Teachers and school leaders play a pivotal role in shaping not only academic outcomes but also their students' personal growth and confidence. Beyond delivering lessons, they create meaningful connections, instil values, and inspire a love for learning.
At Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS), the "human aspect" of education is at the core of its approach. With award-winning leadership and a team of dedicated educators, SMMIS fosters a nurturing, inclusive environment where students excel academically and thrive socially.
In this article, we'll explore how the quality of teaching and leadership at SMMIS forms the foundation of its formula for student success.
In any successful school, the quality of school leaders and educators plays a critical role in shaping student success. High-quality educators bring a combination of thoughtful pedagogy,expertise, empathy, and adaptability to the classroom, ensuring students thrive both academically and personally.
Skilled teachers are essential for delivering a challenging curriculum while fostering inclusivity and global-mindedness — traits that are vital for students to succeed in today’s interconnected world.
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Their ability to connect with students on an individual level helps build trust, confidence, and a lifelong curiosity for learning. Moreover, exceptional educators have the unique ability to identify and nurture each student’s strengths while addressing their challenges, paving the way for well-rounded growth.
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Beyond academics, quality educators play a pivotal role in shaping students’ social and emotional development, helping them build resilience, empathy, and self-awareness. By inspiring students to explore their potential and embrace lifelong learning, educators leave an indelible mark on their lives and future success.
SMMIS commitment to excellence begins with recruiting and retaining top-tier educators who bring passion and expertise to their roles. One of our teachers, Mr Junaidi Kusnong, is a shining example of this.
For his efforts, Mr Kusnong was recently honoured with the Silver Award for Best Teacher of the Year (Primary) at the 2024 Education Awards. With this experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a heartfelt dedication to student growth.
Beyond his work in education, he is also a respected musician within the wider Singapore community, blending his passion for music with a commitment to nurturing young learners. He encourages students to explore, ask questions, and find their connections through music.
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Mr Kusnong's approach to music education goes beyond teaching technical skills; he focuses on an inquiry-based approach, encouraging students to explore, ask questions, and find their connections to music.
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His other initiatives to inculcate a love of music in students include directing school concerts and shows and planning a lunchtime concert series. Mr Kusnong has also organised teacher-parent music sessions to bridge classroom instruction with at-home practice. All of which have been highly successful in boosting students' confidence as performers.
Guiding SMMIS is principal Elaine Robinson, whose exceptional leadership for the past 8 years has been pivotal in shaping the school's continued success. She was recognised as the Silver Award Winner for Principal of the Year in 2023 and 2024.
Under her guidance, SMMIS has flourished into a dynamic learning environment that balances high academic standards with personalised support for every student. Ms Robinson firmly believes in the transformative power of education, and her focus on cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and resilience has become a hallmark of the school.
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As she puts it, "I love witnessing the growth of our students as they develop not only academically but also as well rounded global citizens.
Building meaningful relationships with families and fostering a collaborative spirit among staff further enhances the unique educational experience we offer, making every day fulfilling and inspiring."
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Ms Robinson's collaborative approach extends beyond academics, as she also works hard towards fostering a culture of community and mutual respect. She is highly respected among parents, students and staff for her leadership skills, vision, and empathy.
With Ms Robinson at the helm, SMMIS continues to uphold its reputation as one of the best international schools in Singapore.
SMMIS offers a well-rounded curriculum that integrates academic rigour with opportunities for personal growth. Our approach blends small class sizes, tailored teaching, and robust support systems, ensuring every student can reach their full potential.
And the results speak for themselves — for one, SMMIS' students have consistently achieved exceptional outcomes in iGCSE examinations. Our Grade 10 students consistently excel across various subjects, achieving A* grades in core areas such as English and Mathematics. Please add about our 94% A*-C as compared to international averages
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Initiatives like our Secondary School INSPIRE Mentorship Programme offer Ted Ex style talks by highly accomplished professionals in Singapore, along with mentors and work experience, which further enriches the educational experience, providing students with personalised guidance to develop critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. Language classes and a focus on problem-solving skills are seamlessly integrated into our curriculum, all of which prepare students for the demands of secondary education and beyond.
Creating the right environment for learning is essential to student success, which is why international schools often focus on fostering a space where students feel inspired, supported, and valued. As one of Singapore's top international schools, SMMIS prides itself on its inclusive community, with a multicultural teaching team that brings global perspectives into the classroom.
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Emphasising diversity enriches students' learning experience and helps them develop empathy and a global mindset. This is done by inculcating a small, close-knit community, ensuring that students receive the individual attention they need while benefiting from strong connections with teachers and peers.
The faculty and management at SMMIS also make a concerted effort to connect with students' parents, creating a collaborative environment where families feel involved in their child's education. Open communication between teachers, management, and parents ensures that every child's progress is supported at school and home. This collaborative approach is a cornerstone of the school's philosophy, strengthening the bond between families and the SMMIS community.
In addition to parental engagement, students are encouraged to participate in various community engagement programmes that instil a sense of responsibility and leadership. These initiatives, ranging from volunteering efforts to cultural celebrations, provide students with opportunities to connect with the broader community and develop essential life skills.
At SMMIS, students thrive academically and develop into confident, compassionate individuals prepared for a global future. The school's emphasis on small class sizes, personalised attention, and a nurturing community ensures each child feels supported and valued.
To ensure that students receive personalised attention from teachers, SMMIS is committed to maintaining small class sizes. This approach allows teachers to cater to the unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles of students. With fewer students per class, teachers can quickly identify and address gaps in understanding, ensuring no child is left behind in their academic journey.
Moreover, the intimate setting of small classes helps cultivate a sense of community among students. They are encouraged to collaborate and support one another, forming strong peer relationships that contribute to their overall well-being. This environment boosts not only individual achievement but also instils critical skills such as teamwork, communication, and empathy, which are essential for success in today’s interconnected world.
The partnership between school and parents is an integral part of a student’s success. At SMMIS, this collaboration is nurtured through open communication, regular updates, and parent-teacher interactions that keep families closely connected to their child’s progress.
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Parents are not just observers but active participants in their child’s educational journey, gaining valuable insights into their strengths, challenges, and development.
Explore how parents Sujish and Remya, whose son Timothy is in Grade 5, have benefited from sending him to SMMIS:
"After three years at this school, I can attest that the teachers here are more than exceeding in their quality of work. As parents, we're delighted that they have recognised our son's Math potential and encouraged him to grow it. They were able to customise higher level questions that challenge his abilities."
Narak and Nahyun, parents of Suan (Grade 3) and Elliot (Grade 6) express their satisfaction:
"Finally we found the perfect school for both our kids. We are very satisfied with school life here. Elliot enjoys going to swim competitions and will always give his all."
For Risa and Chetan, parents of Anjali (Grade 5) and Rhea (Grade 6), SMMIS has been life-changing:
"Moving from a local school, we wanted a cozy, intimate and family-like community where our kids can feel like home. SMMIS stood out by far from our extended search and after 3 years, we can confidently say that we made the best decision."
These heartfelt testimonials demonstrate how SMMIS's exceptional educators and supportive environment contribute to an enriching educational journey, making it one of the best international schools in Singapore.
Education should be a holistic journey that nurtures academic achievement, personal growth, and social responsibility. With outstanding leadership, passionate educators, and a close-knit community, SMMIS provides students with the ideal environment to thrive and succeed.
If you're looking for a school that fosters excellence and lifelong learning, we invite you to experience the SMMIS difference.
Contact us at https://www.smmis.edu.sg/get-in-touch/contact-us to learn more, or book a visit today.
