Moving to Singapore and looking for a good Secondary School

[Playful mom]

I posted a reply on another message board, but thought I’d repeat it here.


I don’t have info on the other schools but here it is for SAS:

Our Gifted and Talented Education (GATE ) math program is an accelerated pull-out program for students demonstrating a need for extended math curriculum for the year. Identified students study the math curriculum one grade level above their grade level. There is one GATE math class per grade level and students are released from their regular math classes on a daily basis.
Our Math Enrichment program is designed to enhance classroom learning beyond the differentiation extensions in the regular classroom with lessons designed to deepen students understanding of grade level mathematical concepts . Identified students engage in rigorous problem solving with instruction, supervision and feedback by the enrichment teacher . In a regular schedule five day week, students will attend Math Enrichment twice a week and remain in their regular classroom for three math lessons.
Within RLA, grade five students are also eligible for screening for our RLA GATE Program. Identified students further develop their reading and writing abilities by participating in real world projects involving creative problem solving and independent and collaborative projects. These students are released from their regular RLA classes on a daily basis.

[SINGAPORENEW]

Thanks for this info, playful mom. I had a chat recently with a grade 6 SAS mom and she pointed out that her gifted child had missed some of the core instruction going on in the regular classroom whilst participating in the gifted program. This the caused her to have some knowledge gaps. Is this a common problem? It sounds like GATE might be a new initiative?

Also, is there any streaming at SAS in addition to the strictly gifted program? At my child’s current school there are 3 different math streams beside the gifted program to cater to a variety of abilities…

[nurtureKids]

Hi playful mom I suppose u r a sas parent. May I know if sas uses the accelerated reader (by renassiance learning) or similar type programs? Also do they do class books at 5th grade? Lastly, what type of state-level or national-level projects do they participate in e.g. Science fair project, national history project. Oh, and what standardized tests do the students take? Thanks a lot.

[bromath]

@singaporenew, If you son gifted in math, why you don’t try ACSIndependent ? this school is one of the best IB school in the world. Has CCA math olympiad, Gifted Class, and accelerated class of science. A principal Graduated from Harvard university.

Try to attend open house :

Date: Saturday, 19 May 2012
Time: 8.30am – 1pm
Venue: 121 Dover Road, Singapore 139650

[Playful mom]

Actually I am not a SAS mother. I am trying to choose a school for my child (5 yrs old) and SAS has been the most transparent about the types of acceleration they provide. They also told me they start streaming for all other core subjects at 6th grade.


I have asked UWC but was told there is no streaming, which does not sound right. If anyone has more concrete information?

I am not so worried about the education levels for P1-P3 but I wanted to get better info. about the academic rigor of the international schools once kids are a bit older e.g. 8 onwards.

[SINGAPORENEW]

@yellowbelt, we’re not Singaporeans and what’s more, we’re Caucasian, so I am not sure the kids would fit in socially at ACS Independent. They have lived in Asia since they were born, mind you, and have plenty of Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean friends. Still: How many Western parents make the leap and actually enrol their children into a Raffles or ACS Independent? Are our Western children ever prepared enough to make that jump and not fail?

[Playful mom]

I also remembered reading about a new school in Malaysia (very close to the border) that is supposed to be good:

http://www.marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org/welcome/

I have not looked into it because it does not have a rigorous mandarin program.

[SINGAPORENEW]

Thanks, I contacted them and their curriculum is reasonable. However, how can we get our kids across the border to school every morning?

[mummy so kiasu]

Hi Singaporenew, First of all, let me welcome you to Singapore. Can I suggest you to attend the open house of all the independent schools such as ACS, RI, SJI? Maybe could just walk into the schools to talk to their principals to find out more about their curriculum and to clear your doubts. Do bring your boys along to take a look at the environment. Your kids should be able to fit in socially since they have lived in Asia for a period of time. Hope you find an idea school for your boys. All the best! :rahrah: