Are you a parent in Singapore sourcing for alternative pathways for your child’s education? Most people in Singapore consider the conventional pathways after secondary school to be either JC or polytechnic, in which JC leads to the GCE A Levels, and polytechnic leads to the attainment of a diploma certification.
However, the educational pathways have been diversifying over the years, and one option that has grown steadily in interest is the IB programme. The International Baccalaureate is an internationally-recognised qualification that most universities around the world accept. Yet, in Singapore, its presence had mostly been limited to international schools.
For a long time, local students only had Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) if they wanted to take the IB exams in a national school. Then, besides specialised schools like School of the Arts (SOTA) and the Singapore Sports School (SSP), local students had few options when it came to taking the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). From 2013, St Joseph’s Institution began their Integrated Programme leading to the IB Diploma Programme, adding more options for local students who preferred the IB route.
Besides these local schools which cater to local students under mainstream education, there are also many international schools which offer the IBDP. However, these schools are usually attended by children of expats, and relatively few locals – we assume, because the school fees are less affordable than the heavily subsidised fees of MOE schools.
Today, parents researching for the best IB school in Singapore for their child may be stumped at the options available to them. Should you choose a local school with a more local experience, or enrol your child in an international school for the true international experience of the IB? For an in-depth discussion about your options, our education consultant partners can guide you in making the best choices.
Local schools offering IB
1. Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)
Every ACSian a Scholar, Leader, Global Citizen, For God & Humanity
The first local school in Singapore to offer the IBDP, ACS (Independent) is part of the prestigious ACS family of Methodist schools in Singapore. In terms of IBDP results, ACSI has been consistent as a top-performer on the global stage, having produced numerous perfect scorers while maintaining a high average score across the cohorts.
ACSI offers both O Level and IP pathways, of which the IP culminates in the IBDP at the end of Year 6, without the need for students to sit the O Levels. Years 1-4 of ACSI is boys-only, while students from other secondary schools may apply to the co-ed college in Year 5. Currently, girls from the IP-IBDP track in Methodist Girls’ School also join ACSI in Years 5 to 6 to complete their IBDP.
Average IB score: 41.8 (#1 in the world for year 2020)
Unique subjects: Less common subjects offered include Business Management, Computer Science, and French ab initio. There are also a number of talent development programmes like the accelerated classes for science and the music elective programme.
Niche CCAs: A special point of ACSI is their two-CCA policy for Year 1-4 students: each student must take one uniformed group (UG) CCA and another CCA of their choice. As a result, ACSI offers exceptionally vast options for their UGs, with one niche choice being the Boys’ Brigade Bagpipe Band. The school also has a sizeable offering of sports, performing arts, and clubs – ensuring there is one for every child’s interest.
Other notes: ACSI has a whopping 8 houses in their house system. The school hosts events regularly, like swim meets, cross-country runs, and track and field competitions. Camps in Year 2 and 4 also offer experiential and outdoor learning opportunities while fostering community bonding amongst students.
Location: 121 Dover Road, Singapore 139650
2. St Joseph’s Institution
A mission school of choice, recognised for values-centred education and learning driven by passion, that nurtures persons who make a difference to society.
Coming from a family of well-established Catholic schools in Singapore, SJI follows a dual-track educational pathway system similar to that of ACSI. Students may choose the 4-year O Level path, or 6-year IP track leading to the IBDP. In a similar fashion, SJI at the secondary school level is a boys school. The college section is co-ed and admits students during the general JC admissions to Year 5.
SJI’s performance at the IB has been nothing short of formidable, as well. Regularly hovering around the 40s, SJI has produced many scholars from its brand of holistic and rigorous education.
Average IB score: 40.3 (2020)
Unique subjects: Apart from English, SJI offers Chinese Literature as an option of Language A subject. Also, since 2020, the school has adopted the new IB Math Analysis and Approaches syllabus for Math, which has a heavier emphasis on calculus, algebraic, graphical and numerical approaches, as well as considerations of mathematical proofs.
