Are you seeking an educational journey for your child that extends beyond the textbook and classroom walls? If so, an Open Day is the perfect avenue to explore the depths of a school's offerings.
The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) is a big believer in the idea that asking questions and be curious is key. Hence, this September, the school invites families to ask and explore the ISKL approach in preparing children for the future at the Open Day.
But to truly maximize your open day experience, knowing what questions to ask can make all the difference.
1. Understand the Basics:
Curriculum Context: Familiarize yourself with the curriculum on offer. If you're transitioning from a different curriculum, ask how the school facilitates this change.
Co-curricular: Dive into the after-school activities available and explore opportunities for involvement.
Size and Structure: The size of a school can deeply influence a student's experience. Discuss with the admissions team about the optimal balance of size versus opportunities.
Logistics: Consider how easy it will be to get to and from school. Does the school offer a busing service? Are buses well monitored and available for students participating in after-school activities?
Demographics: Investigate the school's demographics – what is the balance between nationalities, and does the diversity meet your expectations?
2. School Leadership and Governance:
Decision-making: Delve into the school's governance. How are crucial decisions made, and is there room for parent participation?
Profit Structure: Is the school a ‘not-for-profit’ or ‘for-profit,’ and how does this impact decision-making and allocation of funds to facilities, learning, and faculty?
Stability: Frequent shifts in leadership can be a red flag. Investigate the tenure of key administrators such as the Head of School and Principals
Faculty Credentials: Get a sense of teacher qualifications, their origin, and the hiring process.
3. Community Engagement:
Parental Bodies: Check for active parent-teacher associations to support your transition into the community.
Direct Testimonies: Talking to families or students from similar backgrounds as yours can provide invaluable insights.
Alumni Involvement: A vibrant alumni community can be a hallmark of a school’s lasting positive impact.
4. Support Systems:
Adaptability and Integration: Especially crucial for non-native English speakers or students requiring special educational resources. Ask about their EAL programs and provisions for gifted students.
Social Transition: Moving can be daunting. Ensure the school is equipped to handle your child's emotional and social integration.
Future Relocations: As difficult as it is to look beyond the present, understand the school's resources for subsequent relocations, be it international or local.
ISKL will be holding its Open Day this September for families to ask and explore the ISKL approach in preparing their children for the future. It’s a great chance to tour the state-of-the-art ISKL campus, hear from the Head of School, Mr. Rami Madani, and meet some key members of our community, from our Students Admission Representatives (STARs) to our Divisional Principals and parents for a Q&A session.
Head to iskl.edu.my/admissions/iskl-open-day to register for ISKL’s Open Day this September. We look forward to sharing what our school has to offer you and your family!
About ISKL
Established in 1965, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) has become known as a center of excellence in the world of international education. ISKL is a co-educational, private, non-profit school responsible for the learning journey of over 1,600 students aged 3-18 years representing more than 65 nationalities at its campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
ISKL offers a robust international curriculum that combines leading North American educational frameworks with global best practices. The curriculum recognizes that students are on a lifelong learning journey and is driven by ISKL’s purpose to prepare our students for life itself, as we believe in the importance of helping students to shape their own paths, supporting them in discovering their passions, developing their competencies, and having an ethical impact on the world.
ISKL is accredited internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS), and in the United States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). ISKL has a strong focus on service and sustainability across its divisions and is a member of the Eco-Schools organization and the Green Schools Alliance.