Parents often ask, “What afterschool programs do you offer?” when choosing student care centres. The answer helps parents determine which student care services best suit their children. To keep the parents interested and encourage enrolment, afterschool programs have evolved from homework support and a safe place for students to stay after regular classes.
Enrichment programs have become popular because they instill life skills that are helpful to students today and beyond. Here are some of the best afterschool programs in Singapore’s dedicated student care centres.
Arts & Creativity
One popular afterschool program is art and creativity. These age-appropriate programs include painting, digital art, and crafts. These interactive programs encourage student collaboration while helping them foster social, creative, and problem-solving skills. Students also learn how to express themselves, and the skills they learn will prove handy in subjects like English composition.
Tuition
Most parents enrol their children in afterschool programs for tuition. The hours spent at student care centres are a productive way to give students extra classes, especially in complex subjects. Most student care centres have professional tutors who help prepare students for examinations.
Since student care centres offer various services, parents interested in tuition should choose a dedicated student care centre. Student care centres offering tuition services have a low teacher-student ratio for personalised attention. They are also flexible, allowing students to focus on tough subjects. A dedicated student care centre also helps students prepare for exams.
Language Learning
English is the primary language spoken in at least 70% of Singaporean homes. However, about 75% of Singapore’s population is Chinese, and most young people don’t speak Chinese dialects. Mandarin is the most spoken dialect, with approximately 35% (primarily older Singaporeans) of the population speaking it.
One of the student care services is language learning, and some parents consider it important, especially for students with parents or grandparents who don’t speak English. Mother tongue languages are also part of the school curriculum.
STEM and Coding
Singapore is one of the countries with a high student enrolment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It all starts with a good foundation in STEM, and student care centres are critical in helping them excel in their primary and secondary school exams.
Parents with kids interested in coding can find a dedicated student care centre offering age and skill-appropriate coding lessons. Parents can also introduce coding to young children, and they can build up on it as they get older.
Sports and Games
Some student care centres offer opportunities for physical development. This feature is common in student care centres with students of all ages. Popular sports include swimming, football, and martial arts. Parents with children who need physical activity or those interested in sports thrive in student care centres offering physical activities.
These are some of the popular afterschool programs. Singapore has hundreds of student care centres, and parents should consider their children’s interests and needs. It is important to find a balance to ensure their children get the most from the afterschool programs.