Lodge International School vs Riam Hill International Secondary School

	L Lodge International School Sarawak, Malaysia	R Riam Hill International Secondary School Sarawak, Malaysia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MYR 7,340 - 20,000	Fees / year MYR 15,000 - 24,000
Age range	Age range 7 - 18 years	Age range 12 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 700	Pupils 52
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1953	Opened 2022
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Lodge International School is located in Tabuan Desa, a well-established suburban neighborhood in Kuching, Sarawak. The campus sits along Lorong Keranji 4E, just off Jalan Keranji, and is close to residential areas such as Tabuan Heights, BDC, and Taman Hui Sing. It is approximately 15 minutes from Kuching city centre and is easily accessed via Jalan Song and Jalan Tun Jugah. The school is near popular amenities including Giant Hypermarket, Vivacity Megamall, and public parks. Public buses and ride-sharing services operate in this area, and it’s a convenient commute for families living in southeast Kuching.	Location Riam Hill International Secondary School is located at Jalan Riam Willow, in the Riam suburb of Miri, in northern Sarawak. The school sits in a peaceful residential area near Taman Tunku and Taman Jelita, about 15 minutes by car from Miri city centre. It is easily accessible via Jalan Miri–Bypass and Jalan Riam, which connect the school to central Miri and major transport routes.
Stages	Stages Lodge International School offers education for Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary and A-Level.	Stages RHISS provides education for Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary.
School type	School type The school is a co-educational day school and it does not offer boarding facilities.	School type The school is a co-educational day school and it does not offer boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides individualized attention where each student is well cared for under the guidance of disciplined, experienced, and dedicated teachers. This approach ensures that individual student needs are addressed effectively. Lodge also integrates the latest ICT tools into its teaching and learning processes. The Lodge Information System allows for continuous monitoring and assessment of student performance, enabling timely interventions and support.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school does not have a country affiliation.	Country affiliation The school does not have a country affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Lodge International School is a secular institution without any religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation RHISS is a non-denominational school with no specific religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure Primary School 8.00am to 3.30 pm Lower Secondary 8.00 am to 3.30 pm Senior School 7.30 am to 4.00 pm	School day structure Monday to Friday 7:45am – 3:00pm Reading and Attendance Taking 7:45am – 8:00am Morning Break 10:00am – 10:30am Lunch Break 12:30pm – 1:00pm Extra-curricular Activities 2:00pm – 3:00pm (Thursday and Friday) The school day begins with reading and attendance taking from 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., followed by classes and scheduled breaks. Extra-curricular activities are held in the afternoons on Thursdays and Fridays.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school does offer a bus service.	Bus service details The school does not offer a bus service.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Registration & Assessment Fees Registration Fee: RM 500 (non-refundable, unless school can't offer place by 31 Jan or student fails assessment) Assessment Test Fee: RM 100 (non-refundable, for students required to sit an entrance test) Lodge School Association Membership Fee (Refundable Deposit) 1st Child: RM 8,500 2nd Child: RM 3,000 3rd Child: RM 2,000 4th Child: Free Commitment Fee (Refundable upon completion of full A-Level programme) Year 12–13: RM 4,000 Miscellaneous Fees RM 310 per term × 4 terms = RM 1,240 per year (non-refundable) Extra-Curricular & Library/Lab Fees (Annual, Non-Refundable) Year 2–6: RM 40 (ECA) + RM 60 (Library/Lab) Year 7–8: RM 80 (ECA) + RM 120 (Library/Lab) Year 9: RM 80 (ECA) + RM 120 (Library/Lab) Year 10–11: RM 80 (ECA) + RM 160 (Library/Lab) Year 12–13: RM 40 (ECA) + RM 80 (Library/Lab) School Fees – Malaysian Students (Annual) Year 2–6: RM 6,140 Year 7–8: RM 7,660 Year 9: RM 9,160 Year 10–11 (O-Level): RM 14,000 Year 12–13 (A-Level): RM 16,000 School Fees – Non-Malaysian Students (Annual) Year 2–6: RM 7,340 Year 7–8: RM 9,180 Year 9: RM 10,960 Year 10–11 (O-Level): RM 16,500 Year 12–13 (A-Level): RM 20,000 Refund Policy 1 month's written notice required for withdrawal, else an extra full term's fee is charged Withdraw before mid-term (50% term fee refund) Withdraw after mid-term (no refund) No refunds for students who don’t complete full O-Level (2 years/8 terms) or A-Level (1.5 years/6 terms) Commitment fee forfeited for incomplete programme Payment Methods Cheques only Cheques must be crossed and payable to: PERSATUAN SEKOLAH LODGE	Fee details The school does not have their fee structure publicly available.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a dress code policy. Students are required to maintain a neat appearance and comply with the dress code policy.	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school has a canteen run by dedicated operators with ongoing efforts to improve healthy meals through collaborations.
