Sunway International School, Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, Johor Campus

In 2017, Sunway International School (SIS) opened the doors to its second campus in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, offering Kindergarten-Grade 12 programmes using a dual curriculum of Canada Ontario Program and International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes. The 7-acre campus of SIS Iskandar Puteri is strategically located in the primary southern development corridor in the southern state of Johor. Kiddy123 was fortunate to be able to interview the school Principal, Mr Craig Gerow for some insight on the finer points of the school’s curriculum as well as the outstanding facilities the school offers for the benefit of its students.

Naturally, our first question was why the chosen curriculum, to which Mr. Craig’s reply was that the Ontario programme, which is more or less the school’s teaching system, has approaches, philosophies, as well as assessment style which are similar to the IB Programme, whereby both take on a holistic view on students’ overall progression and development. “It makes for a smoother, stress-free progression from the elementary programme based on the Ontario curriculum in Grade JK to 5 and the IB MYP programme that students progress to in Grade 6,” he explained.

SIS Iskandar Puteri offers Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary school programmes. The elementary programme is based on the Ontario curriculum. In Secondary School students enter the IB Middle Years programme that uses the Ontario curriculum outcomes with the IB framework of teaching and learning. Upon completion of the MYP students can then opt for a 2-year IBCP (IB Career-related Programme) in Business Studies or, 2-year IBDP (Diploma Programme) that prepares students for university entrance. Alternatively, they may choose to proceed to grade 11 Ontario Programme at SIS Sunway City KL before proceeding to pre-university level at Sunway College in KL. This combining of the Canadian Ontario school curriculum and the International Baccalaureate programme at SIS Iskandar Puteri is seen as impactful in widening the learning scope of students who attend this school, and among other benefits, encourages them to be more open to diverse ideas and opinions, and cooperate with others in meaningful ways.

Skillful and caring teaching staff

The academic personnel and the administrative staff, are all experienced professionals who have always shown concern regarding the education and welfare of their students. They tend to always give their very best as they work alongside their charges, guiding them to achieve their highest potentials. All teachers hold valid teaching licenses recognized by the Ministry of Education and have degrees in education. All IB teachers at SIS Iskandar Puteri are also IB trained and have ongoing training as required by IB, “Our teachers come from various backgrounds, have different areas of specialization and academic experiences, which in turn allows us as a school to offer more in terms of teaching techniques and styles,” Mr. Craig shared.

Another point here which we’re sure parents would love to hear is that at SIS Iskandar Puteri, teachers are known for their outstanding effort in ensuring that all of their students feel included, with none being left out in receiving an excellent education. Among other outstanding qualities, this air of inclusiveness helps to set SIS apart from other international schools.

Assessing for students’ success

Students are assessed and evaluated on an ongoing basis, allowing teachers to keep track of their progress and work out the best ways to help their students achieve their goals. Course work makes up the foundation of the assessment at SIS - so students and teachers can track progression and determine next steps in their learning journey. Apart from that, punctuality and attendance are also monitored, with parents receiving progress reports each mid-term as well as at the end of each semester. Through the use of the Toddle learning platform, parents can access student learning, progress and results on an ongoing basis.

An accomplished name in International School Education

For the past six years, ever since it opened its doors to the community, SIS Iskandar Puteri has provided a supportive atmosphere in which students feel encouraged to pursue their academic and personal success. With smaller learning groups and more personalized attention, students get to reach their maximum potential and thrive in an active and vibrant school community. There is also an ideal balance between academic and co-curricular activities for the students of SIS Iskandar Puteri, helping them emerge as skilful, responsible global citizens who are ready for the challenges of 21st century.