SJI International
Encyclopedia
Saint Joseph's Institution International is an independent coeducational Catholic
international school in Singapore
with approximately 700 students aged 12–18. It was founded in 2006 and was the third "local international" school in Singapore, after Anglo-Chinese School International and Hwa Chong International School.
SJI International Middle School offers the IGCSE programme, while SJI International Senior School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
. It caters to both local and foreign students from Grade 7-12. The first batch of Senior School Grade 12 students graduated in 2009.
School values have been represented by the acronym SMILES, which the school's educational policies closely follow. SMILES stands for Spirituality; Mutual Respect; Internationalism; Leadership; Experience; and Service.
The school has a diverse international community among staff and students. The various nationalities represented include Australia, Brazil, Burma, Canada, China, East Timor, France, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, the US, the UK, Vietnam, and Zambia. The current principal of the high school is Brian Christian, who has more than 15 years of experience as a senior administrator in independent education, and was educated at King William's College
and University of Cambridge
.
, upon the urging of the Economic Development Board
of Singapore, opened an international school. SJI International began classes in January 2007 with 104 students.
SJI is a Catholic school founded by the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1852. It carries the tradition of St John Baptist de La Salle, the French priest who in 1680 started this order of religious Brothers to provide education for poor boys in France. It welcomes boys of all faiths to be part of its inclusive community. Like SJI International, its school mission states: ‘Enabling youth to learn how to learn, and to learn how to live, empowering them to become men of integrity and men for others.’
SJI has been notable over the years for its capacity to develop leaders of Singapore society, including members of the current government. Good discipline and strong student teacher relationships help to create a positive atmosphere and the rich range of co curricular activities ensure that the boys’ lives are enriched by constructive interests. SJI prides itself on the fact that no boy is ever turned away because he cannot pay the fees.
Today there are 7000 La Salle Brothers and 75 000 lay Lasallian teachers working in 85 countries around the world, teaching 900 000 students in 1000 Universities, Schools and Special Education Centres. SJI International is one of these Lasallian Institutions.
In grade 7 and 8, students take the foundation IGCSE course. The aim of the curriculum in Grades 7 and 8 is to provide a broad range of subjects, enabling students to discover their own aptitudes and strengths and to develop the skills and knowledge base necessary for the IGCSE course in Grades 9 and 10.
Alternatively, students in Grade 10 can take the Foundation IB curriculum. The aim of the FIB Curriculum is, in a one-year course, to prepare students for the IB Programme. Students who join SJII either very late in Grade 9 or at the start of Grade 10 generally take the FIB course as they cannot sit for the IGCSE examinations in most subjects (the IGCSE is a two year course). Instead of sitting the externally set IGCSE examinations, all FIB students will sit internally set examinations towards the end of the academic year.
, Extended Essay
, and Creativity, Action, Service
. Three of the subjects are taken at Higher Level, which requires more focus and class time to complete than the other 3 Standard Level subjects. An outstanding performance in these Higher Level subjects is a precursory to entrance to top universities.
The IB Diploma is an academically rigorous and demanding programme. It is also a holistic and wide-ranging course which encourages community involvement and internationalism. It places more emphasis on continual internal assessments compared to other tertiary programmes. The nature of the coursework and examinations at the end of the course also encourages an imaginative and skills-based approach to learning, i.e. learning for life.
The IB Diploma Programme at SJII also includes 'Challenge Week', which requires students to, in groups, plan and undertake an independent journey to a country in the region. Challenge Week incorporates service and action activities that take the students beyond their personal comfort zones.
Donors which have contributed to the scholarship include Khoo Teck Puat
, Peter Lim
, KMP group, SJII Leadership Council and others. In tie with SJI, the SJI foundation has created a scholarship for top primary school leavers who will pursue 4 years of secondary education in SJI and continue at SJI International for 2 years.
has been 60%.
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
international school in Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
with approximately 700 students aged 12–18. It was founded in 2006 and was the third "local international" school in Singapore, after Anglo-Chinese School International and Hwa Chong International School.
SJI International Middle School offers the IGCSE programme, while SJI International Senior School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
IB Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year educational programme for students aged 16–19that provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education, and is recognised by universities worldwide. It was developed in the early to mid-1960s in Geneva by...
. It caters to both local and foreign students from Grade 7-12. The first batch of Senior School Grade 12 students graduated in 2009.
School values have been represented by the acronym SMILES, which the school's educational policies closely follow. SMILES stands for Spirituality; Mutual Respect; Internationalism; Leadership; Experience; and Service.
The school has a diverse international community among staff and students. The various nationalities represented include Australia, Brazil, Burma, Canada, China, East Timor, France, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, the US, the UK, Vietnam, and Zambia. The current principal of the high school is Brian Christian, who has more than 15 years of experience as a senior administrator in independent education, and was educated at King William's College
King William's College
King William's College is a leading world International Baccalaureate HMC independent school for ages 3 to 18, situated near Castletown on the Isle of Man...
and University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a public research university located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest university in both the United Kingdom and the English-speaking world , and the seventh-oldest globally...
