PROSPECTUS
MISSION Engage. Enlighten. Empower.
VISION
CIS will provide extraordinary learning opportunities for the globally connected student. A nurturing environment, an international curriculum, and a culturally diverse community will facilitate exceptional achievements. Together we will take action to make the world a better place.
CORE VALUES Values should be more than inspiring or beautiful words. Our values are a behavioural blueprint that shape who we are as a school community and as individuals. In all that we do, we ask ourselves – does this promote what we value most? RESPECT
COMMITMENT
The Canadian International School - Prospectus
INTEGRITY
COLLABORATION
RESPONSIBILITY
WELCOME Engage. Enlighten. Empower. These words are the cornerstones of the Canadian International School’s (CIS) mission and educational philosophy, and eloquently define our commitment to education and represent the aspirations we have for all student learning experiences, be it in the classroom or beyond. At CIS, we celebrate both our internationalism and the uniqueness of each of the 70 plus nationalities represented among our students and staff. In a multicultural and multilingual environment, with English as the language of instruction, we are greatly enriched by this diversity. Our community has the opportunity to develop an understanding of Canada’s culture, customs and approach to education. It is truly the kind of “cultural mosaic” for which Canada has become so well known. We have a tradition of curriculum development and innovation that is based on best practices worldwide, and as an IB World School offer all three programmes of the International Baccalaureate to children aged 3 to 18. The final two years of these programmes, taught in Grades 11 and 12, lead to the award of the IB Diploma, a qualification recognised and sought after by universities around the world.
In partnership with parents, we strive to equip our students with 21st century skills - skills that will enable them to thrive, exercise leadership, achieve ambitious and worthy goals, and to make a positive difference in an increasingly globalised world. These skills are essential for their future, whether it is tomorrow or in ten years from now. CIS provides a vibrant learning community and a caring and supportive home to over 3,100 students across 2 campuses. Our passionate, dedicated and highly trained staff challenges each of our students to reach his or her individual potential. On behalf of the Canadian International School community, I invite you to come and explore our school. We welcome the opportunity to share with you the delight that comes in joining the caring and committed learning community that is CIS. Sincerely,
• An IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. • A diverse and inclusive community. • Lakeside campus provides a state-of-the-art environment for students K-12. • Tanjong Katong campus provides an intimate school environment for students K-6. • Campuses are situated close to public transport, in picturesque surroundings. • The Canadian International School received the fouryear EduTrust award in 2012.
Dr. Glenn Odland Head of School
The Canadian International School - Prospectus
THE CIS EXPERIENCE The Canadian International School (CIS) provides the global child with the ultimate 21st century educational experience - one that is innovative, creative and bold. Students are inspired to achieve excellence as they participate in engaging academic, sporting, and fine and performing arts programmes that are rigorous but never rigid. Outstanding teachers live and breathe the IB philosophy and encourage students to excel as they develop intellectual curiosity and independence of mind, concern and respect for others, a sense of compassion and high standards. Our co-educational graduate community goes on to study at universities around the world.
Challenging expeditions and community service opportunities empower students from over 70 nations to broaden their understanding of the world around them and develop leadership skills. As global citizens, our community celebrates their shared humanity and diversity. We place a key focus on the use of modern educational technology (EdTech) to support teaching, learning and communications. Today’s students are native digital citizens and move seamlessly from one digital platform to another. The CIS curriculum aims to integrate technology to optimise and enhance student-learning experiences and deliver lessons in a very hands-on, minds-on manner.
THE CIS ADVANTAGE 21st Century Skills
A Diverse Community
An Inclusive Culture
A Focus on Excellence
The school’s ‘One to World’ programme connects students to the global community, empowering them to become active participants in defining an optimal teaching and learning environment. A school-wide digital citizenship initiative develops in students an understanding of responsible digital behaviour, and helps them understand how they can safely and successfully navigate in an increasingly connected world.
Staff, students and parents from over 70 nations come together to form a culturally rich learning environment – reinforcing the values of global citizenship and a shared humanity.
