How To Best Choose A Curriculum For My Child

The options available for families seeking the best international education for their child are plentiful with a vast number of schools offering varied curriculum choices. What, however, is integral for parents to consider in selecting the best fit for their child is the academic principles responsible for delivering this curriculum, the holistic approach to learning, and the teaching environment.

An education at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) is focused on the needs of its students; the school delivers a variety of curriculum and learning pathways that allow students to grow academically but also personally in an holistic manner. Students passions and interests are nurtured to aid holistic, social, practical, and emotional mindsets that translate directly to their academic development.

Making a final decision in selecting the most relevant curriculum for your child is a course of action that proves difficult to u-turn if their academic needs are not effectively realized from the outset.  It is advisable to study how a school delivers its program offerings as well as gain insights, solid advice, and guidance in knowing the pros and cons of all available options with consideration for your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

ISKL’s supportive educators offer the following tips:

• Communicate with your child - Let them guide you in what encourages them to learn, the teaching styles they enjoy and the environment that appeals to their personality and motivates their emotional and academic growth.  

• Acknowledge support - Take time to consider the additional requirements of your child, their strengths and weaknesses, and whether that means extra assistance or motivation to pursue a more challenging curriculum.   

• Talents and Passions - If your child is passionate about a co-curricular activity or activities, consider if this is embedded into the curriculum program and the positive value of learning in a social context.

• Self-Motivation or Collaborative Learning - Modern learning methods are developed to allow children to take ownership over their active learning and/or collaborate with peers through a more structured schedule. Decide what will work best for your individual child.  

• Methodology and Teaching Principles - The elements contained within these principles will set the foundation of your child’s learning.  Parents should take time to consider the grading system, accreditation options, curriculum goals, project options and a teaching focus on critical thinking and problem solving.  

• International Focus - In a global world, students attending any international school derive knowledge from a vast array of countries, cultures, religions, and ethnic groups. This diversity is an incredible asset to any education, providing cultural and language learning opportunities.

Once you have a firm idea of the school that offers a curriculum best suited to your child, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to gain an insight into the actual environment by attending open days, school events, performances, sports matches, virtual or in-person tours, and more. These will enable parents to connect with teachers and community members, revealing the nuances and personality of the school itself.  The main aim for parents should be to actively seek a school that enhances their child’s academic experiences alongside a considered and well-administered focus on well-being. The foundation of any educational institution is the values that are instilled at the core level, which should align with those of your family to have the most impact and influence over a child’s development and perception of the world.

ISKL promotes a curriculum that prepares students for life itself- one that considers pathways that every student can access so graduates leave with a stronger sense of self and the world around them. The school has values instilled from an early age and guiding statements that encourage all students to think creatively, reason critically, communicate effectively, collaborate constructively, learn enthusiastically and live ethically. With this grounding, students are empowered to explore opportunities in preparation for life beyond ISKL.

For more information on how ISKL’s curriculum can support your child to achieve their potential, we invite you to review our interactive eBook: Unpacking ISKL’s Curriculum: Learning Stories.

This content is provided by ISKL