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The Print
09-05-2025
- General
- The Print
Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, Dehradun's Doon & Welham schools allow students to return home
In an email to parents Thursday evening, Doon School Headmaster Jagpreet Singh informed that while they 'continue to be safe and secure on campus', the school had received requests from several parents wishing to bring their sons home, anticipating possible disruptions to flight services. Multiple explosions were reported in parts of Jammu Thursday evening as Pakistan launched an aerial attack, using at least four loitering munitions, prompting several states and UTs, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan, to announce closure of schools, colleges and universities for the coming days. New Delhi: With the tensions between India and Pakistan escalating, top boarding schools in Dehradun, including The Doon School and Welham Girls' School, have allowed students to return home after receiving multiple requests from concerned parents. 'As a result, the School has decided to permit all boys whose parents wish to have them back home, to depart from campus starting at 6.00 am on Friday, May 9,' he wrote, advising parents opting for the arrangement to get in touch with their children's housemaster. Singh further said that parents within driving distance of Dehradun could plan to collect their children by road. For others, the school will provide transportation and escorts to both Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and IGI Airport in New Delhi. 'School will also organise transport to Delhi, for those who wish to pick up their boys in Delhi,' he added, saying that full travel details would follow soon. The headmaster also reassured parents, who preferred their sons to remain at school until the end of term: 'The School will continue to function, and all our facilities will remain operational.' He emphasised that students taking IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) and IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams will continue without disruption, and that provisions would be in place for boys who might be stranded due to flight cancellations. 'Be assured that the entire staff, both teaching and administration, is working round the clock to ensure that your sons are safe and well taken care of,' Singh said, adding that the school is in close contact with central and state authorities for updates and guidance. 'The city of Dehradun remains safe and secure and continues to function in a normal and calm manner. All essential utilities are available.' Similarly, the principal of Welham Girls' School, Vibha Kapoor, emailed parents late Thursday, offering them the option to pick up their daughters immediately, in response to growing concerns over the tense situation at the border. 'Over the past few days, we have received several requests from concerned parents wishing to pick up their daughters from school. In light of these concerns and the escalating situation at the borders, the school is offering parents the option to collect their wards with immediate effect, should they choose to do so,' Kapoor wrote. She also clarified that the school would remain open and continue normal operations until 17 May, the scheduled start of the summer break. 'Parents are kindly requested to inform their respective House Mistresses of the date and time they plan to pick up their wards,' she added. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: Pakistan targets Jammu with loitering munitions, airport and vital installations targeted
Sassy Mama
08-05-2025
- Science
- Sassy Mama
International School News 2025: New Academic Offerings, Student Achievements, Educational Facilities & More
Get up to speed with what's happening at SG's top international schools with our 2025 school news updates! Last year was a standout year for international school students, with numerous achievements in academics and international competitions. Schools also introduced exciting new educational facilities and programmes aimed at enhancing the learning experience and offering students more opportunities beyond the classroom. Looking ahead to 2025, many international schools are eager to roll out even more exciting developments, including new Senior Schools, outdoor learning initiatives, and a host of innovative programmes! Read more: Guide to the Best International Schools in Singapore International School News May 2025: XCL World Academy: Upcoming early & primary years building & new outdoor learning programme News: New Early & Primary Years building opening in 2025 + New 'Little Xplorers' Outdoor Learning programme XCL World Academy (XWA) is known for its strong academic outcomes, outstanding IBDP scores, and a warm, close-knit community. They're also one of the first international schools in Singapore to comprehensively integrate AI education into the curriculum, offering programmes such as the AI Surestart programme, covering AI fundamentals, machine learning, and ethics. This year, they've introduced the new 'Little Xplorers' Outdoor Learning programme, where students get to enjoy hands-on exploration, nurturing creativity, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for discovery in an outdoor setting. Later this year, the school will also launch its new Early & Primary Years building, which was purposefully designed to spark curiosity and joy. The building will feature age-appropriate science labs, dedicated dining areas, and exclusive outdoor learning spaces. Explore the campus, meet the school's academic leaders and learn about how their International Baccalaureate programmes and innovative approach are designed to empower future-ready learners at the Open House! Contact the admissions team at 6230 4230 or [email protected] to book your slot today. XCL World Academy, 2 Yishun Street 42, Singapore 768039, Tel: (+65) 6230 4230, La Petite Ecole in Singapore: Selected as a finalist for the Palmes de l'EFE 2025 News: Selected as a finalist for the prestigious Palmes de l'EFE 2025 La Petite Ecole offers a unique co-teaching approach, allowing seamless and frequent transitions between French, Mandarin, and English. Rooted in the core values of the French Republic, its rigorous academic programmes nurture independence, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning, where children can thrive in a multilingual world. This year, La Petite Ecole has been selected as a finalist for the Palmes de l'EFE 2025! With 291 applications from 181 schools worldwide, this prestigious award celebrates the dedication, innovation, and excellence of French schools across the globe. The school's nomination in the 'Linguistic Promotion and/or Openness to the Host Country' category recognises its French-English-Mandarin co-teaching programme, which begins as early as 2 years old in kindergarten. Enrollment is now open for the September 2025 intake. La Petite Ecole will also be welcoming its first cohort of Grade 5 students, completing the full journey through Primary School. Enjoy 30% off on first-time enrolment fees until 30 May 2025! La Petite Ecole in Singapore, 7 Holland Village Way, #07-02 to 06, Tower B, Singapore 275748, Chatsworth International School: Student-led conference and Primary Expresstival News: A Successful Student-Led Conference and Upcoming Primary Expresstival Each year, Primary students at Chatsworth International School look forward to taking the lead at Student-Led Conferences (SLCs), where they celebrate their learning, reflect on their growth, and showcase their achievements to their parents, and its March 2025 edition was no exception. SLCs also provide a valuable opportunity for parents to gain deeper insight into their child's learning process and progress. Students select and present a piece of work that they feel best represents their growth, demonstrating ownership of their learning and a strong sense of responsibility. As the school year draws to a close this June, the Primary Expresstival will celebrate student learning and self-expression. A highlight of the week is the highly anticipated Sing and Dance Off competition, where all Primary students are encouraged to express themselves and build confidence. Throughout the week, there will also be displays of student work and celebrations of their units of inquiry, with parents warmly invited to join as audience members or even participate in the various activities. Chatsworth International School, 72 Bukit Tinggi Rd, Singapore 289760, Tel: (+65) 6463 3201, Australian International School: New Creative Hub and Examination & Exhibition Centre News: Launched Creative Hub in March 2025 + Orchid Hall, a purpose-built Examination and Exhibition Centre The Australian International School (AIS) successfully launched its state-of-the-art Creative Hub in March 2025, designed to spark hands-on exploration and creative thinking. Students will get access to opportunities to innovate across Design, Technology, Music and the Culinary Arts. From high-tech design studios to fully equipped kitchens and specialised creative spaces, students are encouraged to experiment, ideate, and bring their visions to life in an inspiring real-world environment. AIS has also introduced Orchid Hall, a purpose-built Examination and Exhibition Centre. This multi-functional space offers a focused environment for academic assessments while also serving as a gallery to showcase the exceptional work of AIS student artists. AIS continues to set new benchmarks in international education, empowering students to excel academically, socially, and emotionally in a future-focused learning environment. These values are further amplified by their extensive range of world-class facilities, including the Early Learning Village: The largest purpose-built early childhood facility in Singapore, its multiple sports facilities such as swimming pools, fitness studios, a 300-seat theatre and more. Plus, students have over 300 CCAs on campus to choose from! Australian International School, 1 Lorong