<![CDATA[Help in choosing Sec Sch]]>Hi,


My son has just received his PSLE results. Average score of 223.

Any parent out there with a strategy in listing the top 3 choices?

He is 7 pts away from Nan Chiau High’s cut off pt. My friends have asked me to "take a risk" and list it as 1st choice but I am afraid that my chances of going to St Gabriel (2nd choice) is reduced cos they have affiliated pri sch.

Lastly, will my son find difficulty fitting in (he’s from neighbourhood sch) when boys who have bonded in pri sch proceed to affiliated sec sch?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/1448/help-in-choosing-sec-schRSS for NodeFri, 24 Apr 2026 11:22:27 GMTSat, 22 Nov 2008 08:46:44 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:06:05 GMT]]>

westmom:
Jedamum - you are not superkiasu in my opinion, just more far sighted . Yes, taking into account secondary school is crucial. I \"thought\" like you when choosing primary school - since I dont know how academically inclined or competitive my dd will be at the time of P1 registration, i have to do some probability analysis and our decision takes into account our target secondary school. I guess I heard too many moans and groans from P6 parents at that time - that they are \"stuck\" as their kids did not do well enough to achieve a PSLE score like 240 or 245 that can bring them to good schools. All sorts of reasons for below expectation results...not motivated enough la (though smart), nervous la, got period la, sick la..etc & therefore stuck! I know of one case who is a 250+ material but for some reason got 237 thereabt in the final PSLE. Mom was very upset. Not affiliated in any school, so therefore got posted to an ordinary neighbrhood sch.

I agree it is important to be far sighted but at Primary 1 level, it is kind of difficult to guage even an approximate level of your child's PSLE score 6 years later. For parents who waited till P5 and P6 to analyse the choice of secondary schools would also be too late. If you are calculating your child's acheiveable PSLE score based on your school results in P5 and P6, it is important to understand the standard of the school's examination paper in comparison to top primary schools such as Nanyang, RGPS etc. Perhaps a good gauge is to get your child to attempt to answer other school papers from P5.

A reason why some parents choose pri schs with affliliated sec schs is to ensure that in the event their child did not perform as expected due to unforeseen reasons such as illness etc, they do not have to worry about choosing sec sch.

By the age of P3/P4, parents should start discussing with their child the choice of secondary school and their targets PSLE score. They must also understanding how the PSLE score is derived. Get a copy of the latest Secondary School Information Booklet and your child will have a better understanding of each sec school's academic performance, the min PSLE score, thier CCA and DSA's details. Explore with your child and review his/her academic goals half yearly. In addition, be reasonable with their ability and your expectation. Sometimes, we may also need to bring down their expectation like my daughter whom I feel set too high targets which could be very difficult to acheive especially if their efforts do not equate to their targets. Hence, it is good to have reality check with them. Peer influence is also very significant, as some students may have a more positive outlook or they may develop complacent attitude.

I hope by sharing my experience, parents can help their children earlier. We always hope for the best in our children but we must give them support and help whenever we can.

😉 Blessed all \"Kiasu Parents\" including you and me! :xedfingers:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/48364https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/48364Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:06:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:23:03 GMT]]>

jedamum:
[ as i think that the availability of secondary school is that more important as choice of secondary school is more crucial.


.
Jedamum - you are not superkiasu in my opinion, just more far sighted . Yes, taking into account secondary school is crucial. I \"thought\" like you when choosing primary school - since I dont know how academically inclined or competitive my dd will be at the time of P1 registration, i have to do some probability analysis and our decision takes into account our target secondary school. I guess I heard too many moans and groans from P6 parents at that time - that they are \"stuck\" as their kids did not do well enough to achieve a PSLE score like 240 or 245 that can bring them to good schools. All sorts of reasons for below expectation results...not motivated enough la (though smart), nervous la, got period la, sick la..etc & therefore stuck! I know of one case who is a 250+ material but for some reason got 237 thereabt in the final PSLE. Mom was very upset. Not affiliated in any school, so therefore got posted to an ordinary neighbrhood sch.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/48273https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/48273Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:23:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:35:36 GMT]]>[quote]Hi jademum, you are really super kiasu ! Sounds to me like the modern generation 孟母. [/quote]
I was wondering what Jedamum is doing in the Secondary school thread (super kaypoh me :oops: ). Heee...now I know.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47720https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47720Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:35:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:08:16 GMT]]>

Fluffy:
You should focus on your love nest and make sure that its not too far away from your son's primary school so that he is not too tired travelling to and fro.

