http://www.edvantage.com.sg/edvantage/features/hottopics/538248/Why_foreign_kids_outperform_local_kids.html


Read this article on AsiaOne.
Do you really agree with what MM has to say?

My take on this: most top schools have the through-train programme now. and lots of foreign students are scholars who came to Singapore in middle school (age 14-15).
Maybe that's why it seems that half of the top 40 O-level students are foreigners?

Perhaps the A-level results would be a better gauge - when those students in IP programmes are included in the bell-curve, that once plagued us all.

thanks 3Boys.

i’m his big sister actually - but we have a huge age gap. and i know that i have to look after him, somehow!
if you know of any contacts or learning centres who specialise in teaching children with special needs, drop me a buzz anytime.

thanks for your advice guys!


we engaged a tutor trained in teaching students with special needs. but additional tuition made him dislike studying even more, unfortunately. it's like he told us that he's trying so hard, but not getting it. i remember how he'll stay up till 1130pm just to complete his school homework and corrections. didn't remember primary school life being that stressful.
his tutor was really encouraging, especially when he was in Pri 4 and the school wanted him to take Foundation papers. my brother confided in his tutor to say he feels like ending his misery. that got all of us really anxious.

i know that international schools are for foreign students. but their curriculum and style of teaching is more suited for my brother. lessons are taught via video and very interactive means. there's way less reading than regular mainstream schools.

my brother is in the normal academic stream. but teachers have informed my parents that he may have to join the normal technical stream as he failed their preliminary tests during the second week of school; resulting in him enrolled in remedial classes for all his subjects. we are about to send him to mindedge now, in hopes that it will boost his confidence and self esteem.

the only exemption he got for his PSLE was 10 minutes more per paper; and mother tongue exemption. sadly, mother tongue was his best subject - making it a tough choice for my parents to accept MOE's proposed measures.

hopefully more can be done to help students with special needs soon

This one's not bad if you're looking for something more light-hearted and fun with the family. Their samples are pretty interesting. Very colourful and light-hearted.


http://www.psiloveyouphotography.blogspot.com/

i guess we saw foreigners as a problem because international schools wouldn’t take him in either.

they have a curriculum that is less written-based but more aural and fun - with presentations, speech and drama etc.
it’s unfortunate that he doesn’t qualify for an international school because their cohort is maxed out.

he has progressed to Secondary 1 with much difficulty. everyone gets frustrated when he can’t get it right. sadly, going overseas is too expensive either. it’s been a trying experience for my family, but thankfully we haven’t given up.

there’s been talk of late about meritocracy and how it’s so good.
but i have my doubts. i feel we should have greater measures to protect and help students or children who are special and require more aid and time.

i guess it’s different when your child has learning difficulties.

my brother suffers from dyslexia. on top of that, he was some auditory difficulties.
unfortunately, his condition isn’t serious enough to go to a special school; and international schools wouldn’t take him in either because they have hit their capacity.

he just entered secondary 1 this year, and we are very concerned that he will not be able to cope, given that measures to help children with learning disabilities aren’t sophisticated enough in Singapore.

in that sense, i think the issue of more foreign students taking up places in Singapore schools - NOT top schools, but even regular schools - was brought up in my household.

we are trying our very best to help him overcome his learning disability. but it is very challenging and taxing. hopefully we can get more help from the Ministry so he won’t always fall behind the pack.

it’s heartbreaking to see him demoralised and have others call him "stupid" or "slow"

My partner resigned after being unable to cope with the stress he faced at work, and sadly, it’s been 2 months and companies have yet to respond to the CVs he’s sent out.


If your other half isn’t earning enough to support the family - especially the children or elderly parents, then of course the best choice would be to secure another job before resigning.

When times are rough, I guess we got to think of who we are working for: our loved ones.

Unless your boss is really unreasonable and intolerable, if not I think you should wait it out

There has been much talk about how foreign students are snapping up places and grades (because of the bell-curve) of local students.


With rising numbers of foreign students admitted to our schools, how would you as a parent feel?

My parents and relatives are deeply concerned. Afterall, unless you come from a well-to-do family, sending one’s kid overseas is extremely costly.
And the family may have to split up if there are older siblings (like myself) who’s working.

So what’s your take on this? Are foreign students making life more stressful and competitive for your child?

Any solutions to this problem? How do you help your child to survive?

HELP!