Victoria School

[tutormum]

victorian:

Hi, i was from VS and may be able to clear any doubts you may have. Points of discussion:


1. Character - Yes, we do call teachers 'sir' and 'ma'am'. Nowadays, students call teachers 'cher', 'mr xxx' or even by their first names, but we were taught by our seniors from the start to address teachers as 'sir' or 'ma'am'. Perhaps it's the strong uniformed group presence in the school, or maybe, it's just the heritage from British colonialism.

2. The tray-leaving incident - i believe such incidents will happen in any school. It was a case of spiced-up citizen journalism which targeted an elite school. Not to be immodest, but when you're up there, there's a lot more scrutiny involved. True, the boys were irresponsible, but statistically speaking, these boys are not representative of the school at large.

Hi,
DS3 just got his results today and is applying for VS. His teacher recommends VS as he believes DS3 will shine there. Pls ans some of my queries so that I can be mentally prepared. :please:
1. DS3 is a Maths and Science kid. How will he do in VS? He has been given an option to do HCL but DS3 is not interested as Chinese is his weakest subject. I encouraged him to try and give up later. What is your opinion? On top of that, he can opt for a third language and I encourage him to do it for fun meaning he can drop it later if he can't cope.
2. DS3 is not very hardworking in the sense that he is an independent learner but tends to be complacent in his studies. If he falls below his so called minimum grade, he'll pull up his socks and if he does well, he'll relax. How will VS ensures that he constantly do his best? The reason I'm asking this is DS3 is very relax throughout his primary school days and only put in some effort to prepare for PSLE. He would have done much better if he has really put in effort :x He has no tuition and although I'm a tutor myself, he doesn't want my help as he prefers to learn on his own. He seems to get by on his 'intelligence' than hard work and I'm worried that this will not work in secondary school.
3. How is the school fees and award system like in VS? DS3 thrives on awards. Though DS3 is not top in his school, (he is among the top ten) he gets lots of opportunities to represent his school in competitive and non-competitive areas. Somehow his teachers love to choose him over his classmates. This really boost his morale in school.
4. DS3 is not a sports person and I wonder which CCA is suitable for him. Can you recommend one? He would like to be in a Maths or IT club. Is there any in VS? DS3 was in the science club before he was pulled out to join the Maths club and represent his school in competitions. DS3 is very talented in Maths.
5. Can you provide any information so that I can prepare DS3?
Thanks in advance.
:hugs:

[victorian]

Congrats on obtaining his results!


1. It is good that DS3 is good in math and science. However, it may be wise not to neglect his other subjects. VS has some outstanding math and science students, but because of their languages, they do not make it to VJC or top 5 JCs. HCL will allow him to gain 2 bonus points to VJC and that is helpful. 3rd language is fun, but may add unnecessary workload. I know of friends who took too many subjects and floundered along the way. With regard to HCL and 3rd language, it depends on how much you want to succeed. There are triple science combinations in sec 3, but these are the best classes and he has to work hard to get in. :lol:

2. VS, and to some extent VJC, are known to have very complacent students. However, a lot of them mature over the years and studying becomes something that they want to do, and not because they are forced to. The motivation is being able to get into VJC. VS used to have (I think they still do) something called Enhanced Study Programme, where students who do not do so well in exams have to participate in. If a student does well enough during the next exam, he 'graduates' from this programme.

3. Schools fees are very nominal because VS is a government school but autonomous school. VS has students from different backgrounds, from Easterners from the heartland to the Katong people. If he is motivated by awards, I suggest he joins CCAs like cultural groups (choir, band) or uniformed groups. (elaborated in pt 4)

4. These CCAs, though time-consuming, allows him to earn awards and represent the school. From what I read about teachers choosing him over others, your son may excel in a uniformed group. I'm not sure whether there is a maths club, but there is an IT club which does quite a bit too. There are robotics competitions to take part in too.

5. Feel free to ask any other questions. School culture is very strong and there is a lot of potential to excel in the school. Hope this helps and hope your son will choose VS. :lol:

tutormum:

victorian:

Hi, i was from VS and may be able to clear any doubts you may have. Points of discussion:

1. Character - Yes, we do call teachers 'sir' and 'ma'am'. Nowadays, students call teachers 'cher', 'mr xxx' or even by their first names, but we were taught by our seniors from the start to address teachers as 'sir' or 'ma'am'. Perhaps it's the strong uniformed group presence in the school, or maybe, it's just the heritage from British colonialism.

2. The tray-leaving incident - i believe such incidents will happen in any school. It was a case of spiced-up citizen journalism which targeted an elite school. Not to be immodest, but when you're up there, there's a lot more scrutiny involved. True, the boys were irresponsible, but statistically speaking, these boys are not representative of the school at large.

Hi,
DS3 just got his results today and is applying for VS. His teacher recommends VS as he believes DS3 will shine there. Pls ans some of my queries so that I can be mentally prepared. :please:
1. DS3 is a Maths and Science kid. How will he do in VS? He has been given an option to do HCL but DS3 is not interested as Chinese is his weakest subject. I encouraged him to try and give up later. What is your opinion? On top of that, he can opt for a third language and I encourage him to do it for fun meaning he can drop it later if he can't cope.
2. DS3 is not very hardworking in the sense that he is an independent learner but tends to be complacent in his studies. If he falls below his so called minimum grade, he'll pull up his socks and if he does well, he'll relax. How will VS ensures that he constantly do his best? The reason I'm asking this is DS3 is very relax throughout his primary school days and only put in some effort to prepare for PSLE. He would have done much better if he has really put in effort :x He has no tuition and although I'm a tutor myself, he doesn't want my help as he prefers to learn on his own. He seems to get by on his 'intelligence' than hard work and I'm worried that this will not work in secondary school.
3. How is the school fees and award system like in VS? DS3 thrives on awards. Though DS3 is not top in his school, (he is among the top ten) he gets lots of opportunities to represent his school in competitive and non-competitive areas. Somehow his teachers love to choose him over his classmates. This really boost his morale in school.
4. DS3 is not a sports person and I wonder which CCA is suitable for him. Can you recommend one? He would like to be in a Maths or IT club. Is there any in VS? DS3 was in the science club before he was pulled out to join the Maths club and represent his school in competitions. DS3 is very talented in Maths.
5. Can you provide any information so that I can prepare DS3?
Thanks in advance.
:hugs:

[tutormum]

Thanks a lot, Victorian. DS3 is definitely choosing VS and after what I've heard from you, I'm more prepared to have a gentleman, a professional and a Sportsman in the house though the Sportsman may not emerge, :lol: From the MOE booklet, there is a info club, maths club and science club. DS3 doesn't want to join any of those which is more academic based though I think it will help in his studies. :x Is it true that joining an uniformed group will get more points than a club? I also hope that DS3 will not be posted to one of the bottom class with his low score.

[victorian]

No problem. Glad to hear that your son (or DS3? I'm not sure what DS3 means. :oops: ) is choosing VS. I'm sure you would be having a gentleman, a professional and even a sportsman in the house. The VS PE dept is pretty active. During my time, they were already talent spotting track and field/cross-country runners during the sec 1 orientation camp. That's why I'm guessing your son may eventually excel in sports as well.


I think they probably do exist but are probably not so prominent, such that little is heard about these CCAs. Info Club was probably called IT Club in the past. It was one of the better CCAs under 'Clubs & Societies'. There would be a CCA orientation some time during the first few days and I think your son would like to explore his options further. The uniformed groups usually have the coolest exhibits so he might be swayed in that direction. But most important is to choose a CCA that he likes, because it's hard to change CCAs after that.

To a certain extent, uniformed groups will gain more points than a club. But consider this:
1) The reason they gain more points is because they have more activities, which are more time-consuming. Is he ready for this?
2) Uniformed groups are physical in nature. There is physical training, sports games and drills. Would his dislike for sports develop into a dislike for the CCA?
Uniformed groups are good in many ways, e.g. develop discipline, good friendships, study groups organised, but one has to prepare for the physical and mental challenges of a uniformed group.

Don't worry even if your son is posted to one of the bottom classes. Even if it is not openly expressed, students are indeed sorted according to their PSLE scores. I know this because I observed that most of my classmates had similar scores to mine. I came from one of the bottom classes too, but studied real hard and got into the best sec 3/4 class, taking triple science. I hope it doesn't sound like boasting, but more like an encouragement. :lol:

Feel free to ask any questions about school life or anything else. I'd be glad to help the future victorian. :lol:

tutormum:

Thanks a lot, Victorian. DS3 is definitely choosing VS and after what I've heard from you, I'm more prepared to have a gentleman, a professional and a Sportsman in the house though the Sportsman may not emerge, :lol: From the MOE booklet, there is a info club, maths club and science club. DS3 doesn't want to join any of those which is more academic based though I think it will help in his studies. :x Is it true that joining an uniformed group will get more points than a club? I also hope that DS3 will not be posted to one of the bottom class with his low score.

[ycpang]

happymum8:

Affiliation

Victoria School is affiliated to Victoria Junior College (VJC), which was established in 1984 to replace the Pre-University classes in VS.

VJC provide VS students a choice to continue a two-year junior college education within the Victorian family after their secondary education. VS boys choosing to enter VJC get two bonus points off their 'O' level L1R5 academic aggregate. Entry to VJC is open to all secondary school students in Singapore.

VJC has a small portion of its total student intake enrolled through its own Integrated Programme (IP), in which VS students have an equal opportunity of enrolling.

Hi there,

Didn't know VJC has IP. Can you tell us more abt it ?

[victorian]

VJC's IP is open only to sec 2 students with good PSLE and sec 1/2 grades. It admits students from any secondary school. Check out http://www.vjc.moe.edu.sg/vip The affiliation with VS only comes in after O levels.

[tutormum]

Thanks for the encouraging sharing, Victorian. :thankyou:

DS3 means darling son no. 3.
His 2 elder brothers were in NPCC and even parade commanders. DS1 was outstanding, being top cadet and part of the guard of honour. He loved it so much so that he has since signed on in the police force. DS3 was wondering whether he should follow his brothers' footsteps and join NPCC. :roll: However, among the 3 of them, DS3 is the most promising one in academic and I'm in 2 mind if he would be better in a CCA like Maths Club and represent his school (if he has the chance ) just as he did in primary school. :nailbite:
As for the IP, what is good PSLE? Based on the COP range for last year, VS is 246 - 270 and mean is 250. This would mean that DS3 251 is considered average in VS though is among top 10% on the national level. :faint:

[blesseddad]

There is no Math club but there is a Math society. He still can represent the school in any math competition if he is good. Just tell the teacher he wants to take part in them. Of course they will also notice him if his math results are good.


Once you are in a uniformed group, you will not be able to leave unless there is a valid medical reason or medical condition.

IMO, one very useful UG is scouts, at least they learn many survival skills which might come in handy in NS in future.

[victorian]

No prob. I was thinking along the lines that since he doesn't really like sports, a uniformed group wouldn't be ideal. It is true that it is difficult to leave a uniformed group once you're in it. I guess he has to talk to his brothers about the NPCC experience. You can sit down with your son to discuss what works best for him, whether it's an academic club or a uniformed group. There's still some time before he decides on his CCA. During the CCA orientation, he should try going to the maths booth and see what kind of opportunities there are to represent the school. If the CCA is active enough, I'm sure he will have chances like he did in primary school. :lol:


I don't think they release a fixed score on what is a good PSLE score. 251 may be an average score, but they also look at sec 1/2 results as well. Also, there is a second chance to get into VJC after his O levels. So as long as he does his best, there are many opportunities around. :lol:

tutormum:

Thanks for the encouraging sharing, Victorian. :thankyou:
DS3 means darling son no. 3.
His 2 elder brothers were in NPCC and even parade commanders. DS1 was outstanding, being top cadet and part of the guard of honour. He loved it so much so that he has since signed on in the police force. DS3 was wondering whether he should follow his brothers' footsteps and join NPCC. :roll: However, among the 3 of them, DS3 is the most promising one in academic and I'm in 2 mind if he would be better in a CCA like Maths Club and represent his school (if he has the chance ) just as he did in primary school. :nailbite:
As for the IP, what is good PSLE? Based on the COP range for last year, VS is 246 - 270 and mean is 250. This would mean that DS3 251 is considered average in VS though is among top 10% on the national level. :faint:

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[tutormum]

:thankyou: :thankyou:

DS1 discourage him from joining NPCC. Guess he knows that his little brother is not suited for it and encourage him to join the academic clubs like Maths or Science or both. DS1 has more faith that DS3 will do well and may given the chance to represent the school in competitions. Besides, if DS3 is good, he may not need his CCA points and it may not come in handy too. I do agree with him. :thankyou: :thankyou: