A Guide to Primary Schools in Singapore

In 2015, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development published the biggest global education school ranking based on the subjects Science and Math. It did not come as a surprise that Singapore is on top of the list based on the quality of education given from primary schools to college.  The Ministry of Education in Singapore believes that education is important in building the economy and nation. The government allotted the budget sufficient enough for each child to have education in primary schools in Singapore and finish 10 years of schooling. Aside from education, Singapore has been a consistent performer when it comes to trade and commerce, infrastructure, and transportation since their independence in 1965.

Education is a great equalizer and trains you to ask questions. It is likewise a place where ideas can be implemented, challenged, and restructured with the goal of implementing students with the knowledge on how to improve the society.  The school should be a training ground for a life lived well. This is the main reason why primary schools in Singapore make sure that they provide integrated and extensive curriculum for the kids.

Currently, Singapore’s education system is composed of six years of primary school education, four to five years of secondary education and two years at junior college, polytechnic University Education. There are two main types of primary schools in Singapore – government and government aided.  These are broadly classified into mainstream schools, autonomous schools with improved niche program such as aesthetics, arts and sports education and independent schools with greater autonomy in programs and operations as well as International profit and non-profit primary schools. 

Moreover, primary school in Singapore is composed of Preschool playgroup (age 3-4), Kindergarten (age 4-6), Primary school – Primary 1 (age 6-7), Primary 2 (age 7-8), Primary 3 (age 8-9), Primary 4 (age 9-10), Primary 5 (age 10-11), and Primary 6 (age 11-12).

Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows at his own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language, but behind in another aspect, such as motor development. Milestones usually are grouped into five major areas: cognitive development, emotional development, physical growth, social development, language development, and sensory and motor development.

In addition, pre-school children learn the basic language (Malay, Tamil, Chinese and English), writing skills, arts and crafts, physical activities as well as socialization skills for three to four hours every day.  

Various primary schools in Singapore are also focused into rearing a child who is globally competitive while respecting global diversity.  The primary schools not only house locals but children of different nationalities as well. It is interesting to note that the student body is composed of 10 to 30 different nationalities.  These international schools usually adapt a curriculum different from that of the country’s own curriculum, which promotes a genuine interest in the cultural beliefs of the students, enhancing their communication skills as well as preparing the students for further study and work whether local or overseas.