Thanks to its offering of low fees, small class sizes, and early years facilities, Global Indian International School (Balestier) is one of the most popular Indian primary schools in the city.

The Global Indian International School (GIIS) was Singapore’s first international school for Indian expats. From a single campus in 2002, the Global Indian International School (GIIS) has expanded to three locations within Singapore – and a network of more than 20 campuses across seven countries. The Balestier campus focuses on nursery and primary education, with classes from KG through to CBSE Class 6. The teacher to student ratio is among the lowest in Singapore at 1:18.

GISS is owned by the not-for-profit Global Schools Foundation (GSF), which is widely recognised for its highly structured and disciplined ethos. In line with the Indian curriculum, the GIIS school year runs from April to April, and all new students are required to sit a written entrance exam from Class 1.

The curriculum follows the GSF's tailor-made Global Montessori Plus programme, which blends Montessori methodology with various international pre-school practices. Modules include linguistic development, maths, sensory and motor development, environmental understanding, and music.

Teaching here is also focused on the Global Schools Foundation’s education methodology, which it calls Nine Gems. According to GSF, this holistic learning programme “meets the changing needs of a growing child and his/her evolving personality”.

Specifically, these nine ‘gems’ are Academic Excellence; Sports Excellence; Visual and Performing Arts; Personality Development; Innovation and Creativity; Entrepreneurship and Leadership; Universal Values and Ethics; Community and Care; and Skills Development. Reading between the lines, the Nine Gems model equips students with skills such as problem solving, critical, analytical, and creative thinking, and teamwork. GIIS claims to be fusing the best of Eastern and Western education models, and its schools are certainly moving away from India’s traditional academic approach to education.

Open since 2008, GIIS Balestier has facilities for young students and school starters including Montessori labs, a jungle gym, sand and water play areas, and a toy library.

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