For families, it can be difficult to move to a new country and adjust to a new way of life. Finding the right school for their children is one of the most important factors for expats or other international families planning to stay in Singapore. However, don’t worry—this article provides expat parents in Singapore with the information they need to find the best private secondary school in Singapore for their children.
A must-know guide for first-time expat parents in Singapore
The curriculum of Singapore’s mainstream schools Mainstream schools, also known as neighborhood schools, follow the Singapore National Curriculum. The MOE syllabus is what the locals here refer to as the Singapore National Curriculum. The Ministry of Education in Singapore creates and curates the MOE syllabus. It has been made especially for Singaporeans.
For instance, every student in Singapore’s mainstream primary and secondary schools must take Mother Tongue Language. Unless there is a good reason to be exempt, it is required for all students. Additionally, Singaporean students are introduced to subjects like Social Studies to specifically learn about Singaporean culture and history. This is one part of the government’s efforts to educate young people and create a more cohesive nation.
As a result, mainstream schools may not be suitable for expat children and their parents. As a result, Singapore’s private schools are the best choice for their children. However, the mainstream schools in Singapore always welcome expat families who prefer to enroll in a Singapore school!
The curriculum at private schools in Singapore
Private schools offer a variety of international curriculums, including IGCSE and IB. These curriculums may be more suitable for children of expat parents.
Enrollment at Private Schools in Singapore
Expat and foreign students receive higher priority at private schools in Singapore than local students. To put it another way, your kids won’t have to worry about competing with the locals for a private school spot. However, this is not true of Singapore’s mainstream schools.
In general, private schools may be more appropriate for expat families because international schools are designed to provide your child with the same education as at home.
When choosing a private school in Singapore for your child, there are a few things to keep in mind.
3 Factors to Consider When Selecting a Private School in Singapore
1 – The Curriculum Offered by Private Schools in Singapore Students ought to search for a curriculum offered by private schools in Singapore that enables them to maintain their previous learning experience. For instance, if you were currently taking the IGCSE curriculum in your home country, you might want to think about continuing your IGCSE education here in Singapore. In Singapore, numerous private schools provide the IGCSE curriculum. Here is a comprehensive list of Singapore’s IGCSE schools.
The private school not only provides continuity and a smooth transition, but it also provides students with the next stage of their education. For instance, if you want to move up to the IB MYP after completing your IGCSE, you should look for a school that offers both of these courses.
2 – School Environment Because your child will spend a lot of time there, the school environment is important. In addition, when children of expat parents relocate to a new country and begin afresh, they face new obstacles. Children from other countries will have to adjust to a new school and find new friends. Therefore, locating a private school that provides these children with a sense of belonging and a welcoming environment can assist them in adjusting to their new surroundings more quickly.
Before selecting the ideal private school for their child, parents should take into account a few aspects of the school environment in addition to finding private schools in Singapore that provide their children with a sense of security. Teachers, resources like facilities for extracurricular activities, and, most importantly, the availability of subjects are all factors that influence a school’s atmosphere.
The facilities at private schools frequently restrict the subjects that students can choose from. As a result, both parents and children should check to see that the school has the facilities they need to support their children’s academic development.
Above all else, your child should have access to enough facilities at the school to develop other interests besides academics. Parents should think about enrolling their children in a school that offers Rugby or something similar if their child is interested in the sport.
Parents should learn more about a school’s core values and culture in addition to the physical aspects of the setting. Knowing that the private school their children attend provides well-rounded education development and supports their students in everything they do helps parents feel more at ease.
3 – The path in the future Parents need to think about their children’s academic plans in the future as well as the present. For instance, does the family plan to relocate once more? Otherwise, what kind of career is your child planning? Having an understanding of your child’s interests and plans for the future can assist with the selection process.
For instance, if your child wants to continue their education abroad at the university of their choice and take the course of their choice, they may need to conduct some preliminary research. Your child ought to learn about the university’s admission requirements. The next step is to locate the ideal Singaporean private school that can assist them in meeting the requirements.
You can choose the best Singapore private school and curriculum if you already know where you want to go academically.
In a nutshell, families of expats should not rush into enrolling their children in a private school. It’s critical to conduct adequate research and involve your child in the discussion. because, in the end, they will be the ones to attend the school for the next few years of their lives.
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