Choosing and Evaluating Primary Schools

[janet88]

Derek_Lee:

1516 mummy:

Can anyone recommend any primary school in Bukit Batok? I stay within 1km from princess Elizabeth but i know need to ballot so was thinking other primary school but could not find much details like Dazhong, Bukit View and Jurong Primary School.

How about Keming Primary, it is one of the best in Bukit Batok Area in my opinion.

keming and princess Elizabeth are hot schools in bukit batok area...especially with new flats nearby.
expect balloting within 1km. if you are not ready for this, it's safer to go for bukit view.

[jo sarah]

in my opinion and experience, i think Lianhua Primary is better than Bukit View Primary. Generally, teachers are very caring in Lianhua.

[janet88]

jo sarah:

in my opinion and experience, i think Lianhua Primary is better than Bukit View Primary. Generally, teachers are very caring in Lianhua.

every school has its share of good and not so good teachers...I agree with floppy on this. this kind of thing also happens in branded schools.

if parents want to be spared from stress of balloting, don't aim for popular ones. please be prepared to do your part to coach the kids.

[Marckr]

Does anyone know if Henry Park Primary School organises annual Open House days? While searching I couldn't find current year nor previous year dates.


I also realise many schools organise their Open House after P1 registration. This does not make sense to me, as I want to visit the schools before P1 registration. Last year I tried to attend Open House days but I was denied access because our child only registers this year...

[zac's mum]

None of the popular primary schools organize open house at all. They do not need to showcase their school because they are already perennially far too popular than they can handle.


If u wish to “visit” them, u probably need a good reason to go to the General Office, eg to get some PV forms, or u already have an appointment with the principal/VP. Be prepared to be screened by the security guards.

That’s probably the only chance u can bring your child in to have a bit of a feel of the place. Maybe u can use the toilets and view the facilities from afar (if they are on the way to the general office) but the classroom blocks are never open to public.

[marmalade]

I am guessing you are not local (or I can be wrong) as I would think most locals would know that there is really no need for popular schools in Singapore to host an open house.


An alternative way is to survey the school’s surroundings and also the general mannerism and behaviour of the students after school with your child. Of course this can be time consuming.

Or if you happen to have friends’ children studying in the school of your choice, perhaps you can also check if they have school fun fairs or events where they encourage friends of the school, alumni etc to set up stalls for the fun fair or get tickets to support the event.

If you don’t mind "the not so popular" schools and they don’t happen to host any open house, feel free to schedule an appointment with the principal or vice-principal for a chat and quick tour in the school. I am sure most of them are open to it. Just try to avoid peak period such as before/after a festive season, mid term (where probably now no exams for some levels due to the new ruling but still have "mini test etc"- whatever the school may call it).

[Marckr]

zac’s mum and marmalade,


Thanks for your reply. It’s disappointing to hear. We live within 1KM of a more than 1 Primary School and an open house would give us much more confidence in making the right choice during P1 registration.

Thanks for your tips on how to get a better understanding of the school. I will definitely consider.

[floppy]

Marckr:

zac's mum and marmalade,


Thanks for your reply. It's disappointing to hear. We live within 1KM of a more than 1 Primary School and an open house would give us much more confidence in making the right choice during P1 registration.

Thanks for your tips on how to get a better understanding of the school. I will definitely consider.

The first question to ask is are you a Singapore Citizen?

[Crisissch]

Dear primary sch experts,


I’m new here and have a question for my dd what would be your choices regarding sending to a school nearby toa payoh or sch bus for hpps?

[floppy]

Crisissch:

Dear primary sch experts,


I’m new here and have a question for my dd what would be your choices regarding sending to a school nearby toa payoh or sch bus for hpps?

So many unknowns.
1. Where are you living? Toa Payoh?
2. What is the 'school nearby Toa Payoh'?
3. What is phase you will be participating in for a 'school nearby Toa Payoh' and for HPPS?
4. Will the schools be balloting for your phase?
5. What kind of logistical support you have? Coming back from school how? Do you have a direct transport option from home to both? Are you prepared to drive?

Impossible to answer the question without understanding the circumstances one is in.