Parent's Review of Mutiara International Grammar School in Ampang, Malaysia

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

Mutiara International Grammar School

In what town or city is this school located?

Ampang

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

British

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Reception to Year 11

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

There are school busses but most children come to school by own transport.

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

The facilities are basic. Between the junior and senior school, they have 5 science labs, 2 computer labs, 1 gymnasium, 1 dining hall and 2 libraries. For a small school (about 500 students) they have a good extra curricular activities. What I like about the ECA is they break it into 3 sets of activities i.e sports/games, clubs and community services. Those students who are not academically inclined can shine in ECA.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

My children were not the brightest when I transferred them into Mutiara International School many years ago. The teachers monitored my children performance in class and in tests/examination. A large number of the teachers are very committed and they will communicate with me if they have concern with my children. My first son is currently in a good university studying medicine. My second son just graduated from Mutiara International School. Since the arrival of the Director of Studies, new reporting system is put in place concerning "weak" students. I know this personally because my son did not do well in the 1st term. His teachers recommended that he be placed in the "monthly report". I do mind this because my son felt that he is "important" and his performance improved. Besides, the School always produced good public exam results (IGCSE).

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

Socially not much except for the 3 in 1 celebrations where the School invited parents to celebrate the major festivals in Malaysia. Being a parent for about 8 years ago, I cannot say that the parent association is beneficial for me because from my observation, some parents only want to champion the cause for their children only. That is why most parents prefer to see the Head of School to address any concern they have regarding their children.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

Mutiara International School is a "best kept secret". Although the school is small, facilities limited but the teachers are great! Each class will not have more than 25 children. In my children's class, they only have 19 children. The teachers are knowledgable too. In their newsletters to parents, they told us about teachers who were sent to courses locally or overseas. Recently, they informed us that 5 teachers were in Prague for a 3 days training and 2 weeks after that 6 teachers attended training conducted by the University of Cambridge. Very generous indeed! To parents who wish to enrol their children in this school, please do not be influenced by the negative postings on the internet about this school. Look for the information yourself, make appointment to see the Head of School and make your own judgement. Most of the parents, like myself and a lot of my friends are happy with the school and we are the silent majority. However, you may not be lucky now because I heard that they are already over subscribed!

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SJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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