Annely tells us why she selected Tanglin Trust School for her kids in Singapore
What were the most important factors for you in selecting a school?
A lot of things actually, I have a tall order: a warm and welcoming atmosphere; ability to cater to my children’s specific needs, abilities and interests; engaged and enthusiastic teachers whose sole aim is to get their pupils to perform to the very best of their ability by strong and clear leadership, values, expectations and encouragement; teachers who are respected because they instil a sense of pride and responsibility in their pupils in order for them to actually WANT to achieve their best and reach their full potential in all they do.
How has the school lived up to your expectations?
During our 10+ years in Singapore my children have spent a total of 28 years at Tanglin Trust School between them. I have no regrets whatsoever. I’m proud of what my children have achieved and the people they have become. I will keep my children at TTS for as long as possible due to all the positive experiences they have had and for those I expect them to have in the future.
What sort of curriculum does this school offer?
TTS follows the British curriculum and both IB and A Level are offered in the Sixth Form.
How much homework is expected of your child/children?
Not so much until things start to get serious coming up to GCSE’s, but I think that’s just fine. I’m not a big believer in lots of homework. Children should have time to be children although sometimes it’s an effort to keep them off screens!
Does your child participate in any extra-curricular activities at the school?
Yes – lots! Between them they have guitar, piano and singing lessons, and play touch rugby. Megan has played for the U19 Girls Touch Team for the last 3 years including annual tours to Brisbane for the All Schools Touch Tournament, while George, at age 15, is part of the Singapore Men’s National Touch Rugby Squad and pulled together a Boys Open Touch Team to compete (for the first time ever with the help of TTS Touch Coach and PE Specialist Vicky Paterson) in the Asian All School Tournament at SAS in November 2014. Hannah is in the school netball team and basketball team.
What do your children like most about attending this school?
Just this evening my son was very excited to have been asked to join the World Scholar’s Cup competition. Answering on behalf of my children, some of the things that would definitely be on their ‘favourites’ list are the opportunities and experiences they have had, and that are available to them beyond the normal curriculum. Hannah was just 11 years old when, as part of the High Commissioner Award qualification (rather like a junior Duke of Edinburgh), she visited Cambodia and worked in a school painting classrooms, building fences, digging paths, cooking for and serving the children, and playing and interacting with the children there. Megan spends time each week helping at a local SLD school, which she particularly enjoys as her cousin is severely autistic, so she has plenty of experience with these very special children.
Are you satisfied with the level of communication you receive from the school and how they engage parents?
Yes I am actually.
What advice would you give other parents trying to choose a school?
You know your children. You know what will suit them. That’s not necessarily what will be easiest for them in the short term mind you! Obviously you need to take into consideration the country you will go to next and the curriculum you ultimately want them to follow, but in order to grow and to achieve they need to feel secure, valued and happy.