Thanks! 🙂
We are either looking at getting an expensive resale near to ds1's existing school, or looking at a BTO whose completion 'ties' in (or not too far off) with ds1's end of P6. Transferring of ds2's primary school is ok, as i think that the availability of secondary school is that more important as choice of secondary school is more crucial.

anyway...it's not easy to get a good queue no. for HDB's BTO launches! :stupid: and alot of my friends are treating their first home as a 'weekend' house, which is not we are looking to do.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47674https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47674Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:08:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:02:45 GMT]]>

csc:


Aim high and you will reach the stars - Nothing is impossible. 😉
csc,
Thanks for the list!!
My and husband and I are in the 220-230 range, so we think our genes maybe max should be around that scores 😉
daisyt:
What happen if you move to Punggol/Sengkang area and your child score very well, 260 and above and eligible to enter those top Sec schools ? What would be your plan ? :?
daisyt,
thanks for responding too! sometimes i think i think too much. :oops:
i told my boy if he can do so well as to get >260, i don't think the dad and me will mind driving him that extra distance halfway across Singapore to send him to school! :lol:

we are now only considering looking at Punggol cos it seems heartache paying so much to buy a resale old flat in a matured town.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47671https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47671Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:02:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:02:43 GMT]]>

jedamum:
Dear all,

My boy is in P1. I am not being excessive kiasu, but only being practical.
As some of you regulars may have know, I am looking at buying a flat, be it new or resale. As we are currently staying with our In Laws, the attractive price of new flats are very...erm...attractive. And they are new too (no loanshark, shady past risk etc). But the only problem is that most releases are in Punggol/Sengkang area. As any new flats that I intend to book will take some 3-4yrs til completion, looking 5 yrs forward, I am interested to know if there are any decent secondary schools in or near/accessible to Punggol/Sengkang area. My 'expectations' on the 'PSLE' points ranges from 220-240.
Appreciate your feedback.
TQ.
Hi,

I understand your foward thinking strategy however don't worry too much about secondary school right now. You should focus on your love nest and make sure that its not too far away from your son's primary school so that he is not too tired travelling to and fro. In addition, do not set the PSLE score for him. Discuss with him about setting realistic goals for his tests and examination at every level. When your son is at the end of P4, he should be old enough to understand how PSLE score is attain. Therefore, engage him in setting the P5 and P6 goals and finally his PSLE score. Adjust over the years according to his ability but make sure he set a slightly higher goal each time. Hope it helps.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47670https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47670Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:02:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:27:54 GMT]]>

jedamum:
Dear all,

My boy is in P1. I am not being excessive kiasu, but only being practical.
As some of you regulars may have know, I am looking at buying a flat, be it new or resale. As we are currently staying with our In Laws, the attractive price of new flats are very...erm...attractive. And they are new too (no loanshark, shady past risk etc). But the only problem is that most releases are in Punggol/Sengkang area. As any new flats that I intend to book will take some 3-4yrs til completion, looking 5 yrs forward, I am interested to know if there are any decent secondary schools in or near/accessible to Punggol/Sengkang area. My 'expectations' on the 'PSLE' points ranges from 220-240.
Appreciate your feedback.
TQ.
Hi jademum, you are really super kiasu ! 😄 Sounds to me like the modern generation 孟母. :lol: What happen if you move to Punggol/Sengkang area and your child score very well, 260 and above and eligible to enter those top Sec schools ? What would be your plan ? :?

Hougang area I know there is Nan Chiau (SHHK school).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47652https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47652Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:27:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:23:56 GMT]]>Hi Jedamum,


For your info-

There are

Anglican High( off simei) - cut off 243

Victoria High(off Marine parade) - cut off 248

Anderson SEc (ang mo kio) - 248

Xin Min (hougang) - 242

Nau Chiah High (sengkang) - 232

Since your son is in pr one , you still have a lot of time to work with him, I suggest you raise your target. Perhaps , 240 and above.

