In April, CIS welcomed accrediting teams from the International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in a routine evaluation and re-validation of our learning programmes and academic standards. We are proud to share that we have received high praise from both the IB and WASC evaluation teams. According to the IB Programme Evaluation Report, CIS stands out as a school that “honours individual and cultural differences while fostering international-mindedness in our IB learners”.

Over the past five years, CIS has been in the process of rigorous self-study and self-evaluation centred on equity, inclusion and access to high-level, rigorous learning opportunities for all students. Over a three-day duration, visiting committee members observed teaching and learning at CIS and interviewed members of our student, staff and parent community to understand our school-wide areas of strengths, and areas for further development.

We were also commended for our success in promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect, and for our continuous efforts in implementing and improving DEIB processes at CIS. Evaluators noted that many of our students specifically referenced CIS’s “diversity and inclusion as being central to their decision to attend school”, and that CIS “places a strong emphasis on, and has an explicit focus on, developing a culture that supports healthy relationships, shared responsibility and effective collaboration in class.”

Our school’s emphasis on providing “the best of East and West” for our students did not go unnoticed. Our robust bilingual education and pioneering language learning programmes remain a distinguishing feature of our school identity and lays a solid foundation for CIS to establish our school as an international leader in the development of bilingual and multilingual learners.

Further, the accreditation teams recognised our school’s commitment to nurturing the individual learner’s wellbeing, personal growth and academic excellence: “CIS creates a supportive and empowering learning environment that encourages student agency and inclusivity.” The majority of our IB standards have been evaluated to “show development beyond requirements” and our students exhibiting skills in “high-level thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity” grounded in the IB learner profile.

Undoubtedly, this would not be possible without our dedicated educators and administrators who implement student-centred instruction and prioritise a well-rounded education to prepare our students for success in any future endeavours. Moving forward, CIS will continue to strengthen our areas of success while furthering our commitments to diversity and inclusivity, student wellbeing, and curricular refinements as we partner with students, parents and staff in shaping the future of our school.

Guided by our 5-year strategic plan, we have begun the process of providing differentiated academic flight paths for students in our gifted and talented programme. As part of STEAM 2.0 at CIS, construction of a new robotics and engineering lab, and renovations to our existing secondary science labs are underway to increase provisions for students interested in coding, technology and innovation. August 2024 will see the launch of CIS Academy of Music to take our music offerings to the next level, and amplify existing opportunities for school-wide musical training, learning, performance and collaboration. Similarly, our visual and performing arts programmes, sports and extracurricular programmes, and language programmes will be further resourced and funded to deliver dramatically enhanced learning possibilities so that every CIS student is confidently equipped to maximise their full potential.