A Student-Centered Path to Growth and Success

It’s no secret that the role of education has evolved from a narrow academic focus to a more holistic, student-centred approach that prioritizes well-being, natural curiosity, creativity, and individual passions. This shift is evident in practices like project-based learning and social-emotional programs embraced by many schools. At TIS, however, this philosophy is more than an initiative; it’s our primary focus.

We cultivate an environment where children are happy and eager to learn, explore their interests and develop their unique voices. This makes learning enjoyable and purposeful, aligning with our missions to develop lifelong learners who are excited about their educational journey.

Our commitment to student-centred education is evident from Kindergarten to Grade 12 through initiatives like “Student Spotlights” and our Tiger Learner Profiles. Our graduates frequently gain admission to top universities worldwide, including Yale, Johns Hopkins, Columbia and many more. 

How do we balance happy students while guiding them toward top universities?

A common thread in many of our alumni stories is the confidence they built in pursuing their passions, supported by the dedicated, internationally qualified educators at TIS. 

A recent example is Cloris, a grade 11 student whose achievements have brought pride to her family and our school community. Cloris recently participated in the 2024 Global Essay Prize Awards Ceremony and Gala, organized by the John Locke Institute, with former British Prime Minister Liz Truss as a guest speaker. Cloris competed against 34,823 candidates from 101 countries, receiving a Commendation award, which recognized her among a smaller pool of shortlisted candidates.

Her mother, Ms. Cindy, has expressed her gratitude over the School’s role in fostering Cloris’s growth, saying “The seeds of curiosity, freedom and dreams that you all have planted in her heart will bloom one day”. She added “I have also witnessed the profound impact of TIS's education, highlighting how the school’s approach nurtures not just academic success but personal development. 

And, central to this educational journey, is the support of our teachers. Mr. Alcantara, our secondary English Language Arts teacher, played a pivotal role in Cloris’ development as a writer,  building on the foundations laid by previous ELA teachers who fostered creativity and critical thinking. His encouragement led her to participate in various creative writing competitions. His guidance enabled her in-depth exploration of her topic, “Has music ever significantly changed the course of history?” As a result, her essay reflected not only her academic skills but also the rich cultural education at TIS, highlighted by her incorporation of the ancient story "Surrounded by Chu Songs." This integration of diverse perspectives fosters students who are both knowledgeable and culturally aware

This story of parent-student support serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that hard work and dedication can have on a young person’s life. As we reflect on Cloris’s journey, we are reminded of the collective effort that goes into nurturing our students — a partnership between educators, parents, and the students themselves. The joy and pride expressed by Cindy resonate deeply within our school community, reinforcing our belief that every student’s success is a shared journey of growth.