What is the school system like in Singapore?
Singapore’s school system is celebrated worldwide for its commitment to academic rigour and holistic development. The system of education in Singapore starts with six years of primary school followed by four to six years of secondary, and concludes with one to three years of post-secondary school (or 'higher education' as it is referred to in the UK).
Schools in Singapore:
Singapore’s education scene is a vibrant mix of public and international schools. Public schools provide a standardised curriculum with a focus on academic brilliance, covering subjects including English, maths, science, and social studies. International schools offer various curriculums, including the
IB and
British National Curriculum, whilst some provide additional study routes such as
Cambridge International Examinations and the American curriculum. This array of curricula caters to all types of students from all over the world and has built up a reputation of quality education attracting around 50,000 foreign students between the ages of 13 and 22 years old.
Exams in Singapore schools:
The exam process in both public and international schools in Singapore is taken very seriously and is used to gauge a student's progress and knowledge. Students face various exams throughout their academic journey, from primary level to post-secondary. The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a critical checkpoint for Singapore school students, determining which secondary school they can attend. Later on, there are intense exams for students aiming for higher studies.
Admissions process in Singapore schools:
For local Singapore schools, the admissions process typically starts with Primary 1, and you must apply through the
Ministry of Education. Here, it's all about adhering to deadlines and presenting a strong application. For the international schools in Singapore, each school has its own unique admissions requirements and procedures. Prospective students and their families must adhere to the specific admission guidelines of each school, ensuring a seamless and successful application process. If you have a specific school in mind, make sure you look at their individual requirements and meet the deadline.
Singapore school year:
The school year in Singapore is structured into four terms. However, the local school year and international school year differs considerably. Local Singapore schools typically commence in January and conclude in November, whilst international schools run from August to June. Each term lasts around 10 to 11 weeks, interspersed with short breaks. Generally, local and international schools in Singapore have a five week summer break in July through to the beginning of August.
How long is a school day in Singapore?
Primary students typically spend around six hours in school each day. Secondary students might have a slightly longer day, depending on whether they attend a local school or an international school. However, it is worth noting that some schools might have variations in their schedules which incorporate additional activities or extended learning hours to cater to specific needs. Typically, primary school students might start their day around 7:30am to 8am and secondary students may begin slightly earlier between 7am to 7:30am. International schools in Singapore may have different times based on their individual policies and curriculum but it’s all much of a muchness with very similar day lengths.
Is there homework in Singapore?
Yes! Homework is a common practice in Singapore schools. It is a part of the education system and serves to reinforce classroom learning. The general guidelines for time spent on homework differ depending on the child's year group. However, you can expect anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours a day.