Frequently Asked Questions
Browse through the frequently asked questions
Curriculum
The EtonHouse schools offer a rich extra-curricular programme and a wide range of after-school activities, depending on the interests of our learning communities. This may range from soccer to ceramics, from dance to speech and drama and varies across the centres.
Importantly, during the course of regular academic hours and depending on the centres, our students enjoy physical education, art and/or music and movement classes taught by full-time EtonHouse specialists too.
On top of Mandarin, EtonHouse Newton Pre-School and EtonHouse Quayside Pre-School offer Japanese while Mountbatten 223 offers Hindi, Japanese, Malay and Tamil.
At every EtonHouse Pre-School, children are immersed in an integrated bilingual environment where all our classrooms have an English and a Mandarin speaking teacher at all times interacting with the children in their respective languages. We have over the years adapted our second language programme to follow an inquiry based philosophy in line with our mainstream programme. Chinese language learning is therefore child responsive and derived from children’s interests which allows it to be spontaneous and enjoyable. Children are involved in the learning process and feel a sense of ownership. We also believe that a multi-cultural foundation is as important as a multi-lingual one. Cultural immersion is therefore a critical part of our Mandarin programme and includes elements such as calligraphy and Chinese performing arts to name a few.
EtonHouse Zhong Hua, our Mandarin immersion childcare centre located in Hwa Chong International School, offers a programme entirely conducted in Mandarin for children as young as 18 months old. This EtonHouse ZhongHua Full Mandarin Immersion Programme is also offered in our Newton, Quayside Pre-School, and Vanda and Upper Bukit Timah campus.
Some of our larger campuses such as Newton and Nature Pre-School are IB authorised schools. These schools follow the IB curriculum framework. The other pre-schools follow an inquiry-based approach.
All schools are unified in their curriculum approach and are inspired by the Reggio Emilia Educational Project of Northern Italy. We believe that young children should be respected as competent thinkers and communicators who are offered many opportunities to engage with a range of materials and resources that extend and challenge their thinking. We believe in delivering a programme that is relevant and meaningful to our families-an international perspective with Asian roots.
EtonHouse Newton is the first stand-alone IB authorised pre-schools in Singapore.
Apart from our International Schools, our standalone Pre-Schools at Nature Pre-School and Newton are also IB authorised schools that follow the IB curriculum framework for the pre-school levels. The other pre-schools follow EtonHouse's Inquire.Think.Learn curriculum.
Our Inquire.Think.Learn curriculum (inspired by the Educational Project of Reggio Emilia) has been designed to integrate content/learning across all areas of the curriculum i.e. children develop mathematical understanding as they cook (measure and count); work outdoors (use spatial language as they climb up, over, through) or access blocks (height, measurement and geometry).
Teachers are supported in developing observation skills i.e. to observe children’s learning as they are engaged in play and work experiences. Teachers access these observations of children’s ideas and interests to determine the next step in curriculum design. As such, the curriculum is individualised and highly in tune with children’s ideas, interests and motivations.
In EtonHouse, children are active participants in their own learning. We value and support children’s curiosity and skills of observation as the basis of a curriculum which aims to build skills of exploration and discovery; investigation and research; collaboration and team membership abilities. Working with an established set of goals, teachers shape curriculum experiences to extend and complicate children’s initial thinking.
Documentation of children’s learning is also a very vital component of our curriculum, ensuring that children’s learning and our teaching is made visible to others.
Mandarin is a critical component of an EtonHouse education and at every EtonHouse pre-school, children are immersed in an integrated bilingual environment where all our classrooms have an English and a Mandarin-speaking teacher at all times interacting with the children in their respective languages.
We are especially proud of our unique learning environments. Apart from classroom environments that seamlessly integrate with the common areas, our schools have beautifully designed studios to encourage the ‘100 languages of children’-storytelling studio, light studio, tinkering studio, art studios to name a few. We also have specialist teachers in PE, Music and Art. Our visual and performing arts specialists offer a very unique programme that empowers children to express themselves confidently and creatively.
