Excelsior International School - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

1. What is the relationship between Raffles Campus and Excelsior International School?
Raffles Campus is owned by Strategic Foundation, a Singapore-based non-profit charitable organisation. Excelsior International School (EIS), opened in Singapore in January 2007.

2. Why was there a change in the school name from Emaar International School to Excelsior Internatoinal School?
This change is to better reflect the management buyout by Strategic Foundation from Dubai-based Emaar Education. There is absolutely no impact on the educational programmes and services provided.

3. What is the school area and its maximum capacity?
Our campus covers a total area of 44,000 square metres, with ample capacity for up to 1,500 students.

4. When did EIS start admitting students?

EIS opened its doors to students in January 2007 with an abbreviated school year from January through July 2007. We have now completed our third full academic year in 2009-2010.

5. What are the school hours?

Pre-School (half day)      8.20am-11.50am
Pre-School (full day)       8.20am-3.30pm
Grades 1-12                   8.20am-3.30pm

There is a morning break of 20 minutes and a lunch of 45 minutes staggered for the Pre-School, Junior and Middle/High Schools to allow students ample time to get food from the canteen in the time allowed.

CURRICULUM

6. What curriculum does EIS follow?

EIS is an IB world school authorised to offer the Diploma Programme and currently a Candidate school for the Primary Years Programme. EIS is also a centre for the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and a regular member of Council of International School (CIS).

EIS offers the IB PYP programme for students from KG – Grade 5 followed by the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme for Grades 6 – 8. followed by the Cambridge IGCSE programme in Grades 9 & 10. In the High School, students folow the IB Diploma in Grades 11 - 12.

7. What kind of co-curricular activities are available?

EIS is pleased to offer students a variety of co-curricular activities. Students in the Pre-School and Junior School have their activities built into the regular school day and additional optional CCAs are available for Junior School students. After school activities (clubs, sports activities and teams) are the norm for students in the Middle/High School. For information on the clubs and activities running this year, please refer to the front page of this website. At the current time, there are no additional fees or charges for co-curricular activities at EIS – this is included in the tuition.

8. What additional language programme is offered at EIS?
All Pre-School students receive Mandarin. In Junior School, students can choose either Mandarin or French and in Middle/High School, they can opt for Mandarin or French. Non-native English speakers who have trouble coping with the language will attend ESL (English as a Second Language) instead of learning an additional language. Mother tongue support may also be available to Diploma students.

9. What is the difference between ESL and Foundation English?

ESL is for students who understand basic English but who require additional support in the language to be successful in their other subjects. Foundation English is for Middle and High School students who have little or no English background. Students can only join the Foundation English class upon the recommendation of the Heads of School. There will be an additional fee of $2,800 (excluding GST) on top of the tuition fees for each term of Foundation English instruction.

10. Does the school provide special needs support?

As a young school, EIS is unable to provide special needs support as yet. However, we do assess each student on a case by case basis. For example, if a child is suffering from very mild ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and is certified by their doctor to cope in a normal classroom, the school will consider admitting the student.

STUDENTS

11. What is the maximum class size?

For Grades 1 - 12, the maximum class size is 25. Grade 1 classes have a teacher helper and Grades 2 and 3 share a support helper. For Pre-School, the teacher to student ratio is kept low at all times.

12. What is the nationality mix of EIS students?

Currently we have 50 nationalities, making us a truly international school! Based on academic year 2009-2010, our nationality mix comprises of 15% British, 10% Americans, 10% Koreans, and an average of 4% - 5% of Australians, Japanese, Indonesians, New Zealanders and Singaporeans. The remaining is made up of students hailing from South America, Central Asia and Europe.

13. Do students have to wear uniforms?

Students are required to wear uniforms. For the girls, it would be a polo/blouse and skort. Boys are to wear a polo/shirt and shorts/pants. On normal days, footwear will be black shoes/socks or white shoes/socks. For PE days, students can wear PE attire with white shoes and socks.

14. Are there currently places available for students at EIS?
For current information on the availability of places, please contact our Admissions staff at admissions@eis.edu.sg or call +65 6536 6566. Parents are advised to apply early for places for their children at EIS.

15. How can I prepare my child for the first day of school?
Before the start of every school term, parents and students will be required to attend a compulsory Orientation session. During the orientation, students can familiarise themselves with the school facilities and administration. They can also purchase uniforms, school supplies and settle their school fees.

TEACHING AND ADMINISTRATION

16. What are the nationality mix and background of EIS teachers?

We have teachers from many countries including USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, China, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, and Singapore. All our teachers are fully equipped with the essential teaching skills and have many years of experience teaching in international schools. All teachers who deliver the IBDP have received adequate IB certified training prior to its implementation. The IB/PYP teachers are also receiving IB certified training to prepare for the program implementation.

17. What is the discipline policy at EIS?

EIS has a comprehensive Code of Conduct for students and this is explained in the Student & Parent Handbook which is distributed to all families upon their acceptance at the School.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

18. Is there any transport service available to and from school?

School bus transportation services are provided for EIS students by Yeap Technology Pte Ltd. Parents are encouraged to contact Yeap Technology directly to arrange for transportation to / from school. Contact person is Ms Yvonne Chua at +65 9752-7883. Alternatively, you can email EISBUS@yeaptech.com

19. Where can student purchase school books and supplies?

Through our partnership with Popular Book Company of Singapore, students can purchase textbooks, notebooks, school supplies, and books for personal reading at the on-campus Popular Book Shop, open daily during the school year.

20. Where do students get their lunch?

Pre-Schoolers can either pack their lunch from home or they can order lunch from our school canteen, which has a rotational menu. Students from Grades 1-12 can purchase food from the school canteen using their student ID card which also acts as a stored value card. They can top up their stored value at the Student Services office. Alternatively, they may also bring food from home.

21. Does the school provide accommodation?

No, EIS does not provide any boarding facilities. However, we have made arrangement with homestay provider - COSMOS.

Last Updated Thursday, July 01 2010 @ 02:03 AM SGT; 3,340 Hits