The early years curriculum you choose needs some thought. Considering this at the preschool stage will be less disruptive as your child progresses to kindergarten, primary school and beyond. Factors to keep in mind when choosing one of the international preschool curriculums include the team’s experience, the facilities on the campus, and the focus on play. Here’s a look at what’s on offer at international preschools in Singapore.
Dulwich College Kindergarten School – early years learning
The Foundation Stage curriculum at Dulwich College (Singapore) Kindergarten (DUCKS) follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, designed to support the education of students from birth to five years old. In Years 1 and 2, the curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England; it focuses on developing successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens. Starting from the age of two, children in DUCKS participate in the school’s Mandarin dual-language programme, where a Chinese co-teacher collaborates with the class teacher throughout the day. By integrating storytelling, role play and meaningful interactions into all areas of learning, this programme empowers children to use language with confidence. In addition to the core curriculum, all DUCKS students attend specialist lessons in swimming, music and PE, led by expert teachers.
Dulwich says that it is the first international school in Singapore to integrate the UK’s Forest School Learning Initiative into the Early Years programme. This outdoor learning experience allows young children to take calculated risks, collaborate with their peers and solve problems in a natural environment, fostering creativity and independence.
Leadership opportunities in roles such as Student Council, House Captains, Global Guardians, Creative Stars, Reading Rockets, Techsperts and Ecowarriors allow each child to follow their unique pathway and take pride in their achievements as confident, engaged young learners. The school adds that this nurtures them to “Live Worldwise”, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and motivation to make a positive impact on society and the planet.
Parents are kept engaged in their children’s learning journey through online journals. The older DUCKS students document their own work, providing a clear picture of their progress. These journals create an interactive home-school partnership by allowing parents to contribute observations and reflections.
71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org
Australian International School – inquiry-based preschool curriculum
The Early Learning Village (ELV) at Australian International School follows the Australian Early Years Framework for its early years curriculum. For children aged three and above, the IB Primary Years Programme is used. The inquiry-based curriculum encourages children to explore, ask questions and engage with the world around them. Lessons and activities are designed to be age-appropriate and engaging by incorporating elements of play and exploration. The school says its focus is on child-led learning, with teachers observing each child’s interests and tailoring activities accordingly. The use of interactive materials, creative tasks, group activities and hands-on experiences ensure that children have fun while learning.
In the classroom, interactive activities encourage exploration and question-asking. Outside, children connect learning with nature through purpose-built facilities such as outdoor play areas, secret gardens and sensory zones. Meanwhile, field trips and excursions offer real-world experiences that complement the curriculum. Children in this international preschool also get the chance to improve their physical skills and socialise in a natural setting. The programme includes art, music, physical education and language learning, including Mandarin, plus there’s a range of specialist classes and co-curricular activities like ballet, Lego robotics, karate and more.
The ELV – designed by Bogle Architects – is the world’s largest preschool at over 50,000 square metres. Specifically built for Early Years education (Infant Care, Early Years and Prep), it features outdoor play decks, a 20-metre swimming pool, gymnastics areas, a library and more.
Parents are regularly updated about their child’s progress through Storypark. This private online platform where videos, photos, learning stories and personalised observations are shared. Parents can also add their own stories and give feedback to both teachers and children. In addition, each term there are face-to-face meetings with teachers to discuss children’s development. The school also hosts the Celebration of Learning, an annual event where parents and children come together to celebrate the children’s achievements of the year. Parents are offered a deeper understanding of developmentally appropriate learning approaches through a showcase of their child’s creativity and learning.
1 Lorong Chuan
6653 2956 | ais.com.sg
Marlborough College Malaysia – inquiry-based early years curriculum
At Marlborough College Malaysia, early years students experience an inquiry-based approach that focuses on learning through play. The programme uses the UK framework, which outlines seven key areas of development: personal, social and emotional; communication and language; physical; literacy; maths; understanding the world; and expressive arts and design.
Small groups and a high staff-to-pupil ratio ensure that children get ample opportunity to ask questions and share their ideas and feelings on a daily basis. Days are varied, with dedicated early years teachers designing activities to stimulate and engage young children. The international preschool curriculum is further enriched by specialist teachers for subjects such as Music, Mandarin, Ballet and Swimming.
Outdoor learning is also a key part of the early years’ experience. A fully trained Forest School Leader delivers weekly lessons within the 90-acre site. Children are encouraged to explore their natural environment, which fosters a culture of curiosity. There’s also a variety of outdoor play areas at the College where children can enjoy sand and water play, ride trikes or even dig for worms.
Teachers use Seesaw to keep parents updated where photos, videos and messages of children’s progress are shared regularly. Twice a year, the Learning Showcase happens. This gives parents the chance to visit their child’s classroom and be shown around by their children. Teachers adopt an open-door policy and are available for face-to-face conversations throughout the year. Parent Meetings happen twice a year.
