By Simon Millward
Recently, the prospective Grade 5 House Captains from each house gave speeches to their classmates about why they wished to be a House Captain this year. The students in the grade then voted based on the speeches and the vision that they had presented.
At our assembly next week (Tuesday 26th September) there will be a big reveal. We are asking that students wear their house shirts on that day. This will be the first event that students wear house shirts. There will be other opportunities through the year where we show our house spirit and wear them as well.
Look out for the announcement next week as to who our House Captains are.
Just a reminder that next week is a 3-day week. Thursday and Friday are IGBIS holidays, so there will be no school for anyone on those days.
Some things to look out for, you will be receiving the yearly overview of PYP Workshops that are being offered by a variety of people, we would love parents to come along and learn all about the PYP. I will also be sending out information about the upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences for FF-Grade 1 and 3 Way Conferences for Grades 2-Grade 5.
This week our Early Years team have been inspiring these young learners by creating an area for students to explore all things ‘Gruffalo’. Julia Donaldson’s book has provided a wonderful literary learning area to develop their imagination, their creativity and obviously play opportunities.
Date |
Time |
Workshop |
Venue |
27 Sept 2023 Wednesday |
8:15 am - 9:15 am |
What’s Next? Wednesday Session: Getting to Graduation and Beyond |
PVO Room |
03 Oct 2023 Tuesday |
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
Inquiry in the PYP: Explore inquiry-based teaching and learning approaches used in the Grade 1-5 classroom. |
TBC |
04 Oct 2023 Wednesday |
8:15 am - 9:15 am |
Experience being a DP/CP student |
PVO Room |
05 Oct 2023 Thursday |
8:15 am - 9:15 am |
MYP Projects: Passion, Creativity & Community |
PVO Room |
10 Oct 2023 Tuesday |
8:15 am - 9:15 am |
Intro to CAS/SL at IGBIS |
PVO Room |
12 Oct 2023 Thursday Day 1 |
8:15 am - 9:15 am |
TOK & PPS |
PVO Room |
24 Oct 2023 Tuesday |
8:15 am - 9:15 am |
IGBIS Language pathways |
PVO Room |
25 Oct 2023 Wednesday |
8:15 am - 9:15 am |
What’s Next? Wednesday Session: Welcome to Unifrog |
PVO Room |
25 Oct 2023 Wednesday |
9:30 am - 10:00 am |
Introduction to Extended Essay (DP) and Reflective Project (CP) |
PVO Room |
27 Oct 2023 Friday |
8:15 am - 9:15 am |
Coffee with the Counselors: Authenticity |
PVO Room |
Seek information and gain knowledge as a parent. One of the many roles that the IGBIS counsellors take on, is to be part of our Safeguarding and Child Protection Team. You may wonder, what is Safeguarding and Child Protection? “SAFEGUARDING is the prevention of impairment to children’s physical and psychological health and wellbeing while providing circumstances that enable healthy development. CHILD PROTECTION is the commitment and actions taken to protect children from abuse and neglect.” These are the definitions according to Childsafeguarding.com, which is an organisation designed to assist and support international schools in training their community.
IGBIS is currently in the process of training all staff. Almost all academic staff completed the training at the beginning of the year before the students returned to school. We are working towards having all staff, including; gardeners, catering staff, bus drivers, cleaners and anyone who works with children at our school, trained in the not-too-distant future.
Childsafeguarding.com provides different levels of training in a variety of languages. They have recently added parent training as a support they offer. As a school, we are committed to training the whole community, including parents. Next Thursday, at 3:00 p.m., Childsafeguarding.com is presenting a tutorial for parents via the Zoom platform.
The information provided to us by Childsafeguarding.com about this tutorial includes;
The more parents and community members who engage in this content, the more assured we are that our school is the very safest it can be. Because this is an online tutorial, you are able to access it from home. We encourage your participation and are keen for you to provide us with feedback after the event. You can register at https://childsafeguarding.com/
“Celebrating our ability to tune in and connect through the arts.”
IGBIS will be hosting this coming November's ISTA Inter-Arts Festival for Music, Drama and Visual Arts. This time, we will host visiting schools and need families to host these students.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As school year 2023/24 is now underway, our upcoming ISTA festival planning is in full swing. This coming November 23rd to 26th, we will be hosting the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) Inter-Arts Festival. This prestigious event celebrates the power of the arts and offers our students an incredible platform to explore their talents, creativity, and passion.
