October 2014

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ADVERTORIAL
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Jacqueline McNalty, Head of Early Years and PYP Coordinator at
GEMS World Academy (Singapore), runs through seven of the key
indicators for choosing a quality international school.
The quality of your child’s education will impact his or her future, so it’s important
that you choose schools wisely – you’ll never regret the time you invested in
making the right decision. Educational research has shown that high-
performing schools have a number of common characteristics.
1. AN EXPERT TEACHING TEAM
Quality teachers and teaching are by far the most salient influence
on student outcomes, regardless of gender or background; this
is backed up by local and international evidence-based research.
GEMS World Academy (Singapore) places a high priority on
ensuring that classroom teachers identify and address the learning
needs of individual students and tailor classroom activities to levels
of readiness and need. Our quality educators have high levels of
professional accountability, taking personal and collective responsibility
for improving their students’ learning and their own teaching methods.
2. A CLEAR AND SHARED FOCUS
Effective schools have a clear, shared mission and vision resulting from common
beliefs and values; everyone knows where they are going and why. The focus is on
a consistent, positive direction for all involved. GEMS World Academy (Singapore)
mission is to develop inquiring, reflective and caring learners who have the
knowledge, skills and character to take action to create a better, more peaceful world.
Supported by highly qualified staff in world-class facilities, our diverse international
community is encouraged to develop intercultural understanding and respect.
3. HIGH STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL STUDENTS
Effective schools are driven by a deep belief that every student is capable of inclusive
learning. GEMS World Academy (Singapore) provides a learning environment that is
safe, respectful, tolerant and inclusive, and that promotes intellectual rigour. Students
in GEMS schools are offered an ambitious and rigorous course of study, across the
arts, sports and academics. Children in GEMS schools continue to perform up to 14%
above international averages.
4. EFFECTIVE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
School leadership can have a significant impact on the quality of teaching and
learning. Effective leaders create cultures of high expectations, provide clarity about
what teachers are to teach and students are to learn, establish strong professional
learning communities and lead ongoing efforts to improve teaching practices.
5. QUALITY CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION AND
ASSESSMENTS
Research reinforces the relationship between
a quality curriculum and strong student
outcomes. GEMS schools have a coherent,
sequenced plan for curriculum delivery that
ensures consistent teaching and learning
expectations and a clear reference for
monitoring learning across the grade
levels. The curriculum offered at
GEMS World Academy (Singapore)
is a rigorous course of study that
focuses on holistic excellence.
Indicators for choosing a
Quality International School
6. FREQUENT MONITORING OF LEARNING AND
TEACHING
High-performing schools have procedures in place to
encourage a school-wide, shared responsibility for
student learning and success, and to encourage the
development of a culture of continuous professional
improvement that includes classroom-based
learning, mentoring and coaching arrangements. A
high priority is given to the school-wide analysis and
discussion of systematically collected data on student
outcomes. Teaching is adjusted based on frequent
monitoring of student progress. Assessment results
are used to improve instructional programmes.
7. HIGH LEVEL OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT
High-performing schools actively seek ways
to enhance student learning and wellbeing by
partnering with parents, training institutions,
local businesses and community organisations.
At GEMS World Academy (Singapore), parents
and families are recognised as integral members
of the school community and partners in their
children’s education. The GEMS “3-a-Day” Parent
Engagement Program encourages parents to focus
on student learning through daily discussions and
sharing. Through the GEMS Learning Gateway (GLG),
parents have access to information about their
child’s progress, and digital portfolios of learning are
available to share with families.
Campus: Junction of Yishun Avenue 1 and Yishun Avenue 6
Information and Enrolment Centre: 583 Orchard Road, #15-02 Forum The Shopping Mall
Phone: 6557 2702 | Website: