Reflections 2025

2025 Reflections

TANGLIN MISSION

Tanglin Trust School in Singapore has a long tradition of providing British-based learning with an international perspective.

At Tanglin we strive to make every individual feel valued, happy and successful. Responsibility, enthusiasm and participation are actively encouraged, and integrity is prized. Working together in a safe, caring yet stimulating environment, we set high expectations whilst offering strong support, resulting in a community of lifelong learners who can contribute with confidence to our world.

TANGLIN VISION STATEMENT

We aspire to be the best school in the world with a dynamic learning community which nurtures and inspires every individual to be the best they can be.

CEO’s Foreword

The Business Team Team Tanglin Digital First Future

Sustainability

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Tanglin Highlands Programme

The Institute@Tanglin 100 Years of Excellence

Foreword Craig Considine,

CEO

As Tanglin Trust School commemorates its Centenary, Reflections 2025 offers a compelling narrative of a community that continues to evolve with purpose, resilience, and vision. This year’s edition is more than a retrospective—it is a celebration of progress, a recognition of collective effort, and a reaffirmation of Tanglin’s enduring commitment to excellence in education.

The past twelve months have been marked by several exciting milestones. From the launch of the Gippsland campus and the Highlands Programme to the unveiling of the Junior Arts Centre and the Centenary Concert at the Esplanade, Tanglin has demonstrated its capacity to innovate while honouring its rich heritage. These initiatives reflect a school that is not only future-ready but deeply rooted in values of curiosity, confidence, and community.

Across every section of the school - from Infant to Senior - students have flourished in environments that nurture both academic rigour and personal growth. The integration of experiential learning, sustainability leadership, and digital innovation has empowered students to engage meaningfully with the world around them. The school’s strategic focus on metacognition, wellbeing, and character education ensures that Tanglin learners are equipped not just with knowledge, but with the mindset and skills to thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape.

This publication also highlights the extraordinary contributions of Tanglin’s staff, governors, alumni, and families. Their dedication and partnership have been instrumental in shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and forwardthinking community. Whether through the Centenary Speaker Series, service learning projects, or the expansion of co-curricular offerings, the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose shines through every page.

As we look ahead to the next chapter, Reflections 2025 stands as a testament to Tanglin’s unwavering pursuit of excellence. It captures the energy, passion, and stewardship that define our school and celebrates the people who make it exceptional. In doing so, it invites us all - students, educators, parents, and alumni - to continue building a legacy of learning, leadership, and impact.

Here’s to the next hundred years of Tanglin Trust School—where tradition meets innovation, and every learner is inspired to be the best they can be.

The Business Team

Ling Guan Heng, COO/CFO

The Business Team at Tanglin Trust School comprises Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Central Procurement, Corporate Legal, Technology, Transport, and Food Services. This provides an efficient and effective business infrastructure to support each section of the school (Infant, Junior, and Senior) in delivering a world-class education for our students.

The Business Team's key focus areas over FY2024/25 centred on three major initiatives:

• Cybersecurity Project: With the increasing complexity of digital threats, the team prioritised the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures. This included conducting risk assessments, enhancing system protections, and strengthening organisational awareness through policy updates and staff training. The project aimed to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

• Junior Arts Centre: The successful completion of the Junior Arts Centre was a significant milestone. The Operations team played a pivotal role in coordinating with contractors, managing budgets, and ensuring that operational readiness was achieved in line with programmatic goals. Their involvement ensured that the new facility was delivered on time and equipped to support the music, arts and drama, and physical education curriculum, as well as a modern library in the Junior School.

• ERP Consultancy: To support organisational growth and improve operational efficiency, the team engaged in an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) consultancy. This involved mapping existing workflows, identifying system gaps, and evaluating suitable ERP solutions. The consultancy laid the groundwork for a future system implementation that will streamline processes across departments, enhance data-driven decision-making, and support long-term strategic planning.

Our financial performance was buoyed by strong student enrolment nearing full capacity, higher interest income from fixed deposits, and rigorous budgetary discipline. We anticipate a year-end operating surplus approximately $3 million above budget, placing us in a strong position to sustain ongoing investment in the enhancement of our educational programmes. A summary of highlights from each department is provided below.

FINANCE

• KPMG issued an unmodified audit report for the FY2023/24 statutory audit for Tanglin Trust School limited and its subsidiary, Tanglin Australia, with no audit points in January 2025.

• Secured Finance and Risk Committee and Board of Governors’ approval for Budget FY2025/26, which included a detailed review of Operating and Capital expenditure requirements, benchmarking analysis of school fees as well as three-year financial analysis of cost structure and cash flow projection to Year 2038.

• Completed due diligence for Extended Residential Programme in Australia, covering operational tax, transfer pricing methodology among others.

• In 2024-25, we continued to streamline the back-end operational processes for Tanglin Australia comprising delegation of authority,

procurement & payment, book-keeping, accounting & tax reporting among others.

• During the year, the team successfully completed the consultancy review of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system requirements, providing a comprehensive understanding of organisational needs and system specifications. Preparations are underway for the implementation phase of the new ERP system, with the project officially commencing in July 2025.

HUMAN RESOURCES

• During the 2024–2025 academic year, faculty recruitment remained a key focus, with 30 new teachers joining Tanglin in August 2025. Among these are four teachers appointed to begin at Tanglin Australia, Gippsland, in August 2025.

• Key appointments this year included the Head of Senior School, Deputy Head Co-Curriculum (Senior School), Deputy Head Academic (Infant School), Assistant Head/Head of Sixth Form, Assistant Head/Head of Upper School, and Assistant Head Pastoral Care (Senior School).

• One point of note this year was the appointment of five of our staff members to headship positions at other leading schools - a strong testament to the calibre of leadership talent and development at Tanglin. This reflects the school's commitment to nurturing high-potential educators and preparing them for senior leadership. Concurrently, the HR team continued to support strategic workforce planning, ensuring smooth transitions and effective onboarding for new leadership appointment.

OPERATIONS

• The Campus Master Plan 2038 is in its final stages of refinement, and we look forward to it serving as a strategic guide for the future development of our campus.

• The completion of the $7 million Junior Arts Centre in mid-June, with full regulatory approvals, marked a significant milestone. The project transformed the old facilities into state-of-the-art spaces for our Junior students, featuring dedicated areas for the arts and drama, music, physical education, and a modern library.

• Our school continues to invest in new and upgrading of existing facilities to provide the best learning environment for our students. Notable projects (totalled $3M) completed during the year included:

• Upgrading of the air-conditioning system for Infant School, Levels 1 to 4

• Upgrading of toilets at Levels 2 to 4 in the Senior School building

• Repainting of campus to prepare for BSO Inspection in November 2025

• Replacement of synthetic turf for Playing Field and installation of big LED scoreboard

• Campus-wide BCA Periodic Structural Inspection (every five years) was completed successfully without further comments from BCA, and BCA’s Letter of Acceptance was issued on 21 May 2025.

TECHNOLOGY

• Significant strides were made in advancing Tanglin’s “Zero Trust” cybersecurity strategy, working in close collaboration with Ernst & Young Consulting. Alongside this, it continued to drive the school’s “Digital First” approach through the implementation and enhancement of various enterprise and educational applications.

• In response to increasing digital threats - including those posed by hackers, scammers, and emerging technologies such as Generative AI - Tanglin further prioritised online safety, cybersecurity, and data protection. Working alongside Ernst & Young, the school developed and began implementing new policies to address these risks. Key initiatives include:

• Security hardening of critical network systems and endpoint devices

• Strengthening third-party vendor risk management

• Deployment of iBoss content filtering

• Roll-out of Microsoft Defender, Intune, and Purview for improved security monitoring, device management, and data governance

• Several software development projects were successfully completed:

• Launching a new Senior School reporting format to provide parents with more timely and detailed student feedback.

• Enhancing Infant and Junior School dashboards to support Parent-Teacher consultations.

• Supporting the selection and implementation of multiple systems, including:

• Visitor Management System

• Online Shop

• Finance and Procurement Systems

• Staff Directory Module

• HR and Procurement Dashboards

• This year, the Technology Department and Theatre & Events Team played a vital role in supporting the school’s Centenary celebrations, key school events, theatrical productions, and the development of the Gippsland campus.

CORPORATE LEGAL

• In preparation for the Gippsland Programme’s inaugural student intake, significant work was undertaken to address the legal requirements of the operational phase. This included providing legal advisory and drafting contracts related to staff resourcing, licensing, infrastructure development, third-party services, and the parent contract framework.

• The legal team also provided guidance and solutions in response to the school’s personal data protection obligations. This included updating consent statements from families and staff, contracts with third parties, providing training, ongoing implementation of

government guidance on protecting children’s data, and looking into protecting privacy with respect to the use of AI.

• Further contributions included supporting agreements with authorities on both temporary and long-term land use, addressing matters that arose under new and current employment legislation, and reviewing and updating enrolment and admissions contract terms to reflect current legal and operational standards.

CORPORATE PROCUREMENT

• A total of 1,399 purchase orders and managed spend of $11.3 million were processed through competitive bidding to ensure compliance to Tanglin's Procurement policy. We achieved savings of $1.63 million. Major tenders supported include:

• Electricity supply for next three years

• Air con system replacement for Infant School

• Playing Field turf replacement

• Microsoft license renewal for next three years

• International Travel safety and risk management services of overseas school trips

• Appointment of Insurance broker for employee medical insurance

• Appointment of General insurance broker for Tanglin and Tanglin Australia

• Supported Gippsland’s construction project, working alongside consultants and main contractor to ensure all variations to the renovations and building works (65 order variations in total) were documented and approved by Gippsland Committee.

• Successfully streamlined the process of annual bulk order of educational materials and delivered the following results: (i) gained operational efficiency (online ordering); (ii) improved procurement compliance (requisitions approval on web purchasing system) and (iii) achieved more savings through negotiated discounts with vendors.

• Successfully evaluated various e-Procurement platforms and identified the most suitable solution provider that would help to drive more automation in the Procurement process and increase compliance to the Procurement policies. Preparations are underway for the implementation phase with the project officially commencing in July 2025.

TRANSPORT

We successfully launched the new bus application, which has been trialled and tested over the academic year to ensure it meets the school's operational requirements. Starting from the new academic year, families of bus users will gain access to the app. Parents will be able to view bus pick-up and drop-off times, details of the bus and crew, and receive realtime updates on when their child is in transit to and from school.

FOOD SERVICES

This year, we’ve been working closely with Compass to reimagine the Nixon Canteen – with the aim of creating a more vibrant, welcoming space for our students and staff. Exciting renovation works were scheduled over the summer, bringing a refreshed vibrant layout designed to enhance the overall dining experience.

Team Tanglin

Tom Evans, Director of Marcomms, Admissions & Community Relations

What a year to be part of the Tanglin community! We said that Tanglin’s Centenary would be a year of celebrations and there certainly were lots of opportunities to do that. The entire community - past, present and future - came together to commemorate the school’s history, and to lay the foundation for the next 100 years. All of Team Tanglin wanted to take part.

EVENTS/FRIENDS OF TANGLIN (FOT)

Our present community was hugely involved throughout the Centenary Year.

• Once again, almost every one of the 128 classes at Tanglin was supported by one or more volunteer class representatives.

• This year saw more volunteers than ever before support community events like International Day, the Christmas Fair, and the Festivals in the Bus Bay. One parent, on behalf of our Chinese community, even gave the school two paper cut outs representing Tanglin in the year of the wood snake. One now hangs in the CEO’s office and the other at Tanglin Gippsland, creating a connection between the two campuses.

• All our usual annual events took place, many enhanced for the Centenary. The Summer Fete was extended to a two-day “Summer Festival” consisting of a concert on Friday evening and a full day of activities on Saturday. Over 4000 members of the community took part in the two-day festival.

• Many additional events were added specifically to commemorate Tanglin’s 100 years. Ms Samuel shares the complete overview in her article about 100 Years of Excellence on page 16.

ALUMNI (FORMER STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND STAFF)

Past members of our community also wanted to reconnect with the school and each other during this momentous year.

• Alumni were invited to numerous events throughout the year, and they turned up in historic numbers. In London, more than 700 people celebrated at two reunions. In Singapore, more alumni joined the Centenary Gala at Clifford Pier, some from as far away as New Zealand.

• Even more Alumni visited the school throughout the Centenary Year, including David Griffith Jones (the grandnephew of Tanglin’s founder, Miss Griff), Christine Wiener (former teacher and 4th generation Tanglin family), and many others. All were astounded to see how much the school has grown and flourished.

• Many Alumni who couldn’t visit in person connected online with the school. Centenary updates were shared through social media, newsletters, the website and Alumni portal. In return, many alumni posted their birthday wishes and memories through various platforms.

• Others gave back to the school by donating items to archives and the historical exhibition - photos, school reports, old uniforms, house badges, a hymn book, letters written home, and more - all tangible reminders of past school days that enrich our collective history.

ADMISSIONS

With all the celebrations going on, it should come as no surprise that future generations want to be part of the Tanglin community. Our admissions metrics illustrate that the desire to be part of Team Tanglin was at an all-time high.

• For the third year running, we received a record high number of applications to the school.

• This coincided with the second straight year of record low withdrawals from Tanglin.

• Combined, these two factors led to unprecedented levels of enrolment.

• The school has been at capacity for so many years, and demand continues to grow. As we consider the school’s next 100 years, we ask ourselves how large our enrolment can and should become.

RETAIL TEAM

The school’s retail team also contributed to the festivities. They helped design and sell special edition Centenary items for the community consisting of apparel, tote bags, stationery, sports equipment, toys, and books. Some popular items are still available at the School Shop; get yours before they are sold out:

• The coffee table book 100 Tanglin Tales, which not only recounts the history of the school, but also features 100 people, places, moments and things that make Tanglin special.

• Tanglin Ted’s Centenary Adventure - a children’s picture book written and illustrated by former deputy head of the Infant School, Jo Osman, about the school’s history.

• And of course, for those who just want to have fun, there is the Centennial edition of Tanglin Monopoly.

MARCOMMS

All these efforts continued to be underpinned by Tanglin’s marketing and communications efforts. In our 100th year, followers and engagement across all the communications channels reached new heights.

• The open rate for the weekly In Touch newsletter remained at a remarkably high 75%. But this open rate was surpassed by the 80% open rate of the new Highlands Highlights newsletter sent to parents of students attending the Highlands Programme in Australia.

• Tanglin has outstanding social media metrics, but this year we broke a new record! The school’s 100th birthday post, in which we shared our Centenary video, generated the highest level of engagement ever on Instagram, and was one of the top posts of all time on Facebook and Instagram.

• Traffic to the school’s website was also considerable246,000 unique visitors this past year.

• Much of this was due to the publicity generated through our advertising and public relations. There was an enormous amount of publicity for our Centenary, and for the launch of the Highlands Programme and opening of the Gippsland campus.

• Other institutions bestowed accolades on Tanglin; the school received seven different awards over the course of the year: three from HoneyKids (Best British Curriculum, Most FutureReady Students, and International School of the Year), three from Which School Advisor (Best Early Years Programme, Best Post-16 Education, and Best UK Pathway), and one from Talk Education (Thinking Beyond the Curriculum).

Tanglin’s Centenary Year was truly a special year that all of Team Tanglin will remember fondly. And in proper Tanglin fashion – here’s to the next 100 years!

Digital First

Chin Peng Lee, Director of Technology

As we celebrate our Centenary year, Tanglin is laying the foundation for its next digital chapter. In collaboration with Ernst & Young, we have strengthened our cybersecurity framework to prepare for the growing influence of Generative AI in education. While AI presents exciting opportunities, it also introduces new challenges in data privacy and online safety. To proactively address these, we have begun implementing Microsoft Purview - a unified data governance and compliance solution - to better protect our digital environment from emerging and escalating cybersecurity and AI-related risks.

GENERATIVE AI

Cyberattacks on educational institutions have increased significantly, making cybersecurity a top strategic priority. In 2024, education was the most targeted sector. By early 2025, attacks had risen another 69%1, with ransom demands averaging USD$608,0001 and some exceeding USD$1.5 million.

In response, Tanglin has collaborated with Ernst & Young to benchmark its cybersecurity maturity and implement a comprehensive framework. This includes deploying Microsoft Purview for data governance and Microsoft Defender for endpoint protection. By embedding cybersecurity into our digital roadmap, we are proactively safeguarding our community against evolving threats.

DATA ANALYTICS

This academic year, Tanglin successfully rolled out data dashboards across all three Schools - Infant, Junior, and Senior - marking a key milestone in our journey toward data-driven decision-making. Developed using Microsoft Power BI, these dashboards integrate data from iSAMS, internal assessments, and co-curricular systems to provide both cohort-level and individual student insights.

They now actively support report writing, parent-teacher conferences, and learning support planning. In the Infant and Junior Schools, teachers have praised the dashboards for enabling more tailored interventions and more effective progress monitoring. In the Senior School, a more sophisticated dashboard system was developed to reflect the diverse structures of the Middle, Upper, and Sixth Form programmes.

In response to parent feedback, we also enhanced the Senior School report format, making it more visually intuitive and easier to interpret. This change was guided by insights from the SchoolPulse Parent Survey, which highlighted the need for clearer communication of student progress.

SCHOOL SYSTEMS

In line with our commitment to operational excellence, Tanglin has evaluated and selected new Financial and Procurement systems to replace our legacy platforms. Implementation is scheduled for the next academic year, with preparatory work

already underway. These upgrades reflect our strategic focus on improving efficiency, governance, and user experience across school operations.

COMMUNITY

As part of our commitment to enhancing engagement and accessibility, Tanglin has introduced a new Staff Directory module on our website, enabling easier searching of our teaching and leadership teams.

To strengthen campus safety, we have deployed a Visitor Management System that allows for more effective monitoring of guests and contractors. This complements our broader safeguarding efforts. In support of community convenience, we are preparing to launch an online shopping platform for The Shop, streamlining purchases and enhancing the user experience for parents.

SOCIAL MEDIA

We monitor digital engagement across social media platforms. This helps us communicate elements of school life and measure how well they are amplified on various platforms:

12,100 followers

Future Ready

Craig Considine, CEO

Tanglin Trust School has developed a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to ensuring our students are prepared for an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving future. Our "Future Ready" strategic pillar demonstrates a commitment to creating learning experiences that extend far beyond traditional academic boundaries, emphasising adaptability, sustainability, and global citizenship.

REIMAGINING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

At the heart of our future-ready approach is the belief that learning spaces must evolve to support modern educational needs. Significant progress has been made on our ambitious 2038 Campus Masterplan in collaboration with architects Perkins Eastman. Concurrently, we have engaged in discussions with JTC, EDB, and various authorities regarding possible lease extension, demonstrating our long-term commitment to Singapore. A major milestone in this plan is the Junior Arts Centre, which opened on schedule in June 2025 and is set to welcome students from August. This facility stands as a clear demonstration of our commitment to the arts as an essential component of holistic education, providing our students with stateof-the-art spaces that will host a series of guests and visitors to highlight the importance of arts education.

TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING BEYOND BORDERS

One of the most innovative and measurable achievements is the establishment of Tanglin Gippsland in Australia. Through the implementation of the Highlands Programme, Year 9 students are engaging in powerful, place-based experiential learning. To measure its impact, we have commissioned MMG Education to conduct a longitudinal research study, reinforcing our commitment to evidence-based innovation and continuous improvement.efficiently. We have rolled out the data dashboard for the Infant School and will be extending it to the Junior School and Senior School in the next academic year.

EMBEDDING SUSTAINABILITY IN EDUCATION

Sustainability at Tanglin is embedded across our educational approach. The successful completion of the Metanoia Project, a full audit of the school's carbon footprint, has provided valuable data and learning opportunities. Internal sustainability committees and dynamic student leadership initiatives are now a cornerstone of school life. The seamless handover between Sixth Form sustainability leaders ensures continuity and sustained momentum across academic years.

EMBRACING AI AND DIGITAL INNOVATION

Tanglin has proactively addressed the digital revolution by developing a robust framework for the ethical and effective integration of AI in education. Clear guidelines for staff and students have been implemented, and pilot projects are underway using tools such as Century Tech, Lesson Lab AI, Fobizz, and Microsoft Copilot. These trials are building confidence among teachers and embedding digital citizenship across the curriculum. As subscription costs rise, we are also undertaking a critical review of our curriculum budgets to ensure long-term sustainability of these innovations.

OUTSTANDING UNIVERSITY AND CAREER PREPARATION

Our University Guidance Programme continues to go from strength to strength. The team has deepened its global expertise and will grow further with additional staffing in 2025–26. Initiatives, including the Year 10 Work Experience (WEX) and a US Admissions Panel, have enhanced opportunities for students. This year’s results speak for themselves:

• 9 Oxbridge offers

• 7 Ivy League offers

• 29 scholarships awarded

• Offers from 146 universities in 12 countries

Looking ahead, we are expanding our expertise in Australian and Japanese universities, recognising that our students are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional pathways.

RESEARCH, PARTNERSHIP, AND ENRICHMENT

The Tanglin Institute continues to demonstrate its value as a hub for research and professional learning. The Centenary Speaker Series drew strong community engagement, while faculty and student research forums have flourished. The appointment of Dr Sophie Hidden as the Institute’s Research Fellow for 2025–26 signals a deepening commitment to research capacity. Exciting developments for the year ahead include a new Speaker Series aligned to academic enrichment and a Junior School Entrepreneurship Programme.

EQUIPPING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE

Under the leadership of Ms Williams, our expanded work experience offerings and diverse university preparation events are thriving. We continue to pursue academic excellence through multiple avenues - integrating AI, exploring alternative assessment models, and tailoring pedagogy - to ensure our students develop both deep content knowledge and the ability to apply it in realworld contexts.

Tanglin Trust School's Future Ready approach reflects a holistic understanding of 21st-century education, backed by meaningful achievements and measurable outcomes. From innovative facilities and experiential learning programmes to sustainability leadership, technological readiness, and world-class university outcomes, we are actively preparing our students to lead with purpose and confidence in an ever-changing world. Our students are not just prepared for future challenges but are actively engaging with them today, developing the adaptability, critical thinking, and global perspective necessary for leadership in an uncertain but exciting future.

Sustainability

Carla Randall, Assistant Head of Year 13

Tanglin has made significant progress this year in demonstrating its deepening commitment to sustainability, embracing its role in environmental stewardship with greater determination than ever. Through a series of impactful, wide-ranging initiatives and events, students and staff have worked collaboratively to advance sustainability within our school community, aligning their efforts with the targets outlined in last year’s carbon audit report by consultants, Metanoia.

We held our second successful Sustainability Conference in March, welcoming eight local and international schools in an effort to emphasise the importance of collective action. The event was a platform for sharing ideas, strategies and best practices, and our Keynote Speaker, Sarah Cragg, Head of Asia Pacific at The Earthshot Prize, gave us her insights into building transformative environmental solutions across the region.

We also hosted urban farming company, Grobrix, and their CEO and Founder, Matthew Howe, spoke to us about how their indoor vertical farming walls enable individuals, schools and businesses to grow fresh produce on-site, enhancing community engagement and bringing students ever closer to the food they eat. The smoothie making workshop went down well too!

One area students wanted to target as a result of the Metanoia report was school trips, which accounted for more than 17% of our total annual carbon emissions. The school travelled a total of 8.3 million kilometres on trips in 2023 with just eight out of the 120 trips in total accounting for 53% of emissions.

One way we have chosen to tackle this is by partnering with carbon solutions company, Climate Impact X, to offset our emissions. Students have chosen two projects to focus on:

• the Katingan Mentaya project in Indonesia which restores peatland areas

• the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia, which protects over 292,000 hectares of forest from deforestation.

Parents are offered the opportunity to donate $5 when paying for their child’s school trip, which go towards supporting these projects and reducing our carbon footprint.

