Guide to the International Primary Curriculum & IPC Schools in Singapore

Looking for a school that prioritises an inquiry-based approach to learning? We break down everything you need to know about the International Primary Curriculum, plus shortlist a list of IPC schools in Singapore

Want to know more about the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and its benefits? We explain the meaning of the IPC curriculum and how it can benefit your child! Plus, keep reading for a list of several IPC schools in Singapore for your consideration. Keep scrolling to weigh all your options!

Read more: Lower Cost International Schools  with School Fees Under $28,000

What is the meaning of IPC?

The International Primary Curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum based on the English National Curriculum, adapted for international schools, with reference to the IB inquiry-based approach to learning. The IPC is usually implemented for 5 to 11-year-olds, with a creative, thematic approach to teaching and encourages students to research and ask questions. Students are usually assessed in subjects such as Art, Geography, History, Computing, Music, Physical Education, Science, Technology and International.

What’s different about the IPC curriculum?

The thoughtfully designed IPC has many benefits, including comprehensive learning and parental involvement. The IPC curriculum is flexible, and can be adapted to your child’s level of understanding and interests. Additionally, it encourages collaboration and reflection and can be integrated with other curricula to ensure your child’s learning needs are met.

Where to find IPC schools in Singapore

Considering enrolling your child in an IPC school in Singapore? Keep scrolling to find out how the international schools below incorporate this curriculum for their students to get the best performance out of each child.

Overseas Family School: International Primary Curriculum with weekly chess sessions

Overseas Family School (OFS) offers a vibrant and hands-on International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for students from Kindergarten to Grade 5. Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, OFS weaves subjects into thematic, inquiry-led units that connect learning across disciplines. Whether it’s through exciting class projects or collaborative activities, children at this IPC school are encouraged to think critically, work together, and explore the world with open minds.

OFS ensures that students excel not just in academics but also in personal and international knowledge which are essential for nurturing confident and future-ready learners. The curriculum is regularly updated to stay relevant and it’s structured to ensure a smooth transition into middle school. IPC students at OFS can also enjoy weekly Chess sessions, which are part of their timetable. These sessions aim to provide a fun activity beyond the classroom and help strengthen problem-solving skills. Students at OFS are assessed using a mix of observations, presentations, and age-appropriate assignments to track each child’s progress. The focus is on understanding each student’s development and providing regular, constructive feedback to both students and parents.

Overseas Family School, 81 Pasir Ris Heights, Singapore 519292, www.ofs.edu.sg

Middleton International School: IPC with Singapore Maths

Middleton International School offers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for Grades 1 to 5 (ages 7 to 11), an inquiry-based curriculum aligned with the UK National Curriculum and strengthened by the rigour of Singapore Maths. Each unit begins with a dynamic Entry Point to engage students and ends with a reflective Exit Point to consolidate learning. Building on the strong foundation laid in the Early Years through EtonHouse’s Reggio-inspired “Inquire.Think.Learn” curriculum, students continue to explore, question, and construct understanding through hands-on, inquiry-driven experiences.

In a recent unit titled “Buildings”, Grade 1 learners began their journey with a playful and purposeful Entry Point inspired by The Three Little Pigs. This provocation led students to investigate what makes a building strong and safe. Through collaborative design, testing, and reflection, students built and evaluated their own model homes, exploring how materials and structure interact under pressure from wind, rain, and simulated earthquakes. The unit culminated in an Exit Point, where students presented their creations and reflected on their learnings. With ongoing formative assessment, documentation, and responsive teaching, educators ensure each child is known, valued, and challenged. To support holistic development, Middleton integrates a structured wellbeing programme alongside the IPC, complemented by specialist Art and Physical Education lessons. As students progress to Secondary, they transition seamlessly into the Cambridge International Curriculum, leading to the globally recognised IGCSE and International A-Level qualifications.

Middleton International School, 2 Tampines Street 92, Singapore 528889, Tel: (+65) 6636 1155 (Tampines), www.middleton.edu.sg

Astor International School: International Primary Curriculum with low teacher to student ratio

Astor International School combines a rigorous academic foundation with a joyful approach to learning by complementing the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with the Singapore Maths and British English curricula. This ensures students develop strong numeracy and literacy skills while engaging with lessons that are child-led, enquiry-based and creative. The school maintains a low teacher-to-student ratio, averaging 1:15, allowing for individual attention and a hands-on, personalised learning experience. IPC covers a broad range of subjects including Science, History, Geography, Music and Drama through dynamic and engaging thematic units.

