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.
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