Singapore Sports School
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ANobleNerd:
I'm concerned, though, about the sleep hours for the student-atheletes. According to what I've read about the time-table, the kids wake up at 6am and the time-table ends at 10pm. Between 10pm to 6am is only 8 hours, and if the last period ends at 10pm, does that mean that the kids go to bed only after 10pm? Also, most researches on sleep indicate that athletes need more sleep than the average person to be on top form. Furthermore, growing teens need an average of 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep for optimal development.
Do the kids have down time during the day? Are they allowed to nap? Or are they just rushing from point to point throughout the day?
Your welcome!
Many apologies to reply so late. I haven't been around for so long I almost forgot my password.
Regarding sleep. I believe many teens sleep less than 8 hours anyway. Those in top schools have homework to keep them up to 12am sometime. Those in less stressful ones have computers and other stuff to keep them up late.
Yes, the kids there are kept very busy. Although, it is stated there are 2 trainings a day but that is the max possible. A lot of times, the coaches will decide if it is necessary for 2 times training. There is a need for recovery time from competition, especially for soccer. Sometimes, they do gym training. They also have a monthly outing in the afternoon. So all in all it is not the 20 hour a week that we envisage. If Mon mornings there's no training, my boy will stay home Sunday night and only check in the next morning at 8 pm.
There are 2 long rest time in the day. Time between end of school around
3pm and afternoon training at 4. If there's no training, they can nap until dinner time. Dinner and Recreation time is 6 to 8 pm. After that is mandatory study time 2h.
I think there is no need to worry about sleep. Alot of time, my boy sleeps late. He studies till 11 or 12 am if necessary because of module tests. He is surviving well. There's are peaks and lulls periods. A little less sleep during peaks is okay.
Yes, Fencing Academy starts this year I heard. I think there's Shooting Academy too. Is your son selected? There's open house on 21st this month. Do drop by to visit the campus and get to know the staff and principal, Mrs Tan.
My son is also enjoying the boarding life. Teens, after all, wants to be with their friends. If we have lived in hostel in Uni days, we can understand how boarding was a highlight of our student lives. Every time I see teens gallivanting at the malls, McDonalds, or hear parents worrying about what their teens are up to after school, I'm so glad my kid is in SSP. He's kept busy all day doing what he loves, study, his sports, his friends and teachers and principals who are like their guardians.
Feel free to check with me anything about Sports School. I can understand the many concerns parents have, separation anxiety, balancing study and sports, etc. -
Thanks for your reply, dovetail.
I'm glad to hear that there are pockets of rest for the student athletes. Rest is usually underrated in our kids' lives, as we think that productivity in doing more gives the best results. Unfortunately for sports, this isn't always the case.
Nevertheless, we'll be attending the open house later this month and applying for the Fencing Academy. My son did well enough for a Top 8 placing in last month's Selangor Open Fencing Championship for his age group, so we're hoping that that will be a plus for his application, and help him pursue his fencing dreams. -
ANobleNerd:
There are not many kids doing fencing so the number who go for trial could be small. How many are they getting to enter the academy?Thanks for your reply, dovetail.
I'm glad to hear that there are pockets of rest for the student athletes. Rest is usually underrated in our kids' lives, as we think that productivity in doing more gives the best results. Unfortunately for sports, this isn't always the case.
Nevertheless, we'll be attending the open house later this month and applying for the Fencing Academy. My son did well enough for a Top 8 placing in last month's Selangor Open Fencing Championship for his age group, so we're hoping that that will be a plus for his application, and help him pursue his fencing dreams.
Have a great time at the open house. Let me know if eventually, your son get an offer and if you decide to let him join. Usually, those kids that have good PSLE results have a big dilemma whether to stay mainstream or go specialized independent. The top schools also offer them a place via DSA or via their good results. Currently, the kids in my boy's class range from 230 to 265 for PSLE score.
:celebrate: -
My husband and I took our son to visit the School's Open House last Saturday. Though he is only in P4 this year, we thought it would be a good idea to let him experience and see what the school is all about as he is very passionate about badminton. He was bought-in by all the fantastic facilities at the school and the possibilities of excelling in the game.
