Who knew that an IB education was suitable for young learners too? We spoke to the experts to find out more.
Think of an International Baccalaureate (IB) education, and older students completing the IB Diploma Programme at 18 years naturally come to mind. However, did you know that children can be exposed to the IB track as early as preschool? We spoke with Ms Rashmi Tourani, Head of Early Childhood and Primary at One World International School Nanyang Campus, on how this young exposure will benefit kids between the ages of three and 11:
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m from Hong Kong and have over 10 years of experience teaching Secondary and Primary English at prestigious international schools. Sometimes, I can’t believe that it’s been a decade! I’ve been with OWIS Nanyang since 2018, making it six years now.
I started as a Primary Grade 5 teacher, before becoming IB PYP Coordinator, then Senior Coordinator for Teaching and Learning for Early Childhood and Primary. Since 2023, I’ve been the Head of Early Childhood and Primary.
The Early Childhood and Primary years are a stage that I hold incredibly close to my heart. I believe that children benefit from an effective learning environment that stimulates and nurtures individual growth, and that’s exactly what OWIS Nanyang strives towards.
How does an IB World School like OWIS Nanyang benefit kids and pre-teens?
The IB path offers a well-rounded education that helps children build important academic and teamwork skills right from the get-go. The IB Primary Years Programme for Early Childhood and Primary School encourages students to connect what they learn in different subjects to real-world situations, helping them think critically and solve problems creatively.
An IB education also focuses on developing good character and a sense of responsibility. From a young age, students will learn to be open-minded, caring, and aware of global issues. This results in students who will adapt well to — and succeed in! — both school and life.
Can you share some examples of what students will experience as part of the IB PYP?
I enjoy walking around the campus every day to learn alongside the students and often observe them in action. I recently watched Grade 5 students imagine themselves as early settlers on a new island, which sparked fascinating discussions about the essential elements of a civilisation. They were tasked to establish a community that would not only survive but thrive to the point that their teacher would want to move there. I was so intrigued that I stayed for the entire lesson!
In Grade 3, students were using cardboard to design prototypes of artificial limbs as part of a lesson about skeletal and muscular systems. This, in turn, prompted them to think about how technological advancement aids physically-impaired individuals, and the role of technology in our lives. Students were also pushed to think about what sets creation apart from innovation and evaluate how their designs could be further enhanced for better functionality.
In the Early Childhood block, students were immersing themselves in imaginative play. They used augmented reality and graphic tools to explore themes like space and transportation, and were having the best time! They simply loved seeing their ideas brought to life right in front of their eyes.
What sets OWIS Nanyang apart from other schools in Singapore?
We have a diverse international community, which comprises children from different cultural backgrounds, nationalities, and languages. This creates a vibrant environment, where students can share and celebrate different perspectives and experiences.
We also have a fantastic campus, with both indoor and outdoor spaces that come together to form an enriching learning environment. For example, the Early Childhood and Grade 1 block has shared discovery areas for collaborative work and play, providing opportunities for students to interact with peers from different ages and backgrounds.
Children should, first and foremost, be children — and OWIS Nanyang goes all out to allow them to do so. They learn through play in beautiful outdoor spaces, such as a sandpit, water play area, and playground. The Primary block also has a garden, which is the perfect space for nature walks, scavenger hunts, and more. Nature is very much a part of learning here at our school!
Thanks for sharing all this with us, Ms Tourani!
Want to learn more? Sign up for the weekly tour of Early Childhood and Primary Grades at OWIS Nanyang led by Ms Tourani. This tour is scheduled every Wednesday morning, where you’ll have the chance to see the school and find out about its holistic education approach.
This post is in partnership with One World International School.
