DPS International School vs GIG International School
DPS International School and GIG International School are both in Singapore, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes, and DPS International School also offers Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and Indian. Published annual fees are close, at SGD 8,990 - 23,435 for DPS International School and SGD 12,110 - 17,784 for GIG International School. DPS International School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and GIG International School from 5 to 16. GIG International School is the larger school, with around 2,000 pupils to DPS International School's 1,400. Typical class sizes are 25 at DPS International School and 24 at GIG International School.
DPS International School (DPSIS) is situated in the Kovan neighborhood, an area known for its residential charm and accessibility, with nearby MRT stations and bus services facilitating convenient travel.
Location
GIG International School is located at 1 Selegie Road, in the GR.iD Building. Situated in the central region of Singapore, it offers convenient access to public transportation, including nearby MRT stations and bus services. The area is known for its vibrant community and proximity to various amenities.
Stages
Stages
DPSIS offers a comprehensive educational pathway from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school is structured in five levels; Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, and Senior Secondary School.
Stages
The school has two levels; Primary School and Secondary School.
School type
School type
DPSIS is a co-educational institution. The school does not offer boarding facilities, operating as a day school for all grade levels.
School type
GIG International School is a co-educational institution. It operates as a day school without boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
DPS International School (DPSIS) is committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs. The school has developed and implements an inclusion/special educational needs policy consistent with IB expectations and the school's admissions policy. This approach aims to ensure that all students have access to the curriculum and are supported in their learning journey.
Additional learning support
GIG International School emphasizes a child-centric approach, offering flexible and customized programs to enhance individual learning outcomes. This approach aims to accommodate diverse learning needs within the mainstream classroom setting.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
While DPSIS offers the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) curriculum, it operates as an international school in Singapore and does not have an official affiliation with any particular country.
Country affiliation
The school does not have an affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
DPSIS is a secular institution and does not adhere to or promote any specific religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
GIG International School is a secular institution with no religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day starts at 9:00 AM and finishes at 3:20 PM. Students have short break in the morning and a lunch period of forty minutes.
School day structure
The school operates from Monday to Friday, starting at 9:00 AM and concluding at 3:40 PM.
Bus service details
Bus service details
DPSIS offers an extensive school bus service in partnership with An An Bus Services, providing island-wide transportation for students. The fleet consists of modern, air-conditioned buses equipped in accordance with Singapore's regulations.
Bus service details
GIG International School provides an island-wide transport service to ensure safe and convenient access for students. The air-conditioned buses have moderate capacity to reduce the number of pick-up and drop-off stops, minimizing travel time and enhancing safety. Each bus is equipped with a first-aid box and seat belts.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees -Application Processing Fee (Non-refundable) - Nursery to Kindergarten 2: SGD 1,500 - Grade 1 to Grade 12: SGD 2,000 -Registration Fee (One-time payment, subject to 9% GST) - Nursery to Kindergarten 2: SGD 1,500 - Grade 1 to Grade 12: SGD 2,500 -Top-up registration fee: Students continuing from KG2 to Grade 1 must pay a top-up fee of SGD 1,000.
Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary - Year 1: SGD 1,133.60 - Year 2: SGD 1,199.00 - Year 3 to Year 5: SGD 1,253.50 - Year 6 & Year 7: SGD 1,362.50 - Year 8: SGD 1,607.75
Sibling discounts are available for the younger child.
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Fees are billed every three months (per term) For IGCSE/AS/A-Level students, fees follow a separate billing cycle, starting in January.
Additional Costs - Uniforms: Details regarding uniform costs can be obtained directly from the school's administration. - Transportation: The school provides bus services with fees varying based on distance from the school. For example:
Refund Information The application processing fee is non-refundable. For details on the refund policy regarding other fees, parents are advised to consult the school's official communications or contact the administration directly.
Fee Payment Options The school accepts various payment methods: - GIRO - PayNow - Internet Banking - Cash (2% processing fee) - NETS/Credit Card (4% processing fee) - Cheque - Online Transfer (SGD 50 administrative fee)
Fee details
Application and Administrative Fees: A one-time registration fee of SGD 2,000 is currently waived. An administrative fee of SGD 250 + GST is payable and is non-refundable.
Tuition Fees (billed monthly and payable every two months in advance): - *Classes 1–2 (Cambridge)*: SGD 1,009.20 + GST per month - *Classes 3–5 (Cambridge)*: SGD 1,125 + GST per month - *Classes 6–8 (Cambridge Secondary 1–3)*: SGD 1,239 + GST per month - *Classes 9–10 (IGCSE Years 1–2)*: SGD 1,482 + GST per month
These fees include tuition, activity, student welfare, resource and technology fees, CCAs, ECAs, and celebrations.
