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Secondary School

Our Faculties

Our carefully designed, well resourced faculties enable our students to extend their knowledge and skills, and develop their interests across a broad range of subjects. We invite you to learn more about what your faculties have to offer your child.

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Art

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Business Education

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Design & Technology

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Drama

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English

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Humanities

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Maths

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Music

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Science

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Physical Education

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World Languages

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Art

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Available for Year 9 to 13

Business Education

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Available for all Secondary

Design & Technology

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Available for all Secondary

Drama

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Available for all Secondary

English

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Available for all Secondary

Humanities

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Available for all Secondary

Maths

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Music

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Science

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Available for Year 7 to 11

Physical Education

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Available for all Secondary

World Languages

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Available for all Secondary

Art

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Available for Year 9 to 13

Business Education

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Available for all Secondary

Design & Technology​

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Available for all Secondary

Drama

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Available for all Secondary

English

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Available for all Secondary

Humanities

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Available for all Secondary

Maths

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Available for all Secondary

Music

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Available for all Secondary

Science

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Available for Year 7 to 11

Physical Education

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Available for all Secondary

World Languages

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Our Secondary Curriculum

Our Secondary Curriculum offering provides a wide and varied range of subjects and learning opportunities to best cater for our students.

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Our Sixth Form Curriculum

Our broad Sixth Form Curriculum offering prepares our students for life beyond GIS.

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Secondary Faculty: Art
Art

Secondary faculty

Art

Introduction

The study of art fosters curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. It helps us to make sense of our own lives and identify with the lives of others. At GIS, art students are encouraged to find their own voice as they create artwork which expresses personal solutions to open ended questions. In a rapidly changing and complex world, creativity and innovation will be essential skills for the future and by developing these and many other transferable skills, art supports the growth of well rounded, resilient and thoughtful young people.

Creativity takes courage

-Henri Matisse

Available for all Secondary

Art At Garden International School

By developing skills in a range of traditional and digital media at Key Stage 3, art students learn to record observations and create artworks which convey ideas and meaning. They are asked to critically investigate the work of artists, designers and craftspeople from across different cultures and times, and to understand the contexts in which they were made.

As part of the creative process, they are expected to make critical judgments on their own artworks, reflecting on quality and meaning. Throughout the process they are asked to explain their ideas and justify their creative decisions.

As students move through our GCSE and A Level courses, they are supported in developing independence as they undertake research into areas of personal interest and develop artwork which expresses their own ideas, observations and opinions about the world. They can choose to pursue a specialism in Art and Design or Photography.

Wider Learning Opportunities

The experience of art is not confined to the classroom. Our students have the opportunity to visit galleries and attend field trips. We also regularly invite creative professionals to visit our school and share their knowledge, skills and experiences with our students. While the end of year exhibition is a highlight of the year, students have many opportunities to share their work with our community through regular mini-exhibitions, competitions and displays. We also offer a wide range of creative CCAs where students can hone particular skills or explore specific interests.

Our Facilities

The GIS Art faculty prides itself in the use of outstanding facilities offering state-of-the-art resources – including a fully equipped photography studio and excellent ceramics facilities.

At the heart of our department is the open plan Sixth Form studio where our A level students have their own workspace.

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Secondary Faculties: Business
Business

Secondary Faculty

Business Education

Introduction

The Business Education Faculty encompasses the broad and exciting subjects of Business Studies, Economics, Accounting, ICT and Computer Science— areas of learning that have become invaluable in their contribution to success in our global community.

With uncertainty and change so prevalent in today’s world, learning from the Business Education subjects can provide the knowledge, skills and understanding one needs to thrive in such a climate.

Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demands our best.

-Theodore Isaac Rubin

Available for all Secondary

Business Education At Garden International School

Business Education subjects continue to entwine themselves in almost every thread of our lives. It has become impossible to escape the magnitude and impact they have, influencing what we buy, how we study, work, travel and even how we enjoy our leisure time… our opinions and the choices we make are influenced by what happens in these ever-evolving areas of learning.

As our planet becomes ever more interdependent and the pace of technological advancement continues to speed up, the demand for well-trained, informed business leaders, who are economically and technologically literate, grows ever more necessary. The Business Education Faculty at GIS recognises our role here, preparing students to become responsible global citizens and ethical leaders for this uncertain future.

Wider Learning Opportunities

Business Education subjects, as well as being incredibly valuable in their own right, are disciplines that are complements to further study in almost any subject. Students will be well prepared for a whole range subjects such as Philosophy, Sociology, Political Studies, History, Geography, Employment Relations, Organisation Studies, International Business, International Relations, Finance, Statistics, Marketing, Computer Science, Web Design and Commercial Law (to name just a few) at universities across the globe. With uncertainty and change so prevalent in today’s world, learning from the Business Education subjects can provide the knowledge, skills and understanding one needs to thrive in such a climate.

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Secondary Faculty: Design And Technology
Design And Technology

Secondary Faculty

Design And Technology

Introduction

Design and Technology at GIS provides authentic learning experiences that are enduring and memorable. We believe that students are provided with the opportunity to manufacture high quality products that can be used in their everyday lives. Engineering is in the top 3 most popular career choices made by GIS students and so our curriculum has particular emphasis on engineering and scientific principles.

We aim to create artists who are engineers and engineers who are artists. Design is about integrating a range of disciplines

– Dr Mark Evans.

Available for all Secondary

Design & Technology At Garden International School

In Years 7 to 9, the projects have a specific focus, either on resistant materials, graphic products, or new technologies. This includes computer aided design, computer aided manufacture or the use of manufacturing aids such as jigs, moulds, templates or dies. Design and Technology is a practical subject and therefore the projects reflect this. Each student will make a fully functioning product and will only be assessed on the making.

In Years 11 to 13, we work with local companies in order to provide students an experience of live design briefs. These range from lighting to food packaging, which then extend to architectural design at both IGCSE and A Level. In 2020, the department is proud to have achieved 100%A*- A for IGCSE and 70% A*-A for A Level in public examinations.

The department now also offers enrichment activities as part of the curriculum for Key Stage 4 and 5. These range from engineering systems and control, manufacturing innovation to building a full size electric powered car for racing.

Wider Learning Opportunities

Design and Technology has had the privilege of taking teams to the F1 in Schools World Final for the last 3 years. Students have the opportunity to enter the competition and different levels of entry as part of the CCA program. In addition to this, students can build and race a full size electric powered car as part of the Greenpower Trust race series, working in teams and building the car using a standard chassis before modifying it.

Our Facilities

The Design and Technology department is very well resourced, providing students with the opportunity to use a range of new technologies such as laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers, milling machines and centre lathes. There is still a need to teach those traditional engineering hand skills, so the curriculum is a blend of both new and traditional techniques. This provides students with a very broad skill base which is essential for higher learning and industry.

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Secondary Faculty: Drama
Drama

Secondary Faculty

Drama

Introduction

Drama at GIS is all about creativity, because we believe that creative leaders are the most successful leaders. By developing our students’ creativity in Drama, we also develop their confidence, leadership, teamwork and analytical thinking.

Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.

– Meisener

Available for all Secondary

Drama At Garden International School

Every student studies Drama once a week in Years 7 to 9. Across this programme of learning, students develop their confidence to perform to others in their class, learn a range of acting techniques and styles and practise offering and receiving constructive feedback to improve their work. GIS Drama students tend to generate a higher level of curiosity, passion and enthusiasm for things in life, viewing the world from a more mature and potentially wiser angle.

With the option to study the very popular IGCSE Drama course in Years 10 and 11, students fine-tune the skills they learned in Years 7 to 9, learning how to perform group scripted and group devised plays as well as monologues. Throughout the course, students learn as actors, directors, designers and evaluators. Students analyse set texts as well as their own work. Our IGCSE results, which continue to be some of the highest in the school are testimony to the academic rigour underpinning the GIS Drama curriculum.

Additionally, we offer A level Drama for our 16 to 18 year olds. The course includes a range of group and individual performances, the study and performance of set texts and individual research and performances.  

Wider Learning Opportunities

The Drama department leads a range of public performances across the academic year which are open to all students to audition for or participate in. We also organise residential visits to the ever popular FOBISIA Drama Festivals, live theatre visits and subscribe to Digital Theatre Plus to allow students to watch a range of thought-provoking, age appropriate drama.

Our Facilities

We are particularly proud of our newly enhanced Drama studios, including our immersive environment room. Each studio offers a different performance opportunity for our students and our black box studio houses a lighting rig that students are able to design the lighting for their performance from an ipad.

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Secondary Faculties: English
English

Secondary Faculty

English

Introduction

‘The limits of your language are the limits of your world’. This is the motto in the English faculty at GIS. We appreciate the fact that every facet of our lives is tied to our ability to communicate effectively and be able to interpret the communication of others. This is why we strive to develop every student’s personal communication skills including reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. At the same time, we are passionate about nurturing a love of language and literature in every student that we teach.

‘The limits of your language are the limits of your world’

– Ludwig Wittgenstein (philosopher)

Available for all Secondary

English At Garden International School

At Key Stage 3, students have the opportunity to explore a range of texts and language topics including Shakespeare, prose, poetry and media. Our bespoke curriculum is based upon the National Curriculum of England and Wales and we are proud of the innovative, engaging units we teach to inspire our students and build their skills in all areas of English: reading, writing, speaking and listening. At Key Stage 4, we follow the Cambridge IGCSE English Language and Literature programmes and we have a healthy uptake of Key Stage 5 students choosing to study AS and A level English Literature.

