Event Summary: Discover your child's potential with international education in Singapore

This panel discussion convened education experts from reputable international schools in Singapore. The invited speakers covered a comprehensive range of information essential for parents considering an alternative education pathway for their child. Key to this is the answers to pressing questions such as: What educational opportunities are available to non-citizens or non-permanent residents in Singapore? How can foreign children get admission into schools in Singapore? How can one choose the right school for your child? How has the pandemic changed the way schools are run?

Event Highlight

The virtual event touched upon a vast number of important topics such as:

• how Singapore is dealing with Covid
• details on Singapore’s student pass
• language(s) of instruction
• curricula on offer in Singapore
• ease/difficulty of credit transfer
• restrictions for sports and field trips
• boarding school options
• character building
• well-being and pastoral care in Singapore
• spots available for August 2022
• admissions criteria
• chances of studying in higher education

Lisamarie Hughes, the Principal of EtonHouse International School Sentosa shared that there is an ideal time for international families to move their children to Singapore. “Before grade nine or inclusive of grade nine, that seems to be a seamless transition. Of course, we can support families and students from year 10 onwards, but we would have more in-depth dialogue with families around their children and where they are dynamically, and how we can best support them. So lots of our schools have come with various programs or pathways so that children can integrate themselves into the education system here and have a more successful experience.”

Lisamarie also shared her tips on what parents should be asking for their child’s next school of choice in another country. "Two quick questions that I think are incredibly helpful just in terms of getting a sense of the heart of a school would be the first one: how do you support my child and my family with building a sense of community in the school when we join? It's quite interesting to hear what that looks like, to provide a safe space for children, and how to integrate new families with existing families in the school community. And another top question: what is the school’s approach with regards to behavior guidance. Because that gives you a very strong sense of the school's philosophy, their image of a child, how they see children, and their methodology in terms of respectful teaching in the classroom. So just two little tips there from me."

From top left, clockwise: Douglas Parkers, Commissioning Editor, South China Morning Post; Lisamarie Hughes, Principal, Etonhouse International School Sentosa; Mark Renie, Head of School, One World International School; and Bronwyn Small, Lead Education Consultant, ED-SG

When Mark Renie, the Head of School at One World International School was asked about pastoral care in Singapore he commented that "mindfulness over the past five years has emerged as being such a critical aspect of supporting pastoral care within schools. Our students are given the opportunity to take mindful moments. Pastoral care looks toward a mindfulness growth mindset and very open and honest and frank conversations about how we feel and what we can do to make ourselves feel better. There's a lot of anxiety as well. So we want to learn how to deal with anxiety and uncertainty as we move out of this pandemic."