The Lower Secondary programme for Years 7-9 offers a broad range of subjects that aims to develop strong foundations in a wonderful variety of academic disciplines. As students move through the Lower Secondary school, we know they need a programme that builds core understandings that allow students to thrive through the rigors of IGCSE and IBDP balanced with the development of skills that will allow them to learn, grow and flourish holistically.
The Lower Secondary programme is broad. Students study compulsory English Language and Literature (or English as Second Language), Mathematics, Sciences, Physical Education, Geography, History, Information Technology, Design Technology, Art, Music, Drama, Bahasa Malaysia, and the selection of one other Modern Foreign Language (from Mandarin, German, French and Spanish).
Our internationally blended Year 7-9 programme is underpinned by the practice of inquiry; nurturing students to be open-minded, risk-takers who are reflective and balanced. It focuses on the practical development of the skills needed to develop our students to become successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve; become confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives; and responsible global citizens who make a positive contribution to society.
At the heart of our Year, 7-9 programme is our pastoral care system designed to support our students holistically. The RESPECT programme aims to guide our students into being global-minded, respectful, and principled members of society.
Assessment of students’ work and progress takes place in lessons in an on-going manner both formally and informally. Students’ progress within a subject is monitored and measured against their potential which is determined by the data received on admission to the school and any other forms of objective testing that take place during Lower Secondary.
Assessment can take place in many ways throughout the year and the key summative assessments will be shared with parents through SEQTA as part of our commitment to continuous assessment and reporting. Assessments might include:
Students are encouraged to be a part of the process, to reflect and learn from all assessment experiences in order to improve knowledge, skills and understanding.
As with all aspects of our learning and teaching philosophy, homework at Uplands is in line with our school values. In the Lower Secondary School, homework is used to consolidate knowledge, understanding, and skills as well as to prepare for future learning. It is set, in moderation, with an understanding of the importance of balance as we aspire to maintain intellectual, physical, and emotional balance in our students.
Suggested homework allocation:
Year 7 : 3 subjects x 20 min: total time = 1 hour
Year 8 : 3 subjects x 25 min: total time = 1 hour and 15 minutes
Year 9 : 3 subjects x 30 min: total time = 1 hour and 30 minutes
At this level, Uplands aims to prepare students for higher education and their role in the world. For this reason, a balanced variety of subjects is offered, all of which are taught in English, with the exception of foreign language classes.
The International School Penang (Uplands) is a Candidate School for the Middle Years Programme (MYP). This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that The International School Penang (Uplands) believes is important for our students.
Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org
The International School of Penang (Uplands)
Jalan Sungai Satu,
11100 Batu Feringgi, Penang,
Malaysia
E: [email protected]
T: +60 4 881 9777
F: +60 4 881 9778
