Every language carries with it a unique heritage, culture, and perspective. It’s this richness of linguistic diversity that we celebrate on , a global event that resonates deeply within the ��ӣ����Ƶ community.

At ��ӣ����Ƶ, we believe in the power of languages to connect, bridge gaps, and foster understanding. That’s why, as part of this international celebration, volunteers from our ��ӣ����Ƶ community visited classrooms to share about their home languages through 40-minute language learning workshops.

It was a day all about inclusivity, embracing the myriad languages and cultures that make up ��ӣ����Ƶ’s rich culture. Adding on to our wide range of language courses available, this day brought in languages such as Japanese, Korean, Tamil, French, Spanish, Cantonese into the classrooms of our students on February 21st, 2024.

Apart from that, our volunteers received invaluable support from out Spanish, Mandarin and EAL (English as an Additional Language) teachers, who provided assistance in the classroom whenever needed. Our Our Elementary kids had a lot of fun learning about a different language through activities, stories and games.

Rounding up our recent events of diversity and inclusion with International Festival and International Mother Language Day, let’s continue to embrace linguistic and cultural diversity, where every language is heard and every culture is respected!

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During the past two weeks, ��ӣ����Ƶ warmly welcomed its annual International Festival, a vibrant celebration of diversity and cultural exchange, at Woodleigh on February 15th and 16th, and at the Early Learning Village (ELV) on February 21st. From colorful costumes to rhythmic dances, the event was a testament to the richness of our global community.

Throughout the venue, cultural booths manned by dedicated parent volunteers offered a plethora of engaging activities. From traditional games and arts and crafts, to calligraphy painting, to writing names in different languages and more. The International Festival not only provided a platform for our community to showcase their cultural heritage but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing diversity.

At ��ӣ����Ƶ, our commitment to diversity extends beyond just this festival. With our diverse student and staff body representing many nationalities, including over 75 countries, we take pride in fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected. Our extensive language courses cater to a wide range of linguistic backgrounds, providing students with the opportunity to explore and embrace different cultures through language learning.

From Spanish and Mandarin to Korean and Japanese, ��ӣ����Ƶ offers a comprehensive array of language courses tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of our students. Whether they are native speakers or enthusiastic beginners, our language programs empower students to connect with their peers from around the world and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures.

Together, we can continue to foster a culture of understanding and acceptance, making ��ӣ����Ƶ a place where everyone feels valued and celebrated. Here’s to many more years of joyous cultural exchange and meaningful connections at ��ӣ����Ƶ’s International Festival!

Visit ��ӣ����Ƶ’s website to learn more about our diverse community and the wide range of language courses we offer.

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We are thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of our Grade 10 students who recently displayed their hard work at the Personal Project Exhibition. This event not only showcased their creativity and dedication but also highlighted their ability to fuse personal interests with academic knowledge, resulting in truly outstanding projects.

Our students demonstrated a remarkable breadth of skills and interests. Their projects were not just academic exercises; they were passionate endeavors that reflected their curiosity, ingenuity, and commitment to making a difference.

Vast array of topics to choose from

One group of students immersed themselves in the study of Kawasaki Disease, a rare but serious illness affecting children. Through meticulous research and compelling presentations, they shed light on the intricacies of the disease, raising awareness and sparking important conversations among their peers and families. Their dedication to understanding and addressing real-world issues was truly inspiring.

Meanwhile, another group of students embarked on a hands-on journey to build a guitar from scratch. With expert craftsmanship and a keen eye for detail, they transformed raw materials into a beautiful musical instrument that captivated everyone who had the pleasure of witnessing its creation. Their project was a testament to the power of creativity and passion in the pursuit of excellence.

In a digital age, one student stood out by developing an AI software designed to revolutionize the way students approach their studies. They created a personalized learning platform that offered tailored study guides, practice questions, and interactive lessons. Their project not only showcased their technical prowess but also their vision for the future of education.

Collective and commendable efforts

The Personal Project Exhibition was more than just a showcase of individual achievements; it was a celebration of learning, growth, and collaboration. It represented the culmination of the Middle Years Program (MYP) and highlighted the incredible journey that these students have undertaken throughout their academic careers.

Good job to all the Grade 10 students who participated in this exhibition and thank you to teachers, peers and the families for being a part of this journey! We can’t wait to continue celebrating the brilliance of our students and empowering them to reach new heights.

