What makes a university-ready student?

 As universities evolve and global careers become increasingly interdisciplinary, the Canadian International School (CIS) continues to innovate its academic pathways to ensure graduating students are prepared for the rigours of university and the real world.

Personalised pathways to graduation 

CIS now offers globally recognised Advanced Placement (AP) courses with the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Together, students are able to build a Personalised pathway tailored to their strengths, interests, and future aspirations.

With college-level courses and examinations available in subjects including calculus, computer science, psychology, environmental sciences, macroeconomics, as well as languages and culture, every child will have the opportunity to progress, challenge their abilities, and explore a broad range of interdisciplinary interests.

A track record of global success

Over the years, CIS graduates have been accepted to more than 500 universities worldwide, including world-renowned institutions such as Oxford, Cornell, Cambridge, and Stanford. The success continues with the Class of 2026 with over 420 acceptances to leading universities around the world.

What graduates say about their CIS experience

“The IB programme at CIS really shaped me, especially in how I manage my time. It’s made me more productive, more intentional, and better prepared for what’s next.”
— Carson H. (Class of 2026), accepted into McGill University on full scholarship

“CIS has prepared me to take on the world with an open mind and a fresh perspective.” — Lavanya L. (Class of 2025), Industrial and Labor Relations freshman at Cornell University

“CIS equipped me with the life skills and confidence to turn my dreams into reality.” — Cindy T.  (Class of 2024), Pre-law sophomore at at Stanford University.
 

At CIS, academic excellence goes hand in hand with personal growth, global awareness, and real-world readiness. With dedicated teachers, a supportive community, and personalised academic pathways, students design their own success stories.

Register for an Open House or book a tour to learn more about CIS.

What does IB learning look like in Kindergarten?

 

At the Canadian International School (CIS) learning is active, inquiry-driven, and often takes place beyond the walls of a classroom. The curriculum is inspired by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, a framework that builds curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

Learning through questions and exploration

At CIS, children learn by asking big questions, exploring hands-on, and connecting their ideas to the world around them. In one classroom, for example, a question about plants might lead to a hands-on investigation with children examining soil, observing growth in the garden, and sharing their findings with classmates. These experiences help them grow to be thinkers, communicators, and caring members of a community.

Teachers also observe play and interactions closely, using these insights to offer personalised support for each child’s growth.

Daily exploration in an outdoor classroom

Each morning, learning moves to the 2,400sqm Outdoor Discovery Centre on the doorstep of the Kindergarten classrooms. The outdoor classroom is purposefully designed with a mud kitchen for applied mathematical and scientific inquiry, cycling paths and climbing structures for gross motor development and eco-spaces for studying natural habitats.

The Kindergarten wing also includes a glass-enclosed art studio, a kindergarten library with a multilingual collection, an indoor pool, dance studio, and a 200-seat black box theatre, creating an environment where children thrive from the very beginning.

Experience IB learning in action

Join us at the Magical Garden Party on 25 April from 9.30am to 11am. Meet principals and teachers, explore the learning environment, and discover what makes CIS such a special place to grow. Register now to secure your place.

   

You’re Invited to CIS’s Celebration of 35 Years

In a city full of great schools, how do you find the one that fits your family? On Saturday 14 March, Canadian International School (CIS) invites you to experience the difference as it celebrates 35 years of global learning at its biggest family festival yet. 

It's your chance to be part of the school community and experience first-hand the warm, welcoming spirit that makes the school so uniquely Canadian.

What to expect?

Picture your child playing ball hockey, lads-vs-dads (and mums!) football matches, human foosball and water ninja courses, all while building confidence, resilience, and friendships. Younger children will be busy exploring hands-on challenges in arts, math, science, and movement, keeping both their minds and bodies active.

For parents, it's an opportunity to connect. Meet other families. Talk to principals and teachers. Walk the campus. See how sport, arts, music and innovative teaching come together to nurture well-rounded, globally minded children. Hear stories that trace CIS's journey over the past 35 years, while experiencing their Community, Innovation, and Heritage all in one experience.

And because no Canadian celebration is complete without great food and entertainment, you can enjoy snacks and refreshments from Tim Hortons, vibrant student performances on the main stage all afternoon, and stick around for an exciting Air Canada giveaway.