Students have been actively engaged in a wide range of impactful initiatives throughout the year. Efforts include:

• Community outreach programme with our energy-tracking partner, En Trak, where a Year 12 group has been designing engaging, display-ready resources for campus

• Cross-school collaborations with the Junior School’s EcoClub on food waste reduction, which included assemblies and workshops

• Efforts to reduce textile waste were also highly successful, culminating in the Tanglin Thrift event, which raised over $800 for sustainability causes.

• Year 12 students, working closely with the Tanglin Trust School Foundation, have replaced disposable cups at all school events with reusable mugs, removing over 250,000 non-recyclable cups a year from circulation.

We are also proud to be partnering with The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS), which is a network of schools working together to help accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. Our TASS ambassadors, Year 12 students Libby and Nandini, have been working closely with students from schools across Asia and the Middle East on addressing systems-level sustainability challenges such as transport, food and uniforms.

Students are fired up to enact meaningful and positive change, and with more projects from exploring our solar energy capacity on campus, to reducing waste at our community events underway, we are excited to make even more progress and continue to benefit from our students’ dedication to addressing the environmental challenges we face.

Year 12 Metanoia and Junior School EcoClub Food Waste Project

Keynote Speaker, Sarah Cragg, Head of Asia Pacific at The Earthshot Prize

Tanglin Thrift event – Metanoia Year 12 group

Grobrix CEO and Founder, Matthew Howe

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Josephine Allen, Head of English Faculty

This year, Tanglin’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across the school has continued through impactful guest speakers, student-led events, and opportunities for leadership and advocacy.

RED CARD AGAINST RACISM DAY

On 16 October, the school marked 'Show Racism the Red Card Day' with a non-uniform day and pastoral sessions for all year groups.

'Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC)' is an anti-racism education charity, established in England in 1996 to harness the high-profile nature of footballers as anti-racist role models to educate against racism. Every year, they have a Wear Red Day, where students around the world wear red to show their solidarity.

On 6 November, Tanglin had the privilege of welcoming Dr Stuart Lawrence, the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence, whose murder in 1993 became a defining moment in the UK’s fight for racial justice. Dr Lawrence is now a globally recognised advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. During his visit, he delivered two powerful keynote talks—one for our Upper School and Sixth Form students (Years 10–13) and another for Middle School students. In both, he shared his deeply personal story and spoke about resilience, compassion, and the belief that every individual can make a positive difference in their community. In a smaller workshop with the Head Team and student leaders, Dr Lawrence explored leadership development and how students can be agents of meaningful change in their own spheres. His message of hope, strength, and proactive leadership left a lasting impression on our school community.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

On 5 March, Tanglin marked International Women’s Day with a programme designed to inspire and empower. Students in Years 7-9 took part in an assembly on the day’s themes, while Years 10-13 attended the inaugural student-led Voices of the Future leadership conference. We were honoured to welcome H.E. Kateryna Zelenko, Ukrainian Ambassador to Singapore, as keynote speaker. A passionate advocate for gender equity, Ambassador Zelenko spoke about her career journey and the policy changes needed to close leadership gaps. She also reflected on Ukraine’s extraordinary resilience in recent years, with Ukrainian women stepping into leadership roles across the military, business, and entrepreneurship. Her message to students was clear: embrace challenges, act with humanity, and seize opportunities. The day continued with workshops on advocacy, ethical leadership, research on girls and perfectionism, and breaking barriers—equipping both young women and men with tools to lead with purpose.

INTERNATIONAL DAY

Tanglin’s International Day brought our community together to celebrate the incredible diversity of cultures represented in the school. Led by students and supported by the Languages department and parents, the day featured performances, displays, and activities that showcased our global heritage. It was a vibrant reminder of the strength that comes from embracing different perspectives, traditions, and languages.

ODD SOCKS DAY

This is actioned across the school as we celebrate every individual's uniqueness. While it coincides with Anti-Bullying Week, with its own strong message about friendships and kindness, the focus is very much on people having their own identity and being proud to be different while within a close community and belonging together.

INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

It is important that all children receive opportunities to flourish and feel empowered to make their own choices. We are strongly focusing on this through our curriculum, co-curriculum programme and strategies used within the classroom and around school. Our DEI committee continues to develop its agenda, putting plans into practice so staff can ensure experiences are positive and equitable.

TEAM TANGLIN

Our Business teams also came together to celebrate the rich diversity of our Tanglin community. More than 250 colleagues joined in staff-led events, with highlights including Deepavali and Hari Raya celebrations. From colourful decorations to delicious food and warm conversations, these gatherings were a wonderful way to share traditions, learn from one another, and enjoy being together.

Tanglin Highlands Programme

Mark Cutchie, Head of Campus

As I reflect on the year that has passed, I cannot help but feel a great sense of

gratitude and satisfaction.

At a personal level, it has been deeply rewarding for me to be part of this incredibly exciting new venture that Tanglin has embarked on.

While I have always believed strongly in the vision that our CEO, Craig Considine, and the Governors had for the campus, it was such a privilege to work with a capable team of dedicated staff in both Gippsland and Singapore. Undertaking such a significant project in a relatively short period was only possible due the hard work and dedication of so many capable people to whom I am very grateful.

The physical changes to the Gippsland campus have been nothing short of impressive. When Tanglin purchased the Rawson property, it came with good ‘bones’ but was quite dated, overgrown and not fit for purpose for the delivery of the Highlands Programme. With the help of a myriad of architects, designers, builders and tradespeople, the site was quickly transformed from a school camp into a school campus. Extensive work was done to modernise the areas students would live and learn in, making them both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. Considerable time and effort was also put into making the site safe and ensure that it met all of the regulatory requirements expected by the relevant authorities.

While the building and renovation programme kept the Gippsland

team busy, the Singapore-based staff were just as busy planning and preparing the academic, pastoral care and residential programmes. The Gippsland campus was never meant to operate in isolation from Singapore at any level. Units of work being studied and skills being developed were intentionally moved from Singapore to Gippsland in recognition that these could be delivered in a more meaningful and engaging way. Being away from home and normal support networks would undoubtedly be an exciting opportunity for students but also had the potential to be quite challenging. As such, special attention was given to ensuring that our students would be well supported pastorally during their time away from home.

On 25 April 2025, the first cohort of Highlanders rolled through the front gate of Tanglin Gippsland. The following four weeks proved to be one of the most memorable experiences in the lives of the students and staff who were involved. The site quickly became a home away from home for all; but more importantly, students were very quickly drawn to the experiential nature of the academic programme and the opportunity to spend a lot of time learning in and about the natural world around them.

Group 1

Group 2

The Institute@Tanglin

Sohini Brandon-King, Director of Scholarship, Inquiry and Partnerships

This has been a significant year for the Institute—one that marked the launch of our first full speaker series, expanding our engagement and partnerships with leading professionals across sectors, and a deepening of student voice and intellectual engagement across all events and programmes.

As part of Tanglin’s Future Ready Strategy, the Institute bridges education with the world beyond school—offering students meaningful access to real-world expertise, and opportunities to develop design thinking skills, broaden interdisciplinary thinking, encourage creativity, innovation and challenge students to develop capabilities which will help them flourish within and beyond school.

Our work is guided by three pillars:

• Scholarship: bringing thought leaders and academics to explore issues that will shape the future of education, work, and society

• Inquiry: creating real-world learning through structured innovation programmes and research-led experiences

• Partnerships: working with external experts in government, academia, and industry to connect our community with ideas and excellence beyond the curriculum

This year’s Future Of... Centenary Speaker Series was a successful initiative - every event was oversubscribed, with consistently strong attendance and overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, staff, parents, and guests. Most importantly, students were at the centre—introducing speakers, asking challenging questions, and engaging them in thoughtful, forward-looking dialogue that was frequently singled out for praise. These conversations exemplify a critical part of the Institute’s mission: to be a forum that promotes excellence, provides thought leadership, and encourages discourse to inspire, challenge and prepare the next generation of leaders in our community.

THE CENTENARY SPEAKER SERIES:

This year’s series brought some of the most eminent thinkers and practitioners in their fields into conversation with our community. Each talk offered students the opportunity to think beyond subject boundaries and consider what it means to live, lead, and adapt in a world of accelerating change.

• The Future of Health Industries: Dr Gavin O’Neill, Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Dr Zubin Daruwalla, Asia Pacific Health Industries Leader at PwC (at the time of the talk) and surgeon, explored how AI, MedTech, and digital ecosystems are reshaping patient care. The talk emphasised the interdisciplinary nature of modern healthcare, integrating technology, business, and ethics, and encouraged students to explore diverse and dynamic pathways into medicine. Dr Daruwalla is currently NUHS Clinical Innovation and Advisory Lead.

• Winning with AI: Dr Ayesha Khanna, Co-Founder and CEO of ADDO AI and one of Southeast Asia’s leading voices on artificial

intelligence, delivered a keynote talk on how AI is reshaping industries, from healthcare to education to law. She highlighted innovations such as Amazon Q, Harvey AI, and Claude Sonnet, while also addressing ethical governance and environmental concerns. Before her public talk, Dr Khanna met with a small group of students with a strong interest in AI for a private Q&A, where she praised Tanglin’s students as changemakers who are ready for the “AI revolution.”

• The Future of Asia: Professor Pushan Dutt, Professor of Economics and Political Science at INSEAD, offered a compelling geopolitical and economic outlook on the region. Drawing on macroeconomic theory, he illustrated Asia’s growing influence, the rise of China, and the complexities of a multipolar world increasingly shaped by protectionism.

• The Future of Work in the Age of GenAI: Professor Sameer Hasija, Dean of Executive Education and Dean of Asia Campus at INSEAD, presented a research-based framework to assess how GenAI can best be deployed in business and operations. He explained the trade-offs between AI-generated and human ideas, and introduced students to emerging models such as generative agents and autonomous firms — opening up new ways of thinking about future jobs and strategic decision-making.

• The Future of Robotics and Innovation: Charlie Park, Vice President of New Product Development (Home) at Dyson, gave students a rare insight into the company’s innovation process. He shared stories of James Dyson’s early setbacks, the importance of failure in engineering, and how AI and simulation are reshaping product design. His message to aspiring engineers: persistence, collaboration, and purpose-driven innovation will shape the future.

Our speakers and the audience were impressed by the depth of student engagement. These events reflect one of the key goals of the Institute to provide students the opportunity to engage and learn from external experts across different disciplines.

REAL-WORLD INSIGHTS: DIPLOMACY & AVIATION:

Beyond the Centenary Series, the Institute also hosted leaders and experts for a student audience in diplomacy and STEM.

• In Diplomacy in Action, His Excellency Nikesh Mehta, British High Commissioner to Singapore, and Charlotte Fenton, Head of Communications at the British High Commission, shared personal reflections on diplomacy, negotiation, and global public service. Students explored how traditional diplomatic tools are evolving in a world shaped by AI, soft power, and international collaboration.

• Aviation workshop: we continued to provide students with an opportunity to engage experts in the aviation industry. In a STEM-focused workshop, students from Physics, Design & Technology, and Computer Science met Mr Kenneth Yeo, President of the Singapore Institute of Aerospace Engineers (SIAE), and Mr Geoffrey Grier, Vice President, Technical Powerplant at BOC Aviation. Through hands-on case studies, including a response to the recent SQ321 turbulence incident, students applied engineering principles to real-world challenges in design, safety, and airline operations. The event was initiated and organised by Year 12 student Aarushi S., who interned at SIAE, underscoring the kind of student-led partnership and initiative the Institute aims to cultivate.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME:

Now in its third year, the Institute’s competitive 16-week Entrepreneurship Programme continues to grow in scope and impact. Delivered in partnership with Reactor School, the programme challenges selected students to ideate, test, and pitch business solutions with real-world application. This year’s final event was held at WeWork in the CBD and supported by a panel of industry experts from Microsoft, Nomura, SC Ventures, and Novo Tellus Capital Partners. The winning team, Edu Bot, stood out for their scalable edtech model.

Over the course of the programme, students applied design thinking skills, and engaged with leaders from BHP, farmers in Cambodia, venture capital firms, and education NGOs—receiving direct feedback and sharpening their ideas under expert guidance. Participants also earned formal certification for completing the programme.

Students participating in this programme have consistently shared that this is a transformative experience that delivers long-term value—for university, for career preparation, and for personal growth.

NXPLORERS:

As the only international school participating in Shell and the Science Centre’s national sustainability challenge, Tanglin’s NXplorers students continue to lead the way. This year, TechnoWizards won the Excellence in Persuading Others for Change award for Stormy™, a turbine designed to harness rainwater to generate electricity.

Their project evolved through internal pitches, stakeholder feedback, and mentoring from experts from companies such as Accenture, Rolls-Royce, and PowerSeraya. Building on the NXThinking tools taught through Shell and the Singapore Science Centre, students developed a compelling prototype, integrating innovation, environmental awareness, and public engagement.

STUDENT AND FACULTY RESEARCH FORUMS

We continued to celebrate outstanding student-led projects and research through our annual Student Research Forum, which highlights the creativity, intellectual curiosity, and commitment of our Senior School students. This year’s projects ranged from a student’s hands-on rehabilitation of a parrot as part of her journey toward veterinary science, to an investigation of fairness in electoral systems, to Finance Conference 2.0, a successful student-organised event exploring sustainable finance and investment.

These projects represent a selection of some of the outstanding academic essays, service initiatives, and independent research that students undertake each year.

We had the privilege of hosting Dr Diana Ibarra from the ISF Shuyuan Academy in Hong Kong as our keynote speaker for our Faculty Research Forum. Dr Ibarra shared the ISF Academy’s outstanding faculty and student research programmes and collaborations, and Tanglin Faculty presented their research findings on topics ranging from "The Supergirl Narrative" to "Nurturing School Belonging". We will continue to engage with ISF Shuyuan on opportunities for faculty and students.

CREATIVE CONNECTIONS

This year’s parent workshop with artist Ian Murphy gave participants an opportunity to explore creative expression through guided drawing techniques. The group also contributed to Tanglin’s Centenary 100 Candles community art piece.

LOOKING AHEAD

This year, we appointed our Institute Fellow, Dr Sophie Hidden, Head of Science and Design and Technology at the Senior School. Dr Hidden’s role will shape the next phase of our Scholarship pillar and lay the foundation for expanded research-based learning in the coming years.

From diplomacy to design, AI to aviation, the Institute continues to create exceptional opportunities for students who seek challenge and inspiration.

100 Years Of Excellence

Shakila Samuel, Head of Community Relations

The past school year has been marked by wonderful milestones and celebrations as we commemorated 100 years of education at Tanglin. From families whose parents attended school at the Tanglin Club in 1925 to Alumni who went to Cameron Highlands Boarding School during World War II, the memories shared through artefacts and articles have certainly given all of us today a true appreciation of our early years and the progress Tanglin has made over the last century.

CONNECTING ONLINE

Through our specially commissioned Centenary video, a dedicated webpage featuring a diary of events and history, as well as various social media posts and publications, we kept our wider Tanglin community updated with news and photos of our activities. This ongoing communication was very much appreciated, especially by alumni and families no longer based in Singapore.

PLANNING THE EVENTS

With many aspects of the school to be commemorated, planning started almost six months before the start of the milestone year, with the appointment of a dedicated Centenary Manager, to curate and manage a host of programmes throughout the year. Anna Buset, a parent at school with over a decade of event management experience, was hired as a dedicated resource to engage various teams across the school and plan a Centenary calendar of events for the new academic year. Here are some of the highlights that took place:

LAUNCH OF THE CENTENARY EXHIBITION, 5 SEPTEMBER 2024

Just weeks into the new school year, we kicked off our celebrations with the launch of the specially curated Centenary Exhibition. Held in the Atrium of the Centenary Building, the Exhibition showcased five key elements of our school's rich history: a detailed historical timeline, school uniforms through the decades, early class photos, the story of Miss Griff, and a collection of artefacts dating back to the days of the Cameron Highlands Boarding School! Among our guests that evening were alumni, former parents and teachers, and long-standing partners such as the British Association - who were instrumental in managing our amalgamated schools including Raeburn Park - as well as business partners like the Children’s Party Dress Shop, which has been making our uniforms for over 50 years. Many of our guests recognised items on display or felt a nostalgic connection to a wonderful time in their childhood. We are very grateful to our alumni, former teachers and parents for generously contributing their knowledge and sharing their precious artefacts, which made this exhibition truly special.

FUTURE OF ... CENTENARY SPEAKER SERIES, SEPTEMBER 2024 TO FEBRUARY 2025

The Institute hosted a series of talks by top industry leaders and practitioners. These sessions were open not only to students, but also to alumni, teachers and parents, offering insights on some of the most pressing issues impacting the world. The topics included artificial intelligence (AI), the future of Asia, economics, and geopolitics. Our keynote speech on AI was presented by Dr Ayesha

Khanna, a global AI leader, Forbes-recognised entrepreneur and prominent advocate for women in tech. We were also delighted to welcome Alumnus, Dr Zubin Daruwalla, who shared his expertise on the future of healthcare.

LONDON ALUMNI REUNION & CENTENARY EVENT, NOVEMBER 2024

Our annual London event was made extra special this year with not one, but two events held over a memorable weekend in November. The first evening brought together nearly 300 young alumni from the past four graduating cohorts at the Fable Bar & Restaurant. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet up with former classmates, many of whom had spent their entire schooling years at Tanglin. Many siblings were proud to share this moment together and celebrate Tanglin’s Centenary. Festivities continued the following day with a more formal event at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, welcoming another 300 guests, including former Tanglin staff and parents. The evening was a fitting tribute to this important milestone, featuring live music by our alumni, the 1925 Tanglin Centenary Gin, and special Centenary chocolates brought over from Singapore.

100 TANGLIN TALES , NOVEMBER 2024

A key part of commemorating our Centenary was documenting the school's rich history, along with the many significant moments and memories that have shaped our community. With the help of writers including students, teachers, alumni, former staff, governors and parents, we published a special coffee table book called 100 Tanglin Tales. Guided by the official research document compiled by the Singapore History Consultants, we retraced 100 remarkable stories that reflect Tanglin's cherished traditions and the fond memories shared by generations of our community. The final product is a rich

collection of diverse yet consistently heartfelt memories that our community treasures from their years at Tanglin. We are grateful to everyone who contributed, whether by writing, sharing a photo or helping to piece together a missing story to bring this amazing book to life. On 22 November 2024, 100 Tanglin Tales was officially launched at the Tanglin Club - a site of great historical significance, as it was where the very first Tanglin students attended school in 1925. The event was officiated by Chair of the Board of Governors Dominic Nixon, alongside special guest His Excellency, Nik Mehta, British High Commissioner to Singapore.

CENTENARY SPORTS EVENT, JANUARY 2025

The sporting life at Tanglin is something that our alumni rarely forgets. Over the years, we have significantly expanded the range of sports offered at the school, encouraging students to pursue sports not only as a passion but as a field of study and work. We are proud that many of our alumni have gone on to represent their countries and now enjoy amazing careers in the world of sports. Our Sports team was eager to celebrate these accomplishments alongside current students, who, like those before them, proudly represent Tanglin in various sports. A range of friendly matches were organised throughout the day, featuring teams from other international schools. The event concluded with a special dinner where students, alumni, and their parents came together to share fond memories of representing Tanglin in their favourite sports. We are thankful to all alumni who contributed memorabilia, videos, and photos to mark this special evening.

A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR ALL, MARCH 2025

Tanglin’s 100th Birthday was a day to remember as the entire school community came together to celebrate this amazing milestone. The festivities began the moment students arrived, greeted by dazzling performances, mesmerising stilt walkers, and delicious treats. From there, the day unfolded as a flurry of party games and activities brought students of all ages together for a truly unforgettable day.

CENTENARY GALA IN SINGAPORE, MARCH 2025

On 22 March 2025, we gathered at the iconic Clifford Pier at the Fullerton Bay Hotel for a memorable Centenary Gala. Over 500 parents, staff, and alumni attended the event to celebrate 100 years of Tanglin's legacy in style. From cocktails crafted with Tanglin 1925 Gin to 1920s-inspired glamour, the night was full of vibrant performances, including songs from Guys & Dolls by our Senior students and live music by Adam Hall & The Velvet Playboys.

HONOURING A TANGLIN STEWARD, MARCH 2025

As part of our Centennial Arts Trail project, we were delighted to

commission a new installation that honoured not only a former stalwart of Tanglin but was designed and installed by Eddie Fung, an alumnus from the Class of 2013 and now an architect. On 22 March 2025, we unveiled a life-sized sundial in tribute to former Head of School Ronald Stones OBE. Mr Stones was widely credited with overseeing many of Tanglin's major redevelopments, including the establishment of the Senior School in 1996. The sundial is now located at the Sixth Form piazza.

CENTENARY CONCERT, INCLUDING A WORLD PREMIER, APRIL 2025

Months of planning culminated in a truly unforgettable evening of music at Tanglin’s Centenary Concert, held at the prestigious Esplanade Concert Hall. The first half of the concert showcased performances by Tanglin musicians, followed by the world premiere of A Bridge Across the Sea by acclaimed British composer Jonathan Dove, CBE. Commissioned by The Foundation as part of the Centennial Arts Trail - an initiative to weave art into the everyday experiences of our community - this stunning contemporary composition brought together over 250 performers to retell the timeless story of Sita and Rama from the Sanskrit epic Ramayana

A TOAST TO THE 1925 CENTENARY GIN

To celebrate our Centenary, we partnered with Tanglin Gin to create a one-of-a-kind spirit: the 1925 Centenary Gin. Inspired by the school's rich heritage, including its historic boarding school in the Cameron Highlands, the gin features ingredients such as black tea, a nod to the region’s iconic tea plantations. This not only gave the gin a distinctive flavour but also created a meaningful connection to the Tanglin’s past. Each bottle was also individually numbered, making each one a special and unique keepsake.

THANK YOU

Throughout the Centenary year, we were honoured to welcome many visitors, including family members of our late founder Miss Anne Griffith-Jones. They were proud to know that the school she established 100 years ago with just five students has not only endured but has flourished to be one of the world's leading British international schools. Many alumni who had not been back for decades returned with their families to their alma mater. A former teacher, now 92 years old, was amazed at the transformation and hopes her great grandchildren will have the opportunity to attend Tanglin one day.

To all students, parents, staff and alumni, thank you for making our Centenary year a truly milestone celebration. Here’s to the next 100 years!

Infant School

Paula Craigie, Head of Infant School

Another glorious year at Tanglin, made even more special as we celebrated our Centenary and added a birthday twist to some of our traditional events and celebrations. I love my role as Head of Infant School and feel privileged to be part of so many children’s learning journeys.

No two days are ever the same, and I find a deep sense of purpose and achievement in all that happens here. Having dedicated the last 20 years of my career to maintaining the nurturing approach and strong pedagogy we are known for, I know that everyone is truly committed to all things Tanglin! As always, we strive for excellence with all that we do and this year was no exception—especially as we sought to make it magical and memorable for Jo Osman, our Deputy Head Academic, before she left to take up her Headship at BIS Jakarta.

FLOURISHING INDIVIDUALS

We continue to balance tradition with innovation and have marked this year with a number of our favourite events. It’s a joy to applaud our children as they perform with such confidence—whether in Christmas concerts, traditional tales, or musical ensembles at our school and across Singapore. We have expanded performance opportunities, starting with the introduction of a new cello co-curricular activity—a successful endeavor that led to the group’s debut in the Year Two Ensembles concert. In late May, our children performed in a solo concert at the Esplanade Recital Room and for the first time, we had Young Musician of the Year finalists.

We enhanced some of our successful initiatives like Forest School, which we expanded to Reception with plans to extend to Year 1 and Year 2 from August 2025. Outdoor Education (OE) continued to go from strength to strength with our traditional favourites including Sungei Buloh, Gardens by the Bay, and more. We embedded our visits to the Children’s Museum and hosted their team, who enjoyed our Forest School and Centenary archives. This year, we added the Science Centre to our OE programme. Year 2 children loved it. As Max from 2.5 shared, “I loved the carnivorous plants section with Venus fly traps and pitcher plants. I liked this part because I enjoy and care for nature.”

We were proud to host our inaugural event with Singapore Ballet in May. Our audiences were enthralled by the evening performance and 60 of our children from across the school had the opportunity to work with Singapore dancer and choreographer, Christina Chan, in specifically

curated workshops. Thank you to the Foundation for supporting this event and we hope it is the beginning of a longstanding partnership between Singapore Ballet and Tanglin in the years ahead.

Sustainability also underpins all that we do and this year we have embarked on a new project with Julia Wallace, Tanglin parent for 17 years and fashion designer. Our aim is to have a cushion made from recycled Infant uniforms in every classroom.

In April, we were exceptionally proud to host 33 Year 13 students who started their Tanglin journey in Nursery in 2010. We enjoyed spending the morning with these delightful students and marvelling at their achievements and aspirations. Another fun fact is that eight of them started their journey in Reception and 16 joined in Year 1 or Year 2. This means a staggering 57 out of 191 Year 13 students had their start in Tanglin Infant School. We remember all of our students fondly and there were many tears on their last day from students and colleagues alike.

INSPIRED LEARNERS

Each week, we conduct learning walks alongside our Heads of Year, Heads of Curriculum and Head of Learning Support, observing and recording insights on our bespoke database. We then provide feedback to colleagues so we can continue developing best practices and exploring new approaches to teaching and learning. It also helps us to identify any strengths or areas for development within our curriculum and monitor its impact on children’s learning and engagement in school. Once again, this year our Infant leaders have conducted 98 lesson drop-ins, 49 co-curricular activity pop-ins, 30 learning walks, 18 book scrutinies, and 12 student voice focus groups as we strive for excellence in all that we do.

This attention to detail does not go unnoticed. Over the years, it has been consistently recognised by our teachers as well as visiting Heads and senior leaders. Just this year, we have welcomed colleagues from Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Singapore, UAE and even visitors from the Children’s Museum Singapore. Visitors often share positive comments such as: “What an inspirational school...innovative learning spaces... fantastic, rich professional dialogue...homely feel and so welcoming... beautiful school...enthusiastic staff...authentic resources...your children are so lucky to have such amazing teachers and TLAs...bright and curious children...your willingness to open your doors and share your knowledge is truly generous.” These are just a small selection of comments we received from our visitors this year.

FUTURE READY

After months of hard work and preparation, we were absolutely delighted to be reaccredited with the Curiosity Approach Award in April 2025. The feedback we received made us feel truly proud and reaffirmed our commitment to giving the children in our care the very best start socially, emotionally, academically and physically:

"This renewal submission was truly eye-watering in the most beautiful way - rich with passion, intention, and a deep sense of purpose. The reflections shared throughout were not only thorough but felt so personal and honest, showcasing the incredible journey you’ve been on as a team. It’s clear this isn’t just a framework you follow and it’s part of who you are. The Curiosity Approach is embedded in your daily practice, your language, your values, and your culture. Every area of the submission radiated care, authenticity, and a genuine drive to create something magical for children and families. The attention to detail, the shared ownership among staff, and the sense of joy in your learning environment is simply breathtaking. From the thoughtful way you’ve used space and resources, to your passion for professional development and storytelling it’s evident this is a setting that lives and breathes curiosity, awe, and wonder. We especially loved how your reflections weren’t just about what you’ve achieved, but how you’ve grown as a team. You’ve embraced challenges, stayed grounded in your vision, and remained committed to the importance of meaningful childhood experiences. Your ethos is tangible and deeply moving. We feel a true connection with your setting and your team - it’s evident that Tanglin Trust is a place full of heart and purpose. Your journey has left a lasting impression, and we truly hope to seek out further connections with you in the future. Thank you for letting us walk this path with you - it’s been an absolute privilege!"

TEAM TANGLIN

We are also proud to celebrate a few notable personal firsts and achievements by our colleagues, reflecting our commitment to ‘Keep learning’, one of our 5 Ways to Wellbeing. Congratulations to Jon Pavey who was awarded his MA in Educational Leadership from Manchester University. He also recently qualified as a Peer Accreditor for the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). Jo Osman, an accomplished illustrator before becoming a teacher, became an author illustrator this year and created Tanglin Ted's Centenary Adventure. An impressive legacy that will be part of Tanglin’s future as she moves to BIS Jakarta in August. She also qualified as a performance coach, accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management. Siti Khadijah Suparman, from the Reception Crocodiles class, became an accredited performance coach, and Sharifah Hazwani in Year 2.6 achieved a Graduate Diploma in Child Psychology and Mental Wellness. Melanie Read from the Nursery 1 Caterpillars class

qualified by UK standards as a Forest School Leader and Laura Holmes in Year 1.1 achieved her Apple Teacher Certification. PE Specialist Natalie Ho and PE STLA Zuhaili Rosli both achieved their International Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Buckingham. This year, I qualified as a Lead Improvement Partner for COBIS. I also completed my Executive Coaching Supervision qualification. In October last year, I was particularly proud to be awarded Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award (recognising those who have sustained excellence in their professional life) from Roehampton University. As you can see, we don’t rest on our laurels and continue to model lifelong learning!

It is very important to me to remain outward-facing and continue professional development. One such organisation I work with is the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS). Through this organisation, I offer executive coaching to those new to headship, and as the overseas support representative, I provide guidance to Heads across 47 schools in 23 countries. As we work so closely with IAPS, when asked if I would participate in an unboxing of the new IAPS Plaque, I jumped at the chance! It was a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the benefits of being part of this prestigious organisation and also keep Tanglin on the global map.

Giving back is something I deeply value. Recently, I have mentored undergraduates at my old universities, Roehampton and UCL. Closer to home, we regularly host WEX students from Tanglin within the Infant School, along with Alumni interns and student teachers. This year we welcomed eight students from Year 10 to spend a week with us in June, and also hosted two student teachers and three alumni interns.

This year we also say goodbye to colleagues who are moving closer to home or taking up new adventures and promotions. Thank you to Jo Osman, Laura Holmes, Sharon Giblin, and Stephanie Wijaya. We also say goodbye to Emma Gray who is moving over to the Junior School in August. We want to thank them all for their contributions to Tanglin’s success and wish them well in their next adventures.

Similarly, we look forward to seeing Tanglin go from strength to strength for the next 100 years!

Junior School

Clair Harrington-Wilcox, Head of Junior School

"The arts are not a frill. The arts are a response to our individuality and our nature, and help to shape our identity." – Barbara Jordan

What a year of Centenary celebrations! While the parties had been plentiful, we remained focused on our strategic goals. This was achieved through the great support of Benjamin Walker (Deputy Head Pastoral), Rachel Turpin (Deputy Head Academic), and Oliver Griffin (Assistant Head Co-Curriculum).

FUTURE READY

In our Centenary Year, we were delighted to launch the Junior Arts Centre in June 2025. It had been an exciting project that began last May and a passion project for staff and children alike. Children had been at the heart of every decision, led by the Heads of Music, Art, Drama, Physical Education, Library, and their teams as well as the Junior School Leadership Team. A central feature, J:Hub, was even named by the children through a democratic vote. Regular updates in assemblies kept the buzz alive, and a Year 2 transition assembly stirred up much excitement about future learning in the facility. When we returned in August 2025, we had an array of exciting visitors and artists to ignite the spark of creativity and innovation in our young people.

FLOURISHING INDIVIDUALS

The Junior School continued to strengthen its tradition of student leadership, giving every child a chance to take on a meaningful role and contribute to the school community. Every role was valued, whether as a Year 6 Prefect supporting transitions, a Year 4 Philanthropist helping those in need, or a Friendship Captain fostering kindness. We also introduced a fresh selection process for our new Student Council, inviting staff and student nominations— resulting in a diverse group of 12 leaders who embodied outstanding commitment and initiative. We continued to strongly focus on promoting responsible digital citizenship as well, helping children understand how to be kind, respectful, and safe online.

A highlight was a visit from The Breck Foundation, which delivered impactful assemblies, staff sessions, and a parent workshop. These important messages will continue to be reinforced in our Pastoral sessions, as we work with families to help children develop healthy online habits. In fact, the theme of this year’s Speak Up competition for our Year 6 Graduation was fittingly titled ‘Legacy’!

INSPIRED LEARNERS ACADEMIC

Last year’s staff professional development focused on embedding metacognition - the ability for students to think about and regulate one’s own learning - into everyday teaching practice. Working with Thinking Matters, teachers used ‘thinking frames’ to promote curiosity, independence, and deeper reflection, helping students become more self-aware and engaged learners.

Grounded in research and aligned with metacognitive principles, a revised home learning approach in Years 5 and 6 emphasised reflection, planning, and self-assessment over task repetition. Activities like prior reading and note-taking, and personalised pathways on the AI platform Century Tech, helped children apply classroom strategies at home, building independence and a sense of purpose. The use of Seesaw also increased to build accessible digital journals.

To keep student engagement high in the classroom, we focused on inspiring planning with relevant and meaningful content. A strong emphasis on sustainability and enterprise kept learning purposeful and connected to real-world issues. Lessons and projects encouraged creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Looking ahead, the emphasis for the coming year will shift towards service and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics), aiming to further enrich the curriculum and develop globally minded, solution-focused learners.

Alongside this, we strengthened how we monitored teaching and learning. Heads of Department led evidence-based subject Impact Reviews, using data analysis to guide impactful interventions and strategic action plans. This joined-up, collaborative model secured high standards, ensured accountability, and drove consistent improvement across the curriculum.

CO-CURRICULUM

“You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you try something new.” Our belief that new opportunities ignite passions, build confidence, and support personal growth led us to continue enhancing and refining our extensive co-curricular offering. As a key part of our educational approach, it included nearly 180 weekly activities, ranging from coding and crafts to languages, music, and even horse riding at the Singapore Polo Club. We expanded this provision by introducing new outdoor learning experiences and strengthening links with trusted partners.

Our progressive residential programme, with children staying an extra night each year, nurtured independence and resilience in preparation for their Year 9 Gippsland adventure. We also deepened our commitment to service, with students visiting charities and care homes, undertaking enterprise projects, and supporting causes across all year groups.

Our whole-school partnership with Caring for Cambodia continued to connect students aged 3–18 with meaningful service work. One of our flagship service initiatives was the JASS Award to Cambodia, culminating in a celebration at Eden Hall with His Excellency, British High Commissioner, Nik Mehta, a return to where our JASS journey began in 2012. We were also proud of our students’ success on the international stage, with achievements in FOBISIA events across mathematics, music, and sport. Looking ahead, we plan to include

even more outdoor education and adventure skills, laying a clear and confident pathway for students as they take on the challenges and adventures that await them in Gippsland and beyond.

TEAM TANGLIN

Centenary celebrations ranged from our youngest Junior children performing at the Esplanade alongside the oldest students, to sharing birthday fun with their Infant and Senior buddies across the school. A highlight was the return of former CEO Ron Stones to unveil a sundial by artist Edwin Fung, truly honouring his role in shaping Tanglin’s modern identity. What a memorable milestone it was for our whole community.

OUR PEOPLE

This year, we continued our commitment to The Great Teaching Toolkit, supporting personalised, research-led professional development. Many teachers also enhanced their public speaking and coaching skills. The Junior staff have experienced several highly successful secondments including Benjamin Walker in his Deputy Head Pastoral role, Oliver Griffin as Assistant Head of Co-Curriculum, and Emma Cottrell for successfully leading Year 6. We will also welcome Peter O’Brien back from his one-year post as Acting Head of Middle School. Finally, as the year ended, we wished all of our families and staff moving on the very best of luck and reminded them that they would always be a part of the Tanglin family.

Senior School

Chris Seal, Head of Senior School

As a school, many people know us for our extraordinary examination outcomes, of which we are rightly proud. The Class of ’25 were also outstanding academics. The IB average of 39.6 points is on a par with the very best schools across the globe, 31% of all A Levels were A* and their younger colleagues at GCSE produced exceptional results too with 60% of all grades at A*.

