IGBIS’s Intensive English Academic Programme (Full-time)
Purpose
- Within IGBIS is the Intensive English Academic Programme for Grades 1-5. The programme provides an intensive English environment utilising small class sizes, intensive English curriculum, and a co-teacher model to accelerate the level of English proficiency with the goal of preparing students for successful studying in an international programme.
Who Should Enrol
- Students wanting to enrol in IGBIS’s international programmes (PYP, MYP), or international programmes at other schools, but need to achieve the required English level to be accepted into those programmes.
Application Process
- When applying to IGBIS, students in Grades 1-5 have the option of enrolling in the international PYP programme or enrolling in the Intensive English Academic Programme. The process of applying is the same for both pathways, though the entrance requirements for each programme are different.
- Entrance into the PYP pathway will require a high level of English proficiency and possibly participation in the ESOL Programme. Participation in the ESOL Programme is based on the student’s ability to meet the high level of English proficiency requirement. Places for the ESOL Programme are rare and selective.
- Entrance in the Intensive English pathway does not require any proficiency in English but does require a high desire for English proficiency.
Switching Between Programmes
- If a student enrolled in the Intensive English Academic Programme wishes to transfer to an international programme at the school, they will need to apply separately for that programme. Admittance to the international programme is competitive, based on available openings, and based on the student’s level of English proficiency (based on WIDA and other assessments). This process usually occurs between school years but might happen during the school year if there is an opening in the PYP Programme.
Visa
- By being accepted to IGBIS in either the international PYP programme or the Intensive English Academic Programme, students will meet the necessary visa and study pass requirements.
Curriculum
- Intensive English curriculum with extensive ESOL strategies utilised in all classes.
- Preparing for the IB learning environment.
- English-based lessons are prioritised.
- Support is not provided for other languages (except for Bahasa Melayu within the Bahasa Melayu Host Nation classes).
- The Intensive English Academy Programme is unable to provide support for specialised learning and/or behavioural needs.
Staffing
- A co-teaching model will be utilised where the main teacher has extensive expertise working with students with ESOL needs and is a highly experienced homeroom teacher. Co-teachers with ESOL expertise will provide support during some homeroom lessons as well as leading other subjects including Science/Design, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, PE, and Bahasa Melayu Host Nation.
Learning Support
- Unlike the international programmes, the Intensive English Academic Programme is unable to provide support for specialised learning and/or behavioural needs.
Facilities
- Dedicated wing of the campus which includes spaces for homerooms, speciality subjects like Science/Design, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, PE, and Bahasa Melayu Host Nation as well as flexible and multi-purpose spaces.
- Shared access to campus spaces like the running track, pitch, swimming pools, library, and more.
Uniforms
- All IGBIS students are required to wear the IGBIS school uniform.
Calendar
- All IGBIS students follow the school calendar for determining school days.
Events
- Participation in Elementary and Whole School events like assemblies, swim galas, sporting events, and special days as appropriate.
For further information and enquiries contact us at admissions@igbis.edu.my.
Teacher's Biography
Nigel Woods
IEAP Coordinator
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.
Erin Coffin
Grade 1 IEAP Teacher
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.
Julie Denomme
Grade 2 IEAP Teacher
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.
Catherine Spiller
Grade 3 IEAP Teacher
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.”
Glen Nicholson
Grade 5 IEAP Teacher
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.
Kerstin Grevis-James
IEAP Teacher
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.
Siti Nurafiqah Binti Saffie (Afiqah)
IEAP Bahasa Malaysia and Host Nation Teacher
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.
Ada Sharifuddin
IEAP Art Teacher
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.
Farah Areesa Binti Mohammad
IEAP Science & Design Teacher
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.
Goh Wei Jian (Bryant)
IEAP PE Teacher
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.
Kui Li Ern
IEAP Music Teacher
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.
Ain Mutiara
Senior Executive in Administration & Customer Engagement
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.