House system	House system —	House system The school has a house system with houses named after planets (Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn) and conducts House Sorting events.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Lodge Group of Schools operates four entities: Lodge Kindergarten; Lodge Primary School; Lodge Secondary School; and Lodge International School.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Lodge International School follows the British National Curriculum from Year 2 through Year 13, offering students a progressive education aligned with the UK schooling model. In Years 2 to 9, students study core and foundation subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, and Art, based on the Key Stage frameworks. This stage emphasizes the development of literacy, numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and personal responsibility. From Year 10 to Year 11, students transition into the Cambridge IGCSE programme, where they take a range of compulsory and elective subjects, and sit for externally assessed examinations. At the pre-university level (Years 12 and 13), the school offers the Cambridge International A-Level programme, allowing students to specialize in three or four subjects depending on their academic goals and university requirements. Lodge is a registered Cambridge International Examination Centre, which means all assessments are conducted on-site in line with Cambridge guidelines.	Curriculum details RHISS offers a Cambridge International Curriculum for secondary education, specifically from Year 7 to Year 11. The school prepares students for the IGCSE examinations, which are conducted at the end of Year 11. During Years 7 to 9 (lower secondary), students are introduced to a broad curriculum that includes subjects like Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, Life Skills, Coding, and Physical Education. In Years 10 and 11, students select subjects aligned with the IGCSE syllabus and focus on exam preparation. In addition to Cambridge standards, RHISS incorporates elements of the Chinese curriculum, offering a bilingual and bicultural learning experience. This integration supports Mandarin language proficiency and cultural knowledge, particularly for students from Chinese-speaking backgrounds. The curriculum is designed to build strong academic foundations and prepare students for global tertiary education, though the school currently does not offer a pre-university programme like A-Levels or AUSMAT.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Lodge International School Kuching supports social and emotional learning through a variety of structured activities. All students are required to take part in extra-curricular activities (ECAs), which include clubs, sports, and uniformed groups. These ECAs help students develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Specific clubs such as the Gavel Club (public speaking), Drama Club, Cookery Club, and Gardening Club provide opportunities for students to build confidence, express emotions, and collaborate with others. Students also participate in uniformed bodies like Scouts and Red Crescent, which focus on service, discipline, and responsibility. In addition, the school offers the International Award Programme, which encourages personal growth through goal-setting and community involvement.	Social & emotional learning RHISS has a dedicated school counsellor available to students who need support with stress, social issues, or other emotional challenges. Students can schedule one-on-one time with the counsellor during non-class periods like lunch breaks. This provides a structured outlet for talking through personal problems and developing self-awareness or coping strategies. In daily school life, Life Skills is a specific subject in the lower secondary years (Years 7–9). It covers topics such as communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making. Through class discussions and roleplay activities, students learn to recognize and express emotions, resolve disagreements, and understand others’ perspectives. RHISS also places students in regular group assignments and project work where they must take on shared responsibilities, handle peer feedback, and navigate group dynamics, which helps practice emotional regulation and cooperation.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not have any specialized support for students with special educational needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not have any specialized support for students with special educational needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Lodge International School includes both First Language English and English as a Second Language (ESL) in its curriculum. This approach caters to students with varying levels of English proficiency, providing appropriate support to enhance their language skills.	English as an additional language RHISS offers English as a Second Language (ESL) support, particularly for students preparing for the IGCSE examinations. The school includes English as a Second Language in its curriculum, ensuring that students develop the necessary language skills to succeed academically.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Lodge International School actively promotes mental well-being through various initiatives. During its Humanities Week, the school hosted a "Self-Care" talk in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Kuching Unity City and 20dB Therapy Tree, focusing on physical, psycho-emotional, and spiritual self-care tips to enhance students' well-being. The school also participated in the "Go Bald" campaign, an event aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer and promoting empathy and community support among students. Furthermore, Lodge National Secondary School, part of the same group, conducted an Anti-Bullying Week initiative supported by Taylor’s University. This program included role-playing activities, discussions, and interactive sessions to encourage empathy, kindness, and a supportive school environment.	Mental wellbeing RHISS offers direct support for students' mental health through an on-campus counsellor available during breaks and lunch hours. The counsellor assists students with social, emotional, and academic concerns, providing a safe space for them to discuss personal issues.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not have their safeguarding policy publicly available.	Safeguarding Health and Medical Support: RHISS provides a sick bay where students can rest if they feel unwell during lessons. However, parents are advised to take the student to a medical center for proper treatment. Students’ allergies and health issues are recorded upon admission, and First Aid Kits are available on-site to treat minor injuries. School Security: The campus is secured with full perimeter fencing and a guarded school gate, ensuring controlled access to maintain a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors. Data Protection: The school takes data privacy seriously and ensures all personal information processed by the school is safeguarded.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The school uses 21st Century Learning Technology with student-owned laptops for coursework, collaboration and research. All classrooms are equipped with smart interactive whiteboards to enhance teaching and engagement. Riam Hill maintains two ICT laboratories with desktop PCs for classes (ratio 1:1) including coding, and the desktops support online examinations in the future. The school is located at Block D, Lot 1305, Jalan Riam Willow, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, and operates Monday to Friday – 7:30 am – 16:00 pm, Saturday – 7:30 am – 12:00 pm.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school offers the Cambridge International curriculum across Cambridge Primary (Year 2 to Year 6), Cambridge Lower Secondary (Year 7 to Year 9), Cambridge Upper Secondary (Year 10 to Year 11), and Cambridge International A-level (Year 12 to Year 13). Cambridge Primary subjects offered include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Music, ICT, Art, Design & Technology, Physical Education, Malay, Mandarin, Korean, Agama, Moral, and Citizenship. Cambridge Upper Secondary subjects offered include First Language English, English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Economics, Business Studies, Literature in English, Global Perspectives, ICT, Art & Design, Malay Foreign Language, Mandarin Chinese Foreign Language, Agama, Moral, and Citizenship. Cambridge International A-level subjects include Pure Science (Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and Humanities (English Language, History, Geography, Business, Economics, Psychology).	Academic facilities The school is an officially registered Cambridge examination centre enabling Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge Lower Secondary. It uses 21st Century Learning Technology with student laptops and smart interactive whiteboards across classrooms, and has two ICT laboratories with a 1:1 student-to-PC ratio for coding and other coursework; the desktops support online examinations in the future.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular Activities include Uniform Groups (Red Crescent, St. John Ambulance, Scouts, Girls Brigade, Taekwondo), and Sports & Games (Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Wushu, Swimming, Bowling, Futsal, Football, Netball, Chess, Table-Tennis, Jia Jitzu, Zumba). Clubs & Societies include Bahasa Melayu Club, Mathematics Club, Science Club, English Club, Economy Club, History Club, STEM Club, Interact, Leo, Gavel/Public Speaking, Mooting/Debate, and a range of Hobby/Interest clubs such as Music, Cultural/Dance, Drama, Gardening & Landscaping, Cookery, Needlework, Robotic Club, Photography, and Art & Craft. Programme options include the International Award and JASS Award.	Extra curricular facilities Riam Hill offers a wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities (CCA & ECA). Activities include Art & Craft; Board Games; E-Sports; Public Speaking; Entrepreneurship; STEM; Coding & Animation; Handicrafts (Sewing & Crochet); Baking; Gardening; and sports such as Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, Track & Field, Table Tennis and Swimming. CCA and ECA develop resilience, self-confidence, leadership, teamwork and self-esteem.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Lodge International School Kuching is part of the Lodge Group of Schools, which began as The Lodge Preparatory School and Kindergarten in 1953. Initially established to serve the educational needs of British expatriates' children in Kuching, the school has undergone several relocations: from The Masonic Lodge at Batu Lintang to The Sarawak Club, then to Pearse Road in 1969, and finally to its current site in Tabuan Jaya in 1984. English has been the medium of instruction since its inception.	History Riam Hill International Secondary School (RHISS) was established in 2022 in Miri, Sarawak, by the management of Riam Road Secondary School (RRSS). The school aims to provide quality international education by offering a curriculum that combines the Cambridge syllabus with elements of the Chinese syllabus. This approach is designed to prepare students for global opportunities while maintaining cultural relevance.
Community	Community Lodge International School Kuching emphasizes community service and cultural exchange. For instance, students have participated in humanitarian trips to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, where they engaged with local communities and contributed to charitable causes. The school also organizes events like the "Go Bald" campaign to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.	Community RHISS prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive learning community. The school hosts various cultural events, such as Chinese New Year celebrations featuring lion dance performances, to honor and educate students about different traditions. Students also participate in activities like Chinese calligraphy competitions and wildlife ambassador programs, which promote cultural awareness and environmental stewardship.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Lodge International School operates under the Lodge School Association, a non-profit organization where all parents automatically become members upon their child's enrollment. This association functions similarly to a PTA, with committee members elected biennially by parents during the Annual General Meeting. The association plays a significant role in school governance and decision-making processes.	Parent teacher association The school does not have PTA.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school delivers the Cambridge International curriculum across all key stages, from primary through Cambridge International A-Levels. Cambridge Primary (Year 2 to Year 6) is for learners aged 7 to 11 and covers English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Music, ICT, Art, Design & Technology, Physical Education, Malay, Mandarin, Korean, Religion, Moral, and Citizenship. Cambridge Lower Secondary (Year 7 to Year 9) and Cambridge Upper Secondary (Year 10 to Year 11) lead to Cambridge IGCSE assessments with a broad range of subjects. Cambridge International A-Levels (Year 12 to Year 13) cover subjects in Pure Science and Humanities.	Academic & intellectual The school offers Cambridge Secondary and IGCSE as part of its curriculum. Students in Year 10 and Year 11 participate in the Cambridge IGCSE programme. The upper secondary and pre-University years include Advanced (A) Level as part of graduation pathways. The school is an official Cambridge Examination Centre and uses educational technology, including interactive E-Classrooms and a 20-computer laboratory, to support teaching and learning.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Clubs and societies in the arts and creative domain are available as part of the extracurricular program. The arts curriculum includes Music and Art as core subjects within the Cambridge framework. The co-curricular program supports creative development through these activities, complementing academic study. Participation in arts activities is encouraged as part of a holistic education.	Arts & creative The school offers a broad suite of co-curricular activities focused on creativity and expression. These include Art & Craft, Handicrafts (Sewing & Crochet), Baking and Public Speaking, as well as Coding & Animation. Entrepreneurship and STEM activities provide avenues for creative problem-solving and collaboration.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Cultural and language clubs form part of the school's co-curricular program. Languages within the Cambridge framework include Malay, Mandarin, and Korean. Clubs foster cross-cultural learning and language development. The program promotes multicultural engagement through these clubs.	Cultural & language The school develops linguistic skills in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese. The learning environment is multicultural and fosters respect for cultural diversity.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Beyond Classroom requires participation in extra-curricular activities. Students can join clubs, games, sports and uniformed bodies. A range of social and hobby clubs supports personal interests and social development. The program emphasizes balanced development through social and recreational activities.	Social & hobbies A broad range of social and hobby activities is available, including Board Games and E-Sports. Sports offered include Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, Track & Field, Table Tennis and Swimming. These activities build resilience, self-confidence, leadership, teamwork and self-esteem.
Community & service	Community & service Community service and volunteering are integral to the extracurricular program. Students participate in service-based activities through clubs and school initiatives. The program promotes social responsibility and community engagement.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities are available through student organizations and leadership-focused clubs. Programs develop professional skills such as communication, teamwork and project management. These activities support preparation for future studies and careers.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is integrated into co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Public Speaking and Entrepreneurship are among activities that build leadership and professional skills. The program emphasizes teamwork and resilience as part of student leadership.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Lifestyle and wellbeing are supported through sports, fitness and wellness-oriented clubs. The extracurricular program promotes healthy living and physical activity as part of a holistic education. Clubs contribute to mental and social wellbeing through peer engagement and structured activities.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Health and safety are prioritized with a sick bay and campus security measures. The school provides a counsellor to support students' social, emotional and academic wellbeing. Sports and fitness activities are available across multiple disciplines to support physical wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school offers English, Malay, Mandarin and Korean as language subjects. Malay and Mandarin are taught across Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary, with Korean available as an additional language. At Cambridge Upper Secondary, Malay Foreign Language and Mandarin Chinese Foreign Language are offered as options.	Language provision Linguistic development includes English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese as part of Cambridge Secondary and IGCSE.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Accreditations	Accreditations Accredited by the University of Cambridge as an International Examination Centre since February 2000. Approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Education to offer the Cambridge International A-Level Course.	Accreditations Officially registered as a Cambridge examination centre in Miri, Sarawak, enabling students to acquire international qualifications in Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge Lower Secondary.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Download and complete the application form from the school's website. Submit the form along with the required documents, which include: A copy of the student's birth certificate A copy of the student's MyKad or passport Two recent passport-sized photographs A copy of the parent's MyKad or passport 2. An assessment may be conducted to determine the student's academic level and appropriate class placement. 3. Successful applicants will receive an offer letter. Acceptance of the offer requires payment of the necessary fees, including a refundable membership fee to the Lodge School Association. 4. Upon acceptance, the student will be officially enrolled, and further details regarding orientation and class placement will be provided.	Admissions 1. Complete the student registration form available on the school's website. Submit the form along with the required documents, which include: A copy of the student's birth certificate A copy of the student's MyKad or passport Two recent passport-sized photographs A copy of the parent's MyKad or passport 2. Applicants for Years 7–11 are required to sit for an entrance test to assess their academic readiness. rhiss.edu.my 3. An interview may be conducted to further evaluate the applicant's suitability for the school's environment and curriculum. 4. The completed application and assessment results will be reviewed by the Principal. Parents or guardians will be notified of the admission decision upon completion of the review process.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not have publicly available information on scholarships.	Scholarships Currently, RHISS does not offer a formal scholarship program. However, the school emphasizes providing affordable quality education, particularly targeting students from the M40 and T20 income groups. Additionally, the Sarawak government has expressed intent to collaborate with RHISS to support eligible Sarawakian students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, in accessing education at the school.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.
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