TOP choice for my children's Sec Sch

[BeContented]

slmkhoo:

I would rank kid's ability and wishes as the top criterion, and parents' dreams as the last. Proximity is important, but not the most important for me - I travelled 1 hr each way during my schooldays, so I don't feel that anything under 1 hr is too long. I have 2 girls with different abilities - for one, we chose a less challenging school to apply to as we know she will be more comfortable with less pressure and a slower pace. For the other, who is a high achiever, we told her to aim high as we think competition and challenge will be good for her. Both have taken our advice, and both schools should be within 1 hr travelling time from our home. Our own 'dream schools' we consider unimportant; although our younger girl will eventually go to my husband's JC, that wasn't really a consideration. We did not consider any SAP schools as our girl's Chinese is bad, we prefer single-sex schools but didn't rule out co-ed, and we didn't opt for the math/science schools as my girl hasn't narrowed down her interests yet.

Agree. Kids ability is first priority.
I too travelled 1 hour each way during my schooldays......and I had enjoyed my morning rides (I would leave house 5.30am to escape from morning crowd and would open up the bus windows and feel the cold air....back then, only some are air-con) :love:
But I do believe the work-load for kids these days are heavier....hence the concern over proximity. Similarly, my threshold is 1 hour.

For DS, I'm not as concerned. For DD, I hope she does not fall asleep on bus. I had met many types of molester before :mad: and hence, I would have to teach her how to recognise signs of danger and be FIERCE and make noise when necessary :nunchuk: :?:

[jedamum]

Is a band 3 school consider neighborhood? What which to choose ? A band 4 school ten min walk away, a band 3 school 30 min bus ride away? Or a band 2 school 50+min train + walk away?

[jtoh]

jedamum:

Is a band 3 school consider neighborhood? What which to choose ? A band 4 school ten min walk away, a band 3 school 30 min bus ride away? Or a band 2 school 50+min train + walk away?

If your kid's PSLE results are within the range of a Band 2 school, then don't bother with the Band 4 school. Between the Band 2 and 3 school, go for the one which would give your kid better value add.

[jedamum]

Thanks jtoh.

Will let him visit the school and take public transport there as it will affect him for a few years.

[corneyAmber]

jedamum:

Is a band 3 school consider neighborhood? What which to choose ? A band 4 school ten min walk away, a band 3 school 30 min bus ride away? Or a band 2 school 50+min train + walk away?

Is there a handbook to show which schools are in which band? :? Or this is informally banded based on T-score admission criteria?

[jedamum]

Ksi,

Someone posted a table previously.
Individual school also may announce on website after o level release.

[corneyAmber]

slmkhoo:

ksi:

Is there a handbook to show which schools are in which band? :? Or this is informally banded based on T-score admission criteria?

There is a list in the book that is handed out to P6 kids just after the PSLE.

Thanks jedamum and slmkhoo. Good to know such information exists formally instead of people having to collate it themselves.

[jtoh]

ksi:

slmkhoo:

[quote=\"ksi\"]Is there a handbook to show which schools are in which band? :? Or this is informally banded based on T-score admission criteria?

There is a list in the book that is handed out to P6 kids just after the PSLE.

Thanks jedamum and slmkhoo. Good to know such information exists formally instead of people having to collate it themselves.[/quote]The information contained in last year's copy of the book would be up on the MOE site.

[Imami]

[quote="mummy so kiasu]


Not everyone get to stay near good schools. You might need to travel a bit further to a better or top school, unless you don’t mind an average neighbourhood school. I personally think not more than an hour (one way) of traveling is still acceptable. We also have to take our kid’s preference & ability into consideration.[/quote]

Yes, you are right - not all of us are staying near to good schools. With regards to this, we thought we were very blessed. Somehow, we ended up with a good mix of schools within 1km - atas ones, neighbourhood ones, primary schools, secondary schools, boys schools, girls schools, mixed schools…etc. So no matter which gender, what capability, there is a school nearby for our child. That, I count as our blessing.

[Imami]

ksi:

For all schools, primary or secondary, proximity will be my first priority.

Nothing beats getting home quick for a home-cooked meal or a good shower and ample rest plus time to \"nuar\".

:hi5: :celebrate: absolutely!