As parents, when we think of the skills our children need to succeed at school and in life, our minds immediately go to reading, writing and mathematics. But in today's digitised world, 21st-century competencies extend far beyond what we once learnt in traditional classrooms.
To be a successful leader today, your child must have a firm grasp of what it means to be a good global citizen. They must be able to innovate and use their creative thinking skills to solve challenging problems in unconventional ways.
Today's graduates need outstanding tech skills, and they must be effective communicators who exhibit compassion, empathy and social awareness. Lastly, they must be team players who excel at collaboration and negotiation.
1. Global citizenship skills: Awareness of the real world and its challenges and how to play an active role in finding solutions.
2. Innovation and creativity skills: Innovation, analytical thinking, creative thinking and analysis.
3. Technology skills: Skills, ethics and digital responsibility in an online world.
4. Interpersonal skills: Empathy, compassion, kindness, social awareness and leadership.
5. Problem-based and collaborative learning skills: Peer collaboration and problem-solving.
Soft skills such as understanding, cooperation and inclusiveness are more important than ever, in today’s global world.
Tomorrow's leaders must be culturally aware and tolerant of the differences between people. They must expect to take on roles that have not yet been created and communicate with coworkers in other countries.
And it begins with the quality of education they receive in school.
At GIIS Singapore, we're changing the way education takes place. With a shift to student-led learning and the necessary 21st-century infrastructure and technology, we're equipping students to take on the challenges of a global society.
Here's how we incorporate these competencies into school life.
GIIS campuses are designed to be stimulating, transitional, inclusive and inspiring. Our classrooms have smart boards, wi-fi connectivity, and audio-visual technology to help collaboration among the students and also with the teachers.
There are flexible open spaces called ‘Learning commons’ for group collaboration, student presentations, and individual research at GIIS SMART Campus, Punggol. Students also have ample spaces to work alone in quiet areas to achieve their individual goals.
Also read: Top trends in education for 2022 and beyond
GIIS offers a full range of curriculum options, including the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme (CLSP), the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
For early years education, the school offers the award-winning Montessori-inspired kindergarten programme, the Global Montessori Plus (GMP) programme.
All our programmes are designed to help students develop into well-rounded learners at each stage of their education. They are also prepared to adapt easily and excel anywhere in the world, at any institute of higher learning, or as valued members of a global workforce after graduation.
The 9 GEMS holistic education framework adopted at GIIS is designed to produce well-balanced students. By incorporating the 9 GEMS into the school day, GIIS better prepares students to succeed at school as well as later in life. The 9 GEMS include:
1. Academic Excellence
2. Sports Excellence
3. Visual and Performing Arts
4. Personality Development
5. Innovation and Creativity
6. Entrepreneurship and Leadership
7. Universal Values and Ethics
8. Community and Care
9. Skills Development
Through the 9 GEMS framework, students learn to focus on more than just sports or academics. Instead, they develop skills in a variety of areas and are able to adapt these skills in real-life situations.
At GIIS, the point we most want to drive home is that learning doesn't end when the school day concludes or even as graduation beckons. Instead, it is a lifelong endeavour that's rewarding and fulfilling.
If you want to give your child a huge advantage, look for a school that prepares them for a future which is uncertain yet full of opportunities, and encourages students to have a growth mindset, so that they can take full advantage of everything life has in store.
Keen to learn more about GIIS advantages for your child? Do book a campus tour today and visit us in person.
Top 10 essential Life Skills for high school students
Top 10 essential Life Skills for high school students
Experiential Learning and its positive outcomes
Experiential Learning and its positive outcomes
Physical activity should be an integral part of children’s daily lives. Sports activities provide them with an outlet — one in which they can connect with friends their own age and enjoy a common interest.
Physical activity should be an integral part of children’s daily lives. Sports activities provide them with an outlet — one in which they can connect with friends their own age and enjoy a common interest.
To give your child a solid foundation for future learning, consider the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).
To give your child a solid foundation for future learning, consider the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).
Your child is ready to enter those all-important middle school years, where they'll become more independent, more focused, and they can gradually take more responsibility for their learning.
Your child is ready to enter those all-important middle school years, where they'll become more independent, more focused, and they can gradually take more responsibility for their learning.
Student well-being is critical for a positive academic experience. Students who feel good about themselves and have good physical.
Student well-being is critical for a positive academic experience. Students who feel good about themselves and have good physical.
Looking for a preschool that’s the right fit for your child to enhance their learning journey? We understand that choosing one.
Looking for a preschool that’s the right fit for your child to enhance their learning journey? We understand that choosing one.
Did you know your child’s school can fast track your child’s formal education by giving them a powerful head start right after kindergarten? The accelerated learning,
Did you know your child’s school can fast track your child’s formal education by giving them a powerful head start right after kindergarten? The accelerated learning,
Selina D'souza is a Senior Communications specialist with 10+ years of marketing communications experience in the B2B and B2C IT and Education sector. She is a passionate curator of good content, believes that schools can be a place of creativity and innovation if the right mindset and practices are adopted, and is always looking for more sustainable lifestyle choices.