A new approach to holistic education will roll out for the upcoming academic year and beyond at GESS Singapore International School. Vice Principal JORAM HUTCHINS delves into limitless learning for students and what it will include.
Tell us what GESS Singapore has planned.
We will be implementing numerous initiatives as part of our strategic five-year Limitless Learning Plan. They include the following:
# High-quality teaching and learning
This is reinforced by a Professional Development Programme and the Visible Learning approach at GESS Singapore. Educators are also trained as impact coaches and will implement the latest research-based educational teaching practices. This allows faculty to make informed teaching and learning decisions that enable students’ limitless learning.
# Gifted and Talented Programme
This will expand the opportunities for our students. Such as integrated extension lessons in Mathematics and Science, after-school STEM and innovation activities, and projects fuelled by their passions.
# University and Career Counselling for future pathways
We’ll be investing more resources into a new career and university counselling centre. We are also adopting data-driven insights to guide families on school and course selection. These will pave the way for more partners, such as top global universities desired by GESS students and parents, to join our network. Grade 8 students will have access to career counselling services as well. This gives them an earlier head start to comprehensive guidance on their future possibilities.
# Student Wellbeing at GESS Singapore
Housing the School Counsellors’ offices is our new Student Wellbeing Centre. It’s a purpose-built, student-focused space. Since its launch in November 2023, it has become a soothing place that supports emotional regulation. This is just one of the many developments set in motion for student wellbeing. We continue embracing International School Counselling Association standards and practices, train our staff in child protection and suicide awareness, and even involve parents in related workshops.
Why this emphasis on a holistic education for students?
We believe in providing a nurturing environment where students flourish intellectually, emotionally and socially. Our holistic approach to education integrates academic learning with a comprehensive student wellbeing programme. The latter encompasses safeguarding, pastoral care and counselling.
We continue to shape our students’ learning in other aspects such as fostering a culture of community service and environmental consciousness. This complements the existing opportunities to explore and pursue personal passion in sports, music, visual and performing arts and languages, as well as through GESS Singapore’s award-winning BeyondClassrooms Programme, which seeks real industry exposure through collaborations with corporate partners and business or government associates. All these help shape our students to become future-ready global citizens.
How do the facilities at GESS Singapore support this new direction?
In the pipeline are revamped academic spaces, and arts and innovation hubs.
How can parents get involved?
We’ve launched a GESS Parent Academy, which promises a series of coffee mornings and workshops on topics such as suicide alertness, cultivating a reading culture at home and mitigating kids’ love for gaming, just to name a few.
About Joram Hutchins
Currently the school’s Vice Principal and one third of the Senior Leadership Team, Joram has been with GESS Singapore for the past 15 years and in Singapore for 19 years. His career at GESS Singapore includes teaching Grades 2 and 5, and undertaking the role of Primary Years Programme Coordinator before becoming Deputy Head of Primary.
Joram has more than 20 years of experience in the education sector, which he stepped into after his Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and Primary Education. Prior to his current role, he was Director of Teaching and Learning. His wife Jo is the PE and Swimming teacher at GESS and their three sons Flynn, Daniel and Asher are in Grades 9, 7 and 5 respectively at the school.
GESS – International School is at 2 Dairy Farm Lane.
6461 0801 | gess.edu.sg
Keen to read more? GESS Singapore’s Head of Student Wellbeing chats with us about the new GESS Singapore student wellbeing centre. Or head to our Schools section for more articles on education in Singapore.
This article first appeared in the May 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! To make the most of living in Singapore, read our latest City Guide here for free!
