Choosing and Evaluating Primary Schools

[Zenz79]

Hi all…


I am a ex student of Fairfield Methodist Primary and Secondary school. Currently I am staying at Lavender area. There are only 3 schools within 2 km radius of me. Stamford, St Margaret and Farrer Park. I am considering either Fairfield or Farrer Park.

Fairfield is like a 30 mins drive away while Farrer is about 15 mins away.

In terms of preference, I would prefer Fairfield Primary because it has secondary and JC affiliation.

Can anyone help me by providing any suggestions or advice on which is better?

Fairfield would be a phase 2B2 and Farrer Park would be a phase 2C.

Thanks!

[Davischew]

Zenz79\" post_id=\"1995368\" time=\"1600319053\" user_id=\"178005:

Hi all...

I am a ex student of Fairfield Methodist Primary and Secondary school. Currently I am staying at Lavender area. There are only 3 schools within 2 km radius of me. Stamford, St Margaret and Farrer Park. I am considering either Fairfield or Farrer Park.

Fairfield is like a 30 mins drive away while Farrer is about 15 mins away.

In terms of preference, I would prefer Fairfield Primary because it has secondary and JC affiliation.

Can anyone help me by providing any suggestions or advice on which is better?

Fairfield would be a phase 2B2 and Farrer Park would be a phase 2C.

Thanks!

I would say no brainer, go for Fairfield 2A2.

[zac's mum]

Fairfield’s affiliation discount is very generous. Thus far.


Better to wait for MOE’s announcement on the new AL affiliation discount before deciding. Estimated first half of 2021 will be announced.

[Zenz79]

Thanks for the advice!


But I hear from a parent that currently we are able to register for schools 2 years in advance? Is that true? I checked on MOE website it is still stating 1 year.

Also, for school transfer, is it easy? For example if my child gets into Fairfield but after that I want to transfer her to another school nearer to my place, is the criteria just based on whether the school has an opening? Are we able to apply for more than 1 school at a go?

[floppy]

Zenz79\" post_id=\"1995392\" time=\"1600325232\" user_id=\"178005:

Thanks for the advice!

But I hear from a parent that currently we are able to register for schools 2 years in advance? Is that true? I checked on MOE website it is still stating 1 year.

Also, for school transfer, is it easy? For example if my child gets into Fairfield but after that I want to transfer her to another school nearer to my place, is the criteria just based on whether the school has an opening? Are we able to apply for more than 1 school at a go?

P1 registration is an annual exercise. It happens 1 year before the child is due to enter P1. Same for everyone.

Probability of a successful transfer is highly dependent on the school that you want to transfer into and your luck. The more popular the school, the lower your chances since the waitlist will be super long. If it’s not a popular school that you are considering, why not apply at Phase 2C and be done with it.

[zac's mum]

School transfer is not easy. Which is why most people would advise you to just make use of your guaranteed 2A2 place into a good school.


If you really value the convenience of a school near to your house (and it’s not one of those popular ones that need balloting in 2C), then just skip your 2A2 application & apply straight to the nearby school in phase 2C. St Margaret’s Pri [affiliated to SMSS and SAJC], Farrer Park Pri, Stamford Pri should all have no balloting for <2km in 2C.

Btw are you using One Map School Query to search for the schools within 2km of your postal code? Cos I find it strange that your search didn’t also throw up Bendemeer Primary.

[Zenz79]

Thanks all!


I am using onemap and Bendemeer Pri school is not within 2km. Since St Margaret has affiliation as well, can anyone help provide me with a comparison of Fairfield and St Margaret? I’ve looked at St Margaret website but it doesn’t seem to provide much info.

[Davischew]

Zenz79\" post_id=\"1995458\" time=\"1600395743\" user_id=\"178005:

Thanks all!

I am using onemap and Bendemeer Pri school is not within 2km. Since St Margaret has affiliation as well, can anyone help provide me with a comparison of Fairfield and St Margaret? I’ve looked at St Margaret website but it doesn’t seem to provide much info.

If SMPS is within 2km, it's a sure in at 2C. If you are good with single gender, i think it's a good choice.

[zac's mum]

Fairfield Pri, Fairfield Sec, ACJC: all located at Dover Road.


SMPS located at Mt Sophia (Dhoby Ghaut MRT), SMSS located at Farrer Road MRT, SAJC located at Potong Pasir MRT.

If you have all daughters and no intention of having sons, then SMPS is worth considering.

Otherwise, stick to Fairfield.

[phtthp]

Zenz79\" post_id=\"1995458\" time=\"1600395743\" user_id=\"178005:

Thanks all!

I am using onemap and Bendemeer Pri school is not within 2km. Since St Margaret has affiliation as well, can anyone help provide me with a comparison of Fairfield and St Margaret? I’ve looked at St Margaret website but it doesn’t seem to provide much info.

Answering your question on \"Comparison\" part -

are you planning long term ahead, for the next 10 years ?



Based on 2019 PSLE results,

With Tscore 200,

1)

Fairfield Methodist primary school students are affliated to her Secondary (Express stream), whose Secondary school section in turn is affliated to Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) ?

Refer

https://sis.moe.gov.sg/SchoolDetails.aspx?schoolCode=7309


2)
St Margaret primary school students are affliated to her Secondary school (Express stream), who in turn is affliated to St Andrew Junior College (SAJC).

Refer

https://sis.moe.gov.sg/SchoolDetails.aspx?schoolCode=7021

=====================

Zenz79,

the question you ought to ask yourself is,
since you do have a choice,
which JC do u want, ACJC or SAJC ? These two JC culture, are different.

that should solve your dilemma, isn't it ?