Established preschool The Schoolhouse is not only known for pioneering bilingual immersion for the early years – it’s got an amazing team and curriculum to boot…
Hunting for a good preschool is no mean feat. There are so many options on our little island, and you want to get it right the first time around. After all, this is where your child officially begins schooling life! With possibly two decades of learning ahead for him or her, a preschool that instils a love for learning is so important. And that’s exactly what The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees (formerly Pat’s Schoolhouse) aims to achieve. Here, we give you the lowdown on why this is a great place for your little person to kick off his or her schooling life.
Pioneering preschool bilingualism
We can all agree that it’s so much easier to pick up a language as a child than in adulthood. Being effectively bilingual starts from a young age, and it’s becoming an essential skill that’s sought after in the working world. Which is why we applaud The Schoolhouse by Busy Bee’s foresight in introducing bilingual immersion to the preschool industry all the way back in 1988, at their first centre at Whitley Road. Till today, an equal exposure to both Mandarin and English is encouraged, with a unique approach to lessons. Both English and Mandarin language teachers are co-partners in the same class, and they interact with pupils in their respective languages throughout the day.
The school’s bilingual curriculum is anything but formulaic – it follows a thematic approach in which children are exposed to a broad array of topics in both languages. Subjects covered range from the humanities like Art, History, Geography, and Literature to Natural Science and Mathematics.
Getting children off their butts!
Don’t expect students to be stuck to their desks all day here! The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees boasts a varied curriculum that’s all about active learning and embracing the joys of being young. There’s a huge emphasis on learning through play, with activities like cooking, dramatic play, music and movement, art and craft, and physical education being weaved into lessons. A focus on inquiry-based learning also means that children are challenged to work those brain cells. Case in point: The School Induction Programme (SIP),which prepares K2 children for primary school through independent problem-solving and working with team members. Exploratory activities like field trips are also conducted to reinforce themes taught in class.
Passionate people
Of course, all this is done by an amazing team of educators comprised of graduates, experienced local and overseas qualified professionals, and former primary school teachers. Your child’s education is just as important to teachers as it is to you. We had the chance to chat with Ada Teo, Principal of The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees Tanglin and Prinsep, and she absolutely gushed about her team and her love for leading the school. “I love seeing the children feeling happy, learning and interacting with one another and the adults around them,” she says. “I am always thankful to my teachers who are my front-liners: they give selflessly to the children and are passionate and patient in wanting the best for them. I am nothing without them.”
Enrolment for 2018 is now open! Find out more at its website and head down to any of their centres to check them out.
This post is sponsored by The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees (formerly Pat’s Schoolhouse).
