Hwa Chong International School (HCIS) is a co-educational international school in Singapore that provides high-school education. It caters to both local and international students, showcasing its affiliation with Hwa Chong Institution.
Established in 2005, Hwa Chong International School (HCIS) is a proud member of the esteemed Hwa Chong family of schools. Being a local international school, it is mandatory for half of the students to be Singaporeans or Permanent Residents, as per the Ministry of Education (Singapore) regulations. The remaining student body consists of students from more than 20 different countries.
Hwa Chong International School provides a comprehensive and challenging curriculum tailored for students from Kindergarten to Year 12. The school offers a comprehensive academic program that encompasses the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). These programs have gained global recognition for their focus on cultivating students’ intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills on a global scale.
International students interested in enrolling in the school are required to complete an entrance exam consisting of three papers: English, Mathematics, and Science. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to interview with a senior teacher. Students who enroll using their PSLE results will only need to undergo an interview with a teacher, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
English is the medium of instruction for all subjects, with the exception of Chinese. It is important to communicate with teachers in English. The school emphasizes its commitment to providing a well-rounded education through a combination of challenging academic lessons, diverse co-curricular activities, and tailored school programs.
Hwa Chong International School has consistently achieved exceptional IB Diploma results. The school consistently achieves impressive results in the IB Diploma examinations, with a significant number of students surpassing the global average. This achievement is a clear indication of the exceptional education and teaching at HCIS.
The school uniform consists of a relaxed jacket adorned with the Hwa Chong International School logo, a polo T-shirt, and noticeable white ankle socks. Girls have the option to wear either a khaki skirt or bermudas. Boys in Secondary 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) are required to wear khaki shorts. Long trousers are only permitted for students in Secondary 4 (Year 10) and above.
The school emphasizes the use of a comprehensive range of consequences, both positive and negative, to effectively shape student behavior. High-quality work is recognized and celebrated through commendations, certificates of merit and achievement, accelerated promotion, positive feedback from teachers to parents, and opportunities for international travel.
There is a point system in place to evaluate behavior, which has both positive and negative aspects. Engaging in inappropriate behavior can lead to a student being placed on report, with regular updates provided to parents and the Principal. Consequences may include the loss of privileges, such as free time during break periods, as well as designated “time out” periods. Attendance at a weekly “formal reflection” session is necessary to address demerit points. Male students who consistently misbehave are subject to disciplinary measures, including corporal punishment in the form of a caning. Students who accumulate 10 or more demerit points, and show no signs of improvement, may face disciplinary measures such as caning for boys or suspension for girls. Similar penalties are also enforced for more severe offenses like vandalism, bullying, or defiance.
Overall, Hwa Chong International School is widely recognized as a top-tier institution in Singapore for international education. With its robust IB curriculum, exceptional faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to holistic development, this school is an excellent choice for parents and students looking for a top-tier international education in a multicultural environment.