Chiltern House

[st999]

The interview we went to was mostly to see if the child needs any special care and if the child is ready for school. The principal introduced the school, curriculum, environment, etc. And parents can express concerns and/or questions. It’s an opportunity for parents to know more about the school and for the principal/teachers to know about the child.


We speak mostly Mandarin at home, so I am not really worry about his Chinese at this moment. But his Mandarin teacher did say that they will be teaching P1 material at K2, if that’s a concern.

So far, I am quite happy with this school, so sending ds2 there next year as well.

[omgmum]

hi st999.


I asked the CH (Turf Club) principal if they taught phonics but she said no, and that they use the Oxford reading tree programme (or something similar sounding). :?

The problem is that we speak mostly English to dd at home, and when I tried speaking to her in Mandarin, she refused to interact with me. Oh dear, will probably have to enroll her in Chinese lessons.

[st999]

omgmum:

hi st999.


I asked the CH (Turf Club) principal if they taught phonics but she said no, and that they use the Oxford reading tree programme (or something similar sounding). :?

The problem is that we speak mostly English to dd at home, and when I tried speaking to her in Mandarin, she refused to interact with me. Oh dear, will probably have to enroll her in Chinese lessons.

How old is your child? Don't worry too much yet, let your child go to school first. You may be supprised. If going to N1, they will have a Mandarin teacher throughout the class. There are some Indian and Malay kids in my son's K1 class. I heard them speak quite okay Mandarin, not sure if they go to additional Mandarin classes though.

Yes, they use Oxford Reading Tree programme, so that's not phonics? They teach 1 letter each week and introduce the sound and related words/activities.

[omgmum]

hi st999, my girl is 14 mths. Yeah, maybe like what you said, let her go to school and see how everything goes first. If she can't pick up Mandarin, then poor dd will have to go for Chinese lessons!


I asked the principal and she said that they don't do phonics phonics, but they do teach some letter sounds. :?

btw, how's the maths? I went to Pat's schoolhouse, and compared to CH, they seem to have a more comprehensive programme. But the thing is, the teachers and children at CH turf club speak better English.

Do you send your kiddo for extra lessons outside of CH curriculum? Thanks! Sorry, v busy with my fussy dd nowadays to check the forum.

[buds]

Oxford Reading Tree is a reading programme using the Oxford Reading Tree’s

books… like a reader based reading programme. Mostly to cultivate sight
reading.

[Rainbow98]

Hi Mummies,


Heard not so good comments on CH’s new branch at Mountbatten. Some teachers are new and thus, don’t get your money’s worth for the "CH thingy" that you pay for. Check out the teacher’s previous experiences and qualifications before you send your child in. I guess other branches might be better.

[Pocky7C]

Rainbow98:

Hi Mummies,


Heard not so good comments on CH's new branch at Mountbatten. Some teachers are new and thus, don't get your money's worth for the \"CH thingy\" that you pay for. Check out the teacher's previous experiences and qualifications before you send your child in. I guess other branches might be better.

Absolutely agree, that's why I've choosen a centre with good and experience Principal...This will never go wrong as the Principal will guide and administer the teachers. Not sure abt ther CH centres at least I'm satisfied with the one I've choosen.

[Rainbow98]

Hi Pocky7C,


Agree. The school is only as good as the teachers get. You need the teachers to deliver what the school promised to do for its students.
If yr kids don’t get a good teacher, it doesn’t matter how good the school’s philosophy is. Seems like the new teacher at Mtbatten didn’t get good reviews from a few of her class parents. Friend said other than the teacher’s lack of response, one parent even commented that their kid became more withdrawn after starting school at this branch, which is not in line with CH’s culture. Not sure what role the principal played or did not play in this instance. That’s why the rest of our friends who were considering the Mt batten branch changed our mind about sending our kids there. Good to know that your kid is happy at a different branch. But heard long waitlist at other branches at all times.

[Pocky7C]

Yes, absolutely agreed. I'm moving to Telok Kurau place sometime in August and I am going to send my child to the new CH at Fragrance Building, 168Upper Changi Road. I like the principal there, very experience and my kid love her! And the teacher is very cheerful and loving for the kids so that helped me for my decision. If it is not too far for you maybe you can try visit them and do your own assessment. Another plus point is that they are new centre so got special promo - 1 stone kill 3 birds

[Fettuccine]

Hi all


I am looking for a pre-school for my 20 mth old girl. From the this thread about Chiltern House, I understand that some children has good experiences with the school.

May I know more about their chinese and math program? Are they good and effective? I have no doubts the Oxford learning is a good english program. How are the teachers, generally (at Big Splash)?

My little girl is keen to go to school, and I am thinking to call Chiltern House at Big Splash to enquire soon. But I would also like to hear from ex and current parents of Chiltern House at Big Splash.

Any other good recommendations for pre-schools in the east coast area will be great too!