Hear from a CIS parent 

"What drew us to CIS was the academics, but what won us over was the warmth. There's something very Canadian about the way everyone is welcomed and encouraged to participate. Events like this show our children that learning, sport and community all belong together." - Anny Armstrong, British, CIS parent from 2024

Celebrate 35 years of CIS

Join us on Saturday 14 March from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for back-to-back family fun. The event is free to attend and suitable for children of all ages. Register early to secure your spot.

Celebrate 35 Years of Firsts with CIS

CIS has celebrated many firsts over the years. From launching one of Singapore’s earliest award-winning bilingual programmes, to becoming the first international school to fully embed STEAM into everyday learning, to reimagining experiential education with a purpose-built Outdoor Discovery Centre, CIS has continually pushed what school can be.

For 35 years, the Canadian International School (CIS) has been growing, learning and evolving alongside families in Singapore. What started in 1990 as a small Canadian prep school has become one of the country’s most established international IB World schools built on curiosity, connection and a belief that education should open doors.

With a strong International Baccalaureate foundation, now complemented by Advanced Placement pathways, CIS continues to look ahead, helping students build confidence, ask meaningful questions and find their place in a changing world.

On Saturday 14 March, the school invites everyone to join their 35-year journey celebrations and explore what makes CIS international, inclusive and community-driven.

Expect an afternoon packed with fun for all ages, from Human Foosball, Water Ninja Courses, Go-Kart races and Floor Is Lava, to giant Tetris, STEAM design challenges and live music. Our Canadian neighbours Air Canada and Tim Hortons will be joining us with timbits, maple syrup pancakes and family-friendly favourites to enjoy.

The day brings together Heritage, Community and Innovation, each sharing a part of the CIS story. Whether you’re part of the CIS journey or discovering it for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, celebrate and look ahead together.

Register your spot and celebrate 35 years of CIS.

CIS launches an IB and AP Blended Pathway

As families consider secondary options, a common question arises: which programme best prepares your child for future challenges? The newly launched blended pathway at CIS gives students from the best of both worlds, building on the strong foundation of the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) while adding Advanced Placement (AP) courses for extra depth, choice, and flexibility.

Building on the IB foundation

The IB Diploma is renowned for its emphasis on critical thinking, global awareness, and academic balance. Universities value the IB for the depth and maturity it builds. The blended pathway enhances this foundation. By combining IB and AP courses, students can personalise their academic profile to their strengths and future goals while maintaining the academic breadth and rigour of the IB structure.

Flexibility and choice

The IB and AP blended approach offers plenty of flexibility and choice for students. At CIS, students in grades 9 and above (ages 14-17) can choose from more than 20 AP courses across a wide range of subjects. For example, a student interested in Business might pair IB Higher Level Economics with AP Statistics; a student passionate about science and technology could combine IB Physics with AP Calculus BC; and a student focused on humanities might add AP Psychology to complement their IB studies. 

Both IB and AP are widely recognised by universities around the world, and AP courses can earn students credit or advanced placement, giving them a head start in higher education.

What this means for your child

The blended pathway allows your child to tailor their learning journey, pursue passions, and challenge themselves. It means standing out with a distinctive academic profile that signals resilience, intelligence, and readiness for the demands of university. The best part? Whether your child takes the full IB or the IB and AP blended pathway, they’re still headed for the same destination: top universities and exciting opportunities ahead.

Book a tour with us to explore how we can support your child’s goals.

The Benefits of Early Years Learning in a Bilingual Environment

Many parents wonder, “Will learning two languages at once confuse my child? Besides, I’m not a native French speaker myself, how will I support my little ones?” These are natural questions but decades of research now tell a different story: early bilingualism, a developmental advantage. The benefits of learning a second language go far beyond the need to communicate. Bilingual children often show greater cognitive flexibility, improved focus, and deeper cultural awareness.

Why early immersion matters

Children’s brains are most open to language before age five. As Dr Patricia Kuhl (2010) explains, young learners absorb sounds and patterns with ease, like sponges. In immersive bilingual classrooms, they don’t “translate” between languages, they develop two systems of meaning naturally. Through play, songs, and everyday conversation, second languages become part of how they think. At the CIS, children begin communicating within weeks, supported by peers and teachers in a warm and welcoming environment.

