Choosing and Evaluating Primary Schools

[myebelle]

Thought I’ll revive this thread if it’s ok.


Hubby has accepted the job offer in Singapore and we are coming back for certain. So schools and apartments hunting time is on. Hubby will be working at Changi Business Park, so we are looking at renting in Simei / Tampines area. Tanah Merah is a bit of a stretch in terms of budget but we are open.

So schools - I see on the map, Griffiths PS is nearby. And there’s an East View too. Does anyone have any opinion on those 2 schools please?


Thank you.
Michelle

[milo17]

myebelle:

Thought I'll revive this thread if it's ok.


Hubby has accepted the job offer in Singapore and we are coming back for certain. So schools and apartments hunting time is on. Hubby will be working at Changi Business Park, so we are looking at renting in Simei / Tampines area. Tanah Merah is a bit of a stretch in terms of budget but we are open.

So schools - I see on the map, Griffiths PS is nearby. And there's an East View too. Does anyone have any opinion on those 2 schools please?


Thank you.
Michelle

both schools r ok and not as popular as st hilda's which is located at Tampines too. Think u can check their ranking if required. but I guess u r more concern on whether the kids can cope with their 2nd language i.e Chinese subject. so probably wiser for u to enrol them in international school. just my two cents views pls

[myebelle]

Hi, thanks for your reply. We won’t be sending them to international schools because it is expensive and education is not covered. It’s a local position, not expat.


I am getting exemption from Chinese for them as it’s not their mother-tongue, so that’s not an issue.

And I’m not concerned about how popular the school is. I’m more concerned about the teachers’ methods, how communicative they are with the parents during the transitional periods, etc.

[phtthp]

myebelle,


perhaps you may want to write in to Principals of those schools in Tampines / Simei that you are interested in, first.

since your children from Australia (or from any other foreign country) -
i)
if there are vacancies in the schools -
usually our schools in SG will arrange for them to sit for entrance proficiency tests in all subjects (English, Maths, Science, Mother Tongue) - so as to gauge, ascertain and assess which is the most appropriate, suitable primary school level to place your children in (from P1 to P6). They do not want to place a child at the wrong level, only to see the poor child struggle with that subject(s).

since you're going to request for exemption in Chinese (mother tongue), they won't test your children in Chinese.

after sitting for subject tests, the respective school Principal will advise you accordingly. In the event they think your child not suitable to attend their school, they will give you advice which other schools are deem more suitable.

ii)
if there is no vacancy -
the school will also reply you, and suggest you try other schools instead.

fyi - the school email address can be found on respective school's website.

http://www.griffithspri.moe.edu.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=77

http://www.eastviewpri.sg/our-location/

[jollysmith]

There are many things to be taken care of while choosing or evaluating primary school for kids. School quality depends on many characteristics, not all easily measurable, and not all equally important for each individual child or family. Parents can read the school’s statement of philosophy or mission statement and ask about beliefs that guide the school’s program and teaching approaches. parents can look for school facilities/personnel resources.

[Lee26]

Hi


I have qualified to register for a Phase 2B school but requires balloting as stays more than 2km and a preferred Phase 2C school with less than 1 km, also requires balloting. Would like to understand the process. If I apply for the Phase 2B school, if I can’t get in, I can apply for Phase 2C school. If I get selected, can I still try for Phase 2C as that’s the preferred school ?

[qms]

Lee26:

If I apply for the Phase 2B school, if I can't get in, I can apply for Phase 2C school.

Yes.

Lee26:

If I get selected, can I still try for Phase 2C as that's the preferred school ?

If your child manages to get a place in a school in P2B, you will need to withdraw your child's name from this P2B school before you are able to apply in P2C. However, if your child fails to get a place in the P2C school, you cannot go back to the P2B school to claim back the seat.

[Lee26]

thanks !

[Joanctt]

Hi I’m new to this forum, just want to check if anyone knows if st Margaret’s primary school standard is better or chij our lady of good counsel. Will be registering my girl this year and still deciding between this 2. The thing worrying me is actually the standard of the affiliated secondary school- st Margaret sec and st Joseph convent.


Will appreciate much if anyone can advice.

Thanks

[cherrygal]

Hi Joanctt

They are both of similar standard IMHO. It really depends on where you live so it’d be easier for your girl to commute. Are you Catholic? Catholics can get in via Phase 2B at CHIJ. St Marg is not a Catholic school.

There are girls from both schools who do well enough to join better secondary schools than those you mentioned. So perhaps you don’t need to worry about the secondary school yet if these are the only primary schools you are confident of getting in.