<![CDATA[Competition among primary schools]]>Hi Parents,


I'm just another worried mum who is now worrying about P1 registration for my girl next year.

As quoted by ChiefKiasu, \"Students and outsiders love to lambast parents for being kiasu and creating the competitive culture in Primary school....... So who's fault is it that the Primary schools are so competitive?\"

How do we as parents, label a school being \"good\", \"average\" or \"not so good\" ?
From a parent perspectives, why do (must) we, by all means try to get our children into \"good\" school ?
Will my child \"suffer / lose out\" in terms of learning if he/she study in a \"not so good\" school ?

:?: :?: :?: :?:

If I will to co-relate a school to the corporate world, the profit of the school will be the no of top students it generated yearly. We define the principal as the \"CEO\" who implement the right management procedure plus motivation of teachers & students to get the school up the ranking level..... , right ?

How long will a principal stay with the school ? Are they rotated on regular basis ? How does MOE assign the principals... ?
Will good principals be assigned to good schools, to keep the schools in \"good\" ranking ???

Maybe i'm just being silly :oops: , just want to vent out some of my thoughts.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/800/competition-among-primary-schoolsRSS for NodeSat, 02 May 2026 05:27:25 GMTWed, 13 Aug 2008 05:00:32 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Thu, 09 Jul 2015 02:21:57 GMT]]>Thanks for sharing!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1535880https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1535880Thu, 09 Jul 2015 02:21:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:19:57 GMT]]>

metz:

However, things will start to take an interesting change when the kids hit P3-P4.
P1/p2 are foundational years.
Real test seep in from end of p2.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1006975https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1006975Mon, 20 May 2013 16:19:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Sat, 23 Aug 2008 06:51:03 GMT]]>

tamarind:


Well, I have heard of some parents who bought P1 textbooks/assessments to prepare their kids. Such kids will probably feel bored at P1. So I am not going to do that. I only make sure that my kids read at least one page (depending on their ability) and write a few words everyday.
My 5 yr old is definitely very well prepared in this sense. We find P1 Maths syllabus a breeze. Not very different from the concepts kindergartens are teaching. In fact, another 2003 kid has started working on P1 English assessment books too.

I am not so worried about him feeling bored in school. Besides academic learning, there are other aspects of school life that he has to learn to manage.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6310https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6310Sat, 23 Aug 2008 06:51:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:56:07 GMT]]>Oops, my girl is definitely over prepared πŸ˜‰


She's one of those advanced Kumon kids. In fact, there are many in the Kumon center she's attending. Like a norm rather than exceptional. Some of the lower primary kids are doing secondary level Mathematics.

I don't think she's bored at all in her kindergarten. She's busy socialising, and there are other topics taught that she doesn't know yet such as sea creatures, farm animals, how the cow get milk. Those that she already knew, I ask her to treat as revision.

I believe it's even more pressurizing & depressing if the child cannot cope

Anyway, P1 & P2 most kids have no problems. P3 onwards is the real test


Oh, just to add, there is no way a child can be over prepared for languages. Chinese is about reading & writing. The richer her vocab, the better. Ditto for English.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6132https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6132Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:56:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:54:29 GMT]]>The PCF I paid was slightly less than $100. Besides fully air-con, they have drama (that was the year end performance), music, dance room, computer, science, English, Math & 2nd language. For cooking, creative art work, the parents pay slightly during school holidays. Yes, they cover spelling (not the 3 letter words) & simple writing. What they did not cover is phonic which I think is very important for the children.


Some kids like to be at the top of the game, like Jedamum son (our dream boy!). Some kids have high ability, so repetition is a no no. Some kids with lower ability, will need a lot of helps and guidance. So it all depends on the child & the school they are going to be in. As we know, different schools have different emphasis & different standards.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6130https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6130Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:54:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:22:40 GMT]]>

chamonix:

I sure hope that's not the only thing you are paying a premium for. πŸ˜‰ Incidentally, a few other kids I know have English spelling since the start of K1 too. Another kindergarten has started preparing K1 students on simple comprehension.

IMHO, I'm not sure if Spelling is a good practice to have in preschools and also to what end does it serve to have Spelling at K1. Perhaps to help kids in reading?
This is the first year that premium PCF starts to have K1 class, so I completely have no idea about their standards before my girl started school. I put my girl there because it includes enrichment classes such as cooking, dancing, junior writing, poetry etc, not because I want her to have spelling in K1.

I think it is OK to have spelling in pre-school, it will help when the kids start to write in sentences. But it should be limited to 3 letter words, or commonly used words like the, this, that, etc. My girl's K1 class requires her to spell words like \"ambulance\", \"submarine\", etc. I find it funny that the kids know how to spell these words, but don't know how to spell \"the\", \"this\", etc. Or perhaps the teachers expect the kids to already know how to spell these simple words in nursery ?

My girl don't feel stress at all in her K1 class, so I am glad that I have found a suitable school for her. But for my younger boy, I have registered him in a \"normal\" PCF which will suit him better.


chamonix:
tamarind:

Well, I have heard of some parents who bought P1 textbooks/assessments to prepare their kids. Such kids will probably feel bored at P1. So I am not going to do that. I only make sure that my kids read at least one page (depending on their ability) and write a few words everyday.

Different parents have different thoughts of preparing their kids. Some kids are packed for P1 preparatory classes at the start of K2.

Actually I was thinking about those kids who feel bored at P1, because they already know everything that the teacher is teaching. It is a result of the parents \"over preparing\" them.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6128https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6128Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:22:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:54:06 GMT]]>

heutistmeintag:


Apart from children being over-prepared for P1, I tend to think that P1 is meant for settling children into primary school life. To get used to the routine (perhaps longer hours for some), learning to go toilets on their own, deciding what food to eat during recess, playing with both younger and older children etc ..and last but not least, taking exams.

Academic achievement is IMHO the least important concern at this stage of primary school and children are expected to sail through. The screws are only tightened from P3 onwards and from my kids' experiences, they even started to learn (simple) biology in P4 and that forced me to do a desperate revision off the Internet. lol
I'm on the same thought too. For me, lower primary is more about learning discipline, respecting others, interpersonal relationships and honing life skills.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6117https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6117Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:54:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:41:10 GMT]]>

tamarind:
Chamonix,

My girl's \"premium\" PCF have english spelling as well as Chinese written tests since the first half of K1 ! They have also been taught to draw a picture, then write a simple sentence in K1.
I sure hope that's not the only thing you are paying a premium for. πŸ˜‰ Incidentally, a few other kids I know have English spelling since the start of K1 too. Another kindergarten has started preparing K1 students on simple comprehension.

IMHO, I'm not sure if Spelling is a good practice to have in preschools and also to what end does it serve to have Spelling at K1. Perhaps to help kids in reading?
tamarind:

We should teach the child as much as his/her ability can reach, so long as we are not pushing them like sending them to many enrichment classes and doing tonnes of homework everyday.
Even with just parents' coaching alone, there's still risk of pushing and hothousing. It's not easy for a parent to be objective, especially with his/her own kid. That's a constant reminder for myself πŸ™‚
tamarind:
Well, I have heard of some parents who bought P1 textbooks/assessments to prepare their kids. Such kids will probably feel bored at P1. So I am not going to do that. I only make sure that my kids read at least one page (depending on their ability) and write a few words everyday.
Different parents have different thoughts of preparing their kids. Some kids are packed for P1 preparatory classes at the start of K2.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6115https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6115Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:41:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:12:21 GMT]]>

chamonix:
EN:

Have you ever give it a thought that by over preparing your child in P1 & put them in not so stress school, it might be result in kids being bored in school? What will you do then when your kids say, class is boring, teacher keeps on repeating, teacher teach so slowly etc?


Apparently this is a rather common problem in the lower primary. Most kids with good reading foundation can almost sail through Primary 1 and Primary 2 with no problems. I have heard far too many parents complained about their kids' boredom and doing mischiefs in P1 and P2 classes.

However, things will start to take an interesting change when the kids hit P3-P4.

Apart from children being over-prepared for P1, I tend to think that P1 is meant for settling children into primary school life. To get used to the routine (perhaps longer hours for some), learning to go toilets on their own, deciding what food to eat during recess, playing with both younger and older children etc ..and last but not least, taking exams.

Academic achievement is IMHO the least important concern at this stage of primary school and children are expected to sail through. The screws are only tightened from P3 onwards and from my kids' experiences, they even started to learn (simple) biology in P4 and that forced me to do a desperate revision off the Internet. lol

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6110https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6110Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:12:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:08:27 GMT]]>Chamonix,

My girl's \"premium\" PCF have english spelling as well as Chinese written tests since the first half of K1 ! They have also been taught to draw a picture, then write a simple sentence in K1.

Personally I think that for languages, there is no such thing as \"over prepared\". We should teach the child as much as his/her ability can reach, so long as we are not pushing them like sending them to many enrichment classes and doing tonnes of homework everyday.

If the child can read Charlotte's Web or other literature classics at 5 years old, I don't believe that she will feel bored at P1. Because what she is doing in class, is not something that she has seen before. She will probably find it very easy, but the contents should still interest her.

Well, I have heard of some parents who bought P1 textbooks/assessments to prepare their kids. Such kids will probably feel bored at P1. So I am not going to do that. I only make sure that my kids read at least one page (depending on their ability) and write a few words everyday.

EN:
Yes. Add, minus, multiply, divide along with problem sum are being taught as early as primary one. They come in problem sums too. Not just 5 X 4 = ?

Some top schools already covered simple fraction in P1.

Yes, it is good just to teach concept & ensure your kids understand it before P1. But if the child has very good ability in picking up math, having the kids master the P1 syllabus in kindergarten & then put them in a school with mixed abilities, the kids will simply waste away while waiting for the rest to catch up.
I heard there are parents who make their kids memorize the times table before entering P1. I am more concerned that my girl understands that multiplication is repeated addition. I am not too concerned about whether she can master the times table from 1 to 10, she can do that in P1.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6091https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6091Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:08:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:38:47 GMT]]>

tamarind:


West Grove, the school I plan to send my girl to, requires the students to write composition at P1. My girl's PCF will probably only let them write simple sentences by K2. She is attending the \"premium\" PCF kindergarten which costs twice as much as normal PCF kindergarten and her class is of a higher standard than those normal ones. Normal PCF only start to have spelling at K2.
Think most primary schools are teaching their primary ones composition writing. BTPS showcased some of their P1 students' work during the recent Open House. Mine, I'm impressed as the written pieces were completed in May. As I gathered from other forums, composition is included in the exam as well. But the students are given pictures and helping phrases.

No spelling at my son's kindergarten. But the teachers have been teaching the students to write in sentences since the start of the year. For instance, the recent topic was National Day. So, the kids are told to draw what they thought of National Day and write some sentences about the pictures under the teachers' guidance.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6075https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6075Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:38:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:24:06 GMT]]>

EN:
Have you ever give it a thought that by over preparing your child in P1 & put them in not so stress school, it might be result in kids being bored in school? What will you do then when your kids say, class is boring, teacher keeps on repeating, teacher teach so slowly etc?

Apparently this is a rather common problem in the lower primary. Most kids with good reading foundation can almost sail through Primary 1 and Primary 2 with no problems. I have heard far too many parents complained about their kids' boredom and doing mischiefs in P1 and P2 classes.

However, things will start to take an interesting change when the kids hit P3-P4.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6071https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6071Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:24:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:58:06 GMT]]>Yes. Add, minus, multiply, divide along with problem sum are being taught as early as primary one. They come in problem sums too. Not just 5 X 4 = ?


Some top schools already covered simple fraction in P1.

Yes, it is good just to teach concept & ensure your kids understand it before P1. But if the child has very good ability in picking up math, having the kids master the P1 syllabus in kindergarten & then put them in a school with mixed abilities, the kids will simply waste away while waiting for the rest to catch up.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6067https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6067Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:58:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:45:35 GMT]]>

ChiefKiasu:

Errm... add/subtract/multiply/divide/fractions ARE P3 math. Congrats tamarind... you can start your kid in P3 now :).
My friends told me at P1 already have add/subtract/multiply/divide ! And it is not only top schools. Yes I know fractions are higher level, but I actually mean to teach only the concepts of 1/2, 1/4, 1/3 etc only.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6066https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6066Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:45:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:50:10 GMT]]>The school is a bit funny. Students are requested to write journal at the start of P1. Since I don’t know what the standard are for journal at P1, I taught him once how to write a composition. His journal is usually a page and a half long.


Then mid year, I saw the teacher & she told me they will be doing composition. I was ?? Journal no helping words & idea comes from the kids on topic like My Favourite Sea Animals. Composition, will consist of helping phrases & pictures.

The school does not cater to kids of different abilities at P1. But the teacher ensure that kids with high abilities are seated next to the lower abilities to reach out. Even then my son is bored until he found another one like him.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6065https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6065Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:50:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:00:18 GMT]]>

ChiefKiasu:

OK... we have a serious case of kiasu child here :shock: . Shall we start a KiasuKina.com to complement KiasuParents.com? :lol:
What can I say? Its in the genes. 😎
But kiasuism does not equate to hardworking-ism, and i still have to do my fair share of nagging to start his engine.
Teacher asked them to bring boxes or bottles or cans, and he said better to bring boxes AND bottles AND cans in case need anyone of those for the craftwork. :lol:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6060https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6060Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:00:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:54:42 GMT]]>

tamarind:

Normal PCF only start to have spelling at K2.
:lol: :lol:
I guess my boy's PCF is 'adnormal'. Now with hardly 3 mths left, there are still no sign of spelling or tingxie. πŸ˜›
Everyday is play play play and do some simple worksheets.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6058https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6058Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:54:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:26:15 GMT]]>

tamarind:
...I have heard of kids who can do P3/P4 maths at Kumon before they enter primary school. I only plan on teaching my girl add/subtract/multiply/division, double digit addition with carry, and simple fractions. I don't drill her, I only make sure that she understands the concepts. My boy can probably only understand addition/subtraction by K2, but that is good enough to me.

