Jing Shan Primary

[DaddyDo]

I was also concerned about the lack of comments about JSP from the parents of students who attend, so I’ll do my part by posting what I’ve learned.


1. We decided to place our son at JSP because it’s nearby and we figured the extra hour of sleep he gets is more important that any marginal benefit of busing him to a more name brand school.

2. I asked a teacher during P1 registration, and she said roughly 50% of the top class (about 20) scored above 250 on the 2011 PSLE.

3. On the first two days of school in 2013, JSP conducted workshops for parents on STELLAR and How to Motivate your Kids. I recently learned, not all schools do this.

4. In week 4 of the 2013 term, the school conducted a Meet the Teacher session for P1 parents. I really appreciated having this opportunity early in the year, so we can better understand the learning environment and what’s expected of the students.

5. On Tuesday nights for four weeks, the school conducts a Han Yu Pin Yin workshop for parents. This is so parent’s can learn or brush up on their HYPY and help guide their kids in Term 1. Again, I don’t believe all schools do this.

6. HYPY assessments started in week 4, but so far not too difficult.

7. In theory, the school will teach a child how to read English from the most basic level, but, as the vast majority of students have already attended pre-school, I believe the reality is that most kids can already read with modest proficiency. In fact, the English spelling assessments, which began in week 4, belie the notion that students in neighbourhood schools are presumed to start from a lower base, as some of the words are beyond the basic.

8. I’m not thrilled with the demerit point system which punishes a level if a student fails to bring his/her thermometer and story book to school. [The level with the least demerit points gets extra recess time]. I would think the system could be turned upside down into a merit point system, whereby days where everyone in a level brings the required material, they get a point, and the level with the most points at the end of each term gets some reward. Subtle difference, but I think it’s better to reward good behaviour than teach P1’s the meaning of demerits.

9. Apart from preparing for the weekly spelling assessments in English and Chinese, the homework is pretty light so far. At most twice a week.

Overall, I’m pretty happy with the school. The teachers seem caring, and my son hasn’t reported any problems with his classmates. It’s early in the year, but I hope the school continues to deliver beyond my expectation.

[DaddyDo]

JSP held a Learning Festival one Saturday in Term 1 that included workshops for parents. Most notable was a workshop on Math that taught the parents the \"modelling\" method. These workshops run by JSP seem to be consistent with the philosophy of \"Education Begins at Home\". The other notable event was a trip to the Singapore Zoo by the P1 cohort, which seemed to go smoothly.


Term 1 has given me a greater appreciation for the difficulty teachers at \"neighbourhood\" schools must face. I'm beginning to think that the MOE mantra of \"Every school a good school\" is true when referring to the curriculum and general efforts of the staff; but, what may differ is the range of socio-economic backgrounds of the students. The \"Education Begins at Home\" philosophy is more difficult to implement when the Home environment is not conducive to it. This must present challenges to the teachers. The range of test scores in the P1 class, as reported anecdotally by my son, is possible evidence of this.

Overall, I think standard of education at JSP remains high, and the English vocabulary to be tested in Term 2 looks like it will be quite a challenge for some. Term 2 will also have another Meet the Teacher session.

[phtthp]

Seem like jing Shan teachers quite caring & concerned. First time I hear of a school conduct parents workshop for p1 English stellar & Chinese Han Yu pin yin. Very good! Keep up the spirit!


should also conduct parents workshop for other subjects like Science P3 / P4 or P5 / P6. (if they haven’t yet), or for Maths like P1 / P2 Modelling stuff.

[rossypolly]

Hi all,

I'm planning to register my son in this school but honestly a bit skeptical of the school's achievements. Any reviews that can help me with my decision?
:?

[Loh WH]

hi to all


I am sourcing for primary 1 textbooks. If your child no longer requires the textbook, appreicate if you can pass to me for recycling.

Thank you.

Alvin
Hp: 9842 0581

[DaddyDo]

Well, Term 2 had ended. Not much new to report.


1. Let me clarify one of the previous posts. The Learning Festival in Term 1 did include workshops for parents of children in higher levels covering Science and other topics.

2. Term 2 ended with another School Parent meeting.

3. P1 assignments over the June holiday period were fairly light. Most of it was via the AsknLearn portal. The kids are learning "touch typing" already.

4. In case you don’t know, JSP will be getting an Indoor Sports Hall. Construction will start in the last quarter of 2013 and it will sit where the current basketball court is. It should be a 7 story structure with the bottom two floors being an open air basketball court. The upper floors will house expanded facilities for the popular Alphajoy [after-school] Student Care Centre. There will also be an indoor sports hall, of course.

I certainly wish other parents would contribute to this JSP forum. I would love to hear about what CCA’s they recommend, and what the experience is like for P6 kids.

[DaddyDo]

Term 3 is over. Time for an update. JSP has been awared niche status for visual arts and pottery. I've met the pottery teacher, Patsy Chua, who comes from a family background in pottery. She seems very nice and dedicated to her craft. You can visit her website http://www.smkpottery.com/potters/patsy.html


Mdm Felicia Eng, HOD Maths, was conferred the \"Outstanding Youth in Education Award\". One of only five teachers given the award in 2013. Mdm Suriah Mas'od, Administrative Executive has been conferred the \"National Day Efficiency Award 2013\" from the Prime Minister's Office. Read about her medal here. http://www.pmo.gov.sg/content/pmosite/nationaldayawards/informationonmedals/theefficiencymedal.html

This term saw the National Day Food and Fun Fair on the last Saturday of August to raise funds for students in need. There was also the P1&P2 Parent's Night, where the students sang and performed skits for their adoring parents. Of course, the term ended with another Parent & Teacher session.

Overall, another good term. The homework has increased slightly from Term 1 & 2, and if you want to prepare your child for the Continual Assessments, then you have to increase your involvement by Term 3.

[BTW, anyone reading this? Anyone want to add their own comments?]

[chaye]

Hello


I just heard from my girl that Mdm Azizah is retiring soon. Starting 2014, Mdm Goh Meei Yunn will be the new Principal of Jing Shan Primary. She is currently a VP of Nan Chiau Pri. :rahrah:

[chaye]

Hi DaddyDo


I didn’t know that the current basketball court will be converted to a indoor sports hall ! and what ? 7th storey high ? WOW

[chaye]

DaddyDo


I read back history and realized you talked about the workshops that held by the JSPS. Unfortunately my girl in P4 now, there isn't any science workshop so far which I think I badly need that. Science is so difficult !! You know the answer and yet you can get it wrong cos you didn't answer in the Science way. :stupid: