With so many good international schools in Singapore, it’s hard to pick the right one for your family. Yet the task becomes easier if you match the curriculum with the learning needs of your child. Consider, for example, whether it allows for interdisciplinary learning. Then weigh up the assessment style and even the overall approach to education. Here, we look at various international school curriculum, including the British curriculum and American curriculum, that are offered at some leading schools in Singapore. We also hear what students have to say.
Singapore American School – Reggio Emilia inspired international school curriculum
The Singapore American School invests in professional development and continually sends teachers to discover innovative ideas and best practices. The early learning program 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, while High Schoolers are 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…
“What I love about the Singapore American School high school curriculum is how much emphasis there is on developing well-rounded individuals. The breadth of the programme has allowed me to experiment with a variety of courses such as Game Theory and Biotechnology that I otherwise wouldn’t have even considered. I’ve been a part of the SAS community since preschool, and I’ve been encouraged from day one to build unique experiences and explore a variety of courses, sports and clubs. This aspect of the SAS programme has created an environment for me to find my passions, an aspect I will forever be grateful for.”
Aria Raymaakers, Grade 11
40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
Dulwich College (Singapore) – international school curriculum with global outlook
Dulwich College (Singapore) has over 400 years of rich heritage in providing quality learning and pioneering education for children aged two to 18. The College offers an enhanced British curriculum with a Mandarin bilingual programme from nursery to Year 2, a strong STEAM initiative, and the IGCSE and IB programmes at Senior School.
In the Dulwich College Kindergarten, Early Years students have dual language immersion, weekly swimming lessons, specialist PE, music, choir, library lessons, and Forest School. In Junior School, every child is given a musical instrument and has weekly class ensemble lessons, with daily Mandarin lessons. From Year 9, Dulwich offers Ignite!, a performance development programme that supports students who are committed to a career in sport, music or the performing arts, or who simply wish to maximise their potential in these areas.
Additionally, Dulwich students study their IGCSEs over a three-year period from Year 9 to 11, rather than the traditional two. The school says that the extra year allows for the development of core skills across the curriculum. This allows Dulwich students to learn to the best of their ability, while leaving time for important enrichment activities to be integrated into the learning experience for students to muster stronger skills in research, self-management, thinking, communication and social interaction.
Hear from a student…
“I settled into the academic and social lifestyle of the UK smoothly as Dulwich College (Singapore) provided me with the tools and skills to adjust to the demands of university life at the University of Kent. The sporting opportunities provided by Dulwich helped me to secure a sporting scholarship and a place on Kent’s Women’s Football first team in the BUCS league, where I can pursue my passion. During my time at DCSG, I gained interpersonal skills that helped me to connect with students who have a similar background as me, allowing me to find familiarity and comfort within the student body. I feel safe and engaged with Kent’s community, making for a successful transition to my new home!”
Anna Marfaud, Class of 2021, Sportswoman of the Year 2020
71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org
Tanglin Trust School – British-based curriculum
Tanglin Trust School offers a broad and balanced British-based curriculum with an international perspective. Strong pastoral support and a dynamic learning community nurture and inspire each student to be the best they can be. The school is committed to continual curriculum review and development, ensuring that students are engaged, challenged and motivated. Transferable skills and character attributes are given as much prominence as subject knowledge. Starting at Nursery, Tanglin creates an environment where children’s natural curiosity can flourish into a love for lifelong learning. Students are offered a diverse range of subjects and options leading to (I)GCSE in Year 11. The school is also the only international high schools in Singapore offering either A Levels or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
Hear from a student…
“Maths has always been one of my favourite subjects. The more I learn the more I realise how much more there is to the subject – there’s so many interesting concepts that we only briefly touch on and there’ll always be a new maths problem to solve. My highlight of my time at Tanglin international high schools in Singapore would be our trip to Yale University for a debating competition. Being able to stay at the campus, and also visit other universities such as Harvard and MIT, was an amazing experience. We were able to interact with other schools from all over the world and also listen to lectures from the universities’ professors.”
Suzanne G, Year 13, Head Girl 2022/23
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
Brighton College (Singapore) – English National
Brighton College (Singapore) offers the Early Years Foundation Stage and English National Curriculum and subject specialist teachers support classroom instruction from Year 5 onwards. Pupils are assessed on their understanding and learning progress on an ongoing basis. Assessments may be administered in various manners and could take the form of friendly classroom competitions, timed quizzes or structured pen and paper assessments.
The school also believes in fostering a love of learning for its own sake as the foundation for success. Pupils have access to weekly music, art and PE lessons on top of Mandarin and French lessons, all of which set their foundation to learn in a multidisciplinary manner.
Hear from a student…
“I enjoy Maths the most as I learn new concepts and master them. It gives me a sense of confidence when I master something that was at the beginning challenging for me. I also like that I get to try out different activities for PE lessons. CCAs allow me to represent the school in football matches against other schools and as well as in a cross country race.”
Freddie, Year 3
1 Chuan Lane
6505 9790 | brightoncollege.edu.sg
One World International School – IB and Cambridge IGCSE
One World International School (OWIS) students are encouraged to become active participants in their learning process. Early Childhood learners and Primary students are offered the IB Primary Years Programme. It’s underpinned by the English National Curriculum. The combination enables students to become inquirers, innovators and risk-takers. In Secondary School, students follow the Cambridge curriculum, culminating with IGCSE exams in Grade 10. For Grades 11 and 12, students prepare for the IB Diploma Programme, which nurtures all aspects of their development and enables them to become well-rounded and internationally-minded global citizens.
The learning programmes at OWIS offer students a holistic experience and includes the performing arts, sports, languages, ICT and service. OWIS Nanyang is accredited for the IB PYP, Cambridge IGCSE and IB DP. OWIS Suntec is a Candidate School for the IB PYP.
Hear from a student…
“What I love most about studying at OWIS is the network of support that students receive. The community of students and staff are welcoming, kind and always willing to help out in any way that they can. Having completed my IGCSEs at OWIS and now beginning the IB DP, I’ve found that this support has always been reliable and consistent throughout. The teachers aid while still encouraging us to think critically and form our own opinions; this help has been invaluable. The school provides students with various resources to aid us in our studies and extracurriculars. For IB DP students, the school has organised several meetings with university representatives from around the globe to support us in planning for our future.”
Daniella Homan, Grade 11
Nanyang Campus: 21 Jurong West Street 81
Suntec Campus: 1 Raffles Blvd, Suntec City, Level 3
owis.org
International Community School (Singapore) –American curriculum
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. This leads on to the 1-to-1 device programme in Grades 1 to 12. All students are also offered additional instruction in fine arts, foreign language and physical education.
Hear from a student…
“ICS provides students with a safe, studious and personal environment to participate in. Being in a smaller international school makes it very easy to develop relationships with teachers and peers. They’re able to assist with any personal or academic troubles you may be dealing with. This is especially helpful within the school’s AP curriculum, as teachers are able to provide one-on-one assistance for college-level courses when needed. After studying in this school for nearly eight years, it’s safe to say that I don’t regret any of my time spent here.”
Aiden, Grade 12
27A Jubilee Road
6776 7435 | ics.edu.sg
Stamford American International School – American curriculum
Stamford American follows the American curriculum. It also offers the full International Baccalaureate Programme integrated with US Standards, combined with the College Board’s Advanced Placement courses and Business and Technical Education Council Diploma curricula.
Stamford American early learners are exposed to STEAMInn – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Innovation – while Elementary students undergo inquiry-driven learning through IB PYP where learning is relevant and meaningful, irrespective of background. Middle Schoolers are challenged within the IB MYP framework, so that knowledge and skills are framed within deeper universal concepts, stimulating them to act as a result of their learning. High Schoolers are given the opportunity to tailor their secondary education to their personal ambition and future plans like no other school in Singapore.
In addition to a rigorous academic syllabus, Stamford American advocates cultural understanding, positive social interactions and a thirst for lifelong learning.
Hear from a student…
“I’ve been in the IBDP programme at Stamford American since August 2021. The programme allows me to explore my favorite subject, Biology. Before entering Stamford, I’d already interned in a university lab and finished a two-year project, investigating the effect of nanoparticles on zebrafish. Through IB curriculums at Stamford American, I have a better understanding of Biology. In the IBDP programme, I can also explore my own project, extended essay and internal assessment. This EE experience has laid a solid foundation for all my science internal assessment and even my future academic writing, because it developed my critical thinking through data analysis and evaluation.”
Mia, Grade 12
1 Woodleigh Lane
Early Learning Village: 3 Chuan Lane, Gate 4
6653 2947 | sais.edu.sg
GESS – International School – IB and German national curriculums
GESS offers a choice between the International Baccalaureate curriculum taught in English, and the German curriculum. The curriculum is student-centred; it emphasises inquiry-based learning to stimulate thoughts, ideas, and actions. This encourages GESS students to think independently and develop their own perspectives.
The school’s BeyondClassrooms programme takes learning out of classrooms. This provides opportunities for older students to benefit from internships, industry talks, site visits, career counselling and mock interviews. These hands-on experiences provide a powerful, real-world connection beyond the classroom walls.
