Multilingualism
Multilingualism

Celebrating multilingualism

Students at Straits International School thrive in a dynamic multilingual environment, actively engaging with English, Bahasa Malayu and Mandarin from Early Years through to Secondary.
 
With a diverse community of over 17 nationalities, they benefit from tailored support through our EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme, native language assistance and weekly language lessons. Our dedicated staff empower students to become confident communicators, ready to excel in a global community.

Languages offered

Discover our language programmes from Early Years to Secondary School, supporting students from their first words to their greatest accomplishments.

Kindergarten Primary and Secondary School

Kindergarten

In the Early Years, students are introduced to a rich language curriculum that includes English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin. Weekly lessons in both Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin support early language development, alongside their immersion in English as the primary language of instruction. This early exposure ensures a solid foundation in multiple languages.

Primary and Secondary School

As students progress through Primary and Secondary stages, their language learning expands to include English, Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin, with additional support for English as an Additional Language (EAL). EAL classes are taught by experienced native-speaking teachers, providing tailored support to students whose first language may not be English. Weekly lessons in Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin further enhance linguistic skills and cultural understanding, ensuring fluency in multiple languages.

Languages offered

Discover our language programmes from Early Years to Secondary School, supporting students from their first words to their greatest accomplishments.

Empowering every learner

Through a rich mix of language experiences, students build the skills and resilience they need to thrive.

Expert language support

Students at Straits International School Penang receive expert English as an Additional Language (EAL) support from dedicated teachers, specifically tailored for those whose first language is not English. These lessons run alongside regular English classes taught by expert teachers, following the Cambridge English curriculum.

Expert language support

Students at Straits International School Penang receive expert English as an Additional Language (EAL) support from dedicated teachers, specifically tailored for those whose first language is not English. These lessons run alongside regular English classes taught by expert teachers, following the Cambridge English curriculum.

Tailored language assessments

Students undergo personalised language assessments as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which documents their progress, including language development. Teachers use this profile to reflect on strengths and identify areas that require additional support.

Tailored language assessments

Students undergo personalised language assessments as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which documents their progress, including language development. Teachers use this profile to reflect on strengths and identify areas that require additional support.

Real-world language opportunities

At our international school in Penang, Malaysia, students actively participate in co-curricular activities and ISP programmes, gaining real-world language experience. These programmes enable them to enhance their language and communication skills, apply classroom learning in practical contexts and form international friendships—all within a safe and supportive environment.

Real-world language opportunities

At our international school in Penang, Malaysia, students actively participate in co-curricular activities and ISP programmes, gaining real-world language experience. These programmes enable them to enhance their language and communication skills, apply classroom learning in practical contexts and form international friendships—all within a safe and supportive environment.

Resources for parents

The school also provides language resources for parents through the Straits Parents’ Society. Parents can take part in social, exercise and language classes, including Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu and English, offering them opportunities to learn new languages and engage more deeply with the school community.

Resources for parents

The school also provides language resources for parents through the Straits Parents’ Society. Parents can take part in social, exercise and language classes, including Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu and English, offering them opportunities to learn new languages and engage more deeply with the school community.

Dhwani

The school makes learning Mandarin incredibly enjoyable! I'm improving my speaking and understanding daily, and it feels fantastic to grow more confident in my abilities!

Dhwani, Year 11

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Build multilingual confidence at Straits International School, where students master languages to connect, lead and thrive globally.

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Accreditations