Cedar VS St Nicholas

[kiaaik]

I will select Cedar because can enter VJC…need to think a bit further ahead…

[CupNoodle]

Cedar there is no affiliation to VJC, unless you are in IP program.

[carebear]

kiaaik:

I will select Cedar because can enter VJC...need to think a bit further ahead..

Agree with you.
I will definitely choose Cedar Girls IP for the reason that your admission into VJC is almost 100% guaranteed.

St Nic's IP will only start in 2013.
Then in Y5 and Y6 will join SCGS and Catholic High to form a new government JC- which means no track record.

Also I don't know whether if your DD enters this year then will she get to choose IP in 2014 (as in the case of MGS)?
Or those enrolling in 2012 will have no choice but to take O levels?

[carebear]

CupNoodle:

Cedar there is no affiliation to VJC, unless you are in IP program.

Your DD should qualify for Cedar IP, although I think this year the COP for Cedar IP may increase as more people are attracted to IP.

[carebear]

ManU123:

VS and Cedar IP is not a new IP but will be building upon the success of VJC IP which has immensely popular and very difficult to get in, over the years.

VS and Cedar IP are starting in 2012.
Previously both schools offered O level.
So considered new.
If get into VS or Cedar IP, should be almost 100% guaranteed go to VJC, cos it is a seamless education from Year 1 to Year 6.

[twilight]

Both schools offer dual track though, so there is still a risk of being removed from IP and asked to go to express stream if requirements are not met.

ManU123:

VS and Cedar IP is not a new IP but will be building upon the success of VJC IP which has immensely popular and very difficult to get in, over the years.

Just to add on, Cedar and VS teachers have been attending training conducted by VJC, so I guess they should be competent in teaching the IP way.

[daranic]

I have the same concern as CupNoodle.


CupNoodle, I am in almost the same position as you. My DD has 252+1 and she is choosing Cedar IP as 1st choice. However, I see that the chance of getting in the IP track is not high.

She wants to choose Cedar ‘O’ level track as 2nd choice. I have no objection but I felt that with her score, she should try SNGS as 2nd choice. I am in a dilemma over SNGS or Cedar ‘O’ level. Personally, I’d prefer SNGS for its SAP, ie it will be more towards the Chinese culture.

So, have you or your DD decided which sch to go for?

[twilight]

There are certain critical differences between SNGS and Cedar O levels. Cedar focuses a lot on L1R5 and therefore, most students only take 8 subjects, or at most 9 with 3rd language, which is why it is quite unlikely to produce the top scorer for O levels, but its mean L1R5, which shows the general performance of the whole cohort, was 2nd for 2010 O levels, after SCGS. I’m not sure what the ranking of SNGS is. However in SNGS, even triple science students take two humanities so the majority of the students will take 9 subjects. With 3rd language, some can have up to 10 subjects and usually the top scorer for O levels will have 10 A1. But with the change in syllabus and SS becoming a pure subject, I’m not sure how all these would change. I still highly believe Cedar will continue to focus on L1R5, their best 6 subjects instead of taking as many subjects as possible, unless MOE implements some other rules regarding subject combination.


Both schools are good schools though. So ask your dd which school culture and atmosphere she prefers, if she attended the open house. Otherwise, you can consider distance as well. A long commute to school on a daily basis can be quite tiring.

[tiggermum]

Can only comment on SNGS:


-strong ‘O’ level program. If I remember correctly, during one of the parents’ briefing session, it was revealed that one third of the girls are admitted to the Top 5 JCs - RJC/HCI/VJC/NJC/TJC.

-SAP school. Many programs to expose students to bilingual and bicultural environments. My niece, who used to read only English novels, now reads Chinese novels too. (She’s now in sec 2 of SNGS)

-Upgraded campus at AMK Ave 2 will be ready in June next year, so can enjoy new facilities.

[CupNoodle]

Thanks for all who have replied and help to advise. Have finally decided on the below 1st 3 choices:

Cedar IP
Cedar O level
St Nicholas O level

Reason: Seems like both are good schools, and
Most of DD friends are choosing Cedar. Distance wise, Cedar is also nearer for us.

end of the day, a lot is still depend on the child
Hope for the best! cheers!