Junior School overview
UWCSEA is an exciting place to learn and grow, and our Junior School which includes for students aged 7 to 1 (Grades 2–5),
provides that all-important bridge between the uninhibited curiosity of Infant School and the confident strides into Middle
School. It is a truly exciting and crucial stage in a child’s school career, and we work in partnership with parents to ensure that
every student’s journey is a successful one.
Students in the Junior School take full advantage of the five elements of the UWCSEA learning programme: Academics,
Activities, Outdoor Education, Personal and Social Education (PSE), and Service. Our carefully designed PSE programme
provides transitional support for new students as they adjust to the College environment and routines. The Junior School is
organised into smaller teams to ensure that students feel welcome, supported, and known.
The school day begins at 8.00am and lessons conclude at 3.00pm, with many students taking part in the after-school Activities
programme until 4.30pm. Students enjoy a rich timetable that includes lessons with specialist teachers in Languages, Physical
Education, Music, and Art. Language lessons are organised by ability level across the grade, helping students prepare for the
increasing independence and specialist teaching structures of Middle School and High School.
We encourage parents to stay as connected as possible to their child’s experience. Grade-level blogs offer a window into
daily learning, while students curate an ePortfolio over the year to document their growth. Above all, we value face-to-face
communication, and provide several opportunities for parents to meet with teachers throughout the school year. Parents are, of
course, welcome to arrange meetings at any time to discuss their child’s progress and wellbeing.
At every stage of a UWCSEA education, we provide exceptional opportunities for students to develop independence and
leadership skills, and the Junior School is no exception. At the heart of our educational philosophy is the belief that we
prepare students not just for university, but for life. It is the skills and qualities they develop, as much as the knowledge and
understanding they gain, that will define the quality of the life they lead. For this reason, students are encouraged to take on
leadership roles, to experience both success and failure, and to grow in the belief that they can make a difference in the world.
Each year, new classes are added at Grades 2 (except on Dover Campus) and 4, creating additional places. In Grades 3 and 5,
places may become available if existing students withdraw. Available places may be offered up to the start of Term 2 (January)
of the academic year.
Junior School capacity (August 2026)
Grade
Age of students*
Dover Campus
East Campus
Number of
students
Number of
classes
Number of
students
Number of
classes
7–8 years
144
168
8–9 years
168
168
9–10 years
192
192
10–11 years
216
192
Total
720
30
720
30
* Students must be born on or between 1 September and 31 August. Refer to our age-grade boundary chart for the planned year of entry for
guidance, or contact Admissions.
Our Learning Programme
At UWCSEA, our holistic Learning Programme offers students a rich range of opportunities to grow and thrive. Across both
Dover and East Campuses, the programme is built around five key elements: Academics, Activities, Outdoor Education,
Personal and Social Education (PSE), and Service. Each element is equally valued, recognising that a balanced and
comprehensive education is fundamental to achieving our educational goal and developing mission competency.
We are dedicated to providing a curriculum that is both challenging and age-appropriate. Carefully structured and grounded
in research-informed practice, our written curriculum ensures that your child’s learning experience is meaningful and aligned
with our mission, regardless of their age or educational background when they join the College.
Our curriculum is organised around six domains, closely aligned with broad academic disciplines:
In the early years, learning is play-based and interdisciplinary. For example, in a dramatic play area, students might set up
a restaurant—creating menus, organising food, writing bills for customers, and practising social interactions. Through these
playful experiences, students engage naturally with the arts (drama), literacy, mathematics, and personal and social education.
The design of the curriculum is informed by the UWCSEA mission statement, educational goal, values, and the needs of our
students. Our concept-based curriculum organises learning around concepts and conceptual understandings, rather than just
topics or facts. Learning goals are clearly articulated through three lenses:
• Conceptual Understandings (what students should understand),
• Knowledge (what students should know), and
• Skills (what students should be able to do).
This approach helps students build deep, transferable understanding, preparing them not only for academic success but for the
complexities of life beyond the classroom.
Sciences and
Technology
Arts and
Design
UWCSEA
Curriculum
Domains
Humanities
Mathematics
Languages
Wellbeing
Academics
Our academic programme is structured around a holistic, inquiry-based approach to learning, guided by the UWCSEA profile
and learning principles. In the Junior School, the academic curriculum is fully integrated with a Personal and Social Education
(PSE) programme that supports students as they explore key topics such as friendships, family, personal identity, and self-
awareness.
A student’s main point of contact throughout the school day is their classroom teacher, supported by a Teaching Assistant (TA).
