Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:12:14 GMT

nutsaboutarts — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:12:14 GMT

Hi, I would suggest homeschooling for your child. When your child goes to secondary level, Pathlight needs not be the only choice. You can also consider IGCSE. You can just register at British Council Singapore as a private candidate. The best thing is your child do not need to take all the subjects at one go. At the end of the day, it is recognised locally and overseas just like O Level examinations. Choose the path that is best for your child. There is no need to follow any norm. Best wishes!

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:12:14 GMT

nutsaboutarts — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:12:14 GMT

https://www.britishcouncil.sg/exam/school-exams

Check out IGCSE

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:12:04 GMT

nutsaboutarts — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:12:04 GMT

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Wed, 16 Mar 2022 10:36:38 GMT

gwendolyn2601 — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 10:36:38 GMT

My name is G. I used to assist in Occupational Therapy sessions for special needs children and provide tuition services.

I am an advocate for physical-based activities as it:
⁃ improves one’s concentration and memory
⁃ improves one’s health and well-being
⁃ provides greater confidence
⁃ makes tuition not so boring
⁃ improves one’s gross (e.g. throwing ball, cycling) and fine motor skills (e.g. tying shoe lace, opening bottle can, buttoning shirt)

Each session is a flat rate of $35/hr.

Duration (once/ twice weekly and 1hr/ 1.5hrs per session) and content of sessions are customised accordingly, depending on your goal:
⁃ Functional life skills activity (e.g. crossing road, counting money and buying things, folding clothes)
⁃ Indoor fun activity (e.g. games, play dough, mini obstacles at home)
⁃ Pre-writing/ education (eg primary school math/science/chinese)

I always believe a child is able to better focus/ regulate with sufficient physical activities. Same goes for Adult.

Message me for discussion and i can provide more information (eg past experiences and future plans). Let’s work together and help your child achieve greater heights!

*Disclaimer: I do not provide initial assessment/ evaluation, physical activities might cause little abrasion (which can help a child to grow stronger)

The key component to achieving various goals is keeping the sessions and activities fun and “child-directed” if possible. This means I allow the child to pick what we do but I manipulate it into being therapeutic and to work on the goals I have set for the child. This way, it is always motivating, and the child does not realise that they are doing “work.” When working at home, I encourage you to be playful and imaginative with the activities, this will yield the best results.
https://postimg.cc/LYg3q9xg

https://postimg.cc/rRSGJhX8

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Mon, 03 May 2021 08:35:12 GMT

KiasuAhTan — Mon, 03 May 2021 08:35:12 GMT

kay_liz\" post_id=\"2019513\" time=\"1617634794\" user_id=\"50635:

Hi, any parents with children diagnosed with MID and in a Special education sch? I deferred my child for a year and she entered mainstream P1 when she is 8. However, she is not really coping very well and need a lot of guidance to be able to complete her homework. She is also in all the learning support programs & also remedial. I am considering to switch her to a sped sch so it will not be so tough for her. However i don’t know if it will be the right choice and I hope someone can share his/her experience with me.

Thank you!

I'm in similar situation. Trying to defer my child for a year, could you share the process of doing so? Did you apply for mainstream first and defer? was it the advice given by EPIC/Doc? Did you do the school assessment test? IQ test etc?

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Tue, 06 Apr 2021 00:06:58 GMT

sharonkhoo — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 00:06:58 GMT

kay_liz\" post_id=\"2019513\" time=\"1617634794\" user_id=\"50635:

Hi, any parents with children diagnosed with MID and in a Special education sch? I deferred my child for a year and she entered mainstream P1 when she is 8. However, she is not really coping very well and need a lot of guidance to be able to complete her homework. She is also in all the learning support programs & also remedial. I am considering to switch her to a sped sch so it will not be so tough for her. However i don’t know if it will be the right choice and I hope someone can share his/her experience with me.

Thank you!

My daughter has ASD (Asperger's) and was in mainstream school all the way and is graduating from university this year. She does not have MID, though, so our considerations were different. But throughout her education, our main question to ourselves was \"Is she thriving?\". Even though she needed a lot of support from us, not so much from the school as her issues were not purely academic, we evaluated the situation depending on whether she was still coping, and whether she was losing confidence or getting too stressed. Although there were hard and stressful times, they were overall manageable and short-lived. So we continued year by year to where we are now. If you feel that your daughter is still thriving - meaning that you see progress, her self-confidence is not being destroyed, she is not too stressed for long periods, she has opportunities to have fun and explore her own interests to some extent, etc. then you may want to let her continue. But if you feel that her quality of life is suffering and she's doing nothing except try to keep up, then an alternative solution may be better. As parents, you will know her situation best.

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Mon, 05 Apr 2021 14:59:54 GMT

kay_liz — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 14:59:54 GMT

Hi, any parents with children diagnosed with MID and in a Special education sch? I deferred my child for a year and she entered mainstream P1 when she is 8. However, she is not really coping very well and need a lot of guidance to be able to complete her homework. She is also in all the learning support programs & also remedial. I am considering to switch her to a sped sch so it will not be so tough for her. However i don’t know if it will be the right choice and I hope someone can share his/her experience with me.

Thank you!

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Mon, 21 Oct 2019 08:11:13 GMT

NTU ASD01 STUDY — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 08:11:13 GMT

ARE YOU A MOTHER OF A CHILD WITH ASD?

Sign up for our study to help us learn about your relationship with your child. Your involvement in the study would consist of completing a one-hour online survey. You can complete the study at your convenience and will be compensated for your time.

Mothers of a child with ASD who is between the ages of 3-7 years old are eligible to participate.

If interested, call Ms. Chloe Hong at +65 9652 8075 or email asdresearch01@gmail.com. Alternatively, contact the Social and Affective Neuroscience Lab at 65921573. For more information on the study, call with questions.
https://postimg.cc/yDGYwk5d

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Fri, 10 Mar 2017 14:33:46 GMT

phy09 — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 14:33:46 GMT

Want to check if any parent has kid with mild ID and in a mainstream Pri sch. :thankyou:

Pls share how the sch has helped and the difficulties your kid faced.

:thankyou:

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Mon, 25 Aug 2014 09:08:29 GMT

phtthp — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 09:08:29 GMT

Suppose your child proceed forward, onto Mainstream P2, P3, P4.

When reach higher level, P4 to P6 -
also not allowed to repeat.

Because Subject based banding occur.
This is compulsory across all primary schools to all pupils (regardless of whether face learning difficulty issue or not), in compliance to MOE curriculum
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/primary ... anding.pdf

based on end of The year Science & Maths results, To enter into Upper primary -
students in Mainstream will be streamed accordingly , to tAke up :-
- either Foundation Maths, or normal, regular Maths, and
- either Foundation Science, or normal, regular Science curriculum.

MOE had introduced the appropriate curriculum, to help pupils, to learn at their suitable, comfortable pace.
Hence, do away with \"repeating the same level, as had happened before in the past (history)\".

To summarize, nowadays, schools do not allow repeating, from P1 to P6.
The child will automatically be pushed up to the next higher level.
When reach P4 to P6 : all pupils will be streamed accordingly, based on subjects.

However, in circumstances whereby a child really can't cope with Mainstream, school can recommend suggestions to parents which other alternative schools are more suitable and benefit the child better, long term. Everything is being considered, from the view point of the child, to help the child in education.

In Mainstream, P1 and P2 : around 30 pupils, per class.
P1 pupils move up to P2 : same class

most schools have silent banding (not official), at end of P2.
At end of P2 : pupils will be \"silently\" banded into P3 classes.

From P3 onwards : Mainstream will have around 40 pupils, per class, bigger class now, instead of previously 30.

Every autistic child, is different.
If a child is autistic, high functioning and able to cope with the pace in Mainstream, child will remain in school, study all the way until P6.

But if a child is autistic, unable to cope after trying out Mainstream -
schools can recommend Pathlight, where the students to Tr ratio per class is much smaller, and Tr in Pathlight can pay more attention, to your child.

Schools can help to transfer your child to Pathlight.
But Pathlight first need to assess your child.
Pathlight will also revert back to Mainstream schools' Form Tr what issues the child had encountered, previously, for background history, during evaluation consideration process.
On her own, Pathlight will also need to conduct some tests, on the child.

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Mon, 25 Aug 2014 06:24:02 GMT

phtthp — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 06:24:02 GMT

No.

P1 pupils do not repeat P1.

By end of P1 Term 1 -
3 subject Teachers for English, Maths, Mother Tongue, would have identified pupils from the class who need help, to attend learning support program.

The assessment is done by class subject Tr, apply to all P1 pupils -
Regardless of whether the pupil face learning difficulty issues, or not.

This is in accordance with MOE policy, that all P1 pupils must be equipped with basic reading literacy, plus basic arithmetic skills.
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/program ... g-support/

Basic reading literacy, must be there.
Otherwise when come to P1 Term 3 or 4, when P1 English Tr start to introduce composition writing, pupils will struggle.
Schools that have a higher standard of English, tend to start composition / essay writing, earlier.

By end of P1 Term 2 (just before June school holidays start), there will be PMT (parents meet Teachers) session, where form Tr meet up with individual parents in class one to one, feedback on your child's learning progress in school, what issues the child encounter.

At this point, during Term 2 PMT, you will have a good feel, whether your child can cope in P1 Mainstream, or not.

After June school holiday, Semester 2 start, from July until November.
At end of P1 Term 4, there will be a second round of PMT.
By this time, whether your child can cope with P1 or not, the Truth will be revealed.
Form Tr will be very frank with parents, who have learning issue -
That is, after trying out one year of P1 Mainstream :
Whether can proceed to P2 Mainstream, or suggest that change to a special school environment, is more suitable for your child's learning to benefit the child, long term.
The recommendation will come from the school.

Let's go back, a bit.

By end of P1 Term 1 -
if your child encounter learning difficulty in class, have a frank and honest talk, with your child's P1 Form Tr.
the form Tr is in contact with your child everyday.
She will be familiar with your child's behavior, learning issue to overcome.

Your form Tr can arrange for an Educational psychologist, from a hospital clinic attached to Ministry of Education, to come down, to assess your child.
There will be some forms for parents to fill in the details, regarding behavior of your child.

Your child's Form Tr will need to list down the issues your child encounter in class, and let the Educational psychologist, to evaluate & to assess.
Likewise, On your part, as a parent, when you meet the Educational psychologist face to face, she will also need you to list down the issues encountered, from you (parents) faced at home, when dealing with your own child.

Example
If a child is dyslexic, or face attention span concentration issues, or autistic, or any other learning difficulty issues.

This Educational psychologist come down to school premises, once in every 2 to 3 months. She doesnt come down every month. but your School can help to arrange for some pupils, to see her. But normally, this Educational psychologist will attend to the more severe, urgent cases, first. There may be more than one child in your school queuing up, waiting to see her.

Through this way, parents can pay a small, nominal fee, to the consultation / treatment given, recommended by Educational psychologist.
In contrast, for dyslexic pupils, if just walk in straight like that to the Association of Dyslexia (Sg), consultation can be costly.
But if go through schools, it can help in savings, long term.

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Mon, 25 Aug 2014 05:48:49 GMT

Snow24 — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 05:48:49 GMT

Hi

For a child with mild special need who is eligible to enter primary 1 able? what kind of issues parents need to be prepared to handle and the child himself need to cope?

What indicators mean the child cannot fit into mainstream school after trying ?

Is it true that when the child is in primary schools eg primary 1 level the school will not allow him to repeat 1 year at the same level?

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Fri, 20 Dec 2013 01:51:51 GMT

sharonkhoo — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 01:51:51 GMT

luvmum:
slmkhoo:
Luvmum, what are your son's issues? How severe are they? Is there no way he can cope with mainstream? I would generally prefer mainstream if possible.

I think no mother would like to source for alternative if the child fits in nicely in mainstream school. That is the 'normal' path taken by all if not majority. No one likes to be in the minority group but this route is something that is certainly not a choice that we can make.

Kids with issues are unlikely to fit 'nicely' in mainstream, I think. There are always going to be some tough bits to overcome or get around or accept. My experience with a daughter in mainstream (now 16yo) has been a series of ups and downs, and constantly finding ways of coping along the way and wondering how long we can last! Even international school, though possibly an easier route than Singapore school, will not always been smooth. If you could give more details about what you anticipate to be your son's difficulties, you might be able to get some specific suggestions from other parents here.

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Thu, 19 Dec 2013 10:28:50 GMT

ImMeeMee — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 10:28:50 GMT

luvmum

My doter is going to PL so I don’t have first hand experience on what to do in your situation.

But if I may, my next best option could be to look for a suitable mainstream school that offers acceptable support for the child. As far as I know, there are some neighbourhood schools that are nurturing and offer good support, and they are usually still available at phase 2C. I may then not consider distance as a primary factor in this instance given my options.

My doter’s EIPIC center was quite a distance from where we stay. But because our primary consideration was the EIPIC program for her, we went ahead but we had to work out our logistics. It was not very easy during the two years but we told ourselves we would manage it and we did.

JMHO. Hope this helps.

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:21:48 GMT

luvmum — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:21:48 GMT

My advice:

You may let your son enter the mainstream school. Give him a chance to experience it and observe closely. Lower down your expectation. Academic result is not everything.

The most important thing is...your son happiness. If he's happy attending the school and has friends, then you already have the answer.