The school makes a point of investing in educators who help students excel academically and in other areas of personal development, including sport, arts, music and languages. GESS offers world-class facilities and infrastructure, which complement the personalised education and wellbeing support for students. Students’ continual development and individual learning milestones are monitored with a combination of formative and summative assessment styles. Older students respond positively to open and communicative assessment, which includes regular mentoring and coaching sessions with assigned teachers, effective goal setting and periodic reviews.
Hear from a student…
“GESS encourages each student to explore our identity and our power to change this world. During class, we get to be creative and share our perspectives to obtain a better understanding of meaningful topics, such as sustainability. Beyond classes, we can join many committees and ECAs. I’m a member of the Student Council and a participant in Model United Nations to strengthen my leadership and communication skills. I also hold a position in the Green & Care Committee, where we challenge and motivate each other to be conscious of our choices and actions so as to protect all life on earth. I’m thankful for the opportunities and exposure GESS has offered me through my years here.”
Hannelore Coppens, Grade 10
2 Dairy Farm Lane
6469 1131 | gess.sg
Astor International – IPC, Singapore Maths, British English
Astor International School offers the International Primary Curriculum combined with Singapore Maths and British English. All teaching is child-led and enquiry-based; every lesson is made to be engaging and relevant to students.
Classes at the school are often multidisciplinary. For example, art is used to teach maths, and cooking is done during English lessons to make the learning more relevant and exciting for students. The teaching team also promotes teamwork and interaction between students. Fun and creativity are two of the school’s core values, and a key to raising life-long learners with a thirst for knowledge.
Astor doesn’t have any formal exams. Instead, formative and summative assessments are used to gauge students’ progress. This allows the school to constantly monitor students’ progress and provide an individualised approach.
Hear from a student…
“IPC is my favourite subject. We get to learn lots of different things and do lots of experiments and activities. When we learned about eyes in the Superhuman unit, we went to Dialogue in the Dark to learn about being blind. We used white guide sticks and sleeping masks to understand blind people, and we learnt both the wrong and right way to guide a blind person. Also, we practiced walking on the street with a white cane. And we learnt about what yellow bumps on the road mean – the dots mean stop and the long bumps mean walk.”
Charlie Knight, Year 2
1 Kay Siang Road, #05-01/02
6974 5700 | astor.edu.sg
International French School – French curriculum
IFS offers the French curriculum, culminating with the BAC exams certified by the French Ministry of Education. There’s also an option to take IGCSEs in selected subjects.
The French education system is known for its emphasis on traditional teaching methods. IFS mixes this approach with more progressive educational philosophies. Classroom discussions are common, with teachers encouraging students to think critically and ask questions. The French education system is also known for its rigorous assessment style. Students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of the material through various methods, including written exams, oral exams, and practical tests.
Hear from a student…
“IFS provides the building blocks for me to see the world from a bird’s-eye view. We apply what we learn using real-life scenarios. From mastering to application, the learning process is well structured. On top of this, IFS has the most excellent teachers. They’re always taking extra steps to ensure students are included in the learning process. They provide us with additional materials and even spend their personal time with us. I entered the French school at age 12 as a Chinese person who doesn’t speak French. Today, thanks to IFS, I’ve wholly embraced the French language and its culture.”
Shen Yiyang Aaron, Grade 11
3000 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
6805 0000 | ifs.edu.sg
XCL World Academy – IB curriculum
XCL World Academy (XWA) believes in equipping a child with academic and lifelong learning skills required for the jobs of tomorrow. Students aged two to 18 years will embark on a self-directed journey to become skilled and empathetic young individuals, guided by highly experienced teachers. This is through a rigorous and balanced curriculum beginning with the Nursery programme through to the full International Baccalaureate continuum of studies.
The school is culturally rich, with students from many different parts of the world. Accordingly, it uses a range of standardised assessments, including CAT4, PASS, MAP and WIDA, to pinpoint each student’s strengths and areas for improvement in academics as well as social and emotional areas. This ensures that each student’s education can be tailored for greater levels of personalised learning. This helps prepare them for further education, future careers or navigating the opportunities and challenges they’ll encounter in their lives.
Hear from a student…
“Our schoolwork is mainly project-based, which makes our classes exciting and fun. Guided by our teachers, we take ownership of our learning. For example, during our Design classes, we learn about the Design Cycle, Design Thinking and Constructive Discontent and how to use them to make an idea come to life. We research our potential customers and create real products. Right now, I’m designing a unique charger that will charge your phone and several devices simultaneously. This type of project helps us understand how things work in real-life scenarios and how we can use our creativity for problem-solving and developing great ideas.”
Emma Rossi, Grade 8
2 Yishun Street 42
6230 4230 | xwa.edu.sg
XCL American Academy – American international school curriculum
The curriculum offered by XCL American Academy (XAA) is a standards-based, rigorous and balanced American curriculum. It’s directly aligned with project AERO and the US Common Core. This allows for an easy transition to any other similar American curriculum school globally. The school has also adopted internationally recognised programmes such as the University of Chicago Everyday Math, Inspires Works for Science, and a balanced approach to literacy with materials from Scholastic. It’s underpinned by American values and a personal character development programme.
Hands-on, real-world learning is an essential part of their curriculum. As such, students have the opportunity to experience authentic, practical, real-life lessons and tasks. Starting in elementary school, XAA students participate in PioneerTown. This programme is a unique experiential, large-scale simulation of a town. Learners can engage in role-playing and take on different responsibilities in a self-contained economy. They learn essential concepts such as economics, business, negotiation, innovation, leadership, sales, commerce and more. This prepares XAA learners to become agents of their own success.
Starting from Grade 2, the school administers the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test twice a year to ensure that students reach their academic goal.
Hear from a student…
“As part of a school in its first year, I receive the latest and most exciting learning opportunities and I feel valued in a brand-new environment. When I’m at school, I’m happy, thinking, exploring and having fun. School is really about learning ‘why’ and being interactive. I can’t wait for our new building to open in August 2023; it’s going to be great with even more students, more teachers, more learning and more opportunities for our school community.”
Reid Hamilton, Grade 2
2 Yishun Street 42
6230 4222 | xaa.edu.sg
Middleton International School – UK International, IPC, IGCSE and A level curriculums
Middleton is an inquiry-driven international school that equips students with the knowledge and skills to be successful, responsible and caring global citizens through an academically rigorous and supportive learning environment. Students access the UK International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and International Middle Year Curriculum (IMYC) that’s aligned with the English National Curriculum and Singapore Maths. Students will sit for the IGCSE and International A-Levels in Grade 10 and 12 respectively. Middleton’s first IGCSE cohort in 2022 performed well – 42% of all grades awarded received A and A-star.
Middleton also offers a well-rounded education through leadership and entrepreneurship programmes, extracurricular activities and community projects. The school also places a strong emphasis on social and emotional learning. To this end, it partners with the US-based Contentment Foundation to provide a scientifically-evidenced wellbeing curriculum and programme. In 2022, the school won the Best School with Fees Below $25,000 Award by WhichSchoolAdvisor Singapore and silver at the HoneyKids Education Award.
Hear from a student…
“I first started at Middleton in 2020 in Grade 8. When COVID started in 2020 and we were on home-based learning, Middleton did everything it could to help students. This included providing life skills classes that aided our mental health and wellness. The following year, I entered Grade 9 and began my IGCSEs; the teachers ensured that we were well supported and understood the different concepts we learned. As I got closer to the exams at the end of Grade 10, the school provided extra classes such as PE to help with our physical activity and mental wellbeing. I’m glad I stayed at Middleton to complete my A-levels as the school motivates me to be the best student and person I can be every day.”
Rosha Rashidi, Grade 11
Tampines Campus: 2 Tampines Street 92, 6636 1155
West Coast Campus: 20 Harbour Drive, 6916 0740
middleton.edu.sg
EtonHouse International School – Reggio Emilia inspired, IBPYP, IGCSE and international A-levels
EtonHouse International School offers the IB PYP, the IGCSE and International A-Levels learning pathways, which lead to internationally recognised qualifications for students to enter top universities. It is the only school in Singapore that works directly with the Reggio Children International Network. The school’s educators receive high-quality professional learning on the Reggio Emilia approach.
EtonHouse is a pioneer in bilingual education. The ZhongHua full Mandarin Immersion Programme is offered in preschool and the Bilingual Immersion Programme is available in primary.
Beyond traditional subjects, students at EtonHouse access essential life skills and co-curricular programmes. These include the bespoke EtonCore, which is a combination of elective and accredited pathways, and an integral part of the school’s Personalised Pathway Plan for A Levels students to strengthen their Sixth Form experience and applications to university.
The school says that its boutique nature provides a personalised education for students, supported by a passionate, driven and thriving learning community.
Hear from a student…
“One of the things I love about EtonHouse Orchard is the great teachers. They always make topics interesting and understandable. The supportive community makes sure we are involved in all aspects of school life, encouraging us to try new activities and challenge ourselves. I was really excited about completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and am now carrying out independent research on a project of my choice for my Extended Project Qualification. The opportunities that the school gives us are great, exciting and fun.”
