As the Principal of our vibrant GIIS East Coast campus, I am privileged to witness the unique journeys of each student as they embrace the ethos of GLOW — a philosophy that reflects our school’s commitment to holistic development, student excellence, and lifelong learning. GLOW encapsulates the essence of what we aim to nurture in every child: Growth, Leadership, Optimism and Wisdom.
In this blog, we’ll delve into how we incorporate this philosophy in our school life:
Growth: Embracing challenges, seeking opportunities
At GIIS, growth happens in academics and beyond. We inspire students to grow as individuals, and discover their strengths, talents, and passions. Growth is also collective, where we evolve as a community, learn continuously and innovate together. From engaging in collaborative projects to taking on leadership roles, our students understand that growth comes from embracing challenges and seeking opportunities to learn from every experience.
L: Learners and leaders
Education extends beyond textbooks and exams. We prepare our students to become lifelong learners and impactful leaders, equipped with the skills and confidence to tackle life’s complexities. Through student-led initiatives, leadership workshops, and active participation in sports, specialised sports training such as the Gold Squad Programme, extracurricular and co-curricular activities, students develop resilience, critical thinking, and a can-do attitude.
O: Optimistic and open-minded
The world today demands individuals who are not only optimistic but also open-minded. Our students are encouraged to view obstacles or challenges as opportunities and to approach the unfamiliar with curiosity and respect. This mindset helps them create their own paths, whether it’s excelling in academics, mastering the arts, or championing sustainability.
W: Wisdom and well-being
True success lies in achieving a balance between intellectual pursuits and emotional well-being. At GIIS, wisdom is not just about knowledge but also about understanding and empathy. We emphasise well-being—physical, emotional, and social—through dedicated programmes that nurture the whole child. This ensures our students are not only capable but also compassionate and community-minded individuals.
Living the GLOW philosophy
Our GLOW philosophy is a living testament to our vision: to be a global role model for teaching and learning. It shines through in every classroom discussion, every student council meeting, and every cultural performance on our campus. It serves as a compass, guiding us to provide a nurturing environment where students feel empowered to excel and make a meaningful impact on the world.
As a Principal, I am immensely proud to lead a community that embraces this vision wholeheartedly. Watching our students ‘GLOW’ fills me with optimism for their future and for the transformative leaders they are destined to become.
If you are keen to know more about GIIS, please feel free to connect with our admissions team.
Deepika Sodhi
Ms. Deepika Sodhi, Principal, GIIS East Coast Campus is a seasoned education leader with over 25 years of teaching experience, including 15+ years in Cambridge and IB programmes, and 10 years in CBSE.
She holds a Master's degree in Physics with a specialisation in Electronics, a Bachelor’s in Education, and an Honours Diploma in Software Management. Her teaching career spans India and Singapore.
Ms. Sodhi's achievements include being GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) qualified and a Gold Medalist in Physics, Lead ISO Auditor, a member of both the International Schools Network and the International Baccalaureate Educator’s Network.
In her past roles at GIIS, she served as Head of Science and Physics, Cambridge IGCSE Coordinator, Cambridge Exam Officer, and IB Examiner.
Ms. Sodhi is passionate about innovation, inclusivity, and student success. In her free time, she enjoys reading and volunteering with the Singapore Red Cross.
