Welcome to the The Perse School Singapore official Q and A page. Here we ask the questions, and the school answers directly. It is its chance to have its say on specific areas you have told us you want to know about. If you think there are additional questions we should be asking you may contact us here.

If you have to highlight three strengths of your school, what would they be?

We are a boutique British school, with small class sizes offering a nurturing learning environment.

What is the single biggest challenge your school is currently addressing?

We don't have any outdoor space, however we utilise the sourouding areas and have various areas in the school that the children can use at break and lunchtime. They go to The Temasek Club for swimming lessons (16 a year) and Turf City for their field sports. We also use Bukit Timah Reserve and The Green corridor as well as a trampoline park across the road.

Does your school have a waiting list? In which years?

We currently have spaces in all year groups.

What are qualities and characteristics that define your school and its students?

The Perse School Singapore is a school steeped in over 400 years of history. We combine our traditional strengths with a modern, relevant outlook. The Perse School Singapore is proud to offer our pupils a Cambridge based education supported with the latest in education technology. We are dedicated to the social, emotional and well-being of every pupil so they can live healthy, productive, capable and responsible lives and to feel included in aspects of The Perse School Singapore community.

How many nationalities are represented in your school? How international would you say your school is?

Over 18

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

Yes, British

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

1:20 for year 1 class, 1:24 for years 2-6. At capacity each class would have a Teaching Assistant.

Please describe your approach to teacher recruitment in terms of the balance of staff you seek in terms of nationalities and in terms of years of experience/ qualifications you look for. Please also provide details of how you use teaching assistants.

We hire staff that are passionate about teaching and who have over 3 years of teaching experience.

If external examinations and assessments are part of your curriculum, which ones do you offer?

The Perse School Singapore is a Cambridge International School following the Cambridge International Curriculum which involves formative progression assessments and summative Checkpoint assessments.

Please provide details of how well your school did in its previous external exams for students at 16 and at 18 years of age? Please provide sufficient detail to allow parents to have a view on how academic your school is?

N/A

Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?

The Perse School Singapore uses a contemporary and comprehensive curriculum. By combining a rigorous Cambridge-based curriculum, high expectations and an inquiry-based approach to teaching, students are encouraged and supported both to build their knowledge and, just as importantly, develop their critical thinking skills. Through using real-world experiences, our approach helps children demonstrate their understanding, thus ensuring learning is deeper and more sustained.

Our educational approach uses both direct instruction and facilitated learning and includes the development of critical thinking skills. This ensures that learning is focused on children developing skills and acquiring knowledge that will assist them in becoming successful life-long learners. At all stages, students are encouraged to participate in the development of learning experiences and are challenged to hypothesise, reflect, question and test in order to construct their own understandings and thus gain further knowledge.

Do you develop independent learning through homework and, if so, what are your recommendations regarding this, particularly time spent on homework?

Yes, all levels are given weekly homework. The amount of time spent during homework varies depending on the year level.

Physical education and sport is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. How does your school ensure children engage in physical activity?

Each child receives 16 lessons of swimming every year. When not swimming they are taken to Turf City where they do their weekly field sports. We also have a large indoor area for children to burn off steam at break and lunch time. Children do 2.5 hrs of PE every week.

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

We have a Wellness Wednesday every week promoting healthy living.

Does the school have cafeteria facilities for the students? How does it promote a balanced diet?

At present children can bring in their own packed lunch or order from our external lunch company - The New Luncher.

What is the starting and finishing time of your school day?

8.30am - 3.30pm with ECA's running Monday/Wednesday and Friday from 3.45pm-4.45pm and Enrichment classes on Thursdays from 3.45pm - 4.45pm.

Is there a school uniform?

Yes.

How do you feedback progress and attainment to students and parents?

With regular assessments and a very close connections between our parents and teachers.

How often is the more formal feedback such as reports and parent/teacher meetings?

Twice a year.

Which languages are taught at your school - please detail any as a first as well as second language?

Daily Chinese classes throughout the school.

Do you offer a dedicated prayer room/s for students? For which faiths?

No.

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

N/A

Not all schools are staffed or resourced to offer learning support to those children with either moderate or significant learning needs. To what level can you offer support for those with learning differences?

At The Perse School, Singapore we are firm believers in supporting all of our young learners. We have a comprehensive recording system for all students recognised as requiring additional input.

Does your school have particular expertise in dealing with a specific learning need such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, aspergers syndrome and so forth?

N/A

Does your school have an educational psychologist or access to one to assess and support those youngsters with more challenging learning and emotional needs?

The Perse School Singapore has a full time Head of Wellbeing, who is dedicated to providing support to pupils who require this service.

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

As we come out of the Covid Pandemic we will be introducing a PTA and class mums.

Are there opportunities for parents to support the learning, activities and events within the school or on trips other than through the parent group?

Yes!

Is there an opportunity for parental representation on your school Board of Governors?

N/A

Do you offer specific activities, events or information sessions for those parents new to the school and/or area?

Yes, we run regular Meet The Principal mornings/afternoons.