Clearing up common myths

Research shows that when both languages are supported, children gain, not lose, linguistic strength. When children mix languages (“Je veux the red one”), they are not confused, they are problem-solving. Over time, these blends fade as vocabulary grows. Code-switching is actually a sign of progress.

Confidence and connection

Building a healthy self esteem is key to developing lifelong learners. That is why bilingual classrooms focus on relationships, routines, and joy, whether singing morning songs, reading aloud or acting out stories. Students take risks, engage meaningfully, and ultimately grow into confident bilingual communicators.

Beyond the classroom

Parents are welcome to join in lessons, listen, celebrate, and be curious. A child’s bilingual development accelerates when it is normalised, valued, and embedded in relationships. Even in households where French or Chinese is not spoken, children can thrive linguistically when the language is seen, heard, and celebrated.

Join Canadian International School (CIS) for a morning of multilingual stories, songs, and discovery at their Magical Garden Party on Saturday 22 November. RSVP here.

Reference: 

Thought leadership book

Find Your Lane with the CIS Huskies Swim Team

 Every child’s journey in the pool looks different, and at the Canadian International School (CIS): there’s a lane for everyone. Swimming is a core sport at CIS and the Huskies Swim Team offers one of Singapore’s most comprehensive school swimming programmes, supported by experienced coaches and a community that feels like family.

A 3-level path from Beginner to Elite

Beginners as young as six start in the Learn to Swim programme, where confidence, safety, and strong foundations come first. From there, athletes progress to the pre-competitive squad, mastering advanced stroke techniques and building stamina as they prepare for the Huskies Swim Team.

With over 250 weekly training slots before and after school, and on weekends, parents value the flexibility as much as the structure and facilities. Some swimmers balance two sessions a week alongside other activities, while others commit to six or seven, training like professional athletes for national-level success. At the performance level, the school also offers strength and conditioning gym sessions, nutrition guidance and recovery support including ice baths!

Celebrating success in the pool

Huskies consistently shine at inter-school competitions, swim meets and international championships. At the recent SJI International U12 meet, CIS swimmers brought home 20 gold, 9 silver, and 15 bronze medals. Some take their journey to the very top, like Paris 2024 Olympian Lanihei C. and five-time Singapore National Age Group champion Ivan M. The school rewards hard work by awarding scholarships. This gives top athletes the opportunity to accelerate their skills and compete at the highest levels.

A community like no other

“As a parent to 3 CIS swimmers, the Huskies are not just another sports team, they are our family. Coach Helen and her team are always there to support all our children, and they have worked tirelessly to build a kind, supportive and inspiring swim community within the school.” – Melessa Tan (CIS parent since 2016)

Learn more about CIS at an Open House today - register here to secure your spot.

Opening Global Doors: CIS Students Reach Top Universities

At the Canadian International School Singapore (CIS), opening doors to top global universities isn’t just a goal, it’s part of who we are. With a future-focused curriculum, dedicated teachers, and a supportive community, we equip our students to thrive beyond the classroom and stand out. Over the years, CIS graduates have been accepted to more than 500 universities worldwide, including world-renowned institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Stanford.

The CIS success continues with the Class of 2025 gaining acceptances to leading universities including Imperial College London, Columbia University, Cornell University, Berklee College of Music, University College London, The New School Parsons, The University of Hong Kong, and the University of Toronto.

These accomplishments are a testament to our students' hard work and dedication, but also to the strength of CIS’s academic programme and our passionate educators that champion every student’s unique journey. Whether they are pursuing engineering, the arts, or the sciences, CIS students are equipped with the skills, mindset, and resilience to succeed globally.

Hear from the graduating Class of 2025

	“In my 13 years at CIS, I have received immeasurable support in my academic endeavours. With dedicated teachers and excellent learning facilities, I secured a predicted perfect grade of 45.”  — Nathaniel D., accepted into Imperial College London.
	“CIS has taught me the power of initiative and prepared me to boldly embrace challenges with confidence and enthusiasm.”  — Luke G., accepted into St. Andrews and University College London
	“I've met lifelong friends and mentors who have shaped my educational journey. CIS has prepared me to take on the world with an open mind and a fresh perspective.” — Lavanya L., accepted into Cornell University.

