Riam Hill International Secondary School vs Woodlands International School
Riam Hill International Secondary School and Woodlands International School are both in Sarawak. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Riam Hill International Secondary School also offers British and Cambridge (Secondary), and Woodlands International School also offers IEYC and IPC. Published annual fees are close, at MYR 15,000 - 24,000 for Riam Hill International Secondary School and MYR 9,725 - 27,005 for Woodlands International School. Riam Hill International Secondary School takes pupils from 12 to 17, and Woodlands International School from 3 to 17. Woodlands International School is the larger school, with around 300 pupils to Riam Hill International Secondary School's 52. Typical class sizes are 18 at Riam Hill International Secondary School and 25 at Woodlands International School.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Curriculum
IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
52
Pupils
300
Typical class size
Typical class size
18
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2022
Opened
2013
Bus service
Bus service
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Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
Location
Woodlands International School is located at Jalan Salim, in the town of Sibu, Sarawak. It is situated in a suburban area near residential communities, with convenient access to Jalan Oya and key parts of Sibu town, making it accessible for families across the region.
Stages
Stages
RHISS provides education for Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary.
Stages
The school is divided into Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary levels, with education offered from age 3 up to Year 11 (IGCSE).
School type
School type
The school is a co-educational day school and it does not offer boarding facilities.
School type
Woodlands is a co-educational day school. Boarding is not provided, and students commute daily.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
While the school does not publicly advertise a specialized Learning Support Department, the school’s emphasis on a “holistic, interactive and child-centred approach” suggests that students are supported through differentiated instruction and personalized engagement in the classroom.
Teachers are described as experienced and internationally diverse professionals who adapt creatively to students' academic and developmental needs. The school also fosters a collaborative atmosphere involving families and the community, which further reinforces its commitment to inclusive education.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have a country affiliation.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
RHISS is a non-denominational school with no specific religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
WIS is also a secular school without any religious affiliation.
School day structure
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.
School day structure
Children enrolled in the WINS Angel programme can attend either half-day or full-day sessions. The half-day schedule runs from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, Monday through Thursday, with dismissal at 12:00 PM on Fridays. Full-day students attend from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, also ending early at 12:00 PM on Fridays. For families needing additional care, extended hours are available until 5:00 PM.
Meanwhile, students in Pre-Kindergarten (PK), Reception 1 (R1), and Reception 2 (R2) follow a consistent full-day schedule from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and finish at 12:00 PM on Fridays. Like WINS Angel, they can also opt for extended care until 5:00 PM.
The school does not have publicly available information on their primary and secondary day structure.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not offer a bus service.
Bus service details
The school does not offer a bus service.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
The school does not have their fee structure publicly available.
Fee details
Kindergarten & Early Years: Kindergarten Angels: RM 6,400 per year (RM 1,600 per term) Pre-Kindergarten: RM 7,600 per year (RM 1,900 per term) Reception 1 (R1): RM 9,000 per year (RM 2,250 per term) Reception 2 (R2): RM 9,900 per year (RM 2,475 per term)
Primary School: Lower Primary (P1–P3): RM 13,000 per year (RM 3,250 per term) Upper Primary (P4–P6): RM 15,600 per year (RM 3,900 per term)
Secondary School: Lower Secondary (Y7–Y9): RM 17,000 per year (RM 4,250 per term) Upper Secondary (Y10–Y11): RM 20,600 per year (RM 5,150 per term)
Additional Annual Charges Student Insurance: RM 25 per year (limited to school-related activities)
Technology/Resource Fee: RM 300 per year (Primary & Secondary)
Refund Policy WIS requires a refundable deposit (RM 2,500–RM 4,500 depending on the level), which is returned upon withdrawal if all accounts are settled, school property is returned, and the required notice is given. However, the deposit is typically non-refundable in cases of application withdrawal.
Payment Methods The school does not publicly specify accepted payment methods.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school has a uniform.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
The school has a canteen run by dedicated operators with ongoing efforts to improve healthy meals through collaborations.
Food options
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House system
House system
The school has a house system with houses named after planets (Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn) and conducts House Sorting events.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
Woodlands International School offers a fully international curriculum that progresses from the early years through pre-university. In Early Years (ages 2.5 to 5), the school uses the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), which emphasizes holistic, play-based learning that nurtures children’s personal, social, and academic development.
For Primary students (Years 1–6), Woodlands combines the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with the Cambridge Primary Curriculum. This dual-framework promotes thematic and inquiry-based learning across subjects such as Science, History, Geography, and Languages, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a global outlook.
At the Lower Secondary level (Years 7–9), students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary Curriculum, which builds on earlier learning and prepares them for the rigors of international assessments. This stage continues to encourage a cross-disciplinary approach with a strong emphasis on skill development and critical thinking.
In Upper Secondary (Years 10–11), students pursue the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum, which is recognized worldwide for its academic breadth and rigor. Subjects typically include English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Humanities, with options for creative and technical disciplines.
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.
Social & emotional learning
The school does not have publicly available information about their social and emotional learning.
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 offer any specialized SEN program.
English as an additional language
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.
English as an additional language
The school does not have publicly available information on EAL.
Mental wellbeing
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.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a nurturing and family-oriented environment. Teachers are described as caring and supportive, with a focus on developing students' confidence and emotional growth through character education.
Safeguarding
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
There is no publicly available safeguarding policy from the school.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
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.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
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.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
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.
History
Woodlands International School was founded in 2013 in Sibu, Sarawak. It was established to meet the educational needs of both local and expatriate families seeking an internationally oriented curriculum. The school is the only international institution in the area and offers the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), International Primary Curriculum (IPC), and the Cambridge curriculum at higher levels.
Community
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.
Community
Woodlands nurtures a strong sense of community by encouraging active participation from students, parents, and teachers. The school hosts cultural festivals, student exhibitions, and performances that showcase student talent and promote family engagement. These initiatives contribute to a close-knit school environment with a “family feel” emphasized in their philosophy.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school does not have PTA.
Parent teacher association
The school does not have a Parent Teacher Association.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
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.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
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.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The school develops linguistic skills in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese. The learning environment is multicultural and fosters respect for cultural diversity.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
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.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
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.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Linguistic development includes English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese as part of Cambridge Secondary and IGCSE.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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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
Officially registered as a Cambridge examination centre in Miri, Sarawak, enabling students to acquire international qualifications in Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge Lower Secondary.
Accreditations
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Accredited to offer the full Cambridge curriculum from Primary through IGCSE, ensuring a globally recognized education.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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.
Admissions
1. Submit Application Form and Documents Complete the application form and submit it along with the following documents:
Two recent passport-sized photographs of the student Copy of the student's birth certificate and passport (non-Malaysian) or identity card (Malaysian) Copy of both parents' and guardian's (if applicable) passports or identity cards Most recent school report Copy of the student's medical card or vaccination card
2. Assessment After submitting the application, the applicant will be scheduled for an assessment. An assessment fee of RM50 is payable on the day of assessment. The assessment includes a feedback meeting with the Head of Kindergarten, Primary, or Secondary, depending on the applicant's level.
3. Application Review and Placement If the assessment is successful, the Head of the relevant section, under the direction of the School Principal, assigns a year/class placement and sports house. If the school does not offer a placement, the application fee is refunded, except in cases where parents agree to be placed on a waitlist.
4. Offer of Place After assessment and placement, parents arrange fittings for the uniform and make all necessary payments for uniforms, school fees, and books. Parents then receive a Welcome Pack containing a full personal supplies list, school calendar, student diary, and a formal acceptance or conditional acceptance letter.
5. Admission Actual placement and entry into the school occur only after all formalities are completed, including submission of completed application forms, full payment of all school fees, payment of the annual school children accidental coverage (RM20), and purchase of school uniforms and textbooks.
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.
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarchips.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
Waitlist
WIS has a waitlist policy. If the school does not offer a placement after the assessment, the application fee is refunded, except in cases where parents agree to be placed on a waitlist.
