Choosing and Evaluating Primary Schools
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Consider the logistics of:
Travelling from Loyang to the furthest school you’re considering, eg. CHIJ TPY or Marymount Convent). What would be the daily routine like? Wake up at 5am? If both Dance + Tennis CCA, that would be like 4x a week? End at 4.30pm, reach home at 6pm? Eat dinner and do hw then crash into bed and repeat for 6 years?
Versus, pick a school in same vicinity as Loyang. What time need to wake up? End school at 1.30pm reach home 2pm? Play tennis as usual in condo compound no need travel. Dance lessons at her usual enrichment centre (nearby I suppose). I’m sure she’d have much more time (hours in fact) for hw and other interests.
Having said that, I did have a St Nicks Primary schoolmate who lived in Loyang and commuted daily for 10 years. Not sure how she survived but she was unusually short. Some old folks say adequate sleep is necessary for kids to grow vertically. -
zac's mum\" post_id=\"1961205\" time=\"1580351130\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1961205 time=1580351130 user_id=53606]
I have school mates and know of people who commute to Singapore from Johor for school daily via public transport for 10+ years. It was never an issue for them as they are very used to the routine. They tend to catch up on sleep where they can (bus, MRT etc)
...
Having said that, I did have a St Nicks Primary schoolmate who lived in Loyang and commuted daily for 10 years. Not sure how she survived but she was unusually short. Some old folks say adequate sleep is necessary for kids to grow vertically.[/quote]
That said, if there are no viable options, I would understand the logic of a long commute (ie more than 1hr). However, if there are viable options, with no significant drawbacks, I would pick that instead. With reference to the earlier posts, I do not see any significant advantages that would necessitate a long commute in picking CHIJ TP / Marymount over CHIJ OLN / CHIJ KC / SAC. -
floppy\" post_id=\"1961197\" time=\"1580348574\" user_id=\"97579:
Thanks so much! Yeah, Marymount is really too far. I will still try for Phase 2B IJ TP (really hoping to get in). I'm in a dilemma for Phase 2C. I don't really want to choose IJ Katong and am not so sure of SAC. And adding IJ OLN into the mix. -confused/stressed-
Every school, a good school.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.
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. -
zac's mum\" post_id=\"1961205\" time=\"1580351130\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1961205 time=1580351130 user_id=53606]
Yes, the travelling is a nightmare. I can send and pick her up everyday but i'm worried about her. Not sure if she can handle it.
Consider the logistics of:
Travelling from Loyang to the furthest school you’re considering, eg. CHIJ TPY or Marymount Convent). What would be the daily routine like? Wake up at 5am? If both Dance + Tennis CCA, that would be like 4x a week? End at 4.30pm, reach home at 6pm? Eat dinner and do hw then crash into bed and repeat for 6 years?
Versus, pick a school in same vicinity as Loyang. What time need to wake up? End school at 1.30pm reach home 2pm? Play tennis as usual in condo compound no need travel. Dance lessons at her usual enrichment centre (nearby I suppose). I’m sure she’d have much more time (hours in fact) for hw and other interests.
Having said that, I did have a St Nicks Primary schoolmate who lived in Loyang and commuted daily for 10 years. Not sure how she survived but she was unusually short. Some old folks say adequate sleep is necessary for kids to grow vertically.[/quote] -
Am not familiar with the concept of SAP school but I am looking at the below 2 schools.
2C SAP school > Holy Innocent Pri School
2C non-SAP school > St Margaret’s Pri School (trying to apply under phase 2(A)2)
HIPS as I was told, is a SAP school and has better teaching program? but the affiliated secondary school is not so good?
SMPS not being a SAP school but seems to have a more all rounder exposure in terms of subjects and CCAs? and the affiliated secondary school is not bad?
I am actually more keen in SMPS but not sure if my daughter can get in
Any parents to share your opinions of my concerns above?
Thank you, -
arch80\" post_id=\"1961645\" time=\"1580665298\" user_id=\"184002:
Distance to both schools not stated. That could be the deal breaker.
Am not familiar with the concept of SAP school but I am looking at the below 2 schools.
2C SAP school > Holy Innocent Pri School
2C non-SAP school > St Margaret's Pri School (trying to apply under phase 2(A)2)
HIPS as I was told, is a SAP school and has better teaching program? but the affiliated secondary school is not so good?
SMPS not being a SAP school but seems to have a more all rounder exposure in terms of subjects and CCAs? and the affiliated secondary school is not bad?
I am actually more keen in SMPS but not sure if my daughter can get in
Any parents to share your opinions of my concerns above?
Thank you,
If you are keen on SMPS, go for it. You are sure to get in if apply under Phase 2A2. -
oh oh
The school came back and I have to apply under 2C.
so it is 2C, 1-2km for SMPS (application under new address)
and 2C, <1km for HIPS.
Saw your reply in another thread for admission under 2C, <1km for HIPS but I am actually more keen in SMPS.
Was also looking at 2C, 1-2km for Singapore Chinese Girls Pri Sch.
What do you think my chances are for 2C, 1-2km SMPS and 2C, 1-2km SCGSP?
Thank you for your replies on both my queries.floppy\" post_id=\"1961647\" time=\"1580681472\" user_id=\"97579:
Distance to both schools not stated. That could be the deal breaker.arch80\" post_id=\"1961645\" time=\"1580665298\" user_id=\"184002:
Am not familiar with the concept of SAP school but I am looking at the below 2 schools.
2C SAP school > Holy Innocent Pri School
2C non-SAP school > St Margaret's Pri School (trying to apply under phase 2(A)2)
HIPS as I was told, is a SAP school and has better teaching program? but the affiliated secondary school is not so good?
SMPS not being a SAP school but seems to have a more all rounder exposure in terms of subjects and CCAs? and the affiliated secondary school is not bad?
I am actually more keen in SMPS but not sure if my daughter can get in
Any parents to share your opinions of my concerns above?
Thank you,
If you are keen on SMPS, go for it. You are sure to get in if apply under Phase 2A2. -
arch80\" post_id=\"1961778\" time=\"1580735589\" user_id=\"184002:
[/quote]SMPS 1-2km probably sure in. SCGS 1-2km probably zero chance.
Distance to both schools not stated. That could be the deal breaker.
oh oh
The school came back and I have to apply under 2C.
so it is 2C, 1-2km for SMPS (application under new address)
and 2C, <1km for HIPS.
Saw your reply in another thread for admission under 2C, <1km for HIPS but I am actually more keen in SMPS.
Was also looking at 2C, 1-2km for Singapore Chinese Girls Pri Sch.
What do you think my chances are for 2C, 1-2km SMPS and 2C, 1-2km SCGSP?
Thank you for your replies on both my queries.floppy\" post_id=\"1961647\" time=\"1580681472\" user_id=\"97579:
[quote=arch80 post_id=1961645 time=1580665298 user_id=184002]Am not familiar with the concept of SAP school but I am looking at the below 2 schools.
2C SAP school > Holy Innocent Pri School
2C non-SAP school > St Margaret's Pri School (trying to apply under phase 2(A)2)
HIPS as I was told, is a SAP school and has better teaching program? but the affiliated secondary school is not so good?
SMPS not being a SAP school but seems to have a more all rounder exposure in terms of subjects and CCAs? and the affiliated secondary school is not bad?
I am actually more keen in SMPS but not sure if my daughter can get in
Any parents to share your opinions of my concerns above?
Thank you,
If you are keen on SMPS, go for it. You are sure to get in if apply under Phase 2A2. -
Hi, just wondering, if my child is currently N2 and is choosing MOE kindergarten in Horizon Primary in 2021. He will most likely get straight entry to Horizon Primary under phase 2(A)2 in say 2023. However our first choice of Primary school for him would be Mee Toh School (we are staying 1km from Mee Toh). Anyone knows if even if we have already get a placing under phase 2(A)2, can we still try our luck through balloting under 2B? Will our placing at Horizon Primary get forfeited? Sorry first time mum, not very sure with the procedures! Thank you!
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Hi, just wondering, if my child is currently N2 and is choosing MOE kindergarten in Horizon Primary in 2021. He will most likely get straight entry to Horizon Primary under phase 2(A)2 in say 2023. However our first choice of Primary school for him would be Mee Toh School (we are staying 1km from Mee Toh). Anyone knows if even if we have already get a placing under phase 2(A)2, can we still try our luck through balloting under 2B? Will our placing at Horizon Primary get forfeited? Sorry first time mum, not very sure with the procedures! Thank you!
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