Oasis International School, Bandar Rimbayu

With a legacy of academic excellence to its name, Oasis International Schools represents an extensive network of schools globally, with its very first one being established in Korea. Founded around four decades ago and based in Tennessee, USA, Oasis International Schools is a name synonymous with eminence in the academic world. The aim of this acclaimed educational network is to establish and nurture American style international schools all over the world.

Here in Malaysia, Oasis International School Kuala Lumpur, which is located in the scenic township of Bandar Rimbayu, started its 5th academic year on the 10th of August 2022. Programs available here are Elementary, Middle School and High School. Kiddy123 recently had the opportunity to catch up with the Director of School Advancement, Bekah Dawson, to find out among others, about the American curriculum and what it has to offer for our children’s education.

“Malaysia has an incredible market for international schools. While most of the international schools that were already operating here were using the British curriculum, there was, however, a niche opportunity for an international school with the American curriculum, which offers a different option for students with different learning styles other than the customary choice of curriculum,” Bekah shared.

Why the American curriculum?

While keeping in mind that parents are the ones who know their children best, when it comes to education, there are differences in learning styles and needs where a certain curriculum may be able to help bring out the best in a child’s learning experiences. “At this point, I’d like to state that while the American curriculum is not better than, nor worse than, any other school curriculum available in Malaysia, there are elements of our curriculum that may prove beneficial for students with particular learning styles. Our assessment methods, for one, set us apart from the UK curriculum.”

“One analogy we like to use is one referring to fireworks vs the Chinese-style firecrackers. In the UK curriculum, assessments are exceptionally weighted, like the large explosion at the end of a lengthy stretch of fireworks, which we can compare to, say, the IGCSE. the ‘A’ Levels, etc. With the American curriculum however, assessments are done throughout the semesters, as likened to the mini-explosions of Chinese-style firecrackers, whereby every little thing counts for your end-of-year marks or final grades and so on,” Bekah diligently explained. She went on to state that while exams, quizzes and tests are still very much a part of the whole curriculum, they are not as heavy-weighted as the ones which students have to face with the UK curriculum.

In hindsight, the school offers a much more ideal learning experience for students who may have issues such as exam anxiety, and even those who are prone to merely memorizing everything they are taught instead of fully comprehending the facts.

The pathway to higher studies also differs with the American curriculum – armed with a high school diploma, students may proceed to their chosen universities, for it is accepted all over the world.

Fully involved educators

When asked about the teaching staff of Oasis International School KL, Bekah was pleased to point out that they are a caring, involved lot, who fully immerse themselves into their teaching duties, educating and guiding their students towards their future success. “Our teachers are actually our biggest selling point for they are passionate and are far from being the clock-in and clock-out kind. They teach, co-host the different clubs we have here for students, plus, they are also the students’ sports coach, and more. Equipped with the US Teaching Certification, each teacher here takes the trouble to ensure that all of their students’ learning needs are met, with no one being left behind in their respective classes.

In fact, most students and parents for that matter can’t help but mention the dedication of the teachers at Oasis International School at helping to build students’ confidence as the main reason why they would recommend the school to others!

An amazing campus

The Oasis International School KL boasts a breathtaking campus with amenities and facilities worth envying. Other than the Elementary, Middle and High School classrooms, a Performing Arts center, a library (Learning Lab), as well as a Cafeteria, one of the more outstanding features of the school has to be its gym, not only for the way it is equipped, but also the sheer size of it. Sports, after all, is a major aspect in the American way of life, including school life! Another feature the school is proud of, and loved by students, is its Launch Pad, a modern, innovative classroom equipped with a 3D printer, green screens, iMacs, etc. It is a learning space for children to utilize technology for the purpose of creation.

Garnering lots of favorable reviews, Oasis International School KL is more than commendable as far as quality education goes, and families whose children are attending or have attended it tend to recommend it highly to others.