GIIS Parent Testimonial: Dipti and Prantik’s Family | HoneyKids Asia
Leaving one’s country behind, and trying to make a new home in a foreign one, is a hard monumental step. We can only imagine! For many families, maintaining some ties to their cultural roots can make all the difference for an easier transition. This was especially true for Dipti and Prantik, who moved to Singapore from India with their son Ayaan. When searching for a school, they were delighted to find Global Indian International School (GIIS), an international school that embraces cultural values whilst offering a global curriculum.
Even more so, they were taken by GIIS’ holistic approach to learning, and how it makes use of technology — like learning portals and Skills Studios labs — to boost learning. Here’s what they shared.
What were the most important factors for you in selecting a school, and what was the ultimate deciding factor that led you to choosing GIIS?
As we moved to Singapore from India, we wanted an international school that had strong Indian values. Not only did GIIS have that, but it also offered a global curriculum with the option of learning Hindi as a second language.
We especially liked having the option of both the International Baccalaureate Primary Year Program (IBPYP) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) India curricula. We went with the former, as we find that its learning material takes a great holistic approach that meets the needs of the modern world.
In addition, a highlight was GIIS’ good sports infrastructure, as our son is very passionate about cricket, table tennis, and badminton. What eventually sealed the deal was hearing very good reviews from our close friends whose children attend the school.
How has the school lived up to your expectations?
We’re very happy with GIIS. The teachers have been very involved, and the teaching approach is tailored for each student depending on their learning ability. We love seeing how the students are involved in many projects that require critical thinking and creativity.
It’s also heartening to see the students partake in international cultural activities, such as UN Day and Chinese New Year, throughout the term. We find that these really help to give the children a good global perspective.
Overall, we value GIIS’ safe and nurturing learning environment; and how it balances academics, sports, and other extra-curricular activities.
What does the school do in terms of building a community for parents?
We receive regular updates through the Toddle app and myGIIS portal. This keeps us informed about the latest school happenings.
Community-wise, we’ve made friends with other parents through regular coffee meets hosted by GIIS. We’re particularly impressed by how the school organises regular guest lectures by experts which are open to all parents to attend. On top of these lectures, the school also organises regular webinars for parents, which cover relevant topics like child nutrition, mental health, and communication. We’ve even been encouraged to participate and compete in events like sports days!
What does your family appreciate most about GIIS?
When Ayaan first joined GIIS, Ms. Basha (his class teacher) took a lot of care in helping him to settle in. This personal touch was very reassuring for us as working parents, and this has been a regular feature as he progresses through the grades.
We love the attention to detail in the classroom as well. The research-based component of the IB curriculum is something that Ayaan looks forward to, as it fuels his curiosity. He has been given various leadership opportunities — be it as a class representative or as a captain of his house cricket team — which has boosted his confidence tremendously.
The facilities are great too, from GIIS SMART Campus’ sports and cultural facilities to the digital-enabled learning rooms, labs, and libraries. A special mention goes to the Grab-n-Go canteen, which makes it easy for students to purchase a meal by just tapping their school card.
What advice would you give other parents trying to choose a school?
We would say go and visit the school, meet the teachers, and also have a word with the current students to get a good understanding of the learning methodology, school infrastructure, and environment. It’s important that they choose a school that fits their child’s unique needs and wants.
Thanks for sharing all this with us, Dipti and Prantik!
This post is in partnership with Global Indian International School.
