International School of Kuala Lumpur
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| International School of Kuala Lumpur | |
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| Location | |
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Ampang Campus Jalan Kerja Ayer Lama 68000 Ampang Selangor Melawati Campus PT3350 Jalan Melawati 3 Taman Melawati 53100 Kuala Lumpur | |
| Information | |
| Type | Private, Day International school |
| Established | 1965 |
| Grades | Prep–12 |
| Age | 3 to 18/19 |
| Mascot | Panther |
| Website | www.iskl.edu.my |
The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) is an American non-profit school in the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area, Malaysia. It is 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. The high school and middle school occupy the same property in Ampang, while the elementary school is hosted at a separate campus at Melawati.
New campus
As of 2015, ISKL is working to build another campus. This project is expected to last until 2018. Students will move in at 2019. There is not much information about the new campus discernible to the public.
History
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 encourages cultural relations with its host country, giving students the opportunity to participate in a variety of cultural activities. The school also employs the national and compulsory law of enforcing school uniforms.
As of 2012, there are approximately 1600 students from more than 65 countries, with the most common nationalities being American, Korean, Malaysian, and Indian. Other well-represented nationalities include the United Kingdom, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Japan, Australia, Venezuela, and Pakistan. A majority of students have parents working for oil companies or embassies, as ISKL has very strong ties with the embassies in Kuala Lumpur, especially the United States embassy.
ISKL’s teaching faculty comprises individuals from the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, China, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, France, and Malaysia; with over 75% of them holding degrees at Masters or Doctorate level.
Academics
ISKL's flagship high school program is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a rigorous two-year curriculum for 16- to 19-year-old students, culminating in exams in six subjects (three higher level and three standard level). ISKL boasts a 98% pass rate for the IB Diploma, and the program is not geared towards any specific nationality. Additionally, the Advanced Placement (AP) program is offered for students who wish to pursue colleges in the United States, although this is slowly being phased out and more students are encouraged to pursue the IB program.
Extracurricular Activities and Athletics
ISKL is a part of several international and local leagues, promoting competition between both Malaysian and international schools:
- IASAS: Formed in 1982, the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS) includes varsity-level competition among schools in Jakarta, Indonesia (JIS), Bangkok, Thailand (ISB), Taipei, Taiwan (TAS), Singapore (SAS) and Manila, Philippines (ISM) in sports, fine and performing arts and Model United Nations.
- ISAC: International Schools Athletic Conference
- ISAKL: International School Association of Kuala Lumpur
- SEA Forensics: The largest community outreach program, speech, debate and acting tournament in February of each year is a massive undertaking that requires the volunteer effort of coaches, teachers and parents
Fine Arts at ISKL: The Arts occupy a central position at ISKL and each student is strongly encouraged to participate in some form. The school offers a multitude of opportunities for artistic expression throughout the entire school year, designed to challenge all ability levels.
- Music Programs include Instrumental Music, IASAS Music, ISKL Choir, Jazz/Concert Band, the ISKL Singers (acapella), and the Tri-M Music Society
- Dance and Theatre Programs include Dance Troupe, One Acts, Solo/Duet Acting, Improv Club, IASAS Dance, and the ISTA Theater Festival. ISKL also participates in the IASAS Visual Arts competition annually.
Athletics at ISKL:
- Athletics are an integral part of the ISKL experience, and the school offers a variety of sports at a multitude of levels. These sports compete at the local and international level.
- High School Varsity Sports include: Football (soccer), Cross Country Running, Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming, Tennis, Rugby, Touch Rugby, Track & Field, Badminton, and Golf
Campus Facilities
The Ampang campus has athletic facilities which includes two fields, an outdoor 25-meter swimming pool, basketball gym, outdoor court, caged multipurpose court, two covered tennis courts and an outdoor climbing wall. It also has a two-story auditorium (Robert B. Gaw Theater), drama studio, dance studio, 3 food vendors, libraries and six computer labs.
The Melawati campus has an indoor theater/auditorium, a library and multiple computer labs. Athletic facilities include a grass field with track, indoor gym, a covered outdoor 25-meter pool, recreational field, outside basketball court and 2 playgrounds.
Uniforms
In accordance with the national law of Malaysia, ISKL institutes a mandatory uniform policy. The uniform consists of a blue or white collar shirt with the school logo on the front, and boys have the option to pair it shorts and pants in dark blue and white, whereas girls have the option to wear shorts, skirts and pants in the same dark blue or white colours. When wearing outer layers, students are encouraged to purchase them in dark blue or white as part of the uniform. Students also have the option to buy pants or shorts from other companies that are similar to the school wear.
External links
- Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools
- Education in Kuala Lumpur
- Private schools in Malaysia
- International schools in Malaysia
- International Baccalaureate schools in Malaysia
- Educational institutions established in 1965
- Schools in Kuala Lumpur
- 1965 establishments in Malaysia
- American international schools