The core development of a child starts from the age of 0 – 6 years old. In this time, the child will develop his/her cognitive, motor and social skills to function capably in a society.
So, apart from the parents, a child learns such abilities within the walls of a school. As he/she spends most of their days in a school, it is important to choose a primary school that focuses not only on their curriculum but also their overall development.
And, a primary school in Punggol certainly offers that and more. With its holistic approach to education, it covers all the basis a child needs to grow and learn. This approach has been globally acclaimed and is a fan favourite with parents who are looking out for Singapore international schools for their child.
Now let us look at what exactly is the ‘holistic’ way of education, its approaches and how it can be advantageous to your child, not only in school but throughout their lives…
What is Holistic Education that a Singapore International School focuses on?
Typically, in a Singapore international school, holistic education is where educators focus on a combined learning format that includes aspects such as the social, ethical, academic and emotional needs of their students
Students are also taught to think about what they are doing and how they influence the global and the local community, as well as to learn from the surrounding community. To integrate that, the curriculum is designed to incorporate projects that apply critical-thinking skills toward solving real-world problems.
The History of Holistic Education in Singapore
Holistic education could be a comparatively new movement developed within the Eighties to counteract the present learning structure that was perceived as mechanistic.
However, the idea of training supported a person’s entire expertise has roots in ancient ideas of instruction, together with those of Greek and native autochthonal cultures, and has magnified in prevalence over the past century. Many totally different approaches based on whole-person education gained steam in the twentieth century, including Maria Montessori’s self-motivated growth philosophy.
Since Singapore international schools are learning the importance of this method of education, many are now rapidly integrating this method within their curricula. Parents will find the holistic method of learning in almost every city, including the primary schools in Punggol!
Approaches To Holistic Education
The whole point of a holistic education method is to service all attributes of a student. Meaning, providing opportunities that are personalized to a child’s various skills and varying emotions.
Thus, lessons are conducted in an exceedingly safe and supporting setting that permits students to utilize their individual strengths. And to achieve that, educators may individualize their teaching techniques according to each student’s learning capabilities.
Education Models in Singapore International Schools
Experiential Learning: Schools, such as primary schools in Punggol, focus on experiential learning in order to provide a hands-on educational experience. For example, educators divide the students into various groups to determine which teaching styles are most effective for them. Holistic experiential learning typically includes various problem-solving exercises that can help them with various community issues.
Self-created Learning: In self-created learning environments, teachers enable students to learn at their own pace and in the style that best suits them. The self-created culture enables students adaptation to alleviate the flaws of uniform learning models. A low-risk assessment adjusts the content and pace of the curriculum so that it can be smaller and contain students of different ages and skill levels.
Community Schools: It’s a fact that humans find connections and learn through a Community. And, it is integral that a sense of community must be developed within children starting at a young age. In a community school, educators develop this attribute within their students with the help of many community-based activities; like charity, helping out the environment, etiquette to be followed in public and more. And, Singapore international schools have been including such activities within their extracurriculars.
Interdisciplinary Coursework: Part of what a holistic education is all about is the idea that a student’s cognitive growth improves when multiple subjects are studied at the same time. Some schools, such as primary schools in Punggol, have created integrated programs wherein teachers from different disciplines come together to teach thematic concepts that address problems from multiple perspectives.
Teacher Strategies
As it has been discussed above, holistic education encourages educators to form various teaching strategies that are individual to their students.
These strategies are only effective if the educator forms a strong relationship with their students; a strong bond with their teacher creates a nurturing environment for the students to learn and discuss any difficulties freely.
Along with this, educators also promote self-confidence and emotional reflection; these aspects are not only integral for a child’s development but help them to hone in on their skills and teach them to be emotionally aware of themselves and their surroundings.
Advantages of a Holistic Education in a Primary School in Punggol
Holistic education is based on a philosophy of learning that offers students, teachers, schools, and communities a number of benefits. Students are empowered to improve their educational outcomes and acquire the life skills necessary for a successful career.
Improved Academic Achievement: Children’s brain capacities increase when they feel physically and emotionally safe and connected with others; and holistic education can improve the school performance of all children, regardless of origin and living conditions.
Refined Mental and Emotional Well-Being: In a supportive environment in which social and emotional learning is paramount in addition to academics, students are more likely to come out with a sense of self-awareness, self-confidence, and a sense of social responsibility.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Ability: Hands-on projects provide students with skills that will apply to real-world issues that exist in their communities and in their adult careers, such as gathering, analysing and reporting data and working with others.
Learn More About Holistic Education taught in Primary Schools
Check out primary schools in Punggol which include well-rounded educational strategies, including integrated study formats and collaborative interactions. Teachers can help students develop strong self-esteem and promote happiness and success in life.
This in conclusion makes Singapore international school education one of the best around the globe!