Brochure EL

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ACCENT ON INDIVIDUAL ASCENT ON WORLD

Institute of Public Character

Ministry of Education

International Baccalaureate

WORLD SCHOOL

Hwa Chong International School (HCIS), a member of the prestigious Hwa Chong Family of schools, was established in 2005.

As a local international school endorsed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Economic Development Board of Singapore (EDB), we provide choice education within a vibrant and diverse learning environment that also embraces both an appreciation of Asian traditions and a contemporary global outlook.

Founded by the Hwa Chong community, HCIS share the same distinguished heritage and rich history of the Hwa Chong family.

Premised on the same belief as our founders had in the year 1919, that education paves the way for the betterment of the individual and society, HCIS places a premium on developing and nurturing students from Singapore and across the world to become active global citizens.

Drawing inspiration from our school motto ‘自强不息’，we are committed to offering a unique paradigm for learning that nurtures students into independent, innovative and internationalised individuals prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

Our School Values INDEPENDENCE (自信自强) The Driving Force to Learning We challenge students to develop their talents and broaden their interests. To foster critical and creative thinking, students are encouraged and empowered to make decisions that can help them chart their learning journey. This way, they will acquire an independent outlook and a sense of commitment to their life choices.

INNOVATION (格致创新) The Heart of Excellence We strive for excellence and value both achievement and endeavour. Innovation drives the engines of our culture from how we think to what we do, both as a school and as individuals. The constant infusion of innovation creates a stimulating teaching and learning environment.

INTERNATIONALISM (驰骋寰宇) The Pursuit of Humanity We seek to develop in students a genuine awareness and understanding of the world and a respect for all humanity. Thus, we groom them into global citizens who are culturally competent and cosmopolitan in character, who are able to transcend national cultures and boundaries to meet the challenges of the new global age.

Our Curriculum Experiential, Engaging, Empowering, Enriching Academic Pursuit At HCIS, students are engaged in a positive and rich learning experience. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we are committed to offering a unique paradigm for learning, nurturing every student to be inquirers, thinkers, communications, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced and reflective- the ten aspirational qualities of the IB learner profile.

Throughout the six-year integrated programme, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), all-round opportunities ensure academic excellence and development of strong character. Our broad-based and rigorous curriculum not only prepares the students for further education at university level but also to lead and succeed in a globalised world.

Education Pathway To bring out the best in every learner, we offer a flexible curriculum that is tailored to the different learning abilities of each student.

In doing so, we instill interest and confidence in learning.

HCIS offers a six-year integrated programme that culminates in the IBDP. We aim to maximise the learning outcomes of every student, to benefit the most out of an IB learning experience, according to individual potential and readiness. At the end of Year 3, students who wish to explore alternative pathways so as to connect to other education systems may choose to study and take part in the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations in Year 4.

Our Teachers The extensive curriculum is taught by highly experienced, dedicated and nurturing professionals. Our teachers adopt student-centric pedagogical approaches to heighten student engagement, optimise learning and enrich experience while also encouraging the development of independent learning skills and self-reflection in the learning process. Students actively participate in programmes and activities within and beyond the classroom. Thus, giving them the added impetus to apply acquired knowledge to the real world.

Our Curriculum at a Glance Year 1 2 3 4 5 6

Grade 7 8 9 10 11 12

Section

Curriculum

Middle School

Foundation Pre-IB/IGCSE

Senior School

Middle School: Year 1-3 (Foundation)

IBDP/IBC

Senior School: Year 4 (Pre-IB/IGCSE)

Year 1-3 students are engaged in the foundation curriculum which focuses on inculcating strong and positive learning habits as well as developing joy in inquiry and exploration. Students undertake subject coursework and develop their thinking and research skills. In addition, they deepen appreciation of current affairs and knowledge acquisition, thereby further sharpening their critical thinking faculties and cultural sensitivities.

Year 4 students are engaged in the Pre-IB curriculum, with some taking the option of IGCSE curriculum. The Pre-IB curriculum builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the foundation years and more choice is offered to allow a greater degree of specialisation. The emphasis is on knowledge application and construction, critical thinking and analysis, with the development of essential skills for smooth progression to IB Diploma Programme.

Subjects offered at Year 1-2 English, Chinese, Humanities – Geography, History, Science (incorporating Research Skills) – Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Art, Music, Computer Studies Core components: Global Knowledge & Perspectives (GKP), Junior Creativity, Activity, Service (JCAS) (including Physical Education, Co-Curricular Activities, Calligraphy, Weiqi) Subjects offered at Year 3 English, Chinese, Geography, History, Business Studies, Economics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Art Core components: Independent Studies, Philosophical Inquiry, JCAS (including Physical Education, Co-Curricular Activities)

Subjects offered at Year 4 English, Chinese, Geography, History, Business Studies, Economics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Integrated Mathematics (Pre-IB), Mathematics (IGCSE), Additional Mathematics (IGCSE), Art Core components: Independent Studies (Pre-IB), Philosophical Inquiry (Pre-IB), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) (including Physical Education, Co-Curricular Activities)

Senior School: Year 5-6 (IBDP/IBC)

Year 5-6 students generally follow the IBDP which provides a balanced, rigorous two-year curriculum that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities. The curriculum promotes independent learning, featuring coursework components and final examinations that prepare students for success at university and beyond. Students are not just well-versed in the various academic disciplines but are also active and integrated members of the community with a sense of global-mindedness.

