Choosing and Evaluating Primary Schools

[zac's mum]

MerlionInGermany\" post_id=\"1958327\" time=\"1578620884\" user_id=\"2964:

zac's mum\" post_id=\"1958320\" time=\"1578619324\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1958320 time=1578619324 user_id=53606]

None of them are success stories. Unless Guangyang sec is your dream school.

The OLN one had 200 affiliation to SJC, scored 18+, if go to SJC, had to do NA, so she went to Yuying Express. Where is the safety net? For your interest, my colleague was from JS, went to ACS Barker, and ended up in CJ. Where is the safety net?

I recall last time primary schools used to have this thing called “value-addedness” (and I used to gripe to no one in particular that the correct English term should be “added value” instead) - why has MOE ceased measuring this? Anyone know?

That would be a helpful indicator for parents to choose a primary school right? Some people want to know the top value-add schools, like which schools actually can help my kid improve (vs a balloting-popular school that does not actually churn out good psle results for the bulk of the kids).

[MerlionInGermany]

phtthp\" post_id=\"1958358\" time=\"1578625596\" user_id=\"35251:

MerlionInGermany\" post_id=\"1958332\" time=\"1578622061\" user_id=\"2964:

In the old system, if you are a 23x (top 30%), and have a HCL merit, it allows you to do HCL in sec sch, and you only need to pass it at O, to skip Chinese in JC, so even if you are not aiming for any school, it helps too right?

In the end, some students scored 230 (+1) for HCL. Everyone thought or assume that since have scored +1 (a pass) for HCL, sure can get the
MOE Eligibility letter for HCL, to study HCL from Sec 1, right ?


So if we ask,
is it worthwhile to take HCL, in P6 Psle ? The answer is, worthwhile provided
- make sure u can fall within Top 30% of the entire PSLE cohort (thousands of children) ,
And
- minimum, Must score at least a +2 (Merit) in your HCL, then Yes, it is worthwhile !

The “everyone” in the first part, is mistaken because HCL eligibility is top 30% and min HCL merit. They should get their facts right. Not sure why they are so ill informed.

And yes, 2nd part all correct — make sure 30% and min HCL Merit

[Nebbermind]

zac's mum\" post_id=\"1958362\" time=\"1578626640\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1958362 time=1578626640 user_id=53606]
I recall last time primary schools used to have this thing called “value-addedness” (and I used to gripe to no one in particular that the correct English term should be “added value” instead) - why has MOE ceased measuring this? Anyone know?

That would be a helpful indicator for parents to choose a primary school right? Some people want to know the top value-add schools, like which schools actually can help my kid improve (vs a balloting-popular school that does not actually churn out good psle results for the bulk of the kids).[/quote]

Not primary schools, right? For sec school...some ST ranking. Coz only in sec school you have a range of input values and output values to see what is your added value. No?

[MerlionInGermany]

Nebbermind\" post_id=\"1958361\" time=\"1578626272\" user_id=\"15571:

1) +1 doesn't make you exceptionally good in MT
2) 230, say bad not bad, say good not good enough.
3) Why not just take normal MT if getting this score? Die die must take HMT? Ego?

1) Yes.
2) Yes.
Therefore, HCL sec eligibility is top 30% and min Merit.
The policy makers are right about that.
It takes only ...is it 70 to get a merit, if 70 also cannot, then it is not suitable for you.

3) Maybe. Or they thought they are good but somehow missed by writing one wrong word in compo. Dont they all say PSLE is one snapshot which is not completely representative of their true ability?

[MerlionInGermany]

Nebbermind\" post_id=\"1958364\" time=\"1578627066\" user_id=\"15571:

zac's mum\" post_id=\"1958362\" time=\"1578626640\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1958362 time=1578626640 user_id=53606]I recall last time primary schools used to have this thing called “value-addedness” (and I used to gripe to no one in particular that the correct English term should be “added value” instead) - why has MOE ceased measuring this? Anyone know?

That would be a helpful indicator for parents to choose a primary school right? Some people want to know the top value-add schools, like which schools actually can help my kid improve (vs a balloting-popular school that does not actually churn out good psle results for the bulk of the kids).