Chuan Singapore 556 818, Tel: 6517 0247, Read more: Guide To International Schools In Singapore Astor International School: Open House in May 2025 News: Open House on 31 May 2025 Astor International School is a boutique international primary school that offers a personalised education for children aged 5 to 12 (Years 1 to 7). Established in 2019, Astor was founded on the belief that every child is unique and that education should reflect that. With small class sizes capped at 20 students and a low teacher-to-student ratio, the school provides a nurturing environment where children are supported to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. As a close-knit, community-based school, Astor focuses on developing lifelong learners with a genuine passion for knowledge. The curriculum is designed to be both engaging and accessible, with a strong emphasis on individualised learning and holistic development. Astor also stands out for offering quality international education at an affordable price, with annual fees starting from just $16,900! Discover what makes Astor different at their upcoming Open House on Saturday, 31 May 2025. You'll get to explore the campus, meet the team, and more. Mention Sassymama on your admissions form to get an admissions fee waiver for 2025-2026 academic year! Promotion is valid until 14 June 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Astor International School, 1 Kay Siang Road, #05-01/02, Singapore 248922, Brighton College (Singapore): Year 10 IGCSE programme and upcoming A-Level courses News: Launch of Year 10 IGCSE programme in August 2025 + Upcoming A-Level courses Brighton College (Singapore) offers an exceptional foundation for learners aged 18 months to 15 years, underpinned by a school culture built on three key pillars: curiosity, confidence, and kindness. In line with its commitment to academic excellence, the College is excited to announce the launch of its Year 10 IGCSE programme, beginning in August 2025. This marks a significant milestone in Brighton's continued growth and dedication to shaping bright, ambitious young minds. The internationally recognised IGCSE curriculum is designed to ignite a lifelong love of learning, encouraging pupils to think critically and explore their unique strengths. With a wide range of subjects and the flexibility to personalise their academic journeys, students will be equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Following the IGCSEs, the College will introduce A-Level courses, completing its full academic pathway and ensuring pupils are exceptionally well-prepared for entry into the world's leading College (Singapore) is now accepting applications for Year 10 IGCSE Academic Scholarships! Successful applicants will enjoy up to 50% off tuition fees, exclusive membership in the Brighton Scholars' Society, and access to enrichment programmes designed to foster confidence and academic excellence. Brighton College (Singapore), 1 Chuan Lane, Singapore 554299, Tel: (+65) 6505 9790, Canadian International School (CIS): Academy of Music programme News: CIS Academy of Music programme + Scholarships in Academics, Performing Arts, and Athletics The Canadian International School's (CIS) Academy of Music programme is designed to provide a dynamic and enriching musical education. The programme features advanced training and world-class performance opportunities that set students up for success on the global stage. Students in the programme have performed at prestigious venues such as Marina Bay Sands for the Andrew Lloyd Webber Symphonic Gala alongside internationally renowned artists. They also benefit from masterclasses conducted by Yamaha Music School and faculty from leading conservatories, gaining mentorship from some of the world's top musicians. Students also enjoy access to global opportunities, including international competitions and an exclusive summer music programme at the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston. To celebrate student achievements, CIS recently launched its inaugural scholarships in Academics, Performing Arts, and Athletics. These scholarships are designed to recognise outstanding ability and provide opportunities for students to reach new heights. With recent university placements at top conservatories including Berklee College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, the CIS Academy of Music is fast becoming the gateway for the next generation of musical talent. Canadian International School, Lakeside Campus: 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414, Tel: (+65) 6467 1732, EtonHouse International School: Celebrating 30 years of quality education across Asia News: 30th anniversary of providing quality education across Asia + new Nursery 1 class at EtonHouse International School Broadrick 2025 marks a huge milestone for EtonHouse International Education Group as it celebrates 30 years of delivering quality education across Asia! Etonhouse started with just 30 students in a single school, and today, it has grown into a global education group with over 100 schools in 9 countries. Excitingly, EtonHouse International School Broadrick will launch a brand-new Nursery 1 class from August 2025! The school is also proud to celebrate the achievements of its Year 11 students, who have been accepted into the prestigious John Locke Institute programme, affiliated with Oxford and Princeton Universities. Set to take place in Singapore this December, the programme empowers bright young minds to stretch their academic and intellectual boundaries. In other news, Sixth Form students at Etonhouse have been kept busy with service projects through the EtonCore programme, collaborating with organisations like ACRES, Thye Hua Kwan Nursing Home, and EtonHouse International Pre-School Claymore. These projects include supporting wildlife conservation, engaging with the elderly and mentoring younger children, and more, where students gain invaluable real-world experience while building empathy, leadership, and a deep sense of social responsibility outside of the classroom. The EtonCore programme at EtonHouse International School Orchard also provides senior school students with a holistic education through key elements such as the externally accredited Extended Project Qualification, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, community service projects, partnerships and residential programmes for real-world experiences, and collaborations with other overseas schools. This comprehensive approach fosters student agency, growth, and future-ready skills while enhancing students' CVs for university admissions. EtonHouse is offering enrolment promotions at selected campuses, with savings of up to $1,300 until 3 June 2025! Families can join an Experience Day on 14 or 24 May or book a tour to find out more. Register here. EtonHouse International School Orchard, 10 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247908, Tel: (+65) 6513 1155, EtonHouse International School Broadrick, 51 Broadrick Road Singapore 439501, Tel: (+65) 6346 6922, Holland International School: New second language options News: New second language options With over 100 years of experience, Holland International School offers education for children aged 1.5 to 12 years old. Inspired by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Holland International School offers both Dutch and English streams, with second language options in Dutch, French, and Mandarin. The school's new second language offerings – French and Mandarin – will be launching this August! This expansion aims to empower students to connect across cultures and thrive in an international world. Students can choose English or Dutch as their primary language, and preschoolers will take Mandarin as their second language. Interested to learn more? Join their upcoming Open Houses on 26 April, 9 May, or 13 June to explore the new offerings, dive into the curriculum, meet the school staff, and more! Register early to secure your spot here. Holland International School, 65 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289757, Tel: (+65) 6466 0662, International Community School: Career Days and Advanced Learning Opportunities News: Career Days + Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) programme In line with its commitment to providing enriching, future-focused learning experiences, ICS recently launched its first-ever Middle and High School Career Days, which gave students exposure to a wide range of professions through interactive talks and breakout sessions led by industry experts. Students connected with professionals across diverse fields such as aviation, healthcare and more. Students also had the opportunity to ask meaningful questions and explore different career paths. At the Elementary level, ICS also introduced the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) programme, offering two advanced academic courses for students in Grades 3 to 5: Household Chemistry and the Young Reader's Series. These globally recognised programmes allow advanced learners to dive deeper into science and literature through innovative, hands-on learning experiences. Whether conducting experiments in the kitchen or exploring literary themes through engaging texts, students are developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills from an early age. Enjoy $500 off application fees when you apply to ICS within a month of the Virtual Open House! International Community School, 27A Jubilee Road, Singapore 128575, Tel: (+65) 6776 7435, International French School (IFS): New kindergarten campus News: New kindergarten campus to open August 2025 A brand-new IFS Kindergarten campus is set to open in August 2025! This upcoming campus will integrate eco-conscious innovations that minimise environmental impact while creating an inspiring, nurturing environment for young learners. One of its standout features is that it will be 100% solar-powered. Its Climate-Optimised Architecture includes low-emissivity double-glazed windows that block heat and UV rays while