Sassy Scoop: Choose a Quality Early Childhood Facility with GEMS World Academy (Singapore)

Educational research indicates that the first six years of life are critical to a child’s life-long development. Their early school experiences influence brain development and establish the foundation for language, reasoning, problem solving, physical skills, and social and emotional health. It’s therefore essential that little ones are placed in a supportive early childhood programme, just like the one at GEMS World Academy (Singapore)! We spoke to GEMS’ Head of Early Years Programme, Jacqueline McNalty to get her advice on how GEMS provides a quality learning facility for all youngsters.

Educational Philosophy and Curriculum
Focused on giving little learners the best start on their learning journey, GEMS offers an inquiry-based early years programme that is especially sensitive to the needs and learning styles of young children. Junior scholars are expertly guided through their Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum and are encouraged to ask questions, make connections and discover through hands-on, play-based activities. With a special focus on mathematics, literacy, science, social studies and technology, youngsters are warmly supported to explore, inquire, and question, so that they become enthusiastic, life-long learners!

Learning Environments
Understanding that littlies need a space that sparks their natural curiosity, GEMS’ warm and inviting classrooms feature creative learning areas such as block and construction, dramatic play, puzzles, art and craft, reading, mathematics, and science. Their outdoor learning environment boasts sand and water play, art areas, and bike and tricycle riding that challenge and develop a kiddos’ fine and gross motor skills and social interactions – and are a ton of fun too!

Facilities and Resources
In addition to their specialised learning environment, the youngest learners at GEMS are also treated to brand new facilities, including a purpose built early years swimming pool, an early years library, covered indoor play spaces (perfect for rainy day activities!), as well as outdoor play spaces designed just for them. And if that’s not quite enough mama, littlies also get access to their one-to one iPad programme and the school’s planetarium – a first in Singapore.

Experienced and Caring Educators
With small class sizes that are supported by a full time teacher and a teaching assistant, youngsters at GEMS get the care and attention they need to learn and grow. Hiring only the most qualified and passionate early childhood professionals out there, munchkins also have access to specialised educators in physical education, aquatics, music, and Mandarin, giving them a well balanced and interesting school programme.

Before and After School Care
Busy mamas need extra support and at GEMS, families have access to the school’s educational child care facility that runs a before and after school programme for 3 to 4 year olds (allowing mamas to drop their kids at school from 8am, and then have them cared for from 1:30 to 4:30pm).

Home, School Partnerships and Communication
Working closely with families (because parents are a child’s first teacher after all), GEMS welcomes parents into the school to spend time in the purpose built parent coffee shop or to use their school smart card in the library to access over 300,000 E-books. Parents are also kept informed about their child’s learning journey through digital portfolios, weekly communication and documentation from their classroom teacher, plus they even have the opportunity to join the GEMS World Academy Parent Association.

To give your kids the best head start in their education, call GEMS World Academy (Singapore) at +65 6557 2702 or drop past their Information and Enrolment Centre on Level 1 at Forum The Shopping Mall (583 Orchard Road).

GEMS World Academy (Singapore)
www.gwa.edu.sg
Tel: (+65) 6808 7300
[email protected]