Explore best schooling options
The demand for international schools has increased tremendously over the last few years because parents recognise the importance of the English language and a good curriculum for their children. Good English skills are necessary for tertiary education and will most certainly improve the employment prospects for graduates. A good curriculum is essential to help a child achieve his or her full potential.
Malaysian parents today have many options in international schools for their children. In addition to the well-established international schools which were primarily for children of expatriate parents, there are now purpose-built schools that deliver international curricula using English as the language of instruction. There are also private schools that have switched to offering international curricula. Most schools are British-based offering the national curriculum of England and Wales, and the Cambridge curriculum, where students sit for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education. Other schools offer the International Baccalaureate, American, and Australian curriculum among others.
With over 100 international schools in Malaysia offering different curricula and a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities, it has become more challenging for parents to select the right school for their children. Parents may be overwhelmed by the many factors to consider: fees, curricula, location, facilities, teaching faculty, class size, and extracurricular opportunities among others.
Recognising the need for parents to have the necessary information in order to make an informed decision, Mint Communications initiated the first Private & International School Fair series in 2012. These fairs enable parents to find out more about their options in international schools directly from the schools themselves. The fairs have since attracted a growing number of exhibitors comprising international schools, preschools, and learning centres. The number of visitors, comprising mainly parents of school-going children, has also increased over the years, indicating an increasing demand for international schools, and the need for correct information on international education.
The Private & International School Fair will be held on 7 & 8 November 2015 at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre. This is the 6th fair in Kuala Lumpur. According to Nickie Yew, co-founder and director of Mint Communications, “Traditionally, cost was a major consideration for parents. Today, the landscape for international education has evolved to include a wide range of schools, curricula and price options, thus making international education a feasible option for parents. This fair exists for this very reason – to bridge the information gap through a platform that brings together international education providers and parents. Parents considering international education should invest the time and effort to obtain the necessary information in order to make the right decisions for their children. Many international schools will be exhibiting at this fair thus offering a wide variety of curricula, facilities and overall educational experience, for parents to choose from.”
Besides international schools, this fair will also include preschools for children below six years old; learning centres for parents who are looking for enhancement opportunities; and pre-university programme providers.
In addition to meeting with and speaking to principals and head teachers from international schools that are exhibiting, there will also be talks on international curricula and how to choose a school during the event. There will also be interesting workshops and activities for children below 12 years old. For the complete schedule of talks and activities for children, visit www.pisf.asia.
Another highlight of the fair is that visitors will also be able to purchase the latest 2015/2016 edition of the Education Destination Malaysia, a comprehensive guidebook that lists all international schools in Malaysia and contains useful information and advice for parents who are planning or preparing to enrol their children in international schools, at a discounted price.
Admission is free. Visitors who register online at www.pisf.asia before the fair will gain instant access to the fair in addition to a complimentary goody bag and a chance to win prizes from Legoland, MPH Bookstores, Doof and more.
The complete list of exhibitors, please visit www.PrivateInternationalSchoolFair.com