British Council - Discussion

[Blessedmum]

Thanks Adafew for sharing… Most likely I’ll opt for MA. Now I’m thinking whether to go for the English language programme for primary or the Creative Writing…

[adafew]

Blessedmum:

Thanks Adafew for sharing... Most likely I'll opt for MA. Now I'm thinking whether to go for the English language programme for primary or the Creative Writing...

Hi Blessedmum,

what do u mean by dont know whether english language or creative writing for P1? Do MA offers either?

What makes u conclude to MA?

[Blessedmum]

Hi Adafew,


I went to the website and I saw they actually have 2 types of classes. One is Creative Writing, the other is English Language Programme which I think they teach compo as well. Correct me if I am mistaken.

As for why I choose MA

1) I prefer work to be marked
2) maybe thinking of signing up for Tien Hsia too...since they are just next to each other
3) Nearer to home

How abt u? Have you decided?

adafew:

Blessedmum:

Thanks Adafew for sharing... Most likely I'll opt for MA. Now I'm thinking whether to go for the English language programme for primary or the Creative Writing...

Hi Blessedmum,

what do u mean by dont know whether english language or creative writing for P1? Do MA offers either?

What makes u conclude to MA?

[MMM]

Hi,


Have you compared in terms of facilities?

BC at Napier Road has library and computer lab. This helps to support different method of english learning. Eg. When my P2 was doing "Charlie and the chocolate factory", they watched the show, made chocolate, encourage to read the book and then did worksheets around that theme. I observed that many enrichment centres are based in shopping malls or neighbourhood shops. I am not sure if they are constrained in terms of space to provide such facilities.

For marking, I observed that it depends on the style of teacher. My P1 has his work marked by his teacher. Meanwhile for my P2, they do self-marking.

[sleepy]

MMM:

Hi,


Have you compared in terms of facilities?

BC at Napier Road has library and computer lab.

Is BC's facility at Napier better than its Tampines branch?

[MMM]

For Napier road, I think they occupy the whole building. So it’s not a apple to apple comparison with Tampines branch.


For tampines branch, I observed they have a computer room with those audio facilities as well. But the space is definitely smaller as compared to Napier.

[jsmum]

Hi MMM,


Did you find any improvement in your kids’ English in school? So far my boy maintained his standard. But for my girl, I am rather pleased with her compo writing results in school.

[MMM]

Hi jsmum,


My girl is doing those top school SA2 paper this few days. I observed there are improvements in her grammar and compre. She appeared alot more confident in knowing what to do and the watchout.

Meanwhile for my P1 boy, he started with reading development at BC and only moved on to creative english in term 3. I find that he is doing fine as he is clear on the grammar rules. He speaks proper english unlike my girl who seems to be not so good in language in general (probably genetic) :lol: I feel that if he is not careless, he should be able to do well. Also doing those weekly book review in BC helps to train him to structure his sentence properly. This is useful for compre and written expression.

But must wait for SA2 results before coming to a conclusion.

I was asking them for feedback. Eg. what contributes to their improvement. It's difficult to pinpoint as they feel that the school teachers also play a significant role in helping them. But I feel that with BC, it probably helps to facilitate them to learn better in school?

[adafew]

[quote="Blessedmum"]Hi Adafew,


I went to the website and I saw they actually have 2 types of classes. One is Creative Writing, the other is English Language Programme which I think they teach compo as well. Correct me if I am mistaken.

As for why I choose MA

1) I prefer work to be marked
2) maybe thinking of signing up for Tien Hsia too…since they are just next to each other
3) Nearer to home

How abt u? Have you decided?

Hi Blessedmum,

I checked with MA, apparently they only have one type for P1 and it covers everything under MOE syllabus ehich includes compo, compre, vocab

I just signed up MA as well. Reason,
1) small class size 11pax instead of 18pax at BC
2) makeup available
3) payment in every 2nd monthly, instead of 1/2year or 1 year at BC, so in case if dont like, can still change
4) teacher are allocated to the time schedule, so can decide on the timeslot based on teacher preference
5) 3 books /week. review book following wk
6) programme tailored clearly according to MOE

Anyway, like my DH said, what is crucial for language is about reading so it is more impt the child likes the environment and the teacher, only then can he enjoys the class and thus benefits from there.

[Blessedmum]

Hi Adafew,


Good for you…at least u hv decided and acted. So which branch you signed up with? I’m looking at Bishan. I have just received the forms yesterday. They enclosed a list of teachers and time table. Hope some parents here can give recommendation on good teachers at Bishan branch…though still have to see if meets our timing.