Redefining a School’s Purpose: Forging Innovative Pathways to Meet the Needs of Every Student

Jeff Farrington, High School Principal, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)

What is the purpose of schooling? There are differing views on the topic; some schools will say their primary focus is on grades and exams to ensure students get into university; others look beyond that timeline and view their role as preparing students for life.

Here at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), ensuring that students understand that they can make a positive change in the world and learn how to make that difference is an essential part of the learning experience. In a world where self-directedness, creative thinking, critical reasoning, and effective communication are essential for success, it is important to stay true to who you are.

ISKL students find that tailoring their educational program to their interests, aspirations, and passions enables them to leverage global opportunities. This sentiment holds true when our Alumni share how their experiences at ISKL have influenced their university choices and inspired their careers and life post-graduation.

Be inspired to choose the right school by hearing from former pupils. Haziq Khairi (Class of 2017) shared how his Grade 10 History teacher, Mr. Fisher, challenged him to find his passion through a simple but inspiring message in his report card.

Quoting ISKL’s flexible course offerings and co-curricular activities as formative experiences, Ed Moline (Class of ‘03), who currently works in the film industry, says, “ISKL was brilliant in letting me explore a lot of interests I had.

Discover why ISKL’s approach focuses on nurturing the individual instead of a one-size-fits-all manner when it comes to education. Why? Because every student learns differently, and ISKL aims to provide every learner with the flexibility to choose the pathway best suited to their abilities, interests, and aspirations.

The hallmarks of its High School program are quality, choice, and flexibility. ISKL is unique in offering a combination of wide-ranging, high-quality academic pathways designed to enable every learner to choose the curriculum best suited to them - a ‘best fit’ approach.

Read: Finding Your Path in the World With ISKL

Speaker Biography

Jeff Farrington, High School Principal at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)

Jeff is the High School Principal and has been with ISKL since 2014. He has been an administrator for more than 20 years. Jeff began his international education career in 1994 and is actively involved in leading instruction, assessment, and teacher supervision since 2000 (MS Principal, HS Principal, K-12 Director of Learning). He was a recipient of the US-based National Association for Secondary School Principals (NASSP) 2021 Principal of the Year. Jeff holds a Master’s degree in International Education, BEd, and BSc.