Middle School
Discover more about our curriculum, concepts and skills students will explore during their time at ISKL.
Learning in Middle School
Our Middle School fosters an environment where students explore diverse subjects to cultivate agency, practical skills, effective study habits, and a solid knowledge foundation for high school and beyond.
Integrated into the ISKL MS program are numerous elements designed to empower students. These elements include Agency, Malaysia Week, WIN (What I Need) Time, Arts and STEM options, and many sports & after school activities.
Through these opportunities, students will find their voice, make choices, and hone "future-ready" life skills.
In a supportive environment, they learn to take initiative, engage in calculated risk-taking, and cultivate self-confidence to determine their path to becoming a contributing community member and an impactful global citizen in our world.
Middle School Overview
Our Middle School program is designed to encourage student initiative, independent learning, and balanced growth, both academically and socially.
Specialized educators support students through this critical developmental phase, offering a diverse range of courses that meet their individual needs and interests.
Core subjects include Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Physical Education, and World Language, while electives such as Band, Choir, Strings, and Yearbook are available year-round.
Core Classes | Wheel (Trimester Required Classes) | Music or Elective |
---|---|---|
Humanities | Grade 6: Health + Drama + (Art) | Band, Choir, Strings* |
Mathematics | Grade 7: Health + Art + (Drama) | or |
Science | Grade 8: Health + Design Thinking: Computer Science + (Drama) | Yearbook |
World Language | or | |
Physical Education |
Wide variety of trimester electives. |
Welcome From Our Principal
Dear Parents,
At ISKL's Middle School, we prioritize academic, social, and emotional learning goals.
Our curriculum aligns with international standards based on extensive research and best practices. We strive for a holistic approach to each student's development. While we continually enhance instructional delivery, curriculum, and assessment practices, our Middle School culture remains unwavering.
Students thrive in an environment that fosters empathy and care, where they can unlock their unique talents and gifts. Our learner-driven program provides authentic, real-world challenges inside and outside the classroom, helping our students discover their passions and interests.
The Middle School years at ISKL are transformative for your children. Through specifically designed learning experiences, they acquire the skills and competencies to excel in school and make a positive impact on themselves, their communities, and the world they share.
Yours in partnership,
Peter Casey
Middle School Principal
E: msoffice@iskl.edu.my
Principal's Biography
Peter is the Middle School Principal and has been with ISKL since 2016. With over 30 years of experience as an international educator, Peter has worked in six different countries and has taught every grade from Pre-K to grade 12.
Along with his vast classroom experience and diverse teaching background, Peter has also been an assistant principal and athletic director.
Peter has created an environment in the Middle School that allows students to acquire the necessary skills and dispositions to succeed in school and the opportunity to explore areas of personal interest. Peter’s work at ISKL has led to a curriculum and instruction that is engaging, personal, and meaningful for our students.
Peter has hosted workshops and professional development at ISKL and around the region to develop “Student Agency” and leadership. He genuinely believes that creating a positive school culture of care and inclusivity for students, parents, and faculty will lead to a harmonious and productive learning community.
Peter holds an MA in Educational Studies Program and a BA in Physical and Health Education.
Watch Peter’s Find Yourself at ISKL Story
Engaging In and Out of the Classroom
Homegroup Sessions
Middle School students begin their day in a welcoming and safe homegroup session lasting 15-20 minutes. This time is dedicated to building strong, caring relationships among students and faculty sponsors, fostering friendships across different grade levels, with attendance taken and the daily bulletin read.
These homegroups are part of the Color Houses, which come together for Spirit Days, enhancing school spirit and community.
Homegroup in Middle School provides a safe space to ask questions and seek guidance you might not get in other classes. It fosters a supportive environment for building friendships, understanding diverse perspectives, and developing social-emotional skills, which are essential for personal growth and academic success.
Student Leadership
Students at ISKL are empowered to develop leadership skills in various ways, including leading and participating in clubs, service initiatives, and community activities.
In Middle School, students have the opportunity to put their leadership skills into action by becoming members of the Student Leadership Team (SLT), where they learn to collaborate, share ideas, and take part in meaningful discussions.
Some of the responsibilities that the SLT oversees include planning Middle School events, raising money for community services partners, and most importantly, creating an inclusive forum encouraging their peers to contribute to the wider ISKL community.
Community Service
We believe that community service and service learning can foster a student's personal development, strengthen their sense of community, and build leadership skills.
The Community Service activities in the Middle School are committed to developing and nurturing an environment of cultural and ethnic sensitivity among students and the community.
The Middle School provides opportunities for students to participate in community service through options in our after school activities program.
By promoting the values and opportunities offered through community service and encouraging people to be involved, we hope to foster the benefits derived through volunteerism.
The Full Middle School Experience
You say O, I say Opportunities!
Young adolescents need opportunities to broaden their horizons, explore new interests, and refine their athletic skills. At ISKL, we offer three trimesters of after-school activities to enrich the Middle School experience.
Our philosophy encourages students to explore and grow through a wide array of extracurricular options.
Whether it’s clubs, sports, or other activities, we believe in providing students with the chance to try everything, fostering the development of new interests and nurturing personal growth.
Participating in these activities also helps students make friends outside their class, enhancing their social and emotional well-being.
You say M, I say Malaysia Week
Malaysia Week at ISKL represents experiential learning at its best. Combining our program goals, school-wide learning outcomes with our Middle School values and curricular focus ensures a comprehensive and enriching experience. The theme of awareness, engagement, and action underscores the importance of this program.
Malaysia Week uniquely supports character development with students learning to share, care for one another, and take responsibility.
Students enhance their problem-solving abilities by stepping out of their comfort zones and facing new challenges. Working collaboratively fosters mutual trust, understanding, and consideration. Personal growth peaks as students navigate new experiences involving risk, excitement, cooperation, teamwork, communication, and creativity.
This week is not just about learning but about fun and meaningful connections, preparing students for a lifetime of responsible citizenship.
Notes:
-
Courses and units may be subject to change and depend on the dynamic nature of learning as well as student demand and/or grade level needs.
-
For a course to run in High School, ISKL must be in a position to provide a qualified instructor, and there must be a sufficient number of interested students. The same is valid for World Language courses.
-
World Language courses are based on language proficiency and may vary based on the student’s language level in either Spanish or Chinese.
-
This information is subject to change. For the latest information, please get in touch with our Admissions team at admissions@iskl.edu.my