In Nursery 2 and Kindergarten 1, the children will have access to specialist classes that include Art, Music, Library, Drama and PE.
In Year 1, the children will receive the same as well as ICT.
.Pre-School Care and Routine
At EtonHouse we respect children as independent and capable individuals. We aim to foster respect for people, feelings, our environment and ourselves. Kind, appropriate and polite words will always be used by everyone in the school community. We therefore instil positive behaviour in children through positive guidance.
We call it ‘positive behaviour guidance’ as against ‘disciplining’ or ‘punishing’ children. The strategies used in a positive guidance approach help children to reflect on their actions; to verbalize their emotions and to express their feelings and views which must then be listened to and respected. Our strategies are based on negotiation, communication and collaboration with young children to instill positive behaviour that is intrinsically motivated rather than dependent on external factors.
Our teaching staff work with children to assist them in understanding the need for guidelines, boundaries and appropriate behaviour in our school community. Positive guidance could include offering choices to children; reinforcing empathy, instilling social responsibility and self regulation strategies and setting examples of positive behaviour. We are against acts of aggression or punishment inflicted both physically and mentally.
At school, the children will receive morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea to ensure they are stoked up and ready for their best learning. Our schools serve 3 types of meals: Non-vegetarian (consists of chicken, fish, egg and vegetables), Vegetarian (consists of protein-rich vegetarian sources and eggs) and Special Meal which consist of options such as Dairy-free, Gluten-free, egg-free. The menu is developed in consultation with nutritionists and varies on a weekly basis to encourage children to try new and different types of food. The menu is shared with the school community and feedback is obtained on a regular basis.
EtonHouse schools adopt a ‘no nut policy’. We have a policy in place for the management of Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis.
Upon enrolment, parents must inform the school about their children’s allergies to either food (including nuts) or medication. Notifications are sent to all class teachers and teaching assistants at the beginning of the school year to ensure the community is aware of the child's allergies. We have two qualified and highly trained nurses who are always on-site and ready.
If your child requires an ‘epi pen’ to be kept in school, please contact the Parent Liaison Office to make the arrangements and complete the necessary forms for administering medicine.
This can vary from child to child; what point they start in the school year and whether they have attended school before. Our educators are always here to support the children, and their families, in the transition as they adjust to the new school environment.
Be sure to talk positively about school and take the opportunity to walk or drive past several times to help build a level of familiarity before your child attends for the first time. You can read other tips here.
We want your child to have a positive transition into school and will be on hand to chat if you need any further advice or support.
Yes this is provided through an external transport provider. Please approach the school’s Parent Liaison Office for details on the routes and bus fees.
Absolutely!
As a Reggio-inspired school we are heavily influenced by nature and the natural world. We are very fortunate to have access to the school track, field and court facilities where the children can ride bikes and climb for example. We also have a dedicated early years flexible outdoor space where children can access sand, water play and other wonderful sensory activities. In essence, learning spaces are flexible and fluid and we take full advantage of our outdoor space and know its advantages in supporting student well-being.
Children in Nursery 2 will be offered a sleep if they wish to but those in Kindergarten 1 and above will not. There are times built into the school timetable to allow students some quiet time during the day.
Pre-School Teachers
EtonHouse educators are recruited from all over the world including the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States of America, Canada, Australia, China, Korea, Japan and Singapore.
Core teachers have a Diploma in Early Childhood. Most of them have gone above the minimum qualification requirements and have already attained their Degree qualification or are pursuing their studies while teaching. All our Principals have a leadership qualification in early childhood over and above their teaching qualification and numerous years of experience in the profession.
EtonHouse has a dedicated in-house research and develop arm with pedagogists who focus on quality and bringing in research and best practice from around the world. Apart from strengthening the programmes on EtonHouse campuses and providing continuous professional development opportunities to EtonHouse educators, it regularly organises industry forums and workshops that attract educators form the Asian region and around the globe.
