Secondary School
Secondary School

Secondary School

In our Secondary School in Penang, students thrive in an ambitious learning environment. Following the National Curriculum for England (NCE) alongside the Cambridge curriculum for English, Mathematics and Science, they engage in rigorous studies that foster critical thinking, collaboration and personal growth, preparing them for future success.

Excellent academic results

Students at Straits International School Penang regularly achieve high results. Here are some highlights from the IGCSE Class of 2024.

51%

Of all grades were A* - A

100%

All pass

100%

A* - A  First Language Malay

100%

A* - B  First Language Mandarin

100%

A* - B Foreign Language Mandarin

Our curriculum

At our secondary school in Bayan Lepas, students follow the English National Curriculum and Cambridge pathways, developing subject mastery, critical thinking and independence as they prepare for IGCSEs and future opportunities.

Key Stage 3

In Years 7 to 9, students’ investigative skills and problem-solving abilities are nurtured in preparation for the IGCSE examination years in Years 10 and 11.

In Key Stage 3, students study the following subjects:

  • English 
  • Mathematics 
  • Science 
  • Computer Science 
  • Business Studies 
  • Geography 
  • History 
  • Mandarin 
  • Bahasa Melayu 
  • Art and Design 
  • Music 
  • Drama 
  • Physical Education 
  • Sejarah/Malaysian History 
  • English as an Additional Language for students who need extra support in English 
  • Islamic Studies for Muslim students
Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

In Year 10, students have the chance to design their own educational path as they work towards their IGCSE qualification, with the full understanding that their choices and results will determine their future educational and career choices. Our teachers are always on hand to guide them during this exciting period.

We follow the National Curriculum for England (NCE) and the Cambridge curriculum for English, Mathematics and Science in Key Stage 3 and Cambridge and AQA Oxford in Key Stage 4, which is the IGCSE examination years.

Core subjects: 

  • English Language and Literature 
  • Mathematics (Extended or Core) 
  • Science (Combined or Pure)  
  • Multiple languages: Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin  
  • Physical Education for Fitness 
Key Stage 4

Key Stage 4 optional subjects

Students can choose additional subjects from a diverse range of courses that include:

  • Accounting 
  • Additional Mathematics 
  • Art and Design 
  • Biology 
  • Business Studies 
  • Chemistry 
  • Combined Science 
  • Computer Science 
  • Geography 
  • Information and Communication Technology 
  • Islamic Studies 
  • Mandarin (as First Language, Second Language or Foreign Language) 
  • Physics 
  • Physical Education 
Key Stage 4 optional subjects

A typical day at school in our Secondary School

Every day at SIS International School is filled with exciting learning experiences and discoveries for your child. While timetables vary across the year groups, here’s an example of what happens in our Secondary School.

University preparation and careers

At our Secondary School in Penang, students embark on their career and university journey with ISP Future Pathways™️, receiving personalised guidance, industry talks and career management skills from a young age to help them achieve their dreams.

Unifrog ISP A-Z speaker series Careers and university events Alumni network

Unifrog

Students use Unifrog, a one-stop career platform, to explore a wide range of universities, courses and career pathways. They receive personalised advice from counsellors, teachers and industry experts to make informed decisions.

ISP A-Z speaker series

Students are inspired by regular virtual talks from industry leaders, entrepreneurs and alumni. They hear real success stories from experts such as Neil German (Webster Geneva, Psychology in Action) and Dr Matthias Dörrzapf (Mathematics and Innovation at Cambridge), as well as sessions on Artificial Intelligence and Biomedical Sciences, fueling their aspirations and broadening their understanding of future careers.

Careers and university events

Students gain exclusive access to university fairs and events, that are attended by top affiliate partner universities, offering them a comprehensive view of higher education and future career opportunities.

Alumni network

Students remain part of our supportive community after graduation. Through our alumni network on LinkedIn and global activities, they stay connected with fellow alumni from around the world.

University preparation and careers

At our Secondary School in Penang, students embark on their career and university journey with ISP Future Pathways™️, receiving personalised guidance, industry talks and career management skills from a young age to help them achieve their dreams.

Core learning pillars

At Straits International School Penang, students are empowered to take ownership of their learning journey. Through our Secondary core learning pillars, they build a strong foundation in academic excellence, life competencies, multilingual proficiency and global exposure, preparing them for future success.

Academic achievement
Academic achievement

Enjoy personalised learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding

Life competencies
Life competencies

Gain essential life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives

Multilingualism
Multilingualism

Develop proficiency in at least one world language, while being supported in home or first languages

International opportunities
International opportunities

Try global skill-building programmes and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership

Life & career pathways
Life & career pathways

Benefit from personalised guidance for university and career choices, supporting your chosen path

Alfvin

The school has been incredibly supportive, particularly in fostering excellent cooperation among the teachers. They are committed to working with each child individually, recognising that every child learns at their own pace.

Alfvin, Parent of International Secondary

When to enrol?

At Straits International School, we offer flexible enrolment for our secondary school programme throughout the academic year. Our admissions team is here to discuss your needs and guide you to select the right start date for your child.

Enquire now

Enrol at Straits Penang for top-tier secondary education leading to IGCSE exams in a supportive community.

Enquire now

Accreditations