mum_sugoku:

Question is, the ones who scored >260 at PSLE and yet struggled in IP, would they really be better off if they had chosen 'O' level instead? When they enter JC 4-years later, they would still be doing exactly the ('A' level) curriculum as their IP counterpart, be subjected to exactly the same stress level as well.

Perhaps look at the child's aptitude and strength. Have failed/did not do well but able to pick himself/herself up. See whether such high score is achiveable based on the collaboration of intense hothousing. If not, solely on child's self-drive attitude.....then go for the IP, since IP curriculum is very rigorous. This self-driven child with the right aptitude and mental strength is very suitable for IP or any other education route.

It is so sad that we have to compare 6% unfavourable vs 94% favorable. With that kind of mentality, it is never ending story. So no need to consider 6% as they are dispensaable afterall 94% favoures it and hopeful.

exactly AppleCrumble…you have touched the nerves. Seen in one case, a fallout IP student went back to O’level route/A’level route. Poor child cannot fit into the new environment. Felt demoralise…ostracise. Took years to bring the poor child back to health. Is this what parents want? Easily said…some folks just cannot take in failure. While some can. Doesn’t means a parent can do that means a child can. Everybody is different.

Thanks for your concern. Thank goodness it is not my DC. DC does not have any problem fitting into IP as he was highly recommended by the primary school teachers during his time. Pass through year 1-4 as he is gifted in the language area.


Rather Ist year and 2nd years students, which I am seeing…quite a handful. Isn’t Straits Time reported such news that there is an increase of students having mental health issue. So parents…be on the ball.

please…failure is not scary… bias…fret not. But when a child breaks or can’t think straight, it will be scary and unthinkable. I do hope it is as simple as it looks.


% seen in report are arbitrary.

It is a no wonder several clinics are saying they have seen an increase in students in that age group seeking help - all had suicidal thoughts. Mental health above all.

lee_yl, it is unfortunate you have taken my statement out of context. Whether I opt for my dc to IP is definitely not out to advice parents to be realistic on deliberating IP route. But…coming from a councellor perspective, I would strongly advise parents not to consider IP if the child is hothoused and does not have aptitudes and strength. Bearing in mind the IP academics requirements. IP is just not for everyone especially those who are are hothoused.

Being in the IP school…I dared to say the drop out rates at year 2 is pretty handful. You will be surprise. Do you think parents will admit it openly…it is like a slap across the face for loosing face.


For your info…never in my statement that indicated IP is not a good school. I have counselled students who cannot make it and seen enough of unrealistic parents still fighting for appeal.

I only merely recommend that all hope is not lost to Nebbermind or whoever parents out there…that students or parents who are still keen in IP can try out at year 3. Don’t know why you are so jumpy about.

For your info, my dc is already in IP and is now in year 4. So what if it is IP? Am I negative to IP? Was I negative towards O’level? Ah! None of my statement above indicated that.

All I stated out front was there is no right or wrong in whichever education route. Just be realistic. As a parent, you should know your child studying attitude and studying habits. Perhaps it hits the raw point of some parents…but that is the fact.

lee_yl:

P said not everyone with good results in Sec 2 can apply to join IP, it is by invitation only. Have to go through stringent test and in the end, very few selected. On the other hand, also extremely few opt to go back to O’level.

Mum4everr:

But if year 1 and 2 result are fantastic.....can still go for the interview at year 3 to try it out. These kids are more likely to be accepted......especially if recommended by teacher. Since by year 2, there will be dropouts in the IP.

see above as highlighted.

Of course most will not a opt to go back to O' level if they just make it at Year 2. But a handful will be drop out when result are down south. Seen it all.

Of course no education route is easy. Otherwise we are a nation of doctors and lawyers.

But if year 1 and 2 result are fantastic…can still go for the interview at year 3 to try it out. These kids are more likely to be accepted…especially if recommended by teacher. Since by year 2, there will be dropouts in the IP.

Exactly…choose the route which is best suited for the child.


Tuition vs enrichment…these days the difference is too dilute…too grey. Nobody would digress further as in to push the grade up then take enrichment. Enrichment sounds like "waste time" as compared to tuition which is more rigorous.

Take for instance my DC’s couple of classmates…had 2 tuition lessons for each English, Chinese and Maths in their P5 & P6 years. When they went into IP… .struggled in the Ist year and was told to buck up or push back to ‘O’ level.