Chatsworth Blog

Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) are a highlight of the school year for IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) students and their families. They offer a unique opportunity for your child to take the lead in sharing their learning progress, reflecting on their growth, and showcasing their achievements. Unlike traditional parent-teacher conferences, where the teacher leads the conversation, SLCs give your child a chance to take ownership of their learning journey.

Chatsworth International School proudly marks its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of excellence, innovation, and community building. From its humble beginnings in 1995 with just six students, the institution has flourished into one of Singapore’s leading International Baccalaureate (IB) schools, known for its diverse and welcoming ethos.

Inter-class collaboration at Chatsworth International School enhances the educational experience, bringing students and teachers together across a year group in ways that foster enriched learning and a sense of shared purpose. With structured activities like classroom rotations, where students dive into the study of ancient civilisations, and inter-class gallery walks showcasing student projects using StoryBoard That, inter-class collaboration has not only enhanced students' understanding but has also enhanced the foundation for collaboration between teachers.

In today's dynamic world, academic excellence is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly thrive, students need a diverse toolkit of skills and qualities that empower them to navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to society. The IB Learner Profile, a cornerstone of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, provides a framework for developing these essential qualities. It outlines ten attributes that are valued by IB World Schools and universities worldwide, shaping well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.

In today's interconnected world, fostering cultural understanding and celebrating diversity are more important than ever. As parents, we want our children to grow into confident, compassionate individuals who embrace the richness that different cultures bring. This journey begins in school, where children first encounter a world beyond their own families and immediate communities. At Chatsworth International School, we believe in creating an inclusive and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

With environmental challenges becoming increasingly urgent, we need to inspire a generation that is not just aware of these issues, but actively engaged in creating a sustainable future. At Chatsworth International School, we believe that international schools like ours have a special role to play. With our diverse community and global outlook, we’re uniquely positioned to inspire students in sustainability education.

The daily routine in an Early Years PYP classroom at Chatsworth International School consists of numerous moving parts. In order to help our students deal with the daily demands, it is vital that teachers establish strong routines and structures to create a secure environment, where all students feel happy, safe and heard. 

Embarking on a new chapter in life is always thrilling, yet the leap from the familiar environment of an international school to the wider world of higher education can be overwhelming. Especially for international students, the complexities of the college admission process can feel like uncharted territory. To help you traverse this journey with confidence and showcase the unique advantages of your international education, we've crafted this comprehensive college application guide with all the tips and tricks.

As an expat family, stepping into the preschool scene in a new country can be quite daunting, especially in Singapore. Known for its rigorous and exceptional educational system, Singapore places a heavy emphasis on early childhood development, which is seen as essential for lifelong learning and growth. With so many top-notch options and high standards to consider, figuring out the best choice for your child can feel like a big challenge.

Selecting the right school is key to giving your child a well-rounded education - not just academically, but also in their social and emotional lives. These days, diversity isn't just a buzzword; it's at the heart of conversations about education, and for good reason. This surge in interest comes as more people realise how essential a varied educational experience is to ensure that our children need to thrive globally.

As an early childhood educator, I've always seen how much children are fascinated by light. Through playful exploration of light, the students nurtured their creativity and developed a sense of wonder about how things work. In our recent unit of inquiry, we focused on the idea that experimenting with light helps us understand its many uses.

We all want the best education for our kids, and when it comes to international schools in Singapore, the choices can be overwhelming. But before you get swept away by fancy campuses, its facilities and extracurricular activities, there's one crucial factor to consider: accreditation.

This guide will explain why accreditation is more than just a fancy label. It's a mark of quality that ensures your child receives a top-notch education. We'll break down what it means, why it matters, and what you need to know before you start your search for the perfect fit.

Moving to a new country can be both thrilling and challenging, especially for expatriate students in Singapore. This new journey will offer new experiences unique to Singapore's unique multicultural society and beautiful landscapes, and while they're no doubt exhilarating, they will also present challenges of adapting.

Selecting the ideal international high school in Singapore is a pivotal decision for expatriate families, affecting not just the academic journey of their children but also their ability to integrate socially, develop personally, and seize future opportunities. Given Singapore's rich and diverse educational offerings, finding a school that aligns with your family's educational values, your child's unique learning preferences, and their future ambitions requires thorough research and thoughtful consideration.

Choosing the right international secondary school in Singapore is a significant decision for expat families. It impacts not just the immediate educational experience but also shapes the children's academic and career paths, underlining the importance of making an informed decision that aligns with the student's aspirations and potential. As we delve into this guide, we'll explore what makes a school the right fit, emphasising the broader implications of this meaningful choice on a student’s future.

