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 the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for students from Grade 1 to Grade 5, giving children an engaging, hands-on learning experience during their Elementary years. The curriculum here features thematic units that help students make meaningful connections across different subjects while developing curiosity, creativity and a global mindset. Their curriculum encourages students to think critically, ask questions and take part in experiential activities. Students learn to conduct research, record their findings and build confidence as they take ownership of their learning with guidance and feedback from their teachers.

The curriculum also supports the holistic development of every child through clearly defined Subject Learning Goals, Personal Learning Goals and International Learning Goals. Thanks to their well-rounded approach, students not only build academic knowledge and skills, but also develop important personal qualities and a broader understanding of the world around them. Beyond the core curriculum, students at OFS also enjoy weekly Chess instruction as part of their specialist lessons. These sessions help children strengthen focus, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. Through assessments, teachers can track and better understand each student’s progress, offering tailored support and feedback throughout their learning journey.

Overseas Family School, 81 Pasir Ris Heights, Singapore 519292, Tel: (+65) 6738 0211, www.ofs.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, based on the International Primary Curriculum, inclusive of Singapore Mathematics, English Language Arts and Chinese Language Arts. Students from Prep 1 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. Chinese 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 4. 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, Tel: (+65) 6353 9383, www.sji-international.com.sg

Dover Court International School: IPC school with specialist subjects

Dover Court International School offers the International Primary Curriculum for students aged 5 to 11. Here, their curriculum adopts a blended approach that seamlessly combines academic rigour with creativity, inquiry and global awareness. Students enjoy concept-based, thematic learning that encourages them to develop an international perspective, ensuring that learning is inclusive and meaningful for their diverse community of over 65 nationalities. The IPC is integrated with the English National Curriculum (ENC) from Year 1, which lays strong foundations in English and Mathematics through structured, skills-based learning. To make learning relevant and applicable, students practice their skills through thematic, inquiry-led units and real-world contexts across multiple subjects. Each unit begins with a ‘big idea’ that encourages curiosity and exploration, and topics intentionally link subjects such as science, history, geography, art and design through engaging, real-world experiences.

Students also have the opportunity to explore a range of specialist subjects, including Mandarin, Music, Computing, Physical Education and Personal Social & Health Education (PSHE), allowing them to explore their passions and enjoy a balanced education. Ongoing formative assessments, observations, discussions and classroom interactions provide a comprehensive view of each child’s progress. This allows the teachers to offer personalised support for each child’s growth and development. By using global and UK-aligned assessments, this IPC school tracks students’ progress against international standards for benchmarking. Beyond academics, students also take the PASS (Pupil Attitudes to Self and School), which measures their well-being, engagement and learning attitudes. Learning at this IPC school is meaningful, as students have multiple opportunities to reflect, share and apply what they learn through exhibitions of learning and digital platforms. Their teachers communicate regularly with parents through reports, meetings and learning celebrations, so you will always stay abreast of your child’s development.

Dover Court International School, 301 Dover Road, Singapore 139644, Tel: (+65) 6775 7664, www.dovercourt.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

Middleton International School: IPC with Singapore Maths

For families seeking a high-quality international education at a more accessible fee, Middleton International School combines strong academic foundations with inquiry-led learning and wellbeing support. The school offers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for Grades 1 to 5, an inquiry-based curriculum aligned with the UK National Curriculum and strengthened by the rigour of Singapore Maths. Each IPC 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.

During the past year’s IPC unit “Water, Water Everywhere”, Grade 4 learners visited the Sustainable Singapore Gallery at Marina Barrage to explore Singapore’s water story before becoming “Water Detectives” around campus, investigating how water is used, conserved and recycled. They built scientific models to demonstrate the water cycle and researched global water scarcity, helping them develop both scientific understanding and empathy for communities with limited access to clean water. Through formative assessment, documentation and responsive teaching, educators offer tailored support for each child through engaging lessons. In addition, 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

Other IPC schools in Singapore that offer the International Primary Curriculum

– Astor International School
– Dynamic International School
– Sir Manasseh Meyer International School
– The Winstedt School

Want to know more about education in Singapore? We’ve got you covered with these informative reads: