Here’s how Garden International School consistently moulds generations of top scorers and scholars

With a storied history that predates the independence of Malaysia, Garden International School (GIS) in Kuala Lumpur is one of the country’s leading academic institutions. The school offers a through learning programme that educates students all the way from the ages of 3 to 18. While the concept of holistic learning is central to the school’s mission – and reflected in its vibrant co-curricular programs, enriching camps and learning journeys – this is firmly grounded in a foundation of academic rigour.

NURTURING EXCELLENCE

GIS offers a British-based curriculum that challenges students while offering robust academic support that ensures students are capable of realising their potential. The Sixth Form Diploma programme is crafted with the end goal of preparing students for the GCE A Level examinations in Year 13. 

During Year 12 of the Sixth Form, students will have the opportunity to take part in THRIVE. The programme is GIS’s professional internship programme that offers year 12 students the chance to gain practical work experience by joining a four-week work placement. Partnering companies have included global brands like Bufori and Prince Court Medical Centre.

In the final year of Sixth Form, the curriculum becomes even more focused on the GCE A Level examinations. Supporting students on the journey to this final examination are a team of highly qualified A Level subject specialists and an extensive pastoral learning team. Higher education counsellors are also on hand to help students navigate the enrolment process for tertiary institutions and offer advice on university and course selection.

Additionally, the school holds a University Fair where over 55 universities were on hand to  offer guidance and counselling to the Y10-Y13 students.

Bryan Lim, who was accepted into Harvard this year, was impressed by the school’s support, saying, “GIS has supported me throughout the application process. This included writing essays and personal statements as well as preparing for admission tests and interviews. There’s a lot of preparation that goes into it from year 12 to 13. The faculty is really willing to support you. I think it’s a great environment to be in.”

A PROVEN TRACK RECORD

In 2024, 44% of GIS’s IGCSE students and 35% of A-Level students have been recognised as top scorers. The proportion of high scorers is especially significant, considering the cohort sizes – 140 students in Year 11 (IGCSE) and 96 students in Year 13 (A Level). 

Additionally, 2024 sees five GIS alumni gaining admission to esteemed universities in the UK. Bryan Lim has accepted an offer to the prestigious Harvard University. His peers, Isaac Pau and Kentaro Arakawa will be joining the ranks of Cambridge, while Chong Tze Wey and Nicole Tan have earned offers from Oxford University. These five students are the latest in a long line of GIS graduates who’ve earned placements in the coveted Oxbridge schools.

Dr. Michael Browning, Head of Sixth Form, highlights the unique strengths of Garden International School’s Sixth Form programme, stating, “Our Sixth Form programme not only produces world-class academic results, but world class and future-ready people too. We help our students to not only achieve the best academic results that they can, but to also develop holistically.“

This approach underpins the idea that education at GIS isn’t just a series of accomplishments leading up to a final exam. It’s an educational journey that prepares students to tackle the world beyond school and realise their dreams.

To find out more about Garden International School, visit the GIS website or  contact the friendly Admissions team here.