Good luck![/quote]

:thankyou: I like your advice and will heed it. Yes, homeschooling is certainly the route to be taken if interntional school proves to be tough for us to manage financialy.

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:20:16 GMT

luvmum — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:20:16 GMT

slmkhoo:
Luvmum, what are your son's issues? How severe are they? Is there no way he can cope with mainstream? I would generally prefer mainstream if possible.

I think no mother would like to source for alternative if the child fits in nicely in mainstream school. That is the 'normal' path taken by all if not majority. No one likes to be in the minority group but this route is something that is certainly not a choice that we can make.

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Thu, 19 Dec 2013 07:03:49 GMT

sharonkhoo — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 07:03:49 GMT

Luvmum, what are your son’s issues? How severe are they? Is there no way he can cope with mainstream? I would generally prefer mainstream if possible.

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Thu, 19 Dec 2013 05:46:57 GMT

botakgundul — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 05:46:57 GMT

luvmum:

Thank you for your sharing, that is very constructive.

No worries. Glad to share.

luvmum:
The next best alternative I can think of is international school but the cost is simply exhorbitant..

I ever think on this option, but my proposal was rejected by my hubby due to cost.

luvmum:
My son is definitely more suited for a low teacher student ratio and a slower pace learning environment.

While he was in preschool, he attended both...mainstream kindy and special school to hone the skills that he was deficit in. Now that he will be entering pri school next yr, I'm still sourcing for alternatives as I am preparing the worst to happen.

Have you considered home schooling? It was mentioned by slmkhoo.

I'm not sure on the cost, however I think it's cheaper than enrolling your son to international school.

You may refer to the following link to get more information about home schooling:
http://singaporehomeschooling.com/

My advice:
You may let your son enter the mainstream school. Give him a chance to experience it and observe closely. Lower down your expectation. Academic result is not everything.

The most important thing is...your son happiness. If he's happy attending the school and has friends, then you already have the answer.

Good luck!

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Thu, 19 Dec 2013 04:18:15 GMT

luvmum — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 04:18:15 GMT

[quote="botakgundul"]My son was in mainstream school until this year. He’ll be moving out to Pathlight next year. I’m still not sure what will be the outcome of my decision. Am I making a correct decision? Perhaps I could share with you more in the future.

Thank you for your sharing, that is very constructive. If my son is able to enter pathlight in the first place, I will not opt for mainstream school. However, because he is not ASD, there is no chance at all. I did try appealing. My son is definitely more suited for a low teacher student ratio and a slower pace learning environment.

While he was in preschool, he attended both…mainstream kindy and special school to hone the skills that he was deficit in. Now that he will be entering pri school next yr, I’m still sourcing for alternatives as I am preparing the worst to happen. As mother we know best! I can’t think of any other schools that offer mainstream curriculum that he can fall on. The next best alternative I can think of is international school but the cost is simply exhorbitant…

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Thu, 19 Dec 2013 03:19:33 GMT

botakgundul — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 03:19:33 GMT

My son was in mainstream school until this year. He'll be moving out to Pathlight next year. I'm still not sure what will be the outcome of my decision. Am I making a correct decision? Perhaps I could share with you more in the future.

luvmum:
what would be the alternative school choices you have for your child?

Starting from Primary school

First, I'll look for other mainstream school with better support. I heard about St. Andrew & Naval Base, however I don't go to this path because of long waiting list or distance.

Second, I look for special school that teaches mainstream curriculums such as Pathlight. My goal is to prepare solid foundation (such as social skills, organisation skills etc - focus more on EQ) for my son so he could eventually go to the mainstream secondary school.

Third & my last choice, I'll look for special school that teaches my son independent skills.

Continue the journey to Secondary schools

The following applies only for my first & second choice:

First, mainstream secondary schools.

Second, Pathlight secondary schools.

Third, specialist schools such as SOTA.

Continue the journey after Secondary schools

NS (National Service)

After NS (National Service)

No plan yet. Let nature take its course.

Reply to Alternative School choices after trying mainstream school on Fri, 06 Dec 2013 07:19:41 GMT

sharonkhoo — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 07:19:41 GMT

luvmum:
Dear mummies with special needs children,

If after trying mainstream school for a while and you have decided to pull him out for whatever reasons, what would be the alternative school choices you have for your child?

Please come in and share, especially parents who have walked in this shoe before.

Most grateful.
:thankyou:

What are the special needs? How severe? How old is the child? For kids with ASD, Pathlight may be an option. Other possibilities, depending on age, ability and suitability, could be homeschooling or online/internet school.