Payment Schedule and Terms: Payments are collected six times annually—in April, June, August, October, December, and February. Each collection covers two months. A late fee of SGD 50 per week applies after a three-day grace period.
Other Costs: Book costs range from approximately SGD 250 to SGD 1,000 depending on the year level. Uniform and transport costs are not included in tuition.
Refunds: The administrative fee is non-refundable. For other refund terms, the school refers to its withdrawal and refund policy.
Payment Methods: Payments can be made via NETS, cash, or cheque. All fees are subject to the prevailing GST rate of 9%.
Boarding: GIG International School does not offer boarding facilities.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
In the early years, the curriculum emphasizes foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and cognitive development, incorporating activities like art, music, and physical education to promote holistic growth.
From Grade 1 onwards, students can choose between two academic pathways:
Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) Curriculum: This pathway focuses on a broad spectrum of subjects, including languages, mathematics, science, and social studies, encouraging analytical and practical skills. Students following the ICSE curriculum typically prepare for the ICSE examinations in Grade 10 and the Indian School Certificate (ISC) examinations in Grade 12.
Cambridge International Curriculum: This pathway offers an international perspective with a curriculum designed to develop learners' skills in creative thinking, inquiry, and problem-solving. Students usually undertake the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations in Grade 10, followed by the General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced (A) Levels in Grades 11 and 12.
Curriculum details
GIG International School follows the Cambridge International curriculum:
Cambridge Primary Modules (Grades 1-5): Focuses on foundational subjects such as Languages (English and options for Hindi, French, or Tamil), Mathematics, and Units of Inquiry encompassing General Science and Global Perspectives.
Cambridge Secondary (Grades 6-8): Builds on earlier learning with an emphasis on advanced concepts, preparing students for higher academic challenges.
Cambridge IGCSE Modules (Grades 9-10): Prepares students for the IGCSE examinations, offering subjects such as English Language, Mathematics (Extended), Chemistry, Global Perspectives, English Literature, Biology, Physics, and Second Language options (French, Tamil, or Hindi).
Engage in Pre-Course Counselling: After receiving your enquiry, an admissions counsellor will contact you to explain the enrolment process, discuss available programs, and address any concerns.
Submit the Online Admission Form: Following the counselling session, complete the Online Admission Form, providing necessary documents to facilitate the evaluation process.
Participate in the Assessment Process: Depending on the grade level, your child may need to undergo an assessment test and a formal interaction with the Vice Principal or Principal. These evaluations help determine the appropriate grade placement and identify any specific support your child might need.
Complete Registration and Fee Payment: Upon successful assessment and confirmation of admission, pay the registration and application processing fees. Subsequently, sign the e-student contract and settle the term fee to finalise the enrolment.
Post-Admission Formalities: After completing the admission process, the school will provide details regarding orientation sessions, collection of uniforms and books, class and section allocation, and access credentials for the school's intranet for ongoing communication.
Admissions
Book a school tour or open house (optional). Parents are encouraged to visit the school to get a feel for the environment and speak with staff. These tours can help families understand the curriculum, facilities, and school culture.
Submit the application form and documents. Parents will need to fill out the student application form and submit required documents such as the child's birth certificate, passport copy, previous academic records, and passport-sized photographs.
Application review and assessment. The admissions team will review the documents and arrange for an assessment if required. This may include academic testing and/or an interview with the student.
Offer and acceptance. If the application is successful, parents will receive an offer letter. To confirm enrolment, the required fees (including registration and administrative fees) must be paid within the stipulated timeline.
Orientation and onboarding. Once enrolled, parents will receive information regarding school start dates, uniforms, book lists, and other onboarding procedures to help their child transition smoothly into the school.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not publicly provide information regarding scholarship programs. Prospective parents are encouraged to contact the admissions office directly to inquire about any available scholarships or financial aid options.
Scholarships
GIG International School offers the LEAD Merit Scholarship, open to new admissions to the Secondary School programs.
The scholarship focuses on academic merit, especially in future-focused subjects like Science, Mathematics, and Languages. Up to SGD 25,000 can be awarded per eligible student, disbursed over a period of three years.
A total of 30 scholarships are available, and all awards are subject to the approval of the school’s Academic Board. Applications must be submitted annually and are contingent on continued eligibility and availability.
Waitlist
Waitlist
DPS International School operates a year-round admissions process and does not explicitly mention a waitlist or pool system. Admission is subject to meeting entry requirements and the availability of seats in the desired grade level.
Waitlist
GIG International School does not publicly state that it operates a formal waitlist or pool system. Admissions are handled on a rolling basis, and placement is subject to seat availability in the relevant year group.
