Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by new and existing parents. If you have a question that isn’t covered below, please contact us via this short enquiry form and our admissions team will be in touch soon.
Our academic year begins in mid-August and ends in early-July. We realise that families may arrive in Malaysia at different times in the year and they need to enrol their children in school as quickly as possible. Therefore, Admissions remains open throughout the year and we’re happy to talk to you about a term time that suits your family, pending the examination year of your child.
Children transition well into our international school as we have the right support in place for them. After their first day, many children will comment on the ease of making new friends, the engaging learning style and friendliness of teachers.
We have high standards of English, with all English lessons taught by native speakers or expat staff, which we find contributes significantly to children’s mastery of the language. We offer additional support though our English as an Additional Language (EAL) department. Our dedicated EAL teachers are specifically trained to help students whose first language is not English. Here, students benefit from attending EAL lessons up to four hours per week, running parallel to English classes and based on Cambridge English curriculum.
We focus on high-quality Mandarin lessons and students have the choice to learn Mandarin every day. Transitioning into secondary school, students are directed into first language, second language or foreign language Mandarin provision. Students also have the choice to fast track their IGCSE Mandarin in Year 9. Whether Mandarin, English or Bahasa Melayu, we are dedicated to creating great communicators, with a respect for diverse cultures.
We know how important it is that students still understand the value of their home languages and cultures, and we bring a tailor-made curriculum, serving the best of British education to Malaysia, while making sure pupils honour Malaysian culture and traditions.
Malaysian citizens who attend Straits International Schools are required to study Malay. Foreign students, on the other hand, can choose to study Malay as a second language. We also have the option for daily Mandarin lessons too.
Our kindergarten, Star Kids, accepts children as young as three years old. Every child is unique and has a different growth pattern we encourage parents and their little ones to visit the school and attend a trial class.
We work with a group of private transporters who can provide transportation services to parents. Parents may liaise with these service providers directly on transport requirements concerning their children.
With an increasing interest from families living and working on the mainland, there are transport links from Butterworth and Batu Kawan too.
Siblings are entitled to a discount on tuition fees at Straits International School. We offer a 7% discount on tuition fees for the second younger child and 10% for the third child and any more thereafter.
The Bookstore is home to textbooks and uniforms and is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8.00am – 4.00pm and Tuesday and Friday from 8.00am – 3.00pm. If you wish to check on stock arrival, contact 04 – 611 9242
Yes, Straits After School Club runs from the end of the school day until 5pm. This optional service is an additional cost and caters for children at every level. Read More here