The Van Der Vlies family wanted an academically selective school with great pastoral care – and they found it in North London Collegiate School (Singapore).
When the Van Der Vlies family moved to Singapore two years ago, Pamela and her husband wanted to replicate their daughters’ Sydney schooling experience here. They were looking for a school that’s academically selective, provides personalised learning plans for each student, big on pastoral care, has a wide range of enrichment programmes, and one that isn’t too large.
Speaking of their school-searching journey, Pamela said that her family was “blown away” when they visited North London Collegiate School (NLCS) (Singapore). The school curriculum, programmes, and facilities impressed them, but most importantly, the Van Der Vlies felt that they were more than “just a number” to the school.
Pamela shares why NLCS (Singapore) became the family’s first choice, what they love about it, and how school life is treating her daughters so far.
What made you choose NLCS (Singapore) for your daughters, Pamela?
We were drawn to the academic rigour at NLCS (Singapore), and were also impressed by the facilities, enrichment opportunities, as well as the qualifications and backgrounds of the teachers.
Our daughters attended an academically selective school with excellent pastoral care in Sydney, so we wanted to replicate that environment as much as possible for them. We were also looking for a school that is able to provide each student with personalised learning plans, as well as having music and creative enrichment programmes. Adding on to that, we were keen to find a school that isn’t too large as schools in Sydney are a lot smaller than the international schools in Singapore.
NLCS (Singapore) ticked all the boxes and felt just right. The school has such a warm and inviting feeling which made us feel relaxed and welcomed instantly during the first visit.
Was the school’s curriculum a deciding factor as well?
We love that the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is largely based on that of NLCS (UK), encourages students to set personal goals, self-evaluate, think critically, and learn through inquiry-based teaching. There is no limit on the curriculum: teachers write their own programmes of study which inspire students and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to take the subjects further.
Our daughters in Grades 7 and 9 are currently doing the IB Middle Years Programme, which stands them in a good stead for the Diploma Programme later on. We appreciate the continuity NLCS (Singapore) offers in this aspect as it will make the transition smoother and less challenging.
Tell us more about the community – how did NLCS (Singapore) make your family feel welcomed?
NLCS (Singapore) has a fantastic events team that organises an array of community events for families to connect and form meaningful relationships with the school and other families. Having been part of the school community for two years, we’ve seen cultural events for Lunar New Year and Deepavali; grand ones like the NLCS Music Festival, Christmas Fair, and Charity Gala; as well as fun ones like curry and quiz night, pilates, and movie nights.
The school also gave our daughters a warm welcome by allowing them to meet their tutors and other new students during orientation morning, which was held before the start of the school year. The girls also had ‘buddies’ assigned to them to help them settle, gain new friends, show them around the school, and make them feel supported.
What are some of the things that your daughters like about their school?
They love the wide variety of enrichment opportunities at NLCS (Singapore), such as the musical theatre, drama and musical productions, open mic performances, and sports. There are also many clubs and societies that they can participate in – eg. Pacha Club, Medical Society, Creative Hearts Society – which allows them to interact with peers from across the school, learn new skills, and demonstrate empathy while having fun.
Our daughters also enjoy the facilities. They get to use the 3D printers, laser cutters, and other high tech machines in the arts department for their creative projects. The girls also benefit from the sports facilities, like playing social football at the outdoor field, basketball and rock-climbing in the indoor gymnasium, and swimming lessons in the outdoor swimming pool. The girls have the chance to use the music and drama facilities as well, including black box rooms and recording studios. There’s the library too, one of their favourite places, that’s stocked with a huge selection of books.
Last but not least, our girls enjoy making friends from all around the world and learning different languages through them in NLCS (Singapore). They have engaging and inspirational teachers, as well as lectures that broaden their knowledge beyond the classroom.
What’s the level of communication like?
Communication with the school has been great. We receive the Buss Brief every week, a newsletter containing a wealth of information: including upcoming events, sports fixtures, and recent results. NLCS (Singapore) celebrates every student’s achievements with a student highlights newsletter every few weeks too.
Our communication with the girls’ teachers and tutors are always prompt. Parent-teacher conferences, information evenings, and presentations are regularly organised as well to keep parents informed.
It sounds like you’ve found a great school for your daughters!
We did. NLCS (Singapore) provides our girls with floors, not ceilings. Their teachers inspire and empower our girls to strive for their personal best with enriching learning experiences, all the while ensuring that they’re cared for. The girls are provided with unwavering support and encouragement by their wonderful teachers. Extra support is always available, and the teachers are always approachable, even going beyond the usual parent-teacher conferences. The pastoral care provided is really exceptional too, as students have access to counsellors, careers guidance experts, and personal and social education programmes at all times.
Do you have any advice for parents who are still looking for a school?
Take your time to visit each of your shortlisted schools to get a firsthand experience. You’ll also want to seek advice and opinions from other parents about the schools. Ultimately, it’s about choosing a school that is right for your child, because a school that’s great for one child may not be a good fit for another.
Thank you for speaking to us, Pamela!
This post is in partnership with North London Collegiate School (Singapore).