Across all key stages, students are motivated to read engaging, challenging and thought-provoking texts. Writing skills are honed by providing regular opportunities for crafting texts in a wide range of styles and formats. Speaking and listening skills are a focus in every teaching unit, and students are encouraged to recognise that communication is a catalyst for change and an invaluable tool to shape the world around them. We strive to deliver enjoyable and engaging lessons which help students to gain a deep understanding of how to explore issues, develop arguments, communicate effectively and critically analyse language in the world around us.

Wider Learning Opportunities

We also run a wide range of challenging and engaging CCA opportunities including debating, book club, creative writing workshops and poetry slams. We are proud that GIS students are regularly successful in national and international writing competitions; we have even had student work published in anthologies! Furthermore, we offer weekly English support sessions to help students build their confidence and prowess in reading and writing. We strongly encourage all students to become involved in these wider opportunities to further develop their knowledge and skills in English.

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Secondary Faculties: Humanities
Humanities

Secondary Faculty

Humanities

Introduction

‘Our world will face huge changes over the next generation, from a rapidly increasing global population to the challenges of living in an interwoven and technologically driven world. The Humanities at GIS foster the skills and knowledge needed to understand our complex world in order to help it to adapt to these challenges so that humanity can enjoy equal access to opportunity and happiness. The study of History, Geography, Sociology, and Psychology allows you to explore the past, challenge the present, and shape the future.’

Explore the past, challenge the present, shape the future.

Available for all Secondary

Humanities At Garden International School

At Key Stage 3, Humanities students investigate a wide range of topic areas designed to develop a deep understanding and passion for the world and how it is shaped. Students study contemporary issues such as rapid population growth and global warming alongside developing their understanding of slavery, empire, and 20th Century History. Furthermore, students work collaboratively on the Humanities Project where they investigate concepts such as politics, taxation and sustainability. Finally, there is a particular focus on the geography and history that has shaped Malaysia.

At Key Stage 4 and 5, students are able to study a range of diverse subject areas from Geography, History, Sociology, Psychology, and the Global Awareness Project. Students are advised to refer to the individual syllabus provided by the Cambridge International Exam Board for further details on the content of these diverse courses alongside speaking to their teacher.

GIS Humanities students develop a range of skills that they will benefit from throughout their lives, particularly around investigation, planning, data collection, data presentation, making meaningful conclusions, justifying, evaluating, assessing, teamwork, creation and design, critical thinking, discussion, use of evidence and forging substantiated opinions.

Wider Learning Opportunities

Exciting trips to Lentang and Langkawi allow our students to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world context. Once again, this allows our students to observe the complexity of the world and design well thought out and realistic solutions to current global problems. We are always looking for opportunities to invite experts within their field to deliver presentations and concepts to students in a relatable and inspiring way. Finally, the Community Service, Model United Nations, and Green Team CCAs complement the Humanities subjects and content.

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Secondary Faculty: Maths
Math

Secondary Faculty

Maths

Introduction

Maths at GIS is geared towards supporting and inspiring students in becoming confident and strategic problem-solvers and problem-posers. Through learning the rigour and precision of proof, students will understand and model the world around them, developing skills they can utilise across the curriculum and beyond school.

Through the rigorous study of Maths, students learn how to pose hypotheses, analyse data, recognise problems, construct logical conclusions, think critically, seek new methods and new learning, and adapt to new information.

​​We will always have STEM with us. Some things will drop out of the public eye and go away, but there will always be science, engineering, and technology. And there will always, always be mathematics.

-Katherine Johnson

Available for all Secondary

Maths At Garden International School

At GIS, Maths students develop their mathematical skills and knowledge, but often an interest and fascination for maths itself. Students take pride in their mathematical knowledge and achievements and this pride contributes visibly to their enjoyment of the subject. Students of Maths at GIS are also given plenty of opportunities to apply their learning to problems in challenges and unfamiliar situations.

GIS Maths students will also develop number manipulation skills that will support an efficient process of computation, solving problems and estimating results. This also provides students with the ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas successfully using the language of maths, as well as enhance their strategic thinking and perseverance skills.

Our programme at GIS is based on the British Curriculum at KS3, but has been amended for our international cohort. We focus on extending and challenging each student individually. At KS4, we support learners to follow a path most suited to them, either a fast track, extended or core pathway. In KS5, this leads to a significant number of students opting to study Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics at A Level. 

Wider Learning Opportunities

It goes without saying that Maths underpins many other subjects, both throughout the academic pathway of a student, but also in life. Consequently, we take the importance of Maths very seriously at GIS. An extensive selection of co-curricular activities for deepening students’ enjoyment and understanding of mathematics, along with a multitude of personalised routes through the secondary curriculum, make Maths stand out as one of the principal pillars of the GIS curriculum.

Maths Competitions

Maths students are aided by an extensive support programme throughout their time at GIS and are also given the opportunity to partake in many worldwide competitions, such as SASMO, KMC, UKMT, ASMO, ASMA, AIME, FOBISIA and within schools in Kuala Lumpur.

