NURTURE
New Kid on the Block
Words Farhan Shah Photos The White House International
There is a short stretch along Dunearn Road, just past
the Eng Neo Road exit, that houses some of Singapore’s
top preschools. Joining the academic mix is The
White House International, a new pre-school with big
ambitions. We check out their cosy premises.
The former principal of Kinderland
Kindergarten is now applying her
incredible aptitude within the walls
of The White House International.
Past the pumpkin- and frog-themed
House International believes in getting
She understands the importance
sand pits is a miniature climbing wall,
children to experience the outdoors.
of preparing young children for the
pockmarked with colourful child-sized This is why the pre-school is in the
foot- and hand-holds, that got the adult current location. “I wanted a spot where rigours of primary school and has
therefore built a sturdy pedagogy
me really excited. I was an active child our young students can learn while
growing up, clambering up anything
enjoying the outdoors at the same time, centred on the International Preschool
Curriculum (IPC) while introducing
that looked remotely climbable while
and a shopping mall unfortunately
various interactive programmes
my parents encouraged me each
doesn’t provide such a luxury,” the
tailored for the local environment.
time I fell down. Today, technological
founder explains.
innovation has trumped physical
Judy’s philosophy is simple – every
development and it’s not uncommon
Besides the thematic sand pits and
child deserves the best education
to see young children with their heads
the climbing wall, The White House
because each of them has the potential
bowed down, their faces bathed in the
International also has a gardening
to succeed. For this goal to be realised,
blue light of a digital device. So, I was
corner and a small grassy pitch with
Judy has assembled a team of loving
ecstatic to see the importance The
miniature goalposts for budding
and nurturing teachers. Judy also
White House International had placed
Neymars. There is also a large
believes in building strong relationships
in the power of play.
playground that looks like it sprung
with families, parents and the
from the creative mind of a child
community to enhance the children’s
Numerous research studies have
unhindered by the constraints of
lives, learning and experiences.
demonstrated the importance of
physics and engineering. It also looks
playtime in developing a child’s mental, like a lot of fun.
The two-storey air-conditioned
physical and social capabilities, and it
cosy bungalow where lessons are
was refreshing to see a pre-school set But it’s not only play within the preheld is comfortably divided into five
aside a substantial amount of space
school, led by the passionate veteran
for outdoor play. In fact, The White
early childhood educator, Miss Judy Ng. classrooms, each of which can easily
house between 10 and 12 students. The
walls are cheerfully decorated with arts
and craft pieces while the floors are
thoughtfully clean and tidy, the work of
hardworking and passionate staff. The
school has also installed air purifiers in
every classroom. They say the devil is in
the details, and little details like these
made me realise the amount of effort
the school has put in to make children
feel welcome, have fun, learn, push
their boundaries, and keep healthy at
the same time.
The White House International is
holding an open house for interested
parents on 25 October 2014. We highly
recommend you swing by to check the
preschool out! Give them a call at +65
6464 6088. You can find them at 644
Dunearn Road Singapore 289627 or at
www.thewhitehouse.com.sg.
WELCOME TO THE WHITE HOUSE INTERNATIONAL
We understand a child’s formative years are critical to their development and early success. Therefore, we are dedicated
to providing each child with the tools and skills necessary to prepare them to become future leaders of tomorrow.
An exceptional curriculum that will empower your child
to become a self-assured, successful, lifelong learner.
Passionate staff dedicated to the highest standards in
child care services, development and education.
A safe, nurturing environment where your child’s
happiness is guaranteed.
644 Dunearn Rd Singapore 289627 +65 6464 6088 • [email protected] • FB.com/thewhitehouseinternational
20
Family & Life • Oct 2014