Maha Bodhi
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Hi,
I'm new in this thread. My hb, sil and fil were former student of maha bodhi. I believe this is a good school because they built their foundation v strong there. I am planning to enrol my DD (born in 2009) to maha bodhi under phase 2A1 and Tao Nao within 2km not sure which phase maybe 2C. I choose tao nan because is v near my in law house and top school. I heard maha bodhi standard has dropped a lot unlike last time and distance wise slightly far fr my house in katong. After seeing comments made by all of you, i will give up Tao nan.
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ajymum:
Hi,Hi,
I'm new in this thread. My hb, sil and fil were former student of maha bodhi. I believe this is a good school because they built their foundation v strong there. I am planning to enrol my DD (born in 2009) to maha bodhi under phase 2A1 and Tao Nao within 2km not sure which phase maybe 2C. I choose tao nan because is v near my in law house and top school. I heard maha bodhi standard has dropped a lot unlike last time and distance wise slightly far fr my house in katong. After seeing comments made by all of you, i will give up Tao nan.
:welcome:
I don't mean to hog the MBS forum but I can't help but to comment on your posts because I can associate with many of the points mentioned. I also hope other parents can share their views as well.
I studied in MBS and have been living opposite TNS all my life till i got married. I didn't go to TNS because they only moved to the current site when I was in primary 3? TNS was a less known school back then. When my dc1 was in preschool we bought a property within 1km of TNS (which my parents are residing there now). At that point, I contemplated if I should send my dc1 to TNS rather than MBS but what if our child didn’t manage to get a place??? The opportunity cost of losing MBS is just too great. I gave up that idea and send the kids to MBS. Phew… P1 registration was a breeze as I can't imagine what some parents have to go through. It is just so stressful for them. :sad:
BTW, based on the current trend, I think your below 2km doesn't position you to register at TNS at all under phase 2C. For Phase 2C, it has always been ballot within 1km... so it's good that you made up your mind.
On your comments that standard in MBS has dropped. I just had this conversation with someone few days ago when the kids had performance at KKH. This person works in KKH and told me that his son graduated from MBS in the 90's. It was a top school back then. His son is now a professor and he heard MBS standard has dropped. This is not the first time I am hearing this. As a parent and especially with upper pri kids, I also wish to see the schools produce more top students during PSLE, higher % of cohort achieving 250 & above, higher average PSLE scores for entire cohort. So I told this person that yes MBS might not be top school in Singapore now (as in top 3?) but it is easily still the top 20 schools in Singapore.
BTW, there is a PSLE ranking by schools in KSP and I went to check after talking to this person... MBS is currently at 16. It ranges between 10-16 depending on PSLE performance. MBS per my knowledge has produced 10 PM Book prize winners (local kids) over the years. Also, I feel that as it does not offer GEP, their gifted ones will move to other schools (eg. TNS being one of the GEP schools). To me, it would be a surprised if GEP schools are not producing top kids :?
Everyone has different expectations but for me, I am really happy with MBS and no regrets sending my kids there. I've never been prouder of MBS (hahaha I wasn't proud of MBS when it was the top school during my era) and I know my kids are proud to be from MBS. Even if my kids may not be top of cohort or go to the top sec schools this pride will remain because of their experience in MBS.
I am happy because the school has proved to me the following :
* It gives fair chance to all students (and not just the top ones). Eg. smaller classes for weak students in P5 and P6. Smaller class for those weak in CL from lower primary.
* They do not write off kids to foundation classes just because they are afraid these kids will affect their results. Kids are given a chance which I think is important because they are still young and we shouldn't be quick to deem them as weak. Maybe they are just late bloomers.
* Wide CCA selection. Was shocked to learn from a friend who has kids in other popular school that they have to ballot for CCA. Also a P5 niece from a neighborhood school does not have CCA because she couldn’t get a place. I just realized yesterday that MBS also have photography for CCA.
* I saw how my kids has grown and the opportunities/ exposure the school was able to provide to them through CCA and non academic programs. Eg. chinese immersion program, CCA opportunities that build their confidence and capabilities which as a result lead them to have the opportunity to participate in other external opportunities. Through MBS, my dd1 got a chance to attend lunar activities in Chung Cheng Main and a camp in NYGH this year.
* School does not narrowly define success. Success is not about being top in academic results only. They acknowledge that success can be recognized through other talents/ achievements as well.
Though it's not perfect and I still have those desire of better PSLE performance or the school strengthen in its EL teaching as I think their CL and maths is very strong and EL still has room for improvement. But overall, it all voiced down to our individual expectations. Have peace with your decision. With the right family support and mindset, I am sure your child will be happy in MBS too. Motivate your child to be the next top PSLE student for MBS and do MBS proud
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MMM:
This is true regarding the point on
Hi,ajymum:
Hi,
I'm new in this thread. My hb, sil and fil were former student of maha bodhi. I believe this is a good school because they built their foundation v strong there. I am planning to enrol my DD (born in 2009) to maha bodhi under phase 2A1 and Tao Nao within 2km not sure which phase maybe 2C. I choose tao nan because is v near my in law house and top school. I heard maha bodhi standard has dropped a lot unlike last time and distance wise slightly far fr my house in katong. After seeing comments made by all of you, i will give up Tao nan.
:welcome:
I don't mean to hog the MBS forum but I can't help but to comment on your posts because I can associate with many of the points mentioned. I also hope other parents can share their views as well.
I studied in MBS and have been living opposite TNS all my life till i got married. I didn't go to TNS because they only moved to the current site when I was in primary 3? TNS was a less known school back then. When my dc1 was in preschool we bought a property within 1km of TNS (which my parents are residing there now). At that point, I contemplated if I should send my dc1 to TNS rather than MBS but what if our child didn’t manage to get a place??? The opportunity cost of losing MBS is just too great. I gave up that idea and send the kids to MBS. Phew… P1 registration was a breeze as I can't imagine what some parents have to go through. It is just so stressful for them. :sad:
BTW, based on the current trend, I think your below 2km doesn't position you to register at TNS at all under phase 2C. For Phase 2C, it has always been ballot within 1km... so it's good that you made up your mind.
On your comments that standard in MBS has dropped. I just had this conversation with someone few days ago when the kids had performance at KKH. This person works in KKH and told me that his son graduated from MBS in the 90's. It was a top school back then. His son is now a professor and he heard MBS standard has dropped. This is not the first time I am hearing this. As a parent and especially with upper pri kids, I also wish to see the schools produce more top students during PSLE, higher % of cohort achieving 250 & above, higher average PSLE scores for entire cohort. So I told this person that yes MBS might not be top school in Singapore now (as in top 3?) but it is easily still the top 20 schools in Singapore.
BTW, there is a PSLE ranking by schools in KSP and I went to check after talking to this person... MBS is currently at 16. It ranges between 10-16 depending on PSLE performance. MBS per my knowledge has produced 10 PM Book prize winners (local kids) over the years. Also, I feel that as it does not offer GEP, their gifted ones will move to other schools (eg. TNS being one of the GEP schools). To me, it would be a surprised if GEP schools are not producing top kids :?
Everyone has different expectations but for me, I am really happy with MBS and no regrets sending my kids there. I've never been prouder of MBS (hahaha I wasn't proud of MBS when it was the top school during my era) and I know my kids are proud to be from MBS. Even if my kids may not be top of cohort or go to the top sec schools this pride will remain because of their experience in MBS.
I am happy because the school has proved to me the following :
* It gives fair chance to all students (and not just the top ones). Eg. smaller classes for weak students in P5 and P6. Smaller class for those weak in CL from lower primary.
* They do not write off kids to foundation classes just because they are afraid these kids will affect their results. Kids are given a chance which I think is important because they are still young and we shouldn't be quick to deem them as weak. Maybe they are just late bloomers.