Child development during the formative years lays the foundation for future learning, social skills, and overall well-being. Quality education during this critical period is paramount, as it significantly influences a child's capacity to adapt, grow, and thrive. For expat families, the stakes are even higher. The challenge of acclimatising to a new country is compounded by the need to find a primary school that not only meets academic standards but also supports the child's adaptation to an unfamiliar environment.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a distinguished, globally recognised educational pathway tailored for high school students aged 16 to 19, renowned for its holistic approach to learning. Central to the IB Diploma's ethos is the aim to develop students who are inquirers, knowledgeable and thinkers, which is substantiated by their comprehensive approach to learning.

In the dynamic landscape of education, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program stands as a beacon for fostering and empowering children to co-construct systems within the classroom, providing them with a sense of ownership and agency of the world around them.

Personal inquiry is an educational approach that guides students to take an active role in their learning journey. It involves encouraging individuals to explore topics, issues, or questions that personally interest them. This nurtures a classroom environment that evokes a sense of curiosity and ownership over the learning process. Throughout the process, the uniqueness of each learner is recognised and aims to tailor the educational experience to their individual needs, interests, and strengths.

In an era dominated by rapid technological advancements and global interconnectedness, the very fabric of how we teach and learn is evolving at an unprecedented rate. This digital shift, combined with a diverse global community of learners, means that the landscape of education is undergoing a profound transformation.

School life can often be a whirlwind of lessons, projects, and exams. While this academic journey is enriching, students may encounter challenges along the way. These academic challenges can range from time management issues to difficulties in understanding new concepts, and dealing with them effectively is crucial for educational success. At Chatsworth International School, we believe in empowering students with strategies to overcome these challenges and thrive academically.

In today's rapidly changing global economy, entrepreneurship education has transformed from being a mere added advantage to an absolute imperative. While traditional pedagogical methods retain their value, they must be seamlessly intertwined with more dynamic, experiential approaches to equip students effectively for the future.

As educators at Chatsworth International School, we constantly strive to create an engaging and productive learning environment that promotes student agency and responsibility within our holistic IB curriculum. One innovative approach to achieving this goal is by implementing a classroom economy system. By introducing a classroom economy, we can empower students to take ownership of their learning, enhance their decision-making skills, and foster a sense of responsibility and collaboration within the classroom.

The transition from primary into secondary school starts well before graduation from primary and those first days in August. As a community-focussed, K-13 school, Chatsworth International School regularly provides numerous opportunities for students throughout our year groups to interact and work collaboratively.

The inquiry

 As an IB school in Singapore we adopt an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning, with a heavy emphasis on play in the early years. An inquiry approach places emphasis on “…students finding their own information and constructing their own understandings,” (I.B., 2017, p.14).

As an educational institution, we often get asked by international students and their families about the differences between an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) and the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A-Level). Colloquially known as IBDP and A Levels respectively, both high school programmes are respected and recognised by universities globally – with some key differences.

Art With Heart is a project initiated by the student's desire to paint as a form of pleasure, fun, and therapy. The act of painting is kinesthetic and allows the children to express their feelings, create, and share their stories. Other important benefits of painting in the early years include the development of fine motor skills, gross motor skills, eye-hand coordination, visual perception, spatial attention, and the expression of emotions. Since the start of this new academic year, painting in class was always their favourite activity.

It’s no secret that our world is becoming increasingly globalised. As the world becomes more connected, it’s more crucial  than ever for young people to have a well-rounded education which encompasses important life skills. In fact, qualities such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, resilience and critical skills are amongst the most highly valued skills in the twenty-first century.

It is no secret that young children learn best through play. But in today's society, there is an increasing pressure on educators to adhere to strict curriculums and academic standards. As a result, less and less time is being devoted to free play in the classroom.

If just one person in a child’s life is consistently supportive, a child is much more likely to overcome difficult circumstances...

Just one person who is enthusiastic about the child...

Just one person who lights up when the child walks into the room…

In a world that is becoming ultra-connected, it is important to get a good education so that you can be knowledgeable about the world around you. Today, schools play a crucial role in equipping students with the right tools to succeed in the future – and in the same vein, parents are also on the lookout for a school that will provide them with the best learning opportunities.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has brought us many challenges over the past two years. From health woes, prolonged absences from school and the loneliness brought about by weeks of HBL, this new world order has given many of us new perspectives on some of the pre-COVID luxuries we took for granted. 

Take a peek into any school event at Chatsworth International School and you will see a sea of green, yellow and red. Adorned by students – and sometimes teachers and other staff, this myriad of colours signify the school house system. Established across primary, lower secondary and upper secondary levels, this arrangement is a unique and invaluable aspect of student life at Chatsworth.

Education is not always limited to studying from textbooks. Outside of school, the world is a classroom which holds an expanse of valuable lessons and life experiences. For students, a wholesome curriculum can help them become responsible and respectful individuals – and one of the best ways is through service learning.

In essence, service learning is deeply rooted in community building. For example, activities are centred around encouraging civic-centric engagement such as community outreach theatre and recycling programmes. 

Do you remember playing with your favourite childhood toy or teddy bear?