Jalan Marlborough, Puteri Harbour, Johor
+60 7 560 2200 | marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org
Chatsworth International School – holistic preschool curriculum
The early years programme at Chatsworth follows the IB Primary Years Programme. Learners from three years of age (K1) are introduced to a formal school setting while receiving a holistic international education. An important part of engaging students and fostering exploration is the play-based area for the school’s unit of inquiry (UOI). Students play an active role in building it, sharing ideas and incorporating elements that encourage curiosity, exploration and learning.
Chatsworth says that its early childhood teachers aim to empower and guide the students to become great thinkers. This collective thinking allows for better understanding and gives room for research and learning. Students direct the course of the central idea of focus and its line of inquiry, and their curiosity and interest in learning help the group to take action in a project. For example, in The Then and Now project, the kindergarteners inquired into light by exploring various light sources, sharing prior knowledge, and experimenting with shadows, reflections and colours. By inventing something that uses light, they extended their learning, and were able to reflect on the importance of light in their lives and the concept of light conservation from an early age.
Teachers communicate with parents regularly via email. Electronic newsletters and newsletters share important information relating to school and programmes. Parents are also informed of their child’s learning through a digital platform that documents their progress. Twice a year, the school issues detailed reports and holds parent-teacher-student conferences.
72 Bukit Tinggi Road
6463 3201 | chatsworth.com.sg
The Grange International Preschool – International Early Years Curriculum
The Grange adopts the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC). The IEYC features thematic units that spark curiosity and creativity, shaping young learners into future botanists, chefs, musicians, sportsmen, and artists through specially designed learning blocks. The school says that it brings the curriculum to life both inside and outside the classroom. Hands-on activities like baking and salad-making not only encourage sensory learning, but allow preschoolers to explore maths, textures and flavours. Outdoor experiences such as gardening and sports promote physical development and foster a connection with nature. Through music, art and various role-playing opportunities, meanwhile, children express their creativity and develop fine motor skills. This holistic approach ensures students not only gain knowledge but also essential life skills and a lasting love for learning.
Parents and children at The Grange can expect an enriching experience through the Green Granger initiatives, which emphasises sustainability and encourages family participation. Through hands-on activities like composting, planting and harvesting, students learn about sustainable practices while creating meaningful family experiences. The school says that this collaboration enhances the curriculum, promotes discussions about healthy eating and environmental stewardship, and strengthens family bonds.
449 Yio Chu Kang Road
6817 3630 | preschool.thegrange.edu.sg
The Winstedt School – IPC early years curriculum
The Early Years Programme (Reception to Year 2) at The Winstedt School follows the International Primary Curriculum. This covers subjects such as Geography, Science, History, Art, Music, PE and Technology. Literacy is delivered through Read Write Inc., a rigorous UK-based programme, while Mathematics is taught via Pearson Active Learn Abacus. Social Emotional Learning is integrated using the Second Step programme to nurture emotional intelligence. Small class sizes – a maximum of 15 students to two teachers – and specialist support in PE, Music, Art and Drama ensure tailored learning experiences for all students.
The school offers a diverse range of learning resources and stimuli catering to different learning styles and preferences. The Developmentally Appropriate Practice guides lesson crafting that ensures fun, engaging and age-appropriate activities. Both visual and kinaesthetic learners can thrive with hands-on activities and outdoor experiments, promoting an inclusive learning experience for all. Young learners are encouraged to explore, investigate and deepen through multi-sensory activities both outdoors and indoors; besides weekly PE classes, students at this international preschool have movement breaks after lessons, sensory break between activities, and morning/afternoon recess in the playground, basketball court, wall-climbing area or the Quad. They can also get involved in planting flowers and caring for the edible plants in the school’s garden.
The school keeps communication open with parents through platforms such as Microsoft Teams, newsletters and Parent-Teacher Conferences. Parents receive regular email updates on their child’s progress and on areas of growth that might require reinforcement through a home-school collaboration. Parent volunteers and class celebrations also foster a collaborative community environment.
1208 Upper Boon Keng Road
6715 5373 | winstedt.edu.sg
Brighton College (Singapore) – play-based preschool curriculum
Brighton follows the Early Years Foundation Stage for children in Pre-Nursery Pufflings to Reception. The play-based curriculum is linked to the Development Matters framework with a strong focus on seven key areas of learning: communication and language; personal, social and emotional development; physical development; literacy; mathematics; understanding the world; and expressive arts and design.
This international preschool says that lessons and activities are crafted to be engaging and developmentally appropriate, and to follow the child’s interests. Daily routines include interactive storytelling, cookery, outdoor play and woodwork. A range of developmental areas including maths, scientific inquiry, physical coordination, language and vocabulary are supported daily. Through thoughtful observations, assessments and teachable moments, teachers ensure that a child’s developmental milestones are targeted.
