Middle & Senior School - Australian International School Malaysia (AISM)

Middle & Senior School

WHO WE ARE

A Robust
Curriculum

The Australian Curriculum teaches our students to think and learn for themselves. Combined with Visible Learning techniques, we help our students develop the skills they need to be successful 21st century global citizens.

Why Choose Our Middle & Senior School

We create independent thinkers, preparing your child for 21st century success.

Middle School (Year 6 - 8)

Support and challenge your child in transition to secondary school

Over the Middle School years, we work to help develop increasing academic and social independence in our students, readying them for the rigours of Senior School.

In Middle School, your child will study a range of subjects which will give them a breadth of understanding, laying an important foundation for later success. In Years 9 and 10 they will start specialising and choose elective subjects.

Middle School Subjects

Students have a homeroom teacher who teaches them for at least one other subject and specialist teachers for all other subjects.

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Humanities and Social Science — Geography and History
  • Languages Other Than English (LOTE):Bahasa Malaysia, French, Chinese
  • Malaysian Cultural Studies
  • Technology
  • Design & Technology
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
  • Creative & Performing Arts (Visual Arts, Music, Drama)
  • Access to gifted and talented programs
  • Access to international competitions such as World Scholars Cup, Model UnitedNations and more
  • Advanced Mathematics and Mandarin from Year 6 onwards

    AISM offers streaming in terms of Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Mathematics and Mandarin starting from Middle School.

  • Free Maths Support offered by our Maths teachers (during recess & after school)

In the Middle School, there is an emphasis on researching and analysing information and using critical and creative thinking skills as a basis of the research. Students do this by undertaking inquiry projects that are embedded in the curriculum.

Senior School (Year 9 - 10)

Challenging our learners with a rigorous internationally recognised qualification

From Year 9 onwards, we help your child to further develop the discipline and high order thinking skills they need for university and careers.

In the Australian education, students can complete up to 13 years of schooling, which culminates in the internationally recognised New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC). In Years 9 and 10, students study core subjects as well as electives, in preparation for further specialisation in the Higher School Certificate, which is equivalent to the A-Levels or IB Diploma.

Senior School Subjects

Core Subjects

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Geography
  • History
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
  • Advanced Mathematics and Mandarin from Year 6 onwards

    AISM offers streaming in terms of Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Mathematics and Mandarin starting from Middle School.

  • Free Maths Support offered by our Maths teachers (during recess & after school)
  • SPM Bahasa & History (for Year 9 and 10 Malaysians)

    The Ministry of Education of Malaysia has allowed Malaysian students enrolled at AISM to sit the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations for Bahasa Melayu (Malay Language) and Sejarah (History), starting in 2020. This is for students who are considering a career in Malaysian civil service (eg. doctors, lawyers). In order to prepare Malaysian students for the Bahasa Melayu and Sejarah SPM examinations, a combined Bahasa Melayu and Sejarah elective course will be available, for Year 9 and 10 Malaysian students. Students will have the option of selecting Bahasa Melayu and Sejarah as one of their three electives. This elective course will also cover Malaysian Studies requirements.

Elective Subjects

Students choose 3 elective subjects. Subjects currently available are:

  • Information and Software Technology
  • Physical Activity and Sports Studies
  • Design & Technology
  • Languages - French and Chinese

Assessment

At AISM, assessments are designed to help students understand their progress towards their outcomes.

Ongoing Assessment

Student gaps become targets for future learning and the learning cycle begins again. We assess students' achievement through assignments, research tasks, oral presentations, group work and examinations.

School Reports

Every semester, our teachers compile a report that lets you know how your child is progressing through the outcomes for each subject, describing their strengths and weaknesses.

Parent-teacher-student conferences

Good communication with your child’s class teacher is essential. Our school conducts parent-teacher conferences twice each year to discuss students' progress.

International Schools' Assessment (ISA)

Each October, all Year 6 to Year 10 students complete the ISA in mathematics, reading and writing. The assessment test is used diagnostically, to identify and address any areas of comparative weakness.