The ISTA Inter Arts MYP Festival is an immersive experience that combines the magical realms of music, drama, and visual arts for Grade 6, 7 & 8 students. It brings together students from schools across Asia, fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and personal growth. We are proud to be hosting this event and providing our students with the chance to engage with a diverse group of talented individuals.
As part of the festival, we have arranged a captivating excursion for our students. They will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate different forms of traditional and contemporary arts, enriching their understanding of artistic expression. This excursion will serve as a source of inspiration, empowering our students to push their boundaries and explore their own creative potentials.
One of the highlights of the ISTA Inter-Arts Festival is the presence of visiting artists and performers. These experts in their respective fields will conduct workshops, mentor our students, and share their insights. This interaction will be invaluable for our students as they gain exposure to new techniques, perspectives, and ideas. These experiences will not only enhance their artistic abilities but also broaden their horizons.
We are delighted that three other esteemed schools from across Asia have already signed up to join us for this event. The collaboration will create a vibrant atmosphere of cultural diversity, fostering connections among our students and their peers from different backgrounds.
We strongly encourage you to support your child's participation in the ISTA Inter-Arts Festival. This event offers a unique platform for them to showcase their talents, gain confidence, and develop skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. We strongly believe that their involvement in this festival will contribute to their overall personal and artistic growth.
In addition, the visiting students will require homestay. So we would ask that you please consider hosting two or more students. Homestay is a wonderful and integral part of the international school experience that we hope to reestablish as part of our school traditions. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about and showcase our cultures too.
Thank you for your continued support of our school's commitment to fostering artistic expression and igniting the creative minds of our students. We look forward to working with you to make the ISTA Inter-Arts Festival a resounding success.
More details can be found at https://ista.co.uk/event/kuala-lumpur-ms-inter-arts-festival/
The festival will cost RM1200 per student.
Complete the ISTA 2023 Sign Up form https://forms.gle/RvVSZ9Gjn6m5MNtS6
Host School Participants: Approximately 20 (first 15 host students get host discount rates, and after that, students pay member rates)
The thinking skills inherent in the IB Approaches to Learning hold significant importance for students, as they serve as a pivotal force in enabling students to engage in the art of critical, creative, and reflective thinking.
IGBIS will be having an OPEN DAY on:
27 September 2023, Wednesday from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
It would be great if you could share this Open Day information with your friends and family members who are looking for an international school for their children.
On this open day, prospective families will be able to meet our Head of School, Dr. Gregory Brunton and the leadership team to engage in a talk about how thinking skills, together with the IB education approach, could support lifelong learning and prepare students for their university journey and beyond.
There will be a school tour for prospective families to explore our state-of-the-art facilities, and witness our students immersing in active learning, thriving in classrooms, and engaging in dynamic sports and activities. A counselling session will also be available for them to get a better understanding of the school.
All attendees receive a *100% rebate on Application Fee upon enrolment at IGBIS.
*T&Cs apply
You may share this link, https://igbis.edu.my/admissions/openday/, with your friends or family members to learn more about IGBIS Open Day and to register.
Join us in shaping the future of IGBIS! Your referrals can open new doors for eager learners while fostering a stronger community.
IGBIS parents who refer new students to IGBIS will be entitled to RM2,000 per student or *RM3,000 per family (where there are two or more students in K – 12) through the *Referral Incentives Programme.
*T&Cs apply
Click HERE to access and download the IGBIS Referral Incentive Application form.
Your participation could illuminate new paths for young learners and enrich the tapestry of our educational journey. Together, we illuminate minds and enrich lives. Get started today!
University Fair Success!
Our opening university fairs of the 2023-204 school year were a huge success!
Thank you - students, parents, and staff for participating and engaging with the visiting universities.
A major goal of uni fairs is to provide exposure to programs and schools beyond the "brand names." There are literally thousands of opportunities out there, and you don't know what you don't know.
Fairs give us the opportunity to be open-minded, risk-takers, and inquirers about options and opportunities and to learn more beyond just rankings.
Very proud to watch our students flex their inquiry and communication skills at the fairs, and way to bring those bags and phones to capture information!
Our next 2 fairs are the first week of October: Tuesday, 03 October 2023 and Thursday, 05 October 2023. You can see the list and other planned visits HERE.
Our next 2 University Fairs are on 3 & 5 October & are BIG! Around 60 Universities from the UK, and roughly 20 Universities from the US.
Take the time NOW to research the unis, so you can plan who to talk to.