Diverse experiences, perspectives and talents enrich a school community. Inclusion is about action, not just words students feel that they belong, can realise their potential, and contribute to school life in a meaningful way.
Students are challenged to do their best in whatever they do, reach for the highest level of individual achievement and develop a personal sense of responsibility, as skills and talents develop. Students discover the delight in acquiring knowledge through innovative learning opportunities and graduate confident that goals and dreams are achievable.
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Christy Hasiuk, CIS Alum, 1997
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We were a melting pot of race, religion and culture, we inter-mingled ... Our growth was all encompassing as it was academic as well as experiential. The memories that we have and the friendships that we made will certainly last forever. I continue to keep in touch with many people from my CIS experience.
A COMMUNITY FOR LIFE
As well as the warm welcome from our highly experienced faculty, older students and peers are also instrumental in ensuring new students acclimatise and feel at home at CIS. Together, we make sure every child settles into school life quickly so that they feel part of the CIS family. Our Faculty: Exceptional Educators CIS’s faculty is one of the finest, with over 60% of staff holding advanced or double degrees. Our teachers get to know each child - they understand their interests and passions, and how to light each student’s intellectual fire.
Parents: An Essential Element of the CIS Community Parents can look forward to becoming part of an inclusive, close and supportive school community when their child joins CIS. We value our relationship with parents, and look to be long term partners in the education of their child(ren). There are a number of ways parents can become involved in school life and be part of the definitive CIS experience. Parent volunteers are welcome throughout the school in areas that include the classroom, the library, helping out with stage productions, volunteering on field trips, working with our curriculum coordinators and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
Parent Teacher Association The CIS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) welcomes parent involvement and encourages close ties between parents and the school. PTA parents host and volunteer at school events such as Uniting Nations Week, Teacher Appreciation Day and the annual PTA Garage Sale. There are a number of active committees that always need parental involvement and support – parents are encouraged to get in touch to find out how to become an active member and join a great group of like-minded people!
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We love CIS for its global perspective, community and general love of learning. CIS is exceptional in helping students develop analytical, presentation and social skills - skills which will serve them throughout their entire lives. Annie Sarnblad, Primary School Parent, 2012
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The Canadian International School (CIS) experience begins with students being recognised as individuals and appreciated for the gifts that they bring with them. We aim to make the transition for new students and their parents as smooth and enjoyable as possible, and many members of our school community are involved in providing a warm welcome and needed support networks.
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IB LEARNER PROFILE
INQUIRERS KNOWLEDGEABLE OPEN-MINDED PRINCIPLED COMMUNICATORS CARING RISK-TAKERS REFLECTIVE BALANCED THINKERS
AN IB WORLD SCHOOL The Canadian International School (CIS) is an IB World School. Central to all IB programmes is the IB Learner Profile, which is the IB mission statement, translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21st century. The CIS mission, to Engage, Enlighten, and Empower our students, aligns perfectly with that of the IB, ensuring a synergistic educational approach. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) at CIS spans Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6. The PYP curriculum framework fosters the development of knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding through inquiry into six transdisciplinary themes. Transdisciplinary skills are developed across all areas of the curriculum. The PYP culminates with students participating in the Exhibition at the end of Grade 6. The Exhibition is centred on a transdisciplinary theme, and sees students identifying, investigating and offering solutions to real-life issues or problems. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides students in Grades 7 through 10 with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be active and effective participants in the 21st century. The MYP is a curriculum framework that helps teachers establish goals, focus units of study using the Global Contexts and conduct meaningful assessments. Students are given ownership of the learning process and are encouraged to actively participate in their own education by setting personal goals and practicing ongoing self-evaluation. The Diploma Programme (DP), an academically rigorous two (2) year curriculum, spans Grades 11 and 12. The DP seeks to provide a holistic education whereby candidates reflect their roles as responsible and compassionate local community members and global citizens. Three core requirements of the programme are: the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS). These core requirements are included with the aim of broadening students’ educational experiences and challenging them to apply their knowledge and understanding. A rigorous and demanding programme, the IB DP is considered the gold standard by many, and is accepted by universities around the world. At CIS, we work hard to create an academic environment that fosters self-belief, individuality, creativity, leadership and academic excellence. Students are provided with highly effective and meaningful learning experiences, all aimed at upholding intercultural understanding as an essential part of a 21st century education. Additional information regarding the IBO and its programmes can be found at www.ibo.org.
AN ENGAGING ACADEMIC PROGRAMME Our cutting edge curriculum draws on best practices from around the world and is inspired by the most innovative and internationally acclaimed teaching pedagogies from countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, providing our students with a truly global educational experience. Innovative teaching strategies and fundamental beliefs about how students learn best ensure that each student is provided with an excellent academic foundation and is challenged to reach their full potential. As an IB World School, inquiry is at the core of the Canadian International School (CIS) curriculum. Authentic learning experiences are related to the real world, in a way that students find meaningful. Gone are the days of learning by rote – today’s students ask questions, conduct in-depth research to solve problems, and develop analytical thinking and presentation skills.
The Canadian International School - Prospectus
To support a rigorous academic programme, robust offerings in arts (music, visual art and drama), sports, languages, personal/social/ physical education, outdoor education and community service ensure the development of a well-balanced student. Technology is interwoven into the curriculum and provides students, true digital citizens, with an authentic 21st century learning experience and equips them with skills essential for their future success. As students progress towards Secondary School, teachers hold them accountable to high standards to ensure that they are properly prepared to follow their dreams and pursue their profession of choice. CIS graduates go on to study at universities around the world.
Tracy Doberstein, Primary School Parent, 2012
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The IB programme has given my children such amazing confidence that they can handle new environments with such ease. They are not afraid to be leaders or risktakers no matter what situation they find themselves in.
CREATIVITY AND SELF EXPRESSION
At the Canadian International School (CIS), the arts encompass music, visual art and drama. Purpose built music rooms, drama studios and visual arts studios provide a perfect venue for arts classes with faculty who are specialists in their respective arts field. Students build skills in theatre production, puppet making, ceramics, percussion and movement, digital art, and more.
It is not just the most talented actors or the most proficient musicians who perform at CIS. Every student is involved, and it is our team spirit, dedication and inspirational teaching that sees our students consistently rise to outstanding results. Opportunities to engage in artistic endeavours go beyond classroombased programmes. A number of arts related events provide opportunities for student participation and enjoyment, and state of the art facilities provide the perfect venue to professionally showcase student talent. Arts events at CIS include musical productions, plays, formal and informal visual art exhibitions, celebrity concerts, and a host of formal and informal performances.
Some arts events will see our students working with, or competing against, students from other international schools. Student talent and enthusiasm truly shine in these showcase events.
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Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. Pablo Picasso
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Involvement in the arts benefits the development of a student’s creativity, imagination and cognitive skills. Problem solving and creative learning encourage students to connect visual knowledge to other subjects and to respond with innovation, understanding, flexibility and imagination.
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CELEBRATING SPORTSMANSHIP Our students enjoy the benefits of health education, skills and strength development and teamwork through an extensive Physical Education (PE) programme, where each child is encouraged to celebrate their personal successes. In addition to the sporting and athletic activities that are experienced in PE, the Canadian International School (CIS) offers a number of engaging and exciting competitive and recreational sporting activities after school. Through sporting activities, our students can develop and enhance their individual athletic skills and prowess, learn the benefits of teamwork and the importance of fair play, and build and refine their leadership and communication skills. Sports and physical activity days are a key feature of the school calendar. These days are age appropriate and aim to foster a love of sports, physical activity, and life long healthy choices.
