Choosing and Evaluating Primary Schools

[zac's mum]

Gentry…?


Both schools are similar in terms of facilities, CCAs and teachers. Academics will depend on your own child’s hard work.

Which location is more convenient for you?

[coast]

aarielle\" post_id=\"1990011\" time=\"1596857904\" user_id=\"187638:

Hi,

If you do not get any recent response, there were some useful feedback on BTPS from parents huaywenandkenneth and Funz , please refer below.

All the best to your child!

huaywenandkenneth\" post_id=\"1240702\" time=\"1394978954\" user_id=\"22058:[quote=huaywenandkenneth post_id=1240702 time=1394978954 user_id=22058]Hihi,

Will try to answer your question from the perspective of a P4 parent - it would be also useful to get some responses from parents from P1 - P3 too:

> What are the teachers like and is the school a good place - ie. are your children happy
Yes my son is very happy at BTPS. So happy that he doesn't want to leave it when he had a chance to at the end of last year. He is busy this year with 1 CCA and 2 enrichment classes in school, and enjoying it so far. \"All schools are good\" as someone says - and I believe that.

> Are the subject teachers good?
We had the same form teacher from P1 to P4 (it's a rarity than a norm) and my son is quite attached to her (calls her \"mummy\" by mistake sometimes). Other subject teachers e.g. CL, Maths, PE etc are ok.

> Does it do well in subjects?
Unfortunately I may have to say no. For MTL it is not doing as well coz lots of potato kids around, but I believe its Science is pretty strong. For P4 CA1, many of my son's classmates are scoring near full marks (but I also have an issue with this, as you can't tell if really all are good, or whether the papers are too easy).

> How many expats are in the school as a %?
I don't have a very good sense, but it does have more expats compared to other schools around the area. But not sufficiently overwhelming to feel that you are in an international school, if that is what you mean. Children do have opportunities to interact with others who are from different countries.

> Do a lot of students transfer out?
At the beginning of his P4 year, only 3 from the top P4 class transferred out to \"gooder\" schools (which was not too bad, considering I always hear that students tend to transfer out at P4 year, due to movements in the Bukit Timah belt of schools). Of course, during the P1 registration period and even after that, there are bound to be students transferring out as they are on waitlist elsewhere.

It is definitely not the first choice of many parents here (especially for those who are gunning for one of the big schools along the main road), but I think it is a good school for my boy. That's all that it matters.
His siblings will join him when it's their turn for P1 next year and the year after.

Hope it helps.

Funz\" post_id=\"1241108\" time=\"1395028872\" user_id=\"6230:

This is just my personal view, from my experience with DS in the school.

What are the teachers like and is the school a good place - ie. are your children happy
As with any other schools, there are good teachers and there are the not so good teachers. Generally speaking it is a decent school with all the necessary facilities that a primary school will need. DS has adjusted to the school, he made many good friends there. There were some adjustment issues when he was in P1. (scroll back and you can see what I have shared then) So, is he happy at school. Overall yes. Was at the school for PTM recently and DS was very eager to show me around, especially to all his favourite areas. Does DS feel so strongly about the school and the teachers that he will not want to switch school? No. The school spirit and sense of belonging is not that strong.

Are the subject teachers good?
I don't know yet about P4-6. But for DS, since P1, the FT takes all the core subjects. He had the same Chinese teacher last year and this year. Not sure if it's the school's direction or it's just this particular teacher but she is very on the ball. Her expectation of the kids are rather high. Personally, I would prefer subject specialisation. But many others like it that 1 teacher takes all subject. Each has its own merits I guess.

Does it do well in subjects?
I concur with hw&k. This is not a school that can boast of stellar academic performances.

How many expats are in the school as a %?
Never really notice.

Do a lot of students transfer out?
There were some movements but we do not know the reasons.


Whether or not it is a good school for your kid, it depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a school that is academically or performance driven, this is not that kind of school. Because of its small cohort, it does not have the kind of diversity that some bigger schools will have especially in terms of CCA and enrichments.

