From PSLE to University

[micko07]

Wow amazing!


I’m also curious about which diploma programme you used. Also, which university is your son studying in now?

Is it very difficult to manage with both secondary school and HS diploma? I’m on the IP track and just studying for SATs alone gives me a headache. And that’s taking into account that my tutors rarely give us homework and the programme I’m in emphasizes on self-study.

P.S What scores did your son get in SAT?

[mintcc]

this is very inspiring! :udawoman:


It certainly help to see that there are always choices when it comes to our childrens education.

[harini]

Hi 2appaamm,


I am impressed !!! Thanks for sharing your experience here.

You have really independant and passionate children. What kind of Diplomas are you referring to, and from which instittutions? Also curious what faculty are your children doing their degrees in.

[2ppaamm]

micko07:

Wow amazing!


I'm also curious about which diploma programme you used. Also, which university is your son studying in now?

Is it very difficult to manage with both secondary school and HS diploma? I'm on the IP track and just studying for SATs alone gives me a headache. And that's taking into account that my tutors rarely give us homework and the programme I'm in emphasizes on self-study.

P.S What scores did your son get in SAT?

No, just do the diploma during hols, since they are modular. Did you do any course to prepare for the SAT? There are some you can take on the net. Why are you taking the SAT if you are taking A or IB? Going to a American U? They also recognize both of these. Or are you super kiasu? :lol: Don't be lah.

[metz]

Hi 2ppaamm,


Like the rest, a big thanks for sharing!

Just one question, is there any age limit or other minimum requirements for taking the diploma courses? Or is the child allowed to enrol for the courses once he/she passes the entry tests?

Since it’s modular based and no time constraint, I am just wondering if it is possible to start the kids younger, say at primary school level?

Pardon my asking cos there is a chance my kids might not stay in the local education system. So, I’m interested in looking out for all possibilities.

Many thanks.

[JonC]

Wow.


Great to read such an interesting article.

Anyway, I personally do not like Singapore’s education system, we are producing rebots, not students.

[fairydust3]

JonC:

Wow.


Great to read such an interesting article.

Anyway, I personally do not like Singapore's education system, we are producing rebots, not students.

I completely agree. And our students may do well academically, but they are, to put it bluntly, absolutely clueless when it comes to general knowledge, world issues and application of what we are taught.

We study; we do not learn - and I find that rather sad..

[tacit]

2ppaamm:

A lot of bodies out there that monitors. The Americas have at least 4 of them. Surf the net, look for accredited high school programs. You will come across many, many.

The ones Singaporeans are used to include: EPGY (this is Stanford University's program) - I have some experience with them - they very proud leh. But that's a very recognized program.

Another very well known program is John Hopkins. They conduct tests to identify early high school students frequently. Check out all the high school programs conducted by the universities (also many - I can think of Maryland and Indiana), they are all accredited and recognized.

There are also those run commercially. http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-degrees/online-high-school-courses.htm Don't write them off simply because they are commercially run.

One more thing, there are some you can attend a graduation, some without a gown graduation. See what your kids like. Also check the age criteria to start. Some states do not allow children below 14 to start a high school program. Write to these schools and check all these out. Choose one relevant to your child.

There may be tests they need to take. It is almost safe to say that if your child score A or A* for Math at PSLE, they will breeze through the tests. But note the gifted programs, these are hard to ace.

Most of these programs are also expensive, definitely more than your school sup fees. So calculate carefully here, and plan accordingly. They are still cheaper than international schools, and all your years of books and tuition add up!

Hope this helps!

2ppaamm, thank you for answering my questions Yes, I've heard of EPGY before. We really appreciate your sharing.

[micko07]

2ppaamm:

No, just do the diploma during hols, since they are modular. Did you do any course to prepare for the SAT? There are some you can take on the net. Why are you taking the SAT if you are taking A or IB? Going to a American U? They also recognize both of these. Or are you super kiasu? :lol: Don't be lah.

Nope. Self-studying my way through (not very effective because I lack the discipline lol)

Haha thinking about it! American Unis don't recognize A levels as an alternative to SATs, unforunately. It's mandatory to take SAT I + SAT IIs or ACT are nearly all universities. Annoying but what to do. I wouldn't take the test if I didn't have to! (Waste money + time)

Oh well, I'm far too old for the diploma programme. Better stick it out for one more year and hope to do well for A levels!

Thanks for the sharing! :udawoman:

[2ppaamm]

fairydust3:

JonC:

Wow.


Great to read such an interesting article.

Anyway, I personally do not like Singapore's education system, we are producing rebots, not students.

I completely agree. And our students may do well academically, but they are, to put it bluntly, absolutely clueless when it comes to general knowledge, world issues and application of what we are taught.

We study; we do not learn - and I find that rather sad..

Ya lor. In my job, I work with undergraduates from different countries. It is not the ones who score As through the Singapore system pipeline that survive well in the U. My son, when he was 14 then, gave me a good 15 minutes lecture while I was driving him one day. He told me the difference between learning and studying. He said he loves to learn but he hates studying. Sadly, our system believes everyone should study and study. How many enjoy the studying, but everyone loves to learn - that's what he told me?

Yep, we also do not need robots. When the boss says \"jump\" their response is \"how high?\". Typical and need to change. Let's give our children more. Let's give them the love for learning and a head on their shoulders instead of just following instructions and have that 'find-out-what-teacher-want-and-give-so-to-score'. Let them do what they love, and not what we parents or the school or the government want.

To change the next generation, we need to start with our kids. We don't need children who ace the TMSS* that the MOE boasts about. Up till 14, we are great. But we don't need just great primary and secondary schools, we need great universities that will produce great minds and Nobel prize winners. Testimony: when will we stop sending our best brains overseas to be trained?

We don't need age group medalists at international sports events, we need Olympic champions. We need people with passion who will steer our world, not just followers. Right now, our best sports people retire at 'a ripe old age of 19'!!! Others start at 22! We don't need to burn them out at a young age so that they lose all of their passion and zest for something they used to love, in exchange for a kiasu system, that sees us stumbling on each other.

*International comparison of kids ability across different countries, up to 14, Singaporean kids will ace the Maths and Science. After that? Silence...

Ha ha, here I go again with my rumbling...