Global Indian International School was recently featured by National Geographic as a “School of the Future”. Here’s what it takes for the school to be one…
News flash: Global Indian International School (GIIS) was recently featured by National Geographic as a “School of the Future”! This is no surprise as GIIS has always been committed to developing future-ready students. On top of equipping them with 21st century skills like critical thinking and collaboration, GIIS strongly encourages its students to explore and learn about new technologies. It’s no wonder they were the winners of the Digital Technology in Learning category in the Singapore Education Awards for two years in a row.
What makes GIIS a “School of the Future”?
The World Economic Forum describes a “School of the Future” as one that equips students with skills in global citizenship, innovation and creativity, technology, as well as interpersonal skills. It’s also a school that allows for interactive, student-driven learning within an accessible and inclusive environment. A “School of the Future” is also all about problem-based and collaborative learning that inspires an individual to be a lifelong learner.
GIIS ticked all these boxes: a technology-empowered campus, over 40 skills-based labs and studios, experiential learning methods, international curriculum like the IB PYP, Cambridge IGCSE, and IBDP, as well as a variety of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities that encompasses a holistic education.
Being a “School of the Future” enabled GIIS students to achieve global success
It’s not a coincidence that students from a “School of the Future” like GIIS are successful academically and beyond. The school’s Year 11 students won First Place at the 2022 JA Singapore Company of the Year Competition for its invention, Sensit Qube, and also bagged the Young Entrepreneur’s Choice Award at the same time.
The inception of Sensit Qube, a customisable sensory learning instrument for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), can be attributed to the school’s holistic and values-based education. GIIS’ Year 11 students were made aware of the challenges children with ASD and ADHD face through a visit to Saint Clare School for Special Education. Their empathy and astute understanding of the problem led the team to build a product to address the specific needs of these children.
Through market and product research, as well as regular consultation with their internal mentors from GIIS, external mentors, as well as Saint Clare School educators – the Sensit Qube was born.
Students learned soft skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and more.
Sensit Qube was prototyped, designed, and created in GIIS’ Design & Technology (D&T) lab. The D&T lab allows students to explore their ideas and experiment using different tools like 3D printers, electronic kits, high-end sewing machines, and design software like Sketch up and AutoCAD.
GIIS teachers also supported the team when needed: from clarifications on specific areas in this project, to the creation and marketing of the Qube. The Sensit team learned collaboration as well, as the team of 15 comprised students from different subject specialisations. For example: students who specialised in Technology built the Sensit website, Business students were in charge of the financials of the product, Design Technology students took care of the product design and production, and Psychology students helped with customer and market research, etc.
But these experience and skills are not exclusive to IBDP students alone. GIIS encourages skills like collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and agency from an early age. The school nurtures a sense of curiosity in all students from kindergarten through Grade 12 via a variety of hands-on learning activities, skills-based labs, and a holistic, well-balanced curriculum.
Want to visit this “School of the Future”?
GIIS welcomes families to visit its tech-enabled East Coast and SMART campuses. GIIS SMART Campus in Punggol is equipped with state-of-the-art skills-based labs, facilities, and high-end infrastructure; while its equally tech-empowered East Coast campus has extensive sports facilities in a sprawling green campus. Families can see for themselves how a “School of the Future” facilitates learning among its students, including giving them opportunities to develop as an individual and team contributor to succeed in this ever-changing world.
Schedule your visit to GIIS today!
This post is in partnership with Global Indian International School.