However, this aspect of our school is only one part of what makes us so successful. The wide range of co-curriculum opportunities now in place offers students a chance to develop a part of them hitherto undiscovered and also refine the areas they love into real excellence. Though this part of school always remains ‘under construction’, the efforts of Mr Cotton and Mr Holiday have been considerable, and they have been wonderfully supported by colleagues from all departments.

Guys and Dolls is the third quite wonderous show we’ve experienced since the masks were removed in 2022, and it signifies everything we are about. Wonderful accuracy in delivery (how do they learn all those lines?), huge commitment to the detail (what a wonderful set!) and the physical brilliance to carry off a challenging set of performances over four nights (where do they get their energy from?).

This energy is something I wrote about in the Yearbook introduction. I am continuously inspired by the refusal of this generation of Tanglin students to recognise the snowflake characterisation. Maybe we are lucky, or maybe we (parents,

79% of (I)GCSE grades were A*, A or equivalent (7, 8, 9).

Our IB average stands at

39.6 (compared to a global average of 30.58).

87% of A level grades were in the range of A* to B.

staff and students) create an environment where giving up is not really an option. We don’t do this in a Victorian way, but when I see students constantly and willingly commit to more than they are expected to do, I know we have something special. This discretionary effort is so important in being a great school and we treasure it.

Discretionary effort is also something highly prized by university admissions teams all over the world, and the abundance of it allied with the breadth of experiences at Tanglin explains our success there too. This year, eight students will attend the finest institutions England has to offer, five will go to the Ivy League schools in the USA, and many more achieved and overachieved with offers to life-changing destinations, many of which matching the visits we have made in recent years to institutions of value. Building those relationships is important when it comes to Tanglin students being recognised, and Mrs Williams enjoys establishing these new connections knowing Tanglin students will always fulfil the destination university’s expectations.

When I arrived in 2022, my expectations were high, and were met.

Tanglin is a warm and welcoming community with a deep sense of the value of education. It is therefore with confidence that I can hand over to Dr Malpass as the new Head of Senior School. His enthusiasm for the school is real, and he (as I did) has had the fortune to be able to reconstruct his senior team.

Mr Goodliffe left us mid-year to be Head of Senior School in Dubai and Mr Hensman left us in July to be Head of Senior School in the Bahamas. They will argue on the best destination, but they join Mr Holiday, who has worked closely with SSLT for two years, as he becomes Head of Senior School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Seeing great colleagues leave is a bittersweet moment. There is a sense of loss, but this should and is quickly replaced by a sense of opportunity and renewal. In addition, they have achieved a goal in self-improvement and recognition of which we can also be very proud to have played at least some part.

Tanglin retains the services of two outstanding deputies in Mr Sellers and Mrs Russell. Together they bind the pastoral to the

academic and make the school ‘tick’. The inspiring learners vision and key pastoral concepts will be weaved together in the coming months to make the school more coherent than at any time, and the school improvement plans remains ambitiously relentless in its quest to deliver the best possible provision for all. This now includes Tanglin Gippsland, a world leading project that is finally real and already thriving under the leadership of Mark and Sharon Cutchie. The skills that students gain and the experiences they have in a beautfiul environment created by Mr Considine and the Governors will help them become ready for all that is to come.

I wrote last year that being ‘future ready’ will require knowledge, confidence and support this hasn’t changed, and nor has our commitment to deliver on all three aspects. The Class of ’25 is future ready, and indeed they are the future. Perhaps more than ever we need them to step confidently into this complex world and deliver change that will be meaningful and sustainable. Thank you for being part of the journey in supporting them and the whole school in their endeavours, I believe it to be a noble cause.

Careers & University Counselling 2025

by Zoë Williams, Head of Careers & University Counselling

KEY TRENDS FOR THE CLASS OF 2025

This year has brought an exceptional range of university offers for the Class of 2025, reflecting both the individuality and ambition of the cohort. While the number of countries students applied to has narrowed, from 23 destinations in 2024 to 13 in 2025, we continue to see strong growth in applications to institutions in Australia and Europe. Notably, US matriculations have shown dynamic shifts, with several students making last-minute decisions to pivot toward UK universities. Across the world, universities are expanding their academic portfolios, with new programmes emerging in Climate Science, Energy Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Public Affairs. Encouragingly, investment in the Arts remains strong, highlighted by the opening of Brown University’s Lindemann Performing Arts Center1 and Princeton University’s upcoming Art Museum2. Interest in scholarships has also grown steadily, with 29 awards granted to our students last year across Canada, Hong Kong, the UK, and the US, the majority of which recognise outstanding academic achievement.

UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES

Students received offers from 146 different institutions this year. We saw 13 different countries applied to overall, which is nearly half of those applied to the previous year, but we continue to have steady numbers matriculating to Australia and Europe. 88 reduced offers were made from UK institutions for students taking the EPQ. We placed six students for medicine in the UK and Ireland with Australian applications for medicine pending; and were thrilled to receive offers from five different Ivy League institutions and nine students offered places from Oxford and Cambridge. The UK saw the busiest UCAS Clearing day on record this year, with almost 17,000 students securing a place in one day3. We have very few students each year using this option but for those who did, there was a rich array of courses on offer and can be a valuable safety net come results day. A full list of offers for the Class of 2025 can be found on page 28.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

One of the most powerful aspects of our work at Tanglin is the global outreach we undertake to forge meaningful relationships with universities around the world. These connections aren’t just professional—they’re transformational. Every visit, every conversation, and every handshake help us bring back invaluable insights that directly enrich the guidance we offer our students. This year, our team attended and presented at major conferences at Northeastern University USA, CIS in Thailand, and our regional event in Singapore. These events are more than networking opportunities—they’re launchpads for collaboration, innovation, and deeper understanding of the evolving higher education landscape. While in Boston, Ms Niranjan and I explored a vibrant academic city, visiting fantastic institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Boston College, Berklee College of Music, Emerson, Northeastern, Suffolk, and Wentworth. Meanwhile, Ms Perera embarked on an inspiring tour of The Netherlands, connecting with leading universities including Utrecht University, University College Utrecht, Amsterdam University College, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. Her journey added a rich European dimension to our global knowledge base. With plans underway for visits to Australia and beyond, we’re expanding our reach to ensure Tanglin students have access to the most current, diverse, and exciting opportunities available worldwide. At Tanglin, university counselling isn’t just about applications—it’s about relationships, relevance, and readiness. Our travels fuel our mission to empower every student with the confidence and clarity to pursue their future, wherever it may lead.

WORK EXPERIENCE: EMPOWERING FUTURES, ONE PLACEMENT AT A TIME

In May, our entire Year 10 cohort embarked on a transformative journey, Work Experience (WEX), and what a week it was! Thanks to the incredible support

of the Tanglin community, 187 students stepped into real-world environments, gaining invaluable insights into the professional world. From creative studios to corporate offices, labs to logistics hubs, our students explored industries that sparked curiosity, challenged assumptions, and in many cases, helped shape future ambitions. In a world where career paths are increasingly diverse and dynamic, early exposure to the workplace is more than just a rite of passage—it’s a strategic advantage. Singapore’s latest employment data shows that fresh graduate employment rates rose to 51.9% in June 2025, up from 47.9% the previous year. With job markets evolving rapidly, experiences like WEX help students build confidence, adaptability, and clarity—qualities that employers are actively seeking. Feedback from our partner organisations was overwhelmingly positive. Employers consistently highlighted the maturity, enthusiasm, and professionalism of our students. Later in the month, we hosted the WEX Breakfast on campus, where interns and mentors reunited to reflect on their shared experiences. We’re thrilled to announce that WEX will return for the current Year 10 cohort from 11–15 May 2026, with placement calls beginning in January. Whether you're a returning host or a new partner, your involvement can make a lasting impact on a young person’s future.

SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES ON US UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS AND THE PREVALENCE OF AGENTS

This year, concerns emerged regarding the ability of students to secure US visas, prompted by evolving policies from the U.S. government. However, in a climate where universities frequently make headlines, we have been consistently reassured by the proactive stance many institutions have taken. Their commitment to supporting international students - through dedicated resources and clear communication - has been evident. Encouragingly, no Tanglin student has been denied a visa, and we remain confident that the United States will continue to be a highly sought-after destination for future applicants. While the presence of agents and independent educational consultants (IECs) in the region continues to grow, our Admissions colleagues advise approaching external support with caution. Unlike school-based advisors, external agents do not engage with students in the classroom or witness their daily interactions within the school community. There is also concern about the potential for student burnout, diminished independence, and a lack of initiative when the application process is overly managed by third parties.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025/26

We’re delighted to welcome Melodi and Gabrielle, two talented interns from the University of Oxford, as part of our annual programme; an initiative that has earned Tanglin the prestigious Gold Internship Provider status for five consecutive years. This year sees the implementation of the new UCAS personal statement with universities placing greater emphasis on streamlining and simplifying their application procedures for students. Artificial intelligence is being used to streamline application reviews, detect bias, and evaluate non-cognitive skills. Institutions like MIT and Cambridge are leveraging AI to make admissions more efficient and equitable. In the US, we are expecting a few more institutions to go back to requiring standardised testing with either the ACT or SAT and in the UK we will see the second round of the new engineering test, the ESAT. Oxbridge tests have also had a shake up with the HAT test no longer required. Throughout the year, we’re hosting a vibrant lineup of university visitors, talks and workshops, including the muchanticipated Aspiring Medics Conference in September, featuring healthcare professionals from the UK and across the region. We’re also thrilled to bring back the Lion City Tour, in collaboration with international schools across Singapore. With over 170 institutions and more than 900 students expected, including attendees from five additional Singaporean schools, this promises to be one of our largest and most dynamic university events yet. For full details on upcoming events, application systems, and key timelines, visit our University Counselling site.

Examination Results: (I)GCSE

(I)GCSE Results Table

% of A*/A grades achieved by Tanglin students

2025 (I)GCSE Examination Results (Class of 2027)

(I)GCSE Summary for 2025 (Class of 2027) 168

students took (I)GCSE examinations in 25 subjects.

of all grades achieved were A* to C or equivalent. of all grades achieved were A* or equivalent.

of all grades achieved were A*/A or equivalent.

Examination Results: A Level

A Level Results Table

2025 A Level Examination Results (Class of 2025)

A Level Summary for 2025 (Class of 2025)

99.6%

pass rate of A Level students. of grades were at A* or A, while 87% were in the range A* to B.

of students taking the EPQ achieved an A*; we are increasingly finding that the EPQ is being valued by universities.

of students taking the EPQ achieved an A* to A.

Examination Results: IB Diploma

2025 IB Examination Results (Class of 2025)

English

Chinese

100% pass rate for all our students who completed a regulation IB Diploma.

45 3 students achieved a perfect score.

36% scored 42 points or more.

100% of all students scored 30 points or above

3 students achieved the Bilingual Diploma.

