[Bukit Timah] Primary Schools

[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.

[3CsMom]

Luanee:

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.

The only problem now is that we are not in Singapore and not sure if we can make it back by early next year when the schools are open for PV application. If not, we will have to aim for phase 2C. We want to get a place where we decide to send the kids to and therefore trying very hard to think what is the best. My hubby's rationals are:

If we stay within 1km of NYPS and RGPS: most likely the girls will get into RGPS based on historical data. We will then have to try to get our son into NYPS.

If we stay within 1km of Pei Hwa and MGS: Higher chances in PH and almost impossible for MGS. If the girls don't get into PH, they will end up in BTPS or other neighbourhood schools.

He thinks that it is best to have 2 kids in better schools like RGPS where he sees it as less risky in terms of application then having all 3 kids ended up in less favourable schools. If our boy doesn't get into NYPS, we can try other schools but will put him on waitlist should there be a vacancy, reason being it is near to where we stay. Can even waitlist for Pei Hwa. But, can we waitlist for 2 schools at the same time?:?

To me, I prefer schools like Pei Hwa or Taonan (another option we're looking into but that area is getting more and more condos and I'm thinking what will be the chances of getting in even if we stay less than 1km). Moreover, property value in BT area is higher. If my girls get into co-ed school, that will save us all the trouble when the time comes for us to register for my boy.

[janet88]

3CsMom,

You are right, if you stay within 1km of Pei Hwa, it is impossible for MGS. But all 3 will be in Pei Hwa. Problem solved.

My son is in Pei Hwa…my younger one is due for P1 registration this year. My hubby & I will be registering her in CHIJ TP (my former school) as there is an affiliated sec school. We never thought of CHIJ then…just Pei Hwa since it is co-ed. But we had second thoughts late last year and decided to put her in my former school.

[Lionel Ong]

Dear janet_lee88,


Can I ask whether are there any other reasons why you do not want to put your daughter with your son in Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary? Is it purely based on affiliation with the Sec school? Or are there any issues with Pei Hwa?

I also have 3 kids and I am contemplating on either registering/putting my daughter at Pei Hwa (Phase 2B based on church affiliation) or (Phase 2C) RGPS based on < 1km) this year 2010. I have no issues with P1 registration with my boy (hopefully) even if my girl goes RGPS as I am a former primary/sec boy of Maris Stella High and do not mind putting my son in Maris Stella.

Please kindly enlighten :roll: :?

janet_lee88:

3CsMom,
You are right, if you stay within 1km of Pei Hwa, it is impossible for MGS. But all 3 will be in Pei Hwa. Problem solved.

My son is in Pei Hwa...my younger one is due for P1 registration this year. My hubby & I will be registering her in CHIJ TP (my former school) as there is an affiliated sec school. We never thought of CHIJ then...just Pei Hwa since it is co-ed. But we had second thoughts late last year and decided to put her in my former school.