Whether your children know exactly which career path they want to take or it’s just too soon to be sure, Tanglin Trust supports students in making the choices at school that are right for them. We talk with Julie Barlow, Assistant Headteacher, about the fantastic dual pathway system at Tanglin.
When looking for a school for your children, you’ll no doubt have a list of must-haves. For young children, the biggest priority might be finding a nurturing preschool with a strong sense of community. For older children, the choice is often dictated by what they want to do after graduating, and therefore whether the school offers A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Dip). Tanglin Trust School covers all bases by being the only school in Singapore to offer a dual pathway: students can study at Tanglin from nursery all the way through to Year 13 if they wish, because both study options are made available. Along with a spectacular support program, a focus on student wellbeing, and the international nature of the school, Tanglin is a smart choice for families in Singapore with a strong community.
We spoke to Andy Goodliffe, Assistant Head Teacher, about the benefits of the dual pathway, and how Tanglin supports families in making the choice that works for them.
What makes Tanglin Trust School unique?
“We are the only dual pathway school in Singapore. This is a big advantage for parents as it means they can send their child to Tanglin knowing that when the time comes to decide which pathway is more suitable for their child, they have the choice here and would not need to move to another school. We have many long-serving graduates who have often been at Tanglin since nursery. This isn’t something that infant parents would necessarily even consider but because we offer this choice at age 16 they don’t have to! Offering both pathways means we can cater for both kinds of student: the one who knows exactly what they want to study at university and is thus able to specialise by taking A Levels, as well as the more typical student who is not sure of a career path at the age of 16 and is encouraged therefore to maintain the breadth of the IB Diploma.”
How does Tanglin support students and families who are going through this process?
“Having the dual pathway means that we must have a robust guidance process in place so that all parents and students are well informed before they make this choice in Year 11. Our information sessions start in Year 9, with talks for both parents and students to familiarise them with the options before decision making begins in earnest. We also provide opportunities for students to pick the brains of current Sixth Formers as well as alumni. Our aim is to get the right students on the right courses from day one so that they flourish right from the start, and we invest a lot of time in making sure this happens.
Our main priority is making sure students keep an open mind until they have all the information they need to make the best choice for them as an individual. We also ask students to focus on their courses first rather than the pathway so they are playing to their strengths and selecting subjects that they really enjoy and are good at. Our mantra is ‘appropriate change without unnecessary stress’ so that students are stretched without feeling overwhelmed.”
Tell us more about Tanglin’s focus on student wellbeing?
“We place a big emphasis on developing the whole child and not just grades; we have a clear student wellbeing program across all three schools at Tanglin. Our Sixth Form students understand what wellbeing is and can articulate why it is important to them for now and for the rest of their lives. We aim to nurture students who are well balanced, happy and successful. We have an Assistant Head of Year in charge of new students and we transition our students well, with the Counselling Department holding transition workshops for all new students and their parents.”
Can students apply for university courses all over the world?
“Absolutely! Our University Guidance Counsellors manage applications for universities all over the world. We also employ two Oxford interns in Term 1 specifically to support students throughout the application process. Tanglin students have gone on to study in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. We have built excellent relationships with many of the world’s top universities: for example, our reputation is so strong that some Australian universities will now offer our students places based on our predicted grades alone instead of waiting for results.”
How does Tanglin help students prepare for life after school?
“Our PSHCE program explores themes and skills that equip youngsters for life after Tanglin. These include life skills activities such as healthy cooking, financial awareness, mindfulness, body language, interview techniques, yoga, study skills, self-defence, sexual health, relationships, preparing for the first week at university, staying safe and more. Students have weekly sessions with their tutor and a range of guest speakers. Our student surveys indicate that students feel very well prepared for life after Tanglin.”
Keen to find out more? Come along to the Introduction to Sixth Form open evening where you can meet the Head of the Sixth Form College, Guidance Counsellors, and existing Sixth Form students.
What: Introduction to Sixth Form Open Evening
When: 17 January 2019, 5pm-6.30pm
Where: Tanglin Trust School, Level 4, Sixth Form Building, 95 Portsdown Rd, Singapore 139299
This post is sponsored by Tanglin Trust School.