International Early Years Curriculum at Sri Bestari
Cambridge Early Years Programme
Early Years School Kuala Lumpur
Sri Bestari International School’s Early Years programme welcomes children aged 3 to 5, offering a play-based, internationally-benchmarked foundation before children progress into Primary. Set within the school’s wider Cambridge pathway, Early Years at Sri Bestari focuses on building confidence, curiosity, and strong early social and academic skills in a supportive, international learning environment.
Transitioning to the Cambridge Early Years Programme
From September 2026, Sri Bestari International School’s Early Years programme transitions from the IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum) to the Cambridge Early Years Programme — an internationally-benchmarked, play-based framework for children aged 3 to 5. This is a distinct framework from the UK’s EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage); the Cambridge Early Years Programme is not EYFS, and families should not expect EYFS accreditation under this transition.
Progression to Primary — Continuing the Cambridge Pathway
Sri Bestari International School’s Early Years programme leads directly into the school’s Primary curriculum (Year 1 to Year 6), giving children a seamless transition into the Cambridge Primary pathway. This continuity ensures children move from Early Years into formal Cambridge-curriculum learning with a consistent academic framework, structured foundations, and familiar international learning environment.
Cambridge Early Years Curriculum
Our Cambridge Early Years Programme, designed for children aged 3 to 5 (EY1 to EY2), equips learners with a strong, joyful foundation for their educational journey in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As the first stage of the Cambridge Pathway, it seamlessly prepares children for Cambridge Primary while fostering a genuine love of learning.
The curriculum is built around six interconnected areas of learning: Communication, Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Creative Expression, Personal, Social & Emotional Development, Physical Development, and Understanding the World. Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, learning comes alive through purposeful play, active inquiry, and hands-on discovery tailored to each child’s individual pace and interests.
At this foundational stage of development, progress is guided by observation and positive interactions rather than formal testing. Guided by Cambridge’s “listen and observe” framework, our educators continuously track developmental milestones, collaborating closely with parents to celebrate and nurture every step of their child’s learning journey.
As a leading international school in Kuala Lumpur, SBIS believes that instilling a growth mindset from early childhood prepares children to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. By encouraging curiosity, emotional well-being, and independence, we empower young learners with the essential skills and confidence to flourish both inside and outside the classroom.
CO-CURRICULAR
Syllabus
- Art
- Assembly & Moral Values
- ICT
- Jolly Phonics
- Malay
- Mandarin
- Mathematics
- One World
- Performing Arts
- Physical Education
- Play
- Storytime
School Hours and School Terms
School Hours
Monday to Thursday ⇒ 7:45 AM – 1:45 PM
Friday ⇒ 7:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Year Group
EY1 – Ages 3 to 4
EY2 – Ages 4 to 5
Academic Calendar
Academic Year 2026/2027
Term 1 – 7 September 2026 – 9 December 2026
Term 2 – 5 January 2027 – 21 April 2027
Term 3 – 26 April 2027 – 30 July 2027
FAQs
The International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) as part of the Early Years Programme at SBIS. The IEYC programme is built around four learning strands that underpin all learning and development – Independent and Interdependent, Communicating, Enquiring and Healthy Living and Physical Wellbeing.
The units learnt link all the four strands to relevant and engaging activities that are adapted and extended to meet individual needs.
The IEYC uses international best practices, holistic enquiry and play-based approaches that cover all curriculum areas including personal, social and emotional development.
The International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) are designed for children between age 3+ to 5+, who are toilet-trained and diaper free.
Children at this level undergo a brief assessment and interview with the Deputy Principal covering a range of topics for their level.
Parents will be contacted by an admission person once the entrance interview result is made available, usually within five (5) working days.
Three (3) terms. Our intakes/terms for an Academic Year are as follows:
– Term One: September – December
– Term Two: January – March/April
– Term Three: April – August
Upon confirming your child’s age grouping, a completed application may be submitted to the school email address: sbis_admissons@bestari.edu.my along with the following documents:
- Completed Application (Application Form, Personal Data Protection Act 2010 Notice, SBIS Fee Category and Agreement – All pages duly completed and signed)
- Copy of Student’s Malaysia Identity Card (All Passport page for International Students)
- Copy of both Parents Identity Cards (Biodata Page and Visa Pages of both the Parents for International Students)
- Copy of Student’s Birth Certificate
- Copy of Student’s Vaccination/Immunisation Card
- Copy of Student’s Previous/Current School Report (latest, at least 1 year) (academic and/or testimonials) (if applicable)
- 2 Passport sized photos
- Payment remittance advice of RM1,200 application fee (non-refundable and non-transferrable)
- Latest valid pass/visa (Student Pass/Dependent Pass) for International Students