IEAP: Intensive English Academic Programme (Grades 1-5)

Igniting Minds. Impacting Lives

Overview

The IEAP at IGB International School is designed for students in Grades 1-5 who need to develop English proficiency to join international programmes like the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).

  • Small class sizes and a co-teacher model ensure personalized attention.
  • Students learn core subjects like Science, Arts, PE, and Bahasa Melayu while improving their English.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Intensive English lessons integrated with Visual Arts, Performing Arts, PE, and more.
  • ESOL strategies used to build language skills and prepare students for an international learning environment.
  • Focus on hands-on learning and student-led inquiry.

Co-Teacher Model

Our experienced ESOL co-teachers support students in mastering English through core subjects and homeroom lessons, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

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Who is it for?

  • Students planning to join the IB or other international programmes.
  • No prior English proficiency required, just a strong desire to improve.
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Pathways

Facilities

  • Spacious classrooms designed to support interactive learning and English development.
  • Specialized spaces for Science & Design, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and PE.
  • Flexible learning areas with reading nooks and study spaces for focused activities.

Next Steps

For further information and enquiries contact us at admissions@igbis.edu.my. 

FAQs

1What is the Intensive English Academic Programme (IEAP)?
The IEAP is designed to support non-native English speakers in developing their English language skills while simultaneously engaging with the academic curriculum at IGBIS.
2Who is eligible to enroll in the IEAP programme?
The IEAP program is open to students in Grades 1 to 5 whose English proficiency may not meet the standard requirements for PYP classes. It includes students from diverse linguistic backgrounds who are motivated to enhance their English language skills.
3How is the IEAP structured?
The IEAP consists of tailored English language instruction combined with academic support. Students receive focused language training while participating in age-appropriate academic classes.
4What subjects are included in the IEAP?
Students in the IEAP will study core subjects alongside targeted English language instruction. Our IEAP programme includes mathematics, science, visual arts, performing arts, PE etc. with adaptations to meet individual learning needs.
5How is student progress monitored in the IEAP?
Student progress is regularly assessed through various methods, including classroom performance reviews, WIDA and standardized ongoing assessments, and teacher evaluations. Feedback is provided to students and parents to track development.
6Will students transition to IGBIS PYP / MYP classes?
Yes, students in the IEAP are encouraged to transition to PYP / MYP classes as their English proficiency improves. Some may even opt to move schools once the required level of English is met. The timeline for this transition will depend on individual progress and readiness; and this can vary between 1 to 2 years.
7What kind of support is available for students in the IEAP?
In addition to language instruction, students receive support from experienced teachers, learning support staff, and access to additional resources such as tutoring and mentoring. * However, please note that Learning Support needs are not provided within the IEAP.
8How can parents support their child's success in the IEAP?
Parents can support their children by encouraging English language practice at home, staying engaged with teachers, and attending school events that promote language learning and cultural integration.
9Is there an assessment for entry into the IEAP?
Yes, students typically undergo an initial assessment / interview to determine their English proficiency level, which helps inform their placement in the programme.
10How can I find out more about the IEAP at IGBIS?
For further information about our IEAP, please contact our admissions office via admissions@igbis.edu.my to schedule an admissions briefing.

Teacher's Biography

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Nigel Woods

IEAP Coordinator
Master of Education, PGCE(i), Bachelor of Arts
British

Nigel has been living and working internationally for approximately 20 years in schools in Thailand, China, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Ukraine. He has worked as a homeroom teacher and as an ESOL specialist and has worked with the PYP for over 10 years. Outside of school, Nigel enjoys travel, training martial arts, chess, exploring new and different cultures and foods.

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Erin Coffin

Grade 1 IEAP Teacher
Bachelor of Arts (History, English, Theatre Studies); Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary)
Canadian

Erin, originally from Prince Edward Island, Canada, has spent the last 15 years teaching abroad in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Venezuela, and South Korea. Her teaching journey has primarily focused on elementary-aged students, and she has developed a wealth of experience in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) as well as the US Common Core standards.

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Julie Denomme

Grade 2 IEAP Teacher
M.S. (Special & General Education), B.A. (Linguistics)
American

Mrs. Denomme is a passionate primary educator with extensive experience as a PYP, special education, and ESOL teacher.  Her work in diverse educational settings, both internationally and in her home country of the United States, has equipped her with the skills to create an inclusive and engaging classroom environment.  Before joining IGBIS, she most recently taught in Shanghai, China as a PYP teacher, where she thoroughly enjoyed guiding students through their learning journey by nurturing their natural curiosities and wonders.  Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Denomme enjoys exploring local food, hiking, reading, and spending time with her husband and young son.

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Catherine Spiller

Grade 3 IEAP Teacher
B.S. Elementary Education, Reading Recovery Certificate, B.S. Business Administration
American

Ms. Catherine graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1997 and spent 18 years teaching Grades 1-4 in the United States before moving abroad. Throughout those years, she learned the value of being flexible, forgiving, understanding and using the knowledge the students already possess to drive instruction and develop lessons that are engaging and enjoyable. Ms. Catherine moved to Shenzhen, China in 2018 where she wore many hats. She worked as both a classroom teacher and Director of an International Kindergarten and most recently was a fourth grade Humanities teacher as well as Chair of Humanities at a Bilingual School. Living abroad has taught Ms. Catherine to ensure that her students not only learn the expected content but have fun along the way. “In a world of roses, be the sunflower.”

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Glen Nicholson

Grade 5 IEAP Teacher
M.Ed., B.Ed. (Dbl Major), Diploma of Teaching
New Zealander

Mr Nicholson grew up on the international circuit and has spent most of his adult life working as an educator. He has in the past been part of learning communities in Oman, Ukraine, New Zealand, Vietnam, Turkiye and Africa. He is passionate about learning and teaching and believes in the real power of education to make a positive impact in the world. He has worked with and learned from people of all ages and is passionate about learning through, in and about languages connecting what is known to the unknown. In the classroom, he strives to nurture the students’ questions and passions and to guide them to become agentive independent lifelong learners. At home, he loves to spend time with his wife and two children as well as to be active, cook, read, play board games and watch movies.

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Kerstin Grevis-James

IEAP Teacher
M.Ed. (Teaching Second Languages), PGCert. (Teaching Second Languages), Dip.Teach (Primary)
Australian

Kerstin has 33 years of teaching experience in both Australian and International schools. She has worked in a variety of educational settings, including Primary education (UK curriculum, Australian curriculum, and the PYP), Primary and Secondary English as an Additional Language, and whole-school Learning Support (Kerstin was the Head of Learning Support at a school in Hong Kong). Kerstin is interested in learner diversity and environmental causes. A love of travel and new experiences has led her to Malaysia and IGBIS. Kerstin’s interests include reading, the arts, animals, and travel. She can speak basic Mandarin, and German at an intermediate level. Kerstin’s family are all living in Australia.

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Siti Nurafiqah Binti Saffie (Afiqah)

IEAP Bahasa Malaysia and Host Nation Teacher
Bachelor in Education
Malaysian

Afiqah has been teaching for the past 12 years in international schools. She is committed to creating an enjoyable learning environment that stimulates and encourages the students. Afiqah has a huge passion for teaching because her lifelong dream ambition has always been to be a teacher. In her leisure time, she is involved in various volunteer work.

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Ada Sharifuddin

IEAP Art Teacher
Bachelor in Interactive Media, Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
Malaysian

Ada has been teaching in various international schools around Klang Valley since 2013 and is well-versed in the IB curriculum. Throughout her career, she has worked in various roles including assistant teacher in homeroom and art in Elementary, and Host Nation and Bahasa Melayu teacher in Secondary. During her free time, she enjoys reading, Lego-building and swimming. She also loves traveling and enjoying local delicacies.

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Farah Areesa Binti Mohammad

IEAP Science & Design Teacher
Bachelor of Education 
Malaysian
 

Farah Areesa Binti Mohammad is an experienced educator with over five years of teaching in Malaysia. She specializes in language instruction and integrating technology into her lessons. Farah has taught various subjects to primary and secondary students and has a proven track record in organizing school events. She achieved a 4.0 CGPA during her teaching internship and is committed to creating engaging learning environments. In her free time, Farah enjoys swimming and listening to music.

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Goh Wei Jian (Bryant)

IEAP PE Teacher
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Sports & Exercise Science
Malaysian
 

Bryant has been teaching since 2018 in various international schools in Malaysia. Certified as an Athletics Coach under Malaysia's National Coaching Licensing Scheme, he is also a Certified Kids’ Athletics Lecturer and a U16 Youth Coach for World Athletics (WA). Driven by his passion for sports and education, Bryant inspires the next generation in both classroom and field settings. He also thrives in endurance sports like distance running, showcasing his commitment to an active lifestyle inside and outside of school.

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Kui Li Ern

IEAP Music Teacher
Master of Education, Bachelor of Classical Music (Hons)
Malaysian

Kui has been teaching for approximately 15 years. She began her teaching career as a piano tutor in music schools and later developed her passion for classroom teaching at several international schools in Malaysia. She spent 3 years in the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) prior to her journey at IGBIS as a Music and Chinese specialist teacher in the Primary Years Programme (PYP). Despite being a classically trained pianist, Kui enjoys singing and rapping K-Pop songs as her hobby.

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Ain Mutiara

Senior Executive in Administration & Customer Engagement
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology (Hons)
Malaysian
 

Mutiara comes from a Science background and possesses a passion for both organisation and lifelong learning. She brings nine years of experience in school office operations and administration to her role and is adept at managing the smooth running of daily operations.