The GUILD International College is a small, fully inclusive Australian international educational institutions, where all student’s entitlement to equal opportunities are regarded in a warm nurturing school environment. Our school is centrally located in the Orchard Road district and is a co-educational international school. We offer programmes for primary, middle years and high school years (9 years to 30 years) like the Foundation Programme, Pathways Programme, Transition Programme and Career Pathways Programme along with the Day Activity Programme. The school places a strong emphasis on individualized learning programs, taking a personalized approach to meet each student’s unique needs. Their ultimate goal is to nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only confident but also compassionate, responsible, and considerate of themselves, others, and the environment.
The GUILD International College is open to Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and all Nationalities.
“We are at the forefront of progressive education as we provide small class sizes with committed and caring teachers to extend students in their areas of talents as well as support them in areas of need. We follow the Victorian F-10 curriculum. Our college is unique, family owned by the former Founders of Avondale Grammar School and White Lodge Preschools and are based upon two decades of experience in running international schools in Singapore and Malaysia” explains Jayne Nadarajoo, founder of The GUILD International College.
A comprehensive Australian educational pathway
The GUILD International College follows the Victorian F-10 curriculum and have the option to stay on till 30 years if they need extra time to complete their learning journey.
Students with diverse needs will do functional literacy, numeracy, pre-vocational training, etc, and work towards moving on to independent living or structured workplace. Alternatively, they can also pursue the Career Pathways programme where they can do a short work readiness course to learn skills to transition to work. Extra support is provided to the students in form of individualized learning plan if they want to access the mainstream curriculum.
Programmes at the GUILD
Foundation Programme – Foundation programme is for students aged 9 to 12 years that focusses on developing language, communication, social & emotional skills along with functional literacy and numeracy.
Pathways Programme – Pathways programme is for students aged 12 to 16 years encourages students to learn new skills to promote independence and social connections.
Transition Programme – Transition programme is for students aged 16 to 18 years with an option to pursue further education if it is best suited for the student.
Career Pathways Programme – Career Pathways programme is for students aged 19 years and above that fosters greater independence and self-care. Students experience learning in community setting as well as the classroom to prepare for a future beyond school. They are closely monitored through a comprehensive transition process to help them be the best that they can be.
Day Activity Programme – This programme is for students 16 years and above designed to provide continuity and support after graduation from a SPED school. It focuses on making them comfortable and confident in doing daily tasks, self-care such as cleaning the house, preparing meals, excursions and connecting with family as well as the community.
Areas of learning at The GUILD
The Arts, Literacy, Mathematics, Physical Education, Social Skills, Technologies, Independent Living & Vocational Skills
Dedicated facilities to cater to every student’s interest and talent.
The GUILD has been set up with facilities to provide students with wonderful areas of learning that are in line with their interests and talent. The GUILD’s campus especially boasts multifaceted facilities such as Art and Design Studio, Woodworking Studio, DJ studio, Filmmaking & Photography Studio, Culinary Studio, Life Skills Room, Multi-purpose Hall, Café, and more. These facilities are dedicated to creating a nourishing ground for future changemakers. These facilities are in line with the ideology to create a space for sustainable education.
Holistic curriculum of using the Arts to engage students
The schools use a Visual and Performing Arts such as the disciplines of dance, music, art, and drama to engage the students in a holistic way. The various Arts disciplines offers students another “language” to express themselves and explore different mediums which often helps them discover hidden talents. This creates a positive experience and over time, helps to build self-esteem and motivation to succeed.
The multisensory nature of the various Arts disciplines has a natural effect on training the focus as it appeals to all the senses from auditory to visual to tactile. It is also an inclusive activity as it can be accessed by all types of students.
The Visual and Performing Arts training culminates in concert performances which are put up twice a year to showcase the students’ natural talent. This platform offers students the opportunity to shine and build on their self-confidence.
Fitness an important component for development
Fitness is one of the key components of the holistic programme offered at the schools where students are exposed to a variety of sports activities and are actively involved in making choices and participating in new skills.
Aside from developing the gross and fine motor skills, fitness also improves cognitive function and overall mental health. It also provides the skills to enable students to participate in group sports which in turn provides opportunities for social engagement, teamwork and relationship building.
The GUILD Social Club
The GUILD Social club aims to develop the social skills needed for interacting with their friends successfully. This platform offers a conducive environment for students with all abilities to interact.
The GUILD Community Club
The GUILD Community Club extends a warm welcome to all parents and professionals. It serves as a valuable platform for parents affiliated with our institutions, Melbourne International School and The GUILD International College, enabling them to gather regularly. This platform facilitates interactions with teachers and fellow parents.
To enhance this experience, the club has organized talks led by experts in the fields of special education, inclusive education, and the broader community. These informative sessions are designed to assist parents in effectively navigating their parenting journey.
Essential Information
What Sets This School Apart
It is a little-known fact that children with special education needs “age-out” of their schools after the age of 18. Their future is uncertain. Many do not have the skills to work or live independently.
In the first school of its kind in Singapore, The GUILD International College bridges this gap and provides these students with the time they need to transition into adulthood. In Singapore, The GUILD International College is pioneering a unique approach to address this issue. The college serves as a bridge, providing these students with the necessary time and support to transition into adulthood. They equip them with the skills required for transition to further education, work, structured workplace, independent living and assisted living.
Small class sizes and personalised attention, plus individualised learning plans, help students thrive. Most teaching staff are SEN-trained and use a teaching approach that caters to each child’s needs as we believe that only when students have supportive educators or peers who are respectful, kind and patient, learning is stimulated, and friendships are developed. We also work closely with a few esteemed organizations that provide support for our teachers and students, and our team has access to partners who specialize in Dance, Music, Art, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Counselling, Life Coaching.
At The GUILD International College, we aim to inspire lifelong learners and help students plan for their future by engaging them to design their own path. We see the whole student – mind, body, spirit – and encourage them to acquire new skills and ‘real life experience’ that will enable them to work, learn and thrive.
Our highly personalized programme meet the needs of students who may not fit the narrow pathways of standardized education.
The GUILD International College has strong industry connections, so our students can get access to work experience and future employment in fields such as culinary, arts, sports, photography and music.
We are advocates for inclusion and ensure that our students and the whole school community benefit from the many contributions made by culturally, linguistically, neurologically, academically diverse students and teachers. We provide a comprehensive learning environment that caters to the varied strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges faced by the students.
Exciting New Developments
The GUILD International College is a part of the social enterprise, Aspire Inclusive Education that runs work readiness programmes which are short courses to equip Special Education Needs (SPED) School Graduates, In-employment individuals who want to upskill themselves, People with Disabilities (PWDs) who are looking to increase their chances of employability. SG Enable has been very supportive of these short courses by offering SGE funding to Singaporeans and PR’s.
The GUILD is proud to share that students that enrolled in our programmes after graduation from Special Education (SPED) schools have transitioned well.
Financial Information
Annual Fees (Insurance, Admin & Facilities) - S$2,000 +GST