The good news is there are many good 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 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; and 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…
“I like the SAS curriculum because it’s so varied and we’re encouraged to map out our own paths. From sketch comedy and American studies to climbing, my courses this year are helping me to explore my options and find subjects that interest me. I feel comfortable in my classes because the learning environment is welcoming and my teachers really love teaching.” – Aran Sheehan, Grade 10
40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
Stamford American International School
Stamford American offers students the opportunity to graduate with a US-accredited High School Diploma consisting of a choice between College Board Advanced Placement (AP) courses, the IB Diploma, a blend of both or the BTEC Diploma. 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…
“Attending Stamford American International School over the past three years has been a wonderful opportunity. My favourite subject is Computer Science A, as I enjoy using logical reasoning to achieve different things. My teacher has allowed me to challenge myself to come up with creative solutions to different coding challenges. I’d like to pursue a career as a military aviator in the US Air Force after graduation. The mixture of physics, action and service appeals to me. My high school experience has really prepared me to pursue my dream.” – Jakob, Grade 12
Woodleigh Campus: 1 Woodleigh Lane
Early Learning Village: 3 Chuan Lane
6602 7247 | sais.edu.sg
Tanglin Trust School
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 school in Singapore offering either A Levels or IB Diploma.
Hear from a recent graduate…
“The opportunities offered to me by the school never failed to amaze me, as an eight-year-old on my first overseas sports trip or an 18-year-old trekking in Japan. As well as receiving a remarkable education, I have also developed relationships for life. I am grateful for the willingness the school always showed whenever I proposed a new project or idea. Tanglin has given me the best foundation and motivation for my next chapter, whilst giving me incredible friends, and unimaginable sports and academic experiences.” – Grace, Head Team 2019/20“
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, and from Grades 7 to 10 within the IB Middle Years Programme; in Grades 11 and 12, students study the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). In Kindergarten, teaching is inquiry and play-based, while from Grade 1 onwards, there’s a combination of inquiry, transdisciplinary and concept-based teaching. The curriculum is benchmarked against global curricula for ease of transition to other schools or to university. The school uses external standardised tests such as MAP to measure students’ progress; regular internal assessments are also used.
Hear from a student…
“What I like most about the CIS curriculum is that teachers are open-minded and flexible when it comes to different learning styles. They have a variety of resources and use technology to further enhance our learning experience. Also, the engaging classroom environment constantly lets us learn through hands-on activities and collaborative projects, where we can share and exchange ideas with each other. Throughout my time at CIS, I’ve always felt supported and encouraged by teachers and classmates.” – Emma, Grade 11
Lakeside Campus, 7 Jurong West Street
Tanjong Katong Campus, 371 Tanjong Katong Road
cis.edu.sg
One World International School
OWIS offers its diverse student body an academic experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Students are encouraged to become active participants in their learning process. The IB Primary Years Programme that is offered to Early learners and Primary students is underpinned by the English National Curriculum. It 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 and service.
Hear from a student…
“I love the breadth of subject options and the technology focus at OWIS. Having transitioned from a local school in Grade 9, I really enjoy the collaborative atmosphere which develops our communication, negotiation and social skills. Our teachers encourage us to share our views and form our own opinions on different topics based on independent research and real-world case studies. I’ve also attended entrepreneurship and chatbot workshops which were fun and useful.” – Isabella Albergaria, Grade 11
Nanyang Campus: 21 Jurong West Street 81
East Coast Campus: Block G, 231 Mountbatten Road
owis.org
Overseas Family School
The curriculum at Overseas Family School immerses students in a comprehensive range of course offerings designed to help them make practical connections between their learning and the outside world. The school offers the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) for Pre-K1 to K2, the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for Grades 1 to 5, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes for Grades 6 to 12. OFS’ IB Diploma programme has produced students scoring a perfect 45 points for six consecutive years. The International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE) curriculum is also offered.
Hear from a student…
“The transition from the IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) to the IB Diploma programme is one of the best features of OFS’s curriculum. The IB MYP didn’t just provide me with knowledge, but allowed me to see the bigger picture of what I was learning through real life situations. The Global Context connections in our units of study encouraged me to approach learning from different perspectives. For example, during the current COVID pandemic, I was very interested in the ethics of vaccines. The “Scientific and Technical Innovation” global context guiding questions in Biology, encouraged me to further explore this concept and hear my classmates’ perspectives. Working with these tools have greatly prepared me for my IB Internal Assessments and Theory of Knowledge class. I particularly enjoyed doing my Personal Project in the MYP programme as it not only allowed me to explore my love for science, but also provided me with the skills to write my Extended Essay for the IB programme.” – Ananya Gopal Iyer, Grade 11
81 Pasir Ris Heights
6738 0211 | ofs.edu.sg
Dover Court International School
Dover Court offers the Early Years Foundation Stage in Nursery and Reception classes, leading into the English National Curriculum for Years 1 to 6. The Primary School programme is enhanced by the International Primary Curriculum and specialist Mandarin, Music, ICT and PE teaching. Students in the Secondary School follow the English National Curriculum and from Year 9, they work towards the GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. Students in Years 12 and 13 can choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), IB courses and the International BTEC Diploma in Business. The school also offers the ASDAN qualification, a skills-based qualification that prepares students for the working world.
Hear from a student…
“At DCIS, I’m able to fulfil my passion for acting by studying IGCSE drama. I have a fantastic teacher who inspires me and offers great tips on how to improve while offering words of encouragement that have made me more confident in my acting skills. Great teachers are so important. My geography teacher makes lessons entertaining which makes learning easier. She knows the areas we struggle in and focuses her lessons to help us improve. Likewise, my French teacher has boosted my grades by persuading me to speak more French in class.” – Maya, Year 10
301 Dover Road
6775 7664 | dovercourt.edu.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 1 to 12. All students are also offered additional instruction in fine arts, foreign language and physical education.
Hear from a student…
“Because of the low student-teacher ratio at ICS, teachers know me on a more personal level. They’ve not only equipped me with knowledge but also taught me how to personalise my learning, making it a more efficient and effective process. ICS offers multiple honours and AP courses throughout high school. I’m able to explore my interests and delve further into subjects that I’m most passionate about. ICS has helped me discover the path I want to take during and after university. I’ve taken three AP courses so far. They are challenging, fast-paced and require more independent work, allowing me to develop the necessary skills to excel in college.” – Denise Muller, Grade 11
27A Jubilee Road
6776 7435 | ics.edu.sg
ISS International School
ISS International School is an established International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum School, offering IB PYP, MYP and DP. As an alternative to the IB DP, the ISS High School Diploma (HSD) programme is offered to Grade 9 to 12 students. The school uses a vertically integrated approach and students can expect strong inquiry-based multidisciplinary instruction. ISS also actively promotes additive bilingualism and full academic literacy. Formative assessment is used to track student progress and inform planning. Foundations for life beyond school are also integrated into the curriculum. The location close to Gillman Barracks gives students the opportunity to explore visual art, music and drama.
Hear from a student…
“I enjoy studying at ISS because the teachers are kind and will explain things if you do not understand it. They’ll help to identify subjects that you need more help in and devote time and energy to helping and encouraging you. The energy and culture at ISS are amazing. Everybody is part of a community. I enjoy the feeling that everybody is there to help you and that I’ll always have friends that are there to help me too. It’s a friendly place where I feel safe and happy to try new things.” – Holly, Grade 4
21 Preston Road
6475 4188 | iss.edu.sg
GEMS World Academy (Singapore)
GEMS World Academy Singapore is a multicultural and academically rigorous international school for students aged two to 18. The school offers all four International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. Students receive a personalised and well-rounded education that stretches beyond traditional academic subjects. It embraces the arts, music, drama, design, innovative technologies and sport. Through applied knowledge, critical thinking, communication and cross-cultural engagement, children gain lifelong skills and become well prepared to face the future. The school’s extensive pastoral programme also provides emotional and social development to round off the experience.
