Curriculum for Special Needs Education in Singapore
Curriculum Overview
- School Curriculum and Philosophy
Our special education curriculum is designed to provide individualized instruction tailored to each student’s unique strengths and needs, aligned with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). It supports diverse learners by adapting content, pace, and teaching methods to promote academic growth, social skills, and independence, ensuring every student can progress at their own pace in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Each student’s curriculum is tailored through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Individualization ensures that instructional goals, methods, and materials match the student’s current abilities, interests, and learning styles. Curriculum planning requires ongoing collaboration among special education teachers, therapists, administrators, families, and sometimes the students themselves.
Our curriculum philosophy is reflective of our curriculum values. The following principles guide our work.
Our Core Values:
In an effort to support our commitment to continuous improvement, our goals are to make curriculum decisions based on the needs of our learners, to continually seek out current research-based programs and practices, to continue the ongoing development of a comprehensive curriculum, to continue to revise and refine curriculum documents, and to engage in collaborative decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is the curriculum at Saint Clare different from mainstream schools?
Unlike traditional classrooms, our curriculum for special needs education is fully individualised, with each student receiving a customised lesson plan that adapts to their needs. We do not follow a standard national syllabus, allowing us to focus on skill-building, life readiness, and holistic growth.
2. Is the curriculum aligned with my child’s IEP?
Yes. Every student enrolled at Saint Clare has an Individualised Education Plan (IEP). The curriculum is built around the goals outlined in the IEP, ensuring instruction is targeted and outcomes are measurable.
3. What subjects or domains does the curriculum cover?
Our curriculum spans core academic subjects such as literacy, numeracy, and science, along with adaptive skills, social communication, and personal health. These are delivered using evidence-based, multi-sensory teaching methods.
4. Do therapies form part of the school curriculum?
No. While Saint Clare offers speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behaviour therapy, these are separate services and not integrated directly into the school curriculum. They can, however, complement the student’s learning journey when taken alongside classroom instruction.
5. Can students transition to mainstream schools or vocational programmes after Saint Clare?
Yes. Depending on readiness and goals, some students transition into mainstream education, while others move into supported employment or vocational training. Our curriculum prepares them for either path, focusing on independence and long-term outcomes.
