In the heart of Singapore stands a beacon of artistic excellence and academic prowess, where young talents aged 13-18 are honed into creative leaders with a passion for the arts. The School of the Arts (SOTA), Singapore’s first national pre-tertiary specialised arts school, operates under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), providing a unique six-year integrated arts and academic curriculum that leads to the coveted International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or Career-related Programme.
The School of the Arts (SOTA) building
Vision and Mission: A Glimpse into the Future
At SOTA, the vision is clear: “Creative Citizens for the Future.” This institution goes beyond conventional education, aiming to identify and groom artistic and creative learners who will make a positive impact not only in Singapore but also on the global stage. The mission is to nurture these talents through a vibrant learning environment anchored in the arts, fostering a spirit of experimentation, expression, and discovery.
The school values of Humility, Integrity, People-centredness, and Passion are not just words on a wall but principles embedded in the fabric of SOTA’s educational philosophy. The students are encouraged to embody these values, aspiring to become H.I.P. Leaders with Passion.
Teaching Philosophy: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
SOTA’s teaching approach is future-oriented, engaging students academically and artistically. The school creates an environment that celebrates experimentation, expression, and discovery. Their philosophy includes valuing every student, fostering all-round development and well-being, creating learner-centred classrooms, developing assessments aligned with different learning cycles, and grounding practice in theory.
Academic Calendar and Teachers: Balancing Rigor and Inspiration
While SOTA’s academic calendar broadly aligns with the Ministry of Education’s schedule, it incorporates variations to accommodate the demands of the International Baccalaureate programs. The academic teachers at SOTA are seasoned educators, and many art instructors are practising artists. This unique blend allows students to gain insights into real-life art practitioners’ creative inspirations and perspectives.
Curriculum: Bridging Theory with Practice
SOTA’s six-year integrated arts and academic curriculum is designed to build connections between different subject areas and bridge theory with practice. The guiding principle is to develop artistic dispositions, critical thinking and heightened creative awareness. The emphasis on the process of learning promotes experimentation and discovery in both arts and academics. Close mentorship by teachers and programs fostering Humility, Integrity, People-centredness, and Passion (H.I.P.P) further shape students into well-rounded individuals.
Why SOTA? A Holistic Educational Philosophy
SOTA’s unique education model transcends the conventional boundaries of academics and the arts. The integrated academic and arts program combines rigor and artistic development with the active citizenry. It aims to produce students who dream big, pursue their passions, think independently, and lead with compassion. As an IB World school accredited to offer both the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), SOTA ensures that students excel academically and develop their artistic dispositions and creative awareness.
The success stories of SOTA graduates extending beyond the school, as seen through the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), are a testament to the effectiveness of this holistic educational philosophy. SOTA is not just a school; it is a nurturing ground for the artistic and academic potential of future generations, shaping creative professionals who will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world.