Evan Wyn Eckley, Year 12
Four international schools and 10 preschools islandwide
6746 3333 | etonhouse.edu.sg
The Perse School – Cambridge with Singapore Maths
The Perse School Singapore follows the Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary Programmes. It incorporates Singapore Maths, daily Mandarin classes, English, Science, Geography, History, Digital Literacy and more.
Year 1 and 2 pupils have dedicated phonics and penmanship lessons on top of regular English lessons. Pupils learn reading by using Sounds-Write, an accredited phonics scheme. They learn handwriting and letter formation using the Kinetic Letters programme.
From Year 3, each subject is taught by subject-specific trained teachers. Pupils are assessed on a daily basis during lessons. This is via questions, in-class practices, project/presentations and more to check their understanding of the lessons taught.
Exams are conducted on an annual basis at the end of the year. Years 1 and 2 do an annual phonics check based on the UK system. Year 6 pupils do externally marked checkpoints and global UK-based marked exams. Outstanding academic achievements are balanced by nurturing character development in each child through a pastoral approach.
The school often organises school-wide events as a platform for pupils to showcase their talent and passion. This includes Perse Has Got Talent and Perse Voice among others.
Hear from a student…
“My favourite lessons are art and music. I love art lessons because I like to paint and Mr Tiui always comes up with many interesting art lessons. I love music lessons because I love to perform and The Perse School provides us with many opportunities to perform like the recent Music Star Time and Perse Has Got Talent.”
Claire Ann Keatinge, Year 4
191 Upper Bukit Timah Road
6971 8210 | perse.edu.sg
Nexus International School
Students at Nexus International School experience three types of learning: inquiry-based, differentiated and technology-rich. Nexus learners are encouraged to ask questions and investigate topics that interest them, which guide their own learning process. To facilitate these multiple styles of learning, the classrooms and spaces are designed by teachers to meet each student’s needs. Various forms of technology, such as iPads that allow learners to research, use apps and combine tactile touch in learning and ViewSonic screens that are interactive displays that allow collaboration and annotation are also used to enhance learning.
Nexus says it embraces the IB rationale that the purpose of assessment is to gather and analyse information about student learning to inform teaching practice. This method takes a snapshot of their progress against a specific set of criteria at that moment in time. To this end, assessment at Nexus is ongoing and is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive and authentic understanding of their learning and development as well as support their growth and development as learners. The school says that the outcome of this doesn’t define who a child is as a learner, but where they are in their learning journey.
Hear from a student…
“I enjoy the IB curriculum as what we learn can be closely applied to everyday life. The demands of IB in Nexus have allowed me to have higher academic discipline, such as completing work early and planning my study time accordingly. I enjoy the interactive aspect of most of my classes and the ability to work alongside the teacher, rather than following a traditional linear system. I’m able to ask questions and gain helpful insight on certain issues I may experience in class. The IB pushes me to work with a variety of people. Therefore, I feel that my social skills have gotten better inside and outside of the classroom with an even bigger circle of people.”
Olivia, Year 13
1 Aljunied Walk
6536 6566 | nexus.edu.sg
Global Indian International School – IB, Cambridge and Indian National
The curriculum at Global Indian International School (GIIS) weaves academics, sports, arts, entrepreneurship and community care initiatives into regular school life. Students can choose from multiple curricula options. It starts from the inquiry-based IB PYP for primary students to the Cambridge Lower Secondary and Cambridge IGCSE for students from Grades 6 to 10. The IB Diploma programme offered in Grades 11 and 12 gives students an excellent foundation to develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students can also opt for the Indian National curriculum, the CBSE, from Grades 1 to 12.
The campus is technology-empowered and houses 40 skills-based studios. The facilities, combined with the support of dedicated GIIS teachers, encourage students to innovate, explore and develop their talents.
Hear from a student…
“Having been at GIIS since kindergarten, this school has been a second home to me. I’ve grown so much here, personally and academically. The teacher and student community has been a pillar of strength, and I’ve been able to discover my talents and reach my personal goals successfully. The IB Diploma Programme that I’m currently enrolled in has provided me an opportunity to explore subjects that interest me in a more hands-on and application intensive way. The discussions in class prompt us to ask as well as answer questions, and help sharpen our critical thinking skills. My experience at GIIS has been effective in building personal connections, allowed me to understand myself better as a person, and taught me lessons that I will continue to carry forward in the future.”
Akshaya Singh, Grade 12 / IB Year 2
singapore.globalindianschool.org
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