The admission criteria by the school mentions that \"priority will be given to applicants who have competitive experience in representing their schools or who have the talent or physical attributes to succeed in the sport.\"
My son currently undergoes training with a private badminton centre. Quite happy that he is progressing well there. Unfortunately, his primary school does not have badminton for its cca and he wont be able to fulfill the school representation requirement. What can we help him with to make-up for this? Will the Sports School consider favourably achievements from private competitions in the same way as school competitions?
:scratchhead: -
Lavender33:
The admission criteria by the school mentions that \"priority will be given to applicants who have competitive experience in representing their schools or who have the talent or physical attributes to succeed in the sport.\"
My son currently undergoes training with a private badminton centre. Quite
happy that he is progressing well there. Unfortunately, his primary school does not have badminton for its cca and he wont be able to fulfill the school representation requirement. What can we help him with to make-up for this? Will the Sports School consider favourably achievements from private competitions in the same way as school competitions?
:scratchhead:
Is great to hear your son is passionate about the sport, it is the most important thing to have for him to develop his talent. Even, better when he's clear about what he wants, he'll take ownership of his choice and whatever consequences that comes along. That itself is education too.
I'm not sure exactly the assessment mode they use in badminton but I believe competition background helps. I think they have some MOE Centre
of Excellence (COE) for various sports. You can check if there's one for
badminton. You can go for trial and if you get in, you get to train with the skilled players. That's important as you need iron to sharpen iron. I suppose COE should help to provide some competitions.
Also, can check if SSP about their JSA ( juniou sports academy, not sure what it stands for). I think some P5/6 start training at the SSP before they are even offered a place. I think there should be a selection test to get in. They have for shooting, fencing and some other sports I think. I think if can get in JSA better than the COE.
Just in case you are not aware, a lot of these kids are talent scouted way
before the open house day. The trials starts way before the open house. Don't wait till the open house to go for trial. Keep track of the website from early April for announcements. The trial they do at open house is just to make sure everyone get a chance.
So basically, trial early and if possible try to be selected for Training in SSP or the MOE COE. Let your son know that at the end of the day, for badminton, if you can beat many others in the trial, your chances are high. It doesn't matter whether you have competition background or Badminton CCA
Don't feel inadequate that your son is not doing competition now, SSP is very serious about sports development unlike mainstream school that just takes in the best to win medals. So if he is identified to have potential, they may still take him. Some of my son's academy friends don't have soccer CCA in their schools. Neither have they played in national tournament. Somehow, the coaches have some way of assessment based on learning attitudes and potential also.
All the best and ask your boy to work hard to get min 230 to join the IBDP. It's a good education program that is hard to get in Singapore.
I hope this helps. -
dovetail:
Hi dovetail,
Just in case you are not aware, a lot of these kids are talent scouted way
before the open house day. The trials starts way before the open house. Don't wait till the open house to go for trial. Keep track of the website from early April for announcements. The trial they do at open house is just to make sure everyone get a chance.
So basically, trial early and if possible try to be selected for Training in SSP or the MOE COE. Let your son know that at the end of the day, for badminton, if you can beat many others in the trial, your chances are high. It doesn't matter whether you have competition background or Badminton CCA
I hope this helps.
Thanks for sharing so much useful info about Singapore Sports School.
There is an article in the Straits Times today regarding Singapore Sports School
I read a few days ago (also from Straits Times) that 1000 over went for the open house trials. I was disappointed to read that there are only 4 to be selected for Badminton (I think it is also 4 for Table Tennis).
I am not sure what you meant by \"a lot of these kids are talent scouted way before the open house day\"? So will these kids still be taking part in the trials during open house day or they do not have to go for the trials as they are already offered a place in Singapore Sports School? -
Lavender33:
Hi Lavender33, could you share the facilities and other things you have observed during the open house?My husband and I took our son to visit the School's Open House last Saturday. Though he is only in P4 this year, we thought it would be a good idea to let him experience and see what the school is all about as he is very passionate about badminton. He was bought-in by all the fantastic facilities at the school and the possibilities of excelling in the game.
The admission criteria by the school mentions that \"priority will be given to applicants who have competitive experience in representing their schools or who have the talent or physical attributes to succeed in the sport.\"
My son currently undergoes training with a private badminton centre. Quite happy that he is progressing well there. Unfortunately, his primary school does not have badminton for its cca and he wont be able to fulfill the school representation requirement. What can we help him with to make-up for this? Will the Sports School consider favourably achievements from private competitions in the same way as school competitions?
:scratchhead:
Could you also share what private competitions your son is competing or going to compete? I think if the competitions are at national level (I don't think there are many for Badminton), then it should be recognised favourably. Why don't you contact Singapore Sports School and tell them the particular private competitions (e.g., Kason tournaments in the past) and see what they say about it.
Have you considered transferring him to another school that has Badminton (if he is selected into their school team)?
As for JSA, there's some discussions in KSP, please refer to following link:
http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=3727&p=431491#p431491
Thanks. -
Lavender33:
You can always ask his school to sign your son up for the National Inter-Primary Schools Badminton Championships. This event is held at the begining of the year and will be good for DSA if your son is in the top 3. Hence you should find out the exact date for the registration and indicate your interest with the school.
The admission criteria by the school mentions that \"priority will be given to applicants who have competitive experience in representing their schools or who have the talent or physical attributes to succeed in the sport.\"
My son currently undergoes training with a private badminton centre. Quite happy that he is progressing well there. Unfortunately, his primary school does not have badminton for its cca and he wont be able to fulfill the school representation requirement. What can we help him with to make-up for this? Will the Sports School consider favourably achievements from private competitions in the same way as school competitions?
:scratchhead:
Check with his coach they should be able to advise, unless they are coaching for recreation and not competitive baminton.
You can check this site for more info -
http://www.schoolsports.sg/spssc/badminton/announcement -
looking4Tutor:
Hi, thanks for sharing the site
You can always ask his school to sign your son up for the National Inter-Primary Schools Badminton Championships. This event is held at the begining of the year and will be good for DSA if your son is in the top 3. Hence you should find out the exact date for the registration and indicate your interest with the school.Lavender33:
The admission criteria by the school mentions that \"priority will be given to applicants who have competitive experience in representing their schools or who have the talent or physical attributes to succeed in the sport.\"
My son currently undergoes training with a private badminton centre. Quite happy that he is progressing well there. Unfortunately, his primary school does not have badminton for its cca and he wont be able to fulfill the school representation requirement. What can we help him with to make-up for this? Will the Sports School consider favourably achievements from private competitions in the same way as school competitions?
:scratchhead:
Check with his coach they should be able to advise, unless they are coaching for recreation and not competitive baminton.
You can check this site for more info -
http://www.schoolsports.sg/spssc/badminton/announcement
I took a look ... I think it's school team events so it will not be applicable for Lavender33 as his kid's school does not offer Badminton CCA (you need at least a few players to cover singles, doubles ... etc for team events) -
I think you will be able to find other kids who play badminton in the school as well, and they can all sign up for inter school competition together. That’s what they do in my school for tae kwon do, where we don’t have a cca, but several people who train outside come together and form a team, so they do compete in nationals.
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twilight:
I think you will be able to find other kids who play badminton in the school as well, and they can all sign up for inter school competition together. That's what they do in my school for tae kwon do, where we don't have a cca, but several people who train outside come together and form a team, so they do compete in nationals.
Hi twilight, good point!
There might be a problem though, in Lavender33's case, he's hoping to use this to qualify for Singapore Sports School. For you to do well in Badminton doubles, you need the 2 players to practise together and not individually. Even assuming that his kid is playing individual and is winning all matches, if the school loses out during first round ... his kid is only playing with very few schools in the zone level. But it's certainly worth a try
Hi Lavender33,
It might be a feasible option, so do check with the schoolDo take note what I said about Doubles above ... the identified doubles players should have regular training together if they want to do well.
Would you update me on the situation? My ds is facing same situation as yours (taking private badminton and school does not offer Badminton CCA).
