Networking Group - JCs General
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floppy\" post_id=\"2095370\" time=\"1674006386\" user_id=\"97579:
Ok thank you..
TBH I do not know. I think doodbug has made some good points that you should consider.
IMHO, if you really want an alternative to the local A Level, there’s no reason to consider UK A when IBDP is available. It’s a well known and tested /proven path for local or overseas universities.
If IB and Poly, which one would you choose? -
MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2095369\" time=\"1674006329\" user_id=\"43981:
The short and simple answer is yes with a but…
Floppy, can you also provide some info/insights on Poly edu when you have time. As in if I were to take course A for 3 years and I think that is not what I like, can I apply for a Degree course B thereafter, that is not so related to Course B or I must start fm Diploma level? Anything to take note of when go to Course A, something like that..
Each university has its own requirements and you will need to spend some time researching on what you like / want / consider and it’s not easy to address it in a post.
Take NUS for example: https://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/docs/default-source/admissions/singapore-polytechnic.pdf?sfvrsn=416ad7f7_12
You can study Business in Singapore Poly and then decide to do Architecture in NUS as long as your diploma meets the cut off and you have obtained a pass in Math in O Level.
Or
You can study Electronics Engineering in SP and then do Business in NUS as long as your diploma meets the cut off.
But
For Computer Engineering, NUS only accepts some diplomas. -
MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2095371\" time=\"1674006563\" user_id=\"43981:
It's not about parents choosing per se - if there is no inclination, no conviction, no interest from the child for the path, things may not turn out as planned.
Ok thank you..
If IB and Poly, which one would you choose?
IB and Poly are extremely different. If the child absolutely dislikes writing short and extended essays, or dislikes philosophy and finds it too waffle-ly, then the IB is a complete misfit. Same goes if the child is not willing to take 6 (actually count TOK and EE,
compulsory subjects from diverse subject groups.
On the other hand, if the child absolutely dislikes group projects, or a GPA style system, poly is a misfit.
There is nothing wrong if a child doesn't know what he or she wants to do, and opts for the option that opens the most options - this is the reason why the PCME cohort at the A levels is so large! It is probably one of the most flexible combinations that opens almost all options. -
MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2095371\" time=\"1674006563\" user_id=\"43981:
IMHO doodbug has given the best answer.
Ok thank you..
If IB and Poly, which one would you choose?
There’s really no right / wrong. It depends on the individual and his or her inclination. -
Add me as another person that would pick IB in int’l school here over UK A (here, Malaysia, or UK). While we don’t know for sure, I have a tough time seeing how UK A is viewed more favourably for local uni. If decide to go uni elsewhere, my impression is that both will be equally portable, if not an edge to the IB score (although this may be more true for the American universities, not sure about UK, Australia, etc). Of course, this is absent any learning style/syllabus difference that the kid prefers or is better suited to.
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MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2095371\" time=\"1674006563\" user_id=\"43981:
I agree with doodbug's answer. Look at your child, and ask her what her preference is. By the age of 16, you should know her strengths and weaknesses, her preferred study style, what kind of job she is likely to prefer, etc. The choice for each student will differ.
If IB and Poly, which one would you choose?
When thinking about jobs, at 16, it's not about the specific job, but just the rough sector and type:
Sector - e.g. healthcare, childcare, type of engineering, media, logistics, travel, etc
Type - people-facing, independent, caring, dealing with children/elderly, detail-oriented, etc
The main benefit of a poly diploma is that starting work at that point is more straightforward, with more demonstrated marketable skills. IB and A levels give a rather 'unfinished' result and it is harder to convince employers who are usually looking for specific skills. They also assume that many such applicants will quit soon to go to university. So for a student who is not sure that she is university bound fairly immediately or because of poor results, a poly diploma in an area that she is interested in will lend itself to finding a job more readily. Going to university can come later, although doing it part-time or mid-career also has its challenges. But picking a random university course without some inclination in that area, or when not mature enough to make the most of it, can be a waste of time. -
MKS, I have a relative’s child who started poly diploma in one field, after 1 year decided didn’t like it (or not scoring well, I dunno which), found a private university which was willing to give some credit for an unrelated undergraduate course. I think 2 years of degree study only. However, employment prospects are not good. I tried to find the name of the private university (at Jackson Square in TPY) but could not find it.
https://smiletutor.sg/8-best-private-universities-in-singapore/
This list throws up some names that have marketed quite aggressively in the past (MDIS, Kaplan, etc). I don’t think entry requirements are stringent. The trade off is not many employers will favour such degrees. If die die want to get a Uni degree, sure can get. Also can find job. Just lower the expectations I guess. -
Must understand that most students who go to JC in the first place are academically stronger.
If the same student who did well in O level but end up with bad A level results decided to make a U turn back to go Poly route, who has a higher chance of getting into local uni ? -
doodbug\" post_id=\"2095373\" time=\"1674006931\" user_id=\"13281:
Students after O level track suddenly switched over to IB (ACSI / SJI) curriculum for Year (5 and 6), not sure if ... they are able to cope well,
It's not about parents choosing per se - if there is no inclination, no conviction, no interest from the child for the path, things may not turn out as planned.
IB and Poly are extremely different. If the child absolutely dislikes writing short and extended essays, or dislikes philosophy and finds it too waffle-ly, then the IB is a complete misfit. Same goes if the child is not willing to take 6 (actually count TOK and EE, compulsory subjects from diverse subject groups.
On the other hand, if the child absolutely dislikes group projects, or a GPA style system, poly is a misfit.
There is nothing wrong if a child doesn't know what he or she wants to do, and opts for the option that opens the most options - this is the reason why the PCME cohort at the A levels is so large! It is probably one of the most flexible combinations that opens almost all options.
vs. compared to
sticking back to the familiar, traditional A-level route, be it SEAB or UK based platform. -
phtthp\" post_id=\"2095382\" time=\"1674011794\" user_id=\"35251:
Humans are not programmes or robots - progression is not always, linear.
Must understand that students who go to JC in the first place are academically stronger.
If the same student who did well in O level but end up with bad A level results decided to make a U turn back to go Poly route, who has a higher chance of getting into local uni ?
There are so many factors that can affect one's performance and we cant wish or plan them all away. It goes way beyond academic suitability, or learning style suitability. It could be friends, going through certain ups and downs in life at that point, being carried away by certain things, or having a good mentor in that particular situation, a supportive peer group, and the list goes on.
We can probably say a certain pathway is say, faster or more direct than another in getting to XYZ, but to say one is better or worse off, it's a value statement. In every life, we cannot turn back the clock, nor do we know the counterfactual. None of us can say, had my child done the IB, he or she would have scored 42 - stupid me chose the A levels and he or she only scored AABB - we are mere mortals.
I have friends who went to Poly after JC - not all of them regretted the path. Some of them in fact, had fantastic memories of the rara and fun JC school life they had - spent countless hours mass dancing, hanging out with friends, and forged friendships. JC is the LAST chance for a school environment, and having form classes and form teachers.
and all.
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