Curious about the inner workings of Sir Manasseh Meyer International School, and what you or or your child can expect? Here’s the lowdown.
Looking for a fantastic all-rounded and values-driven international school to enrol your child in? We’ve found just the place. Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS) is all about cultivating wonder in our young inquisitive minds. With over 30 nationalities in one school (imagine that!), it aims to instil a global outlook in its students whilst celebrating their individuality.
On the academic front, SMMIS offers a thorough programme from preschool all the way to secondary school. It follows the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy for preschools, International Primary Curriculum (IPC), and International Middle Years Curricula (IMYC); as well as the British National Curriculum Literacy and Singapore Maths Curriculum. It also offers the Cambridge iGCSE’s in grades nine and 10.
Besides being a non-profit outfit, SMMIS prides itself on its values-based approach. Other than its bespoke international curriculum, the school is also small by design. A smaller student body and close-knit community means a low staff-to-student ratio — it’s a win-win!
Wanna know what else makes SMMIS so special? Here’s what makes it shine.
1. Professional mentorship programme
Having good teachers can make all the difference. SMMIS takes it up a notch by collaborating with the wider Singapore community to pair students up with high-profile professionals. We’re talking about exclusive one-to-one TedX-style mentoring sessions with skilled professionals from various fields, such as technology, business, social change, media, community, and innovation.
This aligns with the school’s growth mindset, where 21st-century skills and opinions are imparted to students. Students are encouraged to look forward to the future, shaping up to become independent and resilient risk-takers. And yes, they are encouraged to make mistakes – and learn from them! Failure is all part of learning here at SMMIS, with the subsequent learning opportunities paving the pathway to further growth.
2. New and improved co-curriculars
It’s not all about the academics here at SMMIS! Students are encouraged to participate in exciting co-curriculars for a holistic education. The speech and drama club, in particular, has partnered with the Centre Stage School of Arts to offer new stagecraft training and acting workshops.
Students can take part in classic activities like competitive swimming (the swim team has even competed in national competitions!), badminton, basketball, soccer, volleyball, bouldering, and chess. Or, how about jazzing it up with unique co-curriculars like boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, coding, or K-pop dance? For the musically inclined kids, there’s also a nifty music appreciation programme where students learn how to play the cajon, ukulele, and the keyboard. For further exposure, the school has a musical ensemble on top of regular lunchtime concerts.
3. Students’ welfare is the top priority
Growing up can be tough. We’ve all been there! Childhood and adolescence are two crucial parts of development, each with their own fair share of ups and downs. Children might need a little extra support during these stages, especially as navigating these challenges may take a toll on mental health. SMMIS recognises the need to check in with its students, and goes all out to help by providing a safe and supportive environment.
We know it can be tough for kids to fully open up to teachers or any adults — SMMIS has hence designated a group of students to become mental health ambassadors. It also conducts the Cambridge Mental Health check every year.
That’s not all: mindfulness is a big part of SMMIS’ approach! Every morning, students participate in a mindfulness practice like yoga or meditation.
Besides participating in a Wellbeing Mental Health Check every year, students also have access to various student services like free, professional, and confidential counselling services (at no additional cost). On top of that, the school counsellor maintains a close relationship with teachers and the leadership team to provide a full suite of support for each student.
All this is overseen by the Inclusion Department, which takes special care of students with additional needs. There is also a nurse onsite every day. All in all, awareness is key, and SMMIS educates its students by including the subject of ‘personal, social, and health education’ in the curriculum.
And, as they say, a happy gut does lead to a happier mind. To boost overall well-being, the school has a culinary team that prepares freshly hot lunch made food for the students each day (which is included in the school fees)!
4. A range of enrichment opportunities
The world is our classroom, and that couldn’t be more true at SMMIS. The students are given countless avenues to explore and grow, including social action projects; overnight outward-bound field trips; and, the star of the show, an overseas Service Journey in Southeast Asia for secondary school students.
To further widen students’ perspectives, SMMIS has close relations with both local and overseas organisations. This includes the Singapore Science Centre, the IRO, and World ORT, which provides staff collaboration and conference opportunities, such as ‘AI in Education’ held in London this November. Indeed, interfaith is a big part of the school culture — Ms Elaine, SMMIS’ Principal, recently sat on a panel organised by Hash Peace, along with the Deputy Ambassador from the UAE.
STEAM is a big part of the school’s innovative Makerspace programme, which encompasses aspects like programming and 3D printing. As part of this programme, students are also given the chance to participate in STEAM enrichment courses by Tel Aviv University and the Technion: the Israel Institute of Technology. How cool is that!
5. Deep commitment to service learning
SMMIS believes that as members of a global community, each student has a role to play in making the world a better place. SMMIS is committed to healing the world, and service learning is seen as an integral part of school life. The school also places heavy emphasis on values like kindness, justice, equality, and community. Sounds super wholesome, huh?
Secondary students also take on the National Youth Achievement Award, where they complete tasks related to service learning, outdoor appreciation, and healthy living. Throughout their time at SMMIS, students are also exposed to various charity and volunteering opportunities, where they do their part by giving back to the community.
And, how could SMMIS forget about the parents? SMMIS fosters strong rapport with parents, partnering with them to form a team to ensure that each and every child becomes the best that they can be.
Keen to know more? Book a school tour with SMMIS.
This post is in partnership with Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS).
