Here’s what we discovered on a tour of the new 1,200-place One World International School (OWIS) campus opening in Singapore’s west in January.
#1 Classrooms
The air-conditioned classrooms at OWIS are kitted out with 65-inch interactive LED touch screens to integrate the latest technology within the holistic learning experience. As the new campus is located in a renovated, purpose-built school (did we mention $10 million is being spent?), it means spacious classrooms with high ceilings and big windows where kids can learn in natural light.
#2 Outdoors
Students will learn as much indoors as outdoors at OWIS. One thing you quickly notice when walking around OWIS is the outdoor space (which totals 3.2 hectares). Nothing is crammed in. There are gardens at every turn, some designed as dedicated learning spaces where children can discover and appreciate nature. A huge central outdoor play space, with a lovely tree as the centrepiece, includes two full-size basketball courts and another half-size one to keep kids active. A full-size green grass sports field for rugby or soccer is encircled by a four-person running track.
#3 Dedicated Spaces
OWIS believes that dedicated spaces for performing arts, entrepreneurship, visual arts, technology and robotics are integral to delivering a robust and diverse curriculum. The enormous art zone is split into an outdoor area for messy, fun play (we can imagine finger painting being a hit), with an enormous indoor space for art activities and exhibitions. The school hall with its high vaulted ceiling is a multi-purpose space for assemblies and performances, and it doubles as a sports hall in rainy weather.
#4 Diversity
To date, 38 nationalities have signed up to OWIS, which means it’s a diverse, multicultural student population. In fact, cultural diversity is guaranteed at the school; one nationality cannot exceed 30 percent of total student enrolment.
#5 Ethos
OWIS aims to instil a love of learning in students and encourages them to take ownership of their own learning from a young age. You’ll hear the important phrase “growth mindset” quite a bit, as it underpins the school’s commitment to cultivating motivated learners. But it’s not all about academics; parents can look forward to an all-rounded learning experience for their children.
#6 Class Sizes and Ratios
There are generally only four classes per grade, which means children will know each other and the teachers will of course know them. The aim is to build a happy community of engaged learners who are connected with their teachers. Class sizes are limited to 24 students per room.
#7 Early Years
Classrooms for younger learners surround a central indoor common area with a sand play area, library, low windows and bright colourful walls. Outside is a sensory garden planted with lush green foliage and little trails inviting exploration. Kids will love the crunch of leaves underfoot, spotting a butterfly or reaching out to admire flowers. Open to local and international students, the inquiry- and play-based programme emphasises nature as an important learning environment. Class sizes are capped at 18 students.
#8 Curriculum
OWIS has designed an inquiry-based academic programme to lay a solid foundation for ambitious adult lives. OWIS is an Apple and Google school; Apple iPads are available for on-campus use.
#9 Fees
Thoughtfully priced school fees are a priority at OWIS Nanyang. Kindergarten and primary school will set you back $17,000 per child, while high school fees will be capped at $20,000. Everything from 8.30am to 3pm is included in the fees, plus two uniform sets; after-school activities such as CCAs are the only additional cost. And what about the dreaded annual fee hikes? Parents can breathe a sigh of relief as fee increases are capped at inflation (released annually by the government) plus one percent.
#10 Expansion
When it opens in January, OWIS will offer places from Pre-Kindergarten (age 3) to Grade 8. Grades 9 to 10 will open in August 2018, and each year new additional grades will be added, giving students a clear path to graduation. Interested? Enrolment is open now. RSVP to arrange a school tour and check out the school for yourself. Classes commence on 8 January 2018. The school year runs from August to July.
Brought to you by One World International School
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