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Competitive sports at CIS are offered under the umbrella of ACSIS (Athletic Conference Singapore International Schools), of which CIS is a member. Through the ACSIS league, students (from mid Primary) have the opportunity to compete in athletics, basketball, badminton, soccer, cross country running, swimming, football, rugby, tennis and netball. Students in competitive sporting teams proudly wear a sports kit that is emblazoned with the image of the CIS Husky* – the official CIS sports mascot.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Extra Curricular Activities (ECAs) provide students in Grades 1 through 6 with an opportunity to pursue their passions, or develop new ones, outside regular school hours. There is a large range of activities to choose from, and ECAs fall into four distinct categories: • • • •
Arts (music, drama, dance and art) Sports (both recreational and teambased programmes) Academic explorations Service
As students move into Secondary School, ECAs (known as clubs) become more student-driven and take place either during SMART period or after school. ECAs for Primary students typically occur after school, and are run by external providers from the Singapore community who are leaders in their field. External ECAs incur a user fee for participation. An after school language programme provides students with mother tongue instruction, or language acquisition opportunities. This is a paid service, and classes are conducted by professional language service providers. Languages on offer do change, however, recent offerings have included Dutch, Danish, French, Chinese, Spanish, German, Norwegian, Korean and Japanese. Students are grouped by age and language proficiency in these classes.
ECAs indicated in this infographic are just a sample of what has been on offer. ECA offerings will change each block - please view the most up to date listing on our website: www.cis.edu.sg.
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GLOBAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMME A MULTILINGUAL APPROACH All students learn a second language at CIS, with the exception of a small minority of students who receive learning support, or those who are taking English Language Learner classes. Students are placed in language classes according to their proficiency level. Early Language Immersion We know that the younger a child is when they begin to learn a new language, the more easily it is acquired. At CIS, we take advantage of this prime language learning time in our youngest students. Pre-Kindergarten learners have two different immersion programmes: Chinese immersion* (where Chinese is the language of instruction) or English immersion (where English is the language of instruction). * Chinese immersion classes are offered in the morning only. Pre-K students enrolled in the full day programme will be placed in English immersion classes in the afternoon.
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Daily Language Learning
Bilingual Programme
Language learning at an early age is very important, which is why daily language lessons (Chinese or French) start from the age of 4 (Junior Kindergarten). Students are grouped in classes according to their linguistic ability, and taught by highly experienced language teachers.
Our pioneering bilingual programme in Chinese and English is available to students aged 4 to 9 (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 4). In this programme, students enjoy equal exposure to both languages. A key feature of these classes is the twoteacher model, and full alignment to the IB Primary Years Programme.
As students move into Secondary School and the MYP (French, Chinese or Spanish - Grade 7 only) and DP* (Chinese, French, Spanish, and Self Taught language), language classes may be scheduled in double period blocks, which allows for a more focussed approach to academic content. Due to scheduling, language may not be daily, but will still equal at least 5 periods each week. * There are 53 approved languages that students may choose from in the DP Self-Taught languages in 14/15.
English Language Learners As well as the additional languages offered at CIS, an excellent English Language Learner (ELL) programme is provided for non-English speakers in Grades 1 to 9. Support for younger students is provided on a case by case basis.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING We value creativity, activity, and experiential learning as part of a holistic educational experience. In both Primary and Secondary School, students participate in athletics, arts, leadership and community service, through both the regularly timetabled programme and extracurricular offerings during and after school. Many of these exciting, experiential learning opportunities take students beyond the traditional boundaries of the classroom and encourage authentic hands-on, minds-on learning. Students are provided with the opportunity to learn about themselves, other people, different cultures, and the world around them. Experiential Learning Excursion Week, Open Minds and Field Trips are a few of the experiential learning experiences designed to support our inquiry based curriculum.
Open Minds Open Minds is an exciting and innovative learning experience, which sees students in Grades 1 to 6 going beyond the classroom to extend learning in a variety of real world settings. These meaningful experiences support student inquiry and focus on broad-based issues with a local context. Firsthand experience with artifacts, experts in the relative field and rare opportunities to go behind the scenes, create unique opportunities for powerful hands-on, minds-on learning. Excursion Week Excursion Week sees students in Grades 4 to 11 travelling to countries that include Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia and Canada with their teachers and peers. Age travelled is commensurate with age, and as students get older, they venture to countries farther afield.
During Excursion Week, students develop independence and an understanding of other peoples, communities and global issues. They are involved in activities such as raft building, snorkeling, studying the local environment and habitats, and community outreach activities such as house building in Cambodia. Field Trips and Research Studies Field Trips, organised by class or grade level, take place throughout the year. Field trips provide faculty with relevant, real world activities that support and extend students’ understanding of units and topics being studied in class.
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SERVICE AND OUTREACH We recognise that we have an important part to play in the wider world and that we are in a unique position to be able to give something back to both the community in which we live, and to communities that lie beyond the boundaries of Singapore.
well-balanced global citizens. Community outreach initiatives can be school division specific or can span the entire school and provide older students with opportunities to act as role models and mentors to their younger peers. Through outreach and service activities, students will further develop essential life skills in the areas of communication, teamwork and leadership.
Community outreach projects at the Canadian International School (CIS) are cooperative partnerships between the school community and communities in need, and provide students with a wider perspective of their individual responsibilities to society. Outreach and service activities encourage empathy and understanding, and result in the development of responsible and
Student volunteer activities in both the local community and overseas include volunteering in aged homes, volunteering at Riding for the Disabled, participating in the Terry Fox inspired Run for Cancer, and house building in Cambodia. Many other outreach initiatives occur throughout the school year and are often a student driven compassionate response to regional or global disasters.
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My experience at CIS taught me to communicate with other cultures, which is now a vital part of my role in the hospitality industry. Steve Moine, CIS Alum, 1994
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Community Outreach and Service has been a hallmark of CIS since the school’s inception.
TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT 21st CENTURY LEARNING
In the classroom, the use of technology contributes to global development and diversity. It helps develop the fundamental building blocks needed for students to master more complex ideas. One of our key aims is to teach students the importance of responsible digital citizenship in a globalised world. Technology and the use of technology platforms are integrated into the curriculum. The use of interactive whiteboards as a learning tool provides students with opportunities to engage with technology in a meaningful and exciting manner to communicate effectively.
The Canadian International School - Prospectus
At the Canadian International School (CIS), our faculty understand that technology must be relevant and interactive for it to be meaningful to our students, today’s digital citizens; however, they also understand that the use of technology without a perceived outcome is meaningless.
The Exploration of Social Learning Environments
Students need a practical use for technology, whether to manipulate data or to explore the world around them. Technological Engagement at CIS •
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iPads - Students in Pre-K to Grade 3 explore the world of technology via an innovative iPad programme, where they use school provided classroom sets of iPads. The CIS “One to World” Programme sees students in Grade 4 and 5 bringing an iPad, and students in Grades 6 to 12 their own MacBooks, to school every day as technology is integrated into everyday learning across a number of digital platforms.
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In today’s world, students need to be able to communicate quickly with each other, but in a centralised manner. The use of member-only virtual learning environments allow students and faculty to communicate with each other in real time, and to have meaningful and collaborative conversations that contribute to authentic learning. The use of these learning environments also provides us with an opportunity to educate students about social media, digital environments, and safe practices.
If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow. John Dewey
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Essential to student learning in the 21st century is digital literacy. Educational Technology (EdTech) reflects the need for students to develop learning skills that enable them to think critically, analyse and organise information, investigate, communicate, collaborate, problem-solve, and utilise technology in effective ways in today’s knowledge-based society.