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Today, English is considered to be the world’s foremost international language, with more people speaking it as a second tongue than any other major language. But even with English’s dominance as an international lingua franca, it remains spoken only by a minority of the world’s population.  put the combined population of native and second language speakers at approximately between 1.3 and 2 billion. Meanwhile, most of the world’s 8 billion people communicate with thousands of other languages, effectively isolated from the wider English-speaking community and the many invaluable opportunities it offers.

Fortunately, many prestigious international schools in Singapore will accept students with limited English proficiency under certain conditions. However, a lack of English proficiency does present some practical challenges, as international schools like ��ӣ����Ƶ American use English as a primary medium of instruction. Let’s examine what non-English speaking students and their parents can do to help them thrive in international schools:

Explore Your School’s English Education Resources

Students and their parents must explore all the English language learning resources provided by their school. Fortunately, most international schools in Singapore have these resources available to students who have limited English mastery. 

Accessing these resources may have certain prerequisites. For instance, ��ӣ����Ƶ American assesses applicants’ English proficiency as part of the application process, and non-English speaking students may be entered into different English Language Learning Pathways. Middle and secondary school-age non-English speakers may also be directed to the unique Preparatory Course for Secondary School (PCS), a program specially designed to help motivated English language learners prepare for ��ӣ����Ƶ American’s rigorous academic environment.

Additionally, some schools may offer optional language learning opportunities. At ��ӣ����Ƶ American, preschool and elementary students who are already proficient in Mandarin may benefit from entering the school’s Bilingual Program, as it allows them to dive into various subjects in both English and Mandarin.

Participate Actively in Class

Non-English-speaking students should be encouraged to participate in class to build their confidence and help them become more familiar with English as it is used in day-to-day communication. Once students gain basic English knowledge, they should continue to participate actively in class to further develop their English mastery.

When applicable, dual-language programs similar to ��ӣ����Ƶ’s aforementioned Bilingual Program are especially useful in helping students gain the confidence they need to participate in class. These programs allow students to use their mother tongue or another language they’re proficient in as an anchor from which they can develop their English skills. This framework allows for more natural language development and may give students the confidence they need to further hone their English. 

Engage in Extracurricular Activities with English Speaking Peers

Young learners can speed up their English mastery if they’re given opportunities to apply what they know outside of school. Signing students up for after-school sports clubs or other extracurricular activities where they will be in contact with English-speaking peers should serve to increase their English proficiency by giving them opportunities to use the language in the context of activities that they enjoy.

Build a Support Network 

Non-English-speaking students can connect with other students who may be facing similar challenges to share experiences and strategies for language learning success. Importantly, networks like these can also provide social and emotional support for students who may struggle to develop their English skills.

Learn About Different Anglophone Cultures

The English language may be an international lingua franca but its development is inseparable from historic and ongoing developments in Anglophone cultures. Taking a deep dive into various Anglophone cultures will help learners appreciate English as a living language and may help them gain a better understanding of idioms, an area of speech that is notoriously difficult for English learners.

Listen to English Language Media

In addition to simply reading books or watching programs about Anglophone cultures, non-English speaking students can also enjoy a more immersive learning experience by listening to music with English content and watching English language programs without dubs.  suggests that the latter strategy is especially useful for language acquisition and this is now increasingly viable with the rise of content streaming services that offer audio and subtitles in different languages.

Encourage Parents to Learn English Alongside Their Children

It’s not uncommon for non-English speaking children to also have parents who are non-English speakers. If this is the case, one of the best things parents can do is to invest time in learning English themselves. By doing so, parents can not only lead by example but they may also be able to help with their child’s homework. Importantly, it may help with family bonding, which can be important for expatriate families living far from home.

English Language Learning for Success Beyond School English mastery is important not just for helping students succeed in rigorous academic environments but also for unlocking a multitude of opportunities in the real world. As English’s status as a global lingua franca is unlikely to be challenged within the foreseeable future, investing time to gain English language proficiency should be seen as a necessity rather than a choice. Thankfully, with the right set of strategies, non-English speaking students of any age can master English, giving them the necessary foundation to succeed in school and thrive in a globalized world.

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Kiera, Class of 2019

Kiera graduated from ��ӣ����Ƶ in the summer of 2019. She moved to Bristol to study Psychology with Education in September. The University of Bristol has always been her top choice, and Kiera considered it an absolute dream to finally be in the city starting her degree. With the buzzing theatre and music life, as well as the incredibly quirky personalities that roam the streets, it has definitely been the city for her since the beginning.

