Club 2006 Kids
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I saw this thread regarding IP
http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=29855
Some students fail to thrive on Integrated Programme scheme
Some transfer to polys or other JCs, others do poorly in A levels
Published on Dec 22, 2011
By Sandra Davie, Senior Writer
As about 3,000 students on Wednesday celebrated winning a coveted place on the Integrated Programme (IP), others already on the scheme are about to make a quiet exit to the polytechnics and lesser-ranked junior colleges.
Around 5 per cent of IP students exit before graduation, said the Education Ministry. Some transfer to polytechnics or junior colleges not offering the scheme. Of those who complete it, about 5 per cent fail to get into the local universities, the ministry added. Altogether, between 200 and 250 youngsters a year fail to thrive on the programme.
Students on the IP skip the O levels and shoot straight for the A levels or International Baccalaureate. They are expected to learn in an independent way, without being stifled by having to prepare for two major exams in six years.
But this is not necessarily the most desirable route for everyone, said the ministry. Nor is it the only path to success. 'Ultimately, the IP should only be taken up by those who would benefit from the self-directed learning environment it aims to promote,' said a spokesman.
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Surprisingly, those who fail to thrive on the IP are not just less academic youngsters who were taken on because of their sporting or co-curricular achievements. Several entered IP schools with Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) scores well above 250, and a handful were from the Gifted Education Programme.
The Straits Times interviewed 40 students who had either left brand-name schools offering the programme - such as Raffles and Hwa Chong Institution - or stayed on but fared poorly.
Some of those who left opted to go to the polytechnics, using their school examination or O-level results. Others transferred to lesser-ranked junior colleges.
Many of those who did badly were unable to get into the local universities, heading instead to private schools such as the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) or overseas to take up degree studies.
Recognising that not all students thrive on the scheme, two IP schools - Dunman High and Hwa Chong - also run O-level classes to prepare students for the examination. They said those lagging behind are identified at the end of Secondary 2 and advised to go into the O-level class. But some students also make the switch to the O-level track in Sec 4 or even JC1.
A few who do well enough in the O levels are admitted back into the JC level in the same school. If not, they are advised to leave for the polytechnics or other JCs.
Raffles Institution said it was looking into starting an O-level class. Principal Lim Lai Cheng said that if this happens, it will be 'to open up options' for those wanting to go to polytechnics or abroad.
The IP started in 2004 at eight schools. It was aimed at the top 10 per cent of students, who were clearly bound for university. The idea was to provide a seamless secondary and junior college education, giving them the space to develop intellectual curiosity and other talents.
The scheme became so popular that pupils and parents clamoured to get on board. More schools responded by offering the IP. In two years' time, 18 of them will be included in the programme, although the latest to join will also be offering the O-level track.
Parents are anxious that there will be even fewer places in top junior colleges for students who are not on the IP but hope to get in after the O levels. Some have turned to tuition centres that promise to help students excel in the PSLE.
Parents who have attended open houses at IP schools say they paint a rosy picture by publicising the stellar results of their IP students. There is no mention of their O-level class, or of those who fail.
Madam Clarissa Lim, who is considering the IP track for her son, said: 'It is only after talking to some parents of the older kids did I realise that a fair number of IP kids actually fall through the cracks.' The 38-year-old added: 'The schools should be more open so that parents will have to think hard about whether the IP suits their children.'
IP students who failed to thrive are divided about the merits of the scheme. One 22-year-old from Raffles Institution, who now studies at SIM, said: 'I didn't do so well in the A levels, but I still won't dismiss the IP as I felt that I gained in other ways. In my degree course at SIM, I am ahead of my classmates when it comes to research or when it comes to analysis.'
The student, who asked not to be named, added: 'In a sense it prepared me for the university well. Ironically it didn't prepare me well for the A levels.'
Others felt the IP had affected their academic progress. 'As far as I am concerned, I wasted one whole year,' said 18-year-old S. Lim, now in Ngee Ann Polytechnic. She had applied to the polytechnic after JC1. On her decision, she said: 'I am really one of those people who need a major exam to hunker down to study.'
The ministry said that for most students, O levels will continue to be the most suitable preparation for post-secondary education. It said this is why all the seven new IP schools will offer this route alongside the elite programme, to allow students to transfer across tracks. -
smartmummy:
i've been working full time in my daughter's corporation for 3yrs now. :boogie: not an easy job. esp in the first year. i used to be an office slave. i told myself i conquered the japanese and greeks (my previous clients) but i almost gave up on a 3yr old. :yikes: :slapshead:Hi sakuratattoo!
Are u working?
for us, my DD dont keep still while in the library. she kept on getting books and not finish reading them. very distracted with so much books! :yikes: so i just ask her to pick books to borrow and we'll read in the house. now im the one who gives up coz she wants us to read all the books she borrowed in one sitting! running out of saliva while reading to her. :frustrated:crystalbelle:
can call me sakura if you like. hahaha.Hi sakuratattoo,
Can i call you sakura ? hee..hee :evil:
been shopping in tampines mall ?... went alone last nite and saw the crowds , especially long Q at the Famous Amos... walk thru and went back empty handed... :sad: DH was shocked :yikes:
havent been to tampi mall in a while. trying not to go out a lot so less expenses. when DD goes out she always wants to buy \"something\". also cannot Q on long lines. my DD gets bored easily. :stompfeet: -
smartmummy:
I asked why our education system getting harder and harder?One of our friends answered that all parents taught well and all the kids do well.So the P2 syllabus come to P1.I think is vicious circle.
