Educational Trends 2026: Shaping the Future of Learning
Published 21 January 2026 at 10:30
Tickikids Blog Singapore > Education > Educational Trends 2026: Shaping the Future of Learning
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Education is changing rapidly, and today’s schools are rethinking how best to prepare students for an increasingly complex and global future. Parents are no longer only asking what their children are learning, but how they are learning and whether those experiences truly equip them with the skills, resilience, and motivation needed beyond the classroom. TickiKids explores emerging educational trends among Singapore’s leading schools, which are shaping a more flexible, engaging, and student-centred approach to learning.
Concepts such as microlearning and modular credentials allow students to master content in manageable, meaningful steps, while gamification is transforming lessons into motivating, interactive experiences that inspire curiosity rather than passive memorisation. Alongside this, hybrid and blended learning models are combining the strengths of face-to-face teaching with digital tools, offering greater flexibility without sacrificing academic rigour.
At the same time, secondary education is undergoing a shift toward skills-focused curriculum reform, emphasising critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving—skills essential for university, careers, and life. Schools are also placing growing importance on sustainability, future-readiness, and global awareness, helping students understand their role in a rapidly changing world. Just as importantly, many schools are now embedding mental health and wellbeing into everyday learning, recognising that academic success and emotional resilience go hand in hand.
International schools are expanding global learning access and language diversity, preparing students to communicate confidently across cultures while maintaining strong academic foundations. This article explores how these emerging trends are reshaping secondary education — and what they mean for parents seeking schools that nurture not only academic excellence, but confident, capable, and well-balanced young adults.
Australian International School
Image Credit: Australian International School Singapore
Steve Lupton will assume the role of Head of School at the Australian International School in Singapore from Term 1, January 2026.
Originally from Australia, Steve brings over 20 years of experience in teaching and school leadership, having worked across four countries: the United Kingdom, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore. His international career reflects a deep understanding of diverse educational systems and a strong commitment to global-minded learning.
I'm excited to be joining the AIS community as Head of School, building on the incredible achievements of Ms. Karrie Dietz. As I walked through the campus, I was struck by the warmth and inclusivity of our community. I will continue to foster a culture that prioritises the academic and pastoral needs of our students. My vision is to create an environment where students can thrive and explore their passions, while developing into compassionate and confident individuals.
Steve’s leadership philosophy is shaped by his background in sport, where values such as resilience, teamwork, and discipline play a central role. He is known for building collaborative, high-performing school communities in which students are supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed.
Outside the classroom, Steve enjoys sports, coaching, and exploring different cultures — interests that further strengthen his connection with students, staff, and families, and contribute to the vibrant community spirit at AIS.
I've been blown away by the enthusiasm and commitment of our students, and I'm looking forward to seeing them take on new challenges and pursue their passions. My focus will be on building on the school's existing strengths, nurturing relationships with parents, staff, and students, and showcasing our successes.
AIS students consistently achieve outstanding outcomes, with every graduate securing a university place and 99% enrolling in their preferred choice, including leading universities. From early learning through to graduation at age 18, students benefit from five world-class curricula that support academic excellence at every stage.
On one welcoming campus, children from more than 50 nationalities learn and grow together, guided by the school’s core values of Achievement, Respect, and Opportunity. Beyond the classroom, AIS offers enriching opportunities in performing arts, competitive sport, and over 300 co-curricular programmes, supporting each child’s personal and academic development.
Enquire now and discover endless opportunities under one roof!
Contact: +65 6319 3760
Location: 1 Lorong Chuan, Singapore 556818 (7 min walk to Lorong Chuan MRT)
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BRMC Little Lights Preschool (Barker Campus)
Image Credit: BRMC Little Lights Preschool
BRMC Little Lights Preschool (Barker Campus) is delighted to introduce its thoughtfully enhanced programmes for 2026, created with a single purpose — to nurture each child’s mind, heart, and character during their most formative early years.
At the Barker Road Campus, children benefit from a well-rounded curriculum that seamlessly blends the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), rich and immersive Chinese-language experiences, and a proven Montessori approach. Through inquiry-led learning, hands-on exploration, and purposeful play, children are encouraged to grow at their own pace, developing confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love for learning.
As Singapore’s only faith-based preschool accredited as an IB PYP World School, BRMC Little Lights Preschool (Barker Campus) offers a distinctive foundation for lifelong learning. Beyond academic development, strong emphasis is placed on values and character formation. Grounded in the principles of the IB PYP, the programme nurtures inquisitive thinkers, reflective learners, and compassionate individuals who are able to meaningfully connect their learning to the world around them. Learning is joyful, meaningful, and relevant, guided by dedicated educators who partner closely with families.
