Comparing English Enrichment Programmes

[MMM]

Hi,


I’ve a K1 going next year. She is currently doing a phonics program with J&E. I like the program but I feel that phonics alone is insufficient. So I was looking around for an additional english program so that she can be a all rounder by P1.

I looked at BC (as my P1 and P2 are there), I felt that what they are doing for K1 might duplicate the phonics program alot. So decided against it as I wanted something in addition and not just phonics. I called MA but I wasn’t too impressed. I went to Lorna Whiston and liked what I saw and the course composition is 20% phonics and emphasize on other areas like reading, writing, etc… so in the end, I decided to go for LW.

[honeybeel]

Yong HL:

Hi adafew


Thanks for the info I am currently deciding between this 2 school. My k1 daughter now with I Can Read but thinking of changing school..

Hi, Can i know why you want to change school. I am also considering ICR and BC. Thinking of ICR cos it is more convenient for me. Any comments appreciated. Thanks.

[Yong HL]

Hi MMM,

may i ask where is your k1 going next yr and why you aint impressed with MA? Thanks

[Yong HL]

Hi honeybeel


i hv pm you my feel on ICR

[honeybeel]

Yong HL:

Hi honeybeel


i hv pm you my feel on ICR

HI THANKS FOR REPLY.
It is really difficult to decide. For BC, have to commit for a year, so have to think really carefully...

[titank]

Hi All,


Are we all talking about P1 English enrichment program?

[adafew]

my few sense worth on ICR.


Personally I am not impressed by ICR. First is the reception counter attitude. They are simply not professional and not enthusiastic in guiding enquires.
2nd, I feel the course is not accustom to MOE.

3rd , they ‘forced’ the parents to read to kids. I personally do not want to pay to read to my kids.

[Yong HL]

Hi titank

yes, we are discussing about english enrichment

Hi honeybeel and adafew
hiaz... yes.... i am trying to think really carefully. Just to add-on to adafew's info, i just been MA(Kovan) this afternoon see see look look.. The \"trial\" class is for a month and we have to pay the one month school fees. The make-ups are very flexible, if go holiday or mc, just produce documentation proof, make-up class can be arranged. 1.5hr class is only on weekdays and weekend classes are all 2hrs. The sch term mostly follow MOE except for June where they will hold 2 more weeks of classes. Generally it is alright on surface, but will have to be in the course to know in depth.
adafew, yes, some parents i talked to shared the same thought as you. i bumped into a fren today who was waiting for her son's class to end. Her son is in ICR. She has the intention to withdraw her son from ICR too. Her son and my daughter are in the same ICR level (but different centre). The reason for her withdrawal was that she finds the course \"too demanding\" and her son is practically dragging his feet to school. I heard from her that our another common fren also have to persuade her son to go ICR every week too with a promise for some play session after that. But different people gave me different view. Another parent told me ALL her frens send their kids to ICR and some of them are in gifted programmes! So, ???
haha, i tink it still voiced down to each individual ya... i have decided to end ICR and shld be more inclined to BC at this moment. Tomorrow going check it out. At the end of day, i just want to my daughter to have fun in learning English for now. She is still a preschooler.. she has plenty of time to be drilled to study when she starts p1.. Just my own opinion here..

[sleepy]

adafew:

I2) School fees - S$2300/year 80hrs (for weekend) signup before end Dec less S$200. That means S$26.25/hr. S$2050 for weekday(-20% if book before yearend = S$1640/year/80hrs = S$20.5/hr),

Hi, I saw on BC website weekdays fee $1050 for 20 weeks.

How to work out to $20.5/hr?

Are they are giving $200 for whole year payment then addition 20% discount?

Must sign up by which date to get the discount?

Thanks !

[amylqf]

adafew:

I have narrowed down few key pointers between both centers


BC
1) Native speakers (80% from UK/US, 20% AU/NZ)
2) School fees - S$2300/year 80hrs (for weekend) signup before end Dec less S$200. That means S$26.25/hr. S$2050 for weekday(-20% if book before yearend = S$1640/year/80hrs = S$20.5/hr),
3) Payment 1/2 yearly or yearly
4) no makeup class for whatever reason
5) 1 story book /wk for kid to bring home for reading
6) twice yearly parent-teacher review
7) Class size max 18pax
1hr45mins/lesson
9) teacher to time slot typically not decided till end year

MA
1) Native speakers (20% from UK/US, 80% AU/NZ)
2) School fees - S$56/wk for weekend(include Fri) , if signup before end Dec, less S$1, that means, S$27.5/hr
3) Payment every month or every two months
4) makeup class allowed if produce proof of documents
5) 3 story books /wk for kid to bring home for reading
6) twice yearly parent-teacher review, one open wk (in May), allowing parents to sit-in the class to evaluate the program.
7) class size max 11pax
option 1hr30mins or 2hrs
9) teacher to timeslot allocated, so parents is able to access preference towards teachers preferred

Hope above helps for those who are considering these two centers

Wow, thanks for the comparison. That definately help.