How do teachers teach in SG? Find out here
TANGLIN TRUST SCHOOL
Rebecca James
Head of Year 7 and Mandarin Teacher
Most enjoyable part of my school day:
Morning Registration is a moment to connect with students, check on their wellbeing, and set a positive tone. I notice who’s thriving, who might need support, and how friendships and routines are forming. These daily interactions help students (and me!) feel grounded.
How I spark curiosity in the classroom:
After completing my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Melbourne University, I taught for five years in Australian schools. As an Aussie Chinese teacher, I try to draw on my experience living and working in China, and connect Mandarin to students’ lives. I use local examples, like menus, festivals, and MRT signs, to show how the language is part of their world.
My lessons stay engaging because:
I try to connect language to life to make Chinese feel relevant, approachable, and alive. Each lesson becomes not just a task, but a discovery.
Best compliment from a student:
“You make Chinese easy!” It wasn’t about the lesson itself, but about how they felt in the classroom: confident, supported, and curious. That’s high praise.
Why Tanglin Trust School is special:
Tanglin recently celebrated 100 years in Singapore – a legacy built on resilience, community, and character. Countless students and educators have shaped its story, and that deep heritage continues to inspire us every day.
ONE WORLD INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DIGITAL CAMPUS (PUNGGOL)
Dinali Naomi
Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher
Most enjoyable part of my school day:
Morning arrival. Greeting my students as they walk in and hearing their stories gives me a moment to build genuine connections before the day begins.
How I spark curiosity in the classroom:
I create a safe space where every child feels seen and valued. By understanding their interests and strengths, I tailor learning experiences to be meaningful, encouraging questions, risk-taking, and reflection. When students feel connected and confident, curiosity flows naturally.
What makes my lessons stand out:
I give students voice, choice, and ownership over their learning. Whether it’s meeting an author or helping animals in shelters, I help bring their ideas to life. Their voices and actions truly matter, and I love seeing them empowered to make a difference.
Best compliment from a student:
At an end-of-year class party, students were asked, “If Ms Dinali had a superpower, what would it be?” One student said, “Kindness.” That stayed with me as it reflects the heart of my teaching and the safe space I hope my classroom provides.
Why OWIS is special:
It thrives on growth and collaboration. No two years are the same, and the team is open to ideas and feedback. We ensure everything we do is meaningful and purposeful for students’ learning and wellbeing.
CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Kimberley Tacadena
Grade 2 English Lead
Most enjoyable part of my school day:
The morning arrival. I consider those first ten minutes a crucial period for establishing a secure and engaged learning environment. I stand at the door to personally greet each child with a genuine smile, a brief, meaningful conversation, or a simple gesture like a fist bump. It’s an intentional moment to connect individually before the full day of teaching begins.
How I spark curiosity in the classroom:
I see the classroom as the first teacher, so I fill it with hands-on resources and visuals. Using the ‘See, Think, Wonder’ routine, we observe the object or image, make interpretations, and ask the big questions that drive learning.
The lesson students always love:
Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) units. It’s where theory meets practical, hands-on fun. The children also love P.E. due to the fantastic spaces – the gyms, gross motor rooms, pools, and courts.
What makes my classes stand out:
My passion for literacy and the joy of reading. Great literature sparks curiosity and opens doors to endless exploration. My Grade 2 students go beyond memorising facts – they connect ideas across disciplines, drawing on the language and insights from stories to make sense of the world. You can bet that all this hard thinking is delivered with a healthy dose of Aussie cheer and a good laugh!
Best compliment from a student:
One student tearfully confessed they didn’t want to move up a grade because I wouldn’t be their teacher anymore. For me, this was the most meaningful measure of success. Knowing a child feels this level of connection means they’re free to take the cognitive risks necessary for deep academic learning and personal growth.
Why CIS is special:
The fact that we’ve been operating successfully here in Singapore for 35 years is a wonderful history, but at the heart is our people and who we are. We’re a profoundly multilingual community built on a spirit of welcome and collaboration.