Unis of upcoming fairs you should consider checking out:
Upcoming Student Counselling Sessions
*All information and resources will be shared with both students and parents via email after each session
Completed Student Sessions
Upcoming Parent Counselling Sessions
*All information and resources will be shared with parents via email after each session
Completed Parent Sessions
Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Information
UCAS Personal Statement Writing Workshop hosted by the United Kingdom Education Centre (UKEC)
REMINDERS:
Updated Future Planning Timeline for Round 1 Applicants!
We have had a change in our IGBIS Early App deadline to accommodate the 2nd Anticipated Grades release.
Please note the absolute last date to submit UCAS Early Applications is Wednesday, 11 October 2023.
October Anticipated Grades will be available on Monday, 09 October 2023.
Parent conferences will take place on Friday, 13 October 2023, so you can find out what you can do to make any necessary adjustments/improvements. You can see the new dates and full timelines here.
Uni App Help Sessions
As grade 12s do not have a common Study Block, Uni Help Sessions will be offered via 3 Study Blocks and Lunch. HERE is the schedule.
Unifrog Application Masterclasses
How to get into your dream university course. Get practical tips from the experts on applying to Oxbridge, writing your Personal Statement, courses in STEM, and much more. Log into your Unifrog account
Attention US/Common App applicants (From Robert Powers, College Consultant)
Do not use ChatGPT to write your essays... Common App would not allow it!
The fine print at Common App now officially forbids the use of AI, including ChatGPT.
UCAS Updates & Info
HUB LIVE: Should I use AI to write my personal statement – 27 September 2023 16:00 (GMT+1)
Gap Year Scholarship Alert
The Gap Year Association (GYA) is excited to once again be offering a gap year scholarship opportunity in partnership with Tortuga Backpacks!
Know someone planning a gap year experience in 2024? We invite prospective gappers between the ages of 18 and 22 to apply for a chance to win $2,500 towards their gap year experience plus a Tortuga Travel Backpack. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply. Application deadline is 30 October 2023.
Did you know that GYA has an entire webpage dedicated to helping gap year students find scholarship and financial aid opportunities? Check it out!
From The College Essay Guy:
Should You Write about Race in Your College Application? (9 new resources)
Should You Write about Race in Your College Application—And, If So, How? (Blog)
This guide offers practical advice for students and counsellors, including examples of essays by students who chose to discuss race and its impact on their character and unique abilities.
How to Answer the “Diversity” (and Other Related) Supplemental Essay Prompts (Blog)
This year, many selective colleges added an essay prompt inviting students to write about diversity, identity, race, cultural background, or the importance of inclusivity. This guide walks you through how to tackle those prompts.
Race-Conscious Admissions Was Struck Down - What Does This Mean and What Can Students and College Counselors Do? (Podcast)
Learn from legal expert Jay Rosner what the decision means and practical advice for students and counsellors.
In this list, you can see which schools have added questions that invite students to write about diversity, identity, race, cultural background, or the importance of inclusivity.
Questions and Answers Regarding the Supreme Court’s Decision in SFFA v. Harvard and UNC
Here is a resource released jointly by the U.S. Dept of Education’s (ED) Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Dept. of Justice’s Civil Rights Division jointly to help colleges and universities understand the Supreme Court’s decision.
Actions Taken or Policy Changes Made by Colleges After Race-Conscious Admissions Ban
Here is a running list of specific actions colleges and universities have taken since the SCOTUS decision. And find statements colleges released following the decision in this Google Drive folder, including links to media coverage.
Hear Lorenzo Gamboa (Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Outreach at Santa Clara University) bust a few common myths Latinx families confront, including the notion that students have to major in a high-paying profession and the myth that undocumented students can’t go to college. We also discuss whether or not students should discuss race or cultural influence in their application after the SCOTUS decision to ban race-conscious admissions.
How to Write the University of California (UC) Personal Insight Questions
05 October - 12 October 2023
The UC schools are unique in that they request answers to their four UC Personal Insight Questions, and they have some specific things they look for, as outlined in their points of comprehensive review. And because the UCs do not ask for a longer personal statement, students have to be clear and thoughtful in what they share and how they share it.
A step-by-step course on writing outstanding responses to the University of California Personal Insight Questions.
On the course, I'm covering:
OxBright Conference Sessions
If interested in studying degrees, or building careers, in any of the following areas
our October virtual conferences are for them!
These day-long conferences will enable your students to demonstrate their passion for their subject, learn about the latest developments in the field, and pose questions to industry experts and current undergraduates.
All our conferences are held on weekends in October from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm BST, and all sessions are held live for maximum interaction. Student tickets are £95, and we are offering free spots to the first 1000 students who are shortlisted in our Essay Competition - entry details are here!
Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing you to some of our fantastic conference speakers.
We are kicking off today by welcoming back inspiring barrister Daniel Carall-Green, who will be delivering the keynote session at LawCon (07 October 2023). Dan received rapturous reviews from students following his last keynote, so his session is hotly anticipated!
Top 5 reasons why international students choose University of Mississippi:
Future Entrepreneurs Program by Harvard Student Agencies - Applications Open
Greetings from Learn with Leaders!
Future Entrepreneurs Programme by Harvard Student Agencies:
The Future Entrepreneurs programme teaches students how to pitch their business ideas, perform market research, and generate investment. The programme acts as an excellent preparation mechanism for launching an idea to execution as it seeks to empower students by teaching them to think innovatively and unlock their entrepreneurial capabilities.
The programme would act like a pre-college entrepreneurial incubation center inspiring students with the concept of entrepreneurship at the school level. The programme would entail understanding the entire process from idea generation to execution i.e. (1) Ideate /Generate an Idea (2) Undertake Market Research / SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat) Analysis (3) Competitive Analysis (4) Make a Business Plan and (5) Pitch.
Key Takeaways:
While fostering a strong culture of facilitating real-time knowledge to inspire young minds to find and follow new interests, the program also seeks to encourage entrepreneurship at the school level.
The programme inspires both passions for innovation and a team-oriented mentality to prepare future leaders.
The certificate will be given directly by Harvard Student Agencies.
This time, we are opening the applications for 2 cohorts - October & December. So now students have the flexibility to join the cohort of your choice!
OPTION 1: The October 2023 Cohort
Programme Starts: 14 October 2023
Who Is Eligible?: Students from Grades 8 to 12
Duration: 2 weekends
Early Application Deadline: 05 October 2023
Programme Fee for Early Applicants: 300 USD
Regular Fee: 400 USD
Find more about the Programme: Click Here
Application Form: Click Here
OPTION 2: The December 2023 Cohort
Program Starts: 02 December 2023
Who Is Eligible?: Students from Grades 8 to 12
Duration: 2 weekends
Early Application Deadline: 10 November 2023
Programme Fee for Early Applicants: USD 300
Regular Programme Fee: USD 400
Find more about the Programme: Click Here
Application Form: Click Here
InvestIN STEM Career Experiences
Are you interested in pursuing a career in STEM? Weekend programmes in STEM careers running this autumn.
Experience where a career in science, technology, engineering or maths could take you. We offer programmes in 10 STEM and medical science careers, available in-person in London or live online.
Join us for interactive simulations and masterclasses led by industry professionals, with highlights including:
Weekend Programme Dates - Ages 15-18
Ages 12-14
EducationUSA Fair
Engage with 25 U.S. colleges and universities to explore your study abroad options at the EducationUSA Fair, supported by U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur.
14 October 2023 at The Grey Box, GMBB • 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Register today at KL: https://form.evenesis.com/eduUSAkl.
AEO USA University Public Fair
Yes, you read that right! We are giving away one RM50,000 Scholarship to one lucky student who attends the fair! The winning student can use this scholarship to attend any of the participating universities or colleges at the exhibition.
There will be nearly 20 top universities and colleges from all over the United States!
Some of the participating institutions have very reasonably priced tuition - starting at only $9,000, and most will also offer additional scholarships!
Pre-Register and Learn More About Each University
It’s Inclusion Month! And we’re highlighting programs, universities, and upcoming events that celebrate and support inclusive education!
GoToCollegeFairs
Each student is unique: help them find their individual pathway.
Speciality virtual fairs offer a convenient way to explore post-secondary options. Encourage your students to join recruiters at one or all of these upcoming events:
Live fair hours are 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (ET) on each date for the following fairs:
Learn more here or Register now!
Students and Families:
Get helpful information about navigating a virtual fair here.
GoToCollegeFairs is invested in equity and opportunity for all students. The GoToCollegeFairs Virtual Fairs Fall 2023 are free to attendees. Learn about our why.
Colleges That Change Lives - CTCL
Our Mission: Colleges That Change Lives, Inc. (CTCL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process. We support the goal of every student finding a college that develops a lifelong love of learning and provides the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life beyond college.
Follow Us on Instagram, Facebook and our In-house Counselling Website
It is about time we joined Social Media, so please follow us! The IGBIS Counselling Team is now on social media, and we will highlight all things counselling, which includes future planning information, resources, and events coverage.
Follow us on Instagram and/or Facebook - @igbiscounselling and on our in-house Google webpage.