world where learning is central and personalized. At top boarding schools, an appreciation for intelligence and achievement are the norm within peer groups, and students are surrounded by those who share their high aspirations. So whether a sportsman, artist, academic or thespian, students joining premier boarding schools will enjoy an unrivalled school experience across academic subjects, music, art, drama and sports.

Excellent preparation for university life. Pupils with the skills and confidence developed as boarders

will be well placed to attend the finest universities worldwide, and are better prepared to embrace the academic rigor and independent study they will face and love it!

Access to unrivalled facilities seven days a week. Modern boarding houses have excellent facilities and are designed to be homely, comfortable and offer up-to-date facilities such as WiFi, games rooms, modern furniture, study areas and fitted kitchens. Excellent security with keypad access ensures students feel relaxed and able to concentrate on their studies. Boarding schools tend to have large campuses with a vast array of facilities that students can use on the weekends and spare evenings.

Independence and self-reliance. Boarding schools bestow on students an independence they would not have living at home. They are helped to become more self-reliant and independent, but at the same time to support their peers and to contribute to the running of their house through committees and roles such as house captain, school council, etc. The boarding experience, besides being great fun, is an ideal preparation for the challenges and responsibilities of adult life.

Personal growth. A willingness to explore new things is inherent in the student body of most boarding schools. Boarders are encouraged

and broad opportunities unheard of in earlier years, all set in a school culture based on respect and achievement of the individual. With the arrival of top quality boarding opportunities in Malaysia, what can boys and girls typically expect when they become a boarder?

KEY ADVANTAGES Highly-qualified teachers who

see their work as a calling not a job. Each boarding house has a housemaster or housemistress, who has overall responsibility for the pupils in their care. They live in accommodation within the house, and are assisted by a team of experienced and dedicated tutors, providing day students and boarders with a warm, homely and supportive atmosphere. Good schools

to meet new types of people, find their place in a new community, learn new skills, and challenge themselves to a higher academic standard. The environment of boarding houses enables pupils to live their lives to the full in as many spheres as possible, allowing individuality and independence to flourish.

Pastoral care. In addition to a pupils housemaster, housemistress or tutor, all staff are there to help and support 24/7. Boarding school staff instinctively see themselves as responsible for the childs all-round development and offer many clubs, societies, outings and activities. The school doctor, school counselor and house matron are also available to listen, advise and counsel students whenever needed.

Deepening interests. Whether the arts, sports, books or music, by boarding, students have the time and the support they need to explore their interests and excel. Todays schools aim to develop co-curricular programs that are outstanding in terms of breadth of choice and the quality of coaching. Good schools provide opportunities for children to

develop their existing talents, but at the same time will ensure they have opportunities to figure out what their other passions in life might be, and give them the opportunity to develop them through their teenage years and into their adult lives.

Being part of a proud community. The shared experience of being part of a boarding schools tradition and history creates a strong network of people and a feeling of community that can last for a lifetime. Boarding leads to the establishment of close friendships, not just among students, but also with faculty members. The social network and friendships forged in boarding school can last a lifetime.

Top boarding schools in the 21st century provide vibrant and highly supportive learning communities where the focus is truly on ensuring students have all the encouragement and guidance they need to really excel across varied areas. Boarding has changed dramatically over the last 40 years to offer children outstanding opportunities within a comfortable family-like atmosphere, creating a home away from home.

Boarding schools provide facilities for children to live with fellow students and teachers. These schools are becoming increasingly popular as many parents are realizing that boarding can be academically and developmentally advantageous for their children. In this article, Jane Smith Deputy Head of Epsom College in Malaysia, a premier day and boarding school just south of Kuala Lumpur highlights the key aspects and advantages of the boarding experience.

