Singapore>  Schools

When entering schools in Singapore for the first time, visitors are initially struck by the high quality of the visual environment. Colourful and imaginative displays of the school vision and mission focus attention on the core values of the school. These are prominent in the halls, with inspiring messages about the vision and ethos clear for all. The photographs of staff and school helpers might be presented in a train, showing the learning journey of the school or a house with the head and senior management at the bottom, representing the solid foundations for learning.

The school buildings are more open to the elements than in the UK, with many classes, although not all, having air conditioning. Specialist rooms for science, music and computer suites are well equipped. Most of the schools have a range of halls, gymnasiums and dance studios. Some of the facilities are outstanding, especially where parents have contributed to the funding.  School grounds include gardens and planted areas which are used for science lessons and relaxation.

The dining areas are crowded with chattering children and adults grabbing drinks and healthy snacks - maybe a bowl of steaming noodles with dim sum, or other delicacies favoured by the different nationalities. Each year group of students might have a recess break at different times, so groups are milling about whilst other students are in class.

We were impressed by the high levels of independence that are evident during these unsupervised break times. Children choose to get on with a game of netball or basketball, with no teacher blowing a whistle and giving instructions. Other groups might make their way to the library and sit sharing books with friends. Piano music drifted along open corridors as a group of girls enjoyed picking out a tune.

When making comparisons with UK primary schools, it’s the number of pupils that makes the greatest impact. It’s not unusual for 2000 students, aged 6-12, to be on roll in a Singaporean primary school. The students are educated along a similar system to UK secondary schools, with comparable management structures and timetabling and with different teachers taking the different subjects and students moving between classes.

In every school the day starts with an assembly to raise the Singaporean flag, sing the national anthem or school song and recite the pledge of allegiance to their country, placing the right fist over the heart. Pupils are involved in organising the ceremony, showing responsibility and respect. The assembly might include a value moment and opportunities are taken to celebrate school success in different events. During our visit it was ‘International Friendship Day,’ which involved displays including international dance as part of the assembly.

It seemed appropriate that we were in schools as international visitors, making and forging international links to our mutual benefit.

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