Hear from CIS Alumni

	“CIS equipped me with the life skills and confidence to turn my dreams into reality. The diverse and supportive community, some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met, helped bring me closer to achieving my lifelong goal.—  Cindy T., Stanford University
	“CIS broadened my musical horizons and helped me master the violin, all while giving me the opportunity to explore the piano, viola, guitar, and drums.”  — Haotian W., Royal Academy of Music
	“CIS not only enabled me to pursue my passions but taught me to be open-minded and expansive in my thinking.” — Emilee L., University of Cambridge.

Discover how CIS can set your child on the path to success. Join our upcoming Open House.

CIS. Proud to be Huskies.

Academic Success: It all Starts with Play

Play is more than fun—it’s essential for a child’s development. It builds critical thinking, problem-solving, resilience, and social skills that are key to academic success and lifelong learning. Research shows children learn best when actively engaged, yet play is often undervalued in education. At Canadian International School (CIS), we recognise its importance and prioritise meaningful, uninterrupted playtime.

This is why we introduced Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) into our curriculum. OPAL is an award-winning programme that enhances play in schools by providing open-ended materials like tyres, planks, and ropes, sparking curiosity and creativity. Unlike traditional playgrounds, OPAL fosters diverse play experiences:

• Exploratory play— Testing ideas and materials
• Imaginative play— Creating new worlds and narratives
• Social play— Building collaboration and communication skills
• Physical play— Developing motor skills and confidence

A Lasting Impact on Student Success

As a top International Baccalaureate (IB) school, CIS nurtures inquisitive, independent learners. OPAL supports this by giving students ownership of their learning through exploration, questioning, and hands-on experiences—key elements of the IB inquiry-based model.

Andrew Marshall, primary principal at CIS, shares that since implementing OPAL, the school has seen remarkable improvements in student engagement, behaviour, and well-being. Play has become a powerful tool for fostering inclusivity, leadership, and confidence. Teachers report fewer behavioral incidents, while students return to class more focused, particularly in creative subjects. Parents also notice their children applying problem-solving and social strategies beyond school.

“As we continue to refine OPAL with student input, we remain committed to fostering a love for learning through the power of play—building confident, capable learners prepared for the future,” he adds.

Join us at the CIS STEAM Fair on Saturday, 8 March.

Interested to find out more about how CIS inspires a lifelong love of learning in our students? Come to the CIS STEAM Fair on 8 March, 11 am to 3 pm! It’s the perfect chance to explore our campus, try hands-on activities, and discover how learning can be exciting and full of wonder. Register here and join us for a day of fun, curiosity, and creativity for all ages! 

In today’s rapidly changing world, students need more than traditional education. To thrive, they require essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability—skills vital for navigating technological advances, global challenges, and complex problems.

Recognising this, Canadian International School (CIS) developed their STEAM educational approach 10 years ago. The CIS STEAM approach integrates five key disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It encourages students to explore these subjects in a hands-on and creative way, helping them develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and teamwork. By blending the technical and creative aspects of learning, STEAM prepares students for real-world challenges and inspires them to think critically across different disciplines.The CIS STEAM

Legacy
CIS was the first school in Singapore to adopt the STEAM educational approach, highlighting the interconnected strands of scientific inquiry with technological application, the problem-solving of engineering, artistic creativity, and mathematical modelling. Over the past decade, CIS has refined and advanced their approach, building STEAM into their curriculum and teaching philosophy, and establishing themselves as thought leaders in the field.

The STEAM approach empowers CIS students with problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills essential for success in today’s fast-changing world. As CIS continues to lead the field as a STEAM school, their STEAM 2.0 initiative integrates cutting-edge advancements like AI-based learning and innovative teaching methodologies to enhance and enrich students' learning experiences.

Your Opportunity to Experience STEAM @ CIS

Take a closer look at how CIS brings STEAM to life in classrooms at their upcoming CIS STEAM Fair on 8 March at 11am. Bring your family along and you will get to experience how your children learn and innovate as they try their hand at interactive activities that CIS students enjoy in class. The event is free and all family members are welcome. Register now here to confirm your attendance.

How Canadian International School’s bilingual approach shapes future-ready students

 

In a world that increasingly values cultural understanding and communication, bilingual education has become more than a skill—it’s a necessity. That’s why the Canadian International School (CIS) made it a priority to introduce its bilingual programmes early on. In fact, CIS was the first international school in Singapore to offer a Chinese-English Bilingual programme that not only teaches languages but empowers students to thrive in a globalised world.

CIS’s Chinese-English and French-English bilingual programmes are built on a unique 50-50 immersive approach, giving students equal exposure to both languages without relying on translation. Starting as early as pre-kindergarten, students engage with a curriculum that integrates language learning into their daily lives, fostering fluency and deep cultural connections.

The results speak for themselves. At the prestigious 3rd Global Chinese Writing Competition, 50 CIS students earned awards across global and regional categories, including championship titles, with the school being honoured as an “Outstanding School for Chinese Writing Teaching”. Additionally, CIS’s secondary French students achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate in the DELF tests, cementing the school’s reputation for academic excellence.

CIS is also at the forefront of thought leadership in bilingual education. This year, the school hosted the 2024 International Bilingual and Multilingual Conference, welcoming professors from Cambridge, Peking University, and over 100 educators from across Asia. Through workshops and discussions, these educators will share best practices, curriculum innovations, and strategies to enhance bilingual teaching worldwide.

CIS offers not just a programme but a proven pathway to success. Learn more about it at their Bilingual Open House on 17 January 2025 January 2025, on 17 January 2025, where you can see how CIS’s expertise shapes future-ready students. 

You’re invited to a Magical Garden Party!

 

Looking for the perfect family day out that is fun and educational? Bring your little ones to the Magical Garden Party at Canadian International School (CIS), happening on Saturday, 23 November 2024, from 9:30am to 11:30am. 

Enjoy a range of fun-filled activities that are educationally designed for learners aged 2 to 8, led by CIS teachers. These activities incorporate CIS’s unique teaching approach to help their youngest learners develop essential skills such as critical thinking, language development, and problem-solving skills. 

Betty butterfly’s arts studio. 

Spread your creative wings and craft your very own butterfly or caterpillar crowns. 

Charlie caterpillar’s obstacle course. 

Learn about the PE programme as you venture into the caterpillar’s cocoon and work your way through exciting obstacle courses.

Iggy inchworms ice sculpture. 

Dive into the wonders of science by painting on ice and watch the artwork transform as the ice melts. 

Marty moth’s multilingual story corner. 

Listen to enchanting storytellers bring classic children’s stories to life in English, French and Chinese.

Sally spider’s web city. 

Explore art and maths concepts as you help Sally spider spin a web that is symmetrical and beautiful. 

Aunty ant’s mud & sand kitchen 

Explore maths and science concepts such as counting, measurement, shape and volume as you experiment and play in the mud and sand. 

Outdoor learning is at the heart of CIS’s kindergarten curriculum, and the 2,600-square-metre Outdoor Discovery Centre offers an inspiring environment for children to explore, experiment, and learn through play. 

The Magical Garden Party celebrates 9 years of outdoor learning at CIS’s Outdoor Discovery Centre (ODC), a first-of-its-kind in Singapore that was so groundbreaking it caught the attention of Sir Ken Robinson, British author and expert in creativity and education. CIS’s ODC was also honoured as one of Finland’s HundrED innovations, earning recognition in media worldwide 

The Magical Garden Party promises to be a fun-filled day for the entire family, and a perfect way to discover how CIS students discover, learn and thrive in a nature-filled setting. 

Register now to secure your spot. We can’t wait to see you at our Magical Garden Party!

CIS alumna scores debut with Singapore’s Lionesses

 

CIS alumna Kyra Taylor at her national team debut against Macau

(Photo by Football Association of Singapore)

“It's an indescribable feeling to have achieved my dream of representing Singapore at the international level. Playing against Macau, and scoring a goal on my debut match in front of my family is a moment I'll cherish forever,” says Canadian International School (CIS) alumna Kyra Taylor.

A rising star in the football scene, Kyra’s journey has been remarkable. She captained Singapore's under-17 team at just 15 and later represented Singapore in several tournaments. Her crowning moment came in summer 2024, when she made her debut for the Singapore Lionesses.

