In their search for a school that can provide their children with a holistic education, Lawrence and Victoria Ang found just that in One World International School Digital Campus in Punggol. What’s more, it has a diverse and kind school community as well.
When it comes to education, Lawrence and Victoria Ang are firm believers that a holistic approach is best for their children. They wanted a school that nurtures the whole child: academically as well as socio-emotionally. Impressed by their first impression of One World International School (OWIS), the Angs enrolled their children Noah and Solana at its Digital Campus – and they have lots of great things to share about the school. Here’s the family’s review of OWIS Digital Campus in Punggol.
What’s your first impression of OWIS?
Our first impression of OWIS was very positive. We wanted a school that offers a holistic approach to education, with a balanced focus on both academic excellence and the socio-emotional development of our children. We enjoyed our interactions with the school leadership and the tour of the facilities when we visited OWIS Digital Campus at Punggol.
The specialised learning spaces – STEAM lab, music and art rooms, black box theatre – and tech-enabled environment showed us that OWIS places a strong emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and experiential learning. We also appreciated the availability of many playgrounds and modern sports facilities here.
Holistic education aside, are there any other factors that made OWIS stand out?
OWIS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, including the IB Primary Years Programme, which is one of our key criteria when choosing a school. We also understand that students in OWIS’ secondary school follow the IB Diploma Programme from Grade 11 onwards. The fees are also reasonable, which is something we value.
How were Noah and Solana’s first days at OWIS? Did the school make them feel welcome?
Yes, OWIS made Noah and Solana feel genuinely welcomed from the very beginning. The orientation on their first day of school allowed us to familiarise ourselves with the environment and meet the teachers. It was also a great opportunity for our children to meet their classmates. This was especially meaningful to us, as we had just moved from the Philippines, and OWIS is our children’s first school in Singapore. It eased our initial anxieties and created a sense of belonging for our children.
It also helped that the teachers planned activities to encourage children to share about their previous schools or countries in the first few weeks. Solana’s class in Early Childhood 3 even displayed every student’s family photos throughout the school year. All these little but meaningful gestures made our children feel comfortable and at ease in their new school.
What’s your favourite aspect of OWIS?
We love that OWIS makes learning feel exciting and meaningful for Noah and Solana. We love how they look forward to attending school every day, and come home eager to share what they’ve learned and experienced in class.
We also appreciate how OWIS recognises and supports their unique interests. The school has an athletic programme that nurtures and develops Noah’s passion for sports, especially football. Solana’s love for art and music is also encouraged and celebrated in her specialist classes.
Besides that, we love that OWIS cultivates a love for reading among children. Our children get weekly library visits and participate in engaging Book Week activities. We’re also impressed with the expansive selection of books in the school library. It’s these things that made us feel confident that we’ve chosen the right school for them, seeing that OWIS values not just academics but creativity, confidence, and joy in learning.
Does the school keep you updated about Noah and Solana’s progress, as well as school events?
Yes, we get regular updates from our children’s teachers, as well as from the Head of School and Head of Early Childhood and Primary School. Noah and Solana’s homeroom teachers share weekly summaries along with photos and videos on Toddle to highlight what they’ve learned. It’s heartwarming for us as parents to see glimpses of our children engaged in their daily school activities, and it helps us stay connected to their learning progress.
The Leadership team at OWIS Digital Campus in Punggol share weekly letters on important announcements, reminders, as well as updates about upcoming school events. Overall, we feel informed, involved, and confident that our children are well supported at OWIS.
Is parent involvement welcomed at OWIS?
Very much so, OWIS organises many events, celebrations, and collaborative activities that encourage parent involvement. Book Week, Chinese New Year, and International Day are some great examples of how the school provides meaningful opportunities for us to engage with one another. It’s also a chance for us to experience the diversity that makes the OWIS community so vibrant, while letting us interact among families. We also like how the OWIS Parent Community serves as a bridge between parents and the school.
Any advice for parents who are looking for a school for their children?
Look beyond academics and consider how well a school can support your children’s overall growth. The curriculum offered can be a good gauge for this: see if it aligns with your children’s learning style, future goals, and family values. Location and proximity to home is important too, as a shorter commute allows for more family time, more rest time for your children, and more opportunities for after-school activities. Most importantly, we believe that children should be involved in the decision-making process. It’s best to visit the school together as a family so you can see how your children feel about the environment, teachers, and facilities. When children feel happy, comfortable, and inspired, it sets the foundation for a truly positive learning journey.
With that, we recommend families that want a high quality, well-rounded education without breaking the bank to check out OWIS. The school’s warm and inclusive community makes it an excellent choice for families who are new to Singapore too.
Thanks for sharing, Lawrence and Victoria!
This post is in partnership with One World International School.