Not primary schools, right? For sec school...some ST ranking. Coz only in sec school you have a range of input values and output values to see what is your added value. No?[/quote]

Yes, only the sec schools. Never for the pri schools.

[firstda]

HCL can drop after Primary 4. There is no exam in Pri 1 and Pri 2. Stress the kid a bit in Chinese for the first 4 years only. I think whether the school offer HCL should not be a big concern.

[phtthp]

MerlionInGermany\" post_id=\"1958365\" time=\"1578627077\" user_id=\"2964:

Nebbermind\" post_id=\"1958361\" time=\"1578626272\" user_id=\"15571:

1) +1 doesn't make you exceptionally good in MT
2) 230, say bad not bad, say good not good enough.
3) Why not just take normal MT if getting this score? Die die must take HMT? Ego?

1) Yes.
2) Yes.
Therefore, HCL sec eligibility is top 30% and min Merit.
The policy makers are right about that.
It takes only ...is it 70 to get a merit, if 70 also cannot, then it is not suitable for you.

Hcl Merit +2, is 65 to 79

50 to 64 : only +1 pass

[Imp75]

Just take HCL lah if sch offers it. At pri sch,the difference is minuscule and better still, easier to score cos no oral.

[Samyong0326]

Hi All,

i’m registering my daughter into p1 next yr for 2022 intake. First choice is IJ TP under Phase 2B (Catholic Affiliation). However, i’m staying in the east and the chances of getting in is not high. My next option would be either Marymount Convent or SAC as my girl enjoys dancing and tennis and these 2 schools offer these as CCA. I’m from SAC Secondary but not so sure about the standard in the SAC Primary. In terms of distance SAC Primary would be an easier choice. But which is a better school? Marymount or SAC? I will put her on waiting list in IJ TP if registration is unsuccessful but i still want to put her in a good school in the event she doesn’t get a chance to transfer to IJ TP.

Anyone in a similar situation or any advice on what would be the best option?

Thanks.

[floppy]

Samyong0326\" post_id=\"1961187\" time=\"1580343596\" user_id=\"183767:

Hi All,
i'm registering my daughter into p1 next yr for 2022 intake. First choice is IJ TP under Phase 2B (Catholic Affiliation). However, i'm staying in the east and the chances of getting in is not high. My next option would be either Marymount Convent or SAC as my girl enjoys dancing and tennis and these 2 schools offer these as CCA. I'm from SAC Secondary but not so sure about the standard in the SAC Primary. In terms of distance SAC Primary would be an easier choice. But which is a better school? Marymount or SAC? I will put her on waiting list in IJ TP if registration is unsuccessful but i still want to put her in a good school in the event she doesn't get a chance to transfer to IJ TP.

Anyone in a similar situation or any advice on what would be the best option?

Thanks.

Every school, a good school.

If you are lucky, you will probably get a chance to ballot at CHIJ TP in Phase 2B. However, you should seriously take a look at the odds before committing to CHIJ TP. Given that you stayed in the East, you are not lacking in options for schools. If Catholic girls’ school is a requirement, SAC and CHIJ Katong are both possibilities.

While choosing a school for its CCA is not unheard of, picking a primary school because of its CCA may not be the most prudent decision. Considering that a 6yo interests are ever changing and a 6yo exposure to the various CCA are limited, I won’t be surprised if her final CCA choice is none of the above. Furthermore, none of these schools mentioned are renowned dance or tennis schools that one die-die has to get into.

The schools mentioned here are neither better or worst off than the others (n.b. they are definitely not in the KSP definition of “good schools”). CHIJ TP may be the most popular but it’s not necessarily heads and shoulders above the rest. You will be fine with the others as well. Therefore, if registration is unsuccessful, don’t be too concerned if you end up picking any of the others.

Based on the above, my personal preference would be: CHIJ TP, CHIJ Katong, SAC. Marymount is out given the distance. Therefore,

Phase 2B:
CHIJ TP first. If no chance of a ballot or odds too low, switch to CHIJ Katong / SAC, depending on accessibility.

Phase 2C:
If balloted out of CHIJ TP, CHIJ Katong / SAC.

Edit: just read your other post that “East” refers to Loyang. I would probably include CHIJ OLN into the mix. It’s a relatively easy journey to make from Pasir Ris.