Aug 29, 2025 | Events
On the 25th of September 2024, The Grange Institution hosted our inaugural Cre8tors Camp under the theme “Young Fashion Designers”. Integrating key competencies such as Construction & Design and Respecting the Environment from Cre8tors-in-Action, this camp highlighted a unique combination of fashion, nature-inspired creativity, and community engagement.
The camp was curated by New York & Singapore-based fashion designer, Annabelle Tok (AnnabelleTTN), who has showcased her work with prestigious brands such as Coach, Kate Spade, Dior, and Hermès.
Aug 29, 2025 | Events
Celebrating Earth Day 2025, The Grange Institution (TGI) reaffirms our dedication to promoting a sustainable future and nurturing environmentally-conscious global citizens. Supported by our strong sustainability initiatives, we remain at the forefront in integrating eco-conscious practices into our brand of education.
From green campus design projects to topics under the Cambridge Global Perspectives, The Grange has also launched student-led initiatives such as recycling campaigns, composting, and water filtration projects. Through this, students gain hands-on experience in understanding how their efforts can contribute to contributing to a more sustainable future. These actions, though small, will ripple in these young minds and spur them on to bigger initiatives to shape a greener future.
Aug 29, 2025 | Events
The Grange Institution (TGI) has once again demonstrated our excellence in Mandarin education, achieving outstanding results at the annual Chinese Language Festival hosted by the Chinese Language Festival Association. More than 200 schools from over 20 countries participated this year.
In a resounding testament to the strength of our Mandarin programme, two of our students, Haruya Kawabe (Year 5) and Emma Kuwako (Year 3) were among just 17 recipients of the Pinnacle Award, selected from over 1,000 participants. This award is presented to those who achieved at least 4 champion awards across five competitive categories.
Haruya’s parents, Shinya and Chikako Kawabe, shared their reflections on his journey:
“After completing Additional English, we encouraged him to choose between Japanese and Mandarin based on what felt most meaningful. The lessons at school go beyond textbooks, with interactive activities tied to cultural festivals. He seems to enjoy the process and is picking up the language naturally”.
They also added, “The Chinese Language Festival was a great chance for him to showcase his skills and participate in areas where he feels most confident”.
Aug 27, 2025 | Events
A Sense of Belonging: Helping Expatriate Families Feel at Home in Singapore
Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, full of opportunities for growth and new experiences. For expatriate families, it is an opportunity to immerse in vibrant cultures, meet new people and explore a fresh environment.
At Holland International School, we understand the excitement and the potential challenges of this transition. With over 100 years of history, our school has cultivated an engaging environment that fosters happy, confident and competent learners. By incorporating local cultural elements into our curriculum, fostering a strong sense of community, and offering a variety of resources and co-curricular activities, we help our students and their families feel right at home in Singapore.
Understanding the Local Culture
Immersing oneself in the local culture is key to feeling connected in a new country. At Holland International School, we facilitate this transition by integrating local cultural elements into our school activities. Our Culture Week and International Day celebrations encourage students and their families to appreciate and engage with Singapore’s rich cultural landscape as well as cultures around the world. With interactive workshops and engaging activities, we offer a hands-on approach to learning about different traditions and customs. Students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of not just their new environment, but the myriad nationalities they may encounter in a culturally-diverse country like Singapore.
Cultural immersion through IPC curriculum
Our International Primary Curriculum (IPC) themes also play a big part in cultural immersion. Through thematic units such as “Here and now, there and then”, students explore the concepts of heritage, home and host country. At the beginning of every school year, the unit “This Is Me” also encourages students to share about their home and family, helping them adapt to school and build a sense of belonging.
The IPC curriculum enables learners to engage with global content while making connections to their local area. Through diverse and meaningful engagements, they develop international-mindedness and learn to appreciate different viewpoints. This approach not only enriches their academic experience but also enhances their cultural awareness and empathy.
Building a Support Network
A supportive community is vital for any expatriate family adapting to a new country. Holland International School fosters a strong sense of community among students, parents and staff. School assemblies and activities provide excellent opportunities for parents to connect, share experiences and build lasting relationships. Holland International School also has an Advisory Council to facilitate open communication between parents, staff, the board of governors and the management team. Meeting at least once every two months, the council allows families to offer input on educational matters, helping them engage more deeply with the school community.