Subjects offered at Year 5-6 Students are offered six subjects at the Standard Level (SL) and the Higher Level (HL) drawn from the groups, with at least three of these taken at HL. In addition, students are engaged with the three core components that make their learning unique.

Core components: Extended Essay (EE) The EE has a prescribed limit of 4,000 words. It offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest in one of the student’s DP subjects, and equips students with independent research and writing skills expected at university.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) The interdisciplinary TOK course is designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across academic disciplines, encouraging critical thinking and an appreciation of divergent human perspectives.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Participation in CAS activities encourages students to be involved in the arts, sports and community service work, fostering students’ personal and interpersonal development outside the academic arena.

Student Development We recognise that students’ experiences and success outside the classroom are integral to their education and holistic development. Through the shared experiences with their peers and teachers, students learn about team work and leadership, these invaluable opportunities foster relationships, trust and mutual respect. Through an array of co-curricular activities, House events and signature events, students are given the opportunities to acquire self-awareness, develop potential and realise aspirations. The emphasis of all of the co-curricular activities is on participation and improvement. Values education and social-emotional learning complement the formal curriculum.

Signature Events School events such as the International Friendship Day, HCIS Model United Nations, HCIS Gives Back and Business Bazaar offer opportunities for students to hone their leadership skills and explore their talents to perform as well as acquire valuable life skills. Other platforms which include the University Fair, Career Fair and Business Internship allow students to better appreciate the global trends and industrial demands.

Overseas Learning As an international school, overseas educational trips, school immersions and exchange programmes with a strong focus on community service, outdoor adventure and cultural appreciation represent our niche. Through experiential learning opportunities, students not only construct new knowledge and make connections to the real world, but also develop a deeper sense of understanding, empathy and interconnectedness with other communities of the world.

Our Campuses HCIS is well-equipped with essential teaching and learning facilities, and also sports facilities for enrichment and fitness training purposes. Basic facilities include school canteen, classrooms, science laboratories, multi-purpose hall, lecture theatre and library. Our sports facilities include basketball court, tennis court, running track and fitness corner. Some of the above are shared amongst the Hwa Chong family of schools.

In 2015, the new building was unveiled to harness new innovative teaching facilities and foster collaborative learning between disciplines, which represents the hallmark of Hwa Chong family of schools’ commitment to excellence.

Besides housing the state-of-the-art Hwa Chong Cultural Centre (HCCC) Theatre, with built-in “Dolby 7.1 Channel” stunning sound system, the new block also has an Indoor Sports Hall which is the size of eight badminton courts to accommodate a wide range of sports activities from elite athlete training to recreational use and a Student Hub to provide the students with an enriched learning environment that fully supports their academic and holistic development.

The HCIS Boarding Experience At our boarding school, the HCIS Residence, international students experience community living in a residential setting. We offer a range of boarding facilities for both international and local students. HCIS Residence is a home away from home; a safe, secure and comfortable place to learn and grow.

The vibrant student community, together with the dedicated resident mentors, provides a supportive and conducive environment. Not only can boarding students experience community living in school, they also enjoy a coordinated programme of after-school activities supervised by a team of full-time teaching assistants. The enriching boarding experience serves as an educational platform for the students to learn to live with greater independence and social interaction skills. This allows them to gain greater social maturity as they become part of a close but diverse group while teaching assistants are always on hand to help, guide and advise. We also take care of the social needs of the students through the organization of activities and events that would help to flourish academically and socially. HCIS Residence is another example of the school’s continued effort to broaden the range of educational platforms within the school to help build our students’ character.

Our Achievements Since inception in 2005, our students have done us proud by achieving outstanding accolades in academic and co-curricular arenas, both locally and internationally.

We have set a track record of producing graduands who have gone on to pursue tertiary education at prestigious universities around the world. Stellar performance at IB Diploma Programme has provided students with the springboard for entry into colleges and universities of their choice. In addition to the highly acclaimed local universities, our alumni have gained admission into prestigious universities around the world such as Cambridge University, Oxford University, Williams College, King's College, Imperial College, London School of Economics and Politics, University College London, Harvard University, UC Berkeley, UC Los Angeles, New York University, Boston University, University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Melbourne, Australian National University, Hong Kong University, Waseda University.

Our Pride, Your Choice Inspiring Minds, Shaping Character, Nurturing Talents At HCIS, we provide a rigorous yet flexible curriculum that is delivered by a team of highly qualified and dedicated teachers who are committed to the pursuit of academic excellence and holistic development of students. The well-balanced and broard-based programme allows for development of the child while drawing out the individual’s talents and strengths. With a vibrant and dynamic leaning environment, HCIS is uniquely poised to give students a positive and rich learning experience that stems from its deep traditions and internationally-orientated outlook. Students are stretched and challenged to achieve greater heights. The engaging and meaningful learning experiences instil in students a love for learning and inculcate in them the desirable characteristic values to succeed.

The caring school community and plethora of programmes and activities offered support the academic pursuits, leadership and character development of students, thereby nurturing and grooming every child as a unique individual, strong in character and intellect, with a contemporary and international perspective, competent to contribute to and succeed in a dynamic global arena.

Admissions Applicants are required to sit for admission tests and attend an interview. The tests are generally conducted on the first working Thursday of each month.

Applicants can refer to the school webpage at http://www.hcis.edu.sg for the latest information on test dates and requirements.

Admissions Procedures Application Form | Registration Fee | Admission Test and Interview | Offer and Acceptance | Payment of Fees

663 Bukit Timah Road Singapore 269783 Tel: +65 6464 7077 Email: admin@hcis.edu.sg Website: www.hcis.edu.sg