SPERS-Sec - IP schools?

[Kingfisher]

DS took the SPERS-Sec test in October and we have received a list of schools that he is eligible to choose. The IP schools such as HCI, RI and NJC are on the eligible school list. We are only given 5 days (till 12 Nov) to submit his choice of 6 schools. We would like him to go to an IP school since given the opportunity but I am worried if he has the ability based on his SPERS test result because I heard that the SPERS test is easier than PSLE. Would like to know if there is anyone here whose child is in an IP school thru SPERS and how are they doing. The other thing that I am worried is if he get posted to an IP school, he will not be able to start school in January because the earliest we will be back in SG will be in June (intend to apply for LOA), will he missed out a lot and not be able to catch up or should I fly him back to start school which I think I will get resistance from him. Would appreciate any comments and advice. TIA.

[emoh]

Kingfisher:

DS took the SPERS-Sec test in October and we have received a list of schools that he is eligible to choose. The IP schools such as HCI, RI and NJC are on the eligible school list. We are only given 5 days (till 12 Nov) to submit his choice of 6 schools. We would like him to go to an IP school since given the opportunity but I am worried if he has the ability based on his SPERS test result because I heard that the SPERS test is easier than PSLE. Would like to know if there is anyone here whose child is in an IP school thru SPERS and how are they doing. The other thing that I am worried is if he get posted to an IP school, he will not be able to start school in January because the earliest we will be back in SG will be in June (intend to apply for LOA), will he missed out a lot and not be able to catch up or should I fly him back to start school which I think I will get resistance from him. Would appreciate any comments and advice. TIA.

Other possibility could be to choose a school which offers dual programme, meaning both IP and the O Levels so that if the student is not able to cope with IP, he can still stay in the same school and switch to the O Level programme.

Schools such as: Victoria, Catholic High, ACS(I) and St Joseph's Institution offers both programmes. Note that the first 2 would lead to A Levels while the last 2 would lead to the IB Diploma.

[Kingfisher]

[quote]Other possibility could be to choose a school which offers dual programme, meaning both IP and the O Levels so that if the student is not able to cope with IP, he can still stay in the same school and switch to the O Level programme.


Schools such as: Victoria, Catholic High, ACS(I) and St Joseph's Institution offers both programmes. Note that the first 2 would lead to A Levels while the last 2 would lead to the IB Diploma.[/quote]This will be a good option but in the letter, it stated that if he opts for the schools which offers dual programme, he will be offered the O-level programme.

[Fat Mama]

My friend’s DD took the exams for returning citizens and she was offered the choice of top schools.


They chose one of the "toppest" girls school. For the first year Sec 3, she failed both maths and both sciences. This year Sec 4, she still failed both maths and science after tuition. Not sure if she will retain or promoted to JC 1.

[Kingfisher]

Dear slmkhoo, thank you very much for sharing your experience.

I will request for the booklist too and get some of the books if he goes into an IP school. If he is doing the 'o' levels, I am not so concern as his current school more or less follows the Singapore curriculum and he is half a year ahead of his peers. Do you or any mums know if there is any similarity (eg. subjects) at all between the IP curriculum and 'o' levels for the initial 2 years at least?

May I know which IP school is your daughter in if you don't mind.

[Kingfisher]

Fat Mama:

My friend's DD took the exams for returning citizens and she was offered the choice of top schools.


They chose one of the \"toppest\" girls school. For the first year Sec 3, she failed both maths and both sciences. This year Sec 4, she still failed both maths and science after tuition. Not sure if she will retain or promoted to JC 1.

Hi Fat Mama, Really! Thanks for sharing! Your friend's DD joined the school in Sec 3?

[emoh]

Kingfisher:

[quote]Other possibility could be to choose a school which offers dual programme, meaning both IP and the O Levels so that if the student is not able to cope with IP, he can still stay in the same school and switch to the O Level programme.


Schools such as: Victoria, Catholic High, ACS(I) and St Joseph's Institution offers both programmes. Note that the first 2 would lead to A Levels while the last 2 would lead to the IB Diploma.

This will be a good option but in the letter, it stated that if he opts for the schools which offers dual programme, he will be offered the O-level programme. :([/quote]Maybe you can still get your child to consider a dual programme school and if your child can do well, there is a possibility to convert to the IP track at Sec 3 in the same school?

[Kingfisher]

slmkhoo:

Kingfisher:

Dear slmkhoo, thank you very much for sharing your experience.

I will request for the booklist too and get some of the books if he goes into an IP school. If he is doing the 'o' levels, I am not so concern as his current school more or less follows the Singapore curriculum and he is half a year ahead of his peers. Do you or any mums know if there is any similarity (eg. subjects) at all between the IP curriculum and 'o' levels for the initial 2 years at least?

May I know which IP school is your daughter in if you don't mind.

RGS. I don't know what the 'normal' curriculum is in sec schools, and I don't really know how RGS handles the various subjects either. I am just going by what is on the curriculum outline (on the school website) and some of the test papers (also on the school website at my request). The textbooks are the standard textbooks though some 'O' level ones are also on the booklist. I think that every school has its own way to doing things and its own schedule for teaching the various topics. My thinking is that since there is no way I can replicate RGS for my daughter, I am just aiming to help her gain an understanding of the topics, and she will have to do the rest when she gets back. Since it's an IP school, she has 4.5 yrs before the 'A' levels, so she should have ample time. She is currently studying a US curriculum, so she will have more 'conversion' to do than your son. She coped pretty well last year preparing for the PSLE while studying a US curriculum, so I am hoping she will manage OK in sec school too.

Thanks again! Your daughter is very bright to be able do very well in the PSLE while studying a different curriculum. I think she should have no problem coping in sec school. All the best!

[Kingfisher]

emoh:

Kingfisher:

[quote]Other possibility could be to choose a school which offers dual programme, meaning both IP and the O Levels so that if the student is not able to cope with IP, he can still stay in the same school and switch to the O Level programme.


Schools such as: Victoria, Catholic High, ACS(I) and St Joseph's Institution offers both programmes. Note that the first 2 would lead to A Levels while the last 2 would lead to the IB Diploma.

This will be a good option but in the letter, it stated that if he opts for the schools which offers dual programme, he will be offered the O-level programme.

Maybe you can still get your child to consider a dual programme school and if your child can do well, there is a possibility to convert to the IP track at Sec 3 in the same school?[/quote]Thanks! We may consider this option.

[emoh]

Kingfisher:

emoh:

Maybe you can still get your child to consider a dual programme school and if your child can do well, there is a possibility to convert to the IP track at Sec 3 in the same school?

Thanks! We may consider this option.

Just curious if u dun mind care to share your final choices of schools ?