Puzz...zzle:

Actually I am still not very clear , the difference between IP & IB

Integrated Programme - to me is just skipping the Os and aiming for the As. Some will bail out as in one of the (2011) thread.

International Baccalaureate is comparatively, sane. You get a IB Certificate after the 4th year and a IB Diploma after the 6th year upon successful completion of course. Learn everything IB here - http://www.ibo.org/country/SG/.

One thing is common - all these schools will use some kind of yardstick for acceptance.

I thought I start a thread like this for those of us parents or students who have gone through this and have a little something to share with all so that what we went through will serve those considering such routes well.


Let me start.

My son (ORD Feb2014 from Naval Diving Unit) has just started his first year in SUTD. His sporting activities got him into RVHS which accepted him just on his P4 & P5 results and sporting credits. He was from Bukit Panjang Primary. Victoria Secondary even gave us an acceptance letter during one of the Inter-Primary School Athletic Meets, without condition, and we did not even approach them. On looking back, that must have boosted his ego quite a bit.

My son told me just a few days ago that he is not the studious kind but will seek to have fun in what he does. Throughout his time in RVHS, he did reasonably well despite the fact that CCA Running and his cycling interests occupied very much of his time. His team helped the school receive some awards from Tan Kah Kee/A*Star competitions, too.

When SUTD gave him a place, it was really a blessing indeed for us as my fear during those years were if he did not do well, he will only have a PSLE certificate which will amount to nothing after 6 years. If you ask me I will do it all over again but with the IB and not the IP-"A" Level route.

But I would not have it this way for my 18yo daughter as she is certainly not the kind that will handle such learning methods like those in IP or IB. One really need to be independent, resourceful and a little playful.

This is about my (2014) P6 Son’s advancement to a Secondary School. I have placed him in SAJC with the intention of him going from Junior School to Junior College. I have heard from 1 female SAJC Student (who came from another school) that majority of SAJC students are not from SASS. Even with the affiliation, most were not able to get into SAJC and the reason cited was the Boys were just too playful.


What do you all think? Should I abandon my original plan and get my DS to select another school as #1 Choice after his PSLE this year?

When my DS was in his P1 year I met an ex-colleague who took his SAJS son (after PSLE) out to another Secondary School. His reason - SASS not serious enough.

Mine’s been there since P1. I give the House 9.5/10. Just need to watch your kid’s feedback and things they ‘do not’ say. For my son, he started to give his feedback late P3 onwards and most of the time it was about other kids making noise. The Jeff, Clive and the House staff do an excellent job in tending to the kids, in my opinion. He does not go there during the holidays, though.

mom3and5:

Hi,


Just wondering about CCAs as my boy will be in P3 next year ... Need to plan for transport. Thanks!

I had wanted to do that for mine last year when he was in P3. But with tuition at the House, homework, traveling, etc, he only had time for Swimming. I figured he needs to let loose and have abandoned fun apart from staying too much in school. This year he is in Basketball.

Check this post for an honest review - http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=25110&start=220 and the site is http://www.etutoronline.net/. He's also hooked on the \"Journey to the West\" on Channel 8 now, without subtitles. The Ziio does help in the process as well.

Rafy:

Cervelo:

... s, hopefully his enthusiasm endures .

In fact that is what I did with my P4. He takes to the tablet pretty comfortably. I bought him that Creative 7in Ziio with the stylus together with a year subscription to a local Chinese portal for him to pick up his Chinese. It works to my satisfaction and there are bonuses like books to read with audio assistance, writing the correct strokes, stuff that interests him not found anywhere else besides books.

Rafy:

Cervelo:

...
Hi Cervelo,
What do the boys in these 3 classes do or learn with the notebook/netbook/tablet?

From what I've gathered. They are considered the faster learners, hence the laptops are used to expand their knowledge.

mom3and5:

Hi everyone,


...

Does anyone know of any other transport operators that pick up kids from Saint Andrew's? Thanks!

Try the St Andrew's House, next to the swimming pool. My P4 stays there after school. I see at least 2 operators with passenger vans fetching kids home. Go up, check with either Jeff or Clive.

Rafy:

My son is in P1 this year and so far it has been positive experience both for him and us as parents.


....

Not sure about this computer thingy only for top classes in the upper primary... don't like the sound of it. Hope to have more sharings from SAJS parents in this forum.

My son's in P4-4 this year. Computers were an added \"feature\" for those in P4-1, -2, and -3. I'm not sure how this will help them in their grades. I have a tight control of my son's home computer, though. He can only use it only on a need-to basis.