These three schools focus on producing global thinkers

A 21st-century education entails providing students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world. This type of education is not just about learning facts and memorising information, but also about developing critical thinking skills, creativity, collaboration, and adaptability. As diversity is an essential aspect of modern society, and it plays a crucial role in a child’s development, it should be a key quality in the education system. 

In school, diversity refers to the wide range of cultural, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds that students and faculty bring to the classroom. Embracing these differences is crucial because it promotes a welcoming and inclusive learning environment that benefits all students.

One of the most significant advantages of diversity in school is that it helps to foster empathy and understanding among students. When students from different backgrounds come together in the classroom, they learn about each other’s experiences and perspectives. This knowledge helps them to develop a greater appreciation for the unique qualities that each person brings to the table. 

Source: Tanglin Trust School

Tanglin Trust School

British-based curriculum tailored to Singapore, multiple pathways to university, a campus with 50 nationalities represented, not-for-profit, and outstanding exam and placement results — these are the features that set Tanglin Trust School students for success in school, university and beyond.

Established in 1925, it is the oldest British international school in South East Asia, providing the English National Curriculum with an international perspective to children from three to 18 years old in Singapore. Its location amidst a tech hub, and the heritage and nature areas of Rochester Park and Wessex Estate, reflects the kind of education that takes place within campus: established, holistic and future-forward.

Here, sixth form pupils can choose the best pathway for them — Tanglin is the only international school in Singapore to offer both A Levels and the IB. Beyond the classroom, they make lasting friendships that cut across cultures, enhance physical prowess and harness lifelong skills through the many arts, sports, outdoor education and co-curricular activities offered here. There are over 140 teams competing in 17 different sports each year at home and abroad. Nearly one in four pupils participate in a music co-curricular activity, with high-quality ensembles, recitals, performances and exhibitions taking place throughout the year. Outdoor education trips — including the International Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award, and the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme — further develop the initiative, adaptability, and leadership skills of students here.

The results of all these? Excellence. Tanglin students consistently outperform Singapore and global averages in exams. In 2022, 100% of all students scored 35 or above. Around 97% of graduates typically get into their first or second choice university. To learn more about this institution with a  long tradition of providing British-based learning with an international perspective, click here.

ICHK HLY promotes diversity through their community initiatives and fundraising activities.
Source: ICHK HLY

ICHK Hong Lok Yuen

International College Hong Kong Hong Lok Yuen (ICHK HLY) features a warm community of around 400 students, from nursery to year six. The school specialises in opportunities for outdoor experiences, catering to each individual student’s needs and personalising the learning accordingly. 

ICHK HLY builds children’s confidence, resilience, and creativity, whilst teaching the importance of being caring to the community and themselves as well as respectful to every individual they interact with.

Teaching their students to be thoughtful and helping them understand the importance of serving the community is of high importance at ICHK HLY. Students are exposed to diversity and the significance of embracing the community through actions. The school donates to a variety of organisations, but, more crucially, they also have student and staff-led community initiatives throughout the year such as dress-down days, bake sales, charity internships and more service and fundraising activities. 

Some of the charities the school supports include the Crossroads Foundation, which distributes goods to those in need; micro-financing organisation with global reach, Kiva; The Society for Community Organisation, which works with underprivileged children in Hong Kong; and donates to the St James Settlement Food Drive every Christmas. ICHK HLY primary school has a long affiliation with The Home of Loving Faithfulness, a charity which gives residential care for children and adults with disabilities, and the school is also in partnership with Love Recycling Plus that extends their aim of a sustainable future by setting up recycling stations on campus.

DCSG ensures students are respected and heard by implementing their DEI goals.
Source: Dulwich College (Singapore)

Dulwich College (Singapore)

One of the UK’s oldest independent schools, boasting a history that dates back to 1619, Dulwich College has a network of international schools all over Asia. Located in a culturally diverse city, Dulwich College (Singapore) emphasises both intellectual and personal development. “Our students have a strong sense of identity and belonging and the good old-fashioned values of respect, courtesy and good manners are recognised and reinforced,” says Nick Magnus, Head of College. “As a world-class organisation with a strong moral purpose, we make certain that every step is taken to ensure the safety and well-being of each child in our care.” 

DCSG has a clear vision for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Building a community that is inclusive, where each individual feels valued, respected and listened to is of high importance. Acknowledging the broad range of qualities that makes each child unique, the school emphasises the importance of equity, so everyone is thriving as well as inclusion. 

Committed to making DEI a reality, DCSG has a three-year action plan. The DEI Steering Group, (which includes representatives from across the college) has been working with a DEI-specialist consultancy to establish the school’s status through surveys, policy reviews, stakeholder interviews and focus groups. Staff also undergo DEI training and the DCSG is also leading a new group that shares beneficial DEI practices between schools called the Singapore Diversity Collaborative. 

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