2025 University Offers

Asia

Beijing Film Academy (China)

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Hong Kong)

Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)

National University of Singapore (Singapore)

RCSI Bahrain (Bahrain)

The University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

Australia

University of Melbourne

University of Sydney

Canada

McGill University

University of British Columbia

University of Toronto

University of Waterloo

Europe

Bocconi University (Italy)

Breda University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands)

Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands)

ESADE (Spain)

IE University (Spain)

International People’s College (Denmark)

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI (Ireland)

Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)

University College Utrecht (The Netherlands)

University of Groningen (The Netherlands)

UK

Arts University Bournemouth

Aston University, Birmingham

Bath Spa University

Bird College, Conservatoire for Dance and Musical Theatre

Bournemouth University

Brunel, University of London

Cardiff University

City, University of London

Coventry University

Durham University

Falmouth University

Glasgow School of Art

Imperial College London

Italia Conti

King’s College London, University of London

Kingston University

Lancaster University

Leeds Arts University

Liverpool John Moores University

London Metropolitan University

London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

Loughborough University

Manchester Metropolitan University

Newcastle University

Northumbria University, Newcastle

Nottingham Trent University

Oxford Brookes University

Queen Mary, University of London

Queen’s University Belfast

Royal Holloway, University of London

SOAS, University of London

The University of Edinburgh

UCL, University College London

University of Bath

University of Birmingham

University of Brighton

University of Bristol

University of Cambridge

University of Central Lancashire

University of Chichester

University of East Anglia, UEA

University of Essex

University of Exeter

University of Glasgow

University of Greenwich

University of Kent

University of Leeds

University of Leicester

University of Lincoln

University of Liverpool

University of Manchester

University of Nottingham

University of Oxford

University of Reading

University of Sheffield

University of Southampton

University of St Andrews

University of Surrey

University of Sussex

University of the Arts London

University of Warwick

University of York

Urdang - City St George’s, University of London

USA

Augustana College

Babson College

Barnard College

Boston University

Brown University

California Institute of Technology

Carnegie Mellon University

Case Western Reserve University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Duke University

Earlham College

Emerson College

Fordham University

George Washington University

Georgetown University

Illinois College

Johns Hopkins University

Loyola Marymount University

Middlebury College

Missouri Southern State University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Ohio Northern University

Ohio State University

Parsons School of Design

Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Pratt Institute

Purdue University

Reed College

Rhode Island School of Design

Santa Clara University

Savannah College of Art and Design

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Stanford University

Texas A&M University

Tulane University

University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Irvine

University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Merced

University of California, Riverside

University of California, San Diego

University of California, Santa Cruz

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Maryland

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

University of Michigan, Dearborn

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh

University of Southern California

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin Madison

Wartburg College

Washburn University

Wesleyan University

Williams College

Lead Students Vittoria Mancini (left) and Rohan Sarma (right) from the Head Team 2024-25 giving a speech during the Graduation Ceremony.

Academic Committee

John Ridley, Director of Learning

The Academic Committee oversees curriculum, pedagogy and assessment across Tanglin. Supported by a small army of subject leaders, teachers and faculty support staff, we aim to ensure that every student’s academic experience is inspiring, rigorous, and relevant.

In our Centenary Year, it has been interesting to reflect on how Tanglin’s educational approach has evolved. The holistic educational philosophy and child-centred approach are consistent features. The drive for continuous improvement has been punctuated by transformational change associated with new facilities, new technology or new programmes. 2024-25 has certainly been a year of transformational change with the opening of the Tanglin Gippsland Campus. It has also been a year full of more incremental changes to improve learning and of experimentation with new technology. There have been four key themes:

METACOGNITION AND STUDENT AGENCY

Metacognition - thinking about how we learn - is a cornerstone of lifelong learning. Across the school, we’ve focused on helping students reflect on their learning processes. We’ve used the Evidence Based Education model of ‘Great Teaching’ to guide professional development, encouraging strategies that promote self-awareness and ownership of learning.

In the Infant School, we’ve incorporated elements of the ‘continuous provision’ model from Nursery and Reception into Year 1, giving children more autonomy and choice. This builds the foundation for self-regulation and independent learning.

Junior School teachers have embraced ‘thinking frames’—tools that help students organise their thoughts in tasks, such as classifying, sequencing, comparing and contrasting. A dedicated drive team led this initiative, supported by external training.

Using the same tools and language across all subjects builds a toolkit of transferable skills for our students. Using common language and strategies across subjects has also been a feature in the Senior School as the 'Learning to Learn' initiative continues. Teachers across all faculties have had the same half-termly focus from our Inspired Learners vision. These have included ideas such as choosing to be in your struggle zone, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and welcoming feedback.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

The headline here is of course the Year 9 Highlands Programme. The Tanglin Gippsland Campus has created a wonderful opportunity for immersion in nature, and for fieldwork experiences which inspire creative work and bring the curriculum to life. The academic elements of the Highlands Programme are integrated with the outdoor education to create a fitting capstone to the Middle School curriculum.

Learning which involves active engagement of students with an authentic environment or scenario is by no means confined to the Highlands Programme, however. At all stages, our curriculum is punctuated with outdoor education, learning visits and real-life experiences. The Forest School programme continues to develop in the Infant School, with additional leaders being trained, to increase opportunities for children. A new outdoor education programme ensures that these early experiences are built upon as the children progress into the Junior School. Re-accreditation by the Curiosity Approach in the Infant School and lead teachers for Sustainability in the Infants and ‘Future Ready’ in the Juniors reflect our commitment to real-world exploration. In the Senior School, revised Year 9 options have increased participation in the Research Project, allowing students to explore an area of interest whilst developing academic skills.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

AI continues to be a dynamic and evolving focus. Early in the year, we finalised whole-school AI Principles to guide responsible

exploration of emerging tools. Use of Generative AI in the classroom by students remains very limited but there have been some interesting applications, for example: chatbot interactions with historical figures and using AI-generated content for critique and initial research purposes. The Junior School conducted a large-scale trial of the 'Century' learning platform which uses AI to personalise learning in English, Mathematics and Science. Feedback has been positive, and the platform will continue to be used in Years 5 and 6 next year.

Technology is also transforming the way that teachers access student data. New dashboards are now in place across the school, giving teachers access to up to date academic and pastoral data collated from multiple sources.

MONITORING/CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Following a BSO Inspection recommendation, we’ve implemented a unified framework for academic monitoring, supported by a custombuilt app. This centralises notes from lesson observations and student work sampling, informing subject Impact Reviews.

The monitoring and reflection by curriculum leaders drives a continual cycle of improvement. Significant changes this year include: the introduction of Second Language Chinese in the Senior School; extending the Junior School mother tongue Chinese programme; refining the PE and Technology curriculum frameworks. Internal assessment processes have also been refined to improve consistency. Term 3 reports up to Year 9 have been made clearer with a more visual format.

By striving for excellence and adapting to change in our curriculum and pedagogy, we are modelling the attitudes and skills of lifelong learning that we aim to instil in our students.

Pastoral Committee

Richard Sellers, Director of Pastoral Care

Tanglin Trust School remains deeply committed to nurturing the wellbeing of every student. Our pastoral approach continues to prioritise emotional, social, and physical wellbeing, while creating a supportive environment where all children feel known and cared for. This year has seen meaningful developments across the Infant, Junior, and Senior Schools, each tailored to the needs of our students.

INFANTS: FOUNDATIONS OF BELONGING

In the Infant School, pastoral care has focused on helping children feel safe, confident, and connected. Circle times and story-based learning supported children in exploring emotions and building friendships, while a variety of parent workshops provided guidance on emotional resilience and healthy routines. These foundations help our youngest learners develop secure relationships and the confidence to thrive.

Our Learner Profile principles continue to underpin life in the Infant school, building from three in Nursery to 10 in Years 1 and 2, and providing a source of celebration for the children. These characteristics fall under the umbrella of Respect, Responsibility and Purpose as the children are prepared for their journey through the school and belong to the Tanglin Trust community.

JUNIORS:

RESPONSIBILITY AND CHARACTER

In the Junior School, the Shared Pastoral Language has continued to shape learning around Respect, Responsibility, and Purpose. Through the Character Passport and ePraise, students have been recognised for confidence, curiosity, and community spirit. Leadership opportunities and wellbeing workshops encouraged children to take greater responsibility for their choices, building resilience for the challenges of adolescence.

SENIORS: CONNECTION AND CARE

In the Senior School, the extended pastoral programme has continued to provide vital support through a dedicated Wednesday pastoral hour, allowing tutors and students to focus on wellbeing and community. Workshops on digital balance, stress management, and exam preparation have given students practical strategies, while restorative practices have encouraged accountability and constructive resolution of conflict.

A further strength this year has been the continued impact of the SOS campaign, which encourages students to be upstanders rather than bystanders. Students have increasingly shown confidence in approaching staff when worried about themselves or their peers, and we have seen a record number of concerns shared. This increase reflects a growing culture of care and responsibility, where students feel empowered to look out for one another and to seek support when needed.

ONLINE SAFETY: A WHOLE SCHOOL COMMITMENT

One of the most significant areas of pastoral focus this year has been online safety. We were delighted to welcome The Breck Foundation, a UK based charity, to Tanglin. Their work across students, staff, and parents provided powerful insights into online safety and digital

wellbeing. Age-appropriate workshops helped students better understand risks, parents valued practical strategies for home, and staff training created consistency across the school.

The feedback was phenomenal. Students found the sessions engaging and relevant, parents felt reassured, and staff reported feeling empowered to sustain these conversations. The Breck Foundation’s impact has been lasting and has strengthened our collective confidence in tackling online risks.

Building on this momentum, Tanglin has also developed a clear and consistent mobile phone and device approach, designed to support parents in working with the school to create a joined up approach to supporting their children. The framework sets expectations for device use in school, while also providing families with guidance for setting boundaries at home. To help parents, we produced a detailed advice and expectations booklet with practical suggestions such as creating online family agreements, supporting healthy screen time habits, and strategies for managing social media.

This development has been one of the most important steps forward for our community. It has reassured parents that school and home are aligned, empowered students to manage their digital lives more responsibly, and provided staff with clarity on expectations. By combining the expertise of the Breck Foundation with our own device strategy, Tanglin has taken a proactive role in equipping the whole community with the tools and language to support digital wellbeing.

TANGLIN GIPPSLAND: CONFIDENCE, CURIOSITY, AND COMMUNITY

This year also marked the launch of our Tanglin Gippsland residential programme in Australia, a transformative four-week experience for Middle School students. A total of 120 students took part, living in a boarding-style environment where they balanced academic lessons with daily routines such as food preparation, cleaning, and supporting one another.

The programme placed a strong emphasis on experiential learning and outdoor education, encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and build essential pastoral skills. The four-day culminating hike, differentiated to meet the abilities of the cohort, gave every student the chance to be stretched yet supported. In doing so, they developed confidence in their own abilities, a spirit of curiosity in approaching new challenges, and a strong sense of community through teamwork and shared responsibility.

Crucially, students learned lifelong skills in independence and self-care, while also discovering the importance of looking after their peers. Reflection activities, including journaling, guided discussions, and tutor check-ins, enabled them to make sense of these experiences and recognise their personal growth. Parents have highlighted how their children returned with greater maturity, adaptability, and responsibility.

Gippsland therefore represents an important stage in the Middle School journey, developing students pastorally as well as academically, and equipping them with the independence, resilience, and character that prepare them for Upper School, Sixth Form, and life beyond Tanglin. The following data indicates students who attended the Gippsland Programme (blue) against those that did not attend (Red) experienced meaningful outcomes around wellbeing, engagement and confidence.

PARENTWISE: STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS

ParentWise has continued to play a vital role in equipping parents to support their children’s wellbeing. Over 30 sessions this year covered topics such as sleep, healthy screen time, restorative practices, and navigating the teenage years. These workshops have strengthened alignment between home and school, and we look forward to expanding the programme further with termly seminar days.

LOOKING AHEAD

As we reflect on 2024 to 2025, pastoral growth remains central to the Tanglin experience. Looking forward, several initiatives will guide the next stage of our journey:

• Safeguarding and Security: the introduction of a new visitor management system will further strengthen campus safety.

• Shared Pastoral Language and ePraise: recognition through ePraise will be refined to link directly to our core values, ensuring consistency across all sections of the school.

• Wellbeing Surveys: reintroduced in the Senior School, these surveys will provide vital insights and will be trialled more widely in the coming year.

Alongside these developments, Tanglin Gippsland will continue to evolve, offering students even greater opportunities to develop resilience, leadership, and self discovery in an environment that challenges and inspires them.

Our pastoral journey is one of continual growth, ensuring that every Tanglin student has the support and opportunities to flourish both in school and beyond.

Co-Curricular Committee

Michael Holiday, Director of Co-Curriculum

This year has been one of extraordinary growth, creativity, and achievement across Tanglin Trust School’s Co-Curricular programme. From musical excellence and theatrical innovation to sporting triumphs and transformative outdoor experiences, students across all age groups have seized every opportunity to thrive and shine. In total, 2652 students participated in 383 activities.

