The Differences Between International and Private Schools in Malaysia

Private School

Private schools are required to use the National Curriculum for primary and secondary education, as required by the Education Act 1996. Besides the National Curriculum, private schools offer similar core subjects as national schools and prepare students for the same public common examinations. Private schools are open to both local and international students. Besides day school, some private schools also offer full residential facilities for students.

Private primary schools in Malaysia offer primary schooling from Standard 1 to Standard 6, follow the Primary School National Curriculum (KBSR), and prepare students for the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination.

Private secondary schools run from Form 1 to 5 or 6, follow the Integrated Curriculum for Secondary Schools (KBSM) and  prepare students for two public examinations, namely the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR/PT3) at Year 9 (Form 3) and the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) at Year 11 (Form 5). All these examinations are conducted by the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate (Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia). Some private schools offer post-secondary education to prepare students for admission into universities. Courses offered include the A-Levels, International Baccalaureate Diploma and others.

Typically, private schools offer a wider array of elective subjects, comprehensive co- and extra-curricular activities, facilities for learning, sports, IT and the arts. Many have longer study hours and smaller classes, and more attention is given to the students. They also provide regular reports for parents and place greater emphasis on the English language, even though these schools follow the Malaysian national curriculum. To gain entry to a private school, a student may have to undergo an assessment and interview.

International School

International schools in Malaysia are funded by the private sector and teach an international curriculum using English as a medium of instruction. These international schools are not governed under the Education Act 1996 but are subject to supervision by the Ministry of Education through its Private Education Division. Although these schools mainly cater for the needs of the international community, such as the children of the staff of foreign businesses, international organisations, foreign embassies and missions, up to 40% of students may be Malaysian.

The main types of international curriculum approved by the Ministry of Education are the British curriculum, the Australian curriculum, the American curriculum and the Canadian curriculum. Many of these schools offer education from pre-school right up to the preparation of students to sit for an external international examination like IGCSE 'O' level, GCE 'A' levels, International Baccalaureate Diploma, Grade 1 to 12, etc.

Aside from offering an international curriculum conducted in English, international schools also often provide diverse extra-curricular activities, superior amenities, smaller classes, and, sometimes, residential facilities. International schools allow parents to choose an alternative kind of education for their children - an education for the real world of global communication, international opportunity and cultural diversity. They offer a more child-centred and holistic approach to learning. Exposed to diverse experiences, students are encouraged to achieve their full potential across many different dimensions, academically, physically, spiritually and socially.
Written by : Malini for www.tuitionprovider.com