In a world where self-directedness, the ability to think creatively, reason critically and communicate effectively are essential for success, educators must be able to guide, mentor and support students as they develop the skills needed for future success. It is becoming increasingly evident that students will need these future-ready competencies to thrive in a complex and ever-changing global landscape.
Ensuring students at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) are future-ready is a critical component of its vision and mission to nurture successful and socially responsible global citizens. ISKL’s Head of School, Mr. Rami Madani believes the school’s success in preparing students for their future depends on how well they support all learners in developing 21st-century skills.
Mr. Madani is particularly excited about two new additions to ISKL’s High School academic program for 2020–2021—PRAXIS 2030 and Pursuits Program. “We know it’s important for our learners to be equipped with the skills they need to be future-ready but we also know that learning is a highly personal endeavour—every child learns differently, which is why we are introducing two new academic pathways for our High School students to choose from. The flexibility and innovative nature of these new programmes means we are able to better support the differing needs and goals of all our learners.”
Developed by ISKL’s Teaching and Learning specialists, both programmes are based on global research and best practice. In Grade 9, students can elect to learn in either a conventional classroom setting with each subject is taught on a stand-alone basis, or enrol in PRAXIS 2030, an innovative interdisciplinary two-year programme that encourages students to integrate their learning as they seek to address real-world challenges—fostering exploration, collaboration and problem-solving.
The two-year Pursuits Program available for Grade 11 and 12 students emphasises self-directed learning and offers students the opportunity to combine individual International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, and High School Diploma courses to create their own programme of study and focus on a chosen subjects such as Global Issues or Engineering and Design.
The programme also includes an Applied Learning experience where students can practise their knowledge and skills outside the classroom via an off-campus internship, dedicated weekly service, or a work placement assignment within one of ISKL’s own departments. Students benefit from gaining real-world insights and additional knowledge to augment their learning, aids post-secondary decision-making and supports transition from school to university or workplace.
Mr. Madani continues, “We know that learning is enhanced and endures when students are engaged in activities that are authentic, relevant, and meaningful to them. Student voice and choice is important, and our two new academic programmes are designed to empower and actively encourage self-directed learning and based on extensive global research and best practice. They offer every learner the flexibility to choose the curriculum best suited to their abilities, interests, and aspirations.”
The introduction of Pursuits Program in Grade 11 and 12 provides an innovative alternative to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme that ISKL has offered since 1989. As the longest running World IB School in Malaysia, ISKL has seen more than 1,420 students graduate with an IB Diploma over the past 28 years, representing a 96% pass rate. The flexibility offered by ISKL’s academic programme creates additional further education and beyond school opportunities for its students worldwide.
To find out more about the flexibility of an ISKL education or arrange a live virtual tour contact admissions@iskl.edu.my or + 603 4813 5004.