• In Grades 2 and 3, each class has a dedicated TA.
• In Grades 4 and 5, one TA supports two classroom communities.
• Specialist TAs also work across grade levels to support individual students and enhance learning across the Junior School.
In addition to their core classroom experiences, students benefit from lessons taught by specialist teachers in:
• Physical Education
• Music
• Art
• Languages
Our specialist Maths, Literacy, and Digital Literacy coaches work alongside classroom teachers to embed best practices and
support the effective integration of technology into everyday learning.
The school week is divided into approximately 40 periods. While the exact number of periods per subject may vary according
to grade-level needs and timetabling, each period averages just under 40 minutes in length.
Literacy
Our overarching literacy goal is for students to become
independent lifelong readers and writers, who communicate
effectively through reading, writing, listening, speaking
and presenting. To help students achieve this goal, we use
a workshop approach, which provides a clear structure for
students to gain skills and develop confidence. We also
recognise literacy is not isolated to one specific area of
study and is interdisciplinary by nature. Literacy occurs all
day, every day, living within all traditional subject areas and
so where appropriate, is integrated into other areas of the
curriculum to make for more powerful learning connections.
A wide range of literacy resources are available, to both
students and teachers, to support the Literacy curriculum.
In addition to the extensive collection in the Dover and
East libraries, each class has a wide variety of genres in the
classroom library for individualised reading.
Mathematics
The Primary School Mathematics curriculum has been
developed to ensure students receive a thorough conceptual
grounding in basic mathematical skills and processes with the
aim of producing mathematicians who can use these skills
in context in order to solve problems. Through imaginative,
differentiated and practical activities, students enjoy the
learning and recognise the application of mathematical
concepts to everyday life.
We believe that students must be able to think critically
about complex issues; analyze and adapt to new situations;
solve problems of various kinds; and communicate
their thinking effectively. Mathematics at all levels
includes discussions; manipulation of concrete materials;
investigations; problem solving; practice and consolidation,
and mental maths.
Science and Humanities
(Interdisciplinary Units of Study)
Interdisciplinary Units of Study allow students to explore
concepts by drawing together elements of different subject
areas into a meaningful whole. While focused largely on
Science and/or Humanities, units can also incorporate
aspects of the Literacy, Mathematics, Digital Literacy, Art,
Music, and Languages curricula. We believe that students
must be able to think critically about complex issues; analyse
and adapt to new situations; solve problems of various kinds;
and communicate their thinking effectively.
Teachers decide on the time allocated to each unit based
on the needs of their particular group of students. The units
covered by each grade in each term are:
Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
At UWCSEA, the language of instruction is English. All Junior
school students take a Language Other Than English (LOTE)
or English as an Additional Language (EAL) as part of their
timetabled lessons. LOTEs include Chinese, French or Spanish
with beginner, continuation and advanced levels available
depending on grade and campus.
Some home language (mother tongue) classes are
taught after school in small groups as part of the Activities
programme. These classes are available at an additional cost,
and are subject to demand.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
All students are supported in class to develop their academic
language skills. Our EAL team co-plan with teaching teams
to provide this universal support. For students who benefit
from additional or intensified support to develop academic
language proficiency, additional English as an Additional
Language (EAL) support is provided from our EAL team. The
timing of intensified support varies depending on the profile
of the student and their grade level.
For more detailed information, please refer to our EAL and
Languages factsheets or contact Admissions.
Activities
Our comprehensive Activities programme presents students with opportunities to try new things, discover new talents and
further develop their passions, as well as make new friends through the sharing of common interests. The activities programme
also aims to encourage a lifelong passion for physical activity, teamwork, leadership, and holistic wellbeing.
A wide range of activities in the Arts, sports, leadership and special interests is offered each week in four activity and service
‘seasons’ throughout the year providing our students with many opportunities to develop new skills and explore their passions.
Activities take place before school, at lunchtime, and after school. Teachers and parents work closely with students to help
them balance their commitments, ensuring they are able to enjoy a vibrant student life while managing their time effectively.
Sports, Health, Fitness and Wellness
UWCSEA’s strong sports programme under the Phoenix
banner at Dover Campus and Dragons at East Campus
includes representative opportunities in:
• Athletics
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Climbing (Phoenix)
• Football
• Gymnastics / Hockey
• Netball
• Rugby
• Softball
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Touch football / Touch rugby
• Volleyball
In addition to competitive sports, students are encouraged to
explore recreational activities, such as martial arts, fencing,
rock climbing, fitness classes, Yoga, dance and meditation.
Drama, Dance, Music
and Instrumental Teaching
We have a full annual calendar of drama, dance and music
productions and extensive programmes in instrumental
teaching which vary by campus. Student musicians have the
opportunity to participate in a number of musical and vocal
ensembles and perform in several concerts per year. The
Instrumental Teaching Programme (ITP) offers individual
music lessons on a wide variety of instruments. Instrument
hire is also available.
Leadership, Innovation
and Global Awareness
A diverse group of activities nurture creativity, critical
thinking, global awareness, and leadership—key skills that
support students’ holistic development. Activities are
drawn from the fields of technology, fine arts, craft, creative
writing, cooking, construction and robotics.
Students have ample opportunity to develop leadership skills
through participation in the Student Council and service
leadership groups, public speaking and debating groups,
home languages classes and language enrichment activities
in Chinese, French and Spanish.
There are also several special interest groups such as cooking
and creative culinary skills, magic and chess clubs, journalism,
photography, robotics and engineering challenges.
Dedicated innovation spaces
The IDEAS Hub (Dover Campus) and Innovation@East
(East Campus) are dedicated spaces equipped with tools
and technology to guide and inspire students to explore,
innovate, collaborate and create sustainable solutions
addressing real-world problems and needs within
their community.
Students are encouraged to adopt interdisciplinary thinking,
to ruminate on solutions, tinker with ideas and develop
an innovator’s mindset. They are empowered to create
innovative products, services and systems while keeping the
UWC Mission at the forefront of their thinking.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education is a core element of the UWCSEA learning programme. In the Junior School, expeditions take students
into unfamiliar environments, challenging them to develop new skills, build resilience, foster teamwork, and strengthen their
connection to the natural world—often away from the comforts of home and family for the first time.
The aim is to set each student up for success. In each new setting, students are encouraged to:
• Take appropriate risks
• Show compassion for others
• Demonstrate initiative, skill, and care
• Build leadership and teamwork skills
• Take responsibility within a group
An important feature of every grade-level expedition is the inclusion of ‘team challenge’ activities, where students work
collaboratively to solve problems and overcome physical and mental challenges.
Every student is expected to participate, as the personal and social development opportunities provided by these experiences
are impossible to replicate within the classroom. All expeditions incur an additional cost, and venues and activities are
thoroughly checked and annually reviewed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants.
Grade-Level Expeditions
In a typical year, Junior School expeditions follow a
progressive, age-appropriate sequence:
• Grade 2: Overnight experience at the Singapore Zoo
• Grade 3: Two-night expedition to Desaru, Malaysia
• Grade 4: Three-night expedition to Pulau Sibu, Malaysia
• Grade 5: Four-night expedition to Port Dickson, Malaysia
Grade 2 students build on their Infant School experiences
with a specially designed day of activities and overnight stay
at the Singapore Zoo. As they move into Grades 3, 4, and 5,
students take on increasingly independent and adventurous
experiences in Malaysia, strengthening their skills and their
relationships with peers.
Expeditions for Grades 3 to 5 are typically held early in the
academic year to help the peer group form strong bonds that
benefit learning and play throughout the year.
Optional Service and Family Trips
UWCSEA also offers optional service-focused trips where
students travel with a parent and staff members to work
alongside service partners in the region. Generally the
students plan activities to share with the hosts in-country
while parents undertake a service project (i.e., house building,
painting a dormitory, clearing a vegetable patch, upgrading
facilities such as kitchens or demolishing a building).
Destinations include Bali, Cambodia, and Lombok.
The College operates all overseas travel within a robust
health and safety framework and a sustainable travel policy
that ensures trips align with our educational mission and
global responsibility values.
Personal and Social Education (PSE)
At UWCSEA, we know that in order for learning to be
effective, students must feel secure, supported, and
connected to those around them. Our PSE programme in the
Junior School is a key element of the Learning Programme,
focused on helping students to better understand
themselves, build strong relationships, and develop essential
life skills.
Student wellbeing is the primary responsibility of the class
teacher, who closely follows the personal development
of each child and maintains open communication with
parents. Teachers are supported by Heads of Grade and Vice
Principals, who have overarching responsibility for wellbeing
across the Junior School, and work closely with the Primary
School Principal where needed.
PSE is delivered through:
• Dedicated weekly lessons
• Morning Meeting sessions focused on social-emotional
development
• Integration into Interdisciplinary Units where appropriate
• Grade-level assemblies, circle times, and grade talks
Our classrooms are grouped around shared learning
spaces (pods) within each grade level, creating a sense of
community and providing regular opportunities for students
to collaborate across classes.
The PSE curriculum is both proactive and responsive:
• Core topics, such as friendship, communication,
self-discipline, responsibility, online safety, and
emotional wellbeing, are taught in line with students’
developmental needs.
• Lessons and assemblies are adapted when specific
issues arise within the community, ensuring timely and
meaningful support.
Additional support structures include:
• Social-Emotional Specialist teachers working with grade-
level teams to deliver whole-class or small-group lessons
(East Campus).
• Student mentorship programmes, where older students
(Grade 5 and Middle School) help organise activities and
promote positive play on the playground (Dover Campus).
• Access to professional counsellors through the Counselling
and Wellness Centre, available to students and families if
further support is needed.
• Parent information sessions on relevant topics
to help families stay connected with their child’s
developmental journey.
At every level, our focus is on nurturing confident,
compassionate individuals who understand themselves and
their role within a caring and respectful community.
Technology
At UWCSEA, the use of technology to enhance student
learning is deeply embedded in the Junior School experience.
Technology is integrated thoughtfully across the curriculum
to support learning, collaboration, creativity, and responsible
digital citizenship.
Each Junior School student is provided with an age-
appropriate device for use in the classroom:
• Younger students use tablets to support early exploration
and learning.
• Older students transition to using laptops as they develop
greater independence and digital fluency.
These devices are kept at school and are used under the
guidance of teachers to enhance classroom learning.
Students also develop an ePortfolio, allowing them to
document and share their learning journey throughout
the year.
Teachers benefit from a strong focus on professional
development in digital integration, ensuring that technology
is used meaningfully and appropriately across all subjects.
Junior School teachers are further supported by a Digital
Literacy Coach, who works alongside them to maximise the
impact of technology on student learning.
Students are introduced to an age-appropriate digital
curriculum, which includes:
• Digital safety and digital wellbeing
• Media and information literacy
• Collaboration and advocacy
• Computational thinking
• Core concepts of digital citizenship, integrated into the
Personal and Social Education (PSE) programme
Through structured experiences, our students develop the
skills and understanding to be confident, safe, and ethical
participants in the digital world.
Service
At UWCSEA, Service is at the heart of everything we do. Even our youngest students are empowered to take action, becoming
aware, able, and active contributors to their communities both locally and globally. In the Junior School, Service encourages
compassion, responsibility, and leadership.
Students participate in College, local, and global service projects, either during the school day or through additional initiatives.
From Grade 3, students are also encouraged to reflect on their service experiences by recording their thoughts, learning,
and actions.
College and Local Service
At both Dover and East Campuses, students engage in
age-appropriate, hands-on service activities that foster a
sense of connection and care for others. Through research,
investigation, and direct action, students explore real-world
challenges and identify ways to make a difference.
This could include becoming a buddy for younger students
through ‘Peer Play’, volunteering as library monitors,
participating in the campus gardening, visiting elderly
residents at nursing homes, or hosting literacy and art
sessions for children from local care centres. Students
also engage with local organisations such as Riding for the
Disabled and ACRES. These connections with the community
extend throughout Middle School and High School, with over
30 ongoing partnerships with Singapore-based organisations.
Global Concerns
Through the Global Concerns (GC) programme, Junior School
students are introduced to global issues, leadership skills, and
the importance of taking informed action.
Classroom-based GC projects see students explore issues,
and often connect their learning with global challenges
raised by the GC. Students are also encouraged to initiate
actions based on their interests and passions. They have
opportunities to support regional NGOs through fundraising
initiatives and service trips. Organisations include Bali
Bridges, and Widhya Asih Foundation (Indonesia), Blue
Dragon Children’s Foundation (Vietnam), and Epic Arts,
Green Umbrella, and Kuma School (Cambodia).
UWCSEA focuses on nurturing global awareness, encouraging
students to think critically about interconnected world issues
and empowering them to take meaningful action.
Environmental Initiatives
Environmental responsibility is woven into the service
experience. Each grade participates in a sustainability
initiative aligned with the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals. Students engage in hands-on activities
such as:
• Managing composting programmes
• Maintaining community gardens
• Implementing paper recycling initiatives
• Monitoring biodiversity through citizen science platforms
These actions empower students to become responsible
stewards of the environment and reinforce the idea that
shaping a better world begins with individual choices.
For more information, please contact Admissions
Dover +65 6774 2653 | Admissions East +65 6305 535
Email: admissions@uwcsea.edu.sg | www.uwcsea.edu.sg/admissions
ADM-2526