Singapore Schools are one of the most popular study abroad destinations students and parents consistently choose. While this may appear surprising at first, after learning about everything Singapore has to offer and the numerous opportunities for students, it seems to be the ideal place. Singapore is now a hub for trade, education, and tourism with growing infrastructure and facilities. All of this adds up to making it the right choice to settle with your family.
Because the city is home to many multinational corporations, it is a magnet for international business. Furthermore, due to its strong economic growth, Singapore has been ranked as the world’s second easiest place to do business.
Singapore Schools and Education System
One of the primary reasons Singapore is regarded as having such a strong economy is that it has a strong education system that supports tremendous economic growth. Many of the world’s top schools are located in the city, providing a dynamic workforce for businesses and, as a result, a thriving economy.
The Ministry of Education is in charge of developing the national curriculum, which includes “Desired Educational Outcomes.” Student excellence in life skills, knowledge skills, and subject discipline knowledge are the desired outcomes, and they are organized into eight core skills and values:
- Character development,
- Self-management skills,
- Social and cooperative skills,
- Literacy and numeracy,
- Communication skills,
- Information skills,
- Thinking and creativity
- knowledge application skills.
Singapore’s education system consists of six years of primary school, four to six years of secondary school, and one to three years of post secondary school. Singapore primary school curriculum is the same for all students in grades one through four. Individual courses at the foundation or standard level are available to students in years 5 and 6. Foundational-level courses are intended to provide students with additional assistance.
The new system by Singapore Schools
Singapore is piloting and implementing a subject-based banding system in which students choose streams for specific subjects rather than their overall course of study. A student, for example, could pursue a technical stream in mathematics but an express stream in English. Singapore primary schools currently have subject-based banding, and the goal is to have full subject-based banding in all secondary schools by 2024.
Primary Education in Singapore Primary Schools
Singapore’s primary education system is mandatory for all children aged six and up who were born after 1996. Singapore’s compulsory education system maintains a student-teacher ratio of 18.6 and charges a monthly fee of SGD 6.50, or USD 4.55 per student.
The Republic of Singapore has achieved a youth literacy rate of 100% for both males and females, and primary school dropout rates have been reduced to less than 1%. These findings are consistent with Singapore’s strong commitment to making primary education free and mandatory through the Compulsory Education Act, which was passed in 2003. Singapore schools aim to equip students with the necessary skills to be productive citizens in a knowledge-based economy by investing in universal primary education.
With so many reforms and initiatives issued by the government, Parents now have the liberty to choose from a variety of public and international Singapore primary schools. While making this important decision there are some things that you should keep in mind.
Points to remember before choosing a Singapore Primary School?
1. How far is the school from your home?
Distance is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting the right school for your child, as your child will be spending six years there. Because Singapore primary school students’ typical school day begins at 7.30 a.m., it would be practical to ensure minimal travel time for a variety of reasons.
To begin, make sure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep before beginning their day.
Second, it is extremely beneficial for working parents who may need to get up early to send their children to school or take the school bus before leaving for work.
It is critical to think about your child’s transportation options. Taking public transportation or a school bus can be expensive, and school buses leave very early. When considering school bus transportation for your child, it is critical to consider these factors as well.
2. Do you get an advantage for being a Singapore Citizen or PR?
Your residency and citizenship in Singapore mainstream primary schools will be one of the criteria considered by the MOE when admitting you to the Singapore school for which you are voting. Singapore citizens and permanent residents will be given first priority.
In this order, children will be given priority admission to a P1 place in a school:
- Singaporeans (SC) who live within 1km of the school.
- SC who live within 1 to 2 kilometers of the school.
- SC who live 2 kilometers from the school.
- Permanent Residents (PRs) who live within one kilometer of the school.
- PRs who live within 1 to 2 kilometers of the school.
- PR who lives more than 2 kilometers from the school.
However, for Singapore international primary schools, anyone including expats are eligible for admission.
3. Do Singapore schools have affiliations for Secondary School?
In Singapore, school affiliation is common and expected. One of the most significant benefits of enrolling in a Singapore primary school that is affiliated with another secondary school is that the entry requirements for these students are reduced.
Secondary schools prioritize admission for students from affiliated Singapore primary schools because they strive to foster strong school spirit and traditions.
Keeping in mind these three key checkboxes you can go ahead to choose the right school for your child. Parents and guardians tend to read multiple articles, research, ask for recommendations, and then choose a school. Therefore, if you ask me, the best Singapore Primary school is the Global Indian International School (GIIS).
The Preferred Singapore Primary School
Since its inception in 2002, GIIS has been ranked as one of the best Singapore schools, and it has been the first choice for many parents and students. GIIS has grown to become the leading private Singapore International School over the years.
Their curriculum offerings are intended to meet the needs of students who may wish to pursue different educational paths. Qualified primary year faculty use cutting-edge technology to provide the best international education to students in their early years of schooling, preparing them for a bright future.
With these tips, I hope it equips parents to make the right decision. Goes without saying that if the foundation is strong in a Singapore school, the monument will stand the test of time.
