FAQ

For most of the subjects that your child learns at Nexus we draw our resources from such a wide range of media, including books, schemes of work and The Internet that we do not require parents to purchase textbooks as such. However, in some of the language options parents may be asked to provide textbooks. The language teachers will supply the list. For IPC themes there are a number of recommended websites and books, which teachers draw upon. Each year group site may also provide links for research resources that are specifically needed for a unit of work. Please note that this is not a complete list of the resources that teachers use nor should it be taken as a substitute for the curriculum goals.

Some year groups use the communication book as a way of communicating between home and school. However, an email is generally a more reliable and quicker form of communication. Each year group also maintains a website where specific year group information can be disseminated. The sites can be accessed from our intranet at: https://sites.google.com/a/nexus.edu.my/nexus-parent-portal/primary

Yes. We have several and learners use them when they are beginning readers and as they develop their reading skills. However once learners are proficient at reading (usually around Year 5) they will be guided to choose an appropriate ‘Free reader’. Class teachers and librarians monitor the reading books that learners choose.

Yes, each class is timetabled to spend 40 minutes in the library each week. The library will of course be open at other times and learners are encouraged to use it as and when required.

Spanish, Mandarin or Bahasa Malaysia are offered as focus languages for Years 1 to 6 (3 sessions per week). In addition, all children will have one Bahasa Integration session per week where they will learn about their host country, Malaysia, and some key Bahasa Malaysia vocabulary. (Please contact the class teacher if you are not sure what this is).

The subject specialist teachers can all be contacted via email (check the website for addresses and Sports information). Alternatively, the class teacher can help you to make contact with the subject specialist teachers.

We try to give as much information as we can in the Curriculum letters that are sent to parents each term. In addition, you will receive a letter detailing the learning goals that will be addressed before the beginning of each new topic. An overview of the yearly curriculum maps can be found on our website. The whole IPC route map is also displayed in the school.

Our learners are generally excellent at talking about their own learning so ask them - “What have you learnt today?” or “What challenged you today? Primary learners use SeeSaw to share their learning directing with peers and parents. This is carefully monitored by the class teacher. Teachers are also available to talk with you, we just request that you make an appointment first. Many of the classes have wonderful displays both inside the class and outside in the corridor so do have a look. Also, the year group sites showcase your children’s learning so please keep checking.

Home-learning will be given in English, Maths, the subjects covered in IPC and the Language Other Than English (LOTE) studied. The duration of time that each learner spends on home learning varies between year groups - please see the class teacher for details.

As much as possible home-learning is differentiated in order to challenge each learner. The purpose of home-learning is to improve learning not just to keep children busy and so if the home-learning is too easy or too difficult for your child he/she should discuss this with the class teacher.

Assessment is fundamental to learning at Nexus. Formative Assessment or Assessment for Learning means that we are constantly working with the learners to find out what they already know, what they are learning and what they need to learn next. We, as teachers have several tools to help us with this – ‘Classroom Monitor’ is one of these tools.

We also use several standardised tests though GL assessments in order to forecast how each learner could be achieving and to give us an idea of how they have achieved compared with their forecast and with other learners of the same age around the world. These tests are conducted at the beginning and the end of the school year and included the Cognitive Ability Test (CAT), Pupils Attribute to Self and School (PASS), Progress Test in English (PTE) and Progress Test in Math (PTM). (See website for details on the GL Assessments).

Reports are sent to parents on a regular basis. A copy of the Assessment for Learning progress is sent to parents at the end of each IPC theme and termly progress reports are sent to parents for Personal Goals, Maths, English and LOTE. We perform assessment markers for the three stages of learning - beginning, developing and mastering.

Two sessions of general music are offered every week for all primary learners. There are also more specialist music programmes for those who choose it, which take part during the school day. These lessons offer a great opportunity for the learners to learn how to play an instrument with a specialised teacher, but it is inevitable that the learners will miss something from the rest of the curriculum. It is up to parents and learners to weigh up the costs and benefits for the learner and decide whether or not to take up the opportunity. If you would like to hear more about this then please contact the Music department (address on the website).

Please download our prospectus here.

We accept students from ages 3 (Nursery Level) to 18 (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme-IBDP).

The Primary school follows the acclaimed International Primary Curriculum (IPC). For Literacy and Numeracy the British National Curriculum is used. The Secondary school follows a British based syllabus with cross curricular links that prepares learners for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and General Certificate of Education (GCSE) examinations in Year 10 and 11, and the IBDP in Years 12 and 13.

