The good news is there are many great international schools in Singapore. The bad news is you can only pick one! This task does become a little easier if you start matching the curriculum with the needs of your child/children. Does the curriculum allow for interdisciplinary learning? What are the assessment styles? Are the languages taught relevant to your child or your family? If you have an idea where they will be studying after school, would your child be prepared for the relevant university entrance exams? Find out more about the international school curriculums on offer at these schools in Singapore and also hear what students and parents have to say. We hope it helps with your decision-making.
Singapore American School
The Singapore American School invests in professional development and continually sends teachers to discover innovative ideas and best practices. The early learning programme is inspired by Reggio Emilia and emphasises concept-based and inquiry-driven learning. Elementary and Middle School students learn how to ask questions and take risks. High schoolers are in for an exciting learning community where they’re encouraged to pursue their passions, engage deeply with their studies, and express themselves through writing, speaking, technology, and the arts. Extracurricular programmes help children develop lifelong interests and leadership skills, and form positive relationships with classmates and teachers.
Hear from a student…
“Singapore American School teachers really love what they’re teaching, and this makes it a more enjoyable experience for students as well. They’re very open to helping us outside of the classroom, so we get a better understanding of the course and the material being taught. I also really love the variety of courses that are offered at SAS, ensuring that we find a class that we really enjoy. Most passions are represented in the course choices.”
– Alisha Bhandari, Indian-Ukrainian, Grade 11
40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
Stamford American International School
Stamford American International School’s curriculum is a rich blend of the International Baccalaureate Frameworks (PYP, MYP, DP) underpinned by American Standards. At Grades 11 and 12, beyond the Stamford American High School Diploma, the school offers students a choice between the IB Diploma, the Advanced Placement International Diploma, or a blend of the two pathways. Teachers engage students through guided inquiry. The skills are further developed to investigate and challenge ideas and learning through critical and creative thinking. The school is committed to interdisciplinary learning in all academic disciplines and beyond, including arts, sports and more.
Hear from a student…
“I’ve been attending Stamford American International School for the past seven years. Stamford’s inquiry-based learning programme has made me question issues of global significance. I founded the Green Lions student club, successfully installing 845 solar panels within the school. Also, by swimming competitively at the Singapore National Swimming Championships, my entrepreneurial instinct kicked in and I saw a market gap for specialised swim products. This prompted me to create a weighted kickboard as my MYP Personal Project. It later secured investment interest, making me a proud Stamford Lion!”
– Mark, Grade 12, Irish
Woodleigh Campus: 1 Woodleigh Lane
Early Learning Village: 3 Chuan Lane
6602 7247 | sais.edu.sg
Tanglin Trust School
Tanglin Trust School offers a comprehensive and balanced British curriculum grounded in strong pastoral support and high academic standards. Starting at Nursery, the environment is made to allow learning to grow and flourish. Students have opportunities to try new things, take on challenges and assume responsibilities so everyone has the chance to shine, whether in sports, arts or academia. The school is also the only international school in Singapore that offers the unique opportunity for Sixth Form students to study for either the A Levels or IB Diploma.
Hear from a student…
“Tanglin supports every student through academic opportunities and extra-curriculars. I love taking part in drama productions, school sports and I’m part of the Head Team. Having the choice of IB or A Levels has allowed me to follow a programme that is tailored to the subjects I’m passionate about and to the style of learning that I enjoy. The school is accommodating to our goals; they opened an IB Latin class for me and a fellow student this year. All Tanglin students are well known, and everyone’s wellbeing is supported. Teachers are enthusiastic and the university and careers team open our eyes to different opportunities.”
– Ryan, Year 13, American
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
Canadian International School
The Canadian International School offers three International Baccalaureate programmes. From Nursery to Grade 6, the curriculum is delivered within the IB Primary Years Programme, from Grades 7 to 10 within the IB Middle Years Programme, and in Grades 11 & 12, students study the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). In Kindergarten, teaching is inquiry and play-based, while from Grade 1 onwards, there is a combination of inquiry, transdisplinary and concept-based teaching. The curriculum is benchmarked against global curricula for ease of transition to other schools or university. The school uses external standardised tests such as MAP to measure students’ progress. Regular internal assessments are also used.
Hear from a student…
“We are constantly challenged to think outside the box and make connections between our personal experiences, our knowledge and what we learn. We also have many opportunities to develop our presentation, communication and research skills. The curriculum at CIS allows us to take the initiative to create opportunities for ourselves. It is also holistic. I’ve enjoyed participating in different sports, community service and leadership activities, especially being a member of the student council and representing the school in netball, football and basketball.”
– Anahita Roy, Grade 12, Indian
Lakeside Campus, 7 Jurong West Street | 6467 1732
Tanjong Katong Campus, 371 Tanjong Katong Road | 6345 1573
cis.edu.sg
The Grange Institution
The Grange Institution uses the Cambridge International English, Mathematics and Science curriculum to build a good foundation in literacy, numeracy and science. The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is brought in to provide a multi-disciplinary approach while developing knowledge and skills for the 21st century. The curriculum aims to help students develop important personal attributes and international-mindedness. The school believes that differentiating between knowledge, skills and understanding is crucial to children’s learning. This learning is assessed at different points in their Primary journey: at seven, nine and 11 years.
Hear from a parent…
“The school’s low student-to-teacher ratio is perfect for our daughter Yuna, who is in Year 2. The teachers can focus more on each individual and have more time for one-on-one care. We believe that such an environment helps children learn better. We have seen a significant improvement in our daughter’s mathematics and language subjects. Her level of understanding and confidence in communication has also improved. Her teachers have always displayed care and concern towards her learning. They closely monitor her progress and give feedback on areas she needs to place more attention to, while praising her when she exceeds expectations.”
– Tomoko Suda and Christophe Grilo, Japanese and French
449 Yio Chu Kang Road
6817 3630 | thegrange.edu.sg
Dover Court International School
Dover Court offers courses that operate within the framework of the English National curriculum. In the Primary School, the programme is enhanced by the International Primary Curriculum, while Secondary School students complete the iGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11 and the International Baccalaureate two years later. Additionally, the school also offers the ASDAN qualification, a skills-based qualification, preparing students for the working world. Collaborative learning is a key component of lessons and there are ongoing assessments so teachers are continuously assessing the individual progress of students. From August 2020, the school will be offering the Pearson BTEC International Level 2 Diploma in Business.
Hear from a student…
“The teachers at Dover Court are supportive, and due to the smaller class sizes, you get more individual support. While iGCSEs and IB are challenging, it gives us many options for future university studies. The school also offers many opportunities if you enjoy sports or the arts, with dedicated spaces for both, as well as academic events. My favourite subject is history as it provides insights into the history of countries and cultures that I’d never thought of finding out about.”
– Jared, Year 12, South African
301 Dover Road
6775 7664 | dovercourt.edu.sg
GEMS World Academy (Singapore)
As an International Baccalaureate World School, GEMS World Academy (Singapore) offers four International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. It encourages both academic and personal achievement by challenging students to excel in different aspects of their lives. It begins at age three and continues through to the IB Diploma. To complement this, the school also has a Nursery programme (a mix of both Reggio Emilia philosophy and IB practices) and offers students the option of taking the Cambridge IGCSE exams in Grade 10. A broad choice of subjects are offered, including languages, arts, sports, community service, STEM, design, technology and extra-curriculars.
Hear from a student…
“The school’s holistic approach to learning and emphasis on sports, academics and the arts has allowed me to pursue each area I aspire to excel in. Being a competitive swimmer, pianist and student who strives for good academic results, I truly grow and fit in with the school. With my demanding 25-hour weekly swim schedule, my teachers have always been understanding and supported me in managing my studies and commitment to swimming. I believe that the GEMS approach to empowering students to develop their potential will continue to benefit me in fulfilling my student-athlete ambitions.”
– Alicia Soosai, Grade 11, Malaysian
2 Yishun Street 42
6808 7300 | gwa.edu.sg
GESS
GESS offers a full-fledged IB curriculum (PYP to DP) taught in English and the German national curriculum. The school’s student-centred and interdisciplinary curriculum guides students to fulfil their individual learning potential and emphasises inquiry-based learning for students to discover and create knowledge. Students also have the opportunity to take part in local excursions, career experience programmes and social projects abroad. Teachers use a combination of formative and summative assessment styles, with great emphasis being placed on monitoring students’ continual development and individual learning milestones.
