singapore bilingual programme

A child does not have to be taught how to communicate in his/her mother tongue. The context and grammar are imbibed through daily interaction with the family since birth. This can be called immersive learning, where the child is immersed in the language through culture. However, when it comes to learning a language other than mother tongue, it needs more a little more effort. Singapore is a multi-cultural nation with strong Chinese influences therefore for expats learning to communicate in Chinese can be a great asset both culturally and professionally. Children have an advantage when it comes to learning new stuff. Therefore introduction to Mandarin as early as possible is ideal.

Bilingualism in Singapore schools

Schools in Singapore take bilingualism seriously since it is a part of Singapore’s education policy. English is the main language which drives the content for all subjects like Math and Science, however, it is well understood that learning a second language early leads to better proficiency. Chinese is taught as a second language in most schools while some country specific schools also teach the native language like Spanish, Hindi, Tamil etc.

Why Bilingualism?

Learning a new language has several benefits. While the person gets to understand a new culture through language, a bilingual brain is considered quicker and nimbler. It can resolve conflicts, solve problems and be more creative than others. Apart from these, a globalized world calls for more fluid boundaries in terms of languages and cultures. When it comes to learning, children are most receptive. Grasping multiple languages is easier for a child than an adult and therefore schools have bilingualism as a part of their curriculums from the very beginning starting kindergarten.

How are some international schools doing it differently?

Many Singaporeans (mostly Chinese, Malays and Indians) feel the need to be fluent in English that allows greater opportunities for their children, while many foreigners living in Singapore want their children to learn to speak and write in Chinese for a better cultural inclusion. Learning Chinese though is more crucial when it comes to expat families who may come over from a completely different culture. International schools recognize this and some like the Canadian International School follow a very effective Bilingual English-Chinese programme. Here learning Chinese in the cultural context is the goal and the programme is implemented from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5. The school has been a pioneer in the bilingual programme where each subject has two fully qualified teachers/ instructors, one a native Chinese speaker and another a native English speaking one. Each subject is equally divided between these two teachers where he/she communicates exclusively in the native language on alternate days. This way students have exposure to both languages not only in terms of the language subjects but also in others like Math and Science as a means of instruction.

Being bilingual has proven advantages. Singapore, because of its colonial past and trading importance has been home to people from different cultures for hundreds of years. The education policy of the country recognizes the cultural context along with the scientific benefits of learning languages and is hence a guiding factor for the culture of bilingualism in the country.

For more information please visit bilingual programme singapore

Why is Bilingualism an integral part of Singapore’s school system?

A child does not have to be taught how to communicate in his/her mother tongue. The context and grammar are imbibed through daily interaction with the family since birth. This can be called immersive learning, where the child is immersed in the language through culture. However, when it comes to learning a language other than mother tongue, it needs more a little more effort. Singapore is a multi-cultural nation with strong Chinese influences therefore for expats learning to communicate in Chinese can be a great asset both culturally and professionally. Children have an advantage when it comes to learning new stuff. Therefore introduction to Mandarin as early as possible is ideal.

Bilingualism in Singapore schools

Schools in Singapore take bilingualism seriously since it is a part of Singapore’s education policy. English is the main language which drives the content for all subjects like Math and Science, however, it is well understood that learning a second language early leads to better proficiency. Chinese is taught as a second language in most schools while some country specific schools also teach the native language like Spanish, Hindi, Tamil etc.

Why Bilingualism?

Learning a new language has several benefits. While the person gets to understand a new culture through language, a bilingual brain is considered quicker and nimbler. It can resolve conflicts, solve problems and be more creative than others. Apart from these, a globalized world calls for more fluid boundaries in terms of languages and cultures. When it comes to learning, children are most receptive. Grasping multiple languages is easier for a child than an adult and therefore schools have bilingualism as a part of their curriculums from the very beginning starting kindergarten.

How are some international schools doing it differently?

Many Singaporeans (mostly Chinese, Malays and Indians) feel the need to be fluent in English that allows greater opportunities for their children, while many foreigners living in Singapore want their children to learn to speak and write in Chinese for a better cultural inclusion. Learning Chinese though is more crucial when it comes to expat families who may come over from a completely different culture. International schools recognize this and some like the Canadian International School follow a very effective Bilingual English-Chinese programme. Here learning Chinese in the cultural context is the goal and the programme is implemented from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5. The school has been a pioneer in the bilingual programme where each subject has two fully qualified teachers/ instructors, one a native Chinese speaker and another a native English speaking one. Each subject is equally divided between these two teachers where he/she communicates exclusively in the native language on alternate days. This way students have exposure to both languages not only in terms of the language subjects but also in others like Math and Science as a means of instruction.

Being bilingual has proven advantages. Singapore, because of its colonial past and trading importance has been home to people from different cultures for hundreds of years. The education policy of the country recognizes the cultural context along with the scientific benefits of learning languages and is hence a guiding factor for the culture of bilingualism in the country.

For more information please visit bilingual program singapore

Which school to send my kids to in Singapore ?

Singapore is known to have one of the best public school education systems in the world. The coherent and streamlined curriculum in schools is a product of its cultural identity, historical and institutional legacies. Students from Singapore have been consistently doing well in international assessments like the TIMMS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) and the PISA (OECD’s programme for International Student Assessment). It is no surprise that many countries in the west are trying to replicate or take inspiration from this unique instructional regime.

However, schooling in Singapore is not restricted to public/local schools alone. Singapore’s unique multicultural environment has led to the growing acceptance and popularity of international schools that are catering to many expats living in Singapore. Even Singaporeans are waking up to options other than public schools that have been offering more or less the same curriculum over the years.

So the question that every parent faces when choosing a school for his/her child is, ‘Which school is the best for us as a family? Not only for the child, but for the parents as well.’ The answer is never as simple. With Singapore as a country with a high focus on academics and a really strong local school network alongside a choice of various international schools offering newer curriculums; it can be baffling for parents. For an expat family, it could be even more confusing.

There is no one factor that can be decisive here as there are so many elements at play. Both local and international schools have their pros and cons. While the local schools follow a strong national curriculum with heavy reliance on textbooks, worksheets, assignments and practice, International schools (primarily the IB and IGCSE) have an academically less strenuous curriculum but equally strong emphasis on non-academic areas as well. National schools offer easy movement within Singapore schools as the curriculum is uniform while international schools offer an easy transition between countries. This is one of the prime reasons for foreigners to favor international schools. Local schools have restrictions on foreign students while international schools encourage students from different countries to apply with them. It is therefore obvious, that the exposure to different cultures is something that is unique to international schools. Do read more on some of the top international schools in Singapore like the CIS (Canadian International School),  GISS International School and UWCSEA (United World College South East Asia) and you will find that all of them boast of multiple nationalities on campus both among students and teachers.

The national school curriculum often proves detrimental to many students who may not be academically very bright. It also is a cause of immense stress for students and parents when it comes to the high stakes exams like the PSLE (Public School Leaving Examination is taken at the end of grade 6). This influences the choice of the school further on. International schools do not follow this criteria as they are not bound by the national curriculum at all. Therefore, they are not as rigid. Also the number of students per teacher is relatively high in local Singapore schools than International ones. So as a parent, if you feel that the child may need extra support and guidance from teachers, local schools may not be the best bet.

One of the most important differences is the fee structure that is much higher in international schools. It is one factor that stops parents from choosing International schools. But for many, the quality of education, level of teaching, world class infrastructure, great learning environment and the opportunity to study under universally accepted curriculum are big differentiators and therefore, worth the price.

To summarize and simply put, there is simply no right or wrong. It rests on the family and the child and what suits their parenting and economic standpoint. A student who flourished in a local school may not do so well in an international school curriculum, while a student from an international school may feel completely out of place in a local school. The good thing, is that Singapore offers all these choices unlike many other cities and it is known for some of the best schools in the world. So some research, discussion in the family and most importantly, your child’s personality will give you the right answers. 

 For more information kindly visit Canadian international school

Choosing the right International School in Singapore

International schools have progressed to become the preferred education option over other categories of schools. Various reasons contribute to this, the most important of them being the high standards of curriculum offered and its uniformity and acceptance across different geographies. In today’s globalized world, families are more mobile than ever, shuttling across countries for better job prospects. Also, the aspiration for good quality education takes students across borders. Therefore, parents want to give an advantageous head start to their kids by enrolling them in international schools as early as possible. Singapore is a multicultural cosmopolitan nation and it is here that one can experience what the best international schools have on offer.

What is an international school?

Not all schools named “International” are international in the true sense. So, remember to do your research before shortlisting a school! An international school offers an IB, Edexcel or Cambridge curriculum. In the Singapore context, an international school is one that offers a curriculum other than its national curriculum.

Choose the ideal curriculum

Local Schools in Singapore offer the state curricula, while the International ones offer IB, Cambridge, Edexcel, American, French and Indian Curriculum. Choose the one that best suits your child’s present and future prospects. The IB curriculum is one of the most sought after programmes. International schools like the Canadian International School offers the IB programme through the Primary, Middle and High School levels. This school also offers the Bilingual Programme in English and Chinese apart from innovative and research backed teaching methodologies (Read more about their STEAM programme).

Visit the school in person

A whole lot of information gathering can happen online or by reading the school prospectus and getting reviews, but a personal visit to the school campus can open your mind and ease the decision-making process. Look at the school’s infrastructure and talk to teachers and students if you can. This will help you get a real understanding of the school’s facilities and teaching philosophy. Spending some time on the campus can help ascertain things that may not be available online! This may be a time-consuming activity, but is worth the efforts.

Know your child

Parents are the ones who best understand their child. So, it is crucial that they assess the child’s personality and readiness for a school. A young school kid may be hesitant to join a new bigger school; a child with a flair for sports or arts may flourish better in school that offers opportunities and encouragement in these areas over and above academics; and a French child may feel at home in a school offering French curriculum.

Choosing the right school is a decision that varies from family to family. Factors like economic situation, entrance criteria of each school, teaching and parenting philosophy play a major role in the decision making. It is good to know that schools today are actively programming themselves to new research and data which suggest that a holistic approach to teaching is the right way to educate the next generation. International schools are the quickest to respond in this regard and therefore considered the most progressive.

For more information kindly visit Canadian international school 

best primary schools in singapore

‘Schooling is an important part of an individual’s life’ can be such an understatement. It is an all-important foundation for everything that comes thereafter. From learning about the world, social interaction, curiosity, and motivation to self-esteem and confidence, school teaches it all and affects almost every aspect of a child’s life. So you have finally chosen a school for your after spending a considerable amount of time and energy, but then comes a time to reassess. Even after the child has been admitted to the best school possible, parents need to question if the school is doing enough to identify and harness the child’s talents. Is the school tapping into your child’s natural skill and aptitude? Do you see a positive change in the child over a period of time? So how does one do that? Here are some questions you can ask yourself.

Does your child look forward to going to school?

First and foremost, the easiest way to measure is whether the child is happy about going to school. For very young children in preschool/ pre-primary, this may not be a guiding factor as children often go through separation anxiety at that stage. However, for older children who have opportunities to have more enriching social and intellectual experiences, it can be a guiding factor. Most progressive international schools do not follow a traditional schooling pattern and offer very interactive and stimulating learning methodologies allowing children to be open to studying and learning.

Does the child show interest in some activities?

Have you noticed your child showing a keen interest in some activities? It could be science, languages or arts. Some of the best schools are considered best because of their infrastructure and teachers that allow students to be exposed to a wide array of activities be it academics, sports, dance , music etc. When a student has the opportunity to experience many things, he/she would naturally lean towards one for which there are a natural flair and ability. Providing the right environment and guidance is the key.

Does the child show signs of flourishing?

Do you see your child flourishing, be it physically, mentally, emotionally and intellectually? When a child feels secure, the right mentors in form of teachers at school and parents at home can make the child feel confident about trying to learn new things. A new hobby interest in form of art or language can spark creativity with no bounds. An interest in a particular sport can be life changing instilling discipline and love for physical exercise or make a career out of it.

Do you see the child acquiring new skills?

Acquiring new skills does come with age and maturity; however, a slight push in the right direction can have very positive consequences. Learning horse riding, playing a musical instrument or learning a new language may need a little more reasoning with a young child but can be a positive enabler later in life. Take for example the Bilingual teaching methodology at some of the top schools in Singapore. The Canadian International School is a pioneer of the Bilingual programme. Children are taught in both the Chinese and English language alternatively by a native Chinese and native English teacher in almost all subjects. Looking at how bilingualism can have a profound effect on early learning and later as a whole, many schools have introduced the bilingual programme in different forms. The case for teaching two languages at the same time has a strong research-backed teaching philosophy.

Parents are the best guide for children and the school comes a close second. When choosing the right school for the child, it is important to know if the school provides enough opportunities to identify and harness the talents of its students. A stimulating student teacher community that helps develop every child is the most important factor that differentiates the best schools from the rest.

For more information please visit best primary schools in singapore

Is your child's school doing enough to identify students' talents?

‘Schooling is an important part of an individual’s life’ can be such an understatement. It is an all-important foundation for everything that comes thereafter. From learning about the world, social interaction, curiosity, and motivation to self-esteem and confidence, school teaches it all and affects almost every aspect of a child’s life. So you have finally chosen a school for your after spending a considerable amount of time and energy, but then comes a time to reassess. Even after the child has been admitted to the best school possible, parents need to question if the school is doing enough to identify and harness the child’s talents. Is the school tapping into your child’s natural skill and aptitude? Do you see a positive change in the child over a period of time? So how does one do that? Here are some questions you can ask yourself.

