GIS' Vision is...

We develop a resilient, intrinsically driven community of learners who have a global perspective, a passion for life, and care for self, others, and the world.

Mission:

By ensuring:

• Teaching and learning are underpinned by evidence-informed approaches that personalise learning, promote challenge, and develop inquisitive, self-directed learners who flourish both academically and as individuals.

• A relevant, holistic, and personalised curriculum that builds knowledge, skills, and understanding, while fostering individual passions to prepare students for life.

• A safe, inclusive environment driven by core values that develop relationships, connection, and belonging, maximising our capacity to learn, perform, grow, and find joy in our lives.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Overview:

The move into Key Stage 4 is an exciting milestone where students begin making meaningful choices about the academic courses they study alongside their core curriculum. At GIS, our KS4 curriculum is designed to provide a robust educational experience that aligns with our vision of developing well-rounded learners who are intrinsically motivated, resilient, and ready for the rapidly changing world.

Our programme offers a carefully crafted balance between core subjects, which are compulsory for all students, and elective options that cater to students' individual interests. This approach ensures that every learner has the opportunity to explore and develop their passions, skills, and knowledge, laying the groundwork for future success.

In today's competitive landscape, both universities and employers are increasingly emphasising the importance of skills such as problem-solving, self-management, communication, collaboration, and technological literacy. Our curriculum equips students with these essential skills through both the academic and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) components of our programme. This holistic approach prepares students not just for academic success but also for life beyond school.

Elective Programme:

Our bespoke elective programme from Year 10 to Year 12 encourages students to explore their curiosities, discover new passions, and deepen their understanding of the world. This provides them with rich learning opportunities that go beyond formal qualifications, enhancing their university applications and preparing them for the evolving challenges of the future. Our commitment is to help every student build a lifelong love of learning and cultivate the resilience and drive to thrive in any path they choose.

How is the curriculum set up?

The core programme for KS4 students consists of 20 lessons per week, structured as follows:

10 lessons in Core subjects:

• English Language and English Literature 3 lessons

• Mathematics 3 lessons

• Coordinated Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) – Double Award 4 lessons

4 lessons across wider skills and passions:

• Core PE  1 lesson

• Social and Emotional Learning 1 lesson

• Projects (equivalent to half an IGCSE) 1 lesson

• Elective (selected by the student from a range of options) 1 lesson

6 additional lessons in the Options programme:

• 3 additional IGCSE subjects, selected through the Options process 6 lessons (2 lessons per subject)

Most GIS students complete KS4 with between 8.5 and 10 IGCSEs.

Most GIS students complete Key Stage 4 with between 8.5 and 10 IGCSEs. Through a combination of our core and optional curriculum, the majority of students will graduate with a well-rounded education and a minimum of 8 IGCSEs. This number may be higher for students who take additional subjects, such as IGCSE Malay, which around 70% of our students complete through early entry in Year 9, or for those who undertake Fast Track Maths. The half IGCSE from the Projects course also contributes to this total.

Typically, students finish Year 11 with between 8.5 and 10 IGCSEs. While many schools recommend 5 to 8 IGCSEs as the optimum number, our experience shows that there is little benefit in pursuing more. In fact, taking too many IGCSEs can limit opportunities to develop the essential skills – such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork – that universities and employers increasingly seek.

Balancing Academics and Wellbeing

At GIS, offering 8.5 to 10 IGCSEs enables our students to experience a broad, balanced curriculum while maintaining the time and space necessary for focusing on both academic success and personal wellbeing. We prioritise helping students manage their workload effectively, ensuring they can achieve their best outcomes without compromising their mental health or extracurricular passions.

Our curriculum supports the development of essential social and emotional skills (SEL) and encourages students to explore learning beyond formal qualifications through the elective programme. By providing opportunities for personal growth alongside academic excellence, we help students navigate the pressures that come with the increased demands of exam boards, coursework and the overall transition to KS4. This approach equips learners with the resilience and coping strategies necessary to manage stress and perform at their best.

Progression to Sixth Form

At GIS, students are required to achieve a minimum of six B grades at IGCSE to be eligible to apply for a place in the GIS Sixth Form, where we offer the A Level programme. Our broad and balanced Key Stage 4 curriculum prepares learners well for the independent nature of post-IGCSE study. It also supports their emotional development and resilience, increasing the likelihood of success at the next level of academic study.

Additionally, our KS4 curriculum ensures that students are highly competitive, whether they choose to apply to other schools in Malaysia or abroad. The 'vertical' nature of many of our electives, where Year 10 students study alongside Year 11 and Year 12 students, further smooths the transition to our Sixth Form, making it a natural next step for those continuing at GIS.