Semester-based distinctiveness
THE Canadian education system takes pride in being consistently ranked top among Englishspeaking countries.
The 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment survey conducted by the Organisation of Economic Co-operation Development reveals that Canada was ranked 7th overall, leaving behind countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.
Designed to be flexible, Canadian (Ontario) education focuses on individual learning and character building by acknowledging each individual’s strengths.
The system believes in continuous learning. Through its assessments method of 70% coursework and 30% final assessments, students gain knowledge and skills that they can apply to novel situations in effective ways.
Apart from its unique assessment method, Ontario’s high schools are given flexibility in operating their programme and timetable. Schools may choose to operate either a year-long or semester-based structure.
Sunway International School (SIS) is the only school in Malaysia to offer the Canadian (Ontario) curriculum.
It is among 19 schools outside the Ontario region offering credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
SIS is inspected annually by the Ontario Ministry of Education to ensure the school meets the standard instruction requirements.
Replicating the semester-based system in Malaysia, SIS has gained positive reviews from students and parents.
Structure
The conventional year-long structure has been adopted by most countries in the world. Typically, students enrol in up to eight subjects throughout the entire academic year.
At the end of the academic year, they are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of the content learnt.
In a semester-based structure, students in Grade 9 and higher study eight subjects over two semesters – four credit subjects in the first and another four credit subjects in the second semester of the academic year.
The duration of classes at SIS is 75 to 80 minutes compared to a regular year-long class of 40 minutes. For the entire semester, the weekly timetable is the same.
The number of subjects students study each day is reduced while the amount of learning time is increased.
Reduced subjects, longer interactions
With double the class time, SIS teachers have more time to clarify a topic, especially one with complex ideas that require more time for students to digest.
Teachers can also utilise the extended time to apply a variety of teaching strategies, such as group work, laboratory experiments, discussions, presentations and classroom projects.
In addition, longer class time offers teachers the opportunity to work with students more personally.
By seeing the same students every day, teachers can better understand each student’s strengths and weaknesses and work with them individually to improve their learning.
Homework time is spread over half the number of subjects and students have fewer examinations to sit for at the end of each semester.
Having a consistent routine every day will inculcate a regular study habit and enable students to learn at their own pace. They will also have more time and opportunities to consult with their teachers if they have any queries.
At SIS, the semester-based structure prepares students for university studies. Towards the end of Grade 12, SIS students should have completed 30 credits subjects, 40 hours of community service and pass a literacy test to earn them an OSSD.
SIS continues to build on a history of quality and excellence, combining a challenging curriculum, excellent educators and hard-working students.
SIS will be hosting a parents info session on March 10.
For more information, call 03-7491 8070 (Sunway City)/ 07-297 8070 (Sunway Iskandar) or visit www.sis.sunway.edu.my