Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

[Muffins]

yep, no open houses for ACS(I) last year, though I've heard, and have seen with my own eyes, that the RI Open House is FANTASTIC!


You should definitely go there if you wanna see the facilities, and meet some teachers, and such...

[tiger262]

Thanks for the info ‘csc’ and ‘Muffins’.


If there is no Open-house in ACS(I), how can parents and P6 students get a ‘feel’ of the school, its environment, CCAs, facilities, etc?

Is there any way? Please suggest.

Thanks & Regards.

[autolycus]

The ‘open house’ for ACS(I) is normally in the middle of the year because it’s designed to attract prospective DSA parents. ACS(I) isn’t very good at handling publicity — in fact, they hardly attempt to compete with RI for the students from their own feeder schools.

[tiger262]

autolycus:

The 'open house' for ACS(I) is normally in the middle of the year because it's designed to attract prospective DSA parents. ACS(I) isn't very good at handling publicity — in fact, they hardly attempt to compete with RI for the students from their own feeder schools.

That is what I like about ACS(I). In my view, a good school should not be publicity-seeking. Its achievements should speak for themselves.

A school should not be like a marketing company, promoting its wares. It is very heartening that ACS(I) does not engage in such promotional tactics, unlike some 'leading' institutions in Singapore.

[autolycus]

tiger262:

autolycus:

The 'open house' for ACS(I) is normally in the middle of the year because it's designed to attract prospective DSA parents. ACS(I) isn't very good at handling publicity — in fact, they hardly attempt to compete with RI for the students from their own feeder schools.

That is what I like about ACS(I). In my view, a good school should not be publicity-seeking. Its achievements should speak for themselves.

A school should not be like a marketing company, promoting its wares. It is very heartening that ACS(I) does not engage in such promotional tactics, unlike some 'leading' institutions in Singapore.

I didn't say ACS(I) does not engage in such promotional tactics. The ex-CEO used to call up Sandra Davie at every opportunity to try and drum up publicity for the school. They were also inclined to invite parents of top sports performers to the school for a presentation and high tea.

ACS(I) can be very liberal with promotional tactics. They just aren't very good at it.

[tiger262]

autolycus:

I didn't say ACS(I) does not engage in such promotional tactics. The ex-CEO used to call up Sandra Davie at every opportunity to try and drum up publicity for the school. They were also inclined to invite parents of top sports performers to the school for a presentation and high tea.

ACS(I) can be very liberal with promotional tactics. They just aren't very good at it.

Thank you. I get a better picture of what you meant in comparing ACS(I) and RI.

Sorry for bothering you. Can you provide one more info? - \"At Sec-1 level, how is the homework burden at ACS(I) when compared to RI?\"

I am told that at RI the homework burden is quite high. Some Sec-1 boys studying at RI have commented in blogs that they often work up to midnight to clear the homework and project assignments.

In that aspect, how is the outlook at ACS(I)? Because my DS is not fast in doing homework and has a natural dislike for it.

Thank you for your time. You are truly supportive.

[Muffins]

hi tiger262, take it from me, in ACS(I) as well, you will take up to about 11.00 to clear homework. There are 8 subjects alone, of which usually give homework everytime they see you for their periods, so there's not much difference there...

[autolycus]

Muffins:

hi tiger262, take it from me, in ACS(I) as well, you will take up to about 11.00 to clear homework. There are 8 subjects alone, of which usually give homework everytime they see you for their periods, so there's not much difference there...

tiger262, it depends on which teachers your son will get. There is a homework minimum determined by the Dean of the subject department. For physical sciences and life sciences, homework can generally be cleared in school by a student who is quick to realise where the homework is coming from. For mathematics, it will be a grind (generally speaking). The English department is highly variable. Humanities (Geog, History) are tolerable, and Art is largely executed during school hours.

Three hours a day ought to be more than enough. The main burden will be the heavy CCA load (at least one UYO, possibly a competition-level sport). That can make a person feel even less inclined to do homework.

Bottom line though is personal responsibility. Keep your son away from extensive (or intensive) gaming, and life will be better (although your son might not agree).

[tiger262]

Thanks to both of you - Muffins and autolycus.


Your replies were prompt and quite informative. I got a clear idea of what my DS should do to survive and thrive in ACS(I).

Frankly, my inclination towards ACS(I) is mainly because I find IB to be a more balanced Pre-Uni education than A-levels. RI may have many plus points but the IP program at RI leads to A-levels unlike at ACS(I) where it leads to IB.

I know that this debate - IB vs A-level - is a very worn out topic. Nevertheless, since you have exposure to ACS (I), I will value your comments much more. Please feel free to chip in with your views, when time permits.

Thanks again for your replies.

[autolycus]

tiger262:

I know that this debate - IB vs A-level - is a very worn out topic. Nevertheless, since you have exposure to ACS (I), I will value your comments much more. Please feel free to chip in with your views, when time permits.

You're very welcome. Integrated Programmes are my area of research anyway.

There's a paper about 2 years old that you can download from http://nk11r10-homepage.mac.com/WebObjects/FileSharing.woa/wa/2007TSLNIBDPFInal.pdf.pdf-zip.zip?a=downloadFile&user=brythain&path=/Public/2007TSLNIBDPFInal.pdf. It's PDF, about 300+ Kb when downloaded. Enjoy.