TANJONG KATONG AN INTIMATE ENVIRONMENT IN LUSH, GREEN SURROUNDINGS The Canadian International School’s (CIS) Tanjong Katong (TK) campus offers learning and sporting facilities in an intimate environment that is highly conducive to holistic student development. The campus is situated on Tanjong Katong Road; approximately 10 minutes drive east of the city centre, in Singapore’s dynamic East Coast area. TK is easily accessible from East Coast residential areas and serves children from Early Childhood Education (approximately 3 years of age) to Grade 6 (approximately 11 years of age). Formerly the site of the old Tanjong Katong Girls’ School, Block C of the TK campus is a Singapore heritage listed site. The site was awarded to CIS in 2007 with the confidence that we will maintain the conservation of Block C as a classic representation of Singapore’s rich academic history. The Tanjong Katong campus provides students with an inviting, open and airy environment, with students enjoying easy access to inter-connecting outdoor recreational and sporting areas. The school comprises four main buildings (referred to as blocks) and offers spacious, air-conditioned classrooms, which are located off openair corridors, promoting a unique sense of environmental harmony. Classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge, networked technology designed to be age-specific, ensuring a student-friendly and stimulating learning environment. Grade levels are clustered together to allow easy collaboration
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and sharing, all of which encourage a strong sense of community between, and across, grade levels. Our Tanjong Katong library, with an experienced teacher-librarian and friendly staff, houses a full spectrum of literary resources, ample study areas and iMacs. Each school year, students’ educational experiences are enriched, as the library plays host to visiting artists and authors. A Spacious and Lush Environment for Discovery and Exploration Our youngest students, those in Kindergarten, enjoy making connections with their world in an outdoor “Discovery Garden”, located amongst shady trees and a lush, green environment. This garden runs alongside the classroom block that houses our junior students and can be accessed directly from the classroom. The garden and playground areas have bike tracks, sand and water play areas, and gazebo-like structures where our Kindergarten students can explore and investigate their world.
LAKESIDE A WORLD CLASS FACILITY Set on a large square 43,000 sq.m. parcel of land, the Canadian International School’s Lakeside campus provides students with facilities that include state-of-the-art classrooms, academic facilities, spacious sporting, outdoor and playground facilities, as well as a Performing Arts and Fine Arts Centre, theatre and double storey library. The campus is easily accessible via public transport, and our older students enjoy the independence and autonomy that this provides.
Having the opportunity to build a brand new campus provided us with an opportunity to create a school that was perfectly suited to accommodate and complement our unique, progressive and innovative educational programmes, and resulted in a campus that is at the forefront of educational design. Every aspect of the campus was designed to reflect the very latest thinking and best practices in school design and functionality.
To maximise the use of all available space on the site, the Lakeside campus was uniquely planned with the schools organised into vertical layers, or “Schools-within-a-School”. Efficient timetabling and sharing of all available teaching and recreational spaces ensure that students from each school division have equal access to Lakeside facilities at their own dedicated times.
SCHOOLS-WITHIN-A-SCHOOL Kindergarten Pre-Kindergarten to Senior Kindergarten (Kindergarten, part of the overall Primary division, is also offered at Tanjong Katong) Primary School Grades 1 to 6 (Primary is also offered at Tanjong Katong) Secondary School Grades 7 to 12 (Secondary is only offered at Lakeside)
A crucial feature of the overall design of the Lakeside campus is our Schools-within-a-School concept. Each school division houses a different community of students and consists of classrooms, pods, play and recreational areas, and student communal areas. This Schools-within-a-School concept ensures that the Lakeside campus retains the strong sense of community that the Canadian International School is known for, while providing all the benefits of a large, fully equipped campus. The Lakeside campus is overseen by our Head of School, with each school division overseen by the relevant Principal and Vice Principals. Classrooms in each school section are arranged by grade level and in clusters, each having a central common space, known as a
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pod, designed for flexibility to accommodate multiple purposes. The pods in each school and grade level section showcase learning in a variety of different formats and support our fundamental belief that student learning opportunities need to be recognised and celebrated on a regular basis. Events such as student performances, galleries showcasing student work and exhibitions all take place in the pods. Educational and digital technologies are a key feature of our learning environment. The very latest technology is available to assist students and includes e-learning capabilities, Apple TV, and interactive whiteboards. The Schools-within-a-School concept not only encompasses class-based areas but extends out to the age appropriate and educationally designed playground and recreational areas.
