Personalised Learning Through Care: How Class Pets Enrich Learning at Astor International School Singapore

Two Astor students Looking at the Caterpillar Class Pet

At Astor International School Singapore, learning often goes beyond textbooks. Through hands-on and personalised learning experiences, students are encouraged to explore the world around them, ask questions, and develop meaningful life skills.

One example of this approach is the use of class pets in the classroom. While simple, these experiences support hands-on learning and help students develop responsibility, empathy, and curiosity about the natural world.

As a boutique international school in Singapore, Astor places strong emphasis on small class sizes and personalised learning, allowing teachers to create meaningful learning opportunities where every child is known and supported.

Bringing Learning to Life

In our Year 6/7 class at Astor International School, students recently cared for a caterpillar as part of their unit on animals.

Rather than simply reading about life cycles in a textbook, students had the opportunity to observe the process firsthand. Over time, they watched the caterpillar grow, form a chrysalis, and eventually transform into a butterfly.

Seeing this transformation unfold in real time sparked curiosity and lively classroom discussions. Students explored ideas about growth, adaptation, and survival, making concepts that might otherwise feel abstract much easier to understand.

This kind of experiential learning reflects Astor’s approach to education, where students are encouraged to actively engage with what they are studying.

Astor International School's Students Observing a Class Pet

Learning Responsibility

Caring for a living creature also teaches an important lesson: living things depend on consistent care.

Students took turns cleaning the enclosure, ensuring the caterpillar had enough food, and making sure the environment remained safe. To ensure it was properly looked after during the weekend, volunteers even brought the caterpillar home.

These routines helped students understand that their actions have real consequences. They also encouraged teamwork and responsibility, as students worked together to ensure the caterpillar was well cared for.

Because Astor International School Singapore maintains small class sizes, teachers are able to guide students closely during activities like these, helping them reflect on their experiences and deepen their understanding.

A Shared Classroom Experience

Class pets also help build a strong sense of community within the classroom.

Students share observations, ask questions, and celebrate milestones together such as the moment the butterfly finally emerges. These shared experiences encourage collaboration and strengthen relationships among classmates.

Across the school, other classes have also enjoyed caring for animals such as frogs, fish, and other small creatures. Each class pet offers unique learning opportunities, helping students explore habitats, behaviour, and the needs of living organisms.

 Joyful moments in the classroom

Astor International School Student Holding a Class Pet

While the activity supports science learning, it also helps students develop empathy, responsibility, and teamwork. Most importantly, it creates joyful moments in the classroom that students remember long after the lesson ends.

Sometimes, the most meaningful lessons begin with something as simple as caring for a small creature!

Written by Saranya | First published March 10, 2026