ycpang:

patpattan:

Last year, two of their IB graduates (with average PSLE scores) were awarded PSC scholarships.

The two IB graduates awarded PSC Scholarships were from mainstream schools (SJI and CHIJ St Theresa's Convent) from sec 1 to 4, before they joined SJI (International) in year 5 and 6.

Yes, but neither of them have outstanding PSLE and O level scores. They did very well for their IB diploma at SJI International. PSC was apparently impressed by their self-confidence, communication skills and breadth of knowledge.

[quote="david1947]Actually I have a fair idea of the differences between the two systems and the relative merits and demerits. Certainly the local system produces word class students - but these generally come from the elite schools though there are isolated exceptions. But then the elite schools only take in the best and the brightest from the PSLE crop. Excellence in, excellence out - not too difficult an equation. Which leaves the 2nd and 3rd liner schools which I believe enjoy less assistance in every way - whether it be finance, facilities or teaching staff. And with a larger cohort, the teacher/student ratio does not permit individual attention…nor does the system allow late bloomers. However, this is not to say that the latter band of schools cannot produce brilliance - they do …I’m just talking about the "norm".


I think MOE is aware of the relative merits of the international schooling system and I understand that the designated "future" schools are adopting many of the teaching methods practised. under the international system. I think recognition of the merits may have influenced the MOE to accord licenses for commencement of the "Local" inernational schools only to 3 of leading insitutions in Singapore - HCI, ACS and SJI

My original question was to ask if anyone had any personal knowledge of these three "local" international schools in terms of the quality of overall quality of education provided in each ( and also in terms of discipline)[/quote]

I know SJI Intl well. Its founding principal was Andrew Bennett, who was head of UWC (SEA) and was instrumental in making UWC (SEA) one of the best IB centres in the world. Andrew Bennett is now semi-retired but continues with SJI Intl as advisor. He had put in place a good team of teachers, mainly expatriates. The students in SJI Intl High School come from two main groups - expat students from SJI Intl elementary school and local students who joined the school after PSLE. The school adopts an active learning approach where class participation is a key aspect of learning. They grow to be very strong communicators, and very confident.
Last year, two of their IB graduates (with average PSLE scores) were awarded PSC scholarships.

The school places lots of emphasis on students doing things themselves, especially through outside classroom activities.

There is a long waiting list for admission and all places for 2011 have been taken up.

ultimateschooler:

Faun:

[quote=\"ultimateschooler\"]I have a girl who did well from RGPS and I am keen to send her to either SJI or ACSI for sec 1. is that possible? Can anyone advise?


Thanks

Are you interested in the IB program and hence the two schools mentioned. SJI has no IB, only. SJI International has.

Anyway, all boys schools.

Yes I meant sji international. So there is no equivalent for girls in Singapore?... I don't understand it.[/quote]All 3 \"Privately Funded Schools\" namely ACS Intl, SJI Intl and Hwa Chong Intl are coed and they take in both boys and girls at Sec 1 level. I understand though that SJI Intl is full and there is a waiting list. You may want to check with ACS Intl or Hwa Chong Intl.

ultimateschooler:

Faun:

[quote=\"ultimateschooler\"]I have a girl who did well from RGPS and I am keen to send her to either SJI or ACSI for sec 1. is that possible? Can anyone advise?


Thanks

Are you interested in the IB program and hence the two schools mentioned. SJI has no IB, only. SJI International has.

Anyway, all boys schools.

Yes I meant sji international. So there is no equivalent for girls in Singapore?... I don't understand it.[/quote]All 3 \"Privately Funded Schools\" namely ACS Intl, SJI Intl and Hwa Chong Intl are coed and they take in both boys and girls at Sec 1 level. I understand though that SJI Intl is full and there is a waiting list. You may want to check with ACS Intl or Hwa Chong Intl.

danlim:

is it better to gauge school by their banding, instead of COP?


Banding is the results of O level results, COP does not directly reflect the academic result of the school. Some of the high COP schools have ver high banding

I cant agree more with you. I will place more emphasis on banding, its value-add as well as school ethos and character when choosing a school for my kid. A school like Chinese High has very different culture and emphasis from RI and ACS. And Victoria has a very different environment compared to Catholic High. I think it is wise to look beyond cut-off points.

jtoh:

patpattan:

Does it really matter? Education is a marathon. It would be interesting to find out how many of the President's scholars had topped the PSLE:)

More interesting to find out what past President's scholars are doing. I know not all of them are successful.

Indeed!

Getting As in exams is inadequate preparation for success in life.

Does it really matter? Education is a marathon. It would be interesting to find out how many of the President’s scholars had topped the PSLE:)

[quote="Quintessential MumYes it is lagging behind and honestly they need to attract the better performing PSLE students from the primary school to come over and raise the bar and encourage the other students to do better academically at least! However, very few will make that move given the quality of teaching staff, the state of discipline and reputation. It is a vicious cycle but it needs to be broken for the sake of the students.


Unlike SJI which is surging forward with a committed and supportive Board and management. They are impressive and progressive! Bravo![/quote]

Do the Sisters and the IJ Board share your same view? If so, what are they doing about it? Would passionate alumni like you step forward to help the Board reinvent and strengthen IJ Toa Payoh?

SJI will need girls for the JC years of its IP track. Some arrangements can be made such that IJ girls can flow seamlessly into SJI. SJI and IJ used to have close relationships back in the Victoria St/Bras Basah days!


What is interesting is that SJI is offering IB, using the expertise that has been built up in SJI International. I firmly believe that given the needs of the new economy, IB is a better option than A level.

While I commend the school for its strong ethos and focus on value centric, holistic education, I do have one worry. The education landscape in Singapore has changed and the school will need to respond accordingly. Toa Payoh convent will be poorer if good students dont go there anymore. And this is already happening. To continue to have students at both ends of the spectrum, it needs to be attractive to both groups. How? The IP track which SJI is embarking on is a good way forward. I think there is opportunity for Toa Payoh convent to work closely with SJI, leveraging on SJI’s IP track at least until such time it can get its own IP track approved.