Her growing talent was quickly recognised in Singapore where she was awarded the Unleash the Roar! (UTR) scholarship. Kyra was one of five young athletes selected to study and train at the IMG Academy in Florida, USA—a top global sports school. 

Off the pitch, Kyra's ambitions extend into the field of sports psychology. Earlier this year, she accepted an offer to pursue a master’s degree in Psychology at the University of St Andrews. “I’m excited to deepen my understanding in human behaviour and performance, and potentially work with athletes to enhance their mental game,” she says.

Kyra credits CIS for providing her a solid academic foundation from young. “CIS prepared me well with its rigorous IB programme. When I transitioned to the American High School Diploma at IMG, I was able to tackle new subjects like Forensic Science, American History, and Composition easily,” she shares.

She also mentioned how incredibly supportive the CIS community was of her move overseas. “From the principal to the university advisory team, even after graduating, they continued to guide and encourage me as I navigated the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application process.”

Book a tour to learn more about the CIS experience. 

Unleashing every student’s musical potential with Canadian International School Academy of Music

Canadian International School (CIS) recently launched an Academy of Music, which aims to nurture aspiring musicians by enhancing existing musical opportunities in school and creating new possibilities for CIS students to train, learn, and perform.

Under the Academy of Music, students will have varied opportunities. Primary and secondary students can participate in ensembles such as orchestra, choir, modern band and even music technology workshops. Other exciting activities include participating in external competitions, attending masterclasses with faculty at the local music conservatory, and having private lessons with professional instructors.

One of the academy’s unique offerings is school-day instrumental and vocal lessons, where students can learn how to play an instrument. They can also take buddy lessons with one or two friends from the same grade level. 

The Academy of Music builds upon CIS’s well-established music and arts programme, which offers numerous performance opportunities across different platforms such as concerts, musicals, and solo acts in recitals. CIS’s music programme has enabled many students to hone their musical skills and pursue music after graduation with acceptance into prestigious universities such as the Royal Academy of Music and participation in distinguished international programmes. Five IB diploma programmes students, for example, were recently accepted into the summer music programme at Berklee College of Music in Boston. 

Interested to learn more about CIS’ music programme? Visit CIS’s upcoming Open House on 20 September. Register for the Open House here!

CIS hosts first-ever Yale MUN Singapore conference in SEA

Preparing their students for life outside classrooms, Canadian International School (CIS) is always on the lookout to provide opportunities that expose them to real-world issues and equip them with tools to tackle such challenges.

Embodying this spirit, CIS recently hosted a Model United Nations (MUN) conference, in collaboration with Yale University. After months of planning and collaborating with Yale directors and students, CIS presented the first-ever Yale Model United Nations conference in South East Asia: Yale MUN Singapore.

MUN is a simulation of United Nations committees and conferences where students learn, discuss, and debate about historical or real-time problems from around the world. These topics range from political disputes to climate action and health crises. Students role-play as delegates representing different countries, where they draft and debate directives, resolutions, or papers, aiming to solve the problems addressed.

There were 400 registered delegates from more than 20 schools who participated in the Yale MUN Singapore conference. Delegates flew in from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, The Philippines,Taiwan,and Canada.

According to secondary principal Dan Smith, this first-ever Yale MUN Singapore was “really exciting” as CIS students get to work with Yale students, and had amazing takeaways, such as “increasing the quality of conversation and debate through the experience that they bring.”

Teacher-in-charge Séverine Fumoux added that the event provided CIS students with a great opportunity for students to experience “something of a different scale” and the ability to “network” with the accomplished members of the conference.

Students from both CIS and Yale sangpraises of the event, talking about the valuable insights and connections they’ve gained from this exceptional experience.

“I’m super thankful to CIS for allowing us to come to Singapore. This is our first conference here and it really exceeded our expectations when it came to membership and the quality of the conferences,” Yale student Noah Killeen shared.

Hear more about CIS’s teaching approaches and curriculum at their upcoming Open House. Register your interest here.

A Green Thumbs Up from Singapore’s National Parks Board: Canadian International School’s Community Rooftop Garden

The community rooftop garden at Canadian International School (CIS) — born out of a class project by their very own students — recently received the prestigious National Parks Community in Bloom Award. This award recognises excellence in gardening across criteria of aesthetics, horti-cultural practice, community involvement, biodiversity, and sustainability efforts in Singapore’s education institutes and organisations.