The child-teacher ratio depends on the age cohort of the class. At EtonHouse, we have a very rich ratio so as to cater to the individual strengths and interests of children in our care. The ratio helps our teaching staff to develop learning programmes that respond to the individual child.
School Community
Parents and teachers communicate regularly and effectively via e-mail and where possible, face to face communication. You are welcome to make a mutually acceptable time to meet with the Principal or your child’s teacher to discuss any matter relating to your child.
Typically, EtonHouse children come from all corners of the globe. It is not uncommon to have children from several different countries in any one class. In our multi-cultural learning environment, children spontaneously learn about different cultures and traditions, thus giving them a more holistic perspective of people. It also develops in them the ability to work well in a diverse socio-cultural context.
Broadrick
ECAs are held on Mondays to Wednesdays from 3.45pm to 4.30pm. Students may select up to three ECAs per week. Buses will be provided to take your child home if required.
Students from Year 5 onwards, are required to have their own laptop to facilitate learning through technology. Requirements: Laptop or hybrid with a Quad Core Processor of i5 or above and a minimum of 4GB of RAM.
Our school practises rolling enrolment because we understand that some relocation plans are unforeseen or last minute. As long as there are places available and that students meet all entrance requirements, we are able to admit students throughout the year.
The School Uniform may be purchased directly from the school campus.
Two-way transport is available. The school bus managed by a third party company. Parents may contact the parent liaison office of EtonHouse Broadrick for more details.
Students can purchase their meal from the school, for the academic year. The food is served in the canteen, prepared by the kitchen in Broadrick. Alternatively, students can bring their own packed lunch. There is a fridge in the kitchen, and students are welcome to use the fridge for food that requires refrigeration.
EtonHouse schools offer both the Chinese immersion and dual-language English-Chinese programme. In the early years, EtonHouse 717 Mountbatten Road, Robertson Walk, and Zhonghua offer a 100% Chinese immersion programme. Other pre-schools offer a dual-language programme with an English and Chinese teacher in the classroom at all time. In primary (Broadrick campus in the East), students can choose either the bilingual immersion programme or a mainstream programme with Chinese as a second language.
In the bilingual immersion programme, students have Chinese language lessons on a daily basis. The number of hours of Chinese learning can go up to 19 hours a week depending on the year level. This programme is for competent Chinese language learners ensuring that students have significant exposure to the language along with opportunities to integrate culture into the curriculum. Students sit for the Youth Chinese Test (YCT) an international standardized Chinese language test.
EAL (English as an Additional Language) is provided for students as an additional language choice from Year 1 to Year 6, and it is conducted 5 times (Pre-School) or 4 times (Primary) a week. Intensive EAL is provided for students with a weak English foundation, and it is conducted 5 times a week.
Yes. Pertaining to Student Pass applications, the school will initiate the process with the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority of Singapore. A Registration Acknowledgement Letter (with specific instructions) will be emailed to the applicant thereafter for online application.
Bilingual Programme
Students enrolling for the Bilingual Programme are required to take an English and Chinese admission test, which consists of reading, writing and a short interview from Y1 onwards
English Admission Test
Students from non-native English speaking countries are required to take an English admission test, which consists of reading, writing and a short interview from Y6 onwards.
EtonHouse Broadrick is offering the following programmes
- IB Primary Years Programme
- Nursery Two - 1 : 10
- Kindergarten One - 1 : 12
- Kindergarten Two - 1 : 12
- Year 2 - Year 6 - 1 : 24
18 – 20 students
Around 400 students from more than 35 countries with no dominant nationality group.
