Inside: 7 Academic Programs Typically Offered by International Schools. Collaborative post.
It’s typical for international schools to cater to students from all over the world, especially in a cosmopolitan state like Singapore. To offer world-class education and fully support a multicultural and multilingual student body, many international schools in the Lion City offer a wide variety of academic programs.
For instance, schools like Stamford American International School Singapore offer typical scholastic subjects like math and sciences as well as bilingual language programs for students. These programs are designed not just to hone the cognitive abilities of the students, but also to ensure that they develop into well-rounded individuals who can find their place in a global community.
What kinds of academic programs do international schools typically offer? Here are some of the common options available to expat families living in Singapore:
Language
Many international schools pay special attention to language development among their students. It’s not unusual for these schools to offer academic programs that are meant to improve a student’s proficiency in popular primary or secondary languages such as English, Mandarin, and Spanish.
In addition to classes that are focused on widely spoken languages, many international schools also have bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural academic programs that focus on the mother tongues and secondary languages of their students.
In international schools, providing clear and accessible information to all students is crucial. Investing in presentation translation ensures that slides and other instructional materials are accurately translated, allowing students from different linguistic backgrounds to fully understand and benefit from the educational content
Innovative Spaces
Many international schools are quick to embrace technologies that will allow their students to apply their knowledge in creating practical and tactile objects. They do this by putting up innovative spaces that are decked with tools and machines for the students’ use. These spaces have everything from crafting supplies like clay and fabric to digital tools such as 3D pens and printers.
Students who are interested in honing a wide variety of skills such as sculpting, sewing and fashion designing, programming robots and making arcade games, or broadcasting and creating visual art can do these activities in their school’s innovative space.
Field Studies
While international schools often have decked-out classrooms, these academic institutions are also big proponents of learning in the real world. Field study programs are an option for international school students who are keen on expanding their horizons and seeing how people in other countries live.
These programs can last between several days and a few weeks, and they expose students to people, communities, and environments that will help them gain a better understanding and appreciation for the world they live in.
Digital Learning
International schools do not shy away from using digital technology. Rather, these academic institutions are cognizant of the fact that digital technology will continue to influence the way people live, work, and learn. To ensure that their students are comfortable and proficient in using digital technology, international schools typically integrate timely topics and the use of digital tools into their curricula.
For instance, programming classes enable students to put their mathematics and physics lessons to use, while art and writing classes can involve the use and evaluation of technologies like artificial intelligence. Exposure to these topics and activities will help students maximize the digital tools that are available to them and be ready for career opportunities in a highly connected world.
Community Service
Helping students grow into well-rounded and responsible global citizens involves giving them opportunities to be a part of a community. As such, students in international schools are often required to join activities that engage with their schools’ local communities.
Taking part in these events and activities helps students develop communication and leadership skills. It also gives them a chance to design, plan, and implement community programs that will have a meaningful impact on people in and out of the classroom.
Athletics Program
Part of being a well-rounded individual includes striving to improve one’s health and maintain control over one’s body. International schools make it a point to help their students reach these important goals by offering nutritious food options and allowing students to be involved in topnotch athletics programs.
International schools are also well-known for keeping close relationships with partner schools in different countries. One way that schools strengthen their connections with each other is by holding sporting events with other schools in their network. As such, students who are keen on participating in sports are given basic training in their primary years, and as they grow older, they get further training and the chance to join international competitions.
Music, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts
Artistic events and activities often play a big role in the lives of international school students. To support their students’ artistic development, many schools offer music, performing arts, and visual arts classes. They also encourage students to join existing clubs that will help them channel their creativity and improve their skills in their chosen artistic specialization.
Aside from classes and clubs, students can also showcase their talents in school by holding exhibits, hosting talent shows, or taking part in meaningful events that will benefit the school community. Such events are among the most memorable and enjoyable that students will have their whole school lives.
Studying in an international school in Singapore will present a student with plenty of opportunities to explore their interests, hone their skills, and realize their potential as a global citizen and well-rounded individual. Students who have a variety of interests and a passion for applying academic knowledge in real-life situations will greatly benefit from being a part of such an academic institution.