Aim high and you will reach the stars - Nothing is impossible. 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47647https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47647Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:23:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:55:28 GMT]]>Dear all,

My boy is in P1. I am not being excessive kiasu, but only being practical.
As some of you regulars may have know, I am looking at buying a flat, be it new or resale. As we are currently staying with our In Laws, the attractive price of new flats are very…erm…attractive. And they are new too (no loanshark, shady past risk etc). But the only problem is that most releases are in Punggol/Sengkang area. As any new flats that I intend to book will take some 3-4yrs til completion, looking 5 yrs forward, I am interested to know if there are any decent secondary schools in or near/accessible to Punggol/Sengkang area. My ‘expectations’ on the ‘PSLE’ points ranges from 220-240.
Appreciate your feedback.
TQ.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47636https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47636Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:55:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:34:53 GMT]]>heutistmeintag


I thought +8 is the score you are over the cut off. That would mean sure get into the first choice.

I am not saying your selection criteria is wrong. But I feel risky. Though MOE advise to choose sch based on last yr’s cut off, assuming all things constant, we won’t get into first choice because affialiated pri would get in first which I am still figuring. There is no explicit parameters on how to alocate if limited vacanies - one with higher score but not affialiated vs one with lower score with affialiation. If want to compete with affialiated pri who enter with lower points, we have to put that sch as first choice, isn’t it?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/11260https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/11260Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:34:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:14:45 GMT]]>Come to think of it, choosing schools is like bidding for COE - Certificate of Education. :mrgreen:


Erm Caroline3sg, allow me to clarify. The \"score\" refers to the child score. For example,

1st choice: 223+8 = 231 (Nan Chaiu @ 230)
2nd choice: 223+6 = 229
3rd choice: 223+4 = 227
4th choice: 223 = 223
5th choice: 223-2 = 221
6th choice: 223-7 = 216 (St Gabriel @ 217)

Why +8, +6 etc is just a matter of coincidence due to the schools that we have selected. The idea is to spread the net and we are aware of the danger of opting for a school that is +8 - my son could end up in the bottom rungs of the school. He is aware of the impact but chooses it because his friends are going there. :roll: I would venture to say this is too optimistic for him and hence my insistence to him to have the safety net in the 4th-6th choices.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/11250https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/11250Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:14:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:54:53 GMT]]>heutistmeintag

Your child must have done well so as to be able to put first choice with +8 points up till 3rd choice.

For mum need help's case, first choice is less by 7. It makes no sense for her to put preferred choice at the last.

If she follow your selection, definitely would get into first choice, which for her may not be an above average sch.


Mum need help
Though 294-287=7 (drop or miss by 7 for your child's T-score), it is risky to assume Nan Chiau would be allocated to your child. Because we do not know how many 230 - 240 choose Nan Chiau and put it as their first choice. Though T-score is lower this yr than last yr, it does not mean there aren't more people in the range of 230-240. It is always better to seek advise from Nan Chiau if they can offer since they have seen the statistics for many yrs while you just once.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/11247https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/11247Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:54:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:29:44 GMT]]>My selections are

score+8
score+6
score+4
score
score-2
score-7

Regardless of the order, I just make sure I am not overly ambitious and that there are at least 2 choices that form the safety net. Incidentally, 2 of the choices are affiliated sec schools. IMHO, boys should be able to mix with strangers easily. 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/11222https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/11222Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:29:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:27:19 GMT]]>Silly me. I didn't know that I can call up Nan Chiau to check such stuff.


Thanks a million for your advice. :lol:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/11194https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/11194Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:27:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Help in choosing Sec Sch on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:28:49 GMT]]>I think this yr’s cut off point might be lower. But better call Nan Chiau to ask.


I think no problem to make new friends since the (same pri affialiated) may not be in same sec class. Moreover, there should be new non affialiated pri students join too.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/11161https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/11161Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:28:49 GMT