2020 PSLE Discussions and Strategies(for those born in 2008)

[zac's mum]

6thisnthat9\" post_id=\"2000819\" time=\"1604111798\" user_id=\"145858:

If a child score close to 243, how to choose between say fairfield or Swiss if he lives in the west, whether the school culture is suitable, without physically visiting the school?

Both are having virtual open house. I suggest your child go and take a look and see whether any good or bad vibes. Fairfield's Christian culture is quite strong. It offers affiliation to ACJC. Swiss Cottage is more reputable academically, can consider if you're non-Christian and got direct bus.

https://swisscottagesec.moe.edu.sg/e-open-house-2020/

https://fairfieldmethodistsec.moe.edu.sg/prospective-students/2020-virtual-open-house

Possible to ask your questions to the school leaders online also.

[6thisnthat9]

Exactly, these are theoretical.


But there are non Chinese, non Christians in fairfield or other Christian schools. Without visiting the school, difficult.
Academically emphasized school may not be what the child needs too. One school may offer program or cca that the other doesn’t. But it is also not right to choose a school based on just cca selection

[sky minecrafter]

Hi, perhaps you have answered your own question - you should select a secondary school based on what matters most to your child+ you. School culture can be a subjective/ generalised concept.

[phtthp]

6thisnthat9\" post_id=\"2000819\" time=\"1604111798\" user_id=\"145858:

If a child score close to 243, how to choose between say fairfield or Swiss if he lives in the west, whether the school culture is suitable, without physically visiting the school?

should choose a Secondary school that got affliation to JC, because in O-level, is very easy to clock up points, per subject.

E.g.
if one subject score
B4 in O-level (60 to 64 marks), another subject also B4, soon, very fast exceed 12 points easily.

Go for Fairfield
Affliated to ACJC

What was ACJC Science & Arts stream for A level ?

Science stream : 8 points needed, for admission

Arts stream: 9 points


Not easy to enter, without affliation unless you are those hardworking and determined ones, that can ensure that u score below 10 points for your L1R5

From moe website (ACJC), cut off point

https://sis.moe.gov.sg/SchoolDetails.aspx?schoolCode=0803

[6thisnthat9]

I meant to say, at least physical visit the school can help with having a sense of the culture and student population, composition and other parents around.


My kids are not in P6, yet. But a few parents were thinking of going for open houses together for our kids.

Looking at the climate, looks like physical open house would not be possible even for next year.

[6thisnthat9]

phtthp\" post_id=\"2000830\" time=\"1604116924\" user_id=\"35251:

6thisnthat9\" post_id=\"2000819\" time=\"1604111798\" user_id=\"145858:

If a child score close to 243, how to choose between say fairfield or Swiss if he lives in the west, whether the school culture is suitable, without physically visiting the school?

should choose a Secondary school that got affliation to JC, because in O-level, is very easy to clock up points, per subject.

E.g.
if one subject score
B4 in O-level (60 to 64 marks), another subject also B4, soon, very fast exceed 12 points easily.

Go for Fairfield
Affliated to ACJC

What was ACJC Science & Arts stream for A level ?

Not easy to enter, without affliation unless you are those hardworking determined ones that can ensure that u score below 10 points for your L1R5

Yes, affiliation to jc is one consideration.

There are a few sensitive questions such as whether can non Christians opt out of religious activities without feeling out of place etc.

[phtthp]

No, not possible.


As long as covid is still present, no physical open house will be conducted, to avoid crowd gathering, whether is this year or next year

[6thisnthat9]

May not be applicable to all parents or kids, but sometimes, one visit to the school will seal the deal for some

[sky minecrafter]

6thisnthat9\" post_id=\"2000833\" time=\"1604117215\" user_id=\"145858:

...can non Christians opt out of religious activities without feeling out of place etc...

I have asked some schools that question before: some say yes, that a few students do occasionally sit by the side; some say just sit together with your class...

[zac's mum]

Non-Christians are always allowed to opt out of religious activities (eg. weekly chapel sessions) in a Christian school. It’s never compulsory and cannot be made so. The question is, where do they go during that allocated time? This is a valid question that you can ask the school.


If you saw the video from the virtual school tour, the bible verses are pretty in-your-face, prominently decorating all the school walls. If your child doesn’t mind this, and doesn’t mind the daily prayers during assembly, can tune it out, then can consider this school. Some people find it a turn-off & will choose a secular school for better fit.