Singapore
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All lessons are taught in English. Mandarin is a compulsory subject in Year 7–8, taught three times per week. From Year 7, all students study a European language (French, German or Spanish) for two lessons per week through Year 8. A first language programme supports heritage language development, and a bilingual IB diploma option is available.
The school runs a bilingual curriculum in English and Mandarin from the Early Years (DUCKS). From age two, Mandarin is taught in daily immersion with a Chinese co-teacher alongside English instruction. From Reception to Year 2, Mandarin lessons run daily for up to one hour, differentiated to each child's ability. The Wo Hui Method supports language learning by emphasising real communication and separates speaking/listening from reading/writing, contributing to IB Mandarin proficiency and a bilingual IB diploma option.
Mandarin immersion is provided across the day in the DUCKS bilingual program, with a dual-language environment where a Chinese co-teacher works with the class. In the early years, there is a dual-language approach with one English-taught teacher and one Mandarin-taught teacher in each class. Mandarin is taught via the Wo Hui Mandarin approach and through dedicated pathways (Mandarin A, Mandarin B, Mandarin C) to support bilingual development. In Senior School, students pursue a bilingual pathway toward IB Mandarin proficiency, with a growing number accessing the bilingual diploma option.
Dulwich College Singapore caters for children aged 2 to 18, and follows the British curriculum system. The school prepares students for IGCSE exams in Key Stage 4 and the IB Diploma Programme in the final two years. Facilities include modern science labs, art and design spaces, a swimming pool, and a large theatre for performing arts. A unique aspect of the school is its approach to sustainability, evidenced by the recent opening 'The Greenhouse' - the first international school building in Singapore to be certified Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy. Students have access to a broad range of activities outside of the classroom, including competitive sports teams and music ensembles, drama productions and exchange opportunities with other Dulwich schools worldwide.
Answers to the most common questions parents ask when relocating to Singapore, from admissions timelines to language options.
A clear guide to the main international school curricula in Singapore and how to choose the right one for your child.
When it comes to choosing the right international school in Singapore, the question isn’t “What’s the best?”—it’s “What’s best for us?”