Tag: International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)

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Education

Nurturing Global Citizens through Multilingualism

What does it mean to be a global citizen in today’s world?

At The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), this question is not just pondered but actively explored through the school’s efforts to celebrate multilingualism. Here, languages are more than subjects; they are pathways to understanding, connecting, and thriving in a globalized society.

Discover how ISKL supports and celebrates multilingual learners, nurturing them to thrive as global citizens.

FOSTERING GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING

ISKL is committed to cultivating global citizens who are comfortable navigating the complexities of a diverse world. The school’s support for multilingual learners is central to this mission, providing students with the tools and cultural insights necessary to engage with and contribute to the world around them.

High school student Mei, who is interested in exploring the medical and translation field, has the opportunity to create medical translation posters to be placed in the nurses’ clinics so that other students can feel comfortable expressing their needs in their mother tongue. She says, “Since finding my interests here, I would also like to apply my knowledge and contribute to society to make a place where people can find their own identity.”

CELEBRATING LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY

When you join ISKL, you automatically become part of a friendly, dynamic, and inclusive community comprising families representing over 70 nationalities. Through its vibrant array of language programs, events such as International Mother Tongue Day and international celebrations instills a deep respect for cultural diversity, which is essential for global citizens.

Elementary School teacher Ivy Qian shares, “In my role as a Chinese teacher, I strive to teach my students the language and culture of China, which not only enriches their understanding of the world but also enhances their communication skills. Effective communication is critical to building a better world.”

Mona, who took part as one of the French voiceovers in Cendrée-Rions, a reimagined version of the Cinderella story, felt a sense of accomplishment as it was something she never thought she could do. She explains, “I’ve never imagined I’d be part of a voice recording in an animated story in French, and this experience will stay with me throughout my future visions and goals.”

EMPOWERING STUDENTS WITH MULTILINGUAL SKILLS

At ISKL, students are encouraged to harness the power of language to broaden their perspectives and connect with others across cultural boundaries. This empowerment leads to remarkable achievements as students confidently navigate different linguistic landscapes, showcasing the real-world value of their multilingual abilities.

High school students Gia and Luca took on the amazing feat of contributing to Alo Alo magazine and wrote articles in Spanish despite it not being their home language. 

Luca, who wrote an article about his grandfather, explains, “My article about my grandfather was very personal, but it felt mighty to write about him. Writing about such a sad experience was enjoyable, but finding the positives that came with it made me very happy.” 

A COMMUNITY UNITED IN DIVERSITY

The inclusive atmosphere at ISKL ensures that every community member, from students to parents, contributes to a collective global vision. Language learning here is not just an academic exercise but a means to build bridges, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect that transcends linguistic differences.

Leandro Venier, the Head of the Department for World Languages in High School, feels lucky to have joined a school with a community that celebrates multilingualism like ISKL. He says, “I find it amazing that ISKL can offer so many different languages at so many different levels, both as native proficiency and second language acquisition courses.

It is also very interesting to me to have colleagues from diverse backgrounds teaching different languages. It is all very enriching.”

As parents, it is important to prepare our children for the challenges and opportunities of the future, and we play a part in ensuring that they are thriving in an environment where passion is nurtured, diversity is celebrated, and connections are cherished.

Curious about the unique advantages a diverse school like ISKL offers? Gain insights with our exclusive interactive e-book here. 

Established in 1965, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) has become known as a center of excellence in the world of international education. ISKL is a co-educational, private, non-profit school responsible for the learning journey of over 1,700 students aged 3-18 years representing more than 70 nationalities at its campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

ISKL offers a robust international curriculum that combines leading North American educational frameworks with global best practices. The curriculum recognizes that students are on a lifelong learning journey and is driven by ISKL’s purpose to prepare our students for life itself, as we believe in the importance of helping students to shape their own paths, supporting them in discovering their passions, developing their competencies, and having an ethical impact on the world.

ISKL is accredited internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS), and in the United States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). ISKL has a strong focus on service and sustainability across its divisions and is a member of the Eco-Schools organization and the Green Schools Alliance.

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Education

School Snaps: Empowering Young Changemakers at ISKL!

The air is positively buzzing with inspiration for the Grade 5 students at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) as they attend the annual Red Hats Social Changemaker’s Conference! Every Grade 5 student has the opportunity to serve on the Red Hat Leadership Team, where they become role models for fellow friends as they follow The Melawati Way.

Aimed at supporting our young learners’ research and action projects on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the conference brought together activists and non-governmental organizations who donate their time to help others. 

This year’s speakers include Lim Su Yi of Dignity for Children, Datuk Munirah Hamid representing PERTIWI Soup Kitchen, human rights lawyer Siti Kassam, Seema Kulkarni of Chin’s Woman Organisation, Theresa Ng of Reef Check Malaysia, and Rina Omar of Free Tree Society. The session encapsulates what it means to be a changemaker at ISKL. It is about how even the smallest gestures can make a big difference in an individual or situation. It is about the realization that each of us has the ability to be a changemaker.

To learn more about how ISKL empowers your child to be a global citizen, head over to iskl.edu.my today!

*This article was first published in The Expat (August 2022 edition).

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Education

School Snaps: ISKL’S 2022-2023 Scholarship Award Ceremony

Four Malaysian students were awarded scholarships to study at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) at an award ceremony on May 23, 2022. 

Encik Fauzi Asirop, Director, Private Education Department, Ministry of Education Malaysia presented certificates to the recipients of ISKL’s prestigious two-year International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Scholarship, Rhenu Arivananthan and Delphine Thompson, and recipients of the inaugural four-year ISKL High School Pathways Scholarship, Vidyaasni Pretyba Uthiya Kumar, and Soraya Hani Bte Shuhaizan.

ISKL Head of School Rami Madani told the recipients, “You impressed us with your academic achievements as well as the diversity of your interests and community involvement. What resonated deeply with our panel was the high expectation that you have for yourself and your desire to improve conditions for yourself, others, and our world. This embodies ISKL’s Vision and Mission and we are excited about the contribution you will each make to our school and community.”

*This article was first published in The Expat (July 2022 edition).

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Education

School Snaps: Buzzing School Life at ISKL!

Excitement filled the air at The International School of Kuala Lumpur’s (ISKL) 25-acre campus, which is positively buzzing with student events happening across divisions! 

Upbeat tunes celebrating friendship and school life echoed at the Robert B. Gaw Theatre as talented Middle School students performed their hearts out for the production of High School Musical Jr. Although the students had minimal practice leading up to the big day, their talents shone as they graced the stage with familiar numbers such as “Get’cha Head In The Game” and “We’re All In This Together.” Apart from the essential learning experiences, this is a memory that will last a lifetime.

While over in the Elementary School Wing, our young Panthers reached a new milestone as they showcased bravery and courage during ISKL’s pop-up Vaccination Center! With SOPs in place, the vaccinations were carried out smoothly and safely for more than 180 ISKL students aged 5–11. The successful event was a collective effort by our community that garnered a lot of smiles and thumbs-ups, exemplifying the responsible and caring spirit at ISKL.

We are #ISKLproud of our Panthers! Keep up to date with more happenings at ISKL by visiting us at iskl.edu.my.

*This article was first published in The Expat (June 2022 edition).

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Articles Education

School Snaps: VOX ISKL hosts talk about how Identity-Centered Learning makes a difference for students

School and the educational experience can have an indelible impact on a child’s identity. In the latest VOX ISKL, The International School of Kuala Lumpur’s (ISKL) DEIJ Lead, Joel Jr. Llaban, was joined by international expert Daniel Wickner for a presentation and discussion about nurturing student identity through Identity-Centered Learning. 

Daniel shared with parents and educators joining from around the world how the concept provides a framework that supports student identities, creates a nurturing learning environment, and helps students gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their community, and their world. A recording of the session can be found on ISKL’s YouTube and Spotify channels.

VOX ISKL is a thought leadership initiative specially created to share learning and ignite conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) within ISKL and the wider community. Previous sessions include Living by Our Values and The Art of Courageous Conversations. 

To subscribe to ISKL events including the next VOX ISKL on May 9 with Jessica Huang from UWCSEA visit iskl.edu.my/community/events/.

*This article was first published in The Expat (May 2022 edition).

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Articles Education

School Snaps: The Arts Shine at ISKL!

At The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), the opportunities to learn outside the classroom by participating in co-curricular activities are invaluable in supporting our students to be all they are. These experiences are essential in helping our students discover passions, interests, and create a lifetime of memories. Our students recently participated in The Addams Family Musical and the annual Jazz Night productions, and one thing is for certain: both performances were a hit!

Lively music filled The Robert B. Gaw Theatre, and although the events were live-streamed to our community, the immense range of talent was undeniable. Melodic music graced our homes as the ISKL Singers and Jazz Night Combo gave beautiful renditions of hits such as Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E” and “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra. The theatre also got spooky as students transformed the space to give us a wacky performance of The Addams Family Musical featuring characters such as Morticia and Wednesday played by our diverse community.

