Full Report of Charterhouse Malaysia’s BSO Inspection

Charterhouse Malaysia has excelled in the recent Department of Education (DfE) inspection for British Schools Overseas (BSO). This inspection assesses Charterhouse Malaysia against a common set of standards that BSOs can adopt, and the school is proud to have surpassed these standards.

In the report by Penta International, an approved inspection provider from the British Government, Charterhouse Malaysia is recognised for offering a high standard of education, which prepares students exceptionally well for the next stage of their education, with consistently high attainment. This validates the Future Ready programme at Charterhouse Malaysia as a pathway to university and career success.

Curriculum

“The curriculum focuses on academic excellence but also includes opportunities for students to think critically and independently.” – Excerpt from BSO Report

The BSO report praises Charterhouse Malaysia’s excellent curriculum. In summary, the BSO reports states that the innovative curriculum at Charterhouse Malaysia prepares students for the rigours of the British examination syllabus and life beyond school. The Future Ready programme links the curriculum to skills identified by the World Economic Forum, promoting academic excellence and critical thinking through the Design Thinking approach. This approach encourages students to empathise, define, ideate, develop, test, and launch ideas to solve real-world problems, integrated into all subjects where possible.

Teaching and Assessment

“Teachers are extremely supportive and will take time out of the normal routines to ensure students are supported with the information that they need to make progress.” – Excerpt from BSO Report

Charterhouse Malaysia is proud that the BSO report acknowledges the outstanding work of its teachers in teaching and assessment. The report states that the quality of teaching is imaginative and creative, allowing students to learn both subject knowledge and essential skills for their futures. As a result of high-quality teaching, students thrive and make exceptional progress. Rigorous and ongoing assessments are aimed at improving students’ understanding, with ‘closing the gap’ tasks helping to eradicate misconceptions in both practical tasks and theoretical applications.

Student Achievements

“Students are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their education, not only in the outcomes in external examinations but in the well-rounded holistic approach that the school promotes.” – Excerpt from BSO Report.

Charterhouse Malaysia’s students consistently achieve outstanding results, and the BSO report recognises that they are exceptionally well-prepared for the next stage of their education, both academically and holistically. Year 9 students exceed curriculum expectations across all subjects, and in the 2023 A Level results, 62% of students received A and A* grades. At AS Level, 56% attained A grades, with one-third surpassing their predicted grades. The school anticipates that 72% of students will achieve A*-A grades at A Level in 2024 based on current performance.

Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural Development

“The opportunities for students to take on leadership roles and influence decisions in the school are exceptional. The Forum empowers students to become future leaders.” – Excerpt from BSO Report

The BSO report highlights the excellent spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of students at Charterhouse Malaysia. Opportunities for leadership and decision-making are abundant, with the Charterhouse Forum playing a central role in empowering students to become future leaders. The Spectra Smarts framework enhances lifelong learning by encouraging students to develop and record their achievements across various intelligence strands. The school fosters a sense of community and moral guidance through effective behaviour policies, positive reinforcement, and regular celebrations of student achievements.

Welfare, Health, and Safety

“Students know they can talk to anyone for help, but recognized the effective work of the school counsellor who was ‘very easy to talk to.’” – Excerpt from BSO Report

The BSO report praises Charterhouse Malaysia for its excellent welfare, health, and safety provisions. In the report, it mentions that Charterhouse Malaysia’s policies are regularly reviewed and effectively implemented, with strong safeguarding standards and comprehensive staff training. The school ensures a safe environment through robust behaviour policies, anti-bullying measures, and meticulous security protocols. Health promotion is supported by a no-junk food policy and a well-equipped clinic, while rigorous fire safety protocols and high standards of cleanliness are maintained.

Facilities

“The inspirational design qualities of the school’s accommodation, located within a building that provides a shopping centre, car park and residential accommodation, is highly effective and well suited to the needs of students.” – Excerpt from BSO Report

The school’s facilities meet the highest standards, combining inspirational and practical design. Classrooms are clean, well-lit, and ventilated, with flexible spaces for various learning activities. Innovative “pods” with interactive whiteboards and collaborative workspaces enhance the learning environment. Practical areas like science labs and art rooms are well-equipped, and communal spaces such as the auditorium, library, and gym support both academic and physical activities. Despite limited outdoor space, the school effectively utilises available areas and selects off-site venues for sports, meeting students’ needs for comprehensive development.

Information Sharing

“Parents reported that the wealth of information that the school provides is purposeful and timely. Staff are very approachable and parents commented that any concern is dealt with promptly.” – Excerpt from BSO Report

The school excels in providing purposeful and timely information to parents, carers, and others. Parents report that staff are approachable and concerns are promptly addressed. Effective communication, primarily via email, works well due to the small student population. The Charterhouse Community Partnership organises events and supports student volunteering, while a weekly newsletter and social media updates keep parents informed. Parents appreciate the comprehensive progress updates through termly tests, parent-teacher meetings, and end-of-year reports. The school’s website offers extensive information on policies, curriculum, and extracurricular activities.

School Leadership & Management Team

“Leaders and managers at the school have established in a short space of time an ethos that is commensurate with the aims and values of the school.” – Excerpt from BSO Report

The BSO reports mentioned that the leadership and management of Charterhouse Malaysia are excellent, meeting the required standards. Leaders have established a strong ethos aligned with the school’s aims and values, effectively managing growth without compromising quality. The School Leadership Team, Managing Director, and Board of Governors meet regularly to communicate the vision and strategic plans. Senior leaders assess strengths and areas for development, continually revising policies. Relationships across the school are exemplary, promoting respect and countering discriminatory behaviour. The staff team strives for high standards in student achievement and wellbeing. Professional development sessions and appraisal systems support staff improvement. The school is highly organised, with clear expectations and strong parental involvement in supporting their children’s education.

Boarding

“The governance, management and leadership of the school’s boarding provision enables boarders to feel safe and comfortable.” – Excerpt from BSO Report

Charterhouse Malaysia’s boarding facilities meet BSO standards and are highly regarded. In summary, the BSO reports states the governance, management, and leadership ensure a safe and comfortable environment for boarders. Comprehensive handbooks and training for boarding parents ensure high-quality care. The boarding house provides safe, clean, and welcoming accommodation, with appropriate areas for relaxation, study, and meals. Boarders’ health and wellbeing are prioritised, with secure medicine storage, trained first-aid staff, and clear reporting systems for concerns. The boarding house promotes good behaviour and mutual respect, with a range of supervised activities and risk-assessed recreational areas. The school complies with health and safety laws, maintaining high standards in cleanliness and fire safety.

Conclusion

These highlights from the BSO report demonstrate Charterhouse Malaysia’s commitment to excellence. We are extremely proud of this recognition, which evidences our collective efforts to ensure students’ success in and out of school.

For further reading into the BSO Report, click here.