Since its inception in 2022, CIS’ community garden has been an effective learning environment for students. From adding new visual features like hanging baskets and upcycled vertical plant palettes, to routine tasks like watering, weeding and harvesting plants, projects at the community garden are aimed at encouraging CIS students to be more involved in sustainability efforts.

Participation in this initiative has also helped students prepare for an ever-changing world. One grade 7 student, Horace S., who discovered his green thumb through his primary year-end exhibition on responsible waste management on Singapore’s landfill Pulau Semakau said; “Incorporating environmental facts and practical examples [learnt through gardening] into science lessons not only enhances my learning, but also fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.” Horace added that he gained invaluable skills such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

Meanwhile, grade 11 student, Julienne B. highlighted the respect she has come to develop for nature, becoming more conscious of “the modern impact human acts have on our global footprint”. She also developed more responsibility and patience, skills she believes will help her in the future.

Sustainability is a familiar concept to CIS students. Earlier this year, four grade 11 students came in top 3 for social enterprise Green Nudge’s “Beyond the Green” challenge. They presented their proposal on reducing food waste to a judges’ panel that included Senior Minister of State for National Development, Mr. Tan Kiat How. 

Visit CIS’ award-winning community rooftop garden at their upcoming Open House on 19 January and see how students thrive in its different learning environments. 

Register your interest here.

What makes a university-ready student?

 Through their transdisciplinary approach, Canadian International School (CIS) aims to prepare their students for the rigours of university and the real world. How do they do this? With a focus on developing well-rounded individuals who possess knowledge and a diverse skill set that will see them thrive in the global marketplace.

This year’s graduating class has once again been accepted into leading universities around the world. CIS’ Class of 2023 statistics are impressive. Their average score of 33.74, 74.5% of CIS students scored above the global average of was 30.24. In September, they will start their new academic lives at universities including Imperial College, University College London, McGill, University of Hong Kong and University of Toronto. 

What graduates say CIS did to help them prepare:

“Thanks to CIS, I learnt to be open-minded to different cultures and perspectives, and become confident when socialising and working with new people.” — Claudia G. 

“CIS has enabled me to develop and enhance my interpersonal and communication skills immensely. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet so many creative minds and learn from exceptionally experienced individuals.” — Paree G.

“During my 7-years at CIS, I’ve learned to take action on topics that I am passionate about. I’ll miss the incredibly supportive teachers as well as the communal feeling at CIS.” — Hariharan N.

Gain further insights from other CIS graduates as they share their experiences and discuss how CIS provided the optimal environment to help them succeed. 

Want to know more about CIS?

RSVP for CIS’ open house to: learn more about their curriculum and teaching approach, meet the academic leadership team, and to have your questions answered. If you’ve got kindergarten aged children, you can look forward to touring their new state-of-the-art kindergarten wing. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the warm and welcoming Canadian spirit firsthand!

Finn M. organises ‘Wear It Purple Day’ at Canadian International School (CIS)

Finn M., joined the international movement of ‘Wear it Purple Day’ to raise awareness for the LGBTQ community at CIS.

Finn M., grade 10 student representative and leader of the Gender and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) at CIS. Finn, together with other students joined the international movement of ‘Wear it Purple Day’. Find out more about this day, as well as how Finn hopes this event will raise awareness for the LGBTQ community at CIS.

Q: What is Wear It Purple day?

Finn: Originally founded in Australia, Wear It Purple day aims to raise awareness for and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community bringing everyone together. I feel that this day is particularly important for queer youth as it provides a safe and empowering environment for us to unite, collaborate and feel proud of our identities.

Q: What is the key message behind/purpose of this day?

Finn: This is a day for all to have fun and celebrate who they are no matter their gender identity or sexuality. We decided to organise this event at CIS to raise money for Oogachaga, a foundation that provides counselling for queer youth as well as many other programmes to help Singapore’s LGBTQ community. I think counselling is an important opportunity for youth because it helps us to understand the emotions we experience and how we can cope with difficult situations.

Q: Can you tell me more about the different activities you have planned and the purpose behind each activity?

Finn: During SMART period, students will be able to participate in a range of different activities designed to bring people together to collaborate and celebrate as we join the international movement of ‘Wear it Purple Day’. These include face painting and bracelet making to show off pride, as well as a photobooth to pose with friends and come together to enjoy karaoke and dancing. Our activities are designed to bring fun and spirit to the school. We will have music playing from many queer artists as well as different games in the art pod.

Q: What do you hope Wear It Purple day will achieve for the CIS community?

Finn: I really hope this day generates awareness for the LGBTQ community so that even one person will stop and think before they make an ignorant comment. I want the queer community here to be proud of their identity and have a place where they can be themselves. So often our identities are something to be hidden or ashamed of and I want us to be ourselves and celebrate together as a community without having to hide.

Q: If given the opportunity, what other events or initiatives would you like to bring to CIS?

Finn: At the moment I lead the GSA (gender and sexualities alliance) – a student club that meets every week to talk, educate and hang out in a place that is queer friendly. We are planning many ways to have more queer inclusion at the school from painting a mural to having pride flags displayed in the classroom. I believe that there are so many things we could do at school to not just accept the queer community but embrace and be proud of us.

Learn more about CIS and see classes in action at their open houses.

Canadian International School (CIS) Alumni Story, Class of 2018

 

2020 was an exciting year for Joshua K, he was accepted into the super competitive Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts acting programme. As one of the UK’sleading drama universities, Mountview offers 200 places annually, but receives over 3,500 applications each year.

Joshua got his first acting opportunity in CIS’s 2016 play, “The Crucible”. As his debut on-stage performance, the dress rehearsal was nerve-wracking.

Stage fright got the best of him. “I basically froze on stage when I was supposed to say my monologue. Luckily, my cast members were able to help me out and we were able to continue the story.”

This experience helped him build the confidence he needed for subsequent performances. He grew to love performing and joined every school production he could in pursuit of an acting career.

In 2020, Mountview announced live auditions in Singapore. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to COVID restrictions and Joshua had to submit a recording instead.

“It didn’t help that I had such a small bedroom to record in,” he said. “But I decided to try anyway and challenge myself to go beyond what I normally would. I’m really grateful that I did!”

At Mountview, he earned several theatre credits. These included his recent roles in Leo Butler’s “Boy”, an immersive play about the different people a teenager meets on the streets of London. Joshua played a total of 7 characters, including an agitated patient, a cyclist, and a homeless man. This was, no doubt, a real test on his acting abilities.

Now, he is looking forward to graduating with a Bachelor of Performance in Acting in the summer.

As he continues his journey towards the silver screen (or broadway), Joshua encourages other aspiring thespians to take risks, be it on stage or during rehearsals. 

Want to learn more about CIS? Join an Open House this March.

Grade 11 Team Named Top 3 in Sustainability Challenge

How can Singapore work towards a greener future? As part of Green Nudge’s Beyond the Green challenge, four IS grade 11 students presented their sustainability proposal to a professional judges’ panel that included Senior Minister of State for National Development, Mr Tan Kiat How. Even though our students were some of the youngest participants, they were in the top 3 finalists!

Emilee L. Jareth N., Ashna K., and Sarah R., all DP geography students, were thrilled when they first heard about the challenge from our alumni Terri L., who works in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Emilee shared why. “We discuss the importance of sustainable development in class constantly, and this project allowed me to expand my understanding of the topic in a meaningful way. The seminars encouraged innovation, which helped push me outside of my comfort zone.”

After in-depth research and discussions, the team came up with the “Circular Food Web”, a multi-pronged approach to food waste disposal. This innovative plan included Smart Bins in housing estates, an incentive system that rewards households who have lesswaste, AI technology to map efficient waste collection routes, and more.

While the ideation process went smoothly, Emilee said that they met one of their biggest challenges during their presentation when they heard the judges question their plan’s feasibility.

The critical feedback encouraged us to find more realistic solutions, and to better support our ideas with data and past case studies,” she said. “It was important for us to be open-minded and flexible in our thinking". 

They were rewarded for their winning idea with vouchers, and an exciting internship opportunity with Green Nudge, where they will collaborate with like-minded peers on business development, marketing and communications for sustainability initiatives. 

Want to learn more about CIS?  Join an open house to meet the academic team and take a tour.