Designed for students aged 5 to 12, the enquiry-based approach at Astor encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and open-mindedness. Each IPC unit begins with an Entry Point to ignite interest and assess prior knowledge. Students then build understanding through interactive activities, research, reflection, and collaboration. Units conclude with an Exit Point, where students present their projects or participate in field trips to deepen their learning. The curriculum is designed to cater to various learning styles, providing all students with opportunities to explore topics in depth. Regular formative and summative assessments are conducted to help teachers monitor progress and adjust instruction to meet each child’s learning goals, ensuring high academic standards while making learning meaningful and enjoyable.

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Astor International School, 1 Kay Siang Road, #05-01/02, Singapore 248922, Tel: (+65) 69745700, www.astor.edu.sg

Holland International School: Recognised International Primary Curriculum

Established for over 100 years, Holland International School’s holistic approach nurtures students to become well-rounded future leaders through shared ownership, critical thinking and cooperative learning. The International Primary Curriculum framework is introduced right from the preschool level. Activities follow the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), specifically developed for young children in an international setting. Through playful learning, the school helps children develop the confidence to support their individual, social and cognitive development and prepare them for primary school.

IPC learning activities at the primary school incorporate theme-based learning and crossovers between subjects such as Art, History, Geography and Science. Students learn about themselves and explore the world around them, which creates more open-minded, creative and curious children. Holland International School’s Dutch Stream is based on the Dutch National Curriculum, while the English Stream offers a rich international learning environment based on the British National Curriculum. Holland International School is proud to be the first school in Singapore officially recognised by the International Curriculum Association (ICA) for its high-quality implementation of both the International Primary Curriculum and the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC). Teachers assess students’ progress by observing their engagement during activities and guide them to higher levels of learning using IPC rubrics as a framework for growth.

Holland International School, 65 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289757, www.hollandinternationalschool.sg

Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS): IPC from Kindergarten 1

SMMIS is committed to providing their students with the highest quality curriculum. Inspired by the principles of Reggio Emilia, child-led learning and discovery, their preschool offers open-ended resources and plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery. From Kindergarten 1 to Grade 5, SMMIS teaches through the International Primary Curriculum and continues with the International Middle Years Programme (IMYC) before offering the Cambridge IGCSE qualifications in Grades 9 and 10. The IPC and IMYC are both incredibly versatile and adaptable curricula, which SMMIS blends with the British National Curriculum Literacy and Singapore Mathematics.

This school’s IPC encompasses the sciences, social studies, history and geography, while centred on an engaging overall theme, allowing students to learn these subjects and related skills by building strong connections between disciplines. SMMIS connects and integrates literacy, numeracy, art, music, technology and PE within each IPC unit. Students develop not only academic knowledge and understanding but also develop their character through the eight integrated IPC personal goals: Enquiry, Resilience, Morality, Communication, Thoughtfulness, Cooperation, Respect and Adaptability. Each grade covers four themed IPC units per academic year. At SMMIS, all students participate in the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) and their INSPIRE Student Mentoring Programme, which aims to connect students with professionals who can guide and inspire them in the fields they are passionate about. The school’s P*I*E*C*E (Passion, Interest, Engagement, Commitment and Enthusiasm) programme provides students with a range of enrichment opportunities designed to further their potential and achieve academic outcomes.

Sir Manasseh Meyer International School, 3 Jalan Ulu Sembawang, Singapore 758932, Tel: (+65) 6331 4633, www.smmis.edu.sg

SJI International Elementary School: IPC with bilingual programme

At SJI International Elementary School, parents can choose between two distinctive routes – the Mainstream Programme and the Bilingual Programme – each tailored to meet their children’s diverse needs. Both programmes follow the same foundational curriculum. Students from Prep 1 follow the Early Years Programme, and those from Prep 2 to Grade 5 follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which encourages young learners to challenge their ideas, be reflective and work collaboratively. Students in Grade 6 gradually transition from the IPC to the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), which is designed for students aged 11 to 14 years old.

This curriculum delivers transformational knowledge, skills, and understanding through conceptual themes. The Mainstream Programme places a strong emphasis on English as the primary language of instruction, laying a robust foundation in the language. Mandarin lessons are incorporated into the weekly timetable, enriching students with valuable language skills. The English-Chinese Bilingual Programme offers a unique dual-language experience for students in Prep 1 to Grade 3. This programme delivers instruction in both English and Chinese, immersing students in a dynamic learning environment that nurtures bilingualism from the very beginning. Beyond academic excellence, SJI International Elementary School prioritises the holistic development of each student, fostering critical thinking, intercultural competence, and a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom.

SJI International Elementary School, 490 Thomson Road, Singapore 298191, www.sji-international.com.sg

Other IPC schools in Singapore that offer the International Primary Curriculum

– The Winstedt School
– Dynamic International School

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