Graduation Day: A Night to Remember

Graduation Day is one of the most meaningful times of the school year. It’s a moment when we pause and look back on how far our students have come. This year’s ceremony for the Year 11, 12, and 13 students was truly special.

The evening began with a thoughtful prayer from our CEO, who asked for God’s guidance as our students prepare for the next stage in their lives. It was a calm and respectful way to start, reminding us all of the importance of faith and direction.

Our MC welcomed everyone with warmth and confidence, guiding the evening smoothly. The mood in the room was cheerful, and there was a clear sense of pride among parents, teachers, and students alike.

Mr Raimann then gave the keynote speech. He spoke about passion with compassion, encouraging the students to follow their dreams and treat others with kindness along the way. His words were inspiring and a good reminder for all of us, not just the graduates.

VOCE’s performance was another lovely part of the evening. They sang Latin songs a cappella, and their voices blended beautifully, adding a lovely, peaceful atmosphere.

One of the most touching parts of the evening was the Year 13 speeches. The students spoke about their time at school, the friendships they’ve made, and the lessons they’ve learned. Many also thanked their parents for their support, bringing smiles and even a few quiet tears.

As teachers, it was especially meaningful to hear kind words from our IGCSE coordinator, our CCO, and the principal. They each shared stories and memories that made us laugh and remember why we love what we do.

The ceremony ended with a kind and thoughtful blessing from our EAL coordinator, sending our students out with hope and encouragement.

Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a buffet dinner. Most of the students didn’t stay at their tables. They walked around, laughed with friends, took photos, and made the most of the evening. It was lovely to see them all dressed up, celebrating not only their achievements, but also each other.

As I looked around the room that evening, I felt proud, not just of the students, but of the whole Grace community that helped them grow into the young people they are today. It was truly a night to remember.

At Grace International School, we believe every child deserves a nurturing, inclusive learning environment that meets them where they are and empowers them to reach their full potential. This commitment is why we invest in a highly trained and certified EAL (English as an Additional Language) team—dedicated professionals who ensure that students from diverse linguistic backgrounds thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

A Personalised Approach to Learning

We start with an initial assessment to understand each student’s language level, strengths, and areas for growth. Then, we collaborate with classroom teachers and families to tailor lessons so that students can fully participate in their mainstream classes. Whether a child is just beginning to learn English or refining their skills, we provide structured, engaging support in reading, writing, speaking, and listening at every stage.

Support Across All Grade Levels

• Early Years & Primary: We focus on building foundational language skills through phonics, vocabulary development, interactive storytelling, and guided classroom support.
• Secondary School: Students who need extra help in any of the four language skills receive tailored EAL instruction. We also offer IGCSE ESL for Years 10 and 11, providing structured preparation for academic success. As students progress, we continue to support them in their transition to mainstream English Literature classes or post-secondary education.
• Beyond the Classroom: Language learning isn’t just about academics. We help students gain the confidence to participate in school life—joining clubs, making friends, and feeling part of the campus community.

A Teacher’s Perspective: Meeting Every Child’s Unique Needs

As an EAL teacher at Grace, I’ve had the privilege of working with students who face challenges that can make a traditional classroom overwhelming. But with the right support system, these challenges turn into stepping stones for growth.

Take Ethan*, for example. When he arrived at Grace, he spoke little English and struggled to engage in class. Through structured language development, immersive strategies, and targeted phonics support, he gained confidence and fluency. By year’s end, he was excelling academically and socially.

The Grace Difference

• Expert Instruction: Our EAL team is highly experienced and certified in language education, bringing research-backed strategies to our classrooms.
• Individualised Learning Plans (ILPs): No two students learn the same way. Our EAL team works closely with families and teachers to create personalised learning plans that address each student’s strengths and challenges.
• Collaboration with Teachers and Families: We work closely with homeroom and subject teachers, as well as parents, to ensure that EAL students receive the right support in all aspects of their education.
• A Whole-Child Approach: Beyond language skills, we focus on confidence-building, cultural integration, and communication strategies, preparing students for lifelong success.

Real Stories, Real Impact

We’ve seen incredible transformations. Take Jay*, who joined us in Grade 9 with very little English. At first, he was hesitant to speak up, but through consistent support, his confidence grew. Today, he actively participates in all his classes and even took on a major role in a school event—an inspiring journey of progress that has amazed us all.

The Impact on Students and Families

The presence of a certified EAL team at Grace transforms students’ experiences and futures. Parents see once-shy children gain enthusiasm for learning. Teachers witness breakthroughs—from quiet students engaging in discussions to new friendships forming across language barriers.

At Grace International School, we celebrate every student’s progress—big or small—because we know that with the right support, every child has the potential to thrive.

If you’d like to learn more about how Grace International School supports students with English as an Additional Language, we invite you to visit us and see firsthand how our team of dedicated professionals is making an impact every day.

(*Names changed for privacy.)

At some point in their education, many children face challenges that make learning difficult. Whether it’s struggling with reading fluency, grasping mathematical concepts, or managing focus in class, these hurdles can feel overwhelming. Learning support exists to bridge these gaps—helping students overcome obstacles, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

Despite the benefits, some parents worry that needing learning support means their child is incapable or falling behind permanently. This is not true. Learning support is not a label—it’s a tool. It gives students the individualised attention they need to strengthen their skills, whether through short-term intervention or ongoing support.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Learning Support: Who Needs It?

Students come to learning support with a wide range of needs. Some require short-term interventions, while others benefit from ongoing support.

• Short-Term Support: Targeted Help for Specific Challenges

Short-term learning support is designed to address specific skills a student is struggling with. This type of support usually lasts a few weeks to a few months, with focused sessions to build competence in one area.

✅ Example: A Year 3 student struggles with phonics and reading fluency. With three months of structured phonics intervention (meeting twice a week), their reading speed improves by 40 words per minute, and they gain the confidence to read independently in class.

✅ Example: A Year 7 student has difficulty with long division. After eight weeks of small-group maths intervention, they achieve a 20% improvement on their assessments and no longer need extra help.

• Long-Term Support: Consistent Help for Ongoing Needs

Some students need continuous support due to learning differences like dyslexia, ADHD, or processing disorders. With the right accommodations, these students can excel academically.

✅ Example: A Year 5 student with dyslexia receives weekly reading support throughout primary school. With structured literacy instruction, their reading comprehension grows from the 20th percentile in Year 3 to the 60th percentile in Year 6.

✅ Example: A Year 9 student with ADHD struggles with time management. Through learning support coaching, they learn organisation strategies, leading to a 30% improvement in assignment completion rates over the term.

Learning support is about building strengths, not focusing on weaknesses. With the right guidance, students can develop strategies that help them succeed independently.

What Does Learning Support Look Like?

Effective learning support uses evidence-based methods tailored to each student’s needs. At Grace, support may include:

📌 Small-group instruction – Students work in groups of 2-5 peers for targeted skill-building.
📌 One-on-one tutoring – Individualised sessions focus on reading, maths, or study strategies.
📌 Classroom accommodations – Simple adjustments (like extra time on tests or audiobooks) help students thrive.
📌 Assistive technology – Tools like speech-to-text software or maths apps provide additional support.
📌 Executive function coaching – Students learn time management, note-taking, and organisation.

Even students without diagnosed learning differences benefit from study strategies and structured support. Learning support is for any student who needs a boost.

Breaking the Stigma: Learning Support is for Success

Many successful people, including Albert Einstein, Richard Branson, and Agatha Christie, struggled with learning challenges. With the right support, students can excel in school and beyond.

Instead of seeing learning support as a last resort, we should view it as a proactive step. If a child needed glasses to see the board, we wouldn’t hesitate to provide them. Learning support is no different—it’s simply another tool for success.

At Grace, we believe every child can succeed with the right support. If you have concerns about your child’s learning, our support team is here to help. Let’s work together to ensure every student has the tools they need to thrive.

The IGCSE journey is a marathon, not a sprint. As students navigate the challenging curriculum, the pressure of the final examinations looms large. Preparation is key to achieving success. One of the most effective ways to prepare is through IGCSE mock exams. These practice tests serve as a crucial stepping stone, providing students with valuable experience before they sit for their final assessments.

These practice runs are more than just tests; they’re valuable learning experiences that pave the way for success. 

Why Mock Exams Matter:

• Simulating the Real Deal: Mock exams replicate the actual IGCSE examination environment, including time constraints, question formats, and invigilation procedures. This helps students become familiar with the pressure and develop effective time management strategies.
• Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: Mock exams provide a clear picture of a student’s academic standing. By analysing their performance, students can pinpoint areas where they excel and areas that require further attention.
• Building Confidence: Successfully completing a mock exam can boost a student’s confidence and reduce exam-related anxiety. Familiarity with the exam format and the ability to perform under pressure can alleviate nervousness on the actual exam day.
• Developing Exam Technique: Mock exams offer opportunities to practice different exam techniques, such as planning answers, prioritising questions, and managing time effectively.
• Reducing Exam Day Surprises: By experiencing the exam format beforehand, students are less likely to encounter unexpected challenges on the actual exam day.

The Benefits of IGCSE Mock Exams:

• Improved Time Management: Mock exams force students to work within strict time limits, helping them develop the ability to allocate time effectively and avoid running out of time during the actual exam.
• Enhanced Recall and Application: Practicing under exam conditions strengthens recall and reinforces the application of knowledge.
• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Familiarity with the exam process and improved confidence can significantly reduce stress and anxiety during the actual exams.
• Targeted Revision: Mock exam results provide valuable insights into areas that require further revision, allowing students to focus their efforts on the most critical topics.
• Performance Analysis: Teachers can analyse the mock results, and provide feedback to students on how to improve.

The Power of Past Papers:

Complementing mock exams with diligent study of past IGCSE exam papers is paramount. Here’s why:

• Understanding Exam Patterns: Past papers reveal recurring themes, question styles, and assessment criteria, helping students understand the examiners’ expectations.
• Familiarity with Question Types: Students become accustomed to the various question types, such as multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions.
• Practice Under Exam Conditions: Working through past papers under timed conditions simulates the actual exam experience, enhancing time management and exam technique.
• Identifying Common Mistakes: Analyzing past papers helps students identify common mistakes and avoid them in their own answers.
• Building Confidence Through Practice: Consistently working through past papers builds confidence and reduces anxiety by demonstrating progress and familiarity with the exam format.

By combining the benefits of IGCSE mock exams with the strategic use of past papers, students can significantly enhance their exam readiness and maximise their chances of success. Embrace these tools, and watch your IGCSE journey transform from a daunting challenge into a rewarding achievement.