Future-focused schools that take an innovative approach to learning

27 May 2020

These days, it’s not enough for international schools in Asia to fill lessons with current subject trends and one-way teaching methods.

Now, international schools must look towards the future.

As lockdowns ease, students around the world are gradually returning to school with a new normal in place.

With physical distancing likely required until a vaccine is found, schools will have to get creative on how they keep their students safe and content flexible — with no compromise on quality and experience.

International schools, with the funds and foresight to be ahead of the curve, will be the ones setting the standard.

Historically, international schools have implemented some of the most innovative education technology and pedagogy in recent years. Their students show some of the most collaborative acumen, best academic results and highest digital literacy skills.

Source: St Andrews International School

Pre-coronavirus, many international schools have already adopted innovative learning methods to prepare students for the future of education and employment. In 2020, here are four that are set to do even better:

SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL (SAS) — SINGAPORE

Singapore American School (SAS) is committed to providing each student from preschool through to Grade 12 an exemplary American educational experience with an international perspective.

“Driving all our work from preschool through twelfth grade are our seven desired student learning outcomes: character, creativity, cultural competence, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and content knowledge,” says SAS Superintendent Tom Boasberg.

In class, on the stage , on the sports field, and in service clubs, SAS students are pushed to develop these attributes.

“By developing ethical and resilient character traits, students will have the strength to deal with both the opportunities and the challenges of the 21st century.

“And by personalising learning, providing myriad course offerings, and pushing students to find their passions, SAS gives every student the opportunity to grow and flourish,” says Boasberg.

Source: Singapore American School

To help students prepare for the future of work, SAS also provides special programmes such as TRi-Time and Catalyst that help students work through the design process and focus on an area of personal interest.

Meanwhile, the Center of Innovation provides a dedicated space for them to be inspired by new ways of thinking and pursue new interests.

As Boasberg sums it up, “An SAS education will ensure that students are well positioned to succeed as individuals and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world..”

AOBA-JAPAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL — JAPAN

Aoba-Japan International School (A-JIS) in Tokyo is an IB World School that develops global leaders who want to make a positive impact.

This is achieved through an innovative curriculum and support by faculty who are skilled at inspiring students to seek opportunities that lay ahead of them.

Education Technology at A-JIS is also a big part of how, where and what students learn.

The EdTech they use provides students with the opportunity to integrate a vast array of digital tools into each and every learning activity they experience.

Source: Aoba-Japan International School

For instance, they might use the internet to communicate with a class overseas, or they may test their programming skills by creating their own computer games.

Whatever task it may be, A-JIS are steadily gaining 21st-century digital literacy skills they need to survive and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HO CHI MINH CITY (ISHCMC) — VIETNAM

ISHCMC provides state-of-the-art facilities, a modern curriculum and a progressive school mission based around energised and engaged learning that allows students to take ownership of their future.

The campus is bustling with computers, 3D printers, laser cutters and robotic units which encourages students to work alongside future technologies,

There are even on-site media studios, green screens and film rooms to familiarise students with the latest creative technologies; trained IB educators supervise students as they learn in these modern learning environments.

By training their students and faculty to be open-minded and flexible, ISHCMC looks set to confidently retrain, relearn and adapt to new roles in the coming months.

Source: International School Ho Chi Minh CIty

ST ANDREWS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK- THAILAND

St Andrews International School Bangkok is accredited by and affiliated with several highly respected international and regional bodies.

It has full international accreditation from the Education Development Trust, a UK-based provider of accreditation services; the most recent BSO Inspection Report judged St Andrews International School Bangkok’s quality of education outstanding across all areas

On the education front, St. Andrews also remains future-focused in its approach to 21-century education.

Through its Global Campus, the international school offers global competitions, expeditions and online interactions with students from other parts of the world to broaden the school experience for students and teachers.

It also integrates a wide-range of learning technologies to sustain students’ digital literacy skills for the future.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International