Jane Smith

Deputy Head of Epsom

College in Malaysia

Pahang Highlands International Boarding SchoolPenang Dalat International School The International School of Penang (Uplands) Prince Of Wales Island

International School Perak Tenby Schools Westlake International SchoolPurtajaya Nexus International SchoolSelangor Kolej Yayasan UEM MAZ International School

Johor Marlborough College Malaysia Excelsior International School Raffles American SchoolKuala Lumpur Fairview International School Kelantan Wadia Sofia College Melaka Kolej Yayasan SaadNegeri Sembilan Cempaka International Ladies College Epsom College in Malaysia Kolej Tuanku Jaafar Nilai International School UCSI International School

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS OFFERING BOARDING



Choosing the Right School for Your Child

With nearly 100 international schools in Malaysia, parents looking to enroll their child in at an international educational institution are spoilt for choice. Faced with such a wide range of options, parents considering sending their child to one of these institutions or to a private school here often feel overwhelmed unable to distinguish between schools and determine which is the most suitable for their child.

STEP 1 REFLECT ON YOUR CHILDS EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND YOUR PRIORITIES AS A PARENTAsk yourself these three fundamental questions:

1) Who is my child as a learner? Would he or she thrive in a

traditional, teacher-centered structure or a more enquiry-based learning environment?

Which curriculum would best suit him or her?

Does he or she have special needs as a learner and require individualized attention and support?

Does he or she have special talents or interests inside or beyond the classroom?

2) What are my long-term educational plans and goals for my child? What are the essential skills and

abilities specific languages, academic subjects, extra-curricular pursuits such as a sport or performing art, etc. that you want your child to acquire?

Where will your child ultimately attend college or university?

3) What are my requirements and needs as a parent? Which factors cost, location,

school size, curriculum, facilities, etc. are most important to you?

Carefully consider each of the various factors below and then make a list of the factors that matter most to you and your child, in order of their importance. Consider each factor carefully, and jot down any thoughts you have about it. Once you do this, you will be able to define and visualize which type of school would be right for your child. LocationCommuting in Malaysia can be a time-consuming affair, especially in congested urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang. As a parent, you would probably prefer to send your child to a school that is near or easily accessible from where you are living or working thereby cutting down the travel time to and from school each day. Overall School Size and Average Class SizeInternational schools in Malaysia vary widely in terms of size from fewer than 100 students to over 2,000 students. Some children prefer smaller schools, which typically offer greater intimacy and familiarity among students and more individualized instruction from teachers. Other children favor larger schools, which often provide more diversity in terms of the composition

of the student population and variety in the courses and activities they offer.

When it comes to size, it is also important to look at the average class size and the corresponding ratio of teachers to students. If your child has special needs in the classroom or requires individualized attention, then a school with a small class size is probably a better fit for him or her. Levels of Education OfferedOf course, you will want to make sure that the school you ultimately select offers classes for children of your childs age and level. Dont take this for granted, as some schools only offer certain grade or year levels. If you are a local or a long-term expatriate, you may wish to choose a school that is able to accommodate your child throughout his or her primary and secondary education. Also be aware that some schools may not allow students to enroll during the last two years of their secondary education, in the midst of intensive, multi-year programs such as A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. If your child is in this stage of his or her education, check with your school of choice to make sure it accepts students at this level before applying.

Your childs experiences in school will have a profound impact on his or her intellectual, social and emotional development. Selecting a school for your child is one of the most crucial decisions that you as a parent must make. It is imperative to find a school that meets your needs and expectations, as well as those of your child. In this article, William Citrin guides you step by step through the school selection process in order to help you choose the right school for your child.

Add to this confusion the fact that, for parents, choosing a school for their child is a high-stakes decision one that will have a profound and long-lasting impact on their childs development. School is the environment where children spend the majority of each day, and plays an important role in shaping who they are and what they will become.

By following a simple yet effective process, you as a parent can and

will find the right school for your child. Choosing a school is a journey that begins by reflecting on your priorities and your childs needs and determining which international and private schools fulfill your requirements; continues with researching and learning more about these schools; and ultimately ends with the selection of, application to, and enrollment in your school of choice. In this article, we take you step by step through this journey.

STEP 2 IDENTIFY THE FACTORS THAT MATTER TO YOU MOST

Speak in depth with your child and get his or her input about the various schools you are considering.



Facilities and SecurityBy and large, international and private schools in Malaysia possess fantastic facilities that will enhance your childs educational experience. But each school, of course, has a different physical environment and offers different facilities.

You should think about what kinds of amenities (library, cafeteria, swimming pool, basketball court, performing arts studios, etc.) you would like your childs school to have. You also probably want to ensure that the school you choose for your child provides suitable IT infrastructure (such as a wireless network and ICT resource center) and access to modern technology (such as laptops, tablets and interactive whiteboards).