Thanks! -
Sorry for confusing info. My boy told me today that the COE is for soccer only. The JSA is for badminton. He say the P6 kids who are in JSA trains in SSP. Not sure if there are other training centers.
Coast,
Regarding your question. Before, the actual open house, SSP already run trials for the various sports. These kids either signed up themselves or they could be invited by SSP coaches to go for trial. So it’s good to keep a lookout in April or so for the trial dates. Some of these kids are from the JSA which already trained in SSP or some are in the school tournaments. But anyone can sign up.
My advise is to increase visibility by joining the JSA, if possible. I think the coaches also go to competitions for talent scouting. Basically, competition is good as it will help the child knows where he stands and how much he
wants to put in to develop further. You need passion in the sports to survive the regimentation in SSP. I don’t think they work on the mode of giving priority to some. Just do well when you have to perform and that should be okay.
Someone suggested changing to school with badminton. Yes great idea.
Other useful info you many want to know is that in the event that the student gets serious injury and cannot play/ compete anymore, he can continue to stay in the school to complete his studies.
The school is also constantly looking for possible tracks that these young athletes may want to go into in future as they are too young to decide now if they will have a sports career. Hence, the various thru train programs and also the porosity of the system that allows the kids to move laterally in the various tracks. I think this make sense and give the child a lot of space to think for himself what he wants to do. Basically, it’s a very youth centered learning institution in the sense that they want to nurture and develop the student holistically as a person. -
dovetail:
Hi Dovetail,
There are not many kids doing fencing so the number who go for trial could be small. How many are they getting to enter the academy?
Have a great time at the open house. Let me know if eventually, your son get an offer and if you decide to let him join. Usually, those kids that have good PSLE results have a big dilemma whether to stay mainstream or go specialized independent. The top schools also offer them a place via DSA or via their good results. Currently, the kids in my boy's class range from 230 to 265 for PSLE score.
:celebrate:
We were told at the Open House that there will only be 12 vacancies for Fencers next year - 6 girls and 6 boys. However, this number will decrease the year after.
The school hasn't completed their hiring of the Fencing Coaches yet, so they will only hold the trials after the coaches are confirmed. Meanwhile, we are to continue participating in national tournaments and where possible, international tournaments to build up our portfolios. -
ANobleNerd,
There is a Peter Lim Scholarship for sports. Pri/Sec school kids can apply. Pri gets 3000 per year and Sec gets 2000. they are giving 150 and 100 scholarships to Pri and Sec kids respectively. You can check it out. Money can help to defray your cost for your kids training. No harm trying.
The closing date is maybe end of this month. I don’t have the details in hand. -
Thanks for that pointer, Dovetail!
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It’s called Singapore Olympic Foundation - Peter Lim Sports Scholarship
Closing date is 1 July 2011
It should be 2K for Pri and 3K for Sec. -
dovetail:
Hi dovetail, thanks for sharing such useful infoSorry for confusing info. My boy told me today that the COE is for soccer only. The JSA is for badminton. He say the P6 kids who are in JSA trains in SSP. Not sure if there are other training centers.
Coast,
Regarding your question. Before, the actual open house, SSP already run trials for the various sports. These kids either signed up themselves or they could be invited by SSP coaches to go for trial. So it's good to keep a lookout in April or so for the trial dates. Some of these kids are from the JSA which already trained in SSP or some are in the school tournaments. But anyone can sign up. -
An interesting and useful video for Parents of Student-Athletes
http://www.caadinc.org/parentvideo.html -
dovetail:
Excellent link.An interesting and useful video for Parents of Student-Athletes
http://www.caadinc.org/parentvideo.html
Must find a way to play it at the swimming pool during training sessions. :celebrate: -
Hi thanks for all the info.
My DD attended the Advance shooting course conducted by Sports Course and her coach invited us to DSA. May I know what’s the school fees and boarding fees like?
Do they have to stay in school even during school holidays?
What are the criteria to be in IB programme? For O level track, are there Pure science offered in Sports school?
Thanks in advance.