In the second instalment of a regular series by Singapore American School (SAS) on how to design a school, Superintendent TOM BOASBERG takes us through the importance of having strong values through The Eagle Way and a values-driven education.
While SAS is currently undergoing a major upgrade of its facilities, it’s the values of the school that guide the students and the school’s community.
What are the SAS values and how are they defined?
We have five core values, which we call the Eagle Way.
Compassion: Individuals exhibiting compassion are kind. They show that they care, express gratitude and forgive others. They help people in need, are charitable and altruistic.
Honesty: Individuals exhibiting honesty avoid deceiving, cheating or stealing. They’re reliable and do what they say they will do. They have courage to do the right thing, build a good reputation, and are loyal.
Fairness: Individuals exhibiting fairness play by the rules. They’re open-minded and listen to others. They avoid taking advantage of others or blaming others carelessly. They treat all people fairly.
Responsibility: Individuals exhibiting responsibility do what they’re supposed to do. They plan ahead, persevere and do their best. They’re self-disciplined, think before they act and are accountable for their words, actions and attitudes. They set a good example for others.
Respect: Individuals exhibiting respect are tolerant and accepting of differences. They treat others as they would like to be treated, use good manners and are considerate of the feelings of others. They avoid threatening, hitting or hurting anyone, and deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements.
What role do values play in SAS?
Our values directly guide our expectations for how our students conduct themselves both in and out of the classroom, the way our teachers collaborate, and the way our teachers teach. Strong established values help to build a community with high trust among students, educators and parents.
Values are easy to put on a wall; our daily challenge is in living those values. We seek to embed them inside the classroom. For example, in counselling and advisory lessons and even in a catchy song, thanks to one of our talented elementary music teachers.
We believe that what we celebrate as a community is an indicator of what we value most. Each week, we publicly recognise two educators for their actions that demonstrate their commitment to living our values. They range from custodial staff to teachers, instructional assistants and school leaders. At the end of each year, during a celebratory assembly for all employees, several are selected to receive The Eagle Way recognition. This honours their commitment to living our values every day.
How will the values of The Eagle Way benefit students now and in the future?
Our students are quite successful academically when measured against their global peers, and we’re proud of that as a school.
However, I’m even more proud when I hear stories of students who demonstrate their commitment to our values-driven education in ways that may never be officially measured. I see it in students reaching out to support their peers, taking on service responsibilities, standing up for those less fortunate and maintaining high academic integrity in their work.
I know that our students’ commitment to living a life of our shared values will become one of the most important experiences they will take with them after leaving SAS. Our hope is that they will continue to live The Eagle Way, every day.
Singapore American School is at 40 Woodlands Street 51.
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
This article first appeared in the December 2022 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!
