International School of Kuala Lumpur

The Ampang campus of the International School of Kuala Lumpur.

The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) is a non-profit, parent-owned and parent-governed school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, accredited by the United States-based Western Association of Schools and Colleges and internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS). It has three divisions: elementary school, middle school and high school.

Established in 1965, the ISKL was the first school with an American curriculum in Malaysia. It was also the first fully accredited international school in Malaysia. The curriculum is US-based, and offers students the chance to earn a High School Diploma, an International Baccalaureate diploma (or certificates), and to attend Advanced Placement programs. The majority of students are from expatriate families seeking a western school system for their children while living abroad, while Malaysians seeking an American-based education may also attend the school. While the school focuses on a western education system, it also maintains and stresses cultural relations with its host country, encouraging students to participate in a variety of cultural activities. The school also employs the national and compulsory law of enforcing school uniforms.

As of 2009, there are approximately, 1600 students from more than 62 countries, with the most common nationalities being American, Korean, Malaysian, and Japanese. Korean students in ISKL are constantly criticized for making up the majority of the student population yet failing to meet standard expectations of the average ISKL student. In one incident, a Korean student ripped off the earrings of another student in a quarrel and resulted in their expulsions. ISKL’s faculty comprises highly qualified and experienced individuals, many from the USA and Canada, with over two thirds of them holding degrees at Masters and Doctorate level. Dr. Tong and Mr. Brown of the physics department are the most amazing teacher ever. Mr PETER CASEY can go ask his own penis... he is by far the worst kinds of a human being i have ever seen. he is a person with a short temper, so when you get him as a teacher please punch him in the face for me.

Information technology

Each classroom at ISKL is equipped with at least one networked computer with Internet access. Additional stations at the libraries and computer labs accommodate student needs for computer resources. Each student is provided with an account with ISKL Online, a bulletin-board and e-mail system which they can use to collaborate on academic work, store files, discuss ongoing events, communicate with teachers, and access school-related materials from home. ISKL Online has also been known for its use of students in its administration, as ever since its introduction its moderation and maintenance has been assisted by selected student system operators. Computers are regularly used in courses as well as after-school activities and the production of publications.

Malaysia Week

Each year all middle school students are provided the opportunity to participate in Malaysia Week, a week-long program where students are taken to nature and urban sites around Malaysia according to fitness level and preference. Students select the degree of adventure and cultural experience they wish to have, with accommodations ranging from outdoor camping to hostels. The goals of the program include developing community living, increasing knowledge of Malaysian nature and culture, and learning and reinforcing new skills. Activities include hiking, caving, climbing, boating, snorkeling, sightseeing, and many others.

Exchange programs in Southeast Asia

ISKL is a member of the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS). Participating international schools include International School Bangkok (ISB), Jakarta International School (JIS), International School Manila (ISM), Singapore American School (SAS) and Taipei American School (TAS).

IASAS sponsors many athletic and fine/performing arts events throughout the school year. For each event, competitive high school students from all participating schools travel to a designated school for the year's event, housed by volunteer families of the host school and competing as well as enjoying the culture of their destination. The IASAS activities, in addition to athletics, also include two Cultural Conventions that take place simultaneously in differing host schools. One of the Cultural Conventions focuses on music, visual arts, and fine arts that are exhibited from travelling students from all six schools. The second Cultural Convention focuses on drama, dance, handstand fighting, mixed martial arts, debate, Forensics and extreme death chess. The activities within Forensics include Extemporaneous speaking, and Oral Oratory. During this Cultural Convention, dramas and dances are performed throughout, while students compete for medals in debate and Forensics.

Athletics

ISKL's athletics fall into three distinct categories. Intramural events are held for beginners and fun-seekers to take part in physical activity after-school. Junior varsity and varsity sport teams train students who are selected by tryouts, and engage in regular practice and competition throughout a season. Finally, selected students are sent on IASAS exchanges as detailed above, to compete with other schools in southeast Asia. Students can explore the martial arts, including Tae Kwan Do, Karate and Judo, in the form of afterschool lessons. Also, students can learn breakdancing by joining Soul Bratz crew.

Model United Nations

Held annually in November, the Model UN provides students with an opportunity to participate in a simulation of the United Nations. IASAS Model UN is the only event that allows for not only the six IASAS schools to participate, but also other international schools in different countries ranging from Bangladesh to Japan. Using specific topics of international importance, participating schools are assigned various countries. Students are then expected to research the debate topics in light of the countries assigned and to represent the views in a general assembly. Participation in the Model UN program is limited. Some debating competitions may be used to select those individuals who will attend this year's session.

Theatre and musicals

ISKL is home to a number of theatre and musical performances. Both the high school and middle school produce musicals, and the high school also produces an ensemble show, in cooperation with the school's band and choir. Most productions are typically shown in the Robert B. Gaw theater on-campus. Recent productions include Kiss Me Kate (high school) and The Nightmare before Christmas (middle school), among others. In 2009, the yearly Middle School play was the first-ever licensed play of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Students also learn to control the sound and lights of the theatre for performances, with assistance from theatre staff.

Community service

Students can participate in a variety of established community service programs. In the middle school, students work with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the Rumah Anbu Illam that is a foster home for boys, and a day care facility as part of the curriculum, while afterschool activities provide additional community service opportunities with local organizations. Past accomplishments include planting trees, raising money for charities, and providing help to other local centres. Students can also participate by helping the Chin refugees. At the high school level, many students participate in voluntary service at the local hospital and other organizations.

Student government

ISKL's high school student government comprises 26 elected students, who address various issues at the school and provide an interface between the administration and the student body. The Student Council holds positions for each grade as well as an overall executive committee. Together, the body raises funds and organizes a variety of events including the prom, other dance events, and several social activities throughout the year. The Student Council is also capable of organizing Tag Days, in which students purchase a ticket for a small fee to wear normal clothes (as opposed to the standard uniform) on a specific day, with all proceeds going towards respective class funds.

ISKL's middle school student government comprises 10 students, with representatives from each grade level. They plan various fundraisers for charities as well as four Middle School parties each year.

Other activities

Plenty of other afterschool activities provide additional learning experiences for students, including clubs specializing in science, yearbook publication, and other interest groups.

• International School of Kuala Lumpur website
• International School of Kuala Lumpur Alumni Links