Integrating globally recognised curricula
> Sunway International School offers both the Canadian School Curriculum and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
SUNWAY International School (SIS) commenced its first intake in January 2008 as the only international school in Malaysia to offer the Ontario (Canada) Ministry of Education secondary school curriculum. Since then, SIS has grown to two campuses – an international secondary school in Sunway City and a new campus in Sunway Iskandar offering kindergarten to Grade 12.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Canadian School Curriculum is consistently ranked top among education systems in English-speaking countries for reading, mathematics and science.
Such ranking shows the strength of Ontario (Canada) teachers and curriculum in preparing students in literacy, numeracy and science. Building a strong foundation in these critical aspects have provided SIS students with a springboard to launch their individual strengths and reap academic excellence throughout their school careers.
SIS also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) which is globally recognised for admission into universities worldwide. IBDP is also the fastest growing pre-university programme in the world.
SIS not only incorporates two of the world’s most esteemed curricula in its programme offering, but more importantly, expanding on the pre-university qualifications available to students. Many of the goals in the IBDP is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young individuals to positively impact the communities they live in; parallel to the objectives of the Ontario Secondary School curriculum practised at SIS.
The IBDP requires students to study multiple subject disciplines, which eventually leads to examinations after two years of rigorous study. Students explore the connections between these areas through an international perspective, reflect critically on aspects of knowledge, pursue independent research, and have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills through local and community service.
This complements SIS’ Ontario curriculum in significant ways. SIS is an adroit administrator of multiple course combinations; this method being the default framework practised with its students in high school, towards strengthening their capabilities and discovering their talents.
The individual course Independent Study Unit, is a 30% project that requires students to apply the theories learnt and expound it further with external research. Students produce a completed mini thesis which they then present to their peers. It gives SIS students a comparative advantage to take on the extended essay and Theory of Knowledge components of IB.
The CAS (creativity, action and service) element in IB mirrors the existing tenets prevalent in the Ontario curriculum, and geared to arrive at similar outcomes for students; to achieve personal growth, foster collaboration and teamwork, and provide an avenue for students to express themselves through the creative arts.
From the 40-hour community involvement requirement to the extensive extracurricular programmes, students are given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, self-esteem, civic responsibilities, and finding an outlet to play and perform with their peers.
The curricula content and delivery model of both the IB and Ontario programmes are substantially similar, compatible and interchangeable. Students may transfer from one programme to the other with relative ease. Through this curriculum delivery model, students can continue accumulating credits and be eligible to receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, while those who so choose, may pursue the IB Diploma.
Together, both these programmes assure students of infallible progression pathways to higher study, as the global recognition of these qualifications pave the way for students to pursue specialisations in their chosen field of study at prestigious educational institutions anywhere in the world.
At SIS, the school’s curriculum is delivered by certified Canadian teachers and IBDP by IB-trained teachers. The school holds true to its commitment to studentcentric teaching and learning, developing performanceoriented mindset, and students’ holistic development and overall well-being.
SIS will be hosting a Parent Info Session at both Sunway City and Sunway Iskandar campuses on Sept 30 from 10am to 1pm. Visit www.sis. sunway.edu.my or call 03-7491 8070 or 07-297
8070 for details.