Nurturing minds, fostering resilience

Nurturing minds, fostering resilience

While no one denies the importance of academic excellence, the best schools know the significance of student well-being in all its dimensions — emotional, social, and academic. This is where the International French School Singapore (IFS) shines, with its dedicated Counselling Centre serving as a key resource for students.

IFS has a rich history spanning over 50 years. Throughout this time, the school has cultivated a long tradition of success and a culture open to the world. Their French-based fully certified curriculum blends preparation for the best universities in the world with a dash of creativity and flair. All of this takes place on a campus with 80 nationalities represented. Diversity is celebrated, with students encouraged to learn and grow from their differences, creating a vibrant and inclusive school community.

The IFS sanctuary:
The Counselling Centre

Secondary school presents a unique set of challenges for young people. Exam pressures, university preparation, social anxieties, and identity exploration are happening all at once. The IFS Secondary School Counselling Centre addresses these specific needs and nurtures their social, emotional, and mental well-being.

Earning trust with students, especially those hesitant to seek help, is paramount. The centre prioritises honesty and uses factual information while remaining empathetic to the many situations students face. Before each session, confidentiality is always stressed so social awkwardness or trust issues are minimised. Counsellors then strive to answer questions to the best of their ability, and when they don't have all the answers, they openly acknowledge it. It normalises the idea that it's okay not to be perfect.

These are evidence-based strategies. The school believes in exploring positive psychology concepts like strengths, values, and self-compassion. Each student has a bespoke multi-step process that begins with a comprehensive assessment. This initial step allows the counsellor to build rapport specific to each student's needs and preferences.

What follows are various counselling methods that are just as flexible. They range from cognitive-behavioural therapy to play therapy, whatever ensures each student receives the most effective support. Progress is then continuously monitored through regular check-ins, allowing for strategy adjustments. Teachers, parents and other professionals play a role alongside counsellors too.

The Counselling Centre empowers students to manage challenges with empathetic listening and evidence-based strategies. Source: International French School (Singapore)

"Our Counselling Centre and the new counselling team aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where students can explore their emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and cultivate self-awareness," says David Binan, Principal at the International French School (Singapore). “Through compassionate guidance, positive regard, and personalised care, we strive to empower students to overcome challenges, build resilience, and foster personal growth, ultimately helping them succeed."

The personalised guidance at the Counselling Centre has empowered students to overcome specific challenges effectively. Source: International French School (Singapore)

Proactive support and collaboration

The centre takes a proactive stance by identifying common student issues in collaboration with the school's Wellbeing Committee. This allows for targeted workshops and events centred around topical issues such as excessive screen time. Throughout the year, initiatives like "Kindness Week", "Are You Okay Day" and "World Mental Health Day" promote mental health awareness, student resilience, and the importance of kindness within the school community.

Alongside these events, the Counselling Centre understands that student well-being flourishes when there's open communication between all parties involved. Hence, they foster collaboration with parents and educators through various initiatives. Information sessions and workshops equip parents with tools to navigate the teenage years and implement positive parenting strategies.

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.

In future, the centre plans to expand their workshops, offering programmes for parents, students, and staff alike. For parents, workshops will delve into demystifying teenagers and implementing positive parenting strategies. Student workshops will focus on managing stress, time, and life transitions. Staff development programmes will equip educators with skills to manage students with mental health concerns and integrate mindfulness practices into their teaching.

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.