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A holistic, supportive environment where pupils can develop desirable skills and achieve their full potential is paramount for many schools today. One such institute is the International French School in Singapore (IFS), which offers a unique multilingual education for students aged two to 18. Its French-based, fully-certified curriculum prepares students for the best universities in the world.
The graduating class of 2024 showcases this excellence.
“I have gained all the tools and support needed to excel in my Baccalaureate exams,” says Côme, who has been with IFS for 10 years and achieved a “Très Bien” distinction. This achievement has paved the way for him to realise his dream of becoming an aerospace engineer, a journey he plans to continue at ESTACA, a prestigious engineering school in France. He has high praise for the teachers at IFS, citing their abilities to bring out the best in each student.
The same goes for Hortense, another standout graduate. Her six years at IFS prepared her to take on a dual degree program at Sciences Po Paris and the University of British Columbia.
“I am delighted with my results, which reflect my diligent work and the incredible support and guidance from my teachers,” she says. “These experiences have profoundly shaped me, and I am extremely proud of all we have achieved together.”
From International
French School (Singapore) to global success
pass rate for the French Baccalaureate
100%
earned the elite distinction of “Très Bien with Honours”
10.2%
achieved a “Très Bien” distinction
37%
Global destinations and interests
Côme and Hortense are part of a cohort heading to renowned universities across the globe, a common outcome for IFS graduates. You’ll see them entering institutions the likes of the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London in the UK, Concordia University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the US, the University of Hong Kong in Asia, the University of Melbourne in Australia, and more.
Just as diverse are their fields of interest. Nearly 40% of the cohort will pursue engineering and sciences, 32.1% are focused on business disciplines, 20.4% are delving into humanities and social sciences, and 5.1% are venturing into arts and architecture.
How IFS drives this success
What is the secret to IFS’s success? It’s all about tailored support that starts early, according to Kathryn Snider, one of the school’s university counsellors.
University support begins as early as middle school. IFS implements the "Parcours Avenir" pathway, a programme fostering progressive career exploration through structured activities that guide students in identifying their interests, strengths, and future aspirations.
As students enter high school, they receive targeted support designed to prepare them for the rigours of higher education. Think real-world exposure through internships in Grade 10, taking part in professional development workshops, and joining industry conferences that connect students with global opportunities and insights.
By prioritising prevention, encouraging open communication, and offering targeted support, the IFS Counselling Centre plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of all students - ultimately empowering them to reach their full potential.
Career events, such as the International University Fair, bring over 80 university representatives to the school, giving students direct access to institutions worldwide and their programme offerings. Digital tools and platforms, such as Parcoureo, Onisep, and Parcoursup, provide more critical information about research, application processes, and informed decision-making.
In Grade 12, students receive even more opportunities to build confidence and develop the skills needed for university. IFS runs workshops on public speaking and mock interviews, where students can receive detailed feedback. The personalised career guidance interviews are a key highlight for students.
“These one-on-one sessions, conducted by Guidance Information and Orientation Teachers (PRIOs) after an initial discussion with the primary teachers (PP), are a cornerstone of our individualised support,” says Snider. “During these interviews, we work closely with each student to understand their aspirations, strengths, and specific challenges, ensuring we consider their unique academic journey and future goals.”
“IFS takes immense pride in its holistic and student-centred approach to university and career guidance, ensuring every learner receives the personalised support they need to navigate their future confidently and clearly.” – Kathryn Snider
IFS knows the ins and outs of crafting personal statements
IFS understands that the university application process can be daunting. Creating a personal statement, for example, is one of the most crucial aspects of university applications, especially considering the differing expectations of universities across various countries. Without the right guidance, students often find it challenging.
“At IFS, we understand that the personal statement for UK universities, for example, requires a delicate balance of passion, intellectual curiosity, and critical thinking, all within a 4,000-character limit,” says Snider. She describes the process as similar to writing a love letter to the programme, focusing on students' genuine passion and intellectual engagement with their subject of choice.
“In contrast, the US personal statement has a broader scope, allowing students to highlight their individuality, hobbies, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. It's a space to show who they are – how they've grown, what drives them, and the diverse experiences that have shaped their aspirations,” she adds.
IFS’s workshops are another way students can make their personal statements compelling. Through these tailored sessions, students will explore their universities of choice, examining their values and learning to align their personal stories with programme expectations. The result? A personal statement that articulates individual, unique qualities, allowing students to differentiate themselves successfully.
“Throughout the process, our team of PRIOs continuously reviews and revises personal statements to ensure that students are creating strong, reflective, and impactful applications. By focusing on these aspects, we help students develop personal statements that reflect their passion, intellectual journey, and suitability for the programmes they are targeting, setting them up for success across various global application systems.” – Kathryn Snider
Hear from the students
“IFS's emphasis on academic support, excellence, and pastoral care has positively impacted my educational journey as it has motivated me to push my limits when it comes to academics, always reaching for better. Looking back, I feel adequately prepared to confront challenges in university and beyond. IFS has helped me build my work ethic through the various subjects and the relentless effort I've had to put in. It has also underlined the importance of rest whenever necessary through the supportive network of teachers and counsellors.”
Daria Gutlin, Grade 12
“IFS offered a plethora of extracurricular opportunities that shaped my personal growth. I represented the school in international and national sports competitions, including cross-country championships in Paris and Reims, as well as the Jeux Internationaux de la Jeunesse in Lebanon. I also contributed as a web reporter, covering events like SIMUN and the school's 50th anniversary, and actively participated in clubs like Maths en Jeans and student governance bodies such as CVL. These activities not only enriched my experience but also bolstered my university applications.”
Louis Domart, IFS alumni