Another critical consideration is security, and many parents may require their childs school to have in place security measures such as guards and security cameras. BoardingIf you are looking to send your child to boarding school, then you should focus your search on those institutions that offer boarding facilities. It is important to consider which type of arrangement full, weekly or flexi-boarding is most suitable for you and find out which schools offer such an arrangement.

History and AccreditationSome international and private schools in Malaysia have been established for over fifty years, while many others have sprouted up in the last several years.

You may wish to send your child to one of the older international or private schools, which often practice time-honored educational traditions, or to one of the newer schools.

Whichever you choose, please check to ensure that the school is properly registered by the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) and accredited by an internationally recognized body such as the Council of International Schools (CIS) or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Teachers CredentialsYou may also want to take the time to find out about the credentials of the teachers whether they have the proper certification and training in particular programs (such as the International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement programs) or areas (such as ESL or special needs), or possess any advanced degrees.

Another factor to consider is whether the school has a high teacher turnover rate or is able to retain its staff for a significant length of time as this is typically a mark of quality.

Lastly, depending on your preferences, you may wish to send your child to a school with a majority of local teachers or expatriate teachers or a mixture of both. Curricula and Programs OfferedIn terms of curriculum, the private and international schools in Malaysia offer either national curricula (such as the National Curriculum of England or the Malaysian Curriculum) or international curricula (such as the International Baccalaureate or International Primary Curriculum).

Parents may wish to send their children to a school that offers the curriculum of their home country, or the curriculum of the country they ultimately envision their child going to for tertiary education.

It is also necessary to consider which qualification you would like your child to possess upon graduating from secondary school, and ensure that this diploma is recognized internationally or at least in the country where she or she plans on pursuing tertiary studies.

You undoubtedly want to research each school you are considering to ensure that the core curriculum, other course offerings, teaching methodology, foreign language instruction, ESL programs, standardized tests and student support services it offers will meet the needs of your child.

Extra-Curricular ActivitiesTheres much more to school life than just classroom learning. Each school offers a different set of extra-curricular activities such as sports, games, music, drama, dance, journalism. the list is seemingly endless. These activities give children the chance to explore and experience new areas, and develop as well-rounded individuals.

If your child has particular interests or talents, you will probably want to check to make sure the school you select offers those activities.

Many schools also provide opportunities for pupils to become involved in charitable or community activities, which can provide meaningful learning experiences. CostAnnual tuition fees at international and private schools in Malaysia vary widely, ranging from less than RM5,000 to well over RM100,000.

Depending on your budget and situation (some expatriates have their school fees paid for fully or in part by their employers), cost may be a major factor in your choice of school.

STEP 3 RESEARCH AND LEARN ABOUT SCHOOLS. IDENTIFY THOSE THAT MEET YOUR CRITERIAOnce you have determined which of the above factors are the most important to you and your child and defined what type of school you are looking for, you can start researching the various international and private schools.

This publication and our website, www.EducationDestinationMalaysia.com, contain a comprehensive international school directory. This is an excellent place to begin learning about what various schools have to offer.

As you start to narrow down your options, you will also want to visit the schools websites to learn more. You can also try to seek out parents of students in the schools you are considering possibly in online forums or through community connections to hear their experiences and get their opinions. Ultimately, you should make a shortlist of five to ten schools that meet your requirements. STEP 4 VISIT EACH OF THE SCHOOLS ON YOUR SHORTLISTIt is imperative that you and your child take the time to visit each and every school on your shortlist, to get an up close and personal look at what those schools have to offer. Contact the schools youre interested in and make an

appointment to visit during regular school hours. Only by actually going to a school speaking with the principal and teachers about the schools core values and learning methodology, observing the students in action in the classrooms, getting a guided tour of the facilities can you get a real feel for the schools personality. Visiting a school is the best way to learn about it and to decide if it is the right fit for your child.

STEP 5 CHOOSE A SCHOOLNow that you and your child have had the chance to visit all of the schools on your shortlist, its time to make a decision.

Speak in depth with your child and get his or her input about the various schools you are considering.

