FRENCH AMBASSADOR, SINGAPORE FOREIGN MINISTER LAUNCH REBRANDED IFS
5 February 2020 – Today, the International French School (Singapore) (IFS) welcomed a new chapter as it announced a brand new name, brand identity, vision and mission. Formerly Lycée Français de Singapour, the new name marks part of a broader strategy to promote the French curriculum and multilingualism to an ever increasingly diverse student population. In its 53 year history, the School has evolved to welcome increasingly more non-French speaking students year-on-year through its bilingual French-English curriculum. Not only does the new name symbolise this shift, but also sends a message that an IFS education is open and accessible to international families residing Singapore.
IFS now counts over 60 nationalities amongst its student population and the future of IFS will celebrate this diversity, while maintaining its French culture and heritage. Through specific French language programmes, IFS seeks to integrate non-French speaking families while at the same time promoting the practice of English in an international context.
Principal of IFS, Mr Christian Soulard, said of the new direction, “This is a school with a long tradition of success and a culture open to the world. For over 50 years, we have been preparing young minds for the challenges they face ahead. We have created a school experience which is inspiring and exciting to be a part of. Shaped by a French culture which blends the best of foundational knowledge with flair and creativity, we believe at IFS that diversity makes us stronger.”
Today, Mr Christian Soulard hosted the official inauguration ceremony for the International French School (Singapore). He welcomed Guests of Honour Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs and H.E. Marc Abensour, Ambassador of France to Singapore.
The Guests of Honour arrived to a choral reception from the IFS Choir before listening to a welcome address by President of the IFS Executive Committee Mr Pierre Chanteclair, where he spoke about the School’s new vision and mission. H.E Marc Abensour then took to the stage to discuss how the new IFS represents the growing global influence of French Education. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan then addressed the audience, noting IFS’ contribution to Singapore and the importance of the French community to Singapore’s growth.
IFS has now entered the second phase of its campus extension. From 2023 onwards, IFS will be able to welcome more than 4,000 children in a state-of-the-art learning environment.
Speech by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs