Schools were once considered to be reserved exclusively for academic development. However, in today’s modern world, educators know that the best schools offer children a safe space to grow and develop into well-rounded individuals.
As a trusted international school in Singapore, holistic development is a top priority. That’s why at OWIS, we work to design and implement teaching strategies that help nurture all facets of our students’ development. That way, they can be equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive academically and in all areas of their life.
Holistic Development in Early Childhood
Most individuals may not remember their early childhood, but their development during the critical years between birth and the age of five will have an impact on their lives. That is why it is important for children to experience a curriculum that fosters holistic development so that they can grow into well-rounded, capable, and resilient individuals.
Holistic development encompasses the nurturing of all facets of a child’s growth: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. This is especially critical during early childhood education and primary education, as holistic development can provide children with a solid base to rely on as they grow and learn more about themselves.
When children learn in an environment that supports well-rounded education, they may feel safe and comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and freely discovering the world around them. Overall, by focusing on holistic development, educators and parents can help cultivate individuals who are not only academically proficient but also emotionally stable, socially adept, and spiritually aware.
Facets of Holistic Development
Knowing the importance of holistic development, it’s essential for educators and parents to understand its different facets. These include:
Physical Development
Physical development in children involves improving motor skills, strengthening the body, and promoting good health practices. Engaging children in physical activities not only supports their physical growth but also enhances their cognitive functions and emotional health. Activities like running, jumping, and playing sports help develop coordination, strength, and endurance, setting the foundation for a healthy lifestyle that can prevent lifestyle-related diseases later in life.
Social Development
Social development focuses on a child’s ability to interact with others, including fostering relationships and understanding social norms. This development is critical as it helps children learn how to work in teams, develop empathy, and navigate the complexities of social interactions. Skills acquired through improved social interactions are vital for personal and professional success, teaching children to resolve conflicts, share, and contribute positively to their community.
Emotional Development
Emotional development is about helping children understand and express their emotions effectively. It is crucial for mental health and resilience, enabling children to cope with challenges, express themselves clearly, and develop self-confidence. Nurturing emotional intelligence in children leads to better performance in school and greater success in personal relationships throughout life.
Intellectual Development
Intellectual development is concerned with the cognitive aspects of growth, such as reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Encouraging curiosity and a love for learning is key to this developmental area. Through educational activities, stimulating discussions, and exposure to diverse experiences, children can develop strong cognitive skills that will aid them in academic achievements and in making informed decisions throughout their lives.
Spiritual Development
Though often less emphasised, spiritual development is equally important. This facet involves nurturing a child’s sense of purpose, understanding of their values, and connection to the world. Activities like meditation, participation in community service, and discussions about values can enhance children’s spiritual awareness. This development helps forge a strong sense of self, ethics, and respect for others, which are critical for personal fulfilment and conscientious citizenship.
Why Holistic Development of Students is Important
International schools in Singapore emphasise the importance of holistic development because:
- In an environment that supports holistic growth, children are likely to be more aware of their emotions. They can identify their feelings and manage them accordingly.
- Children can successfully navigate various social situations, giving them the confidence they need to interact with a diverse range of people.
- Children learn to become responsible for their learning and discover how to rely on voice and choice throughout their education.
- Students discover their natural ability to empathise and be compassionate through a values-based curriculum.
- Children at the school can enjoy an active lifestyle, and the curriculum is implemented in a way that prioritises fine and gross motor skill development.
How Parents Can Support Holistic Development During the Early Years
Choosing an international school that emphasises holistic development is an important step in supporting your child, but you also need to make an effort to encourage growth and development at home. You can support holistic development during early childhood and primary school years by:
- Spending time outdoors with your child. Go on hikes, walk along nature trails and visit local playgrounds.
- Draw or paint together. This will encourage creativity in your child, assist with stress management and promote fine motor skill development.
- Create opportunities for your child to play and socialise with other children. Whether they are spending time with family or trying an independent activity in a group setting, your child needs to experience a variety of social situations to thrive.
- Read together. This is a bonding activity that can not only help your child feel safe and secure but also promote academic development and literacy.
- Participate in a community service project together. By showing your child they can get involved, they will see how they play a valuable role in the community. This also helps to develop your child’s moral compass.
How OWIS Digital Campus Can Support Your Child’s Holistic Development
OWIS offers globally recognised curricula, catering to different age groups. We offer IB PYP for youngest learners, Modified Cambridge Curriculum for Grades 6 to 8, Cambridge IGCSE curriculum for Grades 9 to 10 and IB Diploma programme for Grades 11 and 12. Our Nanyang Campus is accredited for these programmes, and OWIS Digital Campus will follow the same pathway. Digital Campus will also support the holistic development of students by:
- Embracing the power of technology to allow children to develop critical 21st-century competencies.
- Providing children with time to play outdoors in various playgrounds on campus. Our Digital Campus will feature several play areas, each designed to cater to different sports.
- Giving children a chance to discover their interests through our ECA and CCA programmes.
- Offering pastoral care to guarantee the physical and emotional welfare of each student.
Overall, we designed our OWIS Digital Campus to provide students access to resources and facilities that help develop critical 21st-century skills and knowledge for academic success in the long run.
For more information about our upcoming campus, please register your interest today.
