Introduction

Borneo International School opens our doors to both overseas and local students to prepare them for the rigors of life, help them excel in their studies and develop a lasting passion for learning.

We presently employ the Cambridge International Examination Curriculum, a programme designed around a set of the best educational and assessment principles. This comprehensive curriculum prepares and leads students between the ages of 6 and 18 years toward pre-tertiary qualifications necessary for their success in their future endeavors. All subjects will be taught in English, except for the Malay and Mandarin language classes.

Parents/guardians will receive notifications of their child´s homework and progress via a dedicated mobile app. They will also receive two written reports per annum on their child´s progress, and an invitation to our annual parent-teacher meeting (PTM) to receive feedback on their child´s performance.

Cambridge Primary

The Primary Level caters to students from Year 1-6. We use the Cambridge Primary Programme (CPP), a comprehensive and creative, inquiry-based curriculum, that serves more than 10,000 schools in 160 countries worldwide. It enables students to develop their confidence and possess a zeal for exploring new and creative ideas. Subjects include:

  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • English
  • Languages (Malay & Mandarin)
  • Geography
  • History
  • Computing
  • Art and Design
  • Physical Education

The Primary Checkpoint will be held at the end of the Primary phase of education in Year 6 and is part of Borneo International School´s long-term assessment. Parents/guardians may exclude their children from taking this exam if our teaching staff believe that their children are not yet ready for such exams.

Cambridge Secondary

The Secondary Programme (CSP) continues from the Primary Programme and is tailored to Year 7-9 students. It is a curriculum that allows students to experience a wide range of subjects before they decide on their choices of interest. Subjects include:

  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • English
  • Languages (Malay & Mandarin)
  • History
  • Geography
  • Art and Design
  • Computing
  • Physical Education

All Lower Secondary School students will take the Checkpoint Exam in Year 9. This exam, conducted by the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), helps students identify their strengths and subjects of interest prior to taking on the IGCSE. The Checkpoint Exam, however, is not a formal qualification, although a Statement of Achievement is awarded to students who pass the test. Students´ papers are sent to Cambridge University and are then marked by trained and skilled examiners.

IGCSE

Students in Years 10 and 11 will take on the internationally recognized International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programme.

The IGCSE is a renowned international curriculum adopted by international schools worldwide. Developed by the University of Cambridge Examination Board, it has been a solid foundation for academic success and excellence.

Subjects taught at this level include:

  • Mathematics
  • Additional Mathematics
  • English
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Combined Science
  • Economics
  • Accounting
  • Geography
  • History
  • Art and Design
  • Computing
  • Languages (Malay & Mandarin)

After completing the IGCSE, students can opt to do either the A Levels or other pre-university studies, such as the American, Canadian and Australian matriculation programmes which are required for admission into internationally reputable universities and other institutions of higher learning. Top universities and employers around the world accept IGCSE as the industry´s benchmark for academic ability and proficiency.

A-Level Programme

We will be offering Cambridge A-Level at our new campus@ Saradise from 2023. Cambridge Advanced Level is for students aged 16 to 19 years to prepare for university and higher education. It builds on the foundation of Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, although students do not need to have completed these stages.
Cambridge International AS & A Level is an internationally benchmarked qualification which is taken in over 160 countries by over 175,000 students. A-Level is arguably the most widely recognized pre-university qualification in the world and is accepted as proof of academic ability for entry into leading universities worldwide including in the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Germany and Spain.
Cambridge International A-Level (Year 12 & 13) helps the students to be confident, responsible, innovative and engaged. Students will develop deep understanding and thinking skills which they will need at university. These are delivered by our outstanding teachers with knowledge and expertise in their subjects and who are always ready to go the extra mile to set the students on the path to success.

CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS The Cambridge A-Level curriculum provides a firm bedrock of fundamental knowledge through a comprehensive coverage of each subject offered. Students are assessed on their mastery of subject matter, their application of knowledge and understanding to everyday environment and their ability to think critically in unfamiliar situations.
The programme of A-Level studies at Borneo International School involves a 2 staged assessement route. The 2 staged assessement route relieve the pressure associated with sitting for one set of final examination papers. Our 1.5 year programme comprises 6 terms, with the AS examination at the end of Term 4 and the final A -Level examinations at the end of Term 6.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS Cambridge IGCSE, SPM or equivalent with minimum five (5) credits. UEC with minimum three (3) passes and a Grade B in English.

A-LEVEL LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The Cambridge International AS & A-Level develops students' knowledge, understanding and skills in:

  • In-depth subject content
  • Independent thinking
  • Applying knowledge and understanding t o new as w ell as familiar situa tions
  • Handling and ev aluating different types of information sources
  • Thinking logically and presenting ordered and coherent arguments
  • Making judgements, recommendations and decisions
  • Presenting reasoned explanations, understanding implications and communicating them clearly and logically
  • Working and communicating in English

BORNEO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL A-LEVEL
CHOICE OF SUBJECTS
The A-Level subjects offered are:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • Computer Science
Students will take a minimum of three (3) subjects and no more than four (4) A-Level subjects.

However, our philosophy of education goes far beyond that. In Year 12 & 13, we recognized the need to furnish our students with the soft skills that will prepare them for life beyond our school, and are proud of the opportunities our students will have to do this in work experience, community engagement and our extensive CCA programme. Visit us to discuss more on our A-Level offering in 2023.


WHY STUDY A-LEVEL AT BORNEO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

  • Affordable A-Level
  • Affordable A-Level fees to obtain a globally recognized certification
  • New Campus @ Saradise
  • Our new state-of-art campus with a dedicated A-Level Study Centre exclusively for A-Level students. Campus wide broadband connectivity and wide range of sporting facilities and clubs.
  • Work Experience placement
  • Students are prepared for the real world experiences through a 4-weeks work experience.
  • Educational Excursions
  • Students undertake tours/outings to gain exposure to new experiences and interaction.
  • Personalized Student Attention
  • Our small sized classes provide more personalized student-tutor interaction and learning experience.
  • Career Counselling
  • Our counselling department is always available to assist students throughout their journey to better know their strengths and weakness on a suitable career path.
  • Masterclass Seminars
  • Masterclass seminars and talks by industry professionals, experts and practitioners so that our A-Level students are able to relate their learning to practical advice and have a global perspective.
  • University Placement Services
  • BIS A-Level Study Centre works closely with organizations such as MABECS, MMS and UCAS to offer students placement assistance in universities worldwide.