Skip to content

IGCSE Foundation

Providing a Strong Academic Foundation for Future Success

Overview

Our IGCSE Foundation programme at Charterhouse Malaysia offers a purposeful and carefully structured pathway for students to consolidate key skills before beginning their IGCSE studies. Designed with academic ambition at its core, the programme ensures that every learner builds the strong subject knowledge, disciplined study habits and personal confidence required to thrive at IGCSE and beyond.

Academic rigour sits at the heart of the Foundation year. Students follow a demanding curriculum that strengthens literacy, numeracy, scientific thinking and the habits of effective learning. At the same time, our Future Ready Learning programme provides an essential layer of development: students learn how to think critically, collaborate, communicate with impact and take ownership of their learning. These Human Intelligence Markers are woven through lessons, projects and co-curricular experiences, giving students the tools to navigate a rapidly changing world with confidence.

Small class sizes, expert subject teachers and close academic guidance ensure that learning is highly personalised. Students benefit from targeted support, regular feedback and structured progression, preparing them for the full IGCSE pathway in a way that is both challenging and nurturing.

The IGCSE Foundation programme reflects the Charterhouse ethos: high expectations, intellectual curiosity and a commitment to helping young people grow into capable, self-aware and forward-thinking individuals. It offers a powerful start to the Charterhouse journey for students who are ready to work hard, embrace challenge and unlock their full potential.

Overview

Our IGCSE Foundation programme at Charterhouse Malaysia offers a purposeful and carefully structured pathway for students to consolidate key skills before beginning their IGCSE studies. Designed with academic ambition at its core, the programme ensures that every learner builds the strong subject knowledge, disciplined study habits and personal confidence required to thrive at IGCSE and beyond.

Academic rigour sits at the heart of the Foundation year. Students follow a demanding curriculum that strengthens literacy, numeracy, scientific thinking and the habits of effective learning. At the same time, our Future Ready Learning programme provides an essential layer of development: students learn how to think critically, collaborate, communicate with impact and take ownership of their learning. These Human Intelligence Markers are woven through lessons, projects and co-curricular experiences, giving students the tools to navigate a rapidly changing world with confidence.

Small class sizes, expert subject teachers and close academic guidance ensure that learning is highly personalised. Students benefit from targeted support, regular feedback and structured progression, preparing them for the full IGCSE pathway in a way that is both challenging and nurturing.

The IGCSE Foundation programme reflects the Charterhouse ethos: high expectations, intellectual curiosity and a commitment to helping young people grow into capable, self-aware and forward-thinking individuals. It offers a powerful start to the Charterhouse journey for students who are ready to work hard, embrace challenge and unlock their full potential.

Core Subjects

Students study English, Mathematics, and Science as the foundation of their learning.
Science includes Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, giving students an understanding of the world around them and a strong base for future IGCSE science choices.
English helps students develop clear communication, reading, writing, and presentation skills.
Mathematics builds logical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for all areas of study.
Classes in these core subjects are set by ability, so each student can learn at the right pace and move to higher levels as they make progress.

Advantage of IGCSE Foundation Programme

Project Based Learning

Learning at Charterhouse Malaysia goes beyond textbooks.

Project Based Learning

Learning at Charterhouse Malaysia goes beyond textbooks. Through Project-Based Learning, students work together on real-world projects that connect ideas from different subjects. This approach builds teamwork, creativity, and practical problem-solving skills — preparing students for modern learning and future workplaces.

Expressive Arts and Humanities

We believe creativity and curiosity are key to well-rounded learning.

Expressive Arts and Humanities

We believe creativity and curiosity are key to well-rounded learning. Expressive Arts include Art, Music, and Drama, where students explore self-expression, creativity, and performance. Humanities includes History, Geography, and Business, helping students understand people, cultures, and the global environment.

Project Based Learning

Learning at Charterhouse Malaysia goes beyond textbooks.

Project Based Learning

Learning at Charterhouse Malaysia goes beyond textbooks. Through Project-Based Learning, students work together on real-world projects that connect ideas from different subjects. This approach builds teamwork, creativity, and practical problem-solving skills — preparing students for modern learning and future workplaces.

Expressive Arts and Humanities

We believe creativity and curiosity are key to well-rounded learning.

