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 the curriculum allows for interdisciplinary learning; and weigh up the assessment style and even the overall approach to education. Here, we look at the international school curriculums, including the British curriculum and American curriculum, that are offered at some leading schools in Singapore, as well as 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 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 international school 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 11
40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
Brighton College (Singapore) – English National
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 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 the 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 5
1 Chuan Lane
6505 9790 | brightoncollege.sg
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 school in Singapore offering either A Levels or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
Hear from a student…
“It has been a privilege to attend Tanglin for the past seven years. From trekking through the outback in Australia, to coaching and mentoring younger students, the opportunities that Tanglin offered me have taken me in many unexpected directions. My teachers have encouraged me every step of the way to pursue my passions and feed my curiosity for the unknown. I am so grateful to have been a part of a nurturing community that allowed me to enjoy the high school experience to its fullest extent, even with the rapidly changing circumstances of the pandemic.” – Maia, Year 13, Head Girl 2021-22
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
Canadian International School – IB
The Canadian International School (CIS) is an IB world school, offering the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma for students aged two to 18 years. Their rigorous, concept-based curriculum is benchmarked against national curricula globally, allowing students to transition to universities or other schools globally. Programmes and approaches like STEAM support students’ natural curiosity and creativity by promoting in-depth thinking. This helps them to develop critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and communication skills.
Fluency in languages gives students a competitive edge – CIS develops bilingualism and cultural understanding through daily language acquisition classes. Their French-English and Chinese-English bilingual programmes use a unique 50:50 approach that sees students learning equally in both languages. The school uses a range of internal and external assessments including Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) to measure students’ learning growth and progress.
Hear from a student…
“I enjoy the balance between the independence teachers offer us as well as the support that’s always available. The IB curriculum is definitely rigorous and there are times when I have to take initiative and ownership of my own learning, such as cultivating my study habits or mapping out long-term projects like the Extended Essay. Classroom activities are always helpful here – there are collaborative lessons that enhance learning or workshops on assessment strategies. The advisory programme is also important as we are offered advice around organisation and self-management when it comes to schoolwork and setting our academic goals. I feel confident in the way that CIS has prepared me for this final year of high school and beyond.” – Neil V, Grade 12
Lakeside Campus, 7 Jurong West Street
Tanjong Katong Campus, 371 Tanjong Katong Road
cis.edu.sg
One World International School – IB and Cambridge IGCSE
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 Childhood 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 12
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, 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…
“The small size of the ICS community helps it to be inclusive and academically rigorous. Both of these are made possible through the teachers. For example, because of the small student-teacher ratio, our instructors welcome us at any time of the day, inside and outside of the classroom. They always want to connect on a deeper level with us because they’re passionate about their profession and calling. This in turn helps us grow our own passions – academic or otherwise – in unique and exciting ways.” – Caitlyn Liu, Grade 12
27A Jubilee Road
6776 7435 | ics.edu.sg
North London Collegiate School (Singapore) – based on NLCS London
The curriculum at NLCS (Singapore) is based on that of NLCS London, providing a rigorous academic education taught by highly qualified, knowledgeable and inspiring teachers through lively, active lessons. The curriculum seeks to challenge, enthuse and excite students. The school aims to develop students to have a thirst for knowledge and a love for learning. Students are challenged to think for themselves and develop their minds independently, ensuring high academic aspirations and the ability to achieve the success needed to enter the foremost universities worldwide. In Sixth Form (Grades 11 and 12), students follow the IB Diploma Programme.
Hear from a student…
“I am grateful and delighted to be part of the first IBDP class of NLCS (Singapore); it has been a pleasure to experience such a sophisticated journey so far. Learning about ancient Greek literature in English, to how formulas can be manipulated in Maths, it’s the meticulous and passionate teaching that offers students a platform to explore new passions. The school provides attention to each individual’s needs in academics, sports (my passion is swimming) and extracurricular activities such as student-led societies and clubs like the Law and Film societies.” – Ines Khan, Grade 11
130 Depot Rd
6989 3000 | nlcssingapore.sg
Overseas Family School – IB and International curriculums
The international school 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 IB programmes for Grades 6 to 12. OFS is one of the few international schools in Singapore that doesn’t preselect students into its IB Diploma Programme. Despite this inclusive policy, the school’s IB results and pass rates well surpass world averages year after year. In 2021, OFS produced five students scoring a perfect 45 points, with over 30% of candidates earning prestigious IB Bilingual Diplomas. 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
GESS – International School – IB and German national curriculums
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 8
2 Dairy Farm Lane
6469 1131 | gess.sg
XCL World Academy – IB
XCL World Academy (XWA) is a family-oriented international school for students aged two to 18 years. It offers a personalised and well-rounded international school curriculum comprising four IB programmes namely, the PYP, MYP, DP and CP. The school offers a rigorous and balanced programme of education to equip children with academic and lifelong learning skills, prepare them for further education and careers, and help them to navigate the opportunities and challenges they will encounter in their lives.
XWA strives to build qualities like confidence, resilience and leadership in every student. The school’s vibrant environment offers a great variety of technology, sports, arts, innovation, community service and extracurricular activities. A range of standardised assessments – CAT4, PASS, PIVOT, MAP, WIDA, APTIS – are used to pinpoint students’ strengths and areas for improvement in academics as well as social and emotional areas. In this way, their education can be tailored for greater levels of personalised learning.
Hear from a student…
“One of the best things about XWA is that it provides opportunities for holistic education. For example, over November, I found myself in the Design Lab every day, using the 3D printer and laser cutter to develop a house model for my Personal Project. Additionally, for the past two months I have participated in rehearsals for the annual school production. Lastly, the Garage, which is another great facility at school, makes me eager to learn about the industry of eSports and team management. At XWA, I feel empowered and inspired to push myself beyond my limits.” – Spiros Kolokotsas, Grade 10
2 Yishun Street 42
6808 7300 | xwa.edu.sg
XCL American Academy – American international school curriculum
XAA offers high-quality, rigorous and accessible American curriculum education for students aged two to 14 years. The school has adopted internationally recognised curriculums such as the University of Chicago Everyday Math, Discovery Works for Science, MIT Scratch for Coding/Programming and materials from Scholastic for a balanced approach to academics. The carefully designed, standards-based programme closely follows the AERO/Common Core curriculum guidelines. This allows students to demonstrate skills and knowledge obtained at each age and stage, and provides the opportunity for each individual to experience authentic, practical, real-life lessons and tasks.
Starting from Grade 2, student progress is measured using the US Common Core MAP testing system twice a year. This provides teachers with the information needed to ensure that students reach their academic goals. In this way, the school aims to instil in children the confidence to be authentic, have the courage to dream, push boundaries, and challenge themselves.
Hear from the Superintendent…
“We are building an incredible experience for our students and families, and at a price point that allows for many families to have access to our American Educational programming, purpose-built facilities, and incredible American and international staff without compromise. Through our unique curriculum, we strive to inspire the next generation of pioneers and empower them to leave a positive mark on our ever-changing world. We believe in equipping our students with the tools, mindset and experiences they will need to be at the forefront of this change and to be agents of their own success.” – Darin Carney
2 Yishun Street 42
6850 5131 | xaa.edu.sg
Global Indian International School – IB, Cambridge and Indian National curriculums
GIIS offers students multiple international curricula, ranging from the IB PYP for primary students to the Cambridge Lower Secondary and Cambridge IGCSE for students from Grades 6 to 10. The internationally recognised IB Diploma is offered to students in Grades 11 and 12. Students can also opt for CBSE, the Indian National curriculum, from Grades 1 to 12. GIIS emphasises a well-balanced curriculum with academics, sports, arts, entrepreneurship and community care initiatives woven into regular school life. With over 100 digital classrooms and 40 skill-based studios, the school caters to digital learners and develops their skills to become global leaders of tomorrow. It employs a unique performance-measuring system called 7S, which tracks and monitors each student’s progress on all fronts. This enables teachers to roll out a systematic improvement plan for each student on a regular basis.