She credits ��ӣ����Ƶ American with teaching her how to be independent and how to work collaboratively with people with contrasting opinions—skills that she plans to use in university and beyond.

Elliot, Class of 2018

During his time at ��ӣ����Ƶ American, Elliot was a member of several organizations, a testament to early opportunities provided by the institution. He was part of the Model United Nations (MUN), the Motorsports Society, Engineering Society, Food Appreciation Society, as well as the Malaysian and Singaporean Society. 

Elliot graduated in 2018 and pursued a Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). When he first started at university, he expected the workload to be more than he could handle. Thanks to his IB knowledge and ��ӣ����Ƶ-approved writing finesse, he was able to more than handle the challenges brought to him by UTS.

Adam, Class of 2018, Salutatorian

Originally from Ireland, Adam moved to Singapore when he was 14 and studied at ��ӣ����Ƶ from Grade 8 through to graduation. Adam graduated as class salutatorian in 2018, later pursuing an LL.B. Bachelor of Laws at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

During his time at ��ӣ����Ƶ American, Adam was the President of the National Honor Society (NHS), the Secretary-General for ��ӣ����Ƶ’s Model United Nations (MUN), and served for two terms as the President of the Student Council. Today, he is a Trainee Solicitor at Invesco EMEA in the UK.

Amari, Class of 2017

Amari graduated from ��ӣ����Ƶ in 2017 and graduated with Honors with a Bachelor of Business degree from the prestigious Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. From her time in NTU onwards, Amari has gained a variety of professional experiences, including an internship at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, as well roles at several globally recognized companies, including Singapore Airlines and Ernst & Young Global Limited, to name just a few. Today, she holds a key role as part of the Global Partnerships team at Secret Labs.

Amari is a living testament to the value of a diverse educational experience at ��ӣ����Ƶ American, and she passionately encourages current students to stay actively involved and participate in after school activities. She emphasizes the long-term life benefits that these experiences offer, as they not only enrich one’s educational journey but also provide valuable skills that can open doors to exciting opportunities.

Gaëlle, Class of 2016

Gaëlle has fond memories of being in the first graduating cohort of ��ӣ����Ƶ. At ��ӣ����Ƶ American, she prepared for a career in the culinary arts, eventually attending the Culinary Institute of America, widely acknowledged to be one of the best cooking schools in the world. Later, she decided to change career paths, attending Vatel Madrid, one best schools of hospitality management in the world. She is set on working in the concert event industry and applying her passion and learnings in that field.

Dong Hyun, Class of 2018

Dong Hyun is now a Mathematics of Computation major at UCLA, set to graduate in June 2024. During his 3 years at ��ӣ����Ƶ American, he was able to cultivate his aptitude for mathematics alongside his social life. He believes that his experience at ��ӣ����Ƶ equipped him with the skills needed to excel beyond school. Today, Dong Hyun is set to enter a career in Data Science and Machine Learning.

Aashna, Class of 2018

Aashna moved to Singapore from her home country India when she was 16. Her journey in international diplomacy began at ��ӣ����Ƶ American, where she completed Grade 11 through to graduation in Grade 12 and ranked 1st in ��ӣ����Ƶ’s Class of 2018 on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) final examinations. 

Aashna has a penchant for International Relations, particularly as it relates to Social and Economic Development. She reveals that ��ӣ����Ƶ has given her the support to pursue her dreams and the “freedom to explore and discover.” Today, she works at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in New York, where she is actively engaged in her calling.

��ӣ����Ƶ American Alumni: A Global Legacy of Excellence

These ��ӣ����Ƶ American alumni serve as inspiring examples of how globally focused education can empower individuals to not only pursue their passions but also make a meaningful impact on the world. Their stories remind us that the ��ӣ����Ƶ American community is not only a place of learning but also a launchpad for aspirations that can take flight on the international stage. ��ӣ����Ƶ American continues to nurture future leaders and innovators, fostering a legacy of excellence that spans the globe. With impressive results in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement, and Business and Technology Education Council exams, the ��ӣ����Ƶ American class of 2023 is poised to carry this legacy forward. As this latest batch prepares to step onto the international stage, we have no doubt that they will follow in the footsteps of our distinguished alumni and use their ��ӣ����Ƶ American education to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact on the world.