KINDERGARTEN FACILITATING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE THROUGH INQUIRY AND PLAY Our inquiry and play-based approach to learning in the Kindergarten years (3 - 5 years) is grounded in research and best practices. Through a focus on establishing a strong educational foundation via the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and a sense of fun, students’ creativity and sense of wonder is nurtured. In Kindergarten, students spend most of their time with their homeroom teacher who is supported by an Educational Assistant (EA). Class sizes are kept small, allowing ample time for individualised attention. Daily Language Learning In Pre-Kindergarten, we have adopted a dual language immersion model for our youngest learners. Morning homeroom classes are conducted in either English or Chinese, while afternoon classes are conducted in English, providing full day students with a dual language immersion model where desired. All Junior and Senior Kindergarten students learn an additional daily language (French or Chinese), or they can enrol in our pioneering
bilingual Chinese-English programme. Our bilingual programme provides equal exposure to both Chinese and English, with two qualified teachers in every classroom. This flexible and individualised approach to language learning in Kindergarten lays the foundation for multilingual learning, and supports English language learners in their language development. Literacy and Mathematics Literacy and numeracy learning is built into the daily schedule, and is addressed in ways best suited to young learners, while being responsive to a wide range of academic abilities. Each concept is taught by teachers in large and small group settings, providing students with time to learn through inquiry and play. Physical Education and the Arts Students engage in Physical Education and the Arts (Music, Visual Art, Dance, Drama) with single subject specialists. Physical Education lessons focus on movement, gross motor development and the teaching of basic skills such as
running, jumping, spatial-awareness, swimming and ball throwing. All our students learn to express themselves through the Arts while developing an appreciation for art forms from around the world. CIS has a dedicated Kindergarten Arts specialist that works with teachers to use drama as a tool for learning and inquiry within the Kindergarten units of study. Purpose Built Facilities Kindergarten students benefit from state-of-the art and purpose-built facilities, designed to support our playbased approach and physical activity. Outdoor spaces provide learners with a familiarity and appreciation of nature and a wider, more expansive view of how the world works, while deepening their understanding of their roles as caretakers of our planet.
Kindergarten is offered at both Lakeside and Tanjong Katong.
The Canadian International School - Prospectus
PRIMARY SCHOOL WHERE CURIOSITY BECOMES A PASSION FOR LIFELONG LEARNING The Primary School follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and encompasses Grades 1 to 6. Our Primary learning environments are purposefully designed to support the holistic development of each and every child: socially, emotionally and academically. International Benchmarks The Primary School curriculum is inquiry based, and benchmarked against globally recognised national curricula, providing students from over 70 nations with the strong educational foundation essential for future success. Transdisciplinary Themes and Skills The PYP curriculum framework fosters the development of knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding through inquiry into six transdisciplinary themes. Transdisciplinary skills are developed across all areas of the curriculum: Language (where English is the language of instruction), Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education, Music, Drama, Dance, and daily additional language* (French or Chinese), ensuring our students are equipped to face the demands of an ever-changing world.
The Canadian International School - Prospectus
Knowledge Acquisition CIS students do not learn skills in isolation or by rote, rather, they learn and acquire knowledge through an interdisciplinary, true-to-life approach. A CIS student knows how to ask questions and find the answers they seek. Preparation for the MYP At the end of Grade 6, each student participates in the PYP Exhibition. The Exhibition draws on everything a student has learnt in the PYP, and the attitudes, behaviours, and skills they have developed. The PYP prepares students for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) through its concept-driven, transdisciplinary approach. Technology in Primary School CIS’s ‘One to World’ programme, which sees students using an iPad or MacBook at school, connects students to the global community, empowering them to become active participants in defining an optimal teaching and learning environment.
Creativity, Activity and Experiential Learning We value creativity, activity, and experiential learning as part of a holistic educational experience. Primary students participate in athletics, arts, leadership and community service, through both the regularly timetabled cocurricular programme and extracurricular offerings after school. Excursion Week, Open Minds and Field Trips are a few of the outstanding experiential learning experiences designed to support our inquiry-based curriculum. Purpose Built Facilities Classrooms in Primary School are vibrant and versatile spaces, and provide authentic environments where learning comes alive. Playgrounds and outdoor spaces provide students with opportunities to interact with nature, engage in hands-on exploration, and recreational sports and activities. Primary School is offered at both Lakeside and Tanjong Katong.
Nadia Hobbs, CIS Alum, 2001
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The opportunity to develop at CIS was one aspect that I loved. There were so many opportunities to develop leadership skills that I have taken with me after graduating. Leadership roles are never easy and at CIS you had the added challenge to take into account the vast array of cultural differences in the student body.