IPC, or the International Primary Curriculum, approaches learning through focus on academic and personal development, as well as the development of a global awareness. The five key areas of emphasis are: Academic, Social, Spiritual, Emotional, and Physical. Through the IPC, learning becomes active, engaging, fun and above all, meaningful. Learners find a balance between learning to respect the past and preparing themselves for the world in which they are going to live.

For more information about IPC, log onto: www.internationalprimarycurriculum.com

GCSE is an acronym for the General Certificate of Secondary Education and the IGCSE is the International GCSE.This is an external qualification that is usually taken at the end of Year 11 for learners at the age of 16. It is the direct stepping stone to pre-university courses such as the International Baccalaureate. For more information, please refer to our website. What is International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)?

In Years 12 and 13, learners follow the Diploma programme offered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). The course is designed to equip learners with the best foundation possible for entry into the world’s top universities. The IBO was set up in 1968 with this specific goal and is the programme of choice in international schools worldwide.

IB is a two-year programme of study taken in six subjects. Three subjects are taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). In addition, learners are required to produce or partake in the three central components of the IB Diploma; these are Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Action and Service (CAS), and an Extended Essay in a personal research topic. For more information, please refer to our website.

The School has Learning Support Specialists who provide additional support for selected learners. This support may be given within the mainstream class or, on occasion, learners may be withdrawn for specialist lessons. All applicants are assessed to see how the school is able to effectively cater for learners needs. What are the facilities offered at the school?

State-of-the-art ICT facilities, swimming pool, tennis courts, football field, fully equipped auditorium theatre, Primary and Secondary library, cafeteria, science laboratories, food technology room and art rooms. Boarding facilities are also available.

There is a full and varied CCA programme offered which will vary according to demand. Activities will normally be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for approximately 1 hour after school. The range of CCAs may vary each term.

Some of the CCAs offered at Nexus International School are: Swimming, Taekwando, ScienceWerkz,Gardening, Football, Rugby, Tennis, Photography, Fencing, Cooking, Rock Climbing, Drama Club, Waterskiing, Fun Band / Orchestra.

We offer education for children from a diverse range of nationalities throughout the world. Our learner population is made up of children from over 28 different countries.

Yes, after they have undergone the assessment required by the school. However, this situation is avoided as it can be unsettling for the child.

This varies according to the age of the child but as a general guide our maximum class size will not exceed 24.

As well as Bahasa Malaysia, we offer Mandarin for all children above Reception age. For Key Stage 2 learners we offer Mandarin and Spanish. Secondary learners will have the opportunity to learn Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Spanish and/or French at advanced or beginner level. There may well be other languages offered as CCAs.

Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme is designed to enable learners who have had little or no exposure to the English Language to develop fluency and competence in English, so they are able to follow the English National Curriculum at Nexus International School.

Yes. For more Muslim female learners, they are allowed to wear hijab/scarf of any kind. For more details, please check with Student Services.

Each week parents and learners will be able to choose set meals from the menu published in the school website or picked up at the school cafeteria. The meal choice will be Western, Asian and Vegetarian. All meals are Halal as required in Malaysia.

Yes, a bus service is available. Please check with Student Services for more details.

Yes.

Yes we do. Kindly contact the Admissions Department for more details.

You can fill in the application form here.

Application deadlines can be found on our Promotion page.

No, you will not be charged for an application fee.

• Certificates (Academic & co-curricular)
• Official records on co-curricular participation
• (Supporting documents should only reflect the past 3 years)

IBDP Scholarships are open to learners applying for Year 12.

The scholarship is open to all Malaysian and International students.

Yes, you will need to attend an interview with the Scholarship Committee.

You will be notified within 1 month from the application deadline.

Our School Administration team will contact you via email or phone.

Yes, you can.

You can contact us at admissions@nexus.edu.my or call us at 03-8889 3868.

Full IBDP and Partial Scholarships:

• The scholarships are offered for two years to cover both years of the IB Diploma Programme.
• Boarding Scholarships can be considered on a case by case basis.

Candidates are evaluated based on their academic performance, co-curricular participation and leadership attributes.

Scholars will need to pay for residential fees, books, laptops, and uniforms.

Scholarships are open to current Nexus learners as well as external applicants.

No penalty will be imposed if you decline an offer.

There will be no penalty imposed. However, the scholarship is not transferable, and the term of study cannot be deferred. Should a withdrawal occur midway through a term, cashing out for the value of the remainder of the term is not allowed.

No, you may only accept one offer.