Overseas Family School Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide for International Families

Introduction

Overseas Family School (OFS) is a private, co-educational, non-profit day school serving students from Nursery to Grade 12 in Singapore. It is recognized as one of the leading international schools in the region, offering a rigorous academic program within a supportive and diverse community.

This article provides a comprehensive guide for international families considering OFS. It covers the school's academic offerings, extracurricular activities, admissions process, tuition fees, and much more.

Academic Offerings

OFS follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is renowned for promoting critical thinking, independence, and global mindedness. The school offers a wide range of IB courses, including:

• IB Primary Years Program (PYP) for Nursery to Grade 5
• IB Middle Years Program (MYP) for Grades 6 to 10
• IB Diploma Program (DP) for Grades 11 and 12

OFS consistently achieves impressive academic results. In the 2023 IB DP exams, the average score was 36 points (out of a possible 45), with 83% of students achieving 30 or more points.

Extracurricular Activities

OFS offers a comprehensive extracurricular program to complement its academic offerings. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, teams, and activities, including:

• Sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, track and field
• Performing arts: choir, orchestra, drama, dance
• Model United Nations
• Robotics Club
• Photography Club
• Debate Team

These activities provide students with opportunities to develop their skills, interests, and leadership potential.

Admissions Process

Admission to OFS is competitive. Families are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of admission. The application process generally involves the following steps:

1. Submit an online application form.
2. Provide official transcripts and test scores.
3. Attend an assessment session.
4. Interview with the admissions committee.

OFS considers a range of factors in the admissions process, including academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.

Tuition Fees

OFS tuition fees vary depending on the grade level. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the tuition fees are as follows:

OFS offers financial assistance in the form of scholarships and payment plans. Families who demonstrate financial need may qualify for tuition support.

Why OFS Matters

OFS provides several key benefits that make it a valuable choice for international families:

• World-class academic program: OFS offers a rigorous and internationally recognized IB curriculum that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.
• Supportive and inclusive community: OFS fosters a sense of belonging and community among its students, staff, and families.
• Extracurricular opportunities: OFS provides a wide range of extracurricular activities that allow students to explore their interests and develop their skills.
• Convenient location: OFS is located in the heart of Singapore's Orchard Road neighborhood, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When applying to OFS, it is important to avoid these common mistakes:

• Applying too late: The OFS admissions process is competitive, so it is important to apply early to increase your chances of admission.
• Not submitting all required materials: Make sure to submit all of the required application materials, including transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters.
• Underestimating the importance of extracurricular activities: OFS values students who are well-rounded and have a strong extracurricular record.
• Not preparing for the assessment session: The OFS assessment session is an important part of the admissions process. Make sure to prepare for the session by practicing your English skills and reviewing the IB curriculum.

FAQs

1. What is the student body size at OFS?

OFS has a student body of approximately 2,200 students representing over 60 nationalities.

2. What is the school's average class size?

OFS maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention for all students. The average class size is approximately 20 students.

3. Does OFS offer scholarships?

OFS offers a range of scholarships based on academic merit, extracurricular involvement, and financial need.

4. What is the school's commitment to sustainability?

OFS is committed to environmental stewardship. The school has achieved "Green Mark Gold Plus" certification for its sustainable building practices.

5. What are the school's operating hours?

OFS is open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

6. What is the dress code at OFS?

OFS has a smart casual dress code. Students are expected to dress appropriately and respectfully.

Conclusion

Overseas Family School Singapore is an outstanding international school that provides a world-class education within a supportive and inclusive community. Its rigorous academic program, comprehensive extracurricular offerings, and convenient location make it an ideal choice for international families seeking an exceptional education for their children.

Call to Action

If you are an international family considering OFS, we encourage you to reach out to the school for more information. You can visit the OFS website (www.ofs.edu.sg) or contact the admissions office directly to schedule a tour or inquire about the application process.