Hear from a student…
“As someone who wishes to pursue law, I feel that GESS has given me a leg-up for my future aspirations. I’m able to study subjects such as History and English at a level that pushed my intellectual capabilities and furthered my analytical and written skills. Additionally, as someone with a keen interest in languages, I was able to continue studying both English and German at a mother tongue level. The highlight of my year was co-hosting the European Union Film Festival 2019. The influence and reputation that GESS has in Singapore has allowed us to take advantage of so many opportunities!”
– Kausar Hassan, Grade 12
2 Dairy Farm Lane
6469 1131 | gess.sg
International Community School Singapore
As part of its American curriculum, International Community School (Singapore) gives high school students the opportunity to earn university credits through Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP exams take place each May. Students apply their learning to real-life situations through classroom instruction, activities, and performances, all tailored to individual needs. MAP testing is used to assess student growth, particularly in mathematics and reading. Technology is also integrated into the classroom from Kindergarten onwards, leading on to the 1-to-1 device programme in Grades 4 to 12. All students are also offered additional instruction in fine arts, foreign language and physical education.
Hear from a student…
“I really appreciate the American curriculum because I know I’m receiving a well-rounded education in all subject areas. The choice of Advanced Placement classes allow me to go deeper into subject areas that I am passionate about. For example, in the class called Senior Thesis, we are able to delve deeper into specific topics and present our findings to the community. I’ve studied Korean, Singaporean and American curriculums, and I advocate the American curriculum at ICS. The school guides, leads and supports individuality.”
– Sihan K, Grade 12, Korean
27A Jubilee Road
6776 7435 | ics.edu.sg
Melbourne Specialist International School
Melbourne Specialist International School uses a visual and performing arts programme that involves a child-centred approach, with teachers using concrete experiences (mediated through dance, drama and music) to engage students. It also allows children to express themselves in ways that aren’t always possible with words. The school also offers functional academics in the areas of maths and English, and pre-vocational training, and it incorporates an independent living skills programme that helps to encourage self-help and self-regulation. The TEACCH method is also used; this evidence-based academic programme helps to grow a child’s independent working skills. Each student has individual goals and learning plans set out for them to achieve.
Hear from a parent…
“My son Keith and I gave a joint talk to the students of Singapore Institute of Technology. We did a Spoken Word session. There was a haka led by Keith. He also sang ‘Majulah Singapura’ and closed with a dance that he choreographed on the spot to The Greatest Showman song. For three hours, he maintained self-control and didn’t say or do anything inappropriate. He demonstrated great leadership as he was facilitating all the interactions with the students by himself, and I noticed that his purpose was unity and bringing people together – he said that this is his work. During the holidays, he chose to intern with me at “Mommy’s Office”. We are so proud of him. Thank you again to Pathways 3 Team and MSIS for teaching Keith so well!”
– Khoo Peng-Ean Cham, Singaporean
75C Loewen Road
6634 8891 | msis.edu.sg
St. Joseph’s Institution International
At St. Joseph’s Institution International, students have access to the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), IGCSE and IBDP. Teachers make use of a child-centred and active learning approach to encourage the development of each student. At the Elementary level, students learn under the Singapore Mathematics programme, while the Language Arts curriculum combines the English National Curriculum and the American system. Chinese is a compulsory subject. High School students are offered a holistic experience comprising academics, outdoor education, service learning and co-curriculars.
Hear from a student…
“My motivation for attending an international school was to study the IBDP. I feel that IB gives me the intellectual and creative liberty that I wouldn’t have gotten elsewhere. It involves writing an extended essay topic of your choice, cultivating your interests through a multitude of creativity, action and service (CAS) experiences, and applying the Theory of Knowledge to your subjects. I’d like to think that every student who goes through the rigorous but rewarding IB process comes out of it a more independent learner with their own thoughts and ideas.”
– Andrea Ho, Grade 12, Singaporean
490 Thomson Road
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg
UWC South East Asia
The UWCSEA learning programme is made up of five elements: academics, activities, outdoor education, personal and social education, and service. The concept-based K–12 curriculum aims to help students develop conceptual understandings about “big ideas” in each subject area or discipline in all of the five areas. To test their understanding, students are challenged in age-appropriate ways to express and apply these concepts in new and different contexts. Students graduate with a UWCSEA Diploma after taking their IBDP examinations at the end of Grade 12. The conceptual nature of the curriculum allows students to easily transfer into any educational system at any point in their education.
Hear from a student…
“For a quiet child like me, UWCSEA was the perfect environment because when I finally decided to stick up my hand and voice my opinions, I wasn’t shut down. An education that empowers from a young age is vital for young people to thrive. We just need people to tell us that we can. With the empowerment I’ve gained from being part of this community since Grade 1, I’ve been inspired to set up a student advocacy platform this year, join the student council and, yes, continue to be that kid in class who says ‘Actually, I don’t agree.’ ”
– Hila Davies, British, Grade 12
East Campus, 1 Tampines Street 73
Dover Campus, 1207 Dover Road
uwcsea.edu.sg | admissions@uwcsea.edu.sg
Brighton College (Singapore)
Brighton College (Singapore) will officially welcome its first batch of students in August 2020. The school focuses on the foundation years of Pre-Prep and Prep (18 months to 11 years), with a maximum capacity of 550 students. The team is made up of qualified British teachers recruited largely from schools within the Brighton College family and other top international schools. Following the English National Curriculum, the College’s programmes is similar to its founding school in England, with an emphasis on Mandarin. There will be a dual-language approach in Pre-Prep, with native English-speaking teacher and native Mandarin-speaking teaching assistants in each class. From Year 2 to Year 6, English will be the only language of instruction in the classroom, with a separate Mandarin lesson daily. Students will also enjoy classes with specialists in PE, art, music and computing.
Hear from the Headmaster…
“My vision for Brighton College in Singapore is an outward-looking school that prioritises emotional well-being and fosters a life-long love of learning. We hope that students will not only look at the needs of their classmates, but also be engaged with the local community and be aware of global issues.”
– Paul Wilson, Headmaster of Brighton College (Singapore)
Paul is currently conducting campus tours for prospective families. Contact the Brighton College (Singapore) Admissions Team for more information.
1 Chuan Lane
brightoncollege.sg
Invictus International School
At Invictus International School, Grade 1 to 6 students are taught using the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The use of thematic units of learning helps students see the big picture, making connections across different subjects and looking at multiple perspectives. In Grades 7 and 8, the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) is used. The concept-based curriculum has theme-based units featuring learning goals that outline the knowledge, skills and understanding needed across all subjects and help to develop international-mindedness. For English and mathematics, Grade 1 to Grade 8 students study UK English and the Singapore Maths Curriculum. After Grade 8, they sit for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (Cambridge IGCSE) and A Levels. The progression of students is tracked over time and reported to parents.
Hear from a student…
“I’ve been at Invictus for three years. I’ve learnt many different things, from solving challenging mathematics problems to designing a museum display. My favourite subject is Physical Education where we play many different games and sports. As part of the International Primary Curriculum, we also learn about how different countries are connected to each other. I enjoy doing homework in my Learning Log as there are many fun activities to do. The best part about Invictus is that everyone is kind and friendly.”
– Anaya Rao Perera, Grade 6, Indian
Dempsey: 73 Loewen Road, #01-21
Sentosa: 31 Ocean Way, #01-15
invictus.school
The Perse School (Singapore)
Children at The Perse School Singapore are engaged in a broad-based and innovative curriculum that closely follows the Cambridge Primary Programme. Incorporating Singapore Maths and offering Mandarin as a second language, the school embraces the traditions of The Perse School Cambridge and is benchmarked against its high standards. Students can expect blended learning, which combines technology with face-to-face interaction. To enhance learning and promote further student engagement, the school also uses innovative teaching tools including iPads combined with Apple interactive TV and LEGO Robotics. These promote collaboration, independent research techniques, innovation and enhance communication skills. Assessments are both summative and formative, ensuring students have met certain standards, identify learning needs and adjust teaching appropriately.
Hear from a student…
“The teachers and the school are amazing! My favourite are the excursions* because they are fun and exciting and we get to learn stuff outside of the classroom!”
– Viola, New Zealander, Year Five
* Students have visited the Jurong Bird Park, Chinatown and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
191 Upper Bukit Timah Road
6971 8210 | perse.com.sg
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International schools in Singapore: HUGE GUIDE
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