The “kampong” experience is something unique to ISS International School, which it uses to foster respect, open-mindedness, and community spirit among students.
You’ve probably heard of the term “kampong spirit” being used in Singapore. This refers to a sense of community and solidarity that’s integral to daily life in the Little Red Dot. Interestingly, ISS International School incorporates this spirit of community that’s unique to Southeast Asia into its school experience. The school believes that this local “kampong” experience, coupled with the global International Baccalaureate curriculum that it offers, enhances its students’ learning experience.
A quick lowdown on the word “kampong”
“Kampong” is Malay for “village”, usually used to refer to a traditional village setting in Southeast Asia. It’s also used to describe a neighbourhood of people with a strong sense of community. ISS takes inspiration from this local social phenomenon to foster a spirit of togetherness and respect among its students.
What the kampong experience looks like in ISS
ISS students start the school day with Kampong Time. This is an opportunity for them to share their passions, perspectives, and projects with their classmates. ISS is home to a culturally diverse community, and Kampong Time is an enriching experience for all. Through learning about one another’s cultures and gaining different perspectives, students not only acquire new knowledge but also develop an understanding of the value of keeping an open mind and showing respect towards each other’s differences.
The kampong experience also develops a student’s social and emotional awareness towards global issues. For example, ISS’ Primary Years Programme (PYP) students demonstrated empathy and a clear understanding of the severity of the rice shortage issue faced by neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. The students applied critical thinking skills and worked together to come up with an action plan for farmers, which will be shared on the United Nations website soon. This initiative by the PYP students demonstrates how a strong sense of community can empower students to take meaningful action in addressing issues and creating positive change.
A school experience that enables learning and fosters global thinkers
ISS is a school committed to developing socially responsible and globally-minded individuals, and the kampong experience incorporated into school life has been crucial in achieving this goal. This experience has fostered a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for students. The Student Action Leadership Team at ISS has played a significant role in this regard by spearheading various initiatives. For instance, the team is currently working on launching an entrepreneurship program for girls, promoting collaborative learning across students of different levels to cultivate innovative and creative leaders within the ISS community. By empowering students to take charge and make a difference, the Student Action Leadership Team is setting an excellent example of leadership and social responsibility for the rest of the ISS community to follow.
Keen to see the kampong experience in action for yourself? You can contact ISS’ Admissions Team to find out more or arrange a school tour for the family.
This post is in partnership with ISS International School.