Pre-School
| Year Level Entry | Age Group |
|---|---|
| Nursery 2 | 3 – 4 years |
| Kindergarten 1 | 4 – 5 years |
| Kindergarten 2/ Year 1 | 5 – 6 years |
Primary School
| Year Level Entry | Age Group |
|---|---|
| Year 2 | 6 – 7 years |
| Year 3 | 7 – 8 years |
| Year 4 | 8 – 9 years |
| Year 5 | 9 – 10 years |
| Year 6 | 10 – 11 years |
- Preschool: 8.45am to 3.30pm
- Primary School: 8.45am to 3.30pm
- Term 1 – August to October
- Term 2 – October to December
- Term 3 – January to March
- Term 4 – April to June
Orchard
Students from Year 5 onwards, are required to have their own laptop to facilitate learning through technology. Requirements: Laptop or hybrid with a Quad Core Processor of i5 or above and a minimum of 4GB of RAM.
Chinese, Hindi, Japanese and Spanish is offered as an additional language. EAL is offered to students who need additional support in English.
Our school practises rolling enrolment because we understand that some relocation plans are unforeseen or last minute. As long as there are places available and that students meet all entrance requirements, we are able to admit students throughout the year.
Two-way transport is available. The school bus managed by a third party company. Parents may email [email protected] for more information.
School Uniform may be purchased directly from the school campus.
Students can purchase their meal from the school, for the academic year. The food is delivered from our central kitchen, in Thomson. Alternatively, students can bring their own packed lunch. There is a fridge in the canteen and students are welcome to use the fridge for food that requires refrigeration. Secondary school students have the option of eating out, at designated spots assigned by the teacher.
EAL (English as an Additional Language) is provided for students as an additional language choice from Year 1 to Year 11, and it is conducted 3 times a week. Intensive EAL is provided for students who need additional support in English, and it is conducted 5 times a week.
Yes. Pertaining to Student Pass applications, the school will initiate the process with the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority of Singapore. A Registration Acknowledgement Letter (with specific instructions) will be emailed to the applicant thereafter for online application.
Students from non-native English speaking countries are required to take an English admission test, which consists of reading, writing and a short interview from Y7 onwards.
EtonHouse Orchard offers the following curriculum:
Primary school: IB Primary Years Programme
The primary programme is an integrated, transdisciplinary curriculum which focuses on the development of the whole child – it encompasses social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic welfare.
Through the programme, we aim to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. We believe our programme encourages students across the world to be active and compassionate lifelong learners who understand that other people with their differences can also be right.
The curriculum is organised around transdisciplinary units of inquiry integrating the learning areas of:
- Language (English)
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Arts (Visual and Creative)
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Additional Languages
Secondary school: Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
The secondary programme is a middle year curriculum that fuses a proactive use of information technology and inquiry-based learning with the development of the essential skills required to successfully complete the robust Cambridge approved International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Programme undertaken in Years 9, 10 and 11.
As the world’s most popular international qualification for 14-16-years-olds, the IGCSE’s lead to externally set, marked and certified examinations from the University of Cambridge.
High School: IB Diploma Programme (IB DP)
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous and comprehensive course, which encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
It is an assessed programme for students aged 16 – 19 and is respected by leading universities across the globe.
The two-year programme requires students to take a compulsory 6 subjects from different academic areas of which 3 are studied at higher level and 3 at standard level. IB subjects are graded on a 1 -7 scale with 7 being the highest score. Students must study a first language, a second language, a humanities subject, a science subject, mathematics and an arts subject or an elective (which is a second science or humanities subject).
In addition to these 6 subjects, IB Diploma students are required to complete three Core elements – Theory of Knowledge, The Extended Essay and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service).
The teacher-student ratio is currently 1:24.
The student is at the heart of what we do, and in order to give personalised attention and care to each child, the class sizes are kept small. There is a maximum of 20 students for Year 1, 24 students for Year 2 to 6, and 25 students for Year 7 and up.
