10 reasons to choose a British international school

1. British education has a tradition and of excellence and a world-renowned reputation for consistent quality.



2. Emphasis on the development of the whole student.
• In addition to academic excellence, British schools place significant emphasis on characteristics such as independence of thought, development of critical skills, involvement and commitment to activities outside of the classroom, and encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning and progress.


3. Importance of recognising each child as an individual.
• British schools recognise that not every pupil is equally skilled in all areas, and develop approaches to teaching and curricular structure which will enable pupils to be taught at an appropriate level in a supportive environment. Mechanisms to monitor and discuss progress, involvement of the pupil and parents in discussions, and a constant evaluation of what approach is best suited to each pupil’s requirements are central to the way schools such as the Prince of Wales Island International School operate.


4. Significant investment in teaching staff and facilities, with small class sizes.
• Providing the best environment in which to learn necessitates sufficiently small teacher to pupil ratios, the best qualified and motivated staff, and the best support in terms of facilities and materials possible. The Prince of Wales Island International School will have class sizes in Form 1 to Form 5 of approximately 18 to 20 (maximum 24), and between 10 and 12 students at A level (maximum 14). Brief biographies of the staff appointed to date can be seen here. Our facilities, built for the 21st century, will be second to none on Penang, and some of the best in the country.


5. Greater flexibility in curriculum structure, subject choices and teaching style.
• Whilst all schools must adhere to certain requirements of the local government departments, international schools have more freedom to modify the design and content of their curriculum than those schools which must follow a national curriculum, whichever country they are in. Such flexibility also allows for inclusion of the best from both local and British curricula as appropriate, such as the inclusion of Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin language teaching in the Prince of Wales Island International School. Teachers are also more free - and encouraged - to use different approaches best suited to the material being taught.


6. Transferability to other British International Schools or schools in the UK.
• Using international syllabuses leading to IGCSE and A level examinations allows students to transfer at any stage to the large number of British International schools worldwide, or indeed to schools in the UK.


7. Qualifications which are recognised world-wide.
• In addition to being the traditional requirement for entry into British universities, A levels are accepted in universities in the USA, Australia and New Zealand, as well as many other countries. With more than 50 years of development and testing behind them, and with established organisations such as Cambridge International Examinations to manage their use internationally, schools including the Prince of Wales Island International School recognise the value of A levels as a passport to tertiary education.


8. Immersion in English as the medium of instruction and of social contact.
• Being surrounded by friends and teachers all of whom speak English, all day and every day, is one of the best ways to improve and refine the spoken language. With increasing use comes increasing confidence, sometimes lacking in those for whom English is not their first language.


9. Easier progression to universities in UK and abroad.
• From the language, to the style of teaching, to the expectations placed on students, experience of a British international education provides a gentle stepping stone to the different culture students may face when they head off abroad for their University education. If choosing to board is an additional option, the skills and independence so gained are even more valuable as a preparation for life after school, and away from home.


10. Living in an international community at school.
• In an International school the friendships developed not only encompass a wide range of people and cultures, they provide an international awareness, and a network of life-long contacts which can span the globe.