Singapore Sports School
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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. -
MY REPLY in MAROON color
parentof3:
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?
That's nice! School fees is $25000 but government subsidizes $19000, so you pay only $6000/annum or $500/month. This amount includes fees for studies, sports coaching, sports science support, food, boarding and laundry (20 pieces a day). For travelling be it academic or for sports, students sometime have to co-pay. Can also use edusave fund or internationalisation fund but always not enough one lah :lol:
Do they have to stay in school even during school holidays?
The school operates the same style as MOE's 40 weeks a year and the school holidays mostly coincide with the Mainstream holiday. In July, the school closes for about 2 weeks for the annual Thai Sports Schools tournaments. Most of the kids will travel for this but some go to other countries for other tournaments.
The students stay at home during all the school holidays. They only move their things back for June and Dec holiday. For Mar and Sep, they are allowed to just lock up and go home.
Not sure about shooting but usually there are a lot of training and competitions during the school holiday itself. It's a great way to keep the kids occupied anyway, though I do wish we can plan our family holiday program with greater ease.
What are the criteria to be in IB programme? For O level track, are there Pure science offered in Sports school?
The criteria is T-score of 230. I think there could be a minimum grade for English. For 'o' level track, if pure science means triple science, I'm not sure. you need to check with the school during the Q&A. You see, the school is much like a boutique style. If you are very good and can do triple science, they may get teachers to help you. In fact some of the the class size is now 1 teacher to 3 students only. However, the child must be able to cope with a heavy academic curriculum and balance with his sporting demands. I'm not sure about sports school but I've learned that in SOTA, if the students want to do triple science in year 5 and 6, they actually allow them to drop their art form and just concentrate in the studies. I think this is so kind and understanding of the school. Kids have their dreams but their aspirations do change over the years.
Thanks in advance.
You are very much welcome! -
WOW the fees is a killer. Any scholarship or financial assistance available? My household income less than 6k with 3 kids.
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parentof3:
WOW the fees is a killer. Any scholarship or financial assistance available? My household income less than 6k with 3 kids.
Don't worry. There is FAS ( financial assistance schem) that gives subsidy up to 90% of fees based on household income. They want to make sure that no deserving kid will be turned away because of fees. If you think about it, for the type of coaching and support and care that your kid will have, $500/mth is more than reasonable. Private coaching is very expensive. Sports science support you won't get outside. Boarding is a great learning experience. So, worth it lah.
They do offer scholarships for the outstanding ones.