Niche CCAs: As a Catholic school, SJI offers a number of service clubs for Catholic students, such as the Legion of Mary, Society of St Vincent De Paul, and Young Christian Students society. If you are looking to learn some niche sports, you may also consider CCAs like sailing and canoeing.
Other notes: The school gets together during intra-school sports events featuring sports like cross-country, touch rugby, and swimming, where students may compete to represent their class, level, or fraternity. Students also get to experience outdoor learning through annual camps, and international education through overseas trips in year 3 and year 5.
Location: 38 Malcolm Road, Singapore 308274
3. School of the Arts Singapore
To develop future cultural leaders with Humility, Integrity, People-centredness and Passion.
Established in 2008 as a specialised art school, SOTA caters to outstanding students with passion and talent in art fields such as dance, music, visual arts, theatre, and film. The 6-year programme at SOTA offers students the option complete the IBDP or IB Career Programme (IBCP).
Although known as an art school, the school is not one to compromise on its academic standing. It has shown strong performance at the IB examinations year on year, in addition to uplifting the arts community and scene in Singapore with their graduating batches of budding artists.
Average IB score (2020): 38.7
Unique subjects: Expect to find an array of arts subjects including visual arts, music, theatre, dance and film. SOTA also offers the less-common Social & Cultural Anthropology as a humanities subject.
Niche CCAs: There are no formal CCAs in SOTA. Students spend their extra-curricular hours honing their craft in their art, such as working on art projects or attending rehearsals.
Other notes: Bonding throughout this artistic community is done through level camps, projects where students regularly cross-collaborate, and service learning opportunities.
Location: 1 Zubir Said Drive, Singapore 227968
International Schools in Singapore offering IB
1. Tanglin Trust School
To be the best school in the world with a dynamic learning community which nurtures and inspires every individual to be the best they can be.
This British-based, non-profit, private international school prides itself on offering a broad, balanced, and rigorous educational environment, reflected in a highly diverse setting. The school runs programmes spanning from the kindergarten to pre-university (or Sixth Form) levels, culminating in the A Levels of IBDP in Year 13.
With their ambitious vision to be the ‘best school in the world’, Tanglin Trust School definitely excels on the academic front, with a solid track record at the IB exams. This may be in part due to their small class sizes in Year 12 and 13, and a school curriculum and environment that has been judged ‘outstanding’ by British Schools Overseas (BSO) standards.
Average IB score: 39.1 (2020), 41.0 (2021)
Unique subjects: Interested in subjects like Classical Latin, Environmental Systems, or Film Studies? TTS offers some of these less common subjects to students with specific interests.
Niche CCAs: The school offers 16 different sports from golf to cricket, as well as a thriving arts programme for students of all levels.
Other notes: The large student body is factioned into 8 houses for school-wide activities. Students may also experience outdoor learning, overseas service learning and adventures through the many non-academic learning programmes offered.
Location: 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299
2. NPS International School
Inspiring young minds and empowering them to have a positive impact on the world
Valuing all-rounded education while maintaining cost-affordability for its students, NPS International School is part of a Bangalore-based network of schools serving over 15000 students worldwide. Bringing the NPS Group’s 6-decades-long brand of holistic education, NPSI in Singapore upholds strong academic standards while offering a wide variety of subjects and activities.
Some differentiating factors include their small class sizes (averaging 16 per IBDP class), a strong sports culture, and a conscious emphasis on parent engagement. The school’s programmes span from kindergarten to high school, where high school students can take the IGCSE (in year 10), India’s CBSE (year 10 and 12), or IBDP (in years 11 to 12).
Average IB score: 39.0 (2020), 41.6 (2021)
Unique subjects: NPSI offers various language options like Hindi, French, and Spanish.
Niche CCAs: Self-proclaimed as a school with strong sports culture, NPSI has recently clinched more than 50% of the medals at the International Schools’ Championships. Besides sports, the school also has a jaw-dropping number of clubs, including Creative Writing, Embroidery, and a Culinary club.
Other notes: With its Indian heritage, the school is made up of mainly Indian students from diverse backgrounds. Apart from academic studies, students are strongly encouraged to pursue opportunities to embark on adventure learning and community service works.
