Finding a school for one child is no easy feat. Imagine trying to find a suitable one for three kids! Parents Ray and Laura McLaughlin share with us why they decided on Nexus International School (Singapore).
We all want the best for our children, including finding the right school for them. It’s especially tough in Singapore, due to the wide range of international schools on offer that each have their own unique values and acclaimed programs. And finding a school that can accommodate not one, not two, but all three of your children is no easy feat.
Well, thankfully for parents Ray and Laura McLaughlin and their three boys, Freddie, Max and Theo, assimilating into school life at Nexus International School (Singapore) was quite easy. Read on to find out what the McLaughlins love most about the school.
Hi Ray and Laura! Can you tell us more about yourself and the family?
Hello, HoneyKids! We have three boys, Freddie, Max and Theo. Freddie’s 10 years old and in Year 5, while Max and Theo are both four years old and in kindergarten.
Can you share why you decided to send your boys to Nexus?
We had several key criteria: We wanted the school we chose to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), provide an education for kids from nursery to high school, have a wide range of facilities and a diverse student population.
Ultimately, we picked Nexus because it had everything we were looking for and we knew it would suit our boys very well. Though we were hesitant in picking the school because of its campus relocation, the process was handled seamlessly. Plus, we are constantly impressed by the vast array of activities and events on offer, and we love that the school celebrates so many cultures and festivals, too!
That’s great! What do Freddie, Max and Theo love about attending school?
The boys love their teachers and teaching assistants at Nexus – they provide such a happy and nurturing environment with excellent teaching standards. Not only that, the kids have also responded really well to the IB style of education. Freddie, in particular, has been challenged, motivated and encouraged to become an independent and innovative learner.
How did Nexus help your children assimilate into the school?
Freddie was initially anxious, but his teacher was very helpful in helping him settle in quickly and happily. The school also assigned Freddie a buddy to show him the ropes around school… and Freddie has since been a buddy himself several times!
In the early days, Freddie was invited to join his brothers for lunch if he ever felt anxious. The worries are long gone, but he still visits them from time to time just for the fun of it!
As for Max and Theo, they instantly felt at home thanks to the warm and friendly staff and classmates in the Phase 1 department (Nursery and Kindergarten). It’s a colourful and happy spot to be.
Great! Can you tell us more about the school’s facilities?
Though Nexus had very good facilities at Ulu Pandan, the new campus at Aljunied is just fantastic. Our boys are all quite different, and the wide variety of options available to them has allowed them to follow their own interests. They have been encouraged to try new things, which they may not have considered if the facilities had not been there.
Freddie has also benefited greatly from the music department. As a result, his confidence has grown thanks to the encouragement of his music teachers, which I’m thankful for!
What does the school do to build a community for parents?
The school has an active, hardworking and dedicated community just for parents, called the Nexus Parent Group (NPG). The community organises events regularly, such as coffee mornings and workshops, which everyone is welcome to attend and/or help. Class representatives also invite new parents to join the class WhatsApp group so they can connect with other parents, too.
Personally, we’re excited to see the shared work space, the cafe and other facilities available for parents in the new campus!
Awesome! Lastly, what advice would you give other parents who are trying to pick a school?
We think it’s important to make a list of your key criteria for your family and start from there. Once you’ve filtered the options, be flexible and open-minded before making your final decision – you might be surprised as to which school feels right for you!
To find out about Nexus, get in touch with its admissions team to book a tour or email them at [email protected].
This post is sponsored by Nexus International School (Singapore).