Does your child look forward to going to school?

First and foremost, the easiest way to measure is whether the child is happy about going to school. For very young children in preschool/ pre-primary, this may not be a guiding factor as children often go through separation anxiety at that stage. However, for older children who have opportunities to have more enriching social and intellectual experiences, it can be a guiding factor. Most progressive international schools do not follow a traditional schooling pattern and offer very interactive and stimulating learning methodologies allowing children to be open to studying and learning.

Does the child show interest in some activities?

Have you noticed your child showing a keen interest in some activities? It could be science, languages or arts. Some of the best schools are considered best because of their infrastructure and teachers that allow students to be exposed to a wide array of activities be it academics, sports, dance , music etc. When a student has the opportunity to experience many things, he/she would naturally lean towards one for which there are a natural flair and ability. Providing the right environment and guidance is the key.

Does the child show signs of flourishing?

Do you see your child flourishing, be it physically, mentally, emotionally and intellectually? When a child feels secure, the right mentors in form of teachers at school and parents at home can make the child feel confident about trying to learn new things. A new hobby interest in form of art or language can spark creativity with no bounds. An interest in a particular sport can be life changing instilling discipline and love for physical exercise or make a career out of it.

Do you see the child acquiring new skills?

Acquiring new skills does come with age and maturity; however, a slight push in the right direction can have very positive consequences. Learning horse riding, playing a musical instrument or learning a new language may need a little more reasoning with a young child but can be a positive enabler later in life. Take for example the Bilingual teaching methodology at some of the top schools in Singapore. The Canadian International School is a pioneer of the Bilingual programme. Children are taught in both the Chinese and English language alternatively by a native Chinese and native English teacher in almost all subjects. Looking at how bilingualism can have a profound effect on early learning and later as a whole, many schools have introduced the bilingual programme in different forms. The case for teaching two languages at the same time has a strong research-backed teaching philosophy.

Parents are the best guide for children and the school comes a close second. When choosing the right school for the child, it is important to know if the school provides enough opportunities to identify and harness the talents of its students. A stimulating student teacher community that helps develop every child is the most important factor that differentiates the best schools from the rest.

For more information please visit summer school singapore

How Technology is entering classrooms and transforming school education

The education ecosystem is ever evolving. However, the pace of change the world has seen in last decade has been the most transformational. Digital technology is changing landscapes in every aspect of business, politics and social life. Digitization is the future and schools are embracing the trend right where it matters the most; to the future citizens of the world. Teaching and learning aids are no longer restricted to text books and assignments in physical form but converted to electronic modes on personal computers, laptops and ipads. Some schools are quick to adapt to technology while some are gradually catching up.

The Edutech Asia Conference

The Edutech Asia conference in Singapore is held annually that enables key educators and pioneers in the region to gather, exchange ideas on innovations in the education space. The 2016 conference was concluded in November and received over 2000 policy makers, educational institutes and their representatives who are changing the face of classrooms through innovative design and technology. The CEO of The Canadian International School (CIS), Mr. Shane Armstrong gave the opening speech at the conference, focusing on the changes that technology has brought about in classrooms and where this is likely to take us ahead in future. CIS is one of the most reputed and multi-cultural international schools in Singapore and the address was a part of the K-12 Ed Leaders Forum.

Canadian International School

Canadian International School, Singapore is at the forefront of promoting digital technology on campus. Apart from offering the universally accepted IB curriculum and the very innovative STEAM teaching philosophy, the school has a well-structured policy on digital literacy. Personal Ipads and Macbooks are used in classrooms right from grade 4. Even at earlier, primary school and kindergarten level, technology is introduced through multi-media classrooms and common electronic devices. The aim is to bring up technology savvy students who are well versed and ready for future endeavors; all this while promoting healthy, safe and ethical use of electronic devices.

Early introduction of technology is not a threat

A rigorous academic curriculum isn’t enough. It needs to be augmented through technology which makes it more effective and relevant to the world of today and of the future. When it comes to the digitization of teaching methods at schools, it must not be considered a threat to creativity and learning as a whole. Technology in the right measure and under guidance (especially for young children) can amplify their learning experience. An in-depth research and ease to access of information can only mean positive things in the classroom. Rote learning and memorization are no longer in vogue, but understanding concepts and their application in the real world is more important.

Technology is the reality and it makes a lot of sense for educational institutes to make students familiar with it as soon as possible. The 21^st-century mindset can be developed only when the young population is comfortable with it and can thrive in a modern workplace that will have its own unique challenges.

For more information kindly visit ib primary years programme