Location: 10 & 12 Chai Chee Lane, Singapore 469021 & 469022
3. UWCSEA
To educate individuals to embrace challenge and take responsibility for shaping a better world.
The second college in the UWC movement, UWCSEA was originally known as Singapore International School, and only became United World College of South East Asia in 1975. Over 5000 students spread across 2 campuses make up the school today. A true mark of diversity in its student body is how there are over 100 nationalities of students and over 78 different home languages amongst the students.
UWCSEA runs a K-12 curriculum which is founded on a ‘backward design’ framework, which breaks down what learners need to know into digestible concepts and benchmarks. Year 10 students take the IGCSEs and Years 11 to 12 are for the IBDP. Said to be the first school in Asia to be authorised to conduct the IBDP back in 1977, the school has been on an upward trend with its IB results in recent years.
Average IB score: 38.0 (2020), 39.2 (2021)
Unique subjects: UWCSEA shows its commitment to embracing diversity and inclusivity, by offering world languages like Spanish and Chinese to lesser-known ones like Siswati, Tajik, and Dzongkh (depending on the demand). Those looking for niche subject options can also consider subjects like Sports Science, Design Technology, and Dance.
Niche CCAs: The school engages students in performing arts activities as well as competitive sports such as cricket, hockey, and ultimate frisbee. In addition, students may join the Home Languages Programme to maintain and develop their language skills in their home language.
Other notes: The student makeup here is vast and diverse, offering a wonderful environment for international education. Students may stay in the boarding school to experience even more of the community activities and cultural exchange the school offers. For all students, other activities to look forward to include outdoor education, service learning, and holiday camps.
Location: 1207 Dover Road, Singapore 139654 (Dover Campus); 1 Tampines Street 73, Singapore 528704 (East Campus)
4. St Joseph Institution International
To learn how to learn and to learn how to live, empowering them to become people of integrity and people for others.
Although firmly anchored in their traditions and heritage of the Catholic faith and the De La Salle brothers, SJI International welcomes students of all religions and nationalities. The school serves students from the elementary to high school levels, built upon highly credentialed faculty and child-centred learning. Like with many other international schools in Singapore, students here take the IGCSE and IBDP in years 10 and 12 respectively.
Their students achieve IB scores well above the global average, positioning the school with a competitive edge. Besides academics, the school also excels with a vibrant community filled with activities such as performing arts, sports, and clubs, as well as House activities like tug-of-war, talent shows, and paper aeroplane competitions.
Average IB score: 38.0 (2020)
Unique subjects: SJI International offers Indonesian as a Language A (literature), Language B, and ab initio. Depending on demand, they also run subjects as such Sports Science, and Environmental Systems.
Niche CCAs: There are a number of unique interest clubs for those who aren’t into the usual sports or arts CCAs. These include Anime Club, Walking Club, Street Art, Darts, Scuba Diving, and Friends of the Zoo.
Other notes: The House system consists of 4 houses named after 4 Lasallian saints. These Houses unite and compete in the House calendar of events, comprising a range of activities which allows students to showcase their various talents and forge connections across the school.
Location: 490 Thomson Road, Singapore 298191
5. Dover Court International School
Nurturing ambition, celebrating diversity.
A Nord Anglia Education School, Dover Court International School runs an international syllabus based on the English National Curriculum. Most notably, the school has tie ups with celebrated and renowned universities like Juilliard and MIT for their arts and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) programmes respectively, making the school an attractive choice for students with talents and passions in either area.
As an international school, its cohort is diverse, with over 60 nationalities of students aged 3 to 18. While all Year 11s sit the IGCSE, students in year 12 and 13 have a choice to take either the IBDP or International BTEC Business Diploma. The school programmes are led and supported by a team of teaching faculty, majority with qualifications from UK and Ireland.
Average IB score: 37.0 (2020), 36.0 (2021)
Unique subjects: Some subjects offered at the IBDP are Information Technology in a Global Society, Environmental Systems and Society, Sports Exercise and Health Science, and Theatre.
Notable activities: Sports activities such as touch rubgy and judo are available for students. There are also local and overseas expeditions as opportunities for outdoor learning.
Other notes: DCIS is a relatively small school totalling 1800 students across all levels, with a close-knit feel. The House system is used to foster bond across the school, especially through community events like family picnics, Halloween, and Christmas.
Location: 301 Dover Road, Singapore 139644
6. Dulwich College Singapore
To Live Worldwise: Our students have the skills and motivation to make a positive difference in the world.
Dulwich College Singapore originates from its founding school in Southeast London. The Singapore school welcomes kindergarten to high school students, going from their early years programme DUCKS, to junior and senior school. Students in junior and senior school follow the English National Curriculum, leading up to the IGCSEs in Years 8 to 11, and IBDP in Years 12 to 13.
Besides the main academic curriculum, Dulwich College Singapore is chock-full of educational and talent programmes for students of various interests. Bilingual learning opportunities can be seen by the variety of languages they offer at the IB level. Then there’s subject banding and the High Potential Learners programme to develop talents in certain subjects through accelerated learning and heightened opportunities.
Average IB score: 37.0 (2020), 39.9 (2021)
Unique subjects: Some notable subjects the school offers include Mandarin language and literature, Spanish, German, French, Sports Exercise and Health Science, Design Technology, Theatre, Dance, and Film Studies.
Niche CCAs: The school boasts over 300+ student activities, with a huge focus on musical instrument learning and learning Mandarin.
Other notes: The sprawling 5-hectare campus is built with a ‘students-first’ vision in mind. The castle-looking façade belies supercharged functionalities which are both user-friendly and sustainable, including a food waste composter, herb and fruit garden, performing arts centre, design and tech workshops, fully-equipped sports gymnasium, and more.
Location: 71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, Singapore, 658966
7. Hwa Chong International School
Building Capability and Developing Character in Students to Become Independent, Innovative and International-Minded Learners of Tomorrow
From the elite Hwa Chong family of schools, Hwa Chong International School shares in the rich heritage and quality of education that the other Hwa Chong schools embody. Offering the IBDP since 2009, HCIS runs a 6-year curriculum with a 4-year Integrated Programme followed by two-year IBDP. Years 3 to 4 are called the Pre-IB Programme, which encapsulates a broad-based approach to introduce the rigours of the actual IBDP. Students may also choose to take the IGSCE at the end of year 4.
Besides maintaining a high average score of about 37 points throughout the past 5 years, HCIS also takes pride in its emphasis on bilingual education, with 36% of their students achieving the IB Bilingual Diploma in 2020.
2020 average IB score: 37.0
Unique subjects: Although HCIS’s main emphasis on bilingual education is for English and Chinese, the school also offers Korean as a Language A subject.
Niche CCAs: HCIS appears stronger on the sports front, with a wide variety of sports CCAs offered compared to their performing arts and other clubs. As if niche sports like horse-riding and ice hockey isn’t enough, HCIS also offers indoor skydiving as a CCA.
Other notes: The school works up their school spirit with annual events like the House Olympics and Innofest. There are also annual camps, sabbatical weeks, and overseas learning experiences for students happening all year-round. Overseas students may apply for boarding, which is well-stocked with state-of-the-arts facilities on campus.
Location: 663 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269783
Conclusion
With the plethora of choices available, there is bound to be a suitable school for almost every type of student. But if you still need more help in making this major decision – do not fret! Get in touch with us, and we can link you up with professional educational consultants who will be able to provide you with the latest insights and guidance for all your IB and/or university application needs!
On our part, we can also minimise one more worry for you: the issue of sourcing for reliable IB or IP tuition. As both local IB schools in Singapore run the IP-IB system, we have made classes such as IP Math tuition available for IP and IB students. Through years of tutoring many batches ACSI students in subjects from IP Physics to IP Chemistry tution, we are able to help students by being well-informed about the demands of their syllabus.
Now that all these resources are at your fingertips, what are you waiting for? It’s time to take action and pursue the path that’s right for you!
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