Are you moving to Singapore along with your children? Then, choosing the right school that caters to your child is perhaps at the top of your to-do list. Singapore is known for its world-class international schools that meet the demands and curricula of children from across the globe. International schools cater to current educational trends and prepare children for the future that is changing by leaps and bounds.
However, numerous international schools in Singapore offer the latest curriculum and programs, which can overwhelm you with choices. In this article, we have covered a checklist to help you research, explore and choose the perfect international school that fits your expectations and requirements.
Assess the Curriculum
Remember to do your homework on the curriculum of a school. Some international schools in Singapore follow nation-specific curricula like French, American, British, German, Australian, etc. Again, some international schools follow international curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB program), Middle Years Program (MIYP), International Primary Curriculum (IPC), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), etc. You will also find schools that offer a blend of international curricula like the IB program with country-specific targets, like particular language offerings specially designed for expatriate families.
Select the curriculum that responds to your family goals and your child’s development. Country-specific curricula may restrict the prospects, as there is no certainty about the country your child will work in as an adult or to which country you might move to later. On the other hand, international curricula season your child to adapt to any future curriculum in case of any geographical shift and offer them a plethora of exposure.
It is also crucial to consider the level of academic difficulty of a curriculum. Some schools focus more rigorously on academic development, while others take a holistic approach and hone children academically and creatively. You must also enquire about the assessment process the schools follow. Another deciding factor about curriculum is if it can be taught online. Many expatriate families search for the best international school, considering that introducing a child directly to a new environment can get overwhelming.
Examine the Co-curricular Activities
The ideal way to choose a school for your child should involve the child in the school selection process. The right school should offer facilities and co-curricular activities that respond to your child’s interests and develop their skills. An excellent international school provides a varied co-curricular program that includes the latest technology, teaching materials and methodology, specialists, and proper equipment and facilities.
Keep in mind that holistic education takes place through various learning experiences. Examine the school calendar to understand how the lessons are taught and if there is enough exposure outside the classroom. For instance, if your child is into sports, you should look at international schools that offer superb sports faculty and have the infrastructure to hone your child’s skills.
Language is Key
In this global generation, being multilingual is advantageous. An international school that offers additional language courses is the best pick. It is especially true for expatriate families who want to hold on to their culture by teaching their native language to their children.
Take a round of the school, if possible, or ask questions to understand what a typical school day would look like for your child. It would give you a better understanding of whether your child will have enough exposure to the additional language.
Melting Pot of Cultures
The world is becoming more global with each passing day. International schools reflect this progress: their curriculum appreciates and inculcates different cultures. With blurring geographical boundaries, you can move to any country in the future that will require your child to adjust to new surroundings and customs.
The curricula of international schools are melting pots of different cultures that prepare your child for the global scenario where they can adapt to any new environment. The best international schools promote diversity: this mirrors the teachers’, students’, and parents’ attitudes. Take your child on a tour of the school and let him decide if he feels comfortable in the environment.
Certifications for the Win
From a sea of international schools, shortlist those which have international or local validations. Especially choose schools with widely accepted curricula for the best experience for your child. These would include schools with IB programs, IGCSE, CIS, PYP, etc.
An international school with external validation would ensure a gold-standard education for your child. Their programs, curriculum, staff, technology, infrastructure, resources, and the overall experience they offer would be nothing short of the best.
Teaching Staff is Crucial
The relationship between a teacher and a child can go a long way to building interest in a subject in your child. Teachers should be approachable, especially to expatriate students who might face difficulties adjusting to a new environment. So, on tours of international schools, pay keen attention and watch how the teaching staff behaves with the children and how they resolve any crisis.
Enquire about the educators of the programs in which your child shows interest. Ask for the qualification of the teachers, their teaching experience, and their background. Also, please enquire about the teachers’ feedback from their previous students. Because teachers are the backbone of any educational institution, it is pertinent that the school hires the best educators.
Decide your Budget
The price can increase depending on the facilities, curriculum, and extra-curricular programs offered. Therefore, ask for the exact fee structure of the school that you have shortlisted. Remember that you will have to incur additional costs like uniforms, books, stationery, etc. Your budget, coupled with the previous factors, will help you decide on the perfect school that will complement your child’s interests and build them to be global citizens.
Conclusion
An international school with the right programs and cultural environment can help your children thrive, so narrowing down the perfect international school is significant. Finally, the behavior of the staff, the way a school responds to your concerns, and how the teachers interact and deal with the children will help you choose the right direction.
