What is SJI's approach to holistic education?

St. Joseph’s Institution (SJI) and SJI International (SJII) shape character by embedding their Lasallian values into a holistic education framework that moves beyond pure academics. This is driven by dedicated SJI teachers through specific structures like the Integrated Programme and the Josephian Formation Journey, which are designed to nurture students into persons of integrity and service. This philosophy aligns directly with the Ministry of Education's (MOE) wider emphasis on Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) as a cornerstone of a child's development, not just an afterthought to grades.

How do SJI's programmes build real-world skills?

SJI's curriculum isn't just a list of subjects. It's a deliberate sequence of experiences designed to build confidence and practical ability. Students are pushed out of their comfort zones and into situations that require more than just textbook knowledge. Key initiatives include:

Experiential Learning: Through overseas learning journeys and work experience programmes, students gain crucial global perspectives and an understanding of professional environments.
Project Work and Electives: Year 3 students learn collaboration, self-directedness and even calculated risk-taking. These projects are hands-on, encouraging them to manage timelines and work with peers to achieve a shared goal.
Education and Career Guidance (ECG): In Year 4, the school facilitates direct interactions with industry practitioners. This demystifies various occupations and helps students connect their academic learning to tangible career paths.
Josephian Innomakers Programme: This programme introduces students to Creative Problem Solving and Design Thinking. The goal is to foster innovation with a purpose, encouraging students to become agents of change who serve the community.

What role do SJI teachers play in the IB Diploma Programme?

For students in the demanding International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the focus on character is explicit. SJI teachers are not just instructors. They are mentors guiding students through the Josephian Formation Journey and the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme. The aim is to form 'Men and Women of Integrity' and ‘Men and Women for Others’. The IB programme’s emphasis on independent thinking is a huge strength but can also be a challenge. When a student struggles to connect their brilliant ideas to the specific marking criteria of an IB exam, feedback from an experienced mentor becomes invaluable. Structured guidance from expert-led secondary, JC and IB tuition can help bridge this gap, focusing on exam-focused coaching to translate hard work into recognised achievement.

How does SJI International's approach to character differ?

While sharing the same Lasallian DNA, SJI International has its own distinct initiatives. Its elementary school implements the “Virtues Project”, a framework that uses empowering language to cultivate 52 specific character virtues in daily life. This isn't a passive programme. It is actively managed by a dedicated Virtues coordinator and facilitators. The commitment of SJI International teachers to this project ensures that character development is woven into the very fabric of the school day, preparing students to become compassionate and responsible global citizens.

SJI vs. SJI International: a snapshot of character programmes

Is SJI only for academically top students?

This is a common misconception. While academically rigorous, SJI has evolved its admissions criteria to look beyond grades. The school now actively seeks pupils who show potential in their chosen fields, allowing for a more holistic evaluation that values diverse talents and learning styles. Furthering this spirit of inclusivity, SJI International offers the Lasallian Scholarship Programme, which provides full scholarships to outstanding Singaporean children from lower-income families. This ensures that a high-quality, holistic education is not limited by a family's financial circumstances.

What does the future hold for SJI and SJI International?

The demand for this model of education is soaring. SJI International is particularly sought after, with Singaporeans making up 62% of its student body. For the 2026 academic year, all Grade 7 (secondary 1 equivalent) places were already filled by July 2025. To meet this incredible demand, SJI International is planning a major move. Its current Thomson Road site is slated for residential use, and the school will relocate to a new, larger campus in Hougang in 2030. This expansion reflects a growing recognition among parents of the value of an education that builds not just a strong report card but a strong character. Choosing a school is a major decision and ensuring your child thrives within its culture is just as important. If you are looking for academic support that aligns with a holistic approach, you can find out more about our expert-led secondary, JC and [IB tuition](https://geniebook.com/exam-preparation/gce-a-level/article/5-points-you-need-know-starting-level) programmes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between SJI and SJI International's education approach?

SJI and SJI International differ primarily in their core academic frameworks and student demographics, with SJI focusing on the Integrated Programme for mainly Singaporean students and SJII using the International Baccalaureate for a mixed student body. While both share Lasallian values, SJI's character development is structured through the Josephian Formation Journey, whereas SJII's elementary school uses the distinct “Virtues Project”.

How does SJI's holistic education prepare students for life after school?

SJI's holistic education prepares students for the real world through specific programmes like overseas learning journeys, project work and the Josephian Innomakers Programme. These initiatives, driven by SJI teachers, are designed to build practical skills such as collaboration, self-directedness and creative problem-solving, which are essential for life beyond school.

What kind of support do SJI teachers provide for the IB Diploma Programme in Singapore?

SJI teachers support students in the demanding IB Diploma Programme by acting as mentors who guide them through the Josephian Formation Journey and the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme. They provide invaluable feedback to help students align their independent thinking with the specific marking criteria of IB exams, helping to translate hard work into recognised achievement.

Do you need to be a top academic student to get into SJI?

No, SJI's admission criteria have evolved to look beyond just grades, now actively seeking pupils who show potential in their chosen fields for a more holistic evaluation. To further this inclusivity, SJI International offers a scholarship programme for outstanding Singaporean children from lower-income families, ensuring access is not limited by financial circumstances.

How do teachers at SJI International build character?

SJI International teachers build character by actively implementing “The Virtues Project” in the elementary school, a framework that uses empowering language to cultivate 52 specific virtues in daily life. This programme is managed by a dedicated coordinator and facilitators to ensure SJI character development is a core part of the school day, not just an add-on.

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Beyond Grades: How SJI Teachers Shape Character Through Holistic Education