Did anyone read this letter in the straits times and have any thoughts on it?


https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-relook-need-to-hand-gep-results-to-pupils-in-class

I am sure some children were disappointed but I heard that at my sons school some of the kids congratulated the ones who got through to the other round. Perhaps it says more about the kids at that particular school.
As a child I recall people who did well in national competitions got a mention in assembly and it was seen as something to be proud of not something to be secretive about.

What are the advantages of being a GEP student? Will children be able to have a direct school admission? If the syllabus is the same and they all need to do well in PSLE to obtain a place in a good secondary school.

Can you expand more on why you think the school is below expectations?

Our son has attended and is now in P1. Our number 2 is currently still attending. I was surprised that academically they do push the kids but this makes it less of a shock at primary school. As I mentioned earlier they are extending the hours of each session. The class sizes are not too large either. Only down side is there is not so much outdoor activity but other than that we have been more than happy with the teacher and staff at the place.

My son attended 4 years here and really enjoyed it. I understand now they are increasing the hours from 3 to 4 hours for the morning and afternoon sessions.

My own view has been they have accepted children of all abilities and all backgrounds. They also run some enrichment programs for the afternoon on some days.
It’s a school setup based on strong Christian values and I can honestly say in my time with the school he teachers have always been kind and caring for my child and provided him with confidence and good values.
Our neighbors and their extended family have all sent their children to the this place and some are at university now.

RonCR7:

To be fair and transparent. The school should break down the number.

The stake is high.

It is the inconsistency across all the schools that is frustrating. Some show the breakdown, some don't quoting MOE rules.

I asked at HWS today about the breakdown of applicants to distance but they told me they were not allowed to reveal that. When we were registering today there were some parents who were registering that lived 1-2km away or further. Given the ballot history I would have thought the staff would advise them that the chances were slim to non existent. However I am making a lot of assumptions as to which category they might fall in SC or PR and distances.

I guess I just have to :xedfingers:

MelOng:

Saw the MOE updates.. couple of schools way over subscribed.. eg. HWS 28 places available for 2C but 114 applucations !!!

Thanks for the responses people. I doubt there will ever be a completely fair system but at least there is some transparency. It would be nice to get a breakdown of applications based on distances especially when it comes to a ballot so we can gauge the odds better, do MOE provide this information?

skii:

I received a MOE verbal confirmation before.

Even when a place (secures in say 2a1) is withdrawn during 2B, that slow will still go to 2C - as unfair as it sounds.

zac's mum:

[quote=\"chunda\"]I have read that some parents can withdraw their children from earlier phases and then apply in phase 2C at other schools. If this happens then what happens to the space that becomes available? does it go back into phase 2C?

Yes.

[/quote]

I have read that some parents can withdraw their children from earlier phases and then apply in phase 2C at other schools. If this happens then what happens to the space that becomes available? does it go back into phase 2C?

I am totally new to this system of primary school allocations.

I stay in the Farrer Park Area and am looking at sending my son to either

Hong Wen where we are < 1Km away
SJI within 2km away

Only eligible for phase 2C as have no affiliations with any schools, my son is a SC, wife is SC and I am a PR
As I understand it Hong Wen will need balloting at < 1km and SJI has historically needed balloting within 2km.
The problem is which one should I apply for to stand a chance? Do we wait to see which one has more spaces and applications?
My gut instinct is just try Hong Wen

Ideally we want a mixed / co-ed school because we have a daughter ( SG50 born ) and I this could be another tough year for primary school entry.

We have a few other backup options like Farrer Park Primary or Stamford
Any advice from the more experienced people?
Thanks