HoneyKids had a chat with mum-of-two Angelina Tan about why she loves the school and how it’s helped her daughters thrive throughout the years.
Living in Singapore means being exposed to all kinds of cultures, and the folks at GESS are all about nurturing that diversity and ensuring that students make the most of this multicultural experience. This, among many other reasons, is why mum-of-two Angelina Tan is such a fan of GESS. In fact, both her daughters (who are now in university and Grade 12) have been students of the school since their pre-primary years. Here’s what she had to say:
Hi Angelina, tell us more about why you chose GESS for your daughters…
We are a mixed-culture family and so it was very important to us that our children go to a school that was culturally diverse and that offered a good variety of language options. We also saw a lot of potential for growth in the IB programme at GESS when we joined.
How has GESS lived up to your expectations so far?
The teachers are of a very high calibre and come from all over the world, which inspired my daughters to learn about different cultures. In our time here, we have also seen how the success rate of the IB programme has increased over the years.
And what do your daughters think about the school?
The girls have found a community at GESS that really resonates with them. They look around and see people who have mixed profiles like them and don’t feel singled out. Also, my kids know that the teachers care a lot about them. In her last two years, my oldest daughter was feeling very lost about what to do after GESS. Her university guidance counsellor, Mr Thomas Walton, was very keen on supporting her through this journey. He guided her to better understand her talents and passions, reassuring her that she did not have to do what everyone else was doing but could figure out her own path.
It’s definitely less stressful when you know your child is well taken care of in school and has mentors there!
How did the school make your children feel welcome?
The teachers played a huge part – they were very attentive to my kids and reached out to them as and when necessary. My children also developed a very close bond with certain teachers who became their ‘go-to’ figures in school. Apart from that, the school has a fantastic buddy system in place. My eldest daughter played a role in this and it was really rewarding for her as she was able to help a student integrate into the community comfortably and happily.
What advice would you give other parents who are trying to choose a school for their child?
I think it’s very important to get to know a school a bit more intimately before you decide. I recommend that parents talk to the teachers to understand their objectives and working style before choosing a school. Look at what a school does well and make a decision based on the school’s values versus your own.
Anything else?
GESS is a great school because teachers are able to identify students’ talents and give them opportunities to grow, and encourage them to step out of their comfort zone. My daughter is the vice president of Sports Council now and it only happened because her teacher noticed she had the abilities and nudged her towards applying. She took on the role knowing she had nothing to fear, and that she had teachers and peers who fully supported her.
Thank you, Angelina!
This post is sponsored by GESS.