MUSIC

It has been a monumental year for Music at Tanglin, with the department’s profile rising significantly and student participation reaching record highs. A key driver has been the first cohort of Music Scholars, whose talent, commitment, and leadership have set a new standard. Their influence has been palpable, with younger students aspiring to join the programme and engaging more seriously with their musical development.

A major highlight was the Music Tour to Spain in October. The tour involved 48 students and offered an unforgettable blend of performance and cultural enrichment. Plans are already underway for a follow-up tour to Italy in 2026.

The Senior Ensembles Concert at SOTA and the Junior Ensembles Concert on campus demonstrated the department’s impressive co-curricular development, with challenging repertoire and elevated performance standards. Similarly, the Festival of Music at St George’s remains a cherished tradition, showcasing the depth of musical engagement across the school.

The popular Senior Battle of the Bands provided a creative outlet for Tanglin’s rock and pop musicians, complemented by external performance opportunities. Botanic Beats at the Botanic Gardens - featuring the school’s advanced ensembles - was another standout community celebration, following on from the Tanglin Symphony Orchestra’s stirring performance with Kathryn Jenkins to over 7000 people.

Participation in the Musician of the Year competition reached an all-time high, with a competitive spirit helping to push students to new levels of excellence. But the crowning event of the year was undoubtedly the Centenary Concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall. This prestigious event featured unique ensembles and culminated in the world premiere of Jonathan Dove’s A Bridge Across the Sea. The collaboration with Raffles Singers and Resound Collective underlined the ambition and scope of Tanglin’s music programme.

DRAMA

Junior Drama this year was full of colour, energy and storytelling. Year 6 began the season with Coloré, a charming original musical promoting themes of unity and inclusion. Year 3’s innovative production of Flow combined acting, singing, puppetry, and dance, while Year 5’s performance of Groovy Greeks offered a humour-filled journey into ancient mythology, complete with gruesome tales and bold characters. The promise of Tanglin’s new Junior Arts Centre will take this flourishing programme to new heights in the year ahead.

In the Senior School, the year opened with a dynamic Dance Show featuring 70 students from Years 7 to 13. The choreography was diverse and ambitious, including a series of period dances that added a refined touch to the evening. It was a clear demonstration of student leadership and collaboration.

The student-led productions of Bouncers by John Godber followed—a sharp, humorous glimpse into nightlife culture, performed with maturity and flair by students in Years 10 to 13 followed by a powerful adaptation of Kafka’s Metamorphosis. Middle School students delighted audiences with The Secret Lives of Teachers, a playful comedy performed by Years 7 and 8.

646 performers

92

concerts and performances

Guys and Dolls brought Broadway to Tanglin, with 78 students from Years 10 to 12 embracing its slick choreography, memorable characters and timeless songs. The Musical Showcase, Broadway Nights, Big City Lights, followed later in the year with 47 students from across the senior years sharing their passion for musical theatre. The year concluded with Oliver! Jr., a heartwarming and polished finale to a season of remarkable drama.

1101 children in the shows shows

13

SPORTS

Sport at Tanglin has reached new heights this year. The Centenary Sports Dinner, attended by over 500 students and parents, followed an afternoon of competitive fixtures and celebrated both past achievements and current success. New events, including Tanglin’s participation in the Dubai 7s Netball and the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, reflected the school’s growing international presence.

Hosting the SEASAC Rugby Championships at The Padang was a defining moment. Victories in both Division 1 and Division 2 made it a memorable day at one of Singapore’s most iconic venues. The Junior programme continues to thrive, bolstered by the new Junior Athletic Development Gym and a wide range of activities from gymnastics to swimming and rugby. The Tanglin Football Club also continues to grow, with Under-8s preparing for league competition next year.

Senior School athletes earned six SEASAC Division 1 titles in sports ranging from Cross Country to Volleyball, while twelve students achieved national or Senior Honours in Rugby, Cricket, Squash, Swimming, and Tennis. Looking ahead, new weekend clubs in Badminton, Cricket, and Volleyball are launching, alongside the refurbishment of the Playing Field and a new state-of-the-art Golf Facility in the Centenary Building.

55

Overseas trips

2297

Students on an overseas trip

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

147 Day trips

Outdoor Education has been a powerful journey of growth, connection and adventure this year. In the Early Years, the Forest School programme flourished, and from next year, it will expand to include Years 1 and 2. Infants enjoyed rich experiences exploring Singapore’s parks and green spaces, fostering a lifelong love for nature.

In Junior School, students ventured further afield. Year 3 had their first overnight stay, Year 4 explored Singapore’s islands, Year 5 began the year with a residential in Malacca, and Year 6 journeyed to Sarawak for jungle adventures and cultural immersion. Each trip built independence, resilience, and a spirit of exploration.

Teams

113 Representative Fixtures

In Middle School, weekly outdoor sessions prepared Years 7 and 8 for February expeditions to Thailand, helping to lay the groundwork for future participation in the Highlands Programme in Australia. Term 3 saw the first cohort of Year 9s return from their five-week Gippsland experience—an unforgettable chapter in Tanglin’s outdoor journey.

Senior School students continued to embrace challenge through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Two new adventurous journeys were introduced for Gold participants, including a rugged island circumnavigation in Malaysia and a mountain-based expedition from the Gippsland campus. With participation in DofE doubling for next year, it is clear that Tanglin students are eager for even more challenges and leadership in the wild.

562

63 Championship winning teams and individuals

Our People

Ayako Sugaya, Director of People

At Tanglin, we continue to place people at the heart of our community. The dedication of our staff, the energy of our students, and the partnership of our families contribute to a culture defined by respect, responsibility, and purpose. Through this shared commitment, we foster an environment where all members of our community feel empowered, supported, and inspired to thrive.

RECRUITMENT

We were pleased to appoint 26 outstanding teachers for AY2025–2026. We continue to collaborate with our recruitment partners in the UK to strengthen employer branding, ensure seamless hiring processes, and maintain rigorous background checks.

This year, we also made several key leadership appointments across the school:

• Head of Senior School

• Deputy Head Co-Curriculum (Senior School)

• Deputy Head Academic (Infant School)

• Assistant Head, Head of Sixth Form (Senior School)

• Assistant Head, Head of Upper School (Senior School)

• Assistant Head Pastoral Care (Senior School)

A point to highlight this year was the appointment of five staff members to headships at other schools around the world - a clear reflection of Tanglin’s strength in leadership development and the calibre of exceptional talent nurtured within our community.

GIPPSLAND

The Year 9 Highlands Programme has been successfully launched at Tanglin Gippsland, marking an exciting milestone in the development of our Australian campus. With 4 new faculty members set to join in Gippsland in August, we are excited to see the programme continue to flourish, offering students an exceptional and immersive educational experience in the heart of Australia’s natural landscape.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND CPD

Our performance management framework for both Faculty and Educational Support Staff continues to evolve. It supports collaborative goal-setting, regular feedback, and opportunities for professional reflection and growth. These structures are designed to ensure that development remains a dynamic and continuous part of every staff member’s experience at Tanglin.

STAFF ENGAGEMENT AND WELLBEING

We remain committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff through meaningful initiatives designed to encourage connection, balance, and self-care.

Modelled after the success of the ParentWise series, the StaffWise Programme was launched to provide all staff with access to wellness workshops throughout the year. These sessions focus on key aspects of wellbeing, including physical health, mental resilience, and financial literacy, ensuring that staff feel supported both personally and professionally.

STAFF DIVERSITY BY THE NUMBERS

Our staff come from a wide range of diverse backgrounds, and this has greatly enriched the Tanglin community in more ways than one. You can see this represented in the following figures, recorded as of June 2025.

Tanglin By The Numbers

Governance

Mee King Chen, Group Corporate Secretary

Tanglin Trust School Limited (formerly known as Tanglin Trust Limited) was incorporated on 21 August 1961 as a public company limited by guarantee. It was registered under the Charities Act on 29 December 1984.

Unique Entity Number (UEN)

Registered Address

196100114C

95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299

Banker The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Auditor KPMG LLP

Governing Instrument Tanglin Trust School Limited Constitution

Governing Board Members of Tanglin Trust School Limited

Dominic Nixon

Governor and Chair of Board of Governors, Chair of Board Real Estate and Campus Development and Board Education Policy & Schools Curriculum Committees

(Member since 19 March 2002)

Charles Thomas1

Governor

(Member since 25 April 2023)

Colm McCarthy

Governor (Member since 7 March 2013)

Diana Dawson

Governor

(Member since 25 April 2023)

Emma Horstmann

Governor

(Member since 23 April 2024)

Fang Eu-Lin

Governor and Chair of Board Finance and Risk Committee

(Member since 1 May 2016)

Gina Lee-Wan

Governor

(Member since 19 February 2005)

Mee King Chen

Group Corporate Secretary and Member of Management Team

Neil Tottman

Governor and Chair of Board Development and Alumni Committee (Member since 13 September 2007)

Rajan Raju

Governor (Member since 2 July 2016)

Rashpal Bhatti2 Governor (Member since 25 April 2023)

Richard Routledge

Governor and Chair of Board Talent Committee (Member since 1 September 2020)

Robert Arbuthnott Governor (Member since 16 February 2012)

Sameer Hasija3

Governor (Member since 24 April 2025)

Sue McNamara

Governor and Chair of Board Pastoral and Safeguarding Committee (Member since 1 September 2009)

1 Resigned as Governor on 25 June 2025

2 Resigned as Governor on 24 April 2025

3 Appointed as Governor on 24 April 2025

Some Governors have served beyond 10 years. The Board, collectively, wishes to retain these Governors as they have the necessary skills, relevant experience and commitment to serve Tanglin Trust School Limited. Board succession planning includes the appointment of new Governors.

Board membership is voluntary and not remunerated.

There are no paid staff who are close members of the family of the Chief Executive Officer or Board Members for the period 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025.

Committees

The Board appoints separate committees in relation to the following areas of responsibility:

• Development and Alumni

• Education Policy & Schools Curriculum

• Finance and Risk

• Pastoral and Safeguarding

• Real Estate and Campus Development

• Talent

Attendance Record for Board of Governors and Board Committees Meetings

Period: 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025

Dominic Nixon

Charles Thomas1

Colm McCarthy

Diana Dawson

Emma Horstmann

Fang Eu-Lin

Gina Lee-Wan

Neil Tottman

Rajan Raju

Rashpal Bhatti2

Richard Routledge

Robert Arbuthnott

Sameer Hasija3

Sue McNamara

1 Resigned as Governor on 25 June 2025

2 Resigned as Governor on 24 April 2025

3 Appointed

Note: Due to business travel, work commitments and/or being in countries with different time zones, a few Governors were unable to attend some of the Board and Board Committee meetings.

Management Team 2024/2025

Craig Considine Chief Executive Officer Appointed August 1, 2018

Ling Guan Heng Chief Operating Officer/ Chief Financial Officer Appointed April 13, 2009

Paula Craigie Head of Infant School Appointed August 1, 2014

Ayako Sugaya Director of People Appointed March 21, 2022

Richard Sellers Director of Pastoral Care & Deputy Head (Senior School) Appointed August 11, 2021

Clair Harrington-Wilcox Head of Junior School Appointed August 1, 2016

Tom Evans Director of Marcomms, Admisions & Community Relations Appointed June 17, 2019

John Ridley Director of Learning Appointed September 1, 2011

Abhra Bhattacharjee Director of Development & Head of Foundation Appointed November 1, 2022

Chris Seal Head of Senior School Appointed August 1, 2022

Lyssa Carneiro Director of Risk & Compliance Appointed October 22, 2019

Michael Holiday Director of Co-Curriculum Appointed January 1, 2020

Chin Peng Lee Director of Technology Appointed August 1, 2022

Brian Teng Director of Operations Appointed January 22, 2007

Sohini Brandon-King Director of Scholarship, Inquiry and Partnerships Appointed April 19, 2022

Mee King Chen Group Corporate Secretary Appointed December 15, 2021

Whistleblowing Policy

Tanglin Trust School has a Whistleblowing Policy. The Policy is posted on the School’s website (tts.edu.sg) and may be used, if needed, by employees, suppliers, business partners and others in the school community.