Rooted in Tradition: The Global History of St. Joseph’s Institution
The story of St. Joseph’s Institution (SJI) began over 170 years ago in Singapore. Founded in 1852 by the De La Salle Brothers, SJI was the first Catholic school and the third oldest school in the country. This institution was established with a mission to provide quality education to the community, particularly the poor and marginalized, rooted in the values of Faith, Service, and Community. Over the decades, the Lasallian tradition has expanded globally, with hundreds of schools in over 80 countries continuing the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the Patron Saint of Teachers.
SJIIM Kota Damansara: A Modern Hub of Lasallian Education
Established in August 2016, St. Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia (SJIIM) in Kota Damansara is a brother school of the esteemed SJI International in Singapore. The campus is a vibrant community that seamlessly blends traditional Lasallian values with a modern, international outlook.
- World-Class Facilities: The Kota Damansara campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to support a holistic education. These include advanced science laboratories, specialized computer labs, a spacious library, and a dedicated performing arts center. For sports enthusiasts, the school offers a FIFA-standard artificial turf pitch, a swimming pool, basketball courts, and even an archery range.
- Diverse Student Body: SJIIM is home to approximately 1,000 students representing over 30 nationalities. While a significant portion of the student body is local Malaysian, there is a strong international presence, with students from countries such as the UK, China, Korea, India, and Australia, creating a truly global learning environment.
- Experienced Faculty: The school prides itself on its high-caliber teaching staff. Around 75% of the teachers are expatriates, primarily from the UK and other international backgrounds, while the remaining 25% are highly qualified local Malaysian teachers. This blend ensures that students benefit from global perspectives while remaining connected to the local context.
A Holistic Curriculum and Personalized Support
SJIIM offers a dynamic and challenging curriculum that caters to each stage of a student’s development. The school follows the UK National Curriculum, leading to IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. In the Elementary School, students benefit from a blend of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Singapore Maths, and daily Mandarin lessons.
- Entrance Exams and Placement: To ensure that students are placed in an environment where they can succeed, all applicants must pass an entrance exam. This assessment helps teachers understand a child’s current academic level. If the results indicate that a student requires additional support to access the curriculum effectively, the school will recommend placement in the English as an Additional Language (EAL) program.
- Managing Student Growth: The school employs a robust House System, where every student and staff member belongs to one of four Houses: Benilde, Jaime, Miguel, and Mutien. This system fosters a sense of belonging and healthy competition, while also providing a framework for pastoral care and student leadership.
- Pastoral Care and Wellbeing: At the heart of the SJIIM experience is a commitment to student wellbeing. The school’s Virtues Project™ encourages students to develop character traits such as grit, integrity, compassion, and determination, ensuring they grow not just as scholars, but as individuals of integrity.
Specialized EAL Support: How SJIIM Differs from Other Schools
Unlike many international schools that offer generic language support, SJIIM’s Additional English (EAL) classes are highly specialized and integrated into the school day. This ensures that students do not miss out on their core learning while they build their language proficiency.
- Specialized EAL Faculty: SJIIM employs dedicated EAL specialists who are experts in language acquisition. These teachers work closely with classroom instructors to provide targeted support, ensuring that students can quickly bridge the gap and participate fully in all subjects.
- Integrated Teaching Methods: EAL support at SJIIM is provided during school hours through a combination of “pull-out” small group sessions and “push-in” support within the regular classroom. This dual approach allows for intensive language focus while maintaining social and academic connections with peers.
- Additional Fees and Transparency: While some schools include basic support in their tuition, SJIIM’s specialized EAL program may involve additional fees depending on the level of support required. This ensures that the school can maintain a low student-to-specialist ratio and provide the high-quality, personalized resources necessary for rapid progress.
- A Comparative Advantage: Compared to other schools in the region, SJIIM’s EAL program is noted for its focus on academic English rather than just conversational skills. This prepares students specifically for the rigors of the IGCSE and A-Level curricula, giving them a significant advantage as they progress into higher year groups.
Contact for Inquiries
For families interested in learning more about St. Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia, including admissions and school tours, please contact:
- Email: edunews.my@gmail.com
- WhatsApp: +60 17-947-4523
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