Ultimately the school must meet most, if not all, of your needs and requirements and feel right especially for your child.

Choosing a school for your child is a critically important decision, one that will impact the rest of his or her life. Invest the time and energy necessary to ensure that you make the right choice for your child and his or her future.



Choosing the Right Preschool for your Child

Many childhood development experts subscribe to the notion that children who participate in high-quality early childhood education programs are more successful in school and ultimately in their careers as adults.

But before you rush out to enroll your child, it is important to be aware that child readiness is an important factor in the success of a preschool education and not every child is ready for preschool at the same stage in his or her development. A child who is not ready for preschool may find the preschool experience stressful and the anxiety and distress could outweigh any benefits.

DECIDING IF YOUR CHILD IS READY How do you decide when your child is ready to attend preschool?

This will differ for every child, as each individual is unique. When trying to decide when is the right time to enroll your child, you should take several key factors age, maturity, sociability, and temperament into consideration.

Some preschools may take on the responsibility of helping your child with the development of these skills, but there are schools that make these mandatory requirements before they will accept your child.

Find out what each of the preschools you are considering expect children to know and be able to do, and assess if your child is capable of meeting these expectations.

SociabilityOne of the reasons many parents send their children to

preschool is so they can develop their social skills. Even if this is the case, you should consider the following:

1. Does my child interact well with other children?

2. Has my child spent a significant amount of time away from me?

3. How well does my child cope with meeting and interacting with new people?

If you feel that due to issues with social interactions and shyness attending preschool will create stress for your child, then perhaps the decision to enroll him or her should be delayed.

Children who are more timid, introverted, and sensitive may find the transition to preschool difficult.

Some of these children can be managed by employing methods to gradually ease them into preschool, while others may benefit from a later start to preschool.

Even siblings from the same family may require different methods for handling the introduction of school.

In addition to the aforementioned factors, the preschool you have selected for your child may also have requirements that must be met before your child will be accepted. Research to find out if your preschool of choice requires certain entrance criteria or assessments.

AgeOpinions vary on what is the right for a child to start preschool. Most experts typically agree that it should be between three and four years old, however you will find that many preschools accept children as young as two years old.

MaturityEven among siblings, the level of maturity displayed by children will vary.

A good way to gauge the level of maturity of your child might be to ask the following questions:

1. Can my child follow simple instructions?

2. Can my child speak well enough to be understood by others?

3. Is my child able to follow the school routine?

4. Is my child potty trained?5. Is my child able to get

dressed without help?6. Is my child able to put on

shoes without help?7. Is my child able to feed

himself or herself?

Once you have decided that your child is ready, you will need to select a suitable preschool for your child.

The main factors that parents consider when choosing a preschool are similar to those factors that they consider when choosing a primary or secondary school for an older child. There are, however, some additional factors that are specifically pertinent to the preschool selection process.Before choosing a preschool, parents should consider the following factors:

Preschool or childcare? What is your purpose for sending your child to an institution? Is it for educational purposes or social interaction? If its primarily for the latter reason, then a childcare facility may be more appropriate for your child.

Which educational philosophy do you prefer? Montessori, Waldorf, International Preschool Curriculum, religious, or other?

Class size and teacher to child ratio - smaller classes and higher teacher-to-child ratios typically

provide greater benefits to preschoolers.

Staff qualifications do the teachers have training in early childhood education? If there are assistant teachers, what are their qualifications?

Quality of teachers do the teachers enjoy working with young children? Young children require a different sort of handling compared to older children. How capable and motivated are the teachers at the preschools you are considering?

Staff turnover a high turnover of teachers is not a good sign in any school, but this factor is even more critical for preschools because staff changes can be particularly upsetting for younger children.

Facilities what type of environment and amenities does the school offer? Does the school have facilities for music, art, sports and other extra-curricular activities? What are the safety features in place? Are there outdoor playground facilities? Some preschools are located in shoplots without outdoor playground facilities.

Determining when a child is ready for preschool and which preschool to send him or her to can be extremely difficult decisions for parents to make. Your childs preschool will probably be his or her first educational experience, and will have a significant impact on his or her future. In this article, early childhood education specialist Shen-Li Lee explains the key factors to consider when selecting a preschool for your child and also provides tips on how to help your child adjust to the preschool experience.

HOW TO CHOOSE A PRESCHOOL

Preschool will most likely be your childs first educational experience, and will have a significant impact on shaping who he or she is as a learner.



Support system what are the programs available for children with special needs?

Travel distance as it can be difficult to travel long distances on a daily basis with a young child, it may not be worthwhile to choose a school that is too far from home even if it is a good one.

School food or home food? Does the school provide food for the children? Is there an option for your child to pack food from home if your child is a picky eater or has food allergies?

How many hours a day are the children at school? Some preschools offer full-day programs to accommodate working parents. Is there an option for part time or full time - 3 days a week or 5 days? Younger children may be more comfortable starting with 3 days a week as a transition period.

Teaching of life skills will the school help with your childs potty training, and skills such as self-dressing, self-feeding, learning to tie shoe-laces, as well as the development of social skills?

What are the expectations of parent involvement in school activities? What disciplinary methods does the school employ? For young children,

consistency is important and it may be worth checking if the schools disciplinary methods are in line with your own.

You may also want to bring your child along with you when you visit the school to see how your child responds to the school environment.

Preschool will most likely be your childs first educational experience, and will have a significant impact on shaping who he or she is as a learner.

Make sure you take the time to thoroughly research preschools you are considering and think about which one would be best for your child before making a decision on which school to send your child to.

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR PRESCHOOLOnce you have selected a preschool, you will need to begin to prepare your child for the preschool experience.

Helping your child adjust to the daily routine of attending preschool may require some additional guidance and support.

Before the first day of preschool, introduce the idea of preschool so your child knows what to expect.

There are many books available that you can read to your child to give him or her a sense of what school is like. Talk to your child about what happens in preschool what goes on, how fun it will be, and how he or she will make lots of friends. Try to generate a positive attitude towards preschool.

In the year leading up to the start of preschool, visit the school with your child so that the environment will be familiar to your child once your child begins actually attending the preschool.

You may even want to do a trial run and have your child spend some time there, to see how your child copes with a particular preschool environment. If you can, try to introduce your child to other children that will be in the same class.

Say goodbye instead of sneaking off while your child is distracted with an activity.

Remember that even if the first day of preschool goes well, there may still be anxiety later as the novelty of preschool wears off. This is normal and the best way to get past it is to keep the routine of preschool consistent.

Easing SeparationThere are a number of things you can do to help ease your childs separation anxiety when he or she starts preschool:

Go to the class and help your child get settled and involved in with an activity.

Introduce your child to a new friend. Control your own emotions because your child will sense your anxiety.

Remember that tears are normal and will usually stop after you leave. The school will usually contact you if your child is inconsolable.

Tell your child when you are coming back.

Packing for PreschoolMost schools provide the materials your child will work with so there isnt much to bring. The things you may need to pack include:

Change of clothes in case of accidents

Towel Water bottle A snack (if the preschool doesnt

provide food). Check if there are any food restrictions at your childs preschool, such as no nuts or pork

Wet wipes, training pants and diapers (if your child still requires them)

Pick-up / Drop-off ArrangementsSome preschools have a drop-off system in place, so parents are not required to park their cars when dropping children off at preschool. While this provides an added convenience when traffic is bad and parking is difficult, you may want to reconsider using it if your child is having trouble adjusting to preschool as he or she may need you to physically accompany him or her to the classroom.

As a security feature, many preschools now have the requirement that only pre-arranged individuals may pick up your child. Special arrangements must be made in advance if someone else will be picking up your child.

Starting preschool is a giant step for a child, requiring a major adjustment in his or her daily routine. Ensure that your child is properly prepared to embark on this first phase of his or her educational journey.

TENBY SCHOOLSMALAYSIA

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Steps to Enrollment

So you have carefully surveyed the field of international and private schools, selected the school that is the best fit for your child, and now you want to initiate the process of enrolling your child in your school of choice. You probably want to do this as soon as possible space is limited in many schools and many are filled to capacity and have waiting lists. Also, early application will give your child a better chance of being accepted and enrolled in your school of choice before the next intake.

Although each school has its own enrollment process, there are a few key steps that parents generally follow to enroll their child in a private or international school in Malaysia.

