A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Curriculums in Singapore

Singapore places great importance on early childhood education as it is the basis for continuous learning. The range of preschool curriculums in Singapore demonstrates the city-state’s dedication to providing a wide array of educational experiences designed to address the developmental requirements of young children.

Discover the various curriculums accessible in pre-nursery schools, Nursery 1, and Nursery 2 programs in Singapore, offering valuable perspectives for parents and educators.

Pre-Nursery

Pre-nursery schools in Singapore cater to children aged 18 months to 3 years. These programs focus on holistic development, emphasising social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. The curriculum typically includes sensory play, motor skill development, foundational language acquisition, and social interaction. Activities are designed to stimulate curiosity and build foundational skills through play-based learning. The main components of pre-nursery curriculums include:

1. Sensory Play: Activities involving touch, smell, sight, and sound to enhance sensory development.

2. Motor Skills Development: Exercises and games that improve fine and gross motor skills.

3. Language Acquisition: Introducing basic vocabulary and communication skills.

4. Social Interaction: Encouraging cooperative play and social skills development.

Nursery 1 Curriculum

Nursery 1 programs in Singapore cater to children aged 3 to 4 years. At this stage, the curriculum becomes more structured, aiming to build on the foundational skills acquired in pre-nursery. The focus is on fostering independence, critical thinking, and early literacy and numeracy skills. The key elements of Nursery 1 curriculums include:

1. Early Literacy: Activities such as storytelling, phonics, and vocabulary building to enhance language skills.

2. Numeracy Skills: Basic counting, number recognition, and simple mathematical concepts.

3. Creative Expression: Art, music, and drama activities to encourage creativity and self-expression.

4. Physical Development: Structured physical activities to improve coordination and strength.

Nursery 2 Curriculum

Nursery 2 programs are designed for children aged 4 to 5 years, serving as a preparatory stage for kindergarten. The curriculum is more comprehensive, integrating academic, social, and emotional development. The aim is to ensure children are school-ready, with a strong foundation in key learning areas. The essential components of Nursery 2 curriculums in Singapore include:

1. Advanced Literacy: Reading readiness, writing exercises, and comprehension skills.

2. Mathematical Concepts: Introduction to shapes, patterns, and basic problem-solving.

3. Scientific Exploration: Simple science experiments and nature studies to spark curiosity.

4. Social-Emotional Learning: Activities that promote empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation.

Preschool Curriculum

Preschool education in Singapore emphasises holistic development, focusing on nurturing the child across various dimensions. This approach ensures that children are well-prepared for their future academic and social lives. Key areas of emphasis in preschool learning include:

Cognitive Development

Preschool curriculums prioritise cognitive skills by engaging children in activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Through structured play, hands-on activities, and guided exploration, children develop foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, setting the stage for future academic success.

Social-Emotional Development

Emphasis on social-emotional learning is integral to preschool education. Curriculums encourage children to develop empathy, self-regulation, and collaboration skills through group activities, role-playing, and guided interactions. This focus helps foster positive relationships and emotional resilience among young learners.

Physical Development

Physical development is also a core component of preschool curriculums. Activities are designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills through movement, play, and creative expression. Outdoor play, arts and crafts, and structured physical activities support children’s overall physical health and coordination.

Language Development

Language skills are critical at this stage, emphasising both English and Mother Tongue languages. Curriculums promote vocabulary building, communication skills, and early literacy through storytelling, songs, and interactive language activities, fostering a strong linguistic foundation.

Creative Expression

Creative expression is encouraged across all curriculums, allowing children to explore their imagination through arts, music, and drama. This focus nurtures creativity and supports emotional expression and cognitive development, contributing to a well-rounded education.

Environmental Awareness

Many preschool curriculums also integrate environmental education, helping children develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Activities often include nature exploration and discussions about sustainability, instilling values of care and respect for the world around them.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate preschool curriculum in Singapore requires thoroughly comprehending various educational philosophies and how they influence a child’s growth. Parents must consider each child’s unique requirements and learning preferences when deciding on their academic journey. Through this approach, caregivers and teachers can offer a supportive and rewarding early childhood education, establishing a solid groundwork for future development and progress.

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