[Bukit Merah] Primary Schools

[Barley longan]

Hi parents, I’m new to this. Looking out for the right sch for my girl. While we like CHIJ Kellock’s all-rounded education approach (and also stands a high chance for admission), we do have a 2nd child - boy, to consider. Heard ZHangde is also good for character development. Can anyone share thoughts on ZHangde?

[Ariel Low]

Hi Barley, I am also deliberating between CHIJ and Zhangde (as Zhangde is just next to my house). I attended both their open house. I find they have similar programs e.g. both intro different musical instruments to the students yearly, offer higher chinese from Pri 5, have sch outings yearly (1 overnight trip at the zoo) etc.


Some differences noted are that CHIJ is very strong in netball, they went to Aust to compete (they won Sports award and Art award). Zhangde has built their indoor Sports hall but I heard that CHIJ will only be building it later plus some other upgrades to their sch.

If others have more info/comments, pls feel free to chime in.

[titank]

Agreed that CHIJ (Kellock) is very strong in their netball category. It seem that they are like defending champion to maintain the title.


CHIJ (Kellock) do not have any ISH? Maybe can check with MOE or the Principal get more info. :rahrah:

[titank]

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[qms]

titank:

TUR for CHIJ (Kellock) at Phase 2B would be close to zero where I understand the school does not have PV. Also now it is only Radin Mas SMC, the grassroot registration I maybe expect from 2-5 I guess.


Keeping my finger cross coming to Phase 2C registration. :frustrated:

You are wrong, titank. Although CHIJ Kellock does not take in PV, it is affiliated to church. So, church members and GRL can still apply in P2B.

[Dino]

Hi all,


I am new and had a few questions. Appreciate all your replies. Tks

1) Any 1 knows/ can confirm at which level RMPS and GESPS offers higher Chinese? Some say RMPS is P3, some say P5 and some say P2 for GESPS.

2) Is higher chinese really that impt??? will my kid be disadvantaged not having studied higher chinese?

3) What ccas are RMPS and GESPS strong in?

Many Thanks.

[qms]

Dino:

1) Any 1 knows/ can confirm at which level RMPS and GESPS offers higher Chinese? Some say RMPS is P3, some say P5 and some say P2 for GESPS.

You may like to note that both RMPS and GESPS are not SAP schools. Hence, regardless when the schools start offering HMT to students, the students will only be \"officially\" tested from P5.

From what I understand, GESPS offers HMT for students from P2 whereas RMPS offers HMT from P3. As mentioned above, even though students may be taking HMT, they will only be tested normal MT. It is only from P5 that they will need to sit for HMT papers.

Dino:

2) Is higher chinese really that impt??? will my kid be disadvantaged not having studied higher chinese?

HMT gives the student maximum three points off their T-Score if he or she chooses certain secondary schools. So, not sure whether you consider it as important or having an advantage.

Dino:

3) What ccas are RMPS and GESPS strong in?

RMPS is strong in its Chinese Orchestra and uniformed groups. I think GESPS offers a wider range of CCAs than RMPS. Correct me if I am wrong.

[Dino]

Tks for the quick replies.

[breezy]

Dino:

Hi all,


I am new and had a few questions. Appreciate all your replies. Tks

1) Any 1 knows/ can confirm at which level RMPS and GESPS offers higher Chinese? Some say RMPS is P3, some say P5 and some say P2 for GESPS.

2) Is higher chinese really that impt??? will my kid be disadvantaged not having studied higher chinese?

3) What ccas are RMPS and GESPS strong in?

Many Thanks.

Hi Dino,
1) GESPS offers Higher Chinese starting P2.

2) The advantage of taking higher chinese at the PSLE is a possible 1 to 3 points cut to the PSLE aggregate (1- Pass, 2- Merit, 3- Distinction) should your child decides to apply for a SAP secondary school. Other than that, the intrinsic gain will be the expanded vocab/ techniques in the usage of Chinese.

A student taking Higher chinese will be required to sit for BOTH normal and higher chinese exam.

You may like to note that textbooks used for normal and higher chinese are different - meaning, the vocab differs. There are cases of students taking higher chinese doing not too well in normal chinese due to the lack of exposure to the vocab covered in normal chinese textbooks.


3) GESPS' niche CCAs are: Basketball, Band, Choir & Scrabble.

Hope this helps

[Barley longan]

Hi Ariel, thanks for sharing. I have the reverse situation - near to CHIJ. I missed Zhangde’s open house.


Do you know what’s the student mix at Zhangde? How about teachers and academic homework for lower primary? Anyone else with information on Zhangde, hope you can share. Thanks!