CIS students are learning through play!

Canadian International School (CIS) is the first international school in Singapore to introduce OPAL (which stands for Outdoor Play And Learning). Primary Principal ANDREW MARSHALL describes it as an innovative play programme that enhances the impact on student learning and wellbeing. He tells us more here.

Research shows that children learn best when they’re actively engaged, curious and exploring. Studies consistently highlight play’s importance in cognitive development such as enhancing brain plasticity, strengthening neural connections that support memory and executive function, and problem-solving.

Play is crucial for building a range of skills, including social-emotional, cognitive, and motor skills. This reinforces the notion that play is the most natural and effective way for young learners to acquire new skills.

At CIS, we prioritise play by providing dedicated, uninterrupted time for it, free from extracurriculars, rehearsals or academic duties. This ensures all students have meaningful play experiences.

By embracing play as a core element of our educational approach, we create an environment where CIS students develop critical thinking, social-emotional resilience, and problem-solving skills essential for success in school and beyond.

Promoting play with OPAL

OPAL is an award-winning programme promoting different types of play, such as:

• Exploratory play – testing materials and ideas
• Imaginative play – creating new worlds and stories
•  Social play – building communication, cooperation and negotiation skills
• Physical play – activities to develop motor skills

It encourages student-led, diverse play experiences with open-ended resources like tyres, planks and ropes to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and resilience.

In this way, each child’s unique interests and strengths are supported in their overall development, while promoting a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.

Integration into the CIS education framework

OPAL has been integrated as part of our school’s positive education framework, within an environment where students are engaged, valued and supported.

A dedicated Play Lead oversees the programme, and our educators are well-trained to support open-ended play experiences.

OPAL also supports the IB’s inquiry-based programme. Students take ownership of their learning through play, encouraging children to ask questions, test ideas and cultivate independence through hands-on experiences.

With this approach, students become inquisitive, confident and independent learners with a love for learning.

Impact on student wellbeing

Since the introduction of extended playtime at CIS, our team has noticed remarkable improvements in student engagement, behaviours and wellbeing. There’s a noticeable increase in positive social interactions, with students demonstrating better collaboration, conflict resolution and independence.

Student surveys indicate increased happiness and self assurance. As a result, teachers have observed a reduction in behavioural incidents, which aligns with our goal of creating a safe, empowering environment.

Children return home excited about their outdoor experiences, demonstrating increased confidence and resilience. They’re also applying problem-solving and social strategies learnt through OPAL at home.

The programme has also contributed to improved academic focus among CIS students. They’re are more engaged, particularly in creative writing where their outdoor experiences inspire more vivid, imaginative stories. Leadership skills have flourished, with older students mentoring younger peers and taking ownership of the play environment.

By prioritising play, CIS nurtures curiosity, resilience and a love for learning that will serve our students throughout their academic careers and beyond.

Canadian International School is at 7 Jurong West Street 41.
6467 1732 | cis.edu.sg

This article about learning through play at CIS first appeared in the April 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! Read more about the music academy at CIS and also the school’s bilingual programme. 

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