ST. JOSEPH’S INSTITUTION INTERNATIONAL (SJI INTERNATIONAL)
Tammy Lasnitkzi Coordinator of Student Leadership, teaching English, IGCSE English, and IB Literature
Most enjoyable part of my school day:
I love meeting students and hearing their ideas for improving the school, and supporting them through their leadership journeys.
One lesson students always love:
My Grade 8 students are learning about Romeo and Juliet, and I always begin the unit by exploring Shakespearean language. They then create their own witty Shakespearean phrases and exchanges, which is always great fun.
How I spark curiosity in the classroom:
I love using critical thinking questions to draw students in. One of my go-to lesson starters is to show four images linked to our current theme or text and challenge students to find the connections – and the odd one out. It’s a simple but powerful way to ignite curiosity.
What makes my lessons stand out:
I always try to connect with my students and to create an open and safe space. Often during English lessons, we discuss key issues and teach important values through characters such as empathy and humility. I hope to inspire a love of learning and literature in all.
Best compliment from a student:
For me, it’s hearing about the positive impact I’ve had on a student’s life as it means I’ve taught them something that goes far beyond the classroom. To hear a student say that is truly the best.
Why SJI International is special:
Service is at the heart of all we do. I see this every day when working with our student leaders in how they seek to serve others through their leadership roles. They constantly look for ways to bring the community together and enhance the experiences of others, and I’ve never encountered student leaders quite like them before.
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (AIS)
Cheryl Hawkins
Classroom Teacher & Instructional Coach for Service Learning and Student Leaders
Homeroom (Language, Maths, Units of Inquiry)
Most enjoyable part of my school day:
I love the start of the day, when the students and I greet each other in a new language and share what’s been happening. It’s a simple ritual that leaves us feeling connected and in-tune.
How I spark curiosity in students:
I think the key is to be curious and open-minded yourself. Curiosity is contagious. When the children see your genuine wonder, it intrigues them. It only takes one or two students to start an avalanche of questions.
My lessons stay engaging because:
Everybody loves STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)! The students enjoy the problem solving and collaboration elements. It’s an opportunity to put theory into practice and for them to make connections between learning and the world around them.
What makes your lessons different?
Learning in my classroom is a partnership. We learn with and from each other. I don’t pretend to know all the answers and it’s fun to embark on a journey of discovery together.
Best compliment from a student:
One of the greatest was when a student said “I love the way you explain things. You make tricky things easy to understand.”
Why AIS is special:
The pastoral care is outstanding. Happy staff make better teachers and happy children make better learners. Everyone wins.
DULWICH COLLEGE (SINGAPORE)
Alexander Pilgrim
Head of Year 7, Director of Hockey, Teacher of Languages
Most enjoyable part of my school day:
Our morning break. Dulwich College (Singapore) is a phone-free school, so it’s refreshing to see the students socialising without the use of technology.
How I spark curiosity in the classroom:
I intentionally incorporate cross-curricular links into my teaching. For example, when examining variations between Latin American and European Spanish, I connect this to historical contexts, such as the Spanish influence on many city names along the US West Coast.
Best compliment from a student:
Mostly, I remember the times when a student has cracked a funny joke at my expense, mostly about how bad my jokes are! Personally, I take this as an indication of the strong relationship I’ve built with that student. At least, that’s what I tell myself!
Why Dulwich is special:
What first brought me to Dulwich College (Singapore) was the importance placed on the idea of holistic education, rather than simply focusing on the academic side of life. Our students achieve well academically, but we also want them to shine on the sports field, on stage, and in the art studio.
BRIGHTON COLLEGE (SINGAPORE)
Sian Denholm
Head of English, Senior School
Most enjoyable part of my school day:
Afternoon tutor time. Pupils are buzzing with energy, eager to reflect on the day so far, and to connect with one another. Excitement flies around the room!
How I spark curiosity in the classroom:
Curiosity fuels every great English lesson. Posing a thought-provoking “what if” question, sharing an unexpected piece of context, or encouraging debate on important, real-life, gritty human issues are all great ways to invite pupils to wonder. Encouraging them to question, imagine, and discover meaning beyond the words on the page is key!
The activity my students love:
A whole-class reading of a novel – holding the book, turning its pages, and listening to expressive voices brings a story to life. It’s a simple pleasure, and there’s nothing better than hearing, “Please, a bit more!” when the reading ends.
Best compliment from a student:
That I’m passionate. I remember my own English teacher’s absolute adoration for the subject and how infectious that was. I hope my students feel the same and see how much I love what I teach. Hopefully this will inspire them to discover their own joy in learning.
My lessons stand out because:
I aim to create lessons that challenge pupils to think critically and deeply about literature and the human experience. Our English curriculum is shaped around three timeless themes – Journeys and Discovery, Conflict, and Being Human – helping pupils connect their classroom reading with the wider world. I want them not just to study texts, but to question, explore, and discover ideas that will stay with them long after they leave school.
Why Brighton College (Singapore) is special:
There’s a real sense of community here. Everyone is known, valued, and supported. We take pride in really knowing our pupils, understanding what motivates them, and celebrating their individuality. There’s a genuine delight in learning and strong positive relationships that make the school a warm, inspiring place to be every day.
UWCSEA
Camila Rueda Ramírez
Head of Theory of Knowledge and Humanities Teacher
Most enjoyable part of my school day:
In Grade 9 Ethics, one of the highlights of the class is the Ethical Trial. After exploring topics like Bioethics and the Ethics of War, students step into a courtroom-style role-play to argue whether a defendant’s actions are ethically justifiable. They employ theories and argumentative strategies, and prepare statements, testimony, rebuttals, and more.
What makes my lessons stand out: Students on our Grade 9 and 10 UWC Perspectives course become real changemakers by researching and improving school initiatives started by former students. They use systems thinking to explore challenges, uncover root causes, and design creative, big-picture solutions. It’s inspiring to see them develop powerful tools for change at a young age.
Best compliment from a student:
I once received a note from a Grade 10 student in my Ethics in Real Life class saying: “I have absolutely loved being able to explore and understand mine and others’ perspectives. I love how you are able to make every assessment fun. It greatly improves my learning experience.”
Why UWCSEA is special:
I’m proud to work at a school that supports a wide range of amazing initiatives including Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ), and LGBT+ activities, affinity groups, and both academic and service-based student-led groups. This demonstrates a genuine commitment to diversity and the UWC mission and values.
NEXUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (SINGAPORE)
Joanna Bevan
CAS Coordinator & Visual Arts Specialist Teacher
Most enjoyable part of my school day:
As a morning person, I always arrive to the peace and calm of an empty classroom. The best moment is when the learners arrive – it’s as though the school suddenly wakes up. That rush of curiosity and potential reminds me why I’m a teacher.
How I spark curiosity in the classroom:
During my time at Nexus, I’ve come to appreciate how a restorative approach not only strengthens relationships but also gives learners the confidence to question ideas and take ownership of their learning.
The lessons students love:
The first IGCSE Art lesson is always a highlight. When learners step into the classroom, they’re surrounded by easels, objects, and materials. There’s a mix of apprehension and excitement amongst them, but by the end of that first session, the buzzing energy shows that they’ve left feeling inspired and empowered.
Best compliment from a student:
One of the most touching moments of my career came when I was presented with a bouquet by an IB cohort at their exhibition. Their words read, “You carry the magic that turns intangible ideas into visual blooms.” A compliment like that is the ultimate reward for a teacher.
Why Nexus International School (Singapore) is special:
I’m immensely proud of the inclusive, international nature of Nexus. These strong values are embedded in all that we do both inside and outside of the classroom. I’m lucky enough to have experienced this from two perspectives, one as a teacher and another as a parent with children in the school.
Find out more about schools and learning in Singapore here