New Programme Offerings for 2026
Families can choose from new 4-hour and 6-hour pathways, thoughtfully designed to meet different learning needs and family schedules:
- IB Primary Years Programme with Chinese Montessori (N1–K2): This programme blends the inquiry-based IB PYP with Chinese immersion in a Montessori environment, supporting language development, independence and learning through hands-on discovery.
- IB Primary Years Programme with Creative Chinese (K1–K2): Children explore ideas through inquiry, collaboration, storytelling and cultural experiences, strengthening bilingual communication while developing a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture.
- Bilingual Montessori Programme (Mixed-Age, 4-hour): A mixed-age environment where children learn through purposeful play and exploration, guided by Montessori principles within a bilingual setting.
- IB Primary Years Programme with Bilingual Montessori (6-hour): This pathway combines the strengths of inquiry-based learning and bilingual Montessori practices to nurture curiosity, collaboration and holistic development.
- In addition, they offer a 4-hour Playgroup Programme (18 months–2 years) in both Bilingual and Full-Chinese options. This programme gently introduces the youngest learners to school life, sparking curiosity and building a strong foundation through joyful, play-based experiences.
Through these carefully designed pathways, BRMC Little Lights Preschool remains committed to raising confident, compassionate, and capable children.
Enquire now and let your child be grounded in faith, inspired by inquiry, and prepared to make a positive difference in the world with BRMC Little Lights Preschool!
Executive Principal: Ms Cherilyn Lee
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Contact: 6255 8430
Location: 70 Barker Road #01-01 Singapore 309936
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St.Joseph’s Institution International Preschool
Image Credit: St.Joseph’s Institution International Preschool
At St. Joseph’s Institution International Preschool, they believe every child deserves an exceptional start to their learning journey. Their early childhood programme offers four carefully structured Units of Inquiry that guide children from Early Years 1 through Kindergarten 2. Each unit is developmentally appropriate, building progressively as children grow, and is tailored to meet their age, interests, and stage of learning.
A thoughtfully designed curriculum is centred on an inquiry-based approach, encouraging children to ask questions, explore ideas, and make meaningful connections to the world around them. Through hands-on experiences and guided discovery, children develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. All programmes are designed to provide a holistic education across transdisciplinary learning domains, align with both Singaporean and international education standards:
- Bilingual Literacy Programme
- Numeracy Programme
- Pastoral Care Programme
- Outdoor Learning Programme
- Aquaponics Programme
- Inclusionary Practices
Aquaponics Programme
- Learning Sustainability Through Play: In a purpose-built garden, children explore how fish, plants, and people work together in balance. As kids care for living things, they develop responsibility, teamwork, and a genuine respect for the environment
- A Living Classroom: Children don’t just learn about ecosystems — they experience them. By observing how fish and plants support one another, they discover the importance of balance in nature and their role as caretakers through daily care and exploration
Key Learning Outcomes
- Children explore eco-friendly farming methods, learning about resource efficiency and environmental responsibility through hands-on discovery
- By growing vegetables and herbs and observing fish farming, children learn where food comes from and develop early awareness of healthy, sustainable eating
- Maintaining the aquaponics system encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and adaptability as children see how small changes affect the whole ecosystem
From Farm to Table
Farm-to-Table Family Experience brought learning beyond the classroom. Together with The Dempsey Project, V-Plus Agritech, and chef Jeremy Nguee, children and families harvested produce from the garden and prepared a shared meal.
Renovated Campus
Beautifully restored and thoughtfully renovated, Shalom House blends heritage charm with state-of-the-art facilities designed around modern pedagogical practices. Every space is carefully created to support children’s learning, wellbeing, and growth in a warm and inspiring environment.
- All classrooms are equipped with flexible, multifunctional furnishings, enabling educators to design engaging and responsive learning experiences. These dynamic spaces encourage creativity, collaboration, and curiosity, giving children the freedom to explore, experiment, and thrive
- Beyond the classrooms, children are immersed in a natural landscape rich in flora and wildlife, complemented by innovative urban farming initiatives
Santo Bambino (The Christ Child) is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 and will complete the Preschool’s transformation. Children enrolling after this date will enjoy learning across two state-of-the-art buildings.
Join St. Joseph’s Institution International Preschool as they partner with you in nurturing your child’s curiosity, creativity, and potential!
You are warmly invited to connect with the Admissions Team to schedule a visit.
Location: 49A Holland Road, Singapore 258850
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