Your little one is growing up faster than you know it, and next up? Choosing a preschool in Singapore. If you’re looking for a unique educational experience, here’s one that should really be on your shortlist.
To all parents: congratulations on making it through the initial stage! It definitely hasn’t been easy, so give yourselves a well-deserved pat on the back. Now that your child is approaching 18 months, it’s time for the next big step: choosing a preschool in Singapore.
Did you know that there’s an ECDA-certified international preschool in Singapore that wows with a diverse environment, and welcomes both local and foreign students? We’re talking about Lorna Whiston, which was established in 1980. That makes it the oldest preschool brand in Singapore, with over 70,000 alumni. Imagine that!
So, what makes Lorna Whiston so different from other preschools?
1. A curriculum similar to that of international schools
It’s all about keeping things fun and engaging, and learning through play is one of the key factors to keep the little bubs captivated. Beyond the commonly-used ECDA framework, Lorna Whiston goes a step further with a curriculum that includes music, sports, art, speech and drama, and Chinese cultural studies.
This means that you’ll actually get a curriculum similar to those in top-end international schools, with more subject exposure than the typical preschool. How awesome does that sound?
2. Novel programmes
This isn’t your typical cookie-cutter curriculum, mind you! Lorna Whiston has got a whole line-up of unique classes that the students will definitely love.
For example, besides sports lessons led by Singapore’s former National Coach for youth gymnastics, there’s even taekwondo thrown into the mix. Here’s the golden opportunity for students to pick up valuable defence skills, enhance their physical strength, and improve their cognitive function. Respect is a big part of taekwondo as well, as students learn to respect themselves and their teammates.
If you have a little bookworm in the family, they’ll love the 1:1 bespoke reading programme! It’s the only one of its kind in Singapore, where a teacher sits with each child to guide them through a book of their choice. They’ll explore a wide range of topics, and be transported to various worlds through their imagination.
Budding artists can’t get enough of the Art Masterclasses, where they’ll deep-dive into artworks from different cultures and eras. They’ll experiment with all types of art materials, and try different techniques like painting, sculpture, mosaics, nature art, and more. Students will even get to attend fun workshops during term breaks!
Lorna Whiston’s renowned Speech & Drama lessons also do wonders for building up speaking confidence. The program is split into age-appropriate tiers and revolves around four C’s: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Lessons are super fun, where students interact with various characters during ‘drama land adventures’, and go all out in the pretend play areas. Students eventually build up to the level where they’ll take examinations with Trinity College London. How’s that for dressing up their portfolio?
3. International team of teachers
We’re just going to put it out there: while having a good curriculum helps set the tone for learning, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Look at it like a doctor in surgery: no matter how good the surgical tools are, the operation’s success ultimately depends on the surgeon’s expertise. Similarly, in any school, how well the actual lessons are conducted is dependent on the teachers.
Honed experts at their craft, Lorna Whiston’s teachers are truly the stars of the show. Due to their diverse backgrounds, they can easily spark conversations about different cultures. This, in turn, encourages open discussions and creative thinking.
Being the only ECDA-certified preschool where English is taught exclusively by native English speakers from the U.S., Australia, and the U.K., lessons ensure that your child develops the right mouth and tongue movements from a young age, and make them habits for life. Building the right foundation is key, and you can be sure that Lorna Whiston will give your child all the right building blocks for long-term success!
The cherry on top? Lorna Whiston is the only preschool where key lessons are taught by internationally-acclaimed and skilled subject specialists. Imagine having a music teacher who graduated from Guildhall and performed in Europe’s leading orchestras; or an art teacher who’s the national scholar for art, and taught the subject at Rhode Island School of Design!
This means that rather than just touching the surface, students can have an in-depth learning and understanding of whatever they learn. Say hello to a top-notch education, plus great fun all around! It’s all about giving our precious kids as many opportunities as we can, and where better to start than at school?
4. A nurturing teaching style
Having an international team of teachers at Lorna Whiston helps bring about a very different teaching culture. With a teaching team that’s made up of more than 10 different nationalities, students get a truly global experience. Take a look at Lorna Whiston teachers in action to see what we mean.
Lessons are always fun and engaging, and students are encouraged to speak up and join discussions. Being a confident speaker is part of the Lorna Whiston DNA!
5. Exposure to a wide range of activities
In line with their international approach to education, Lorna Whiston believes in helping students gain as much exposure to life as possible, even outside the school walls.
On top of frequent outdoor trips, every Friday is set aside for fun activities and get-together sessions. Think: family Zumba sessions, parent-child baking contests, superhero-themed days, and even a disco dance-off.
Take a look at what student life is like at Lorna Whiston!
Plus, watch the little ones flourish in dedicated music rooms and art studios, and break out some moves at the indoor sports gymnasium. For greater convenience, Lorna Whiston has branches all over Singapore too — including a gorgeous campus at Hort Park. Wanna know more? Book a school tour here.
Choose the right preschool in Singapore, and we guarantee that your kid will love the entire experience. Best of luck!
This post is in partnership with Lorna Whiston.