The bright and spacious classrooms are equipped with access to shared balcony spaces. These balconies in the Pre-Nursery Pufflings and Nursery Puffins classrooms have large sandpits and extensive resources to promote water and sand play. In the Early Years, purpose-built kitchens encourage hands-on learning. Outside, three covered playgrounds are designed to enhance play and encourage imagination. They include sensory play equipment, water play, bike tracks and sandpits – even a pirate ship! Field trips such as visits to local parks, museums and cultural events are an integral part of the programme, giving children the chance to connect their classroom experiences to the world around them.
The Seesaw app is used to share regular updates, and celebrate individual achievements and milestones. Termly reports and opportunities to meet with the child’s teacher allows parents to discuss progress or address any areas of focus. The school’s open-door policy encourages parents to reach out at any time.
1 Chuan Lane
6505 9790 | brightoncollege.edu.sg
Tanglin Nursery and Infant School – early years curriculum with play
Tanglin Trust School Nursery and Infant School provides a nurturing space where children are encouraged to explore new ideas through a balanced mix of teacher-led and child-initiated activities. The school’s experienced staff ensures a fun and engaging learning environment, supported by a well-established programme that integrates both play and structured learning.
Key activities such as playtime, outdoor exploration and classroom responsibilities foster independence, resilience and confidence. The school also offers a bike riding programme and climbing wall to build essential life skills. The on-site Forest School programme, field trips and co-curricular activities provide hands-on learning experiences, allowing children to try new musical instruments, engage in crafts and explore the world around them.
The inviting nursery setting was developed following the Curiosity Approach, using natural materials to inspire creativity. Tanglin was the first school in Asia to receive this accreditation. The school says that parents often comment on how much they enjoy the welcoming and vibrant learning environment, and the many fun, hands-on activities it provides.
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
North London Collegiate School (Singapore) – child-centered early years curriculum
At NLCS (Singapore), the bespoke First School Curriculum (from Pre-Kindergarten through to Grade 1) maintains a child-centred approach. Teachers take time in getting to know each child individually. They work in partnership with parents to support each student in “running their own race”. Much of a student’s learning at the First School will be through play and practical activities designed to inspire children, and to foster curiosity, inquiry and reflection. Inculcated in daily activities in class and showcases in assemblies are important values of kindness, respect and responsibility.
From age three, students follow an academically ambitious programme of learning. They receive a strong foundation through daily English and Mathematics skills. Kindergarten 1 students will learn to hear, say, read and write sounds simultaneously while developing their knowledge and understanding of spelling strategies. Pre-Kindergarten students will learn essential speaking and listening skills as well as pre-reading skills.
A Mandarin speaking assistant teacher and an additional teaching assistant supports each class teacher. There are specialist teachers teaching daily Mandarin lessons, weekly lessons in music, Physical and Health Education, and life skills. Students also have field trips to local temples and mosques, and to the theatre. In addition, there’s a strong emphasis on trans-disciplinary learning, allowing children to make links across the curriculum and discover their own interests.
The school block has a dedicated library, art room, music room and multipurpose hall including separate drop-off for students. There’s also a dedicated indoor and outdoor play area with direct access from classrooms. Teachers update parents regularly about their child’s progress via an application that families to support each child’s learning journey.
130 Depot Road
6989 3000 | nlcssingapore.sg
Pelican Early Years Programme at The Perse School (Singapore)
The Pelican Early Years Programme opens in January 2025, when Pelican learners of The Perse School (Singapore) will embark on an enriching early learning journey, following the Cambridge International curriculum. The programme’s play-based exploration encourages children to ask questions, engage in hands-on learning and discover the world around them in ways that feel natural and exciting.
Learning experiences in the programme align with both the developmental stages and the individual interests of each child. Activities such as games, imaginative play and hands-on exploration allow for creative expression and the joy of discovery. Enriching the curriculum is a diverse mix of arts and crafts, music, physical movement and storytelling. Delivered by experienced educators, these encourage children to express themselves. Meanwhile, the Arts Studio, Culinarian Lab and Music Room offer ample opportunities for skill development.
The school’s outdoor spaces also provide abundant opportunities for physical exploration. Every outdoor activity encourages hands-on learning, creativity and problem-solving, from exploring the rainforest, to picking fruit and vegetables in the spice and herb garden, or enjoying the playground and water play area. A partnership with a renowned football academy in Singapore enriches physical development through football training on a large field designed for early sports experiences.
With the school’s close proximity to nature reserves, Pelican learners also enjoy opportunities to explore nature up close. They participate in gentle hikes, conservation activities and sensory-rich experiences. This allows children to connect with their environment and develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
The school keeps parents connected to their child’s education journey via various means. Teachers share highlights of the children’s learning experiences and key milestones on a weekly basis. There are parent-teacher meetings as well.
58 Chestnut Drive
6233 2183 | perse.com.sg
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