Choosing the Right International Primary School in Singapore

Choosing the right international school for your child can be a difficult task. Parents need to consider how a school can meet the needs of their children’s future. Parents should look for a 21st-century learning environment that is holistic in nature. A school that develops students’ academic outcomes, nurtures core human values and builds real-life skills within a strong cultural environment. Read on and find out why the Boscence-Bulnes Diez family chose IFS.

Andrew Boscence and Marta Bulnes Diez, Australian and Spanish; Eduardo (7)

“Eduardo has been attending Grade 1 at the International French School in Singapore since September 2020. He spoke no French prior to starting at IFS. We placed him in IFS’s immersion programme, and in Anglais+, which splits tuition time 50- 50 in English and French. Both the English and French teachers work really closely together to ensure seamless transition between the languages. After only a few months, Eduardo is already able to read and write in French. This methodology has helped him learn without being held back by his initial lack of French.

The most important thing for us has been to see him grow in self-esteem and confidence. We have the teachers to thank – they’re technically competent and empathetic, and their passion and commitment to our child’s learning really shows.

The teachers really get to know your child and adapt, within reason, to their strengths and weaknesses. The school’s list of activities is impressive. Eduardo currently attends Spanish classes and football as ECAs. IFS also offers school camps during some of the holidays, which is a bonus, especially with travel not really being an option at the moment.

Eduardo loves going to IFS and we’ve found it to be a safe, fun and disciplined environment for him to learn and grow. We’re also enjoying all the cultural learning that comes from sending Eduardo to the school – from songs to food recipes, we’re all becoming Francophiles! As a family, we’ve found the school community significantly more multicultural than we expected, and they’re also welcoming and easy-going. For those who don’t speak French, school communications are sent out in English as well as French, and parents use English in the WhatsApp class group chat, which is very much appreciated.”

This piece appeared in ExpatLiving