* Wide CCA selection. Was shocked to learn from a friend who has kids in other popular school that they have to ballot for CCA. Also a P5 niece from a neighborhood school does not have CCA because she couldn’t get a place. I just realized yesterday that MBS also have photography for CCA.
* I saw how my kids has grown and the opportunities/ exposure the school was able to provide to them through CCA and non academic programs. Eg. chinese immersion program, CCA opportunities that build their confidence and capabilities which as a result lead them to have the opportunity to participate in other external opportunities. Through MBS, my dd1 got a chance to attend lunar activities in Chung Cheng Main and a camp in NYGH this year.
* School does not narrowly define success. Success is not about being top in academic results only. They acknowledge that success can be recognized through other talents/ achievements as well.
Though it's not perfect and I still have those desire of better PSLE performance or the school strengthen in its EL teaching as I think their CL and maths is very strong and EL still has room for improvement. But overall, it all voiced down to our individual expectations. Have peace with your decision. With the right family support and mindset, I am sure your child will be happy in MBS too. Motivate your child to be the next top PSLE student for MBS and do MBS proud
\"* They do not write off kids to foundation classes just because they are afraid these kids will affect their results. Kids are given a chance which I think is important because they are still young and we shouldn't be quick to deem them as weak. Maybe they are just late bloomers. \".
I have feedback from my neighbor who has a daughter just graduated from the school. Her daughter academic performance was below average. She shared with me that the school does not give up on her daughter but continue to provide guidance and advisory to her on how she can guide her daughter to do better. This is also a plus factor which motivate me to enroll her to this school. -
MMM:
Thanks. Glad to hear so much good feedback about the new school for my dd.
Welcome!hellokittyspore:
Hi,
I get to know of this forum when I prepare for registration of my daughter this year. Managed to get my dd a place in this school next year. I wish to get connect to all parents to know more of the school activities, teachers and other area for the next 8 years. -
hellokittyspore:
Thanks. Glad to hear so much good feedback about the new school for my dd.
:welcome: -
Actually I think have to start earlier than P4. Also child must have passion otherwise they will have to stick to the same CCA in sec school life.
Yes. CCA should start early which I feel is extremely good for kid too.
Some kids change CCA every year. The benefit is it allows them to experience different things to discover their interest. The downside however is that some kids drop a CCA as it is no longer interests them so it's alittle like 半途而废.
yes. Personally I do not support such attitude and won't allow such learning attitude too. Some kid, yes due to they don't know what is their interest, best before P2/3 they should at least settle down with 1/2 CCA. I feel parents' support is very impt too in CCA.
From a DSA perspective, it might be good to strategise a CCA and stick to it throughout. Even if you do not have DSA in mind, this will also allow the child to grow with the CCA and build their competency and capabilities. Eg. if the child plays a sport and is selected to represent the school. It will build his self-esteem and self-worth.
Yes fully agreed this will build their self-esteem and self-worth. And I always encourage my kids to make own decision, and they know when their decision is made, i will not support 'stop half-way' attitude as I feel will contribute to \"easy give up\" attitude in their char.
We didn't begin with a DSA in mind but thought of it as a backup plan. On hindsight, if we are indeed that kiasu, it is probably good to check out what the targetted secondary school wants and then you start to develop the child in that area. Eg. wushu and chinese orchestra are popular DSA CCA for schools like chung cheng main, anglican, catholic high, etc... This is from a kiasu perspective. But whatever it is, we need to make sure our kids have interests and passion in the particular area otherwise we are causing them more harm instead.
Yes yes. Top sec is not easy and of course must be within the child ability. And am surprised it actually start to see their results fm P4/5 which I feel it is a bit too early...;) Personally I feel study is not difficult, the difficult part is the attitude! The \"can\" do attitude should build fm young
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ajymum:
:lovesite: come often to gather more info. With information thru this site on MBS, believe I did not make the wrong choice!Hi,
I'm new in this thread. My hb, sil and fil were former student of maha bodhi. I believe this is a good school because they built their foundation v strong there. I am planning to enrol my DD (born in 2009) to maha bodhi under phase 2A1 and Tao Nao within 2km not sure which phase maybe 2C. I choose tao nan because is v near my in law house and top school. I heard maha bodhi standard has dropped a lot unlike last time and distance wise slightly far fr my house in katong. After seeing comments made by all of you, i will give up Tao nan.
