The Ultimate Faceoff: Singapore International School VS Local Schools

Usually, parents choose between private and public schools when choosing an academic institution for their children. Choosing between a Singapore international school and a local school is also a dilemma for parents.

Which of the two schools is the best?

  1. CURRICULA OPTIONS

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

International schools usually adopt curriculums such as International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or IBDP in Singapore. Apart from the usual school programmes and subjects, international school curricula also consist of culture and language subjects, student-centred teaching, and many more.

Additionally, it is easy for students who attend a middle school in Singapore with IDBP to apply for overseas schools.

LOCAL SCHOOL

The curricula for local schools usually consist of subjects, such as languages, maths, science, and arts. They implement subject-based learning and teaching.

  1. TEACHING STYLE AND METHODS

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

A top international school in Singapore implements inquiry-based learning. In this approach, teachers encourage students to ask questions by posing challenges and authentic scenarios to learn.

For example, the teacher instructs the students to write their own stories to expand their vocabulary.

LOCAL SCHOOL

A local middle school in Singapore implements the traditional teaching method where the teachers present facts and show students how to do things.

For example, the teacher encourages memorisation and dictation to help students expand their vocabulary.

  1. COST

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

International schools are significantly more expensive than local schools. Besides the cutting-edge facility, international schools have tons of field trips and campings. These activities are part of the inquiry-based method to spark children’s curiosity and inspire exploration and self-discovery.

LOCAL SCHOOL

Local schools funded by the state are the cheapest education in the country.

On the other hand, there are also local private schools that can be expensive. However, they are much cheaper than a Singapore international school.

Which of the two schools is suitable for your child?

Are you looking for a top international school in Singapore? Visit NPS International School.