ACADEMIC PROGRAM Language Arts The philosophy behind Language Arts recognizes that the child needs to communicate effectively to succeed in life, and hence needs the utmost in training and exposure to the various aspects of communication, namely, receptive (reading, listening, viewing) and expressive (writing, speaking, representing). Through creative teaching modes, students develop verbal-linguistic skills that prepare them for the real world. Social Studies The Social Studies program is grounded in the understanding that the child is a citizen of world and needs to have a clear understanding of who he is in relation to his surroundings, and have an appreciation of past, awareness of current issues and how to thrive in the future. It is one that is grounded in practical experience and relevance to daily life. Through interactive and hands-on learning students learn skills in observation and analysis. Science The core of Science education is the quest for each child to the search for truth through investigation, discovery and experience. The goal is to cultivate in students an understanding of themselves, the world around them and gain an appreciation for their ever-changing lives. The learning occurs through hands-on, concrete experiences that are aimed at stimulating curiosity & developing analytical thinking. Mathematics The Math program is geared towards the development of individuals who can competently investigate and analyze patterns, while developing critical thinking skills and a systematic and orderly focus. It aims to cultivate in students a desire to pursue knowledge in the field and an enjoyment of the subject while effectively equipping them with the proficiency for the respective grade-levels. Emphasis is also placed on the real-life practicality and importance of Mathematics. Bahasa Indonesia Students are trained be competent with the use of their mother tongue. At the heart of the Bahasa Indonesian studies lie the motivation to enable the students to find their selfhood & be centred in their Indonesian identity & culture, that while being exposed to a global outlook through an education that is predominantly English, they will remain local in the roots. Mandarin The Mandarin program we have enables students to be in touch with the language spoken by the most number of people in the world, and to be prepared eventually to ride on China’s economic & cultural power. For many of our students who are ethnic Chinese, learning the language also gives them that vital link to the traditions of their forefathers. Reading Program The students have a Reading Program for the first half hour every morning. They are exposed to good books that are ability and age-appropriate, and practice the skills of journal writing, book reflection and literature analysis. The purpose is to enhance enjoyment and develop the habit of reading in the students, and give them exposure and perspective. This program is crucial in the development of language competencies, which includes vocabulary development, grammatical structure, analytical & reflective reading and writing.   TESTING AND EVALUATION The school year is divided into 4 terms. At the end of each term, a student will be evaluated using a comprehensive assessment system that will gauge student’s achievement in each subject area. The overall assessment of students for the purpose of promotion to the next level will be based on the student’s performance throughout the school year. The quarterly system is implemented to increase the rigor of learning and academic achievement, in preparation for the high-stakes testing in high school where they sit for the Cambridge IGCSE and GCE ‘A’ Levels/ International Baccalaureate (IB).   ENRICHMENT PROGRAM Physical Education The physical education program includes varied physical activities that would help students experience success and enjoyment while actively participating in physical activities. Art & Home Economics The art education program incorporates challenging and creative activities to meet artistic needs of children and to foster their development as whole persons. In Home Economics, students learn the fundamentals of health, nutrition and basic cooking skills. Music The music program puts emphasis on the appreciation, love and understanding of music through singing, playing and interpreting music. Students are grounded in traditional music theory and are also exposed to contemporary music-making. Information Technology Students are given opportunities to explore and discover the wonders of computer technology, which is part and parcel of everyone’s lives nowadays. The IT program will provide students with appropriate computer skills and will be integrated into the various curricula at all levels. Co-Curricular Activities The school focuses on the importance of the cultural and social development of each student. The finer qualities of each child are fostered through the cultural arts and social development activities of the school. Our CCA program is geared towards the holistic development of students. Each student is to select between 1 – 2 CCAs which are offered to all after school hours. Students are required to be committed to their CCAs for the rest of the year once they have joined it. CCAs this academic year include the following: The Arts Public Speaking Choir Band Culinary & Visual Arts Guitar Dance & Theatre Sports Badminton Basketball Soccer Intellectual IT, Media & Publishing Science Chess Field Trips Field trips are conducted twice a year. It is done to supplement the skills taught in the academic and enrichment subjects. Students get to learn important life and outdoor skills, and also develop their talents and emotional intelligence. It is also a valuable chance for them to grow in appreciation of nature, and learn how to negotiate the opportunities and challenges that the real world offers.   CHARACTER BUILDING In line with the philosophy & motto of the school to help the students develop solid character, we have the following programs & plans in place: Morning Assembly Each morning for the school opens with the highlighting of a principle, and its significance & application. Different themes are covered (eg. positive expectations, proactiveness, kindness, enthusiasm). Character And Religion Education (CARE) The main vehicle through which students are taken on their journey of character development. For elementary school, values are inculcated in weekly lessons, with a different theme for each month. For this academic year, they include hospitality, truthfulness, orderliness, forgiveness, virtue, etc. Bible stories are incorporated into the lessons as illustrations for the concepts. Students internalize the learning of the values through art & craft, written reflections, skits and group projects. For middle school, character building is accomplished through the teaching of life skills, where they learn self-awareness/ self-mastery, interpersonal intelligence in empathy & leadership, and the development of self-esteem and confidence through being competent in developing skills in career planning, money management, fashion sense, etc. Healthy and godly attitudes with regards to sex are also dealt with in the curriculum by the teacher and scheduled talks by specialists. Discipline Program Just as the above programs encourage the students to do & be good, the discipline procedures of the school discourage them from otherwise. Consequences are put in place to prevent and limit waywardness from the path of character development. Details of consequences for various levels of infringements are listed in the Parents & Students’ Handbook. Friday Assembly This occasion provides for the extension of the CARE program whereby students are exposed to the input & perspectives of other teachers and students from various grades, as teachers take turns to lead and facilitate the discussions, and students accomplish group work & present them.