Singapore, a bustling metropolis in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its high standard of education. The city-state is home to a plethora of international schools, each offering a unique blend of curriculum, culture, and community. This article will delve into the top five international schools in Singapore, providing you with essential information to help you make an informed decision for your child’s education.
1. United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA)
Overview
First on our list is the United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA). This prestigious institution is part of the United World College movement, which aims to make education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
UWCSEA offers a K-12 education with two campuses in Dover and East. The school’s student body is diverse, with over 90 nationalities represented, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment.
Curriculum
UWCSEA follows a unique educational model that combines academic, personal, and social education. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, which is globally recognised and highly respected by universities worldwide.
Moreover, UWCSEA places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, service, and outdoor education. This holistic approach ensures that students not only excel acadically but also develop essential life skills and global perspectives.
2. Tanglin Trust School
Overview
Established in 1925, Tanglin Trust School is one of the oldest British international schools in Singapore. The school provides a British-based learning experience for students from Nursery to Sixth Form, fostering a passion for learning and nurturing the talents of each student.
With a community of over 60 nationalities, Tanglin Trust School offers a truly international experience while maintaining a strong connection with British educational values.
Curriculum
Tanglin Trust School follows the English National Curriculum from Nursery to Year 9, IGCSEs in Years 10 and 11, and the IB Diploma Programme in the Sixth Form. The school also offers a rich co-curricular programme, encouraging students to explore their interests and talents beyond the classroom.
Compared to UWCSEA’s focus on experiential learning, Tanglin Trust School places a greater emphasis on traditional academic rigour, making it an excellent choice for families who prefer a more structured educational approach.
3. Singapore American School
Overview
The Singapore American School (SAS) is the largest single-campus international school in the world. With a history dating back to 1956, SAS has a long-standing reputation for providing an American-based curriculum to a diverse community of students.
SAS’s sprawling 36-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a high-tech high school innovation lab, a world-class performing arts centre, and a variety of sports facilities.
Curriculum
SAS offers an American-based curriculum from preschool through high school, culminating in the option of an American high school diploma or an IB Diploma. The school’s curriculum is designed to foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking skills.
Unlike the British-based curriculum at Tanglin Trust School, the American curriculum at SAS places a greater emphasis on breadth, offering students a wide range of subjects and electives to explore.
4. Dulwich College (Singapore)
Overview
Dulwich College (Singapore) is a British international school that offers a contemporary British education to students from age 2 to 18. The school is a branch of Dulwich College London, a historic and prestigious independent school in the UK.
Dulwich College (Singapore) boasts a diverse community of students and staff from over 50 nationalities, creating a rich and inclusive learning environment.
Curriculum
The school offers an enhanced British curriculum adapted for an international audience. Students in Year 10 and 11 study for IGCSEs, and students in the Sixth Form have the option to study for either the IB Diploma or A Levels.
Like Tanglin Trust School, Dulwich College (Singapore) maintains a strong academic focus. However, the school also places a significant emphasis on co-curricular activities, with a wide range of sports, arts, and service opportunities available for students.
5. Stamford American International School
Overview
Rounding out our list is Stamford American International School (SAIS), a co-educational international school that offers an American and International Baccalaureate curriculum. With students from over 70 nationalities, SAIS provides a diverse and multicultural learning environment.
SAIS is known for its state-of-the-art campus, which features innovative learning spaces, a 500-seat theatre, and excellent sports facilities.
Curriculum
SAIS offers an American-based curriculum with a global perspective, culminating in either the American High School Diploma or the IB Diploma. The school also offers the IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme, providing a continuous IB pathway from age 2 to 18.
Similar to SAS, SAIS’s curriculum is broad and flexible, allowing students to explore a wide range of subjects and interests. However, SAIS also offers a unique bilingual programme in Mandarin and English, setting it apart from other international schools in Singapore.
In conclusion, each of these top five international schools in Singapore offers a unique blend of curriculum, culture, and community. Whether you’re looking for a school with a British, American, or international focus, you’re sure to find a school that fits your child’s needs in Singapore.
Enhance Your Teaching Career with IPGCE
As you consider the best international school for your child in Singapore, it’s equally important to think about the educators who shape their learning experience. If you’re an aspiring or current educator looking to join the ranks of qualified teachers at prestigious international schools, IPGCE can be your stepping stone. Our International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE) is designed to elevate your credentials, increase your chances for interviews, and open doors to career advancement and higher salaries. With our program, you’ll join a vibrant professional community, gain a deep understanding of global education systems, and enjoy the flexibility of online study to balance your professional development with your commitments. Don’t let inadequate qualifications hold you back. Join the UK’s #1 Teacher Training Course today and transform your teaching career!