maximising natural daylight. These elements work hand-in-hand with intelligent cooling systems to ensure a comfortable learning environment in Singapore's tropical climate, all while keeping energy consumption low. The campus will also incorporate an Integrated Water Management System, capturing 100% of rainwater and passing it through a biomimetic purification process, which will, in turn, nourish the campus greenery with minimal environmental impact. Designed with a beautiful villa concept, the new campus will feature clusters of four spacious classrooms interconnected by a central communal area. At the heart of it all is a child-centric educational philosophy that emphasises autonomy, responsibility, emotional security, and social development. This approach supports each child's individual rhythm of growth, helping them build confidence, independence, collaborative skills, and a lifelong love of learning. International French School, 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569928, Tel: (+65) 6805 0000, Middleton International School: National Youth Achievement Awards and student-led initiatives News: Students achieve Silver Award in the National Youth Achievement Award + Middleton Reads Middleton International School is proud to celebrate the achievements of two of its students – Grade 12's Shreya Charpe and Grade 11's Arielle Mascarenhas – who have been awarded the prestigious Silver Award in the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA). This respected youth development programme builds resilience, leadership, and community service. From early morning volunteering at soup kitchens to leading sustainability projects–such as advocating for plastic-free living and launching a school composting initiative–Shreya and Arielle have gone above and beyond. Their efforts reflect a strong sense of purpose and social responsibility, turning classroom learning into meaningful real-world impact. The NYAA programme aligns with Middleton's core values of resilience, responsibility, and mindfulness, while also helping students build robust portfolios for university and beyond. Beyond NYAA, another student-led initiative, Middleton Reads, has been started by Grade 12 student Shalibeth Tiffany. The sustainable book-sharing platform is inspired by a simple yet powerful question: 'What if students could get the books they want from fellow readers?' Designed to promote reading and reduce waste, the initiative enables students to exchange books within the school community. The school quickly embraced the idea, providing promotional support, mentorship, and a dedicated on-campus space to house the book exchange. What began as a personal project has blossomed into a vibrant, school-wide literacy movement. Fuelled by its success, Shalibeth expanded the initiative into School Reads and SG Reads. Her story has even been featured in the news! Middleton International School, 2 Tampines Street 92, Singapore 528889, Nexus International School (Singapore): Year 9 Community Project Fair, international competitions News: Innovative ideas at the Year 9 Community Project Fair + Achievements at international competitions Nexus International School (Singapore) fosters an entrepreneurial mindset defined by initiative, confidence, and the drive to innovate and become changemakers. This is reflected across its curriculum and learner projects. At the Year 9 Community Project Fair, learners tackled real-world issues like ocean preservation and elderly support, turning ideas into action. Learner leaders also met with Mr. BK Gan, President of Taylor's Schools, to present sustainability initiatives such as food waste reduction. This showcases how they are encouraged to think critically and contribute meaningfully to their community. In the past year, Nexus learners have continued to stand out in competitions. At the Junior Achievement Company of the Year (JA COY), teams Greentopia and OjO showed strong leadership and innovation, with Greentopia advancing to the regional finals in Japan. Nexus science teams were named Grand Champions at Science Castle Asia 2024 in Malaysia and went on a study tour in Japan. At the Lenovo Hackathon, Nexus teams secured 1st and 3rd place with solutions in sustainable tech. These achievements reflect how Nexus equips learners to turn ideas into real-world impact. Nexus International School (Singapore), 1 Aljunied Walk, Singapore 387293, Sir Manasseh Meyer International School: Overseas trips to Thailand and Vietnam News: Overseas trips for Secondary School students + Service-learning activities At SMMIS, the annual Overseas Service Journey is a highlight for Secondary School students. Each trip is designed to broaden perspectives, foster empathy, and encourage students to discover the world around them. During the trip to Northern Thailand, students visited an orphanage, taught English at a local school, explored the famed Tham Luang Caves, and cared for elephants at an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary. Students also enjoyed breathtaking hikes, bike rides, zip lining, waterfalls, and a visit to the Night Market. More importantly, students gain a deeper understanding of their role in healing the world. In Vietnam, students spent time at the Village of Hope, where they painted classrooms, planted gardens, and worked alongside local children and teachers to improve the school environment. It was a heartwarming exchange of cultures and kindness, made even more memorable by creating handmade gifts for the children they met. These overseas trips are a reflection of SMMIS values – teamwork, global citizenship, community responsibility, and service. For students who remain in Singapore, they take part in service-learning experiences. From sports to the arts, students engage in local initiatives that build leadership, empathy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Last year, they partnered with Waterway Watch to clean up local waterways and participated in inclusive sports activities, learning how young people with physical challenges experience play and competition. Receive subsidies worth up to $4,000! Terms and conditions apply. Speak to Sir Manasseh Meyer International School's Admissions Representative for more details. Sir Manasseh Meyer International School, 3 Jalan Ulu Sembawang, Singapore 758932, SJI International Preschool: Newly completed campus News: Newly completed Shalom House + Monthly Open Houses SJI International Preschool has recently unveiled its recently completed Shalom House, which is a thoughtfully designed preschool space nestled in greenery and offers a calm, nurturing setting where young learners can flourish. SJI International Preschool also prides itself on its inclusive international community, welcoming both local and expat families of all faiths and backgrounds into a warm and supportive space. SJI International Preschool now hosts Monthly Open Houses where families are invited to discover the school's offerings, curriculum and more. The school's holistic, child-led approach encourages real-world learning, collaboration, and a deep love for discovery. Character development is at the heart of the preschool experience, guided by The Virtues Project™: a globally recognised framework that helps children build strong self-esteem and the values they need to thrive in an increasingly global world. Learning extends far beyond the classroom, with sustainable outdoor experiences such as urban farming, which not only connect children to nature but also foster environmental awareness in support of Singapore's Green Plan 2030. St. Joseph's Institution International, 490 Thomson Road, Singapore 298191, Tanglin Trust School: Launch of Tanglin Highlands Programme News: The Tanglin Highlands Programme is live! Tanglin Trust School marked a major educational milestone this April with the official launch of the Tanglin Highlands Programme, a four-week immersive learning experience for Year 9 students at the school's new 15-acre campus in Gippsland, Australia. Tanglin's CEO, Craig Considine, welcomed the founding cohort of Year 9 Highlanders and their parents, who attended the launch event alongside distinguished guests. In his speech, he said, 'Preparing young people for an unpredictable future requires educational experiences beyond traditional models. The Tanglin Highlands Programme demonstrates our collective belief in the power of adaptation and innovation in education.' Following its official launch in April, Tanglin's first cohort of Year 9 students are now enjoying life at the new Gippsland campus in Australia, embracing the four-week immersive Highlands Programme with true adventurous spirit. Alongside daily classes, students have limited access to devices and are thriving in this unique natural environment. With a focus on outdoor pursuits and communal living, they are sharing responsibilities, trying new experiences, and embarking on overnight expeditions in the stunning Australian outdoors. Each day, they are building curiosity, community, and confidence – the core values at the heart of the Highlands Programme. Tanglin Trust School, 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299, Tel: (+65) 6778 0771, Read more: Guide To International Schools In Singapore The Perse School: New Senior School in August 2025 News: Newly Senior School to launch in August 2025 The Perse School (Singapore) is an international school for students from Nursery to Senior School. Surrounded by nature, the campus features modern classrooms, dedicated arts, music, and drama spaces, and extensive outdoor facilities. In August 2025, The Perse School (Singapore) will expand its academic offering with the launch of specialist teaching for Years 7 to 9 in its newly introduced Senior School. This development builds on the school's strong academic foundation and close ties with The Perse School in Cambridge, a leading UK institution with over 400 years of educational excellence. With a focus on academic rigour, intellectual curiosity, and holistic development, The Perse School (Singapore) mirrors the teaching philosophy and pastoral care of its Cambridge counterpart. Its leadership team includes experienced educators from the UK, ensuring consistency in values and quality of learning across both campuses. Students enjoy subjects like entrepreneurship, robotics, coding, and global perspectives. This approach equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world. There are over 50 extracurricular activities available, including sports, arts, and STEM clubs. In addition, the strong language programme at The Perse School (Singapore) offers Mandarin, Japanese, and an immersive bilingual Mandarin-English programme from Nursery onwards, with French introduced from Year 3. The Perse School (Singapore), 58 Chestnut Drive, Singapore 679301, (+65) 6233 2183, The Winstedt School: New Young Explorers Programme News: Young Explorers Programme for Year 1 and Year 2 students This year, The Winstedt School introduced the Young Explorers Programme (YEP), specially designed for students in Years 1 and 2 (Early Years). Created for children who may benefit from additional support in accessing the foundational curriculum, the programme offers a nurturing and structured learning environment tailored to each child's needs. With a small class size of just eight students to two teachers, and additional guidance from a Behavioural Therapist and School Psychologist, students benefit from highly individualised attention and care. The YEP also integrates a holistic Exploration and Life Skills component. This includes the teaching of executive functioning skills, and embedded Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy. Social and Emotional Learning is also woven throughout the programme, supporting the development of empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity among peers. Alongside the launch of YEP, The Winstedt School has also updated its Vision, Mission, and Values to better reflect its inclusive approach and commitment to innovative education. The school's new mission is to provide equity in education through innovative teaching and learning. Its vision is to create inclusive education for those who think and learn differently. Underpinning this are Winstedt's refreshed values: Creativity – Thinking beyond the ordinary; Courage – Facing your challenges with purpose; Excellence – Being empowered learners who strive to do their best; Respect – Being kind while appreciating others' values and beliefs; Resilience – Staying determined and strong through setbacks Enjoy a 50% early bird discount on enrolment fees for all Early Years programmes (Year 1, Year 2 and YEP) when you enrol by 1 June 2025! The Winstedt School, 1208 Upper Boon Keng Road, Singapore 387312, Do you have some interesting school news to share? Send it to our team at [email protected] Read more:
BBC News
17-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
International Baccalaureate diploma pause devastating
Two students, who were supposed to begin their International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in September, say they are "angry" over the decision to pause the course for the next academic and Shea said they were told about the decision a day before their offers were due to come out."I didn't get much time to process what I was doing, it was straight from you're not doing International Baccalaureate, now pick your A-levels," Ben saidThe Committee for Education, Sport and Culture said only 14 students had signed up to the diploma for the 2025/2026 academic year and pausing the course would allow teachers to be used more "effectively". 'Unreasonable and devastating' "I get more angry as I think about it because it seems quite unreasonable and really quite devastating," Shea said."It feels a bit like a personal violation letting us know so late, although the actual final choice was made the day we found out, I think education [The Committee for Education, Sport and Culture] could've gone about it in a better way. "They could've let the school know earlier so that we could have more time to decide what we'll do next."Ben, who wants to go to Cambridge University, said he could not think of a "single benefit" of pausing the said: "There is no logical pathway that I can go down, from the start of this year when we were given International Baccalaureate as an option and all encouraged to do it, to it being cut off to all of us in such a quick space of time." President of the committee, Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, said there was not enough uptake for the course to be viable."The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme has been and remains a valued part of our Sixth Form Centre's curriculum for some years now."However the educational experience of the students, with so few in each class, with the inevitable transfer of some students to other subject areas at the beginning of these courses, would have been suboptimal. "With this decision to pause the diploma, school leaders can now use staff more effectively to make a wider impact across education."