Errm... add/subtract/multiply/divide/fractions ARE P3 math. Congrats tamarind... you can start your kid in P3 now :).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6048https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6048Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:26:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:23:13 GMT]]>

jedamum:
...Problem comes in only when the teacher taught something new (stuff that i have not exposed him to) that day and he'll get all stressed up (teacher said he is too serious) and come home reprimanding me on why i have not prepare him in advance for such stuff. :roll:

OK... we have a serious case of kiasu child here :shock: . Shall we start a KiasuKina.com to complement KiasuParents.com? :lol:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6047https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6047Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:23:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:53:41 GMT]]>

EN:
I did prepare but not extensive. No enrichment class either. But comes P1, he literally is bored because the phase is too slow & repetition of what has been taught in PCF. In PCF, there are general knowledge topics that were covered. Classes are smaller & discussion are allowed. There are no such scenario in P1. I'm not so sure if drawing is allowed when lessons are on and my son loves drawing too.


I am surprised that your son's P1 class teach the same thing as PCF kindergarten.

West Grove, the school I plan to send my girl to, requires the students to write composition at P1. My girl's PCF will probably only let them write simple sentences by K2. She is attending the \"premium\" PCF kindergarten which costs twice as much as normal PCF kindergarten and her class is of a higher standard than those normal ones. Normal PCF only start to have spelling at K2.

I will be very unhappy if the teacher in P1 does not allow my girl to draw or do other things, so long as she has finished all her school work and she is not disturbing others. That teacher obviously does not know how to teach a class of students with various capabilities. I will definitely talk to the principal about this.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6043https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6043Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:53:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:52:02 GMT]]>I did prepare but not extensive. No enrichment class either. But comes P1, he literally is bored because the phase is too slow & repetition of what has been taught in PCF. In PCF, there are general knowledge topics that were covered. Classes are smaller & discussion are allowed. There are no such scenario in P1. I’m not so sure if drawing is allowed when lessons are on and my son loves drawing too.


My son develop ticks, grows sullen, loads of careless mistakes & when I go through revision at home, his eyes are dead. He is a very expressive child. So his body language and eyes expression tell that he had enough. His best friend in school just like him, is becoming a great distraction. Very disruptive and a class clown.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6034https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6034Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:52:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:26:20 GMT]]>

EN:
Have you ever give it a thought that by over preparing your child in P1 & put them in not so stress school, it might be result in kids being bored in school? What will you do then when your kids say, class is boring, teacher keeps on repeating, teacher teach so slowly etc? Worst still, school does not have eca for P1 or any sport activity programs. Just make me realize I should have been more careful in my primary school selection.

I am not worried about my girl getting bored in school. She enjoys socializing with other kids in her K1 class. If she enters P1 and tell me that it is boring, then I will tell her that the teacher has to teach the whole class, with kids of different abilities, she must learn to be considerate to other kids. She loves to draw, so I am sure she can pass her time in class by drawing cute pictures.

However, I heard that if kids are over prepared, they will not pay attention in primary school, and end up making mistakes in exams.

I have heard of kids who can do P3/P4 maths at Kumon before they enter primary school. I only plan on teaching my girl add/subtract/multiply/division, double digit addition with carry, and simple fractions. I don't drill her, I only make sure that she understands the concepts. My boy can probably only understand addition/subtraction by K2, but that is good enough to me.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6021https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6021Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:26:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:03:32 GMT]]>I am not so worried about my boy being bored from over preparation. He actually feel happier being able to breeze through the lessons. Problem comes in only when the teacher taught something new (stuff that i have not exposed him to) that day and he'll get all stressed up (teacher said he is too serious) and come home reprimanding me on why i have not prepare him in advance for such stuff. :roll:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6017https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6017Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:03:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Competition among primary schools on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:59:58 GMT]]>Have you ever give it a thought that by over preparing your child in P1 & put them in not so stress school, it might be result in kids being bored in school? What will you do then when your kids say, class is boring, teacher keeps on repeating, teacher teach so slowly etc? Worst still, school does not have eca for P1 or any sport activity programs. Just make me realize I should have been more careful in my primary school selection.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6016https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/6016Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:59:58 GMT