Networking Group - JCs General
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There are at least 4 or 5 A level exam boards in the UK. I am not sure how the local universities regard them, or whether they consider specific exam boards or not. Also, given that the UK A levels does not require PW, GP, MT, I am not sure how the local universities will "equalize" the considerations. If the objective is local university, SG A levels, Poly and IB are known paths, and most of these paths will also open opportunities to study overseas.
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Floppy, can you also provide some info/insights on Poly edu when you have time. As in if I were to take course A for 3 years and I think that is not what I like, can I apply for a Degree course B thereafter, that is not so related to Course B or I must start fm Diploma level? Anything to take note of when go to Course A, something like that…
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MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2095366\" time=\"1674005908\" user_id=\"43981:
TBH I do not know. I think doodbug has made some good points that you should consider.
Floppy, would you have any idea on the UK A, say taking UK A locally or in Msia (if there is a better/proper school), for admission to local U? It seems that we don't know if that would be discounted/ how much it would be discounted compared to local A level.
And if that UK A obtained can be used for 2nd option of overseas studies. That's not a total loss to us right if we want to take that 'risk' that it may not be treated equally.
IMHO, if you really want an alternative to the local A Level, there’s no reason to consider UK A when IBDP is available. It’s a well known and tested / proven path for local or overseas universities. -
floppy\" post_id=\"2095370\" time=\"1674006386\" user_id=\"97579:
Ok thank you..
TBH I do not know. I think doodbug has made some good points that you should consider.
IMHO, if you really want an alternative to the local A Level, there’s no reason to consider UK A when IBDP is available. It’s a well known and tested /proven path for local or overseas universities.
If IB and Poly, which one would you choose? -
MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2095369\" time=\"1674006329\" user_id=\"43981:
The short and simple answer is yes with a but…
Floppy, can you also provide some info/insights on Poly edu when you have time. As in if I were to take course A for 3 years and I think that is not what I like, can I apply for a Degree course B thereafter, that is not so related to Course B or I must start fm Diploma level? Anything to take note of when go to Course A, something like that..
Each university has its own requirements and you will need to spend some time researching on what you like / want / consider and it’s not easy to address it in a post.
Take NUS for example: https://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/docs/default-source/admissions/singapore-polytechnic.pdf?sfvrsn=416ad7f7_12
You can study Business in Singapore Poly and then decide to do Architecture in NUS as long as your diploma meets the cut off and you have obtained a pass in Math in O Level.
Or
You can study Electronics Engineering in SP and then do Business in NUS as long as your diploma meets the cut off.
But
For Computer Engineering, NUS only accepts some diplomas. -
MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2095371\" time=\"1674006563\" user_id=\"43981:
It's not about parents choosing per se - if there is no inclination, no conviction, no interest from the child for the path, things may not turn out as planned.
Ok thank you..
If IB and Poly, which one would you choose?
IB and Poly are extremely different. If the child absolutely dislikes writing short and extended essays, or dislikes philosophy and finds it too waffle-ly, then the IB is a complete misfit. Same goes if the child is not willing to take 6 (actually count TOK and EE,
compulsory subjects from diverse subject groups.
On the other hand, if the child absolutely dislikes group projects, or a GPA style system, poly is a misfit.
There is nothing wrong if a child doesn't know what he or she wants to do, and opts for the option that opens the most options - this is the reason why the PCME cohort at the A levels is so large! It is probably one of the most flexible combinations that opens almost all options. -
MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2095371\" time=\"1674006563\" user_id=\"43981:
IMHO doodbug has given the best answer.
Ok thank you..
If IB and Poly, which one would you choose?
There’s really no right / wrong. It depends on the individual and his or her inclination. -
Add me as another person that would pick IB in int’l school here over UK A (here, Malaysia, or UK). While we don’t know for sure, I have a tough time seeing how UK A is viewed more favourably for local uni. If decide to go uni elsewhere, my impression is that both will be equally portable, if not an edge to the IB score (although this may be more true for the American universities, not sure about UK, Australia, etc). Of course, this is absent any learning style/syllabus difference that the kid prefers or is better suited to.
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MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2095371\" time=\"1674006563\" user_id=\"43981:
I agree with doodbug's answer. Look at your child, and ask her what her preference is. By the age of 16, you should know her strengths and weaknesses, her preferred study style, what kind of job she is likely to prefer, etc. The choice for each student will differ.
If IB and Poly, which one would you choose?
When thinking about jobs, at 16, it's not about the specific job, but just the rough sector and type:
Sector - e.g. healthcare, childcare, type of engineering, media, logistics, travel, etc
Type - people-facing, independent, caring, dealing with children/elderly, detail-oriented, etc
The main benefit of a poly diploma is that starting work at that point is more straightforward, with more demonstrated marketable skills. IB and A levels give a rather 'unfinished' result and it is harder to convince employers who are usually looking for specific skills. They also assume that many such applicants will quit soon to go to university. So for a student who is not sure that she is university bound fairly immediately or because of poor results, a poly diploma in an area that she is interested in will lend itself to finding a job more readily. Going to university can come later, although doing it part-time or mid-career also has its challenges. But picking a random university course without some inclination in that area, or when not mature enough to make the most of it, can be a waste of time. -
MKS, I have a relative’s child who started poly diploma in one field, after 1 year decided didn’t like it (or not scoring well, I dunno which), found a private university which was willing to give some credit for an unrelated undergraduate course. I think 2 years of degree study only. However, employment prospects are not good. I tried to find the name of the private university (at Jackson Square in TPY) but could not find it.
https://smiletutor.sg/8-best-private-universities-in-singapore/
This list throws up some names that have marketed quite aggressively in the past (MDIS, Kaplan, etc). I don’t think entry requirements are stringent. The trade off is not many employers will favour such degrees. If die die want to get a Uni degree, sure can get. Also can find job. Just lower the expectations I guess.
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