Khaleej Times
13-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Meet 16-year-old behind one of the first apps showcasing nation's hidden heritage
A 16-year-old student from a Dubai school is opening the digital doorway into the UAE's ancient past with one of the country's first archaeology-focused mobile apps. Aanya Rajput, a student from GEMS Modern Academy and current IBDP candidate, is making waves in the tech and heritage world with the launch of her archaeology app. 'It's basically one of the first archaeology apps in the UAE, dedicated to the country's amazing and hidden archaeological sites,' said Aanya. How the app came to be The idea for the app took root after Aanya visited Hatta Heritage Village several years ago. 'It's one of the most accessible heritage sites in the UAE, and there's a lot of youth and tourists visiting. I started wondering why we couldn't do the same thing for other archaeological sites in the country," she recalled. That curiosity planted the seed for what would later become Daleel, a digital archive and guide to the UAE's archaeological sites. 'Daleel in Arabic generally means evidence or proof,' Aanya explained. 'I felt like that fit because we're trying to highlight the evidence of archaeology digitally for tourists, youth, and all UAE residents.' Although the original working title was Yalla Archaeology' — a playful name suggested by her mother — Aanya felt that Daleel better captured the project's purpose and tone. Building the app Fuelled by a deep passion for archaeology, especially local history, Aanya began developing the app in August 2024. During the research phase, she soon discovered how limited and scattered online information was about the country's historical landmarks. Determined to change that, she spent months curating data on various site. From ancient fossil grounds to ancient burial complexes, Daleel covers a surprising breadth of the region's forgotten or lesser-known history. App highlights Among the many sites featured in the app is the Baynunah Fossil Site in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region, dating back six to the late Miocene epoch (six to eight million years ago). It contains fossil remains that help reconstruct the ancient desert landscape. Also included is the Necropolis of Shimal in Ras Al Khaimah, home to over 250 ancient graves and more than 300 individual burials — offering insight into ancient funeral traditions. Other sites on the app include Jebel Hafeet, Hili Archaeological Park, Al Rumailah Fort in Al Ain, and Saruq Al-Hadid in Dubai — a site believed to be linked to the lost city of Tu'am. The app also includes practical details — whether the site is open to visitors, if there's entry fees, or if access is currently restricted. 'That's clearly mentioned on the app," Aanya said. Additionally, Daleel fatures a calendar of archaeology-related events across the UAE, complete with timings, locations, and integrated Google Maps to help tourists and residents easily locate and explore them. 'Our target audience is the youth of the UAE, as well as tourists and experts — basically anyone who's interested. The information is written simply so that everyone can understand it.' Collaborative effort The app, now live on Apple devices with an Android release pending, is the result of a collaboration with two independent developers. Aanya conducted the research and testing, while her mother helped simplify complex content and test early versions of the app. 'We did a small beta test by sharing a link, and based on that, we tweaked the wording and made a few important improvements," she said. With the app's soft launch underway, Aanya isn't slowing down. She is already planning to pursue her passion in the US after she completes her education. 'I've visited most of the sites myself, except the lost city of Tu'am, which is still difficult to access. I'm still doing more research and working on visiting more sites and expanding this project. "I'll be pursuing my higher studies in Museum Studies and Archaeology at the university. I want to make archaeology feel alive, exciting, and meaningful for the next generation,' shared the Indian expat.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Post-16 baccalaureate diploma programme paused
The post-16 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) run at Guernsey's Sixth Form Centre has been paused due to a low number of students signing up. The decision has been made for the 2025/26 academic year as only 14 students registered for the programme. The Committee for Education, Sport and Culture said if it had gone ahead, many classes would have had only one or two students in each, as a wide range of subjects had been chosen by the students. It said students who had started their IBDP in the 2024/25 academic year will not be affected by the pause, and their two-year course will continue to run into next academic year. Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, President of the committee, said: "The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme has been and remains a valued part of our Sixth Form Centre's curriculum for some years now. "With this decision to pause the diploma, school leaders can now use staff more effectively to make a wider impact across education." Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Calls to keep sixth form at Les Varendes Sixth form centre will be 'supportive environment' States of Guernsey - Education
