Inside the Classroom: How OFS Nurtures Critical Thinking through Inquiry-Based Learning in Singapore

By OFS

December 2025

Every great thinker starts with a question. “Why?” “How?” “What if?” — these are the sparks that drive discovery, creativity, and understanding. For children, those sparks appear early, in moments of curiosity that can shape the way they learn for life...

That’s why at Overseas Family School (OFS), learning goes beyond memorizing facts or following formulas. It’s about helping students develop the courage to ask, the skills to explore, and the mindset to think critically. Through inquiry-based learning, hands-on experiences, and globally focused programs, OFS nurtures students from Kindergarten to High School to become independent, reflective, and responsible thinkers ready for the world ahead.

From Play to Purpose: Inquiry-Based Learning Begins in the Early Years

In the IEYC and IPC classrooms, play is more than fun—it’s a foundation for inquiry. Children are encouraged to ask “why” and “how,” to experiment with materials, and to share what they discover.

• Circle time becomes a moment to voice ideas and listen to others.
• Learning centres invite exploration, from building towers to testing what sinks or floats.
• Teachers act as guides, not lecturers, helping children draw connections between what they do and what they learn.

By starting early, OFS nurtures curiosity and confidence—the roots of critical thinking in education and lifelong learning.

Primary Years: Building Connections through Student-Centred Learning

As students move into the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), learning becomes project-based and interconnected. Instead of memorizing facts, they investigate big ideas such as “How Humans Change the World” or “Living Things and Their Habitats.”

Students collaborate, gather evidence, and present findings—learning to question assumptions, evaluate sources, and explain their reasoning. Whether they’re designing eco-friendly inventions or comparing communities around the world, each unit reinforces analytical and reflective thinking while building communication and teamwork skills.



Middle Years: Developing Critical Thinking and Perspective

In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), critical thinking takes on more structure. Students learn to approach challenges from multiple perspectives—scientific, social, ethical, and cultural.

They conduct independent investigations, develop hypotheses, and test their ideas through experiments or essays.

• In Language and Literature, students analyze tone and bias in media.
• In Science, they design fair tests and interpret data.
• In Individuals and Societies, they explore how history and human behavior shape decisions today.

This multi-disciplinary approach helps students connect classroom learning to real-world complexity and strengthens their analytical reasoning—key outcomes of an IB curriculum in Singapore.

Diploma Years: Preparing Global Citizens for University and Beyond

By the time students reach the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), they’re ready to take ownership of their learning. The Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) components encourage them to question, research, and reflect at a university level.

Students examine global issues—from climate change to ethics in technology—using evidence, logic, and empathy. They learn to build well-reasoned arguments, communicate persuasively, and understand that complex problems rarely have simple answers.

The result is a generation of OFS graduates who don’t just know the world—they know how to think about it, act on it, and make a difference.

What Parents Value about the OFS Approach

Parents appreciate that OFS students aren’t passive learners; they’re curious explorers. They develop confidence to speak up, resilience to face challenges, and empathy to understand others’ views. These are the very traits universities and employers look for—and the values that define a holistic education.

A Community that Encourages Inquiry and Global Citizenship

At OFS, learning extends beyond classrooms. Whether through service projects, art exhibitions, student councils, or international celebrations, students continually apply critical thinking and global citizenship in authentic settings. They learn to work collaboratively, appreciate diverse opinions, and turn ideas into positive action.

Conclusion: Where Thinking Leads to Growth

At every stage of education, OFS empowers students to ask better questions, seek deeper answers, and make meaningful connections. It’s not about memorizing—it’s about understanding, reflecting, and growing.

Book a Campus Tour today to experience inquiry-based learning in Singapore firsthand and see how OFS brings education to life—where curiosity turns into confidence, and every child learns to think for themselves and care for others.

OFS Admissions Director

Joyce Chee

admissions@ofs.edu.sg | +65 6738 0211

Overseas Family School, Block A, Level 6

https://www.ofs.edu.sg/

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