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
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
IEAP Teacher
Julie, hailing from the United States of America, has dedicated around 10 years to shaping minds in both China and the USA. With a steadfast focus on elementary and special education, she has cultivated experience in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the US Common Core standards.
Kerstin Grevis-James
IEAP Teacher
Kerstin, from Australia, has been teaching for approximately 23 years in places like Hong Kong, China and Australia. Specialising in elementary education, ESL and ESOL, she is well-versed in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), Bilingual Curriculum and Australian National Curriculum. Kerstin is also passionate about environmental sustainability and has previously led eco groups.
Glen Nicholson
IEAP Teacher
Glen, from New Zealand, has been teaching for approximately 22 years across various locations such as Oman, Ukraine, Vietnam, Turkey, and Angola. In addition to many years working with students from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Glen is an experienced PYP curriculum coordinator.
Catherine Spiller
IEAP Teacher
Catherine, originally from the United States of America, brings approximately 25 years of educational experience from both her home country and China. She is TEFL trained and is also a certified as well as experienced Reading Recovery Specialist. Catherine is dedicated to fostering a safe, creative, and engaging educational environment for all learners.
Ada Sharifuddin
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.
Siti Nurafiqah Binti Saffie (Afiqah)
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.
Kui Li Ern
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.
Goh Wei Jian (Bryant)
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.
Farah Areesa
Science & Design Teacher
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.
