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Elementary School Learning Experience

At SJI International Elementary School, learning goes beyond the classroom.  Our approach balances academic excellence with character development, fostering confident, curious, and compassionate young learners who are well prepared for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, through creative expression, or in service to others, every child is encouraged to grow in self-worth, discover their passions, and think independently.

Our curriculum blends the best of innovative thinking with proven global approaches, including the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC). These frameworks challenge students through inquiry-led, thematic learning that connects subjects to real-world contexts.

In Grade 6, the IMYC encourages students to think critically and make meaningful connections across disciplines, guided by conceptual themes and personal reflection.

As they grow through the Elementary years, students gain more than academic knowledge - they discover who they are, how to relate to others, and how to make a difference in the world.

Mainstream and Bilingual Programmes

We offer two distinct learning programmes:

  • Mainstream Programme – Instruction is primarily in English, with additional language lessons in Chinese (or Spanish in Grades 5 and 6).

  • Bilingual Programme – A dual-language curriculum delivered in both English and Chinese, designed to develop strong bilingual proficiency and cultural understanding from an early age.

Whichever path families choose, students benefit from a nurturing environment, holistic education, and truly international outlook.

 

Mainstream Programme

elementary school mainstream and bilingual programme - SJI International

Mainstream Programme

Emphasis on English as the primary language of instruction, while also incorporating Chinese or Spanish lessons as a valuable component of the learning experience.

 

Bilingual
Programme

elementary school mainstream and bilingual programme - SJI International

Bilingual Programme

An immersive dual language experience with instruction in English and Chinese, fostering bilingualism and enabling students to attain proficiency in both languages from an early age.

 

Character Development

character education - SJI International

Character Development

Our students learn virtues that guide them in becoming their best selves while cultivating character by embracing qualities like integrity, respect, and compassion.

 

Community, Activity, Sport and Service

cass - SJI International

Community, Activity, Sport and Service

Designed to give students opportunities for personal growth, self-confidence, skill development, and a balanced lifestyle beyond academics.

More than a school, we are a joyful, inclusive community where our children thrive academically, grow in character and engage with the world in thoughtful and meaningful ways. Ms Catherine Nicol
Elementary School Principal

Our Elementary School Community At A Glance

> 800
Students

> 40
Nationalities

23
Average Class Size

28%
Catholics

Meet Our Elementary School Leadership Team

Catherine Nicol

Elementary School Principal

Catherine has extensive international school leadership experience, having worked in Asia since 1990, in notable schools such as Yokohama International School in Japan, Prem Tinsulanonda International School in Thailand and International School of Tianjin, China. She is also an accredited IB Educator, Workshop Leader, School Visitor and Consultant and has Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation experience.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Catherine spent her formative years in Germany. She holds a First Class Bachelor Degree with Honours from University College of North Wales and a Masters Degree with Distinction from Loughborough University in England. She spent three years teaching in the UK before embarking on an international teaching career.

Biography about Catherine Nicol
Clare Doyle

Vice Principal

As Vice Principal, Clare Doyle brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in education. A true Third Culture Kid, she was raised in Hong Kong, and her career has since taken her on an enriching global journey across schools in the UK, Hong Kong, Brunei, and Taiwan. Having joined SJI International over six years ago, Clare has held key leadership roles within the Student Success department.

Clare holds a Master of Education with distinction from Monash University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs Coordination. Her continuous professional development, including the pursuit of her National Professional Qualification for Headship, reflects her dedication to educational excellence.

Clare is passionate about creating a supportive atmosphere where every student can thrive and reach their full potential, both academically and socio-emotionally. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and her Singapore Special dog, as well as walking in the beautiful nature parks of Singapore.

Biography about Clare Doyle
Kat Kendon

Assistant Principal
Curriculum and Assessment
Lower Elementary

Katherine Kendon joined SJI International in 2020, as Early Years Phase Coordinator and was appointed Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Assessment in 2022. With over 25 years of experience in elementary education and school leadership across schools in Asia and Australia, she has developed expertise in curriculum design and learning innovation. She holds a Master's Degree with Distinction, in Educational Leadership from the University of New South Wales.

Katherine is passionate about working alongside teachers to cultivate an engaging and innovative learning environment where all students can thrive. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, hiking, reading, and discovering delicious foods.

Biography about Kat Kendon
Dr Gary Guo

Assistant Principal
Bilingual Programme

Dr Gary Guo earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Hong Kong, where his research focused on bilingual programme evaluation, bilingual curriculum development, Chinese studies, and effective approaches to teaching and learning. Over the course of his career, he has developed deep expertise in designing and implementing bilingual education models tailored to diverse international contexts. Having worked in several countries across Asia and beyond, Dr Guo brings a global perspective to education, with proven success in adapting bilingual programmes to meet the unique needs of multicultural student populations. His leadership is marked by strategic vision, collaborative team building, and a commitment to ensuring academic excellence while nurturing cultural understanding and holistic student growth.

In addition to his school leadership roles, Dr Guo actively contributes to shaping international education through his work with the International Baccalaureate (IB). As an examiner, standardisation team member, and workshop leader, he plays an important role in setting and maintaining global benchmarks for bilingual and international education. With his extensive international experience, strong leadership background, and research-driven approach, Dr Guo is recognised as a thought leader in the field. He is deeply committed to bridging research and practice, advancing bilingual education worldwide, and developing programmes that empower students to thrive linguistically, academically, and culturally in a rapidly globalising world.

Biography about Dr Gary Guo
Grant Smith

Assistant Principal
Enrichment

Grant is an experienced educator with a rich background in leadership, pastoral care, and strategic school improvement. Grant previously taught in Australian Catholic Schools and held school leadership roles in the public sector. He holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education from the Australian Catholic University. He is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership at the University of New South Wales.

Grant’s passion for education extends to service learning, global citizenship, and building community. A recipient of a Commonwealth Bank Foundation Teaching Award in 2013, Grant joined SJI International in 2016. Since then, he has served as a Classroom Teacher, Head of Grade and CCA Coordinator. Grant currently serves as Assistant Principal - Enrichment.

Biography about Grant Smith
Claire Simms

Assistant Principal
Innovation and Technology

Claire joined SJI International Elementary School in 2016 as a Grade 6 teacher. Since joining, she has had various roles including Head of Grade for Grades 5 and 6 as well as Head of IPC. Claire was appointed Assistant Principal for Innovation and Technology in July 2025. She has over 25 years of international experience having worked in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Switzerland, Philippines, and Vietnam before coming to Singapore.

Claire is a Google Trainer, Coach, Innovator and Google Educator Group Leader as well as a Seesaw Educator Lead and Apple Learning Coach. She is also a keynote speaker and workshop leader for Google for Education APAC partners. She holds a PGCE (Primary Education) from The University of Sunderland and is currently working towards her National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership.

Biography about Claire Simms