Choosing and Evaluating Primary Schools

[zbear]

janet88:

JC is very tough...I am concerned whether my son can make it to JC and survive. For this reason, I feel polytechnic would be more suitable since there is no MT nor GP.


Stressful daddy,
This thread is on choosing primary schools. Don't think so far.

I have to agree with Janet. JC is very tough n stressful compared to Poly.

I came to this conclusion as my DD is in JC 2 this year n she is very stressed. I recommend going to Poly as ultimately you still can go to Uni.

Just take one step at a time. As Janet says - don't think so far ahead. Our education system is constantly changing n you won't know what changes will be next time come to your kid's turn.

[janet88]

zbear,

hubby hopes son can go to the JC…because it is 2 years compared to 3 in polytechnic…but I see my son not so interested in academic subjects. my cousin went to ngee ann and he excelled…went on to NUS to take computer science. of course my son would need that kind of maturity.

[zbear]

janet, I know a lot of parents much prefer their kids to go to JC instead of Poly becos of the perception that JC is one class higher than Poly. But times have changed n its no longer true.


Unless your son likes academic subjects, have strong discipline n loves mugging, then its ok to go to JC. Otherwise, Poly is a better choice becos its less stressful n don’t depend on just 1 major exam to get into Uni choice. So its either do or die (just like PSLE) in JC. Poly is more realistic n practical. Of course, you have to be consistent n work hard in Poly but I feel that its less stressful and more enjoyable.

Just to share success stories of my niece n nephews who go to Poly. One nephew is from Normal Academic (5 year course). He went on to Poly n just graduated. He even won a prize in some kind of Computer Science Competition. He has been accepted by NTU Computer Science. My niece also just graduated n will be going on scholarship for Media in NTU. Another nephew also did very well n hasn’t decided which course to pursue.

So, tell your DH - let your son choose what he wants becos ultimately he will do very well in what he chooses. Its your son’s life n its best that we parents only guide but not force them.

JMHO.

[janet88]

zbear,

thank you for your advice…appreciate it.
the perception that JC is one class higher than poly needs to be changed because many students who can make it to JCs go to poly…leading to keen competition for popular courses.

[STRESSFUL DADDY]

As I am planning to move house due to the expansion of the family. Since I need to move, my 3 and 1 yrs old kid school become my key consideration. Not sure any mummy is kind enough to have a coffee with my wife to share with us on the registration process and how to pick a school. We both are not born and educated in Singapore, that’s why feel difficult to understand the system here. PM me if you don’t mind…


Thank you in advance.

[lee_yl]

Janet,


When choosing between Poly or JC route, it really depends if the child is academically inclined. If the child has been strong academically, then ok to opt for JC route. If not, I don't find anything bad about getting a diploma first.

I have two cousins who went through A'levels but did not do well enough to earn them a place in the local Uni so they went back to the Poly route after 2 years. Cousin A has since grad from Uni and cousin B is now in NTU Accountancy.

There are many routes that lead to Rome.

[janet88]

lee_yl:

Janet,


When choosing between Poly or JC route, it really depends if the child is academically inclined. If the child has been strong academically, then ok to opt for JC route. If not, I don't find anything bad about getting a diploma first.

i am definitely OK if son wants to take the poly route...it's clear my son is not the type who will fit into JC. it's my hubby who wants him to take a 2 year route because he took the poly route and found himself behind his peers in terms of studies & work.

education is so tough now...if son is willing to study, i am more than grateful.

[lee_yl]

janet88:

lee_yl:

Janet,


When choosing between Poly or JC route, it really depends if the child is academically inclined. If the child has been strong academically, then ok to opt for JC route. If not, I don't find anything bad about getting a diploma first.

i am definitely OK if son wants to take the poly route...it's clear my son is not the type who will fit into JC. it's my hubby who wants him to take a 2 year route because he took the poly route and found himself behind his peers in terms of studies & work.

education is so tough now...if son is willing to study, i am more than grateful.

I think one critical difference is GP. As Poly students do not take GP, their English training is restricted to 'O'-level English and they are not exposed to critical thinking and analysis taught in GP. If they cannot write or speak well in English compared to 'A'level students, they will be at a disadvantage when selling their ideas or themselves in front of management.

However, on the other hand, in terms of market value, a Poly diploma definitely ranks higher than an 'A'-level cert.

I believe life in JC is very tough now. Encourage your son to do his best and go with his interest.

[lee_yl]

STRESSFUL DADDY:

As I am planning to move house due to the expansion of the family. Since I need to move, my 3 and 1 yrs old kid school become my key consideration. Not sure any mummy is kind enough to have a coffee with my wife to share with us on the registration process and how to pick a school. We both are not born and educated in Singapore, that's why feel difficult to understand the system here. PM me if you don't mind...


Thank you in advance.

If you and your children are still non-Singaporeans or PRs, there are very limited choices for foreigners. You can only register under phase 3 for schools with vacancies then.

If you or your children are already Singaporean or PRs, you may wish to
1). relocate to within 1km of your school of choice.
2). apply to do Parent Volunteer work in your school of choice (eligible for phase 2B)
3). Join grassroot as a volunteer for min 2yrs (eligible for phase 2B)

As you can see, being a Singapore Citizen or PR, has advantages in Primary one registration. You may wish to consider applying to be PR or citizenship to enhance your chance.

[STRESSFUL DADDY]

Thanks for the advice. We have converted to be Singaporean. Since my child is born and educated here, there is no reason for them not to convert. Here is their home.


I am born in a rural area of Malaysia. My primary education is very simple and my parent has never bother my education by telling me that whether I study or not, I need to beat the consequential. But time has changed, I can't use the same approach. Life is too easy for the current generation.

Anyway, I do intend to move within 1 km and prepare to do PV and grass root.

The difficult part for me is which school to go for? I worry that I aim for particular school but fail to get in...



quote=\"lee_yl\"]

STRESSFUL DADDY:

As I am planning to move house due to the expansion of the family. Since I need to move, my 3 and 1 yrs old kid school become my key consideration. Not sure any mummy is kind enough to have a coffee with my wife to share with us on the registration process and how to pick a school. We both are not born and educated in Singapore, that's why feel difficult to understand the system here. PM me if you don't mind...

Thank you in advance.

If you and your children are still non-Singaporeans or PRs, there are very limited choices for foreigners. You can only register under phase 3 for schools with vacancies then.

If you or your children are already Singaporean or PRs, you may wish to
1). relocate to within 1km of your school of choice.
2). apply to do Parent Volunteer work in your school of choice (eligible for phase 2B)
3). Join grassroot as a volunteer for min 2yrs (eligible for phase 2B)

As you can see, being a Singapore Citizen or PR, has advantages in Primary one registration. You may wish to consider applying to be PR or citizenship to enhance your chance.[/quote]