Agreed with MMM, and really thanks her for contributing the pros on the school. Specially glad to hear on how the school supported weaker students.
If you are entitle to phase 2A1, go ahead! Believe me, stressful in balloting...no fun and if you can get into yr dream school thru ballot is extremely lucky if not, it will be disaster once u miss out!
I count myself extremely lucky....Previously was not sure on the register system till own experience...;)
when all my friends congrats me and tell me some existing gals' children there, all comment that MBS is still \"high standard\"!
Some congrats me as they know MBS is a good school and not TOP school. That's really make me feel no regrets to register!
After balloted in and come across on this MBS site, I really think I hv not made the wrong choice...And I feel proud to be able to get into MBS then...and you hv the phase 2A choice, no need to think!MBS is far gd choice to be missed!
This is a site which I think is as good as parents support specially in local stress edu system and way to exchange view, info and ideals!
:rahrah: -
I have feedback from my neighbor who has a daughter just graduated from the school. Her daughter academic performance was below average. She shared with me that the school does not give up on her daughter but continue to provide guidance and advisory to her on how she can guide her daughter to do better. This is also a plus factor which motivate me to enroll her to this school.[/quote]
:rahrah: Hm...really plus factor to hear that! Looking forwards to MBS in 2013! -
MMM:
Thanks for the positive feedback.
Hi,
:welcome:
I don't mean to hog the MBS forum but I can't help but to comment on your posts because I can associate with many of the points mentioned. I also hope other parents can share their views as well.
I studied in MBS and have been living opposite TNS all my life till i got married. I didn't go to TNS because they only moved to the current site when I was in primary 3? TNS was a less known school back then. When my dc1 was in preschool we bought a property within 1km of TNS (which my parents are residing there now). At that point, I contemplated if I should send my dc1 to TNS rather than MBS but what if our child didn’t manage to get a place??? The opportunity cost of losing MBS is just too great. I gave up that idea and send the kids to MBS. Phew… P1 registration was a breeze as I can't imagine what some parents have to go through. It is just so stressful for them. :sad:
BTW, based on the current trend, I think your below 2km doesn't position you to register at TNS at all under phase 2C. For Phase 2C, it has always been ballot within 1km... so it's good that you made up your mind.
On your comments that standard in MBS has dropped. I just had this conversation with someone few days ago when the kids had performance at KKH. This person works in KKH and told me that his son graduated from MBS in the 90's. It was a top school back then. His son is now a professor and he heard MBS standard has dropped. This is not the first time I am hearing this. As a parent and especially with upper pri kids, I also wish to see the schools produce more top students during PSLE, higher % of cohort achieving 250 & above, higher average PSLE scores for entire cohort. So I told this person that yes MBS might not be top school in Singapore now (as in top 3?) but it is easily still the top 20 schools in Singapore.
BTW, there is a PSLE ranking by schools in KSP and I went to check after talking to this person... MBS is currently at 16. It ranges between 10-16 depending on PSLE performance. MBS per my knowledge has produced 10 PM Book prize winners (local kids) over the years. Also, I feel that as it does not offer GEP, their gifted ones will move to other schools (eg. TNS being one of the GEP schools). To me, it would be a surprised if GEP schools are not producing top kids :?
Everyone has different expectations but for me, I am really happy with MBS and no regrets sending my kids there. I've never been prouder of MBS (hahaha I wasn't proud of MBS when it was the top school during my era) and I know my kids are proud to be from MBS. Even if my kids may not be top of cohort or go to the top sec schools this pride will remain because of their experience in MBS.
I am happy because the school has proved to me the following :
* It gives fair chance to all students (and not just the top ones). Eg. smaller classes for weak students in P5 and P6. Smaller class for those weak in CL from lower primary.
* They do not write off kids to foundation classes just because they are afraid these kids will affect their results. Kids are given a chance which I think is important because they are still young and we shouldn't be quick to deem them as weak. Maybe they are just late bloomers.
* Wide CCA selection. Was shocked to learn from a friend who has kids in other popular school that they have to ballot for CCA. Also a P5 niece from a neighborhood school does not have CCA because she couldn’t get a place. I just realized yesterday that MBS also have photography for CCA.
* I saw how my kids has grown and the opportunities/ exposure the school was able to provide to them through CCA and non academic programs. Eg. chinese immersion program, CCA opportunities that build their confidence and capabilities which as a result lead them to have the opportunity to participate in other external opportunities. Through MBS, my dd1 got a chance to attend lunar activities in Chung Cheng Main and a camp in NYGH this year.
* School does not narrowly define success. Success is not about being top in academic results only. They acknowledge that success can be recognized through other talents/ achievements as well.
Though it's not perfect and I still have those desire of better PSLE performance or the school strengthen in its EL teaching as I think their CL and maths is very strong and EL still has room for improvement. But overall, it all voiced down to our individual expectations. Have peace with your decision. With the right family support and mindset, I am sure your child will be happy in MBS too. Motivate your child to be the next top PSLE student for MBS and do MBS proud
My husband & I more or less set our minds on Maha Bodhi (I'm an old girl) for our 2 kids (my son is born in 2009 & my daughter 2010), until recently when my older sister told us to reconsider due to the drop in standards.
I was torn as, on one hand, we want our children to have the opportunity to get into top secondary school (my husband wants our son to get into RI if possible) but, on the other hand, I do not feel good about what I see is becoming of my older sister's son (especially the lost in his love for learning) and what I hear that his school does (one of the top schools in Singapore, but I'll not name names here). I simply cannot agree with what his school does in the name of maintaining their high standards.
The above comments have given me the reassurances that perhaps our first choice is right after all, as we believe that the best education means cultivating a lifelong love for learning as well as building the right ethnics and morals in our future generation. If it comes with good results that give them the opportunity to go to GEP / SAP schools / etc., of course it's the best, but that's being greedy, I guess.
Additional questions I have in mind are,
(1) Are the stronger / normal standard students being put in bigger classes? Do they get the attention & training worthy of their levels so that they still get to develop to their fullest potential?
(2) Is the school aware of the weak standard of their English and perhaps trying to do something to strengthen their weak points, while trying to maintain their strong areas (i.e. Chinese & Maths)?
(3) From what I recall, Maha Bodhi does have Higher CL, right? Do the children start from P1 or it's based on selection? In other words, how does it work exactly, in terms of who gets to do Higher CL (I hear that all kids in Nanyang Pri do Higher CL right from the start, no matter whether the kids can handle or not.)?
(4) I do remember clearly the Buddhism studies during my years there. Do they still teach it like they used to? Is it optional?
Many thanks for all the help.
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Hi all,
I’m glad to hear all the positive feedback about MBS fr the parents here. There r many parents out there told me MBS is a good school, however, the standard has dropped. I have no clue wat they referred to. Now I am pretty firmed on my decision of sending my kids to MBS.
I believe MBS teachers are teaching w heart and build their foundation for the benefit of kids’ future, not so much on school ranking and how many top students they k produce which is more for the school’s benefit.
My sil is an eye specialist now. When she was in sec and JC she won various awards and PM book prize. My hb was top 10% student when he was in the uni, now he is holding a senior role in a top tier bank. I hope my kids k build strong foundation and has interest of learning like my sil and hb.
I’m oso interested to know if MBS still impart 菩提学。if yes, how often theybr teached and what do they learn?
Btw, are the teachers been teaching there for long or they have high teachers turnover?
Thanks for the feedback.
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