Pat's Schoolhouse
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empressplace, MFS = My First Skool
I liked that my child's former school had parental involvement activities.
They invite the parents along for excursions (based on their learning theme for the term), have assignment sheets that require parents' help (e.g. doing a piece of craft together) and update us on what the learning objectives are at the start of every term.
Parents are briefed on show-and-tell requirements, we do a little write-up so the teacher can help the child along if he/ she is unable to articulate certain concepts and we get to see photos/ debrief of the activity at the half-yearly PTM.
I've even taken up the teacher's invitation to read a book at my child's class - my kid was so fascinated that Mommy was sitting in the storyteller's chair
Actually I do feel quite paiseh to always raise pointed questions to Pat's admin.
But some things are quite important to me - like spelling my kid's name correctly and ensuring he has a fixed/ proper space to place his bag + shoes to build a sense of belonging and be able to locate his stuff independently.
I was really quite upset by the whole setup in the first month. It's not a new centre but it feels like they couldn't cope.
My only consolation so far, is that my child looks forward to going to Pat's and seems to have an affinity with a couple of his teachers.
I'm hoping my gut discomfort is part of the initial settling-in process... -
Not sure if it is just our centre, Show and Tell doesn’t even start till the second half of K1, which is pretty late.
PSH used to be one of those preschool options where you pay and don’t have to worry much about quality. But it isn’t the case nowadays, I have found. I have also stopped giving feedback to the school admin because there is no tangible improvement.
The change that has been made this year - e.g. removing the extended day option - has been motivated by the need to streamline administration. However it is not necessarily in the interest of the children or parents. I have not seen any new initiatives that were impressive or helpful. Case in point - parents’ portal. What a joke. Just check it and you will often find friday feedback not updated in a timely manner. We are better off with the old system of weekly paper feedback. At least it is more timely. There are hardly any class photos. Calendar does not contain any information on PSH holidays or any upcoming events.
Most the parents especially in the more expensive branches of PSH are able and willing to pay for quality. But I don’t feel I am getting value for my money anymore and no longer strongly recommend PSH to my friends. Well, in some locations or in some family situations, it just happens to be the best option around after weighing various factors. That’s about it. -
Go private kindergartens like Chatsworth. Probably a lot more value-for-money in comparison. Of course PSH is a CCC, not kindergarten so cannot directly compare.
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Chatsworth is an international kindergarten, not suitable for Singapore primary school preparation.
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I agree with empressplace. The quality doesn’t seem to be in tandem with the fees. Last time I thought enrolling dd in PSH is sufficient then realized everyone in her class attend enrichment classes. Hence now really thinking hard whether to enroll ds there.
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Any comments on Pat Sch Tanglin??
How’s their principal and quality of teachers? -
For what it’s worth, my son is in K1 at Pats Serangoon and his first show and tell will be held this month.
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Pardon my ignorance
Whats a show and tell?
What does the child need to do
Thanks -
There are different ways to do show & tell…my niece in P2 had to talk about her Chinese New Year (so no show, only tell). At Pats the K1 assignment is to use recycled materials and junk to create a sculpture. I guess the child is then supposed to show it to his classmates and talk about it? I told my son to talk about what materials he used to make his sculpture and what the function of his sculpture is. I thought it was quite a creative assignment, and we had fun collecting materials and assembling something of his choice.
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The curriculum does not appear to be consistently applied, it appears. In Claymore centre, show and tell only started in last quarter of K1 for 2012.
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