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��ӣ����Ƶ American’s various service-learning programs take students to various locales within and outside of Singapore, helping them not only become more aware of pressing issues close to home but also of their roles with the wider global community. The hope is that these young individuals will become conscientious leaders and citizens who prioritize the well-being of others, within their communities and beyond.

Let’s further explore how ��ӣ����Ƶ’s service-learning programs make this happen:

Exploring Issues and Taking Action

Service learning at ��ӣ����Ƶ American is not a passive endeavor; it is a dynamic process that encourages students to explore real-world issues. Through these programs, SAIS students delve into challenges faced by communities, both locally and globally. The emphasis on direct action ensures that students move beyond theoretical knowledge to true understanding, giving them the ability to take on problems in an effective yet sensitive manner.

One notable example of this approach is the collaboration with World Assistance for Cambodia, where students and other members of the ��ӣ����Ƶ American community came together to build the Cambodia Hope School in the Boribo Province. This initiative exemplifies the transformative power of service learning, providing disadvantaged children with educational opportunities and a pathway to a brighter future.

Skills Development through Community Exposure

The act of engaging with different people equips students to succeed in the real world. The process of planning and executing meaningful initiatives fosters leadership skills, critical thinking, and effective communication—attributes with value beyond the classroom.

��ӣ����Ƶ American’s service-learning programs are designed to develop students’ interpersonal skills and teach them practical leadership and creative thinking outside the predictable classroom framework. In a wider context, these learnings may prove critical in ensuring that students are fully able to not only appreciate different issues but also address them, when necessary. These gleanings should ultimately help students become engaged and empathetic members of communities they will eventually join.

Making a Difference in the Present

Through ��ӣ����Ƶ American’s service-learning initiatives, students won’t have to wait until after they have left school to make a positive difference in people’s lives. SAIS students are given opportunities to engage with different communities from middle school onwards, giving them an early appreciation of the value of service that will be useful for the rest of their lives.

The school’s commitment to community service is evident in the annual Christmas Giving Tree initiative. Collaborating with the SAIS Parent Teacher Association (PTA), students at ��ӣ����Ƶ American fulfill the wishes of families and children from various charities, including the Singapore Cancer Society, Make a Wish Foundation, SOSD, Waterways, Willing Hearts, Ronald McDonald House, and Autism Resource Center (ARC).

This spirit of giving recently expanded into the Month of Giving initiative in 2021. Initiated by various ��ӣ����Ƶ American High School service clubs, the event aimed to provide resources and assistance to the wider community. Organizations that benefitted from these initiatives included SAIS’s service partners Community Chest and It’s Raining Raincoats, both of which work with underprivileged groups in Singapore.

Aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

��ӣ����Ƶ American actively incorporates the United Nations’ (SDGs) into its curriculum. These interconnected development goals are aimed at helping the world achieve a better, more equitable future where all individuals can access modern and dignified ways of living, regardless of their background, without negatively impacting others.

By integrating the UN’s goals into both academics and after school activities, students have a framework with which to view pressing global issues. This helps students set actionable goals and address important challenges in their own ways. The school’s diverse student-led clubs reflect a commitment to tackling challenges that align with the SDGs, giving students a range of options for contributing to a better world.

Service Learning: A Key Ingredient in Developing Holistic and Empathetic Achievers

Service learning at ��ӣ����Ƶ goes beyond traditional education paradigms or even the expected Singapore international school experience. It recognizes the need for young, highly educated individuals to stay grounded while also helping them use their schooling for the benefit of less privileged communities. Crucially, the SAIS’s service-learning programs give students’ uniquely structured education a deeper and more immediate purpose. It’s also worth mentioning that, by being in ��ӣ����Ƶ American, students will be likely be given better opportunities to enter the world’s top universities. From these institutions, younger learners are likely to enter into positions of leadership and influence. The service-learning program is a key part of ensuring that students understand the connections between their learning and the wider world, hopefully making them truly worthy of the opportunities they may receive.

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Teams programmed and competed with their robots to push each other off the competition platform. In the first session, teams from various schools joined forces, fostering collaboration and incredible mentorship opportunities.

Congratulations to our students Harlin, Jie & Jerome, who helped us to claim the top spots in the advanced category!

