Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
School Information (General)
What is the minimum enrolment age at QuIPS?
When should I enrol my child at Quayside Isle Preparatory School?
My child is very advanced for her age. Can I enrol her in a higher grade even though she does not meet the minimum required age?
Can I tour the school before I enrol my child?
How many students are there in a class and what is the student-teacher ratio?
What qualifications do Quayside Isle Preparatory School teachers have?
All our teachers are professional educators, recognised by the Early Childhood Development Agency of Singapore (the regulatory body for the early childhood sector in Singapore). All our teachers are qualified Early Childhood educators with a wealth of knowledge and experience. QuIPS teachers come from different cultures adding to the vibrant school environment.
Will there be snacks/meals provided for my child?
Is there a school bus service?
What are the school's medical precautions?
QuIPS maintains strict procedures concerning the health and well-being of every child. These are indicated as reminders in a fortnightly newsletter and in line with the regulatory guidelines of Singapore’s Ministry of Health and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). We have three staff members who are certified in Child First Aid (CFA).
How will I know which year group my child belongs to?
QuIPS follows the UK National Curriculum which is organized into blocks of years called ‘Key Stages’. Hence the terminology Early Years and Key Stage 1. The year groups have been aligned with the Early Years and Key Stage 1 of the UK National Curriculum. Children should turn the minimum age for the program during the academic year, which is our age cut-off date
School Fees
Is it possible to waive the Enrolment Fee?
My child will not be attending school for a few weeks as we are travelling. Can the school fees be pro-rated?
What are the procedures for withdrawing my child from the school?
We have to relocate due to the work arrangements. Can we withdraw after the withdrawal date?
Can I use funds in my Children Development Account (CDA - Baby Bonus) to pay for my child's kindergarten fees?
School Information (Academics)
How should I prepare my child (and me!) for their first day of school?
What is the best way to communicate with my child’s teacher?
How is Literacy taught at QuIPS?
Do the children do worksheets?
The mode of learning at QuIPS is very much through active play and engagement which draws on many of the senses. The more senses that are used in learning (where appropriate), the likelier a child is able to retain information, generalise and apply the learning. Worksheets (table top tasks) do take place but they do not form the basis of the learning journey. Table top tasks involving worksheets are used to reinforce the skills and concepts taught and to prepare children and are just one part of school readiness.
What is the school curriculum?
Steeped in beliefs that learning should br motivating, engaging and fun, the curriculum we use opens up a world of wonder for children where learning meets personal interests. At QuIPS we cover both breadth and depth in learning. We use the inquiry based International Early Years Curriculum UK (‘IEYC’) and the International Primary Curriculum UK (‘IPC’)
Will my child learn Mandarin?
The Mandarin classes at our school are language classes. This is an immersion program. Children will have 30-45 minute sessions with the Mandarin teacher and frequency is subject to grade level. The focus of these classes is for them to be comfortable with the fundamentals of the language such as greetings, basic vocabulary, and for the older classes, an introduction into strokes and basic high frequency characters. They will learn through games, play and song. For those wanting more, there are specific extra curricular activities in Mandarin.
Can I volunteer in my child’s class?
Will my child be able to transition into a bigger international school after QuIPS?
At QuIPS we prepare our young minds to take on their next challenge by providing a solid foundation. Our holistic approach to education in these formative years strikes the perfect balance between adult-led learning and learning through play, nature and self-discovery. Our program aids the transition process by adapting the learning journey each year so as to provide the children with exactly what they need at each developmental stage . We want our children to have a love of learning, form positive school relationships and all the necessary skills to take on their next step, be it at a local or international school! Our model works best when seen through completion of Key Stage 1, making every child ready for Primary 1 (Singapore), Year 3 (UK & Australia)), Grade 2 (US) and Key Stage 2. Our students have successfully transitioned to reputable international schools as well as local Singapore schools.