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Malaysia, Penang
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The International School of Penang (Uplands) is the First Multiprogramme IB World School in Malaysia. The Primary School follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 4 to 12. The Secondary School offers the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7–9, the Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10–11, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Years 12–13. The school hosts a diverse community with more than 40 nationalities and emphasizes international-mindedness.
The Primary School includes Drama and Music and Visual Art as part of the arts program. Specialised Classes also feature STEAM and Library lessons in the curriculum. Physical Education with swimming is provided across year groups as part of a holistic approach to development.
Modern foreign languages include Bahasa and Mandarin in the Primary. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports students who are not native English speakers. Communicators in the Primary learner profiles express themselves in more than one language.
The Primary emphasizes student-led learning and leadership through Primary Leaders and a Year 5–6 Student Council. The Secondary School provides formal leadership opportunities through a Student Council, House Representatives, and Senior Prefects, with additional leadership avenues via co-curricular activities. Co-curricular Activities (CCA) include clubs such as the Green Club, Do Something Society, Uplands Social Committee, and the Uplander school magazine, along with peer mediators, buddies, mentors, and senior interns.
Primary includes Sustainable Development Activities as part of its learning program. Secondary emphasizes service projects as part of the student experience. The school fosters community involvement through leadership, activities, and collaborative projects across year groups.
Primary Leadership consists of Primary Leaders and a Year 5–6 Student Council. Secondary leadership includes a Student Council, House Representatives, and Senior Prefects with formal responsibilities across the school. Additional leadership pathways arise from CCAs, peer mediation, mentoring, and senior internships.
Wellbeing is central to the school's approach, with a focus on balance and an inclusive community. The school's motto is Respect for Self. Respect for Others, guiding daily life and interactions. Learner profiles emphasize Balance and Reflective practice to support intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being.
The International School of Penang (Uplands) is a co-educational, not-for-profit school located in the coastal area of Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia. Established in 1955, it offers a full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs—PYP, MYP, and DP—as well as IGCSEs in the secondary years. The school enrolls students aged 4 to 18 from over 40 countries. The campus features six science labs, two drama studios, music and art rooms, design and technology labs, a multipurpose hall, a dedicated sports centre with a climbing wall, and a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool. One of the school’s distinctive features is its structured Service Learning Program, which is integrated across all year levels and encourages student-led projects that support local communities and NGOs.
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