In recent years, early childhood education in Singapore has undergone significant changes, with a growing emphasis on comprehensive development, increased availability of child care centres and kindergartens, and the integration of outdoor learning, in alignment with the initiatives of the Early Childhood Development Agency. One institution that exemplifies this approach is RED SCHOOLHOUSE WOODLEIGH, a leading preschool that is dedicated to providing high quality education along with childcare services that prioritize integrated development in a nurturing environment.
At RED SCHOOLHOUSE WOODLEIGH, collabo- ration with parents and the community is highly valued, and the school believes in fostering children’s natural capacity to learn and acquire new skills through core values such as nurturing, partnership with parents, oppo- rtunities, and well-rounded experiences that promote strength, honesty, compassion, and kindness.
The SPICE Curriculum & Holistic Fitness Approach
The preschool offers an integrated learning experience that is unique in the preschool community. Children are exposed to a diverse range of enrichment programs aimed at expanding their learning capacity during their developmental years. These enrichments include, speech and drama, Junior chef, hip hop dance, Kidz yoga, Ready steady go kids, art therapy, STEM, robotics, gymnastics, music, and soccer.
The organization recognizes the importance of attracting, employing, mentoring, and retaining exceptional faculty and staff who are committed to delivering excellent education, promoting diversity, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Investment in business growth, research, marketing, sponsorships, creative projects, administrative services, and professional development for faculty is a key focus, with the goal of achieving recognition as a leading preschool that excels in innovative pedagogy and evidence-based practices, both in Singapore and internationally. Advancements in under- standing of early childhood development have led to a deeper appreciation of the crucial factors that shape a child’s early experiences and brain development.
The SPICE Curriculum is the comprehensive curriculum that RED SCHOOLHOUSE WOOD- LEIGH adheres to. It has been created with a focus on leveraging current knowledge and offering a systematic approach to education for children between the ages of two months and six years.
This curriculum places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning with specially-designed teaching materials, providing ample opportunities for children to develop meta-cognition, open-ended thinking, and higher logic reasoning skills from nursery to kindergarten levels. The ultimate objective is to nurture happy and successful children who are well prepared for formal school education.
The SPICE Curriculum encompasses unified development across key areas, including social-emotional development, intellectual development, and creativity, through encouraging experimentation and problem solving, recognizing the importance of experiences for overall development. One of the unique aspects of the RED SCHOOLHOUSE WOODLEIGH approach is the focus on unified fitness. The school recognizes the importance of physical development and promotes a wide range of motor skills for engaging in physical activities, application of movement concepts and strategies, promotion of safe behaviors, display of positive social behavior, maintenance of health-enhancing fitness through regular physical activity, and appreciation of the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.
“Our pedagogy is adaptable to keep pace with the changing global demands, competency skills, and socialemotional well-being of young children. We strive to collaborate closely with industry partners and experts to ensure that our program and teaching approach are up-to-date and align with child development principles.
Furthermore, we strongly believe that every child has fundamental needs and rights, and should be provided with the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing, clean, affectionate, safe, healthy, and homely environment”, says Sentha Rachel, Principal. Continuous professional development is considered vital for educators at RED SCHOOLHOUSE WOODLEIGH to stay updated with industry standards and teaching practices. The school provides opportunities for educators to participate in professional development courses, conferences, and focus group interactions, which facilitate sharing of ideas, networking, and staying informed about the latest trends in education and discipline.
RED SCHOOLHOUSE WOODLEIGH believes in creating a learning environment that is conducive to play and appreciation of nature, acknowledging the significance of the physical surroundings in shaping the identities and self development of young children
RED SCHOOLHOUSE WOODLEIGH approach also recognizes the importance of the physical environment in shaping children’s identities and aiding in their self development. The school’s compound is adorned with greenery and outdoor facilities such as a playground, eco-garden, learning trails, butterfly sanctuary, and herb garden, aimed at creating a conducive environment for learning, play, and appreciation of nature.
The classrooms are designed to offer rich visual stimuli and hands-on sensory experiences, allowing each child to reach their full potential. These spaces are continuously evolving to enable children to engage all their senses and express themselves creatively, recognizing the importance of a conducive and stimulating environment in fostering learning and growth. In addition to the emphasis on holistic development, RED SCHOOLHOUSE WOODLEIGH also integrates technology into its approach to early childhood education.
The Future Roadmap
RED SCHOOLHOUSE WOODLEIGH’s future plans involve leveraging its success to create and implement a comprehensive program for the children in its care, focusing on integrated development. The organization aims to expand its programs to cater to different age groups, integrate technology into its curriculum, and forge strategic partnerships and collaborations with industry leaders and academic institutions. The school also aims to foster a culture of innovation and research, encouraging its educators and students to engage in creative problem solving and critical thinking. Moreover, the organization will proactively explore new possibilities and innovative solutions, while promoting cultural exchange and global perspectives among its students and educators.
.jpg "Technology in Cancer Care: A story of evolving paradigms")
.jpg "Bringing Shop Floor to Manufacturer's palm: Smart Factory Solutions for tomorrow")