:faint: :faint: :faint:
Had a short conversation with DS tuition centre tr and the current edu system involving parents as the major role... tr will follow syllabuls and teach, if student still does not understand, pls ask your mummy or daddy to teach you... I remember in my time, teacher play a very impt role, they are the one whom will pull us back into the right track and path.... ( not saying the tr now are not doing their job but they have limited authority and too much work... ) -
[quote]i've been working full time in my daughter's corporation for 3yrs now. not an easy job. esp in the first year. i used to be an office slave. i told myself i conquered the japanese and greeks (my previous clients) but i almost gave up on a 3yr old.
for us, my DD dont keep still while in the library. she kept on getting books and not finish reading them. very distracted with so much books! so i just ask her to pick books to borrow and we'll read in the house. now im the one who gives up coz she wants us to read all the books she borrowed in one sitting! running out of saliva while reading to her.[/quote]Hmmm :? sound very familar... where did i heard that from..... :scratchhead:
MY DS is the same lor :rotflmao:
I used to read to him and he always pick up those \"ants\" wording to read :faint: but now i will ask him to read together with me as i want him to recongize the words too.. so now after 1 book, he say he is sleepy and want to go to bed :evil: :evil: -
thanks smartmummy for the articles, it is much clearer to me now.
so if one did not do well in IP A-level, still can go SIM, opt to go Poly using sch exam results. not so bad la. i thought no O-level cert anywhere also cannot go.
still worth a shot. but preferably to opt for schs that have dual-track so that at sec 2, it will be clearer whether to switch to O-level track or not. -
worst case like my cousin whom did not do well in the sch exam and the course that he want to enrol in poly do not accept .. so the only choice i think he has is to go to SIM ( subsidy gone ) :gloomy:
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As today is the last day of working for 2011... ( will not be able to log in so frequent, but will definitely pop in and out... )
So in this festive season, Crystalbelle & Family would like to wish
smartmummy ;puff ;Kissgurami;vfong1 ;Bowie ;lyndon0908 -;patntee-sakuratattoo;mrsteocomet7 ;mezzo17 ;bboomer71;Klcc1609 ;angie_ng ;Cammymum -;IJJ ;Smiley74 ;Karenjj ;Lynnettepoh ;GapOf15 Bubbles in heaven ;victorng70 ;MLJ ;Ritak ;Superduckie ;MommyMia ;Bluepanda ;reiner ;Eunice20 ;Dumpling ;beauty79; ;ThinkingLoft ;Hifive;WCW;vfong1 ;mickeyhmh ;jessieyl ;miaoster THC-;tomyum;mtdt ;bezzlay ;dianjun ;dsii - mezzo17 ;nurlba ;zoolet;cars2 ;choiahk;devil-or-angel ;silverhorse ;kelineng ;YoungMama ;Prettydol ;KS Parents TS mummy ;dorisp ;duffybuff;The Genius Kids ;
http://www.glitter-graphics.com
and a happy 2012 new year. May all good wishes and health befall you and your family.... -
It is time again to pack up and do my usual routine \" GATE RUSH \"
http://www.glitter-graphics.com
see you later ... -
jedamum:
u r welcome jedamum!thanks smartmummy for the articles, it is much clearer to me now.
so if one did not do well in IP A-level, still can go SIM, opt to go Poly using sch exam results. not so bad la. i thought no O-level cert anywhere also cannot go.
still worth a shot. but preferably to opt for schs that have dual-track so that at sec 2, it will be clearer whether to switch to O-level track or not. -
crystalbelle:
Thank you Crstablle for your lovely wishes! Merry Christmas to you and to all members of Club 2006!As today is the last day of working for 2011... ( will not be able to log in so frequent, but will definitely pop in and out... )
So in this festive season, Crystalbelle & Family would like to wish
smartmummy ;puff ;Kissgurami;vfong1 ;Bowie ;lyndon0908 -;patntee-sakuratattoo;mrsteocomet7 ;mezzo17 ;bboomer71;Klcc1609 ;angie_ng ;Cammymum -;IJJ ;Smiley74 ;Karenjj ;Lynnettepoh ;GapOf15 Bubbles in heaven ;victorng70 ;MLJ ;Ritak ;Superduckie ;MommyMia ;Bluepanda ;reiner ;Eunice20 ;Dumpling ;beauty79; ;ThinkingLoft ;Hifive;WCW;vfong1 ;mickeyhmh ;jessieyl ;miaoster THC-;tomyum;mtdt ;bezzlay ;dianjun ;dsii - mezzo17 ;nurlba ;zoolet;cars2 ;choiahk;devil-or-angel ;silverhorse ;kelineng ;YoungMama ;Prettydol ;KS Parents TS mummy ;dorisp ;duffybuff;The Genius Kids ;
http://www.glitter-graphics.com
and a happy 2012 new year. May all good wishes and health befall you and your family....
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