Choosing and Evaluating Primary Schools

[SG_KP1]

Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=\"2071202\" time=\"1655860217\" user_id=\"195250:[quote=\"Liew Nga Wing\" post_id=2071202 time=1655860217 user_id=195250]
Do you mean 2022 instead of 2020?[/quote]

I meant if you take the 2020 applicants and apply the new rules to split the vacancies this school would have been tight in 2B that year.

Regardless, my prior post was only meant to double check with the person that he/she wasn't applying to Nan Chiau (I believed he/she was not based on 40 hours listed). As for any other school, I thought entry should be OK in 2B, but if it was me I would want to double check all of the new calculations for my targeted school before foregoing 2A ballot at another school or withdrawing from a confirmed spot.

[Zeal mummy]

Hi Das, my advice would be to go with 2A HPPS then decide how to deal with the logistics later. (Drive/rent etc) And 2B as a back up plan.


All the best!

[Imp75]

Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"2071207\" time=\"1655865583\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=2071207 time=1655865583 user_id=58173]
Hi Das, my advice would be to go with 2A HPPS then decide how to deal with the logistics later. (Drive/rent etc) And 2B as a back up plan.

All the best![/quote]

I don't hv direct experience w HPPS but based on my friend's experience, these are some of the feedback:
- Wealthy pupils due to the catchment area. Not sure if this is a concern for you
- other than GEP, there are no longer top or stratified classes where pupils are best placed for learning outcomes.
- with the change in principal in recent years, it was no longer academically focused as before hence no stratified classes.
- PSLE results.Well I would say not as fantastic as we would have thought of as a GEP school.but then there's only 1 GEP class so majority are still the average pupils like a neighbourhood school

For your evaluation...I have nothing for or against the school.

[Zeal mummy]

Imp75\" post_id=\"2071231\" time=\"1655870803\" user_id=\"2358:

I don't hv direct experience w HPPS but based on my friend's experience, these are some of the feedback:
- Wealthy pupils due to the catchment area. Not sure if this is a concern for you
- other than GEP, there are no longer top or stratified classes where pupils are best placed for learning outcomes.
- with the change in principal in recent years, it was no longer academically focused as before hence no stratified classes.
- PSLE results.Well I would say not as fantastic as we would have thought of as a GEP school.but then there's only 1 GEP class so majority are still the average pupils like a neighbourhood school

For your evaluation...I have nothing for or against the school.

I have no direct experience with HPPS as well. But I fancy easy choices, like going with my alma mater. Being an alumni also means familiarity.

You have raised good points, Imp75, these could be pros/cons depending on how the party involved looks at it.

[Toomuchlaundry]

Imp75\" post_id=\"2071231\" time=\"1655870803\" user_id=\"2358:

I don't hv direct experience w HPPS but based on my friend's experience, these are some of the feedback:
- Wealthy pupils due to the catchment area. Not sure if this is a concern for you
- other than GEP, there are no longer top or stratified classes where pupils are best placed for learning outcomes.
- with the change in principal in recent years, it was no longer academically focused as before hence no stratified classes.
- PSLE results.Well I would say not as fantastic as we would have thought of as a GEP school.but then there's only 1 GEP class so majority are still the average pupils like a neighbourhood school

For your evaluation...I have nothing for or against the school.

Hi Imp75,

I've heard similar things about HPPS too, from friends living in Holland area. While it is a GEP school, PSLE results have been ordinary, in line with the national average.

If @Das can rent in Holland, that would be great. But rental rates are up 10-30% last year, and Sengkang rental amount < Holland rental quantum. On top of that, @Das might have a mortgage for Sengkang. If all of this puts you under some financial strain, and gives you pressure, or impairs your well being, i would say it is not a smart move to rent in Holland.

Of course, if you can afford it, do whatever u like!

[Imp75]

Having said that, if I am given the same predicament, I would have chosen HPPS for the alumni ties/branding and if I am able to drive my kids to/fro.

[helple33]

Das Vasudevan\" post_id=\"2071144\" time=\"1655805903\" user_id=\"190678:[quote=\"Das Vasudevan\" post_id=2071144 time=1655805903 user_id=190678]
Hi everyone. Both me and my spouse are in a dilemma. I am an alumni member of Henry Park Primary, so my child qualifies for phase 2A. I have also done Parent Volunteer in the school next to my house and completed the 40 hours. So my child also qualifies for phase 2B. Really unsure which to chose. Moreover we stay in Sengkang and Henry Park is in Holland Grove road. What are our chances of getting in if we live more than 2 km away for the current phase 2A? Should forgo Phase 2A and stick to Phase 2B? Confused!! Hope to get some opinions. Thanks!![/quote]

I am confused. Is volunteering in Sengkang grassroots entitles you to Phase 2B in Henry Park also?

[zac's mum]

helple33\" post_id=\"2071251\" time=\"1655875017\" user_id=\"197642:

I am confused. Is volunteering in Sengkang grassroots entitles you to Phase 2B in Henry Park also?

It looks to me like forummer Das meant phase 2B at the primary school in Sengkang, for which he did PV at. Nowhere is grassroots mentioned.

[ChiefKiasu]

Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"2071207\" time=\"1655865583\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=2071207 time=1655865583 user_id=58173]
Hi Das, my advice would be to go with 2A HPPS then decide how to deal with the logistics later. (Drive/rent etc) And 2B as a back up plan.

All the best![/quote]

For some people, having a place in Phase 2B is a privilege, not a backup
I think @Das is very lucky. He should just go for HPPS in Phase 1, failing which he can go for the school near him in Phase 2B or 2C. So many chances. :rahrah:

[Zeal mummy]

ChiefKiasu\" post_id=\"2071311\" time=\"1655893354\" user_id=\"3:

For some people, having a place in Phase 2B is a privilege, not a backup
I think @Das is very lucky. He should just go for HPPS in Phase 1, failing which he can go for the school near him in Phase 2B or 2C. So many chances. :rahrah:

Chief, in my opinion he has displayed hard work and commitment in getting his kids on the most suitable path! Man. Not many (dads) who has alumni status in a GEP school would put in 40 hours of PV work in another school near home. I don’t think he is plain lucky.

I like that u largely agree with my advice though. Oh, it’s “HPPS in Phase 2A”, not Phase 1. You’re welcome!