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Secondary Faculty: Music
Music

Secondary Faculty

Music

Introduction

Music is an essential form of human expression all around the world. It develops skills such as creativity, resilience, teamwork, analytical thinking and emotional wellbeing. As a faculty, our main goal is to provide a first rate musical education, which not only takes students to the highest level for those pursuing musical careers, but also provides a stimulating, challenging and inclusive musical programme for all students. We have a wide array of opportunities for students to develop and explore music, from classroom learning and electives, to CCAs and events; there is something for everyone in the music department!

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.

– Plato

Available to all Secondary

Music At
Garden International School

We offer a rich curriculum in music from Early Years through to A level. 

At KS3, students will continue their journey with an emphasis on playing together and exploring how to apply their learning to real-world situations, such as songwriting, film music, performances, music for social change and much more. Technology and composition will play an increasingly important role as KS3 progresses.

At KS4 & 5, students will have chosen to study music and will learn about music across an even broader range of styles, genres and cultures. They will learn to think about music in completely new ways and use this to collaborate, analyse, compose and perform a variety of musical material.

At KS4 & 5, we now also offer new electives in sound recording and advanced music performance. These are exciting new learning avenues that serve a separate purpose to our IGCSE & A Level courses, but compliment them when taken together.

Wider Learning Opportunities

Music offers a wide range of exciting wider learning opportunities .We have 20+ music-specific CCAs including primary and secondary symphony orchestras, string orchestra, choirs, rock band, samba band, guitar, ukulele and record groups and more. From these CCAs, many students will be invited to perform at concerts, recitals and assemblies.

GIS is known for its incredible musical theatre productions in both primary and secondary. These performances are auditioned and showcase the incredible talent of our students.

Our ever-popular instrumental music programme (IMP) has been running for many years. We have roughly 300 students enrolled to take individual lessons on a variety of instruments here on campus (or online). Our tutors are highly trained, professional musicians and teachers with years of experience.

Our Facilities

Music is a through-school department, meaning that primary and secondary collaborate in many ways, with our staff sharing an office. We have two separate floors for music, with well-resourced rooms full of instruments and music tech resources! Both floors have a variety of ensemble rooms and practice rooms, including an orchestra rehearsal room with a full orchestral percussion set. The recent addition of a music tech suite means that students can work creatively on composition and music production using current technologies.

The music department is a place where staff students come to find a sense of creative space and connection. It is a vibrant, exciting and active part of the school.

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Secondary Faculty: Science​​
Science​​

Secondary Faculty

Science​

Introduction

In the Science faculty, we strive to prepare students for life by helping them to develop a curiosity and passion about the world around them. We want students to take an informed interest in scientific matters that affect their everyday lives and better understand the value of the scientific method.

But then science is nothing but a series of questions that lead to more questions.

 
Terry Pratchett

Available to all Secondary

Science At Garden International School

Students will experience a range of lessons in which activities are focussed around observing, exploring and discussing fundamental scientific concepts. As subject specialists, our teachers have a deep understanding of these core concepts and the journey students need to go through learning to truly understand complex phenomena. In terms of skills, students will learn scientific skills such as hypothesising, experimenting, observing, recording, analysing and concluding as part of the ‘scientific method,’ but also develop other skills such as objectivity, integrity, initiative and inventiveness.

We put great value on students being able to experience scientific phenomena first hand, so many lessons make use of practical activities or interactive demonstrations. Students, for instance, may be involved in learning about organs through dissections (Biology), deducing pH of solutions using titrations (Chemistry) or investigating motion and forces through the use of ramps and light gates (Physics).

We offer a range of courses at IGCSE level, either Co-ordinated Science or Separate Sciences (Biology, Physics and Chemistry). Unsurprisingly, this leads to large numbers of GIS students choosing to study Sciences at AS and A2 Level. Students feel supported and prepared for their examinations and the results by and large speak for themselves. In fact, many students go on to study Science based degrees at university-level.

Wider Learning Opportunities

Lessons are complemented by an exciting variety of science-based co-curricular activities and clubs, such as Science Club, Reach Out Science (teaching Science to refugees) and MedSoc (our society for students interested in Medicine). We also run some annual trips as part of our curriculum:

  • Year 13 Biology trip to Sedili Besar
  • Year 10 Biology and Co-Ordinated Sciences Field Trips to Ulu Gombak

 

Science Week is a yearly highlight too, and involves students participating in a variety of activities such as ‘Dress as Science Day’, bake-offs, photography competitions and escape room challenges.

Our Lab Technicians

All these outstanding opportunities are supported and made to stand out with the help of our superb team of four lab technicians, who work hard to ensure lessons are resourced by preparing our practicals alongside our teaching staff, with the latter having a wide range of experience and backgrounds ensuring academic rigour and pedagogical relevance.

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Secondary Faculties: Physical Education
Physical Education

Secondary Faculty

Physical Education

Introduction

The PE faculty at GIS takes great pride in its excellent facilities, as well as a devoted team of outstanding coaches and teachers who, year by year, devise curricula providing every student with the opportunity to experience a multitude of sports and enhance their skills – all with aim to ’grow and develop the passion and interest of our learning community in a wide range of physical and sporting activities in the pursuit of a healthy and active lifestyle’.

Physical education and sports are integral to the development of key skills and competencies; they provide opportunities through physical, social and cognitive stimuli, and build teamwork and leadership qualities. They also play a fundamental role in nurturing brave, brilliant and inquisitive young people who are committed to the positive growth of themselves and others.

Physical Education makes every child stronger and every life longer.

Available for year 7 to 11

Physical Education At Garden International School

At Garden International School, we deliver a high-quality experience for our learners by offering a vibrant and exciting programme of physical and sporting activities, delivered by expert practitioners, who encourage individual aspiration, team achievement and personal excellence. We support inclusion at every level by providing a range of pathways to meet the diverse needs and interests of our community. This includes both iGCSE and A-Level Physical Education. We develop the confidence and competence of our learners through physical and sporting activities that benefit the healthy development and wellbeing of the whole child. Finally, we foster partnerships with organisations to provide enriched opportunities for our learners to participate in inter-and intra-school events, both in Malaysia and overseas.

All of the above focuses on challenging students’ decision making skills, tactical understanding and encourages them to develop leadership skills through coaching and officiating roles. All of these skills and qualities are intended to shape students into resilient, collaborative and adaptive leaders in the future, and for some, will also provide the basis for successful future sports careers.

Our Facilities

Students will experience all of this across our excellent sporting facilities, including a full sized Astro Football Pitch, Multipurpose Sports Hall, 25m Swimming Pool, Weights and Fitness Suite, Tennis Courts and multiple outdoor covered court spaces.

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Secondary Faculties: World Languages
World Languages

Secondary Faculty

World Languages

Introduction

Students’ literacy skills are usually the first to benefit from language learning: through their study of a new language, they become more aware of the grammatical function of different words and how they fit together.

The exposure to new linguistic rules, be they similar or very different to those in one’s mother tongue, develops students’ ability to identify and follow patterns thereby increasing their powers of analysis. This, combined with the frequent need to work out meaning from context strengthens students’ powers of deduction. The desire to express oneself and understand others in a foreign language often requires creativity and resilience as learners

With languages, you are at home anywhere.

– Edmund De Waal

Available for all Secondary

World Languages At Garden International School

We acknowledge and celebrate the fact that many of our students come to us with a rich experience and knowledge of languages other than English making them proficient linguists with a natural advantage in the World Languages classroom. Regardless of their linguistic background, all of our students are given the opportunity to become a polyglot. 

Most GIS learners readily understand the importance of broadening their linguistic horizons and that, in addition to opening up educational and career opportunities, learning languages equips them with a wealth of skills that can be used throughout their adult life and in a range of settings.

Based on the latest research, our innovative and forward-thinking faculty have designed clear pathways in Mandarin, Malay, French and Spanish so that all students can flourish in World Languages. Our aim is for students to have the confidence and enthusiasm to communicate in multiple languages and appreciate the cultures in which they are spoken. Speaking a language is a life-long skill which opens doors at the world’s most prestigious universities and differentiates our students from the merely academic in the increasingly competitive global employment market-place.

Mandarin at GIS

The richness and diversity of our school community is such that the full spectrum of linguistic ability in Mandarin is found within our student body. Our students range from complete beginners to those with fully age-appropriate native-language literacy skills. To meet the learning needs of each student, GIS Mandarin curriculum employs three pathways:

Mandarin A (CNL):  Students following this pathway will normally take IGCSE Chinese as a First Language and A level for their exam courses.

Mandarin B (MSL): Students following this pathway normally take IGCSE Chinese as a Second Language and A level exam courses.

Mandarin C (MFL): Students following this pathway normally take IGCSE Chinese as a Foreign Language.

French and Spanish at GIS

The teaching of French and Spanish at GIS is rooted in a research-based and cognitive-theory led approach developed by former GIS teacher: Dr. Gianfranco Conti. The EPI (Extensive Processing Instruction) teaching technique focuses on “automatising” high-frequency language and developing an understanding of language patterns.

Students focus on learning vocabulary in “chunks”, testing what they have learnt in blocks through the practice of four key skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing), enabling a deeper understanding of the structures behind the language. Topics are interleaved and therefore recycled in a structured way to ensure maximum retention. This cutting-edge curriculum design, coupled with our innovative teaching techniques (which allow for high levels of both challenge and engagement) are key contributors to our students’ success at GCSE and A Level.

Bahasa Malaysia at GIS

At GIS, we are proud to be an international school, but we are also proudly Malaysian.

The Malay language is an intrinsic part of Malay culture and as such, Malaysian nationals are required to study Bahasa Malaysia. In line with government guidelines we offer Malay language classes for students from Year 1 to Year 11, which are also open to students of other nationalities. As a result, we offer two pathways in Malay: one leading to a Malay First Language (MFL) iGCSE and the other leading to a Malay as a Foreign Language iGCSE.