[zac's mum]

My friend’s son in BTPS also chose not to transfer out when the possibility for transfer came up. He is happy in the school. Class size is very small compared to other schools, which means a good student:teacher ratio. Child is pretty average in studies and although not many CCAs to choose from, he has tried out 2-3 CCAs of his interest so far, for fun. His parents pay for their own sport and music enrichment for him.

[qms]

aarielle\" post_id=\"1990011\" time=\"1596857904\" user_id=\"187638:

Any views on Cantonment vs Bukit Timah Primary. Trying to narrow down for 2CS Application. academics / extra curricular / facilities/ gentry etc . Thanks so much

Please DO NOT create a new thread every time you have a question to ask. Post your questions in existing threads.

[Cherubie]

Davischew\" post_id=\"1989982\" time=\"1596806897\" user_id=\"132882:

Cherubie\" post_id=\"1989981\" time=\"1596806133\" user_id=\"186834:

Hi there,

My child will be registering for P1 in 2021 (2022 intake). We currently live within 1-2km of Rosyth and CHIJ OLGC. However in 2025, our BTO by Caldecott MRT will be ready. That’s within 1km of both CHIJ TP and Marymount Convent. I would like to hear from other parents what you’ll do if you were in our shoes.

Stay where we are currently (1-2km) and apply for:
Rosyth - Phase 2A1
CHIJ OLGC - Phase 2C

Or rent a place near Caldecott MRT (less than 1km) before July 2021 and apply for:
CHIJ TP - Phase 2C
MCS - Phase 2C

Would also love any thoughts on each of these four schools.

Thanks!

If me i would just stay put. 2025 is a good 3-4 years, not 1-2 years. Even if move, might not get the <1km ballot in CHIJ TPY also. Some more Rosyth is good and CHIJ OLGC also good.

Thanks! For me, I think there are two advantages of moving to Toa Payoh before the P1 registration and registering for CHIJ TP - first, its secondary school affiliation and second, the school proximity my child will enjoy throughout her primary school education (no school bus). Rosyth has no affiliation, CHIJ OLGC is affiliated to SJC but that’s too far for us once we move to Toa Payoh. MCS is really just a backup in case we don’t get into CHIJ TP. So I’m wondering if these reasons alone are enough to give up a shot at Rosyth Phase 2A1 (bearing in mind that this year, 2A1 went to ballot so admission is not a given either).

[zac's mum]

If u really want to try CHIJ TPY, give MOE a call first. Based on this FAQ, if your DPD (Delivery Possession Date) falls slightly beyond December 2024, you can be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Therefore you may be able to save some money on rent. She will still have to make the (short) commute until the flat is ready.

https://postimg.cc/ZvBxhsMj

https://postimg.cc/nMCk7Mh7
And, Phase 2A1 comes before Phase 2C. You can still go for ballot (if any) at Rosyth first. I’d fail, then u can still go for ballot at 2C. If fail, then go to MCS at 2CS.

[Davischew]

zac's mum\" post_id=\"1990085\" time=\"1596931877\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1990085 time=1596931877 user_id=53606]
If u really want to try CHIJ TPY, give MOE a call first. Based on this FAQ, if your DPD (Delivery Possession Date) falls slightly beyond December 2024, you can be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Therefore you may be able to save some money on rent. She will still have to make the (short) commute until the flat is ready.
https://postimg.cc/ZvBxhsMj

https://postimg.cc/nMCk7Mh7
And, Phase 2A1 comes before Phase 2C. You can still go for ballot (if any) at Rosyth first. I’d fail, then u can still go for ballot at 2C. If fail, then go to MCS at 2CS.[/quote]

No it won’t work for Cherubie. Her BTO probable completion is in 2025, means DPD is 2026. She has to move in by end of P2, Dec 2023.

[Lexy]

Cherubie\" post_id=\"1990079\" time=\"1596901885\" user_id=\"186834:

Davischew\" post_id=\"1989982\" time=\"1596806897\" user_id=\"132882:

[quote=Cherubie post_id=1989981 time=1596806133 user_id=186834]Hi there,

My child will be registering for P1 in 2021 (2022 intake). We currently live within 1-2km of Rosyth and CHIJ OLGC. However in 2025, our BTO by Caldecott MRT will be ready. That’s within 1km of both CHIJ TP and Marymount Convent. I would like to hear from other parents what you’ll do if you were in our shoes.

Stay where we are currently (1-2km) and apply for:
Rosyth - Phase 2A1
CHIJ OLGC - Phase 2C

Or rent a place near Caldecott MRT (less than 1km) before July 2021 and apply for:
CHIJ TP - Phase 2C
MCS - Phase 2C

Would also love any thoughts on each of these four schools.

Thanks!

If me i would just stay put. 2025 is a good 3-4 years, not 1-2 years. Even if move, might not get the <1km ballot in CHIJ TPY also. Some more Rosyth is good and CHIJ OLGC also good.

Thanks! For me, I think there are two advantages of moving to Toa Payoh before the P1 registration and registering for CHIJ TP - first, its secondary school affiliation and second, the school proximity my child will enjoy throughout her primary school education (no school bus). Rosyth has no affiliation, CHIJ OLGC is affiliated to SJC but that’s too far for us once we move to Toa Payoh. MCS is really just a backup in case we don’t get into CHIJ TP. So I’m wondering if these reasons alone are enough to give up a shot at Rosyth Phase 2A1 (bearing in mind that this year, 2A1 went to ballot so admission is not a given either).[/quote]Alternative views. Given this year's knowledge, being in 1-2km of Rosyth seems better off than this year's result.
You are running the risk of gg for CHIJ TPY on a balloting basis at an approximate odds of 1.5X+ to 1 spot even at within 1km. (if you are at 2B, i would say go for it)

[zac's mum]

Oh I though DPD is just HDB’s equivalent of private condo’s TOP.

[MummyY]

Cherubie\" post_id=\"1990079\" time=\"1596901885\" user_id=\"186834:

Davischew\" post_id=\"1989982\" time=\"1596806897\" user_id=\"132882:

[quote=Cherubie post_id=1989981 time=1596806133 user_id=186834]Hi there,

My child will be registering for P1 in 2021 (2022 intake). We currently live within 1-2km of Rosyth and CHIJ OLGC. However in 2025, our BTO by Caldecott MRT will be ready. That’s within 1km of both CHIJ TP and Marymount Convent. I would like to hear from other parents what you’ll do if you were in our shoes.

Stay where we are currently (1-2km) and apply for:
Rosyth - Phase 2A1
CHIJ OLGC - Phase 2C

Or rent a place near Caldecott MRT (less than 1km) before July 2021 and apply for:
CHIJ TP - Phase 2C
MCS - Phase 2C

Would also love any thoughts on each of these four schools.

Thanks!

If me i would just stay put. 2025 is a good 3-4 years, not 1-2 years. Even if move, might not get the <1km ballot in CHIJ TPY also. Some more Rosyth is good and CHIJ OLGC also good.

Thanks! For me, I think there are two advantages of moving to Toa Payoh before the P1 registration and registering for CHIJ TP - first, its secondary school affiliation and second, the school proximity my child will enjoy throughout her primary school education (no school bus). Rosyth has no affiliation, CHIJ OLGC is affiliated to SJC but that’s too far for us once we move to Toa Payoh. MCS is really just a backup in case we don’t get into CHIJ TP. So I’m wondering if these reasons alone are enough to give up a shot at Rosyth Phase 2A1 (bearing in mind that this year, 2A1 went to ballot so admission is not a given either).[/quote]I feel you already have some answers.
I don't like too much changes in life 😂 and lazy ..prefer kids to walk to school if possible.
I might look at the long-term and register for the chij TP.. and kid will stay put in that area all the way to completion of secondary. If you have a second girl..this whole thing will be worth while.

Rosyth has always been a very \"famous\" school since my primary school. Has GEP .. 🤣..really depends on how your child is. And what kind of parent you are.