These steps are outlined for you in this article, but you should refer to the website of your school of choice for more specific information about its application and admission procedure and policies.

Please note that the enrollment process for Malaysians and expatriates typically has some significant differences, as foreign students may be required to obtain a student visa, to complete some additional forms and provide additional documentation.

ENSURE YOUR CHILD MEETS ALL OF THE SCHOOLS REQUIREMENTSCarefully read and review the admissions policy and requirements of your school of choice. Ensure that your child meets all of the entry criteria. If you have any questions or concerns, contact a school representative for further clarification.

After choosing a school for your child, you should commence the enrollment process. In this article, William Citrin provides an overview of the key steps you need to follow to enroll your child in an international or private school in Malaysia.

SUBMIT APPLICATION FORMS ALONG WITH THE APPLICATION FEE AND REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

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You will need to complete the schools application forms and then submit these to your school of choice. These forms can usually be downloaded from the schools website. If not, you can pick them up from the school itself or ask the school to send them to you.

Schools will typically request other supporting documents including photocopies of report cards and transcripts from previous schools, standardized test results, vaccination and health records, birth certificates as well as passport-sized photographs. Expatriate students will be asked to provide original copies and photocopies of their passports and visas.

Schools usually provide parents with a checklist of items that need to be completed.

Refer to this checklist to ensure that you have completed all of the necessary forms and compiled all of the required documentation before sending your application either via email, regular mail or in person to your school of choice.

Many schools require you to pay a non-refundable application fee.

It is important to note that this payment is for the processing of the application, and does not guarantee a place for your child in the school.

After submitting your application, you should receive a letter or email from the school acknowledging that they have received your application as well as an official receipt for payment of the application fee.

Please allow some time for the school to process your application. If your child meets the schools entry requirements and if the school has places available, the school will contact you to set up an

appointment for an interview and/or test.

The interview and test are meant to gauge whether your childs academic abilities and personal qualities are a good fit for the school, and whether he or she has any learning difficulties or special needs that may require attention. The nature of the assessment varies depending on the age and level of the student.

BRING YOUR CHILD TO THE SCHOOL FOR AN INTERVIEW AND TEST

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Your childs application and performance on the assessment will be reviewed by the school, and you will be notified of the schools decision on your childs admission.

Generally speaking, there are three possible outcomes:

1) Your application is successful and you child is offered a place in the school.

2) Your application is successful, but the school is full and does not have a place for your child and so

your child will be placed on a waiting list. You will be notified later should a place become available.

3) Your application was not successful.

If your child is admitted into your school of choice, you will need to confirm your acceptance of the offer and pay a refundable deposit as well as registration, tuition and/or other fees to secure his or her place.

RECEIVE OFFER OF ACCEPTANCE FROM THE SCHOOL AND PAY FEES

Education Destination Malaysia: Guide to International & Private Schools 61


School Fees

Cost is, without a doubt, a major consideration for most parents looking to send their child to an international or private school in Malaysia.

Unless your company is covering the cost of your childrens schooling, an education at an international or private school in Malaysia will be a significant investment for you.

Fortunately, Malaysia offers a wide range of choices of international and private schools, enabling parents to find a school that fits their budget.

The box on the right shows the types of fees that international and private schools typically charge. Each school, however, has a different fee structure and may use different terms to refer to its various fees. Before applying to a school, it is imperative that you take the time to review and understand its fee structure and schedule.

Additionally, some schools offer discounts for early payment or for families with multiple siblings attending the same school. Please check your schools policies to find out if you are eligible for these or other fee reductions.

Tuition/ Term FeeTuition or term fees must be paid to the school on a regular basis to fund your childs ongoing education.

The amount of these fees varies widely from to school to school. The payment schedule for each school is different and you may be required to pay tuition fees on an annual, quarterly, semester or monthly basis.

Tuition fees typically increase as your child moves up through the levels of the school system.

School Development Fee/ School Building FundThis one-time or annual fee is charged by some schools to cover the costs of physical improvements, renovation and expansion of school facilities.

Other Fees In many schools, the cost of textbooks, uniforms, and field trips are excluded from the tuition fees and must be paid separately.

Also, parents typically have to pay additional fees for item

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