We spoke to two families to find out why they decided to re-enrol their children at Chatsworth International School again after their departure…
It’s not unusual for parents to switch schools for their children. However, it’s quite rare to re-enrol children back at their previous school after some time away. Olivia Hornsleth and siblings Emily and Matilda Miu are three students who fall into the latter category. Their families decided to return to Chatsworth International School after spending a few years in different schools (including one that follows the Singapore national curriculum).
So what is it about Chatsworth that appeals to these families to make them pick the school not once but twice? We had the chance to speak to both Olivia as well as Emily and Matilda’s parents to find out.
Chatsworth has always been the Miu family’s first choice
“It was a real wrench to leave Chatsworth,” said Jo and Tom Miu, Emily and Matilda’s parents. After the school moved to Bukit Timah from its previous location in Orchard, the family decided to switch as Chatsworth was further away for them. Three years later, the family decided to revisit the school to see if it was a viable long-term education option for their girls.
It was love at first sight all over again.
“We decided then and there that it was the right school for us… again! We love the family feel Chatsworth has, which hasn’t changed. Many of the teachers and pupils are still there, which we feel shows what a lovely school it is,” Jo and Tom said. The Mius also mentioned that a member of the Admissions team remembered the girls from their earlier Chatsworth days. She took the initiative to give the girls a walk down memory lane through the school’s yearbooks, pointing out the teachers and students whom they might remember from its Orchard days. According to the Mius, this helped their girls settle back, making the transition back to Chatsworth really easy.
Olivia’s return was driven by a need for a more hands-on learning environment
After spending nearly nine years in a local school, Olivia felt she needed a change in her learning environment. “I felt that the local system wasn’t working for me,” she said, explaining that she learns better when the lessons have real-world connections. “My favourite aspect about Chatsworth is how hands-on the school is. We aren’t expected to grind through the whole lesson. Here, we have occasional games to evaluate our learning, which is a fun and different way of evaluating our academic progress, rather than only through tests and exams,” she added.
Although she joined midway in Year 10, Olivia found the transition back to Chatsworth surprisingly easy. “It was not as hard as I thought it would be! Everyone was very welcoming, which made it all the easier. Chatsworth also helped to smoothen the transition by providing a student orientation and school tour, as well as assigning a buddy to me, which helped me meet more friends. The school also arranged for me to visit a counsellor, who helped ensure that I’m settling well,” she said.
A school with an inspiring environment
From its jungle campus and focus on arts and performing, to providing a hands-on, yet relaxing learning environment – Chatsworth has everything that Olivia and the Miu siblings need to thrive. Most importantly, the school has a very supportive and welcoming atmosphere that allows every student – whether they’re new or returning – to feel right at home.
Parents who are keen to explore Chatsworth as a school option for their child can book a campus tour to experience what it has to offer. Alternatively, you can take a virtual tour of the campus from wherever you are right now!
This post is in partnership with Chatsworth International School