EtonHouse Orchard is K12 school. It is currently offering programmes from Year 1 to Year 12 and will be adding Year 13 in August 2021. The age cut off and year level categorisation as follows:
Primary School
| Year Level Entry | Age Group |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 – 6 years |
| Year 2 | 6 – 7 years |
| Year 3 | 7 – 8 years |
| Year 4 | 8 – 9 years |
| Year 5 | 9 – 10 years |
| Year 6 | 10 – 11 years |
Secondary School
| Year Level Entry | Age Group |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 11 – 12 years |
| Year 8 | 12 – 13 years |
| Year 9 | 13 – 14 years |
| Year 10 | 14 – 15 years |
| Year 11 | 15 – 16 years |
| Year 12 | 16 – 17 years |
| Year 13 | 17 – 18 years |
After school activities are held on Mondays and Tuesday from 3.45pm to 4.30pm, and Contemporary Ensemble which happens on Thursday.
The purpose of after school activities is to complement, support and enhance the main curriculum delivered during the day. The ECAs aim to develop the students’ interests and overall growth.
After schools activities are currently on hold, until further notice.
School opens from Monday – Friday. The school hours are 8.30am - 3.30pm for Primary, and 8.30am – 3.45pm for Secondary and above.
EtonHouse Orchard follows the international school calendar, and the academic school year runs from August to June, consisting of 4 terms:
• Term 1 – August to October
• Term 2 – October to December
• Term 3 – January to March
• Term 4 – April to June
Sentosa
- Term 1 – August to October
- Term 2 – October to December
- Term 3 – January to March
- Term 4 – April to June
- Playgroup: 1.5 hours, once a week
- Preschool (Half Day): 8.45am to 12.30pm
- Preschool (Full Day): 8.45am to 3.00pm
- Primary School (Up to Year 4): 8.45am to 3.00pm
- Preschool
- Pre-Nursery: 18 months – 2 years
- Nursery 1: 2 – 3 years
- Nursery 2: 3 – 4 years
- Kindergarten 1: 4 – 5 years
- Kindergarten 2/ Year 1: 5 – 6 years
- Primary School
- Year 2: 6 – 7 years
- Year 3: 7 – 8 years
Around 180 students from more than 30 countries with no dominant nationality group.
18 – 20 students
Pre-Nursery - 1 : 5
Nursery One - 1 : 7
Nursery Two - 1 : 10
Kindergarten 1 - 1 : 12
Year 1 (Kindergarten 2) - 1 : 15
Year 2 to Year 4 - 1 : 24
EtonHouse Sentosa is offering the following programmes
- IB Preschool Programme
- IB Primary Years Programme
EtonHouse Sentosa has a unique Nature Education Programme for children to learn about and from Nature. The programme is called – ‘The island is my garden’, allowing children to embrace and take advantage of the lush surroundings.
There are no admission tests required.
Yes. Pertaining to Student Pass applications, the school will initiate the process with the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority of Singapore. A Registration Acknowledgement Letter (with specific instructions) will be emailed to the applicant thereafter for online application.
We do not offer English as Additional Language at Sentosa at the moment.
The integrated bilingual programme is taught with where there is a Mandarin teacher in each class along with the English speaking core teacher. This offers children a spontaneous environment for learning Mandarin.
Meals are provided for the academic year ( No additional payment required, inclusive in school fees). The food is delivered from our central kitchen, in Broadrick. Alternatively, students can bring their own packed lunch. There is a fridge in the canteen and students are welcome to use the fridge for food that requires refrigeration.
Two-way transport is available. The school bus is managed by a third party company. Parents may email [email protected] for more information.
The School Uniform may be purchased directly from the school campus.
Our school practises rolling enrolment because we understand that some relocation plans are unforeseen or last minute. As long as there are places available and that students meet all entrance requirements, we are able to admit students throughout the year.
Our school practises rolling enrolment because we understand that some relocation plans are unforeseen or last minute. As long as there are places available and that students meet all entrance requirements, we are able to admit students throughout the year.
ECAs are held on Mondays to Fridays from 3.00pm to 4.00pm. ECAs are open to students from Pre-Nursery onwards.