STEM, STREAM and STEAM education in Singapore schools

Singapore international schools are increasingly incorporating STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) or STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) into their curriculum. One international school even offers a variety called STREAM education (Science, Technology, Reading and wRiting, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics). Each offering allows students to learn, explore and create in and out of the classroom. Here’s a look at what a handful of these schools get up to each day with their programmes!

Canadian International School Singapore

The Canadian International School (CIS) was the first international school in Singapore to integrate STEAM education into everyday learning for kindergarten through Grade 12. Students of all ages are encouraged to work together in a collaborative and inquiry-driven environment empowering them to explore, experiment and innovate. While developing as inquirers, thinkers, communicators and reflective learners, students are empowered to take ownership of their learning journey.

The curriculum enables students to ask meaningful questions, explore real-world problems, test hypotheses and iterate their designs. Hands-on, problem-based projects in STEAM education engage students in applying the design cycle to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Through this experiential process, students gain a deep understanding of how to manipulate materials effectively. Moreover, they integrate design principles with technological innovations. This enriches their learning experience by applying science and technology concepts to real-world scenarios.

In line with the Approaches to Learning framework of the International Baccalaureate, STEAM education at CIS focuses on developing a range of skills that are essential for lifelong learning. These include research, communication, social, self-management and thinking skills. Whether it’s designing a sustainable solution to a community problem, coding an app or creating an artwork inspired by mathematical patterns, students are actively engaged in activities that promote interdisciplinary connections. In turn, they foster a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of knowledge, according to the school.

A word from a teacher

“In a world where technology can automate many tasks, STEAM education nurtures core human qualities – like ingenuity – and combines them with practical skills, interdisciplinary knowledge and the latest tools to make a positive difference.” – Bea Arbelaez, Primary STEAM teacher

7 Jurong West Street 41
6734 8088 | cis.edu.sg 

Dulwich College (Singapore)

The fundamentals of a STEAM education are integrated into the Dulwich curriculum at every level, from age two to 18. They are driven by Guiding Statements and student interests. Through an inquiry approach, knowledge and conceptual understanding are developed and applied to entrepreneurial, environmental and creative projects. Dulwich learners have access to state-of-the-art equipment and specialist teaching spaces for science, visual and performing arts, design and technology, and computer science. The school says this inspires learners to engineer and develop solutions to real-world problems.

Similarly, the partnerships that the school has established support this approach to STEAM education. In addition to regular artist-in-residence visits from Singapore and overseas, it also conducts workshops and programmes for students to enhance their knowledge and creative skills in a wide variety of genres. Across the Junior and Senior schools, for example, young engineers have the opportunity to work with the James Dyson Foundation. In selecting these partners, the school says it’s mindful of exposing learners to a diversity of careers and backgrounds. This allows them to understand the great variety of opportunities and possibilities that the future holds for each of them, as they pursue their endeavours in industry. The ‘One Campus, Many Colleges’ network of EiM Schools enables students to make links internationally through collaborative opportunities and STEAM challenges.

A word from an educator

“STEAM opportunities provide students with a portfolio of transferable skills. This is in preparation for further study or the fundamentals to ‘Live Worldwise’ as an independent artist, designer or engineer. We aim to provide world-class facilities, teaching and learning, plus enrichment opportunities for students from Kindergarten to IBDP.” – Kathryn Hall, Director of Visual Art and Design & Technology

71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org

Enjoyed reading about how Singapore international schools incorporate STEM, STEAM and STREAM education into their curriculum? Now see our story about the benefits of digital learning as part a of STEM education. You can read more generally about education topics in our Schools section, too. Also, don’t miss our Things to Do in Singapore pages!