Panel of Educational Experts | Kinabalu International School (KIS)
Many parents put a lot of thought and deliberation into choosing the right school for their child. In Kota Kinabalu there are various options available, including government schools, Chinese schools, private schools and international schools. All of these educational institutions employ different curricula and approaches to teaching that influence a child’s lifelong learning. If you have felt overwhelmed about deciding between the many schooling options, you’re not alone.
While each educational institution has its own set of advantages, international schools provide a unique edge to students. Consider the following advantages as you decide on which educational institution is right for your child:
CURRICULUM
Most international schools adhere to an internationally recognised curriculum, which often incorporates an appreciation of other world cultures and the development of essential skills, which are critical for today’s world of work.
At Kinabalu International School (KIS) we follow the English National Curriculum from 3 through to 18 years old. In our Early Years Department this is called Development Matters and it focuses on the major milestones that a young child needs to achieve before they can successfully continue their academic journey into Primary.
In the Primary and Secondary schools students are taught according to the objectives of the English National Curriculum, which prepares them to study for their IGCSEs at the age of 14 and their A Levels at the age of 16.
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING PROGRAMMES
Typically, the learning environment in an international school provides smaller class sizes than government schools. At KIS we have high teacher to student ratios in classes, as well as additional in-class support from Teaching Assistants throughout the Primary School. This allows teachers to modify and tailor the curriculum to suit each child’s unique learning style and capability. Children all learn in different ways and having a teacher who can adjust their methods of teaching to benefit your child is essential.
Securing a place for your child in an international school that recruits only staff with internationally recognised teaching qualifications will ensure that your child receives a quality education. Teachers in an international school are highly experienced in differentiation. Teachers are able to support a wide range of individual learning needs in their lessons.
In international schools learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Field trips, residential trips, sports fixtures and competitions supplement a child’s in-school learning. At KIS students are encouraged to participate in trips, excursions and competitions within Kota Kinabalu and further afield.
EXPOSURE TO NEW CULTURES
International schools teach students an appreciation of world cultures and promote the development of strong bonds between students, staff and families who come from diverse backgrounds. Children benefit from these cultural experiences and learn how to work with people from all over the world. Many different festivals are celebrated in international schools and the children enjoy learning about their classmates’ diverse cultural heritages.
At KIS many of our students say that studying with peers from different cultures helps them better appreciate the world around them and gives them confidence in relating to people from other cultures and nationalities, thus helping them to develop as global citizens.
PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
International schools include extra-curricular activities (ECAs) within their curriculum. These activities help children discover and develop new skills. For instance, at KIS students have the opportunity to join a wide range of ECAs each term. Ranging from creative and academic, to sporting and musical, the extensive ECA programme has something for everyone. Extra-curricular activities are a great way for students to work with others from a range of year groups and further support the development of essential skills.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Many businesses today operate on a global scale. Employers often look for individuals who have experience working with other cultures. Such individuals tend to be more effective when collaborating with people from various cultures.
Most students who attend international schools will also learn more than one language. At KIS English is the language of instruction used for all lessons. Children also learn Mandarin and, depending on the child’s nationality, they choose to learn either French or Malay. Many employers see multilingualism as a desired trait.
THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
When considering which school is right for your child, gathering accurate information and experiencing the school for yourself is an essential part of the process. At KIS we welcome families to book appointments to visit the school, talk with our Admissions and Academic staff and see the school in action. We pride ourselves in supporting families at every stage of this important decision-making process.
