[Bukit Timah] Primary Schools

[3CsMom]

My twin girls will be starting P1 in 2014 and I’m trying to figure out when do I need to apply for PV? We are aiming for Pei Hwa mainly because I have a son whom is 2 years younger. I can’t find any info in the school website. Can someone advise me?

[BigDevil]

3CsMom:

My twin girls will be starting P1 in 2014 and I'm trying to figure out when do I need to apply for PV? We are aiming for Pei Hwa mainly because I have a son whom is 2 years younger. I can't find any info in the school website. Can someone advise me?

For children starting school in 2014, you will be having P1 registration in 2013. You will need to complete your PV committment by Jun 2013, so your PV duty cycle is Jul 2012 - Jun 2013...meaning you might need to apply for PV anytime between mid 2011 to early 2012. Best check with the school.

[3CsMom]

BigDevil:

3CsMom:

My twin girls will be starting P1 in 2014 and I'm trying to figure out when do I need to apply for PV? We are aiming for Pei Hwa mainly because I have a son whom is 2 years younger. I can't find any info in the school website. Can someone advise me?

For children starting school in 2014, you will be having P1 registration in 2013. You will need to complete your PV committment by Jun 2013, so your PV duty cycle is Jul 2012 - Jun 2013...meaning you might need to apply for PV anytime between mid 2011 to early 2012. Best check with the school.

Thanks! Btw, do we need to stay in a certain km to qualify for PV duty in a particular school? Do you think the school takes in PV based on distance?

[BigDevil]

3CsMom:

Thanks! Btw, do we need to stay in a certain km to qualify for PV duty in a particular school? Do you think the school takes in PV based on distance?

The PV selection criteria differs from one school to another, and it's typically not revealed to us what they are. I would say that the school will select based on needs. So if you have a special ability to offer, you will have a better chance of being selected.

[janet88]

3Csmom,

The school takes in PVs based on the needs.
For eg, when hubby & I were interviewed for PV in Pei Hwa, there was a couple there who were chosen to provide entrepreneur support or something like that. There was a lady who did PV with me on an ad-hoc basis who stays in Bukit Panjang (definitely more than 2km) but she was able to offer her time and effort as and when the school required.

I also know of someone who did more than 40 hours PV offering photography services in Henry Park. If you have something special to offer, you will stand a better chance to be selected, but do bear in mind that there is no guarantee of putting your child in the school even after completing PV.

[3CsMom]

janet_lee88:

3Csmom,

The school takes in PVs based on the needs.
For eg, when hubby & I were interviewed for PV in Pei Hwa, there was a couple there who were chosen to provide entrepreneur support or something like that. There was a lady who did PV with me on an ad-hoc basis who stays in Bukit Panjang (definitely more than 2km) but she was able to offer her time and effort as and when the school required.

I also know of someone who did more than 40 hours PV offering photography services in Henry Park. If you have something special to offer, you will stand a better chance to be selected, but do bear in mind that there is no guarantee of putting your child in the school even after completing PV.

Thank you so much, janet_lee88!
When do you think I should start contacting the school regarding PV? Is it better to write or call them? There isn't any info/form in the website. I'm just afraid that I will miss the dateline for application (already being kiasu!)

[janet88]

3CsMom,

I think you should write in to the school in January (the year your twins turn 4). This will give the school adequate time to decide on potential PVs and shortlist to school requirements. Pei Hwa takes in about 20 PVs each year.
All the best.

[3CsMom]

I think I am getting too stress over these. Based on historical data, Pei Hwa under 2C is likely to work for us if we stay within 1km. But again, not sure what will it be in few years time. MGS seems to be more difficult to get in. Don’t think my hubby wants to take the risk when Pei Hwa seems easier and the girls have a younger bro. Now my hubby is leaning towards RGPS as it seems that <1km no need ballot. But that will be a disadvantage to my boy as he will be left with NYPS which we think it is almost impossible to get in.


Need opinion from parents who have tried registering their kids to either Pei Hwa, MGS, RGPS, NYP but ended up in Bukit Timah PS. How’s Bukit Timah PS compared to other average schools in Singapore?

[janet88]

3CsMom:

I think I am getting too stress over these. Based on historical data, Pei Hwa under 2C is likely to work for us if we stay within 1km. But again, not sure what will it be in few years time. MGS seems to be more difficult to get in. Don't think my hubby wants to take the risk when Pei Hwa seems easier and the girls have a younger bro. Now my hubby is leaning towards RGPS as it seems that <1km no need ballot. But that will be a disadvantage to my boy as he will be left with NYPS which we think it is almost impossible to get in.


Need opinion from parents who have tried registering their kids to either Pei Hwa, MGS, RGPS, NYP but ended up in Bukit Timah PS. How's Bukit Timah PS compared to other average schools in Singapore?

Pei Hwa and RGPS do not have affiliated secondary school. If you stay within 1km to Pei Hwa, you have a high chance of getting into the school, but like you mentioned, don't know what is the birth rate for next few years. MGS is very hard to get in even for those staying less than 1km (have to ballot). NYPS is just like MGS, ballot for those staying less than 1km.
I would suggest Keming, but also difficult to get in.

[Luanee]

3CsMom:

I think I am getting too stress over these. Based on historical data, Pei Hwa under 2C is likely to work for us if we stay within 1km. But again, not sure what will it be in few years time. MGS seems to be more difficult to get in. Don't think my hubby wants to take the risk when Pei Hwa seems easier and the girls have a younger bro. Now my hubby is leaning towards RGPS as it seems that <1km no need ballot. But that will be a disadvantage to my boy as he will be left with NYPS which we think it is almost impossible to get in.


Need opinion from parents who have tried registering their kids to either Pei Hwa, MGS, RGPS, NYP but ended up in Bukit Timah PS. How's Bukit Timah PS compared to other average schools in Singapore?

If u have a boy, I would say to go for a co-ed school instead of a girls' one, else u would have the same headache all over again.

Since u are staying within 1km of Pei Hwa, why dont u try to apply as a PV to be eligible for phase 2B so that chances would be higher? As it seems u still have a few yrs to go before registering right? Act while there is still time.