
On top of the high-quality education One World International School offers, the Bogaert family loves the school’s focus on core values like kindness and respect for diversity.
One World International School (OWIS) offers more than just the high- quality and holistic education that it’s well known for. The Bogaert family loves the school’s welcoming environment as well, which they have experienced since their very first visit. Though initially worried if their children could adapt to their new school, Ken and Inoka Bogaert were happy to see that OWIS’ staff went out of their way to ensure their children were comfortable from day one.
Read on to learn more about the Bogaert family’s experience with OWIS.
Hi Ken and Inoka! Can you tell us a little about your children who are attending OWIS?
We have three children attending OWIS Nanyang.
Luca (Grade 8) loves Humanities and is usually busy playing basketball after school. Olivia (Grade 6) discovered a passion for Math since she started attending OWIS; she enjoys playing the piano and sketching on her drawing pad. Noah (Grade 1) recently started skateboarding and is often practising different tricks at home.
What were the important factors for you when selecting a school for your children?
We looked at two things: the kind of education and the learning environment a school offers. We were looking for a school that takes a holistic approach to education.
As all three of our children have different characteristics and learn in different ways, we also want a school that recognises children as unique individuals, is able to cater to different learning styles, and supports their emotional well-being.
The diversity of the school was another important factor for us, as we’re a multicultural family. We want a school that can offer our children a safe space to embrace who they are and to be immersed in a global mindset.
What eventually led you to enrol your children at OWIS?
We chose OWIS for our children as it offers the kind of education we want for our children. The tuition fees are affordable, yet we could clearly see that there’s no compromise in the level and quality of teaching. The campus is also spacious, well equipped with both indoor and outdoor facilities.
OWIS also stood out for us because the staff were welcoming since our first visit. They are passionate about the school’s values and philosophies and are always ready to answer any questions.
How did they make your family feel welcome?
The school sent informative welcome emails to us before the start of school so we can help prepare our children for their first day. There were staff members waiting at the entrance when we arrived as well, who showed them to their classrooms. Their homeroom tutors had ice breaker activities organised for the whole class to get to know each other – this really helped our children make new friends. Noah’s Early Childhood teachers also helped him settle into the new environment with warm greetings every morning.
What curriculum does OWIS follow?
OWIS Nanyang follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme for Early Childhood and Primary School. Secondary school students follow the Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme.
Do Luca, Olivia, and Noah enjoy attending the school?
Absolutely! Our children look forward to seeing and learning together with their friends in OWIS. The school has provided them with a safe and nurturing learning environment where they can happily connect with friends and enjoy a positive experience.
Tell us more about the school’s facilities.
A highlight for us is OWIS Nanyang’s great outdoor space, which our children love to play in during their outdoor time.
Luca is always at the basketball court with his friends after finishing his snack and lunch. Olivia enjoys her Physical Education class, which is sometimes held in the Multi-purpose Hall when it’s too hot outside. Noah absolutely loves the shaded sandpit area, which is part of the Early Childhood section’s playground that’s recently been renovated.
How about your experience as parents – what’s the level of communication like, and is there a community for parents?
All parents receive weekly communications from the Head of School and Heads of Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary School. We personally look forward to reading these as it’s great to be informed of the current and upcoming events at school with personal insights from its educators. Teachers also provide weekly updates with photos and videos of the students’ school life.
In terms of community, OWIS has events that parents can join which is in line with its value of being a close community. There’s a regular Parent Partnership Series that we’re invited to, which OWIS uses to address important transitions for children, their learning experiences, a deeper look into the curriculum, as well as tools that parents can use to support their children’s learning journey. There are also coffee mornings for us to meet the Senior Leadership Team, invitations to class for knowledge sharing for the children’s Unit of Inquiry, and class presentations. Not forgetting all the celebrations held throughout the year, where parents are welcome to volunteer and help together with the Parent Committee.
We’ve heard lots of good things about OWIS from you! What’s the one thing that you value most about the school?
That it works as a community and focuses on its core values of kindness and respect for diversity.
We remember that our biggest concern was whether our children could integrate into the new school, but everyone here was so welcoming and resourceful in making sure they felt comfortable from the start. OWIS Nanyang has a true multicultural setting with students from different backgrounds. This allows our children to feel included straight away and excited to share about their first day with us. We also noticed that their desire for learning significantly increased. Our topics of conversation at the dinner table also broadened.
We would also like to dedicate a shoutout to the Early Childhood team for their amazing support and care for Noah. Our children have made friends easily and have grown fond of their teachers and staff. It’s lovely how teachers and staff all around the school greet you with a smile during drop-off in the morning.
Any tips for parents who are choosing a school for their children?
A few things to look out for:
- Find out about the curricula offered in different schools to see which is most suitable for your child.
- See if the school’s facilities accommodate your child’s needs.
- Location might be a factor some families want to consider as well.
With this, you can narrow down the list of potential schools and visit them. We feel that visiting schools is important as it can help you get a feel of the school’s environment.
Thank you for your time, Ken and Inoka!
This post is in partnership with One World International School.