Parent's Review of Overseas Family School in Singapore, Singapore

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

Overseas Family School

In what town or city is this school located?

Singapore

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

PreK-college

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

Bus (a system which takes a long time in the afternoon to depart the school and is highly chaotic and some are in dis-repair or break occasionally)

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

The facilities are very old and, although painted in layers, are outdated and showing signs of wear and tear. The school seems overcrowded for the number of students. They offer several extra curricular activities but quality of these are not in keeping with the level of other schools in Singapore.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

The curriculum is focused towards a non-English speaking audience, particularly in the elementary levels. This means that in the areas of Language arts or anything reading related that the level is about 2 years below English speaking nations. The school is accomodating for non-English speaking levels and it appears highly effective in transitioning them. There is little to no programing for above level students. There is no programming in place to help in repatriation...the focus is on international education and differs substantially from individual nations levels of curriculum. You basically must provide for your child's needs and requirements in order to meet your home countries pre-requisites when preparing to return home.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

There are parent teacher organizations. The teachers are very nice here and are from all over the world. They seem limited by the curriculum and the fact that they mix classrooms to make them international rather than grouping according to ability and this means English speaking students are sitting alongside children who don't understand what is being said in class. The teachers are quite nice and try hard though.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

I think the school is very much focused towards the non-English speaking student and is perfect for them. I think that you should look very carefully into the curriculum if you are interested in keeping your child on tract in their own country. This school is highly United Nations oriented also and emphasizes multi-cultural approaches to learning which is wonderful for kids to be exposed to. But, despite it being an IB school (which usually indicates high academic standards) OFS seems not to reflect this to the degree other IB programs do. They have quality teachers but a poor set up for delivery trying to meet the needs of many so varried that success can't be met..unable to be meet the needs for but the non-English speaking audience.

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