.
History
In 2006, SJISJI
SJI is a three-letter abbreviation referring to either:*Saint Joseph's Institution, a school, or;*South Jersey Industries, an energy services holding company, or;*San Juan Island, USA* The St. James Infirmary Clinic in San Francisco, California...
, upon the urging of the Economic Development Board
Economic Development Board
-Overview:The Economic Development Board is a statutory board of the Government of Singapore that plans and executes strategies to sustain Singapore as a leading global hub for business and investment....
of Singapore, opened an international school. SJI International began classes in January 2007 with 104 students.
Association with SJI
The realisation of the vision of SJI International has been a labour of love for a team of SJI Old Boys. Having benefited so profoundly from their own SJI education, they have sought a way to offer girls and more boys a similar life changing experience. This dedicated group comprises the Board of the new school. SJI International is driven by the same values as SJI Independent even though the practices differ in several respects, not least because of the coeducational, pre-university and international dimensions.SJI is a Catholic school founded by the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1852. It carries the tradition of St John Baptist de La Salle, the French priest who in 1680 started this order of religious Brothers to provide education for poor boys in France. It welcomes boys of all faiths to be part of its inclusive community. Like SJI International, its school mission states: ‘Enabling youth to learn how to learn, and to learn how to live, empowering them to become men of integrity and men for others.’
SJI has been notable over the years for its capacity to develop leaders of Singapore society, including members of the current government. Good discipline and strong student teacher relationships help to create a positive atmosphere and the rich range of co curricular activities ensure that the boys’ lives are enriched by constructive interests. SJI prides itself on the fact that no boy is ever turned away because he cannot pay the fees.
Today there are 7000 La Salle Brothers and 75 000 lay Lasallian teachers working in 85 countries around the world, teaching 900 000 students in 1000 Universities, Schools and Special Education Centres. SJI International is one of these Lasallian Institutions.
Academic Program
The school offers places to students from Grade 7 (Secondary 1) to Grade 12 (Pre-University 2), and at the end of their academic pursuit they graduate with an IB Diploma Certificate, should they have met all the requirements. Students in Grade 10 sit for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which is certified by the Cambridge International Examinations Board. Alternatively, they can take the Foundation IB program (FIB) that the school offers for Grade 10.In grade 7 and 8, students take the foundation IGCSE course. The aim of the curriculum in Grades 7 and 8 is to provide a broad range of subjects, enabling students to discover their own aptitudes and strengths and to develop the skills and knowledge base necessary for the IGCSE course in Grades 9 and 10.
IGCSE
In Grades 9 and 10, under the IGCSE course, students take 9 subjects, which will be examined at the end of their 2 years in the November session. Subjects include English Language, English Literature, Maths, Additional Maths, Second Languages, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Co-ordinated Sciences, Economics, History, Geography, Music, Drama, and Art.Alternatively, students in Grade 10 can take the Foundation IB curriculum. The aim of the FIB Curriculum is, in a one-year course, to prepare students for the IB Programme. Students who join SJII either very late in Grade 9 or at the start of Grade 10 generally take the FIB course as they cannot sit for the IGCSE examinations in most subjects (the IGCSE is a two year course). Instead of sitting the externally set IGCSE examinations, all FIB students will sit internally set examinations towards the end of the academic year.
IB Diploma Programme
In Grades 11 and 12, students pursue the [International Baccalaureate|IB Diploma] program where they choose a subject from each of six groups, namely: 1 - First Language; 2 - Second Language; 3 - Individuals and Societies; 4 - Experimental Sciences; 5 - Mathematics; and 6 - Music, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts. Group 6 may be replaced by another subject from Groups 3-5. This is in addition to the core section of the course, which requires students to take Theory of knowledgeTheory of Knowledge (IB course)
Theory of knowledge is a course in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme which is, in essence, similar to Epistemology courses offered in university.-Course description:...
, Extended Essay
Extended Essay
The extended essay is a mandatory core component of the IB Diploma Programme. It is a research paper of up to 4,000 words giving students an opportunity to conduct independent research or investigation on a topic that interests them...
, and Creativity, Action, Service
Creativity, Action, Service
Creativity, action, service is a mandatory core component of the IB Diploma Programme. It aims to provide a 'counterbalance' to the academic rigour of the educational programme. Before the 2010 examination there was a 150 hour requirement, with an approximately equal distribution of creativity,...
. Three of the subjects are taken at Higher Level, which requires more focus and class time to complete than the other 3 Standard Level subjects. An outstanding performance in these Higher Level subjects is a precursory to entrance to top universities.
The IB Diploma is an academically rigorous and demanding programme. It is also a holistic and wide-ranging course which encourages community involvement and internationalism. It places more emphasis on continual internal assessments compared to other tertiary programmes. The nature of the coursework and examinations at the end of the course also encourages an imaginative and skills-based approach to learning, i.e. learning for life.
The IB Diploma Programme at SJII also includes 'Challenge Week', which requires students to, in groups, plan and undertake an independent journey to a country in the region. Challenge Week incorporates service and action activities that take the students beyond their personal comfort zones.
Scholarships
An active scholarship programme draws outstanding students, enabling them to benefit from the school’s education regardless of their financial means, and at the same time enriching the school community. The scholarship will be awarded to the most outstanding applicants with excellent quality of mind, active participation in non-academic activities, positive personal qualities and strong communication abilities. Scholars come from both Singapore and other Asian countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia. Scholarship tests are held once a year in October, after which the applicants are interviewed.Donors which have contributed to the scholarship include Khoo Teck Puat
Khoo Teck Puat
Tan Sri Khoo Teck Puat a banker and hotel owner, who, with an estimated fortune of $4.3 billion, was formerly Singapore's wealthiest man. He owned the Goodwood Group of boutique hotels in London and Singapore and was the largest single shareholder of Britain's Standard Chartered Bank...
, Peter Lim
Peter Lim
Peter Lim Eng Hock is a Singapore billionaire. In July 2010, Forbes magazine rated eighth amongst Singapore's 40 richest people with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion....
, KMP group, SJII Leadership Council and others. In tie with SJI, the SJI foundation has created a scholarship for top primary school leavers who will pursue 4 years of secondary education in SJI and continue at SJI International for 2 years.
Academic Performance
The school boasts an average IB Diploma score of 36 points, with a quarter of students leaving with 40 points out of the maximum possible of 45 points over the last 2 years. In the past, the school has also produced one perfect scorer, among the 56 in the world. Furthermore, the A/A* passing rate for IGCSEIGCSE
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is an internationally recognised qualification for school students, typically in the 14–16 age group. It is similar to the GCSE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Standard Grade in Scotland or Junior Certificate in the Republic of...
has been 60%.
School Facilities
The school has numerous facilities, including four main school blocks, 2 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, a netball court, a fitness area, and specific drama and music rooms. There are also two large soccer fields and an assembly hall. In May 2011, the school gained a new block, dubbed the La Salle Block, which is home to the Indonesian Center (the first of its kind in Singapore, added to SJII under the Development Fund. The school has boarding facilities as well for foreign students, which are offered at external venues.Humanities
- Geography
- History
- Economics
- Theory of Knowledge
- Religious and moral education (RME)
Mathematics
- Elementary Mathematics (IGCSE)
- Additional Mathematics (IGCSE)
- Standard Level (IB)
- Higher Level (IB)
- Mathematical Studies (IB)
Activities
SJI International offers a wide range of activities for their students, separated into Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) for the IB Diploma Program. The activities are aimed to allow the students to have an all-rounded education and a holistic learning environment. Listed below are the various activities present:Creativity
- Chemistry Club
- Creative Writing
- Debating Club
- Diplomacy Board Game
- Entrepreneur Club
- Environmental Club
- International Chess Club
- Mathematics Club
- Model United Nations Club
- Newspaper ("One Voice" - published monthly)
- Philosophy Club
- Photography Club
- Physics Club
- Yearbook
Action
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Fencing
- Fitness Club
- Floorball
- Netball
- Rock Climbing
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Touch Rugby
- Volleyball
Aesthetics
- Dance Club
- Drama Club
- Gamelan
- Guitar Club
- Jazz Band
- Orchestra
- Samba Drumming
Service
- Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital (KWSH)
- Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
- Humanitarian Organisation of Migration Economics (HOME)
- Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped (SAVH)
- Lee Ah Moi Old Age Home
- Lasallian Youth Mentors (LYM)
- Toa Payoh Community Service
- Assisi Hospice
- Gift of Love (GOL)
- Legion of Mary (LOM)
- LaSallian Youth
- Interact Club
- Catholic Aids Response Effort (CARE)
- The Island Foundation (Bintan) support group
Expeditions
The institution prides itself in sending their students on overseas trips for immersion programmes, cultural exchanges or social service. Various overseas programmes the school is currently undertaking or has successfully completed include:- Grade 7 – Loola, Bintan
- Grade 8 – Tioman, Malaysia
- Grade 9 – Loola, Bintan, Indonesia; Krabi, Thailand; Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
- Grade 10 – Taman Negara, Malaysia
- Grade 11 – Mahindra, Pune, India (United World College Economics Development Programme)
- Grade 11 – Krabi, Thailand
- Grade 11 – Bali, Indonesia
- Grade 11 – Baan Dada, Thailand; Cambodia; South Africa (Economics and Biology)
- Grade 11 – Tioman (Biology)
- Grade 11 – Challenge Week (various places throughout Asia)
- Grade 11 – Tioman, Thailand and Manchester Geography Trip
- Senior School – Gawad KalingaGawad KalingaGawad Kalinga , which means to "give care" in Filipino, is officially known as the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, a Philippine-based poverty alleviation and nation-building movement....
, Philippines - Senior School – England, North Vietnam, Nepal, Langkawi, New Zealand