While the school follows the British Cambridge University education curriculum leading to the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE & AS/A Level qualifications, our teachers take an unconventional approach to course instruction. They are encouraged to teach-by-doing and to innovate as they educate – to be extraordinary in front of a whiteboard or on a stage, court or playing field.
They use creative strategies to engage students in their studies and motivate them to excel. From literature to science, history to technology, every course is designed not only to impart important knowledge, but also to strengthen critical reading, writing and thinking skills. And because we believe in the tremendous value of experiential cross-curricular and collaborative learning, field trips / work experiences are incorporated as a regular, integral part of a Tanaratian education.
A general overview of the curriculum can help in understanding the Tanaratian brand of academic study. TiS is a school that combines the best qualities of traditional and progressive approaches. For instance, we place heavy emphasis on a student’s ability to write, read and interpret critically. But we’re also committed to thinking outside the box. We rely on experiential and cross-curricular learning-by-doing outside the classroom, and through an advisory program, we also teach thinking and test-taking skills. Viewed as a whole, our curriculum has been carefully designed to effectively communicate content and create a thirst for further knowledge.
The curriculum used, in both the Primary and Secondary Divisions, is modelled on the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Curriculum from the UK. The detailed curriculum for Years 10 & 11 and for AS/A Levels is prescribed by Cambridge International Examinations board administered by Cambridge University.
Curriculum for Year 1 to Year 11 is patterned on practices conforming to the CIE IGCSE syllabus.
The subjects offered in Primary are:
- English
- Math
- Science
- Literature
- Geography
- History
- Physical Education, Sports, Swimming and Play
- Art & Design
- Music
- Languages (Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Hindi, Spanish, French)
- PSCS/ Agama (for Malaysians of Islamic faith)
- ICT
The subjects covered in Secondary are:
- English & English Literature
- Maths & Additional Maths
- General Sciences / Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- Literature
- History
- Geography
- Physical Education & Sports
- Art & Design
- Music
- Languages (Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Hindi, Spanish, French)
- PSHE/ Agama (for Malaysians of Islamic faith)
- Accounting & Economics
- Computer Studies (including Design & Technology)
For the Secondary Division there is no separation into Science and Arts streams. At the point of entry to Year 10, students together with their parents are advised on an optimum combination of subjects to begin the process of preparation for preferred career paths and university education.
Additional Extra-Curricular-Activities (ECA) will be arranged and scheduled during the academic year.
FAQ
What is the admission process like for a child who learns differently?
Regardless of the type of learning disability the admission process will be as follows:
- The needed documentation must be submitted to the school.
- A meeting will be set with the administrative staff and the SEN teacher.
- The child along with the parent(s) will have a tour of the school.
- The child must complete a written assessment for English and Maths.
- The child will have a set of 3 back-to-back trail classes.
- Meeting to discuss the observations of the trail classes with SEN teacher.
- Update via email about the assessment and the school’s decision.
Who is the Special Educational Needs Teacher?
Ms. Karisma Premchand Alwani is our SEN teacher. She joined Tanarata International Schools in 2016 and works one-on-one with our neurodiverse students. Ms. Karisma has a BSB, BSIT, Diploma in Learning Disorder Management and Child Psychology, and is a licensed facilitator with the Davis Dyslexia Association Pacific (DDA-Pacific). She has also completed workshops and courses such as Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Lindamood-Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing, HavardX- Introduction to Family Engagement in Education, ASD and Anxiety & Managing Challenging Behaviour at Home by The National Autistic Society and the Jolly Grammar Programme & Jolly Phonics and the Struggling Child by Jolly Phonics.
How are the classes conducted?
Students work with Ms. Karisma one-on-one in the library. Depending on the child, some students will work with Ms Karisma during a specific lesson (eg. a student struggling in math will work one-on-one with her during the math classes) or some students who have difficulty learning languages opt to have the sessions during the language periods. Due to the fact that each child has their own needs, the classes and lesson plans will be created to cater to each student’s needs.
How often do students have classes with Ms. Karisma?
Each child usually has a minimum of four (4) periods a week. The number of periods is dependent of on the number of students Ms. Karisma can schedule into her timetable.
What learning difficulties do you currently have at the school?
At TiS we have had many students with different learning challenges. Currently we have students with Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Global Developmental Delay.
Do you accept all children with learning issues?
TiS tries to cater to as many different learners as we can. However, students who join our school must be able to sit in a classroom setting and follow the structure of the lessons provided by the teachers and the school.
Are there certain behaviors that you will not accept?
We aim to keep the school a safe place for everyone. Therefore, behaviors that occur within the classroom and/or around the premise that may cause harm or injury to the student themself, other students, teachers, and staff are behaviors that we will not accept.
Does the school provide shadow aides?
TiS does not provide shadow aides. In the event that a student needs a shadow aide, the parents will need to hire a shadow aide for their child. The SEN teacher may assist with providing contacts of shadow aides but hiring and payments will be done solely by the parent(s) of the child.
What accommodations are made within the classroom for students who learn differently?
Each child learns differently and thus, different accommodations can be made based on what the school or the subject teacher feels is best for the child. Accommodations such as using iPads or devices within the classroom are on an approval basis and will be dependent on how much of a distraction it will be for the child themselves and other children in the class. We do allow for parents to hire a shadow aide if the school feels that it is necessary for the child to have that additional support within the classroom.
Will my child be given a separate exam paper?
Upon request by the teacher, parents and approval by the school a separate paper will be made by the SEN teacher for the student. Kindly note that there will be an indication of this on their transcript.
What specific program does the SEN teacher use?
The SEN teacher uses a combination of programs and methods to cater to each student’s difficulties. For those who would like to do the 5-full day Davis Program with Ms Karisma, it will be conducted during the school holidays. Kindly note that the Davis program is not part of the school fees and parents will have to bear the additional cost for the program.
How often can I meet with the SEN teacher?
The SEN teacher can be contacted via the admin’s office e-mail or through our online learning portal messaging feature.
How often will we be updated on our child’s progress?
Parent- Teacher Meetings (PTM) are conducted each term. Parent(s) can meet the SEN teacher during the PTM to discuss the progress and goals for their child.
How open are your teachers with students who learn differently?
The teachers at TiS have worked with many students who learn differently throughout the years. They try to accommodate and work with students who learn differently to the best of their ability.
Can our child just sit one-on-one with the SEN teacher and not join a class?
Integration is key at TiS and we encourage students to stay and mingle with their classmates and peers as much as they can throughout the day. Thus, they will have to stay in class with their classmates and will only work with the SEN teacher during certain periods of the day.
Does your school have summer programs for children who learn differently?
Currently, we do not have any ongoing summer programs for students who learn differently.
Do you offer intensive prep classes for students?
Currently, we do not offer intensive prep class for students.