The MFL is designed to challenge those students who speak Malay at home and focuses more on reading and writing. On the other hand, the Foreign Language iGCSE is for learners who are new to the language, allowing them to explore the language, culture and history of Malaysia in a series of fun and engaging lessons. Many of our students choose to sit the Malay as a Foreign Language iGCSE exam in Year 9.

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Sixth Form Curriculum: Year 12 & 13
Year 1 & 2

Key Stage 5 (age 16 to 18)

Year 12 & 13 Curriculum

Introduction

The GIS Sixth Form promotes academic excellence in all students, offering international AS and A Level qualifications. These are delivered by outstanding teachers with knowledge and expertise in Key Stage 5 education, who are always ready to go the extra mile to set their students on the path to success.

However, our philosophy of education goes far beyond that. We are proud of our bespoke Sixth Form Diploma which allows students to enrich their studies beyond the formal curriculum, develop leadership skills and nourish a love of learning. In Sixth Form, we recognise the need to equip our students with the soft skills that will prepare them for like beyond our school, and are proud of the opportunities our students have to do this as part of our THRIVE Programme, GIS electives and through our extensive CCA programme.

Underpinning everything we do is our approach of academic care. As well as the care and support of their tutors team, our students complete lessons in Social and Emotional Learning to promote the wellbeing and understanding of others that helps support their success both during their time in GIS and beyond.

As a result of our track record of academic excellence, holistic approach and skills-based education, it is not surprising that GIS Sixth Form students are sought after by the world’s best universities. 

In The Classroom

Taught Curriculum

Students can select from a wide range of A Level subjects which are recognised globally and support our students’ progression to universities in a wide range of countries. These are taught by subject specialists who inspire students to explore their passions and provide rigour and challenge to develop higher-order thinking skills.

A Level
(Cambridge & Edexcel)

  • English Literature
  • Mathematics & Further Mathematics
  • Biology, Chemistry, Physics
  • History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology
  • Business, Computer Sciences, Economics
  • Mandarin, Spanish, French
  • Art and Design, Photography, DT – Product Design, Drama and Theatre Studies, Music
  • Social Emotional Learning

Beyond the Classroom

Wider Learning

The range of opportunities that our students benefit from beyond their taught curriculum causes them to really stand out. Our wider learning programme gives students the opportunity to get involved in things that they enjoy, build a sense of community and develop skills that they will use in later life.

  • Dragons Sport Programmes
  • Outdoor Education Camps
  • Expedition Leader Award
  • CCA Programmes
  • Student Leadership Programmes
  • Secondary School Production
  • Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship Curriculum

Bespoke Learning

GIS Diploma Programme

At GIS, we believe in the importance of a holistic education, which is about more than just achieving fantastic A Levels. We believe it also needs to prepare our students for the future, enabling them to develop a broad knowledge and a wide range of skills. For this purpose, we have developed our curriculum, offering an extensive choice of electives that will help prepare students for the next steps and life beyond school. Our GIS Sixth Formers are given the opportunity to complete the GIS Diploma or the GIS Diploma with Honours.

A GIS Diploma is awarded to students who:

  • Achieve at least three good A-levels
  • Complete an elective
  • Complete a Social and Emotional Learning course

A GIS Diploma with Honours is awarded to students who:

  • Achieve at least three good A Levels
  • Complete an elective
  • Complete a Social and Emotional Learning course
  • Complete the ‘GIS Thrive’ Internship programme (a four week professional internship, unique to GIS)
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Secondary Curriculum: Year 10 & 11
Year 10 & 11

Key Stage 4 (age 14 & 16)

Year 10 & 11 Curriculum

Introduction

The Secondary School curriculum at GIS focuses on supporting young confident adults to reach their potential, in line with our GIS Learner Skills and our commitment to ensuring academic care for all.

Our Year 10 to 11 (KS4) curriculum is designed to meet the academic, personal and cultural needs of our students and better equip them for future challenges, while at the same time creating enjoyable learning environments that inspire and motivate. Students begin to select courses that appeal to them and follow a broad range of examined and non-examined subjects that prepare them for success both in and out of the classroom. Alongside examined subjects, students follow courses designed to develop them as individuals through Social Emotional Learning and a range of elective subjects. The Year 10 and 11 curriculum creates young adults not only with strong academic credentials but who are also well rounded individuals ready for the next stage of their learning.

Our focus on involvement outside the classroom alongside academic excellence aims to create the opportunity for students to become world changers in both their local and global communities.

