Parents and students choose Singapore international schools for various reasons. Some families may have made the move to reside Singapore for business or career reasons, hence putting their child at international schools. For others, the AEIS examination may have deemed too stringent and tough for many students to enter the government schools. Studying in an international school is the next best bet.
Is it worth it to get your child to a local government school?
There is no doubt of the stringent and rigorous systems government schools in Singapore equipped students with. Singapore’s education system is reputed for producing children who top the world’s rankings in global tests.
While this is so, children in Singapore also experience high stress levels as a result of pressure from schools and parents. It is arguable if perfect scores produce adults who are critical thinkers. Concerns have been expressed also about a lack of development in social skills, behavioral and emotional intelligence thinking.
There is no simple answer for this – choose the system that’s best for your child.
International Schools verses Local School
At international schools, students are exposed to friends of diverse backgrounds and cultures. This puts your child in a social bubble, allowing them to develop social skills from young. The curriculum at international schools focuses less on academics tests and more on arts and humanities, adopting a holistic development approach that hone students’ critical thinking skills from young.
1. Costs & fees
One of the biggest differences between the local and international school is not the quality of education but the wallet-busting factor. Local primary school fees start at just S$13 per month (standard miscellaneous) for Singaporean citizens and up to S$613 per month for those with foreign status.
However, the fees at international schools differ vastly. For your child’s first year, it ranges from $13k to $47k and may include other fees, such as application fees, tuition fees, building fees and facilities fees. All international schools have different school fee structure but do be prepared for a high school fee.
Find out how much it really costs to send your kids to international school.
2. Curriculum
All the local schools in Singapore follow the same curriculum as outlined in the Singapore Ministry of Education website. The syllabus is designed to help students develop into confident individuals, self-directed learner, an active contributor and also a concerned citizen rooted to Singapore.
International schools follow the British, the IB and/or PYP/MYP systems. The focus is on these key areas of learning: personal, social and emotional development; communication and language; and physical development. The education system has a strong focus engagement with students to advance their creative and critical thinking skills.
3. School Holidays
The holiday period for local and international school differ. International schools usually have long summer breaks that last from 2 weeks to a few months. While local schools have term break holidays that are fixed dates across schools in the local systems, students usually have to come back school for extra tuition lessons and extra-curricular activities.
International school calendars vary vastly across the board, so be sure to check the individual school websites.
Choosing a suitable international school
If an international school is best suited for your child, these are some factors to help qualify your international school search:
Curriculum
As mentioned, international schools follow the International schools follow the British, the IB and/or PYP/MYP systems. One of the more popular school programme is the International Baccalaureate (IB) system, recognised in many countries. It challenges students to think independently, develop cultural awareness through learning of a second language, and develop inquiring minds.
School facilities
Some international schools are also equipped with swimming pools and performing art theatres, adding to the grandeur. Depending on the interests of your child, you can find out the extra-curricular activities the school offers.
School holidays
International school calendars vary vastly across the board, check the individual school websites for more information.
Support
Some international schools provide more support than the other. Some may place more emphasis on providing counseling sessions, support and buddy systems for students to provide the much needed outlet for students who struggles to adapt in a new environment.
The verdict
Whichever school or system you choose, they will still learn to write, read and speak. Every school differs in their teaching methodology and only you can decide which system suits your child best.
International students also develop their social and critical thinking skills when living abroad. Where their child lives and whom they interacts with also plays a significant role in their development. Is there support and character building in the homestay they are residing in? Are they going for extra-curricular classes outside of school to hone their interest?
How we help?
Gohing Home is your trusted service provider for your child’s education and accommodation needs in Singapore. We journey with your child through their education milestones and provide a conducive environment they can thrive in.
- We provide educational consultancy to assess which schools your child will be best suited in
- School tour to determine the ideal school for your child
- Conducive and a positive environment
- Extra-curricular activities for a holistic development of your child
- 24/7 support for parents and child
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