Middle & Senior School Facilities

At AISM, our classrooms are welcoming, light-filled spaces filled with a variety of tools and equipment to help students learn and express themselves.

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Senior School Today.

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  • English

    As their command of English grows, they are able to question, assess, challenge and reformulate information. Students use creative and analytical language to identify, clarify and solve problems. Through examining the contexts of language usage, they learn how meaning is shaped and broaden their capacity for cultural understanding.

    From Years 6-8, we teach English and Literacy in our curriculum. We also offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) to those who need help in improving their language proficiency.

    English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes

    As some students come from non-English speaking backgrounds, we offer EAL support to ease their transition here while improving their language mastery. This allows them to develop their control of language in ways that will help them in lifelong learning, in their careers and in life.

    Our teachers are qualified and trained in teaching English to children of non-English speaking backgrounds. Every lesson is designed to help children take part in all aspects of school life through improving:

    • Speaking Skills
    • Listening Skills
    • Writing
  • Mathematics

    In Mathematics, we develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of mathematical concepts and fluency with mathematical processes. Students also recognise connections between the areas of mathematics and other disciplines, and appreciate it as an accessible, enjoyable discipline to study.

    The way we teach is more than just completing mathematic worksheets or memorizing formulas; as we want our students to understand that what they are being taught will eventually become an important aspect of lifelong learning.

  • Science

    We aim to foster in students a sense of wonder and to expand their natural curiosity about the world around them. Our courses help students in:

    • Developing skills by using scientific and technological processes to answer questions and come up with creative solutions
    • Provoking curiosity and understanding about environments through learning about the physical world, Earth and Space, information and products
    • Learning about the influence and relevance of science and technology in today and the future
  • Humanities and Social Science — Geography and History

    To be an exemplary model citizens for the 21st century, one must have a good understanding of the world today. Our courses teaches students the aspects of the human society and culture through a critical and analytical approach, as well as a scientific approach.

    History

    We intend to cultivate interest in History and encourage our students to develop a critical understanding of the past and its impact in our world today. It is our goal to enable our students to participate as active, responsible well-informed citizens by developing their evaluative skills in historical inquiry.

    Geography

    Our goal in teaching Geography is to develop our students’ deep interest in the world and be engaged with it. As future informed active citizens, our students are encouraged to have an understanding of the interactions between people, places and environment through geographical inquiry.

  • Languages Other Than English (LOTE):Bahasa Malaysia, French, Chinese

    In the current society with live in, speaking more than one language is no longer an unfamiliar sight.

    Studies have shown that learning a foreign language proves beneficial and valuable in recent times.

    As students progress in learning foreign languages, their ability to communicate and exchange information becomes more proficient. They form a deep understanding and appreciation of the language’s culture, while encouraging creativity and high critical thinking skills. Our specialists are highly trained and knowledgeable in their expertise, imparting their knowledge and love for the language to our students.

  • Malaysian Cultural Studies

    This course is compulsory for all Malaysian students. It is the study of Malaysian History and Culture, as well as some aspects of the Bahasa Language.

  • Technology

    This study assists students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to solve problems in real life contexts. Creative, critical and metacognitive thinking skills are developed through students’ practical involvement in projects.

    Core content provides students with specialised knowledge of past, current and emerging technologies, data, hardware, software and people involved in the field of information and software technology. The core also includes legal, ethical, social and industrial issues.

    We provide opportunities for the contextualisation of the core and allow choices of areas of interest to be made. Options include artificial intelligence, simulation and modelling, authoring and multimedia, database design, digital media, the Internet and website development, networking systems, robotics and automated systems, and software development and programming.

  • Design & Technology

    Our aim is for our students to develop advanced thinking approaches and understanding of conceptual principles, while encouraging them to take intellectual risks and experiment with resources. Through various projects, we encourage our students to identify problems, research solutions, investigate information, analyse data, generate ideas, evaluate designs, and experiment with technology.

  • Health & Physical Education

    Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

    Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) develops the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes important for students in terms of their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing. Physical education is fundamental to the acquisition of movement skills and concepts to enable students to participate confidently, competently and creatively in a range of physical activities.

    Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS)

    Physical Activity and Sports Studies represents a broad view of physical activity and the many possible contexts in which individuals can build activity into their lifestyle. PASS promotes the concept of learning through movement, and also learning about movement. It provides opportunities for students to develop their movement skills, analyse movement performance and assist the performance of others. The acquisition and successful application of movement skills are closely related to enjoyment of physical activity and the likelihood of sustaining an active lifestyle.

  • Visual Arts

    Photography and Digital Media Classes

    Years 11 to 12

    Photography and Digital Media will be an elective subject for Year 11 and Year 12 students.

    Junior School Art Competition

    Celebrating Creativity

    Our Junior School holds its own art competition every year where the winning art pieces are displayed in the school grounds for parents and visitors to see.

    Creative Arts Week

    Celebrating Achievement in Arts

    Organised by Middle and Senior School students, Creative Arts Week celebrates the arts including visual arts, music, drama and photography.

    Our students’ work will be showcased around the school – demonstrating their efforts and talent.

  • Drama

    Years 7 to 8

    Our Drama classes, conducted by specialist teachers, help students develop performance, play building and creative thinking skills.

    They will be exposed to a variety of historical and contemporary theatrical styles and traditions, which gives them valuable opportunities to experience and build skills in self-expression and imagination.

    Years 9 to 12

    Senior students may elect drama as part of the Higher School Certificate allowing them to continue studying in these areas at a tertiary level.

    Some well-known plays that have been staged at AISM, which include Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ and The Brothers Grimm ‘Spectaculathon’.

  • Music

    Foundation to Year 5

    Music lessons for Early Learning Centre up to Year 2 include singing, movement and percussion instruments.

    Students are given the skills and freedom to explore a range of musical instruments. In Years 3 and 4, your child will join the string program where they learn to play either violin or cello.

    In Year 5, they can play in a band or orchestra, depending on their interest.

    Years 6 to 12

    In Middle and Senior schools, students study music as a curriculum subject.

    They take study units such as film, music, world music, Australian music and rock music. Students will compose, perform and listen to music from a wide variety of style.

    AISM Instrumental Music Academy

    Our Instrumental Music Academy provides your child with individual tuition by professional tutors during school hours. Your child can choose from:

    • Woodwind – clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone
    • String – violin, cello, double bass
    • Percussion – drums
    • Piano
    • Guitar
    • Indian Classical Music
  • GEOGRAPHY

    Our goal in teaching Geography is to develop our students’ deep interest in the world and be engaged with it. As future informed active citizens, our students are encouraged to have an understanding of the interactions between people, places and environment through geographical inquiry.

  • History

    We intend to cultivate interest in History and encourage our students to develop a critical understanding of the past and its impact in our world today. It is our goal to enable our students to participate as active, responsible well-informed citizens by developing their evaluative skills in historical inquiry.

  • Commerce

    Through the study of Commerce students develop financial literacy which enables them to participate in the financial system in an informed way.

    Commerce provides the knowledge, skills, understanding and values that form the foundation on which young people make sound decisions on consumer, financial, business, legal and employment issues. It develops in students an understanding of commercial and legal processes and competencies for personal financial management.

    Central to the course is the development of an understanding of the relationships between consumers, businesses and governments in the overall economy. Through their investigation of these relationships, students develop the capacity to apply problem-solving strategies which incorporate the skills of analysis and evaluation. They constantly engage in the learning process which promotes critical thinking, reflective learning and the opportunity to participate in the community.

  • Languages – French and Chinese

    As students progress in learning foreign languages, their ability to communicate and exchange information becomes more proficient. They form a deep understanding and appreciation of the language’s culture, while encouraging creativity and high critical thinking skills. Our specialists are highly trained and knowledgeable in their expertise, imparting their knowledge and love for the language to our students.

    The confidence developed will give them the ability to select a language as an elective in their Senior School and Pre-University.