ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS - MAY 2009

The Board of Governors is pleased to welcome Dr John Horsfall as Principal of the International School of Penang (Uplands).

Dr Horsfall qualified with a degree in Biology from the University of York (UK), followed by a doctorate in Ecology and Animal Behaviour from the University of Oxford. He was then awarded a 6-year, fixed-term teaching position at Oxford lecturing in ecology, animal behaviour, evolution, and anatomy while holding tutorial positions at Christchurch, Oriel, and Lincoln colleges, during which he continued his research on bird ecology and behaviour. Then followed two years more post-doctoral work at Imperial College, London, before moving in 1987 to be Head of Biology and Science at Bradfield College, Berkshire, a leading independent school in the south of England.

In 2002 Dr Horsfall decided to sample international education, becoming first Deputy Headmaster, then Headmaster of The Grange School in Santiago, one of the premier British Schools in Chile. After 5 years in that post he and his wife Christine decided to widen their experience to include Asia, and Dr Horsfall became Principal of Kolej Yayasan UEM in Malaysia in July 2007, with Christine teaching IB Modern History in the same location.

Outside of work Dr Horsfall still enjoys keeping up with advances in ecology and evolution, natural history photography (he is a past "Overall Winner" winner of the UK Wildlife Magazine "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" competition and was an advisor on the David Attenborough "Life of Birds" television series. He enjoys chamber music of all ages, from the renaissance to modern jazz.

He has four children, the youngest of whom is on the verge of finishing her degree in Russian & History at University College London.

The International School Of Penang (Uplands) is a co-educational non-profit, primary and secondary School with boarding facilities, open to children aged 5 - 19 years old. We are an ‘IB World School’ - accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organisation; also the Council of International Schools – CIS and New England Association of Schools and Colleges – NEASC.

Established in 1955, the International School Of Penang (Uplands) was founded at the top of Penang Hill by the Incorporated Society of Planters (ISP) to provide expatriate planters a place to school their children away from the realities of the Malayan Emergency. Over 50 years later, much has changed as we continue to provide a caring environment for expatriate children and Malaysians alike. We have now become one of the foremost international schools in Penang providing a quality international curriculum to a student population of over 600, from more than 35 countries.


Respect for self; respect for others

We are fully committed to the concept of universal values and international ideals, and we believe that hope for peace in the future lies in an interdependent international community where respect for each other is paramount. Uplands is where students are happy to learn; alongside international classmates. Students receive a wealth of quality education as well as a range of sporting and extra curricular activities which cultivate self confidence and all roundedness. School culture revolves around our motto: Respect for self; respect for others. Unique annual events such as Environmental Week, Respect Week, Book Week and other cultural and drama productions all serve to reinforce universal values in all our students; interschool sporting events between local and international schools also help to build character and friendships beyond borders. We believe that every year a child spends at School is another precious year of lifelong learning, growing towards fulfilling their potential and becoming a productive and independent person.


Our curriculum:

• Secondary: IB Diploma program – IB Dip; a rewarding course that prepares 17 – 19 yr olds for entry into leading universities worldwide.

• Middle School: Cambridge IGCSE (11 - 16 yrs olds)

• IB Primary Years Program - PYP; developing your child’s natural abilities by focusing on their inquisitive natures (5 - 10 yrs olds) Uplands is currently the only School in Malaysia to offer this program.

• Proven track record - Our students’ IB Diploma and IGCSE results consistently score well above global averages.


School Campus:

Our modern purpose built campus boasts an artificial turf sports field that is weatherproof so students have access to space more of the time, our own swimming pool and a well equipped indoor sports hall capable of supporting numerous games and activities. The campus is now located within the resort township of Batu Feringgi, Pulau Pinang; an attractive location that offers a tranquil alternative to the hustle and bustle of a city.


School Community:

We are very proud of our international School community, made up of students, parents, teaching and non teaching staff and the School board of governors. Throughout the academic year, social and community events are organised to bring the community together, have fun and support the School, such as International Food Fairs, Art Auctions and Car Boot Sales. Members of the Uplands Parent Teacher Association - UPTA are very active in these events and help to raise funds to support sporting or extra curricular student activities. They also organise activities for parents during school hours.

Click Here to see a Showcase of major events that have featured at Uplands.