SECONDARY SCHOOL WHERE THE BEST IB LEARNING OUTCOMES ARE REALISED The Secondary School curriculum is divided into two academic programmes - the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students in Grades 7 to 10 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for students in Grades 11 to 12. Both programmes are taught by subject specialists who are highly qualified and have significant expertise in their fields. Secondary School students experience a standards-based, International Baccalaureate university preparatory education, that places them at the centre of all learning experiences. Our students are active learners, blending traditional academic subjects with real-world “inquiry-based” learning, investigation, and problem solving skills. CIS students go beyond learning facts and figures; they create new knowledge by using the array of tools available to them in today’s information age. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) Students in the MYP study eight subject areas: Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science, Individuals and Societies, Language Acquisition (French, Chinese or Spanish - Grade 7 only), Design, Arts (either Music, Drama, or Visual Arts) and Physical and Health Education. English language learners may be placed in the English Language
Learner programme for one or more of these subjects depending on their ability in English.
in supporting students in goal setting, time management, exam practise and study skills.
The Diploma Programme (DP)
CIS counsellors work to facilitate understanding and foster learning success. In partnership with teachers and advisors, our counsellors achieve this aim, through a four pronged counselling framework.
Students in Grades 11 and 12 (ages 16-18 years) follow the two-year DP and complete the course with external examinations at the end of their second year. The programme requires students to study at least one subject from each of the six different subject groupings as well as successfully complete: an interdisciplinary course Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an extended essay (a tertiary level paper of approximately 4,000 words) on a topic of their own choice, and the requisite number of hours in the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) component of the programme. Supporting Academic and Personal Progress In Secondary School, each child’s personal and academic progress is supported through a carefully planned support framework. The Advisor Programme, where each child is assigned an Advisor teacher, offers strong pastoral and emotional support for each and every student. Advisors see the “big picture”, and are instrumental
SMART (Students Managing Academics, Responsibility and Time) Period encourages independence and is a time for student directed learning. During SMART, students are involved in a variety of activities ranging from student-initiated clubs, student leadership, and academic enrichment and support. Students can also work on group projects collaboratively during SMART. SMART is excellent preparation for university life. Optimal Learning Environments A positive work ethic together with strong parent partnerships, outstanding facilities and small class sizes, translate our Secondary School into a remarkable learning environment in which the best International Baccalaureate learning outcomes are realised.
The Canadian International School - Prospectus
GRADUATION LOOKING BEYOND LIFE AT CIS
Angela Butler, CIS Alum, 2012
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CIS was a place that provided me with numerous opportunities - I came to learn so much both inside and outside of the classroom about myself and the world around me. The final result of all that I’ve experienced, of course, is that I am prepared to leave CIS as a global well-rounded citizen and hopefully someday make a difference in this world.
A Canadian International School (CIS) education prepares students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and possibilities that are limited only by the imagination. It is always highly gratifying to see our students leave us as confident and successful global citizens and many of our alumni credit their time at CIS for both their academic, personal and social success. When a student enters Secondary School, they will work with our Guidance Counsellor until their graduation. Working in partnership with a student’s teacher advisor, the counsellor will help students explore career interests in order to develop an education plan. In Grades 11 and 12, students will be guided through the post secondary study and university exploration process, and in submitting university applications. Our graduates have gone on to make a difference in the world in their roles as doctors, movie producers, aerospace engineers, educators, lawyers, marketing professionals, entrepreneurs, journalists, scientists, and leaders in many other fields. A supportive alumni network enables graduates to stay in touch with their classmates regardless of their global region.
Mahatma Gandhi
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We must be the change we wish to see in the world.
OUR CAMPUSES Canadian International School Lakeside Campus
Canadian International School Tanjong Katong Campus
7 Jurong West Street 41 Singapore 649414 (65) 6467 1732 admissions@cis.edu.sg
371 Tanjong Katong Road Singapore 437128 (65) 6345 1573 admissionstk@cis.edu.sg
CPE Registration Number: 199002243H - Period of Registration: 8 June 2015 to 7 June 2019
www.cis.edu.sg