Affiliated Schools and their COPs

[doodbug]

There is also a reason why there is a much stronger demand for IB than A levels by private, full fee-paying schools.


So I do think Singaporean students who get to do IB in ACSI, MGS, SOTA, SJI, SSP - it’s a real privilege!

[doodbug]

Also, although the Singapore A levels may somewhat be related to the UK A levels, some will say that Singaporean students are disadvantaged in that there is no A* grading unlike the UK A levels. Also, our A level requirements are much more onerous than for the UK A level student, in that we are required to take GP, PW, Mother Tongue.


The IB qualification is recognized on the same bar, internationally. Singapore-Cambridge A levels is really, unique to Singapore and not all institutions internationally fully understand it. The Singapore-Cambridge A leels is obviously, fully recognized for local universities, i.e NUS, NTU, SMU, SUSS, SIT, SUTD.

[Imp75]

IP or IB, depends very much on the child isn’t it. If child is strong in logic skills and therefore maths and sciences but can’t really express well in writing, then I think maybe IB may not be that suitable?

[doodbug]

Imp75\" post_id=\"2023560\" time=\"1620697102\" user_id=\"2358:

IP or IB, depends very much on the child isn't it. If child is strong in logic skills and therefore maths and sciences but can't really express well in writing, then I think maybe IB may not be that suitable?

I don't think the writing requirements are much more onerous under the IB - there is substantial choice and you can tailor. In fact, the 2nd language requirements are far less onerous under the IB programme - practically nearly all Singaporeans get 7 points for this segment. The H1 MT is substantially more difficult, even to pass. And passing does not help pull your UAS up.

[zac's mum]

For anyone who wants to watch (teen lingo aplenty). The students themselves talk about how IB route (at SJI, SSP and ACSI) are different from A level route:


https://youtu.be/uNIVlmb0nJQ

[doodbug]

I do enjoy listening to how IB students speak of their experiences - many seem to relish in the journey.


I am only familiar with the A levels (teachers in my family teach in JCs etc), but I hardly hear of anyone waxing lyrical about the curricular experience or the value of the curricular learning. (JC experience is a separate thing altogether, there are many who do love their JCs and the extracurriculars etc). My impression is that the A levels does require a lot of mugging.

That said, my kids are not of the personality of the 3 girls in the video link, lol

Both routes are fine, but yes, the IB route has rescused many SIngaporeans who would otherwise have gone overseas to boarding school for high school, or stay in mainstream schools in Singapore, but unlikely to have enjoyed the O and A levels.

[zac's mum]

In terms of personality, I think introverts will probably prefer A level route, where the bulk of the work is individual mugging. Extroverts like my son will prefer IB route where all that networking (gossiping!) and collaboration will be of big help.

[zac's mum]

By the way, those affiliated primary schools who have not yet received any news about their AMR, upcoming parent-teacher meeting would be a good time to ask.


Or u can even email the principal to ask, Eg. after your child’s report book is released to you.

[SG_KP1]

FWIW, from what (little) I can see I do think the A Level IP programs are trying to develop the students in many ways beyond just beating written tests. My boy seems to have some sort of group work in nearly every subject. It’s just that it counts for very little or nothing in the yearly grade computation. But they are forced to organize themselves and sort out the differences to move forward and get stuff done.


Whether one of these paths develops the personal skills more, I’m not sure. But I do think leadership and EQ/AQ are dramatically under-rated. Despite how some of my posts may read, I don’t think the world needs more AL 4, UAS RP 90, IBDP 45 scorers, etc or that these kids have some long-term advantage. In fact, many of these kids will be at a disadvantage by the time they are 25 or so (first job you can usually get by just "doing stuff" that is assigned to you).

So regardless of which path, I think it just takes a conscious effort to work on developing interpersonal skills, leadership, etc, which often involves doing something these kids are not comfortable with. I am happy that my older one has started doing more of this during the current year, as previously he wasn’t too interested. The younger one seems to have taken to it a bit earlier, although there are not as many opportunities in primary school.

[MerlionInGermany]

SG_KP1\" post_id=\"2023569\" time=\"1620702538\" user_id=\"188234:

My boy seems to have some sort of group work in nearly every subject. It's just that it counts for very little or nothing in the yearly grade computation. But they are forced to organize themselves and sort out the differences to move forward and get stuff done.

And counting for little or nothing, for a start, is actually good as everyone starts to learn to cooperate and collaborate.