A chat with happy parent Kath Hills
Schools in Singapore are becoming increasingly dynamic and vibrant, and our island hub is humming with growth around the excellence of education. Our kids may not know how lucky they are to be educated in such an international environment, but Australian International School (AIS) understands this unique opportunity and is making the most of it, according to school parent, Kath Hills. We chatted to Kath about how her children have thrived at AIS and what her experience of the school has been like.
Hi, Kath! How many children do you have attending AIS and which grades are they in?
I currently have 3 girls attending AIS. Our 10-year-old twins, Charlotte and Madison, are in Grade 4 and our 7-year-old daughter, Isabella, is in Grade 1.
What were the most important or deciding factors when selecting your preferred school?
For me, it was all about the feeling I got when I visited AIS. I asked my sister how she decided which school was right for her children and she said, “You will just know, you will feel it”. And I remember thinking, I have no idea what that even means.
I reviewed AIS along with 3 other well-known and respected international schools. Each one of them ticked the boxes for academic ability, an arts offering, and sporting options, but the overwhelming deciding factor for me was the feeling I got when I walked into the school. At AIS, it felt right and it felt like home.
And has the school lived up to your expectations?
Our family has enjoyed being part of AIS since the Prep years. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and introduction to school life.
Can you share with us a bit about the curriculum that AIS offers?
In addition to literary and numeracy, the framework is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, which is all about educating and developing our kids more holistically – not just for the classroom but for the world outside. It encourages our kids to become lifelong learners, to challenge, to become risk-takers, and to seek additional strategies to solve problems.
Does this mean a lot of homework?
I think it’s pretty balanced and age-appropriate: Isabella gets weekly homework and the twins now have homework that needs to be completed within a two-week period, which they get through without any trouble.
And is there time left over for extra-curricular activities?
Yes there is – and they do Mandarin, athletics and gymnastics outside of school. They also love the CCA programmes offered at AIS and willingly participate in as many activities as they can. They have been part of the Choir since Grade 1 and plan to continue. They have also recently become members of the Sharks Swim Squad, and they’re swimming two to three times per week. I’m sure when they’re old enough, they will be participating in other representative sports like netball!
So what do your children like most about attending AIS?
It’s unanimous for my girls: the teachers and their friends. From my point of view, the girls appear to be thriving, loving to learn and are happy.
On that point, how do you receive information about their progress and what is happening in the classroom?
The teachers always respond in an appropriate timeframe to any queries I might have. I do tend to receive a significant amount of communication from the school, which at times can be a little overwhelming (particularly when both my husband and I are working), but valuable nonetheless!
All in all, what do you value most about AIS?
I value the family spirit, the way all nationalities are celebrated, the facilities, and the opportunities for children to participate in music, sport and the arts.
What advice would you give other parents looking for a school?
Do your due diligence, visit a selection of international schools, and be clear on what you want for your children both now and in the long term.
Book a personal tour or join AIS at an upcoming Open House. Register at www.ais.com.sg or call at 6517 0247
Australian International School, 1 Lorong Chuan, Singapore 556818, p. 6883 5155,
This post is sponsored by Australian International School. Images taken by Nicola McMahon of Brightstar Photography.