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��ӣ����Ƶ does its part by offering a strong focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship as part of the educational experience. Through the school’s Field Studies�����Ի���Service Learning programs, young learners get a first-hand look at various sustainability and environmental issues, not only gaining a better understanding of these but also becoming a part of the solution. Importantly, ��ӣ����Ƶ American has also earned recognition for continually promoting key pro-sustainability values as a part of the everyday learning experience.

If you’re looking to champion the understanding of environmental and sustainability issues as a teacher or school administrator, here are some ways to seamlessly incorporate them into the educational journey:

1) Integrate Environmental Themes throughout the Entire Curriculum

For students to truly develop environmental awareness as a value, conversations around it need to be worked into as many subjects as possible. Whether it’s science, geography, or even literature, incorporating themes like climate change, conservation, proper waste disposal, recycling, and renewable energy can provide students with a holistic understanding of environmental issues as they affect these various areas.

2) Create Green Classrooms

Lectures on sustainability can fall flat if the very spaces the students learn in are managed without regard for environmental impacts. If possible, find ways to implement eco-friendly practices such as meaningful recycling programs, installing energy-efficient lighting, and conserving energy by shutting off unused appliances. Walking the talk not only sets an example for students but also creates an environment that steeps them in the principles of sustainability.

3) Organize Nature Walks and Outdoor Activities

At ��ӣ����Ƶ American, students have multiple opportunities to understand environmental and sustainability issues at a deeper level through various initiatives such as the previously mentioned Field Studies and Service Learning programs. However, any activity that takes students in contact with nature is a good opportunity to educate young minds on the importance of environmental stewardship. Nature walks and other similar activities can give students valuable hands-on experiences that deepen students connections to the environment, encouraging them to go beyond mere sustainability talking points.

4) Invite Environmental Experts as Guest Speakers

To further reinforce the importance of environmental and sustainability issues, invite guest speakers or environmental experts to share their knowledge with students. Hearing from professionals in the field provides students with real-world perspectives and insights, making environmental issues more tangible and relatable for students. Importantly, they can also help educators fill in their knowledge gaps, building a stronger foundation for future class discussions on environmental stewardship.

5) Start a School Garden or Green Space

��ӣ����Ƶ American’s students occasionally engage in tree planting activities off-campus to teach practical skills while also instilling a sense of pride and ownership in nurturing the environment. These activities can be a good way to provide insights into various environmental topics, regardless of the age of your students.

If tree planting activities aren’t possible in your context, you can still do a world of good for your students by initiating a school garden or green space project inside your campus. Involving students in planting, cultivating, and maintaining a garden is a great way to help them gain new perspectives into the lives of farmers, foresters, arborists, and other people who work close to nature.

6) Implement Waste Reduction Practices

Show students that their impact on the environment is real by actively implementing practices to reduce waste within the school community. Encourage practices like reducing paper usage, promoting the reuse of school materials, and proper recycling to deepen students’ appreciation of the resources available to them.

7) Initiate Sustainability Challenges and Competitions

Organize sustainability challenges or competitions within the school. Whether it’s a waste reduction challenge or a project focused on renewable energy, creating friendly competitions can engage students and inspire innovative solutions. For instance, ��ӣ����Ƶ American students celebrated Earth Day in 2023 by making bioplastics using everyday ingredients, building a vertical garden, and going on a scavenger hunt to identify different plants found on campus.

8) Incorporate Technology for Environmental Education

The technologies for facilitating environmental education are becoming better and more accessible each year. As such, don’t be remiss in employing relevant educational apps, virtual field trips, and interactive simulations to provide your students with engaging ways to learn about sustainability and environmental conservation.

9) Encourage Student-Led Initiatives

Lastly, the best way to get students involved in sustainability and conservation practices is to give them the power to make much-needed changes themselves. Encourage the formation of student-led clubs or green committees where students come up with their own projects that could later be supported by the school. This approach helps students develop a stronger sense of agency that may see them championing sustainability causes even when they’re off campus.

��ӣ����Ƶ American’s Sustainability Commitment: A Model for Change

As stewards of our planet, we must equip young people with the knowledge and values needed to solve the environmental challenges of our time. ��ӣ����Ƶ’s commitment to sustainability has long been recognized in Singapore and beyond, demonstrating the impact that an educational institution can have on shaping environmentally conscious individuals. Together, we can empower young individuals to develop into well-informed, and responsible protectors of the environment.

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