Prince of Wales Island International School - Balik Pulau

The school begins each day with tutor time, allocating a daily slot where students check in with a trusted adult, often engaging in discussions or wellbeing activities using tools like Komodo Wellbeing. Primary support is provided by form tutors in Key Stage 3, with oversight from Heads of Key Stages and a school counsellor. The PSHE program, held fortnightly, covers topics such as mental health, relationships, digital safety, and decision-making. This curriculum is tailored to each age group and is delivered by pastoral leaders and trained staff within advisory and counselling teams. In the Sixth Form, there remains structured support including tutor guidance, one-to-one meetings with the University & Careers Counsellor, and a mental wellbeing focus during this high-pressure stage.

POWIIS is not a specialist SEN school but does admit students with learning difficulties who can benefit from its curriculum with appropriate support. According to the school’s SEN Policy, support is available for students with significantly greater difficulty in learning or disabilities that hinder access to mainstream education. The SENCo coordinates daily provisions and oversees assessments, Access Arrangement applications, and individualised plans. Teachers work closely with the SEN team to implement differentiated strategies in the classroom. Admissions decisions for SEN learners are based on available resources, staffing, and adequate background knowledge of the student’s needs, with additional assessments like class observations if required.

POWIIS offers a structured EAL program for students in Years 7–9, aimed at building academic English proficiency in preparation for IGCSE and A Levels. Placement is informed by CEFR assessments during admissions, and students move through levels until ready to graduate from the program. EAL support includes structured withdrawal lessons and integration within the broader Learning Support team.

The school has a dedicated pastoral team that includes tutors, key stage leaders, and school counsellors responsible for supporting mental wellbeing. Regular tutor check-ins and PSHE sessions address common emotional challenges faced by adolescents. POWIIS uses tools like Komodo to allow students to report wellbeing concerns and track mood patterns. In the Sixth Form, additional mental health support is embedded through university and future-planning counselling.

POWIIS Balik Pulau affirms its commitment to safeguarding, ensuring protection from harm through a stable school environment for all students. Tutor teams, pastoral leaders, and counsellors act as designated first contacts for concerns. The school's focus on psychological safety, emotional support, and open communication channels indicates adherence to standard child protection practices.