Congratulations to our talented students for their hard work in helping the arts shine at ISKL! Are you interested in learning more about the co-curricular activities at ISKL? Head over to iskl.edu.my/co-curricular-activities. 

*This article was first published in The Expat (April 2022 edition).

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Education

School Snaps: ISKL Opens New Elementary School Rooftop Playground!

Against the backdrop of KL’s skyline, the bubbly, joyous sounds of children enjoying themselves while learning echo from the rooftop of The International School of Kuala Lumpur’s (ISKL) new Elementary School (ES) playground.

Following the opening ceremony on January 17, some lucky ES students were charged with giving the new playground a trial run. Zipping, swinging, balancing, and climbing, the students put the playground through its paces, giving it a resounding thumbs up!

As well as being great fun, the purpose-built rooftop oasis is an important learning space to inspire the imagination and develop the skills of ISKL’s young learners. The playground is also part of ISKL’s ongoing campus enhancement program, ensuring students have access to the best learning opportunities and environment possible.

This major project has been made possible by the support of ISKL’s amazing community, with gratitude for the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and parents for their involvement in the numerous ISKL Inspiration Fund fundraising activities, and alumni for their donations that have made the playground a reality. In addition to demonstrating true Panther spirit, their generosity leaves a lasting legacy for our Elementary School students. Find out more about ISKL at iskl.edu.my.

*This article was first published in The Expat (March 2022 edition).

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Explore Holistic Education at ISKL’s Open Day!

What is the purpose of education? Is it to gather knowledge or to be prepared for life?

The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) believes that supporting students in developing 21st-century skills prepares them to succeed in their future. Alongside academic learning, the values of self-directedness, the ability to think creatively, reason critically, and communicate effectively are important life skills that are integral components of ISKL’s learning principles and culture from Early Childhood through to Grade 12. 

With an agile world awaiting our youths, families must pick the best fit school for their children. Echoing this, Julia Love, ISKL’s Director of Admissions emphasized the need for parents to ensure their school of choice is future-ready in every aspect. She says, “I strongly encourage parents to ask how the school will prepare their child for their future, how their child will learn and practice the skills they need for the rapidly evolving world that awaits them, and how these skills are embedded within the curriculum and everyday life.” 

ISKL’s purpose as a school is to prepare students for life itself, as it believes in helping students shape their paths, supporting them in discovering their passions, developing their competencies, and having an ethical impact on the world. Here, students aren’t pressured to conform but encouraged to find their voice and make their own choices in learning at every level, and ISKL’s role is to guide, mentor, and support students as they take on new responsibilities, face challenges, and learn to adapt.

Having grown to become one of Malaysia’s leading international schools, ISKL understood the importance of a holistic approach to education, as the school focuses on nurturing the individual instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. This is because every child learns differently, and ISKL’s mission is to provide every learner with the flexibility to choose the pathway best suited to their abilities, interests, and aspirations. Alongside ISKL’s world-renowned IB Diploma programme, PRAXIS 2030 and Pursuits are two innovative academic options that offer our High School students even more study paths to choose from.

ISKL will be holding its Open Day this September for parents who want to learn more about how ISKL’s approach will prepare their children for the future. It’s a great chance to tour the state-of-the-art ISKL campus, hear from the Head of School, Mr. Rami Madani, and meet some key members of our community, from our Students Admission Representatives (STARs) to our Divisional Principals and parents for a Q&A session. 

Head to https://www.iskl.edu.my/admissions/iskl-open-day/ to register for ISKL’s Open Day this September. We are looking forward to sharing what our school has to offer you and your family!

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Education

School Snaps: ISKL Student Launches ‘Relieve Pay Forward System’

The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) is proud to announce the Relieve Pay Forward initiative launched by High School Senior student Hongju L., in collaboration with Global Doctors Asia and the UNHCR.

The project began in 2020 at the start of Malaysia’s first Movement Control Order, and the team finally launched their webpage on the Global Doctors Asia site in November this year. A ceremony to officiate the launch happened at the Hyatt House, Mont Kiara, on November 19, 2021. Relieve is a team founded by HongJu with co-founders Dokyung K. and Jimin. L., ISKL High School seniors who are like-minded and passionate about providing affordable healthcare services to vulnerable minority populations like refugees. They initiated the Pay Forward System to complement the existing refugee healthcare provided by Global Doctors clinics in hopes of creating a stable healthcare system for minority groups in Malaysia.

It takes a pebble to create a ripple and one person to make a difference. Let us be inspired by the admirable spirit of the Relieve Team and hope that their ripples of kindness will reach out to the many people in need of affordable healthcare services.

Read more about Hongju and her journey to founding the Relieve Team on the ISKL’s website at iskl.edu.my/community/panthers-of-iskl.

*This article was first published in The Expat (January 2022 edition).

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A World of Opportunities at ISKL

What are your best memories of school? It could be a teacher, a classmate, or a trip you took for a competition—what is for sure is that they played an important part in shaping you to become who you are today. As parents, we want to choose the right school, a school full of opportunities that will help create special memories for our children.

Here at ISKL, our co-curricular program complements our holistic education in supporting students to explore their passions and interests, achieve their goals, and better understand themselves. Essentially, we provide a world of opportunities for your child. 

A K-12 Co-curricular Program

In Elementary School, we seek to provide opportunities for our young learners to discover hobbies, sports, and interests beyond the school curriculum. While in Middle School (MS), our co-curricular program ensures that students develop agency and future-ready skills. When students enter High School (HS), they are empowered to choose and lead clubs based on their interests, competencies, and aspirations in preparation for life beyond ISKL. 

The opportunities bring a kaleidoscope of memories for our students. Let’s take a closer look at the three pillars around which our co-curricular programs are built: Activity, Creativity, Service.

Activities Beyond the Classroom

Participation in activities is an integral component of school life at ISKL. Our students learn collaboration, camaraderie, and commitment through varied activities such as debate, STEM, athletics, and sports. These attributes are developed and practiced by students of every age, on the track and trail, court and studio, and pitch and pool.

Our students compete in many local and regional competitions throughout the year, which allows them to connect with students from other schools. ISKL is also a proud participating member of The Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS) and the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asia Schools (IASAS).

An Avenue for Creativity

Creativity is central to our student’s development, and we offer a wide range of opportunities embedded within our curriculum and co-curricular activities. These are critical components in enabling all our students to experiment in a nurturing environment while encouraging them to discover new interests. 

From talent shows to musicals, youth orchestras to jazz nights, our students have myriad opportunities to hone their talents and creatively express themselves. 

Learning Through Service

A wide range of service learning co-curricular activities are available to students that encourage them to make positive changes in the world and become involved in exploring community needs, solution planning, and action.

ISKL offers several clubs that participate in community partnerships, such as the Chin Community Partnership and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Besides that, students have the opportunity to engage in Global Action Program (GAP), designed to provide students with a hands-on opportunity to make an impact within the wider community. 

A key component of ISKL’s holistic education is our broad range of co-curricular activities that provide opportunities for each student to be all they can be. To learn more about the co-curricular program at ISKL, visit here. We look forward to creating beautiful experiences for your child!

About ISKL

Established in 1965, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) has become known as a center of excellence in the world of international education. ISKL is a co-educational, private, not-for-profit school responsible for the learning journey of over 1,500 students aged 3-18 years representing more than 65 nationalities at its campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

ISKL offers a robust international curriculum which combines leading North American educational frameworks with global best practice.  The curriculum recognizes that students are on a lifelong learning journey and is driven by ISKL’s mission to challenge each student to “Be All You Are” and develop the attitudes, skills, knowledge, and understanding to become a highly successful, spirited, socially responsible global citizen.

ISKL is accredited internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS), and in the United States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). There is a strong focus on service and sustainability across its divisions and is a member of the Eco-Schools organization and the Green Schools Alliance.

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Articles Education

Find Yourself at ISKL – Leadership in Education Edition

At The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), our mission and vision statements are the bedrock of everything we do. We believe our holistic education promotes student agency that produces self-directed students who explore and pursue their interests with passion and successfully manage the complexities of our evolving world. Hence, the same level of agency is also expected from our educators to make the right decisions that will help our students grow. 

The ‘Find Yourself At ISKL’ series is an opportunity to listen to our community members as they share their journey of self-discovery, how they explored or discovered their passions and competencies while at ISKL. 

Today we invite you to hear from inspirational individuals who are passionate advocates for ensuring all students have access to learning that meets their needs and aspirations. 

Rami Madani, Head of School

“As leaders, if we were to leave a legacy, that legacy should be about people, to help them be better citizens to improve the world for themselves, others, and the environment.”

Julie Olson, Elementary School Principal

‘‘I find it enormously inspiring every day to see students fully participating in everything that we offer here at ISKL. All of the experiences, co-curricular, athletic, and education-wise — it inspires me, too!”

Azra Pathan, Elementary School Assistant Principal

‘‘I recognize other unique perspectives my colleagues bring and their backgrounds. These individuals have transformed the community into a more inclusive one that cultivates this sense of belonging. That’s the essence of shared leadership, and I discovered it here at ISKL.”

Peter Casey, Middle School Principal 

‘‘As a school leader, I want to ensure that we have excellent teachers, facilities, and programs to help every child be the person they can be, to reach their potential, and be all they are. I’m incredibly proud to be a leader here, and I am always inspired by the kids I teach and the teachers I work with. I feel fortunate, very fortunate to be a part of this community.”

Doug Woodward, Middle School Assistant Principal

‘‘A fun memory at ISKL is a tradition that builds on the community is – the Clap Out! Just remembering the students, the hugs, tears, and connections they made are pretty unique at ISKL. I think that’s something that made me find myself, which I want to guard and keep for the rest of my life.”

Jeff Farrington, High School Principal

‘‘Students take risks – being in a safe environment to take those risks, and when things don’t go perfectly, other students support them, pick them up, help them out, celebrate them, and cheer them on. In this environment and through the diversity we have, we don’t just appreciate diversity. We seek it out!” 

Jeff Harwood, High School Assistant Principal

“We know that ISKL has high academic rigor, but we’re so much more than that as a school. And the fact that our students have the opportunity to connect and take pride in our school beyond the classroom in that way is something special. And it makes me very proud to work at a place like ISKL, where students have so many different opportunities.”

We invite you to also come on this journey with us to Find Yourself at ISKL. Head over here to watch the series on our YouTube channel.

About ISKL

Established in 1965, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) has become known as a center of excellence in the world of international education. ISKL is a co-educational, private, not-for-profit school responsible for the learning journey of 1,500 students aged 3-18 years representing more than 65 nationalities at its campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

ISKL offers a robust international curriculum which combines leading North American educational frameworks with global best practice.  The curriculum recognizes that students are on a lifelong learning journey and is driven by ISKL’s mission to challenge each student to “Be All You Are” and develop the attitudes, skills, knowledge, and understanding to become a highly successful, spirited, socially responsible global citizen.

ISKL is accredited internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS), and in the United States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). There is a strong focus on service and sustainability across its divisions and is a member of the Eco-Schools organization and the Green Schools Alliance.

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Find Yourself at ISKL’s Open Day this September 30!

How can parents determine what is the ‘right’ school for their child? This is one of the most frequently asked questions Ms. Julia Love, Admissions Director at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), has encountered with parents when looking for a prospective school. Ms. Love says, “Now more than ever, in the ever-changing world we live in, the socio-emotional, caring, and community aspect is equally as important as the academic program. At ISKL, we are not just accepting students to the school; we are accepting families who want a highly academic school within a caring community with a program that gives every support to be successful.”

At ISKL, the main focus is on nurturing the individual instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to education. Why? Because every child learns differently. Our mission is to provide every learner with the flexibility to choose the pathway best suited to their abilities, interests, and aspirations. With ISKL’s two innovative academic options, PRAXIS 2030 and Pursuits, our High School students now have even more learning pathways to choose from as well as benefiting from enhanced student agency and self-directed learning. This educational approach is embodied by ISKL’s call to action to “Be All You Are,” which encourages our students to explore their passions and interests, achieve their goals, and find themselves. 

Adding to this, Ms. Love said, “Teachers will feel confident that they’ve done everything for their student’s success, and success is defined differently for each student. So the best fit for us goes back to the fact that we are not a cookie-cutter school. We ensure that the program is tailored to students’ skills, talents, and even in some areas that they lack. We want to bring parents along on the journey with us; as parents ourselves, it’s a partnership with parents, by parents, and for parents.” 

Ensuring students are supported in achieving their goals in a supportive community is a critical component of ISKL’s Vision and Mission to nurture highly successful, spirited, and socially responsible global citizens. With the added complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on education, the need for an adaptable, agile, and forward-thinking approach to learning is greater than ever, be it through onsite or hybrid learning programs, ISKL’s approach to education remains the same. In a world where self-directedness, creative thinking, critical reasoning, and effective communication are essential for success, ISKL’s role is to guide, mentor, and support students to take on new responsibilities, face challenges, and learn to adapt.  

While there are ISKL’s virtual campus tour and interactive map features, nothing beats talking to the community when researching schools. ISKL invites you to our Virtual Open Day on Thursday, September 30, 2021; an interactive live online information session held via Zoom for parents who would like to learn more about how ISKL’s approach will prepare their child/ren for the future. 

ISKL Open Days are an opportunity to meet different members of the ISKL community and ask questions to better understand the benefits of ISKL’s curriculum and approach. These are also sessions where parents can virtually meet our Head of School and divisional Principals and chat with faculty and community members in a Q&A session.

To register for ISKL’s Open Day, head over here, or chat with our Admissions team (at [email protected]). Make our ISKL, your ISKL today!