Hear from a student…
“Upon completing my Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-Level in a local school, I joined the GIIS IB Diploma Programme in 2020. It presented me with an opportunity to get closer to my cultural roots. Having lived in Singapore and New York and being exposed to diverse perspectives, I found the school’s academic and co-curricular platforms enriching, offering endless opportunities for students to flourish. Some of the opportunities I’ve had include leading the Debate club as its president, representing my school as a TEDx speaker, and organising sustainability initiatives through the Global Social Leaders Competition. I’m grateful to GIIS and my teachers for providing me with these platforms to hone my leadership skills and the ability to give back to my community.” – Deeksha Kapoor, IBDP Year 2
SMART Campus: 27 Punggol Field Walk
East Coast Campus: 82 Cheviot Hill
9631 6000 | singapore.globalindianschool.org
Chatsworth International School – IB
As an IB World School, Chatsworth International School offers a balanced and rewarding academic experience through the three International Baccalaureate programmes. Focusing on the development as a whole child both at school and beyond, the IB Primary Years Programme is offered to learners from Kindergarten to Year 6 (ages three to 11). Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning from young. In the Secondary school, the international curriculum offered for Years 7 to 11 is delivered within the IB MYP and students study the IB DP in Years 12 and 13. Chatsworth uses internal assessments and external standardised tests such as MAP to measure students’ progress. Their Year 11 students are able to seek a formal qualification at the end of the MYP via the IB eAssessments that lead to the IB MYP Certificate.
Hear from a student…
“My favourite subjects are language and literature, and visual arts. I really enjoy language and literature because we discuss global social issues and connect them to the literature we read in class. I also thoroughly enjoy visual arts as I feel the most creative and inspired when painting, drawing and so on. Another thing I like about Chatsworth is the warm and welcoming community; the small size of the school allows for everyone to have their voices heard and nationalities and cultures recognised.” – Aruna Silva, Year 12
72 Bukit Tinggi Road
6463 3201 | chatsworth.com.sg
United World College SEA – K-12, IGCSE and IB
UWCSEA’s concept-based K-12 curriculum ensures that the school’s education is rigorous, future-focused and relevant to the entire student community, regardless of their educational background or at what age they join – or leave – the College. The holistic programme is made up of five elements: academics, activities, outdoor education, personal and social education, and service. The Grade 9 and 10 learning programme offers both UWCSEA courses and IGCSE courses, preparing students for the IB DP in Grades 11 and 12.
Hear from a student…
“UWCSEA is an essential part of who I am – the mission for peace and sustainability empowers us to be change makers and a force for good in the world. This is evident in all areas of the learning profile. When UWC says ‘education like no other’, it’s entirely true. Being a ‘five elements child’ sometimes feels challenging; the bar is high here. But there are excellent and caring people all around to help me flourish in Service, Activities, PSE, Outdoor Education and Academics.” – Ruby, Grade 11
Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Road, 6775 5344
East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73, 6305 5344
uwcsea.edu.sg
EtonHouse International School – Reggio Emilia inspired, IB, IGCSE and UK Key Stages
EtonHouse international schools offer a highly personalised bilingual education that’s academically rigorous and well-rounded. Their inquiry-based approach and the IB PYP are offered in a bilingual environment, which nurtures curious and competent learners. The holistic approach is complemented by a foundation in music, visual and performing arts, a strong sports programme, STEAM and technology. EtonHouse is the only school in Singapore that works directly with the Reggio Children International Network. Students in the secondary years access the academically rigorous UK Key Stages that leads to the internationally recognised Cambridge IGCSE followed by the IBDP.
Hear from a student…
“The curriculum at EtonHouse International School at Orchard is diverse, appealing and enjoyable; it gives students plenty of exposure to different learning experiences. In Year 7, we had the opportunity to design and construct woodwork projects, conduct many exciting science experiments, and complete pencil sketches of the Mona Lisa in Art. The learning has been very engaging and has allowed us to understand new concepts quite well. This year in English, we studied William Shakespeare’s works, which I have thoroughly enjoyed as it has a wealth of new notions and language. EtonHouse has provided me with a well-rounded education and has further developed my interest in various subjects, such as ICT, DT and Art.” – Natasha Harris, Year 7
10 preschool and four international schools islandwide
6746 3333 | etonhouse.edu.sg
Middleton International School – UK International, Cambridge IGCSE and A level curriculums
Middleton is an inquiry-driven 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. As a Cambridge-accredited school, students will sit for the IGCSE and A-Levels in Grade 10 and 12 respectively. Middleton places a strong emphasis on social and emotional learning. It partners with the US-based Contentment Foundation to provide a scientifically-evidenced well-being curriculum and programme in school that is made accessible to students at an affordable fee.
Hear from a student…
“I enjoy the Middleton international school curriculum because I love the Design & Technology subject as well as the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) projects and assignments. In addition to the regular curriculum, these additional explorations allow me to be in my happy place, which makes going to school enjoyable. Mindfulness is something we practice a lot at school; it helps me to stay calm and regulate my emotions throughout the day.” – Benjamin Faber, Grade 8
Tampines Campus: 2 Tampines Street 92, 6636 1155
Upper Bukit Timah Campus: 215 Upper Bukit Timah Road, 6875 0089
middleton.edu.sg
St Joseph’s Institution International – IPC, IGCSE and IBDP
Students at SJI International 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 follow the MOE Singapore Mathematics syllabus. The IPC provides an engaging and inquiry-based programme, integrating the teaching of Science, History and Geography. Language Arts is delivered through a workshop approach based on the Common Core standards. Chinese is a daily subject for all students, with Spanish offered as an alternative in Grades 5 and 6. The Virtues Project underpins all that the school does, developing confident and compassionate children of character. A customised curriculum in Grades 7 and 8 prepares students for the IGCSE course, which is offered in Grades 9 and 10, with IBDP in Grades 11 and 12. Learning at the High School has four core elements: academic, service, outdoor education, co-curricular. Each provides experiential opportunities for a holistic education leading to the highest levels of personal growth.
Hear from a student…
“I’m incredibly grateful for the holistic approach that SJI International takes towards educating its students. There’s a focus beyond just academics; the school encourages the exploration of service, sports and the arts in order to facilitate our personal growth. As students, we are able to experience a range of different subjects and activities, with constant opportunities for leadership, initiative and independence. Our teachers are also wonderful and supportive. Amalgamated with a jovial student body, SJI International provides a conducive and stimulating learning environment for everyone.” – Reeti, Grade 11
490 Thomson Road
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg
Dulwich College (Singapore) – international school curriculum with global outlook
Dulwich has had a global outlook and a contemporary approach to international school curriculum design for over 400 years and is at the forefront of pioneering education for children aged two to 18. Particular highlights in Early Years include the specialist teachers, dual-language and Forest School programmes. All children have weekly swimming lessons and, from three years of age, they have specialist PE, music, choir and library lessons. In Junior School, every child is given a musical instrument and has weekly class ensemble lessons, while Mandarin remains a strong focus with daily 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.
In August 2022, Dulwich will launch the IB Career-related Programme, an alternative to the IBDP. Students will engage in career-related learning while gaining transferable life skills such as applied knowledge, critical thinking, communication and cross-cultural engagement.
Hear from a student…
“The atmosphere at Dulwich is extremely encouraging and provides so many exciting development opportunities for all students; my confidence has improved through embracing the opportunities available. I’m working with the University Counselling team to prepare for university in America. I currently train 25 hours a week in gymnastics, in addition to my IB curriculum studies. I feel confident in my ability to continue my training and my studies together to excel in both due to the amazing support system from the teachers and the additional support from the Ignite! Programme. I’m grateful and I really enjoy attending Dulwich.” – Lucy, Year 12
Check out our huge guide on international schools in Singapore and find out more about living in Singapore.
Patricea Chow
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