In The Classroom

Taught Curriculum

Our KS4 taught curriculum provides students with a balanced yet bespoke programme of study at GIS. At its core is a personalised combination of International GCSE qualifications that all students undertake and enhanced by our elective program. To ensure students are well rounded with successes beyond just academic achievements, the programme offers all students in KS4 a range of bespoke GIS elective courses as well as the study of Social and Emotional Learning. This balanced robust curriculum ensures students are well prepared for our our outstanding GCE (A Level) programme in Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13) or study beyond GIS. As with all other Key stages academic care remains central to our ethos with regular curriculum time allocated to the pastoral system and supported through contact with tutor groups.

Core Subjects

  • Mathematics or Fast Track Mathematics
  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Co-ordinated Science
  • Global Awareness Project

Option Subjects

  • Accounting
  • Art
  • Business
  • Computer Sciences
  • DT Resistant Materials
  • DT Graphics
  • Drama
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • ICT
  • Music
  • Photography
  • Physical Education (PE)
  • Sociology
  • World Languages: Malay, Mandarin, French, Spanish

Beyond the Classroom

Wider Learning

Our KS4 wider curriculum supports students in their engagement, enjoyment and personal personal development as they move through Years 10 and 11. A wide range of activities are available that take place beyond timetabled lessons enable all students to gain engage in our school community and develop as individuals.

  • Co-Curriculum (CCA) Programme
  • Outdoor Education Camps
  • Secondary School Production
  • Dragons Sport Programmes
  • Social Emotional Learning Programme
  • Student Leadership Programmes
  • Expedition Leader Award
  • Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship Curriculum

Bespoke Learning

GIS Elective Programme

At GIS we believe in the importance of a holistic education that is more than just achieving fantastic IGCSEs: it also needs to prepare you for the future, which requires a broad knowledge and wide range of skills. For this purpose, we have developed our curriculum, offering an extensive choice of electives that will extend learning and help prepare you for your own next steps and life beyond education.

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Secondary Curriculum: Year 7 to 9
Year 1 & 2

Key Stage 3 (age 11 to 14)

Year 7 to 9 Curriculum

Introduction

The Secondary School curriculum at GIS focuses on supporting young confident adults to reach their potential, in line with our GIS Learner Skills and our commitment to ensuring academic care for all.

Our Year 7 to 9 (KS3) curriculum is designed to meet the academic, personal and cultural needs of our students and better equip them for future challenges, while at the same time creating enjoyable learning environments that inspire and motivate. Students follow a broad and balanced range of subjects that are linked to the National Curriculum of England and Wales but modified to create courses appropriate for an international education.

Our focus on involvement outside the classroom alongside academic excellence aims to create the opportunity for students to become world changers in both their local and global communities.

In The Classroom

Taught Curriculum

Our KS3 taught curriculum provides students with a broad and balanced approach to study at GIS. A range of subjects are followed that gives learners a solid foundation to build upon in later years and ignite a passion for learning. Alongside delivering strong academic foundations, our KS3 taught curriculum is supported through our academic care provision. Students are supported by one-to-one conversations with subject teachers and tutors about their learning.

Subjects

  • English
  • Science
  • Mathematics
  • History
  • Geography
  • Drama
  • Art

Subjects

  • Music
  • Design Technology (DT)
  • ICT & Enterprise
  • ICT & Enterprise
  • World Languages:
    Malay, Mandarin, French, Spanish

Beyond the Classroom

Wider Learning

Our KS3 wider curriculum supports students in their engagement, enjoyment and personal development as they move through Years 7 to 9. A wide range of activities are available that take place beyond timetabled lessons enable all students to gain engage in our school community and develop as individuals.

  • Social Emotional Learning Programme
  • Student Leadership Programmes
  • Key Stage 3 Production
  • Secondary School Production
  • Co-Curriculum (CCA) Programme
  • Outdoor Education Camps
  • Dragons Sport Programmes
  • Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship Curriculum
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Early Years Curriculum: Nursery & Reception
Nursery & Reception

Early Years Foundation Stage (age 3 & 5)

Nursery & Reception Curriculum

Early Years

Our EYC learning environment, both inside and outside, is well-resourced and offers a wide range of multi-sensory learning opportunities that are linked to the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum. We balance play-based learning with the teaching of fundamental literacy and numeracy skills, PE and music lessons, as well as social and emotional skill development.

Mandarin is taught as an additional language through a combination of discrete teacher-led sessions, and as part of continuous provision, with our outstanding teachers encouraging authentic and natural language acquisition amongst our youngest learners.

Throughout their time at EYC, our young learners have opportunities to follow their interests and take ownership over their learning. This is encouraged through first-hand experiences that create a sense of awe and wonder for children, inspiring them to learn more about the world around them.

Children’s brains develop connections faster in the first five years than at any other time in their lives. This is the time when the foundations for learning, health and behaviour throughout life are laid down. In fact, by the time they turn five 90% of their brain will have been developed.

Our curriculum and approach are designed to ensure that a strong foundation is laid down to support your child’s further development throughout their life.

In The Classroom

Taught Curriculum

Our Early Years offering consists of carefully designed opportunities to learn through play, directed curriculum and wider learning opportunities such as Jungle School, gardening and cooking.

A Unique Child

  • Playing and Exploring
  • Active Learning
  • Creating and Thinking Critically

Prime

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Communication & Language
  • Physical Development

Specific

  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the World
  • Expressive Arts and Design

Mandarin

Jungle School Programme

  • Outside of classroom learning in a natural environment

Beyond the Classroom

Wider Learning

Even at EYC, we offer a broad curriculum, with the aim of igniting passions and developing new interests amongst our children. We offer swimming, Water Play Days, Woodwork, Cooking, Trips and CCAs. We also offer our Jungle School programme. Unique to Malaysia, this is a hands-on programme based on the ‘Forest School’ approach in Europe. At Jungle School, our EYC children are able to learn about nature, explore and take risks is a safe and controlled environment and learn to become responsible citizens of the earth who respect and preserve her resources.

  • Free flow
  • Jungle School Programme
  • Day Trips
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Primary Curriculum: Year 3 to 6
Year 3 to 6

Key Stage 2 (age 7 to 11)

Year 3 to 6 Curriculum

Introduction

This stage builds upon the foundations laid in the Early Years and Key Stage 1, preparing children for the next phase of their education. English is taught daily with a strong emphasis on the development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. The development of practical, mental and applied mathematics is achieved through our mathematics lessons.

In Years 5 and 6, French and Spanish are added to the World Languages programme. Students can decide to continue learning the Asian language they have been learning or replace this choice with one of the European languages. Either way, they will still have the opportunity to learn the other language as part of the language club programme after school. Homework is provided throughout the school, and is aimed at consolidating skills taught at school and encouraging parents to play an active role in their children’s education.

Children’s progress is assessed throughout Key Stages 1 and 2 to ensure we have a good understanding of their ongoing progress, individual abilities and to ensure their future needs are met.

In The Classroom

Taught Curriculum

The Primary Curriculum follows a topic-based, cross-curriculum approach to learning with the British National Curriculum as it’s foundation. Soft skills are developed through a set of bespoke ‘Golden Threads’ that are carefully interwoven throughout the curriculum.

Subjects taught in our topic curriculum are:

  • English
  • English Literature
  • Mathematics
  • History
  • Geography
  • Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
  • Design Technology

Specialist Teaching subjects are

  • Music
  • Art & Design
  • Physical Education (PE)
  • World Languages: Malay, Mandarin, French and Spanish

Beyond the Classroom

Wider Learning

In Year 3 to Year 6 we offer our students wider learning opportunities to encourage them to learn new interests and skills beyond the classroom including:

  • CCA (Co-curricular) programmes
  • Language Club programme
  • Student leadership
  • Upper Primary School Production
  • Community Service Programmes
  • Camp Weeks
  • Dragons Sport Programmes
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Primary Curriculum: Year 1 & 2
Year 1 & 2

Key Stage 1 (age 5 to 7)

Year 1 & 2 Curriculum

Introduction

The first key stage of school welcomes children from Early Years into the Primary School and encourages each child to continue their development and maintain the fun, active approach to learning. Information Communication Technology (ICT) is used to support the learning process. Classroom-based learning along with a broad co-curricular programme and education outside the classroom ensure we provide a holistic education for your child.

The majority of learning takes place in the nurturing environment of the classroom facilitated by the classroom teacher and assistant teachers. Specialist teachers support the teaching of Art, Music, ICT and Physical Education. In World Languages, students learn Mandarin or Bahasa Malaysia – the national language, helping them to develop the skills and passion to learn an additional language in depth. Students also have the opportunity to explore other languages as a part of the language club programme which happens after school. Science, History, Geography, Design Technology and Drama are taught through our exciting Topic Curriculum which is underpinned by the ‘Golden Threads’ of Intercultural Learning and Social and Emotional Learning.

GIS utilises both the classroom and education opportunities outside the classroom to provide a programme that develops World Changers. At GIS we believe that our responsibility goes beyond producing outstanding academic results. We are fully committed to providing a holistic, well-balanced education.

In The Classroom

Taught Curriculum

The Primary Curriculum follows a topic-based, cross-curriculum approach to learning with the British National Curriculum as it’s foundation. Soft skills are developed through a set of bespoke ‘Golden Threads’ that are carefully interwoven throughout the curriculum. The subjects taught in our topic curriculum are: English, Science, Mathematics, History, Geography, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Art & Design, Design Technology

Subjects taught in our topic curriculum are:

  • English
  • Science
  • Mathematics
  • History
  • Geography
  • Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
  • Art & Design
  • Design Technology

Specialist Teaching subject are:

  • Music
  • Physical Education (PE)
  • World Languages: Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin

Beyond the Classroom

Wider Learning

 

In Year 1 & 2 we offer our students wider learning opportunities to encourage them to learn new interests and skills beyond the classroom including:

  • CCA (Co-curricular) programmes
  • Language Club programme
  • Student leadership Programmes
  • Community Service Programmes
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