ISS International School

What Makes ISS Different?

1) Small Class Size
Students benefit from the close interaction with teachers, made possible only by keeping a low student-to-teacher ratio. Class ratios at ISS International School (ISS) are consientiously kept low.

“It's a lot easier to make appointments with teachers as they have more time for you,” alumnus Ashmitha, describes. “As a result of the relationship you develop with them, they care a lot more about your comfort level with the subject and with you as a person.”

With such personalised attention, students are less likely to feel lost or unnoticed. Instead, they will be valued and nurtured as individuals under the watchful care of their teachers.

2) Customised Learning Journeys
With more focus on students as unique individuals, a small school is able to customise the learning journeys according to the needs and interests of its students. The close and authentic student-teacher interaction – a successful formula for ISS – enables the delivery of an education centred on students’ needs, to give students the best chance to realise their potential.

The progress of a student’s learning journey – including their interests, strengths and weaknesses, actions and behaviours – are all tracked frequently to influence the way the school plans and delivers its curriculum to help students excel. This bespoke approach allows students to thrive academically in the school curriculum.

As alumnus Camille, shares: “Of the five schools I have attended in two countries, I see a difference at ISS. It has a diverse range of classes and activities to accommodate different learner profiles. The teachers are always willing to help after school and between classes. I have known a teacher since Middle School and she still offers support to me.”

3) Passion in Teaching
The close student-teacher bonds do not only benefit the students’ learning and well-being at a small school. They also add to the sense of job fulfilment that the faculty and staff members experience, which in turn fuels their passion to shape the best learning experience for students.

Within a small school, faculty members are better able to form a close-knit, informal and supportive community while receiving more opportunities for professional training to improve their craft. One of the teachers at ISS shares that “we feel appreciated for the work done, compared to what I had experienced in my other teaching assignments. As a result, I feel fulfilled that my work is recognised and this gives a further boost to my passion to teach.”

At ISS, the passion is well-reflected in the teachers’ willingness to innovate in their teaching methodologies, to go beyond the call of duty to support students and to build lifelong friendships with students.

As Ashmitha observes: “The teachers are very passionate about their subjects and their teaching. They have been carefully selected to fit the requirements and the environment of the school. And yes, I can see that it is reflected in their zeal to educate their students. I can honestly say that I genuinely enjoy the majority of my classes because of the incredible support I have received from my teachers in those subjects.”

4) Big Fish, Small Pond
A small school is still able to offer an extensive range of extra-curricular and leadership activities to complement the academic subjects and holistically nurture the students’ personal development. But the difference is that there are more opportunities for students to get involved.

“A small school has the advantage of allowing children greater participation, especially in the leadership positions,” observes Ai Hoon, an ISS parent . “There are also more opportunities for them to represent the school in different events.”

Some students also share that it is much easier to take part in different sports. Small schools provide opportunities for beginners to learn the sport, instead of just choosing the best athletes to play.

5) Close-Knit Community
Finally, a small school is able to provide a safe and nurturing environment where faculty and staff know the students by name. They are thus able to care for the students’ well-being and address any bullying or emotional problems in a timely manner if the need arises.

At ISS, the close-knit community extends to including the parents of students. Involving the parents is integral to the students’ progress. In addition to receiving regular updates from the school, parents are frequently seen participating at student events.

While students appreciate the ‘family’ feel of the school, Malin, a parent, notes that the warm welcome received gave her a very good first impression of ISS International School. “The administrative staff members were very friendly and generous with their time in answering all our questions. They took great care in sorting out everything we needed, and this made us feel very welcome. We felt certain our children would feel at home here.”

Campus Unification at Preston Road

Join us in August 2020 at our lovingly restored and enhanced campus that reflects Singapore’s heritage and celebrates the diverse flora and fauna found amongst the treetops of Telok Blangah Hill National Park and the Southern Ridges.

Benefit from our bespoke approach to education with new and additional learning experiences that instill an appreciation of environmental sustainability as we bring together students from different school sections.

We are welcoming learners to experience school life in a truly unique learning environment that is inspiring from both an architectural and natural world perspective.

After receiving the excellent news that our lease has been extended on our Preston Campus, the ISS Board and management made the exciting decision to unify our school at our Preston Road Campus. This means that from August 2020 all of our grades K-12 will be located on Preston Campus.

The merged schools will operate from our existing High School Campus located on Preston Road, in a tranquil setting among the lush green background of the jungle, yet near the city centre of Singapore. Our surroundings provide a natural and safe background for both learning and an active school community life.

In preparation for this merger, major renovation and building works have taken place over the summer vacation and will continue during our fall, winter, spring and summer 2020 breaks. The completed works will result in a beautiful campus that reflects Singapore’s heritage and celebrates its diverse flora and fauna.

Our K-12 environment will also offer the opportunity to build on ISS’ long history and traditions and to strengthen our commitment to environmental sustainability. We will also be able to create new and additional learning experiences that bring together students from different school sections. As a result, we will be offering enhanced personalised learning and additional activities using our location that instil an appreciation of environmental sustainability and the importance of building a bright future by learning from the past.

The Preston Road Campus will continue to be an important focal point in Singapore’s Southern Corridor where future development plans have been underway in the Harbourfront districts further to the south in recent years. Our beautiful hilltop campus is only a 15 to 20 minute drive from Holland Village, Orchard Road and the CBD. ISS Preston Campus provides a serene and green environment in close proximity to the Southern Ridges Canopy Walkway and Henderson Waves, HortPark and the Art Cluster and dining outlets located at Gillman Barracks for students to work in a natural environment in the city.

From August this year, ISS has been holding information evenings for our families across all schools to share our vision for the school over the next years. In addition, we will be holding tours and sharing ongoing updates about our preparations for August 2020.

“Students, parents and staff will have opportunities over the coming year to hear more about our plans for our hilltop campus at Preston Road as well as to participate in events at the School to familiarise themselves with this Heritage Building and the unique green space it is nestled amongst,” says Deputy CEO Mun-E Chan, who will be overseeing much of the renovation and development work in her expanded role in Administration Leadership.

Head of School, Dr. Margaret Alvarez is equally excited: This development offers a unique opportunity for students to experience school life in a truly unique learning environment that is inspiring from both an architectural and natural world perspective. We also have an amazing opportunity to build on our family culture and bespoke approach to education”.

ISS CEO Mrs. Chan Ching Oi, states that she is incredibly pleased that ISS will now be unified in our unique location that sits within a designated National Park. Furthermore, she hopes that the school will continue to be a magnet for expatriate families looking for an inclusive and nurturing education close to the popular central Singapore neighbourhoods.

Preparatory Course for High School

This course prepares students for entry into either IBMYP G9 or G10, and subsequently to gain entry into the IBDP, G11and 12. Students undergo intensive English instruction, taught by teachers specialised in accelerating English language learning, and also learn mathematics, science, humanities, arts and physical education.

Diagnostic tools found within specialised English language programmes help pinpoint each students’ area of need. This allows progress to be monitored throughout the programme to maximise their ability to quickly learn the skills and language necessary for entry into the MYP.
Please contact our Admissions Team at +65 6475 4188 or [email protected] for details.