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Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
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The school operates a single Damansara Heights campus for students aged 2 to 18. Michelia is the on-site early childhood centre, based on a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach. The Finnish school model forms the foundation for learning, with content localised to connect with local society and environment. Students progress through primary and secondary education to British IGCSE and A Level examinations on a strong track record. The programme integrates academics, sports, performing arts and service opportunities.
The Finnish school model provides the foundation for learning. The Finnish curriculum allows content localisation to connect learning with local society and environment. The learning journey starts with Michelia at age 2 and continues through nine years of schooling, applying the tenets of a healthy mindset, resilient work ethic and upright moral values across academics, sports, performing arts and service programmes. Students progress to British-based IGCSE and A Level examinations. The curriculum supports international mindedness through exchanges, projects and ISA activities.
The school offers an award-winning performing arts programme and a broad array of sports and expeditions. It provides leadership opportunities and real-world-relevant learning through these activities. Cempakans participate in International Schools Association activities, exchange programmes, year-round Combined Special Projects and school trips, including the ISA Youth Leadership Encounter.
Cempaka International School Damansara Heights, founded in 1983 and relocated to its current campus in 1989, provides education for children aged 2 to 18 in a leafy residential suburb about five kilometres from central Kuala Lumpur. The school offers a progression from early childhood through to Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, beginning with its Michelia programme for ages two to five, which draws on Reggio Emilia principles. Primary students follow a Finnish curriculum model that emphasizes creativity and exploration, while secondary students transition into IGCSE and pre-university A Levels. Instruction is in English, with Malay, Mandarin, and French taught as additional languages. Distinctive features include the Cempaka Performing Arts Company, which stages original musicals, and the Cempaka Awards Scheme, which combines expeditions, service, and leadership development.
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