Hear from a student…
“GEMS is a culturally-rich school where students come from different parts of the world and have diverse educational experiences and backgrounds. It’s great to see how our teachers care about us and adapt their teaching strategies to improve our learning. Our curriculum is also very interesting and rigorous. It allows us to enquire, explore and apply the knowledge we learn to real-life situations. The school offers various graduation pathways, subjects and collaborations with top universities to allow students to pursue their passions. I look forward to starting advanced mathematics and physics as part of my IB Diploma studies.” – Sam Poder, Grade 10, Australian
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…
“The GESS IB Curriculum has benefitted me in ways that I’ll always be thankful for. It teaches me to focus on my strengths while also bringing my attention to my weaknesses. I’ve learnt how to deal with weaknesses and grow my strengths through them. I joined GESS in Kindergarten and since then, I’ve been a part of a curriculum that has pushed me to be a student of many subjects, and a better person and global citizen. In short, studying at GESS and the IB curriculum has enriched my learning and I know it’ll continue to do so.” – Yasmin Jameel, Grade 7
2 Dairy Farm Lane
6469 1131 | gess.sg
Brighton College (Singapore)
Brighton College (Singapore) focuses on the foundation years of Pre-Prep and Prep (18 months to 11 years), with the aim of creating an environment of that emulates a warm and nurturing British prep school. Following the English National Curriculum, the College provides an ambitious and challenging curriculum that replicates its founding school in England, with an emphasis on Mandarin. The school’s CCA programme provides students with a range of different activities, creating opportunities for them to try new things and learn what they are good at. Brighton’s teachers are recruited from within the Brighton family of schools as well as other British prep schools and high-performing international schools in region. They bring with them a passion for teaching the Primary years. Aside from academics, the College’s curriculum is supported by a school culture that is driven by three core pillars: curiosity, confidence and kindness – which its founding school is renowned for.
Hear from a student…
“I enjoy all lessons and I love Brighton College! I want to learn at least 10 new facts this year– it’s super fun learning here. I’m friends with everyone in my class and I like all my teachers. It’s my first time doing cookery, drama and outdoor activities. I also love the lessons I’ve had in drama, French, English and cookery the most.” – Lexi, Year 4
1 Chuan Lane
6505 9790 | brightoncollege.sg
St. Joseph’s Institution International
At St. Joseph’s Institution International, students have access to the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme. 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 MOE Singapore Mathematics syllabus, while the Language Arts curriculum incorporates programmes from the UK and the Workshop approach from the US. Chinese is a daily subject for all students and Spanish is offered as an alternative in Grades 5 and 6. A customised curriculum in Grades 7 and 8 prepares students for the IGCSE course, which is offered in Grades 9 and 10. Students can take the IBDP from Grades 11 and 12. Learning at the High School has four core elements – academic, service, outdoor education, co-curricular – each providing experiential opportunities for a holistic education with high levels of personal growth. Design and Technology is also now offered as an IGCSE subject in Grades 9 and 10.
Hear from a student…
“The curriculum at SJI International Elementary School has helped me to grow in creativity and become an independent thinker. I love how the teachers always support me with my learning. They give me feedback to understand what I’m doing well at and what I can do to grow as a learner. I’ve grown in my creativity because they give us a choice in our subjects. They encourage us to approach our learning with confidence, determination and perseverance.” – Josephine, Grade 6
490 Thomson Road
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg
Razum International School
Razum International School offers Singapore Math and English and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for primary children aged five to 12. The team of international educators have designed the curriculum to be engaging and relevant for international students. It’s conducted in four-hour days over 10 months. The IPC consists of different themed units in subjects such as science, history, geography, drama, music and PE, all with specific learning goals for international-mindedness and personal learning. English and Maths link into the IPC units as much as possible and are taught in a hands-on enquiry-based way. Students have plenty to look forward to; a typical day for a Razum student consists of morning exercises followed by English, which includes phonics, reading and writing. After that, they’ll have a mid-morning break to enjoy snacks and play outdoors. Then, during the second half of the school day, they’ll attend Math and IPC classes. In the afternoons (1pm onwards), the children can choose to stay for extracurricular activities such as Mandarin, French, hip hop, healthy cooking, football, board games, jewellery making and art. The school’s philosophy of teaching and learning is based on the pedagogy of enquiry, which is found in the IPC. Through enquiry-based teaching methods and approaches, students are able to develop new skills and knowledge while becoming lifelong learners with an open-mindedness towards different perspectives. The school aims to help students become internationally minded citizens and equip them with skills and attitudes to participate in society as well as be ready for higher education and training.
Hear from a student…
“My favourite subject at school is IPC. I like all the topics but I like the Entry and Exit point the most because we do fun things to learn.” – Harman, P1
1 Kay Siang Road, #05-01/02
6974 5700 | razum.edu.sg
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