Expressive Arts and Humanities

We believe creativity and curiosity are key to well-rounded learning. Expressive Arts include Art, Music, and Drama, where students explore self-expression, creativity, and performance. Humanities includes History, Geography, and Business, helping students understand people, cultures, and the global environment.

Independent Learning Project

Students choose a topic that interests them and learn how to plan, research, and present their findings.

Independent Learning Project

Students choose a topic that interests them and learn how to plan, research, and present their findings. This project develops design thinking, critical thinking, and research skills, helping students become confident, independent learners.

Languages

Students continue to develop international communication skills through Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Spanish, or French.

Languages

Students continue to develop international communication skills through Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Spanish, or French. Those still improving their English will have EAL (English as an Additional Language) support.

Independent Learning Project

Students choose a topic that interests them and learn how to plan, research, and present their findings.

Independent Learning Project

Students choose a topic that interests them and learn how to plan, research, and present their findings. This project develops design thinking, critical thinking, and research skills, helping students become confident, independent learners.

Languages

Students continue to develop international communication skills through Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Spanish, or French.

Languages

Students continue to develop international communication skills through Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Spanish, or French. Those still improving their English will have EAL (English as an Additional Language) support.

Sports and Wellbeing

Physical activity is an important part of our programme. Students can choose from a range of sports led by specialist coaches, including Football, Volleyball, Padel, Badminton, and Basketball.

Sports and Wellbeing

Physical activity is an important part of our programme. Students can choose from a range of sports led by specialist coaches, including Football, Volleyball, Padel, Badminton, and Basketball. Sports encourage teamwork, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle. At Charterhouse Malaysia, the IGCSE Foundation Year gives students the time and support to strengthen their academic and personal skills before beginning their IGCSE studies. It is the perfect bridge between lower secondary learning and the exciting challenge of IGCSE, helping every student become confident, capable, and Future Ready.

Future Ready Citizenship (FRC)

At Charterhouse Malaysia, Future Ready Citizenship means preparing our students to make a positive difference in the world, not just to succeed academically.

Future Ready Citizenship (FRC)

At Charterhouse Malaysia, Future Ready Citizenship means preparing our students to make a positive difference in the world, not just to succeed academically. Through service, leadership, and collaboration, students learn to understand global issues, act with empathy, and take responsibility within their community. Our programme encourages learners to think critically about real-world challenges, work together across cultures, and develop values such as integrity, respect, and compassion. By combining knowledge with action, students grow into thoughtful, confident young people who are ready to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully to a changing world.

Sports and Wellbeing

Physical activity is an important part of our programme. Students can choose from a range of sports led by specialist coaches, including Football, Volleyball, Padel, Badminton, and Basketball.

Sports and Wellbeing

Physical activity is an important part of our programme. Students can choose from a range of sports led by specialist coaches, including Football, Volleyball, Padel, Badminton, and Basketball. Sports encourage teamwork, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle. At Charterhouse Malaysia, the IGCSE Foundation Year gives students the time and support to strengthen their academic and personal skills before beginning their IGCSE studies. It is the perfect bridge between lower secondary learning and the exciting challenge of IGCSE, helping every student become confident, capable, and Future Ready.

Future Ready Citizenship (FRC)

At Charterhouse Malaysia, Future Ready Citizenship means preparing our students to make a positive difference in the world, not just to succeed academically.

Future Ready Citizenship (FRC)

At Charterhouse Malaysia, Future Ready Citizenship means preparing our students to make a positive difference in the world, not just to succeed academically. Through service, leadership, and collaboration, students learn to understand global issues, act with empathy, and take responsibility within their community. Our programme encourages learners to think critically about real-world challenges, work together across cultures, and develop values such as integrity, respect, and compassion. By combining knowledge with action, students grow into thoughtful, confident young people who are ready to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully to a changing world.

Subjects Offered:

Subjects Offered:

Block Subject Lessons per week
A*
EAL
6
English 2nd Language + Literature
English 1st Language + Literature
B
Maths
6
C
ILP
3
D
PBL Science
6
E
PBL Humanities
4
F
PBL Expressive Arts
4
G**
Bahasa
6
Mandarin 2nd Language
Spanish
French
EAL
H
Sports
3
I
FRC/Assembly
2

* Students will be placed in a group based on their English Level

** Students can choose 1 language from this block. Students in the EAL English group must do EAL here.

Explore Further

Explore Further

Explore Further

Explore Further

Explore Further

Explore Further