Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Dr. Allan Weston, Head of the School of Canadian International School Singapore (CIS), to discuss the school’s plans for 2025, academic focus, challenges in education, strategies for keeping students engaged, and ensuring inclusivity and well-being for all students. Dr. Weston shared valuable insights into CIS’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

2025 marks a milestone year for CIS as we proudly celebrate 35 years of educational excellence and innovation in Singapore. This year, we reflect on a decade of groundbreaking achievements, from the transformative impact of our Outdoor Discovery Centre for our Early Years 2-5 years old students to our pioneering approach to STEAM learning integrated throughout the curriculum. As we look ahead, we continue to invest in enriching student programmes by expanding our Academy of Music and our ever-growing and extensive sports programme for every age group, with a special focus on rugby and volleyball. These milestones reflect our continuous investment and commitment to enhancing and improving the curriculum and learning opportunities.

Student learning remains at the centre of everything we do. We always prioritise academic excellence and rigour, the skillset needed for academic success, student wellbeing, the adoption of best practices from the world of IB education, and ensuring we have the best bilingual programmes in Asia.

We have recruited the best talent from around the world, experts in their fields who embrace innovative teaching practices to continue driving student learning.

2. How do you decide what to focus on academically each year, and which new ideas are you pursuing?

At CIS, our academic focus is guided by the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, which empowers students to become inquiring, knowledgeable, and compassionate global citizens. Each year, we evaluate emerging educational trends and student needs to refine our approach, ensuring alignment with the IB’s rigorous standards.

CIS is proud to be one of the world’s largest IB schools, offering the full continuum of IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).

Our five-year strategic plan shapes our direction as we deepen our commitment to critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. We are advancing digital learning, enhancing our bilingual programmes, the Academy of Music, the STEAM approach, competitive sports, and the curriculum PE programme, while elevating academic excellence. By integrating real-world experiences into the curriculum, we equip students to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.

3. What challenges do you anticipate in the field of education over the next 5 years?

The field of education is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, societal shifts, political factors, and the changing demands of the workforce. Schools must therefore adapt quickly to remain relevant and effective in preparing students for the future.

One key challenge the education industry is facing is the need to address the diversity of student needs. Schools need to adopt increasingly personalised approaches to teaching and learning, ensuring every student has the tools to succeed.

Schools will also have to futureproof students in a rapidly evolving world, which will demand a focus on critical thinking, adaptability, and digital literacy, preparing them for careers and challenges that don’t yet exist.

Equally important is the commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. Beyond academics, students must cultivate emotional intelligence, collaboration, and creativity to thrive in an interconnected and complex world. Prioritising well-being is vital, as schools strive to balance academics with supportive environments that nurture mental and emotional resilience.

At CIS, we offer a rigorous academic approach and continuously refine our curriculum to stay ahead of the evolving demands of a rapidly changing world. As an IB World School, we undergo regular external audits to uphold the highest standards of academic excellence and innovation in teaching and learning.

4. How do you keep students interested in learning, especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated?

At CIS, we are committed to empowering our students to take ownership of their learning journey. Through our inquiry-based learning approach, we encourage students to explore their passions, choose their projects, and design personalised learning pathways. Our experiential learning model further connects classroom lessons to real-world experiences, allowing students to apply their knowledge while embracing their diverse interests and strengths.

We believe that our students learn best when they are in a safe and caring environment. That is why we place a strong emphasis on pastoral care, recognising its vital role in nurturing the whole child socially, emotionally, and academically. Our dedicated team of principals, teachers, and the SWELL (Student Well-Being and Learning) team work collaboratively to create an environment where each child feels valued and supported.

In primary school, homeroom teachers provide personalised pastoral and emotional guidance, ensuring every student is supported holistically. As students transition to secondary school, advisory teachers continue this support, building strong relationships while guiding them through goal-setting, time management, study skills, and exam preparation. This approach is further strengthened by access to learning support and counselling services, should students need them.

By blending academic excellence, individualised support, and a commitment to well-being, CIS empowers each student to take ownership of their future and become a confident, lifelong learner.

5. How does the school ensure all students feel welcome and have the same chances to succeed?

At CIS, we are committed to ensuring that every student feels part of the community and has the opportunity to succeed from the moment they join us.

From the first touchpoint, families experience a smooth and supportive admissions process, including Open House visits and a comprehensive onboarding journey. On a student’s first day, they are personally welcomed by our admissions consultants and introduced to what they can expect.

With rolling admissions, we ensure that students joining mid-term have a dedicated buddy—an existing student—to guide them through their first few weeks. New students are also encouraged to participate in various activities in and outside of classrooms, helping them quickly feel included. Every student is valued and celebrated for their unique talents. Through personalised, holistic support, we empower them to explore their passions, grow with confidence, and thrive in an inclusive and nurturing environment.

For parents, our vibrant Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) offers a wonderful way to connect with the school community, engage in events, and stay involved in their child’s learning journey. Teachers also make a “sunshine call” to parents after their child’s first couple of weeks to share how they are settling in.

6. How proactive is the school in matters of student stress and bullying?

We take student well-being very seriously, and we have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. We believe that every student has the right to feel safe and respected, and that students thrive when they are happy, feel a sense of belonging and are cared for.

We take student well-being very seriously, and we have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. We believe that every student has the right to feel safe and respected, and that students thrive when they are happy, feel a sense of belonging and are cared for.

7. How do you help students build the skills they need for life after graduation?

At CIS, we prepare students for life after graduation by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive in university and beyond. As an IB school, we offer the full IB pathway, culminating in the highly respected IB Diploma Programme (IB DP), which is recognised and preferred by top universities worldwide.

The IB’s interdisciplinary approach, rigorous curriculum, and emphasis on independent research give our students a strong advantage. Through the Extended Essay, which is comparable to a first-year university paper, students develop essential skills in critical thinking, research, and academic writing. Many of our graduates share that transitioning to university is smoother for them compared to peers from other school systems, as they are already familiar with managing complex workloads and independent learning.

IB students consistently have higher success rates in gaining admission to top universities and completing their degrees, as they are exceptionally well-prepared both academically and personally. Having led prestigious international schools for over 25 years, I have seen firsthand how the IB programme provides the strongest foundation for university success, setting students up for a lifetime of learning and achievement.

Additionally, CIS students have the opportunity to engage in leadership roles, community initiatives, and career-focused guidance, helping them develop a sense of purpose and adaptability. With access to cutting-edge facilities and hands-on learning experiences, we empower students to explore, create, and innovate, ensuring they are prepared for success in the global landscape.

8. How involved are parents and the community in making the school better?

We believe that the involvement of parents and the community is integral to the success of the school. Our parents are an important part of CIS, and we collaborate with them through our amazing Parent Teacher Association (PTA), who are deeply involved in our students’ school experience and community.

Our PTA works closely with the different divisions in CIS to ensure meaningful connections between families and the school at every grade level. They also organise multinational and multicultural events, including our annual holiday fair, which brings the entire community together in a special way.

We adopt an “Open School” concept, which fosters daily engagement with parents welcome to stay on campus after drop-off. The Red Dot Café, in particular, has become a social hub where parents connect, collaborate, work or simply enjoy a coffee before starting their day.

Parental involvement goes beyond participation—it’s about engagement and shared experiences. From visiting student exhibitions to volunteering at major events like our STEAM Fair, families are actively involved in their children’s learning journeys, staying engaged through regular updates, celebrating their children’s achievements, and learning alongside them as valued members of our CIS community.

This strong sense of community extends beyond the school building. CIS maintains strong ties with the local community and creates opportunities for our students to make a positive impact through community engagement and collaborative learning. Through this strong partnership with parents and the wider community, the school creates an ecosystem that enriches the experience and supports student success.

9. How do you develop a school culture that attracts and keeps great teachers?

As one of the largest international schools in Singapore, we have a strong pool of experienced IB educators, many of whom are subject matter experts and leaders in their fields. With 100% of our teachers IB-trained and over 81% holding multiple degrees or postgraduate qualifications, our faculty brings a depth of knowledge that directly benefits our students. Many also serve as IB examiners and workshop leaders, reinforcing our position as a mentor school.

We spend months carefully recruiting educators who are not only academically outstanding but also adaptable, internationally minded, and a great fit for our diverse, dynamic community. Our faculty represents 25 countries across 6 continents, bringing a truly global perspective to learning.

We also prioritise well-being, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for our diverse staff. From social events that include their families to a strong professional learning culture, we ensure that educators are engaged, connected, and continuously growing. Through these efforts, we cultivate a school culture where great teachers thrive.

10. Do teachers at your school have growth opportunities for leadership roles?

Yes, we are committed to fostering leadership growth and professional advancement among our educators. With a strong track record of succession planning, we actively invest in our staff, equipping them with the skills, experience, and opportunities needed to take on leadership responsibilities.

Our approach to leadership development goes beyond traditional pathways. We cultivate leadership density, ensuring that decision-making in the school is collaborative rather than hierarchical. By empowering educators at various levels, we create a dynamic environment where educators can lead in different capacities, whether through mentoring, spearheading school-wide initiatives, or stepping into department head positions.

We also connect our teachers to the wider educational community, offering access to professional development, leadership training, and networking opportunities that extend beyond our school. This holistic approach ensures that our educators are not only empowered within our community but are also well-positioned to contribute to and shape the broader educational landscape.

11. Which after-school activity would you say has the biggest positive impact on a student’s future?

We currently offer over 100 different ECAS to cater to every student’s interest and passion. Rather than highlighting just one activity, we believe the greatest impact comes from offering a diverse range of after-school activities, each thoughtfully designed to ignite passions, foster growth, and prepare students for success in an ever-changing world.

Every activity offers a unique opportunity to develop cognitive functions such as problem-solving and critical thinking, as well as soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and building meaningful relationships—foundational qualities that empower students to thrive in their futures.

From honing their critical thinking skills with activities such as Chess and Birchguard Quest— a problem-solving, role-playing game, to building teamwork and resilience with physical activities such as Cheerleading or Dance, students naturally acquire essential life skills in a fun and engaging way.

We firmly believe in nurturing well-rounded students who are not just prepared for the future but are ready to lead and inspire. Our diverse ECAs truly reflect our commitment to excellence and innovation in education.

12. As a Head of School, what is your definition of success?

I see success as less of an individual achievement, but a collective effort shaped by the shared vision, dedication, and collaboration of our entire school community. At the heart of this is our five-year strategic plan, developed through the insights and expertise of a diverse group of educators and leaders. As we reach key milestones, we don’t just measure progress—we celebrate it together, recognising that every achievement is a testament to our collective commitment.

Success is also about academic excellence at every level, ensuring that each student reaches their fullest potential. Whether it is securing a place at their first-choice university or pursuing meaningful post-secondary opportunities, our students’ accomplishments reflect the strength of our educational foundation. We are successful when we foster an environment where our programmes continuously evolve, our learning culture remains dynamic, and we continue to push the boundaries of excellence.

Beyond academics, success is seen in a thriving, happy community where students, teachers, and families feel connected, supported, and empowered both professionally and personally.

13. If you had the opportunity to inspire the world in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

Make the most of every opportunity to grow, make a difference, and leave each place better than you found it—because the impact we create, no matter how small, can spark a brighter future for generations to come.