After reading this forum, I’ve been given the impression that many parents prefer the IP system as compared to O levels. Can some people shed light on this as I don’t understand… Thanks

Hi everyone,


I've been reading this forum (trying to catch up) and many of you may have a misinterpreted version of the concept of integrated programs, especially for affliated schools. I'm referring to the concept of intake of secondary schools based on students PSLE scores.

For example, since I am from SCGS. In my year, about 40 girls took the PSLE in each class, and there were 5 classes. Therefore there were about 200 students, give or take. Priority is given to all affiliated students as long as they pass their PSLE with a score of 200 or more. As a result, should 200 girls all make the 200 mark, all of them will progress into SCGS Secondary.

I graduated from SCGS recently (in 07) and there are 8 classes with about 35 students in each class. Therefore, there about 280-290 students, give or take. As a result, usually, not more than 100 new students make it into these affliated schools. As a student, I would know because most of my friends progressed with me into secondary school, save for perhaps 30-40 girls of the cohort at most. But a more realistic amount of students who did not make it would be less than 20.

However, students are also able to get it through talent programs which have been implemented in the year for both sec 2 students trying to get into sec 3, as well as primary 6 students trying to get into scgs without meeting the cut off mark for PSLE (which changes all over the years: usually ranging from a minimum of 252/253-258) For example, I had many juniors in the Basketball Team and Squash Team that were from other schools and did not make the cut off mark but managed to get in.

But there is also something else to keep in mind parents... These students who made it to the school based on something other than their academics will have a tough time in school should they be unable to keep up. These students that come in based on sports have to keep up with their school team trainings and competitions and should their studies fail, they may be taken off the school team and put on probation. If you are below sec3, meaning sec 1-2, you may still be pushed out of SCGS if your grades are far below expectations though this happens rarely. Just keep in mind that the pressure your child faces is a very big deal because school teams train till 6-7pm each day, and when competition season is around the corner, they train on weekends as well.

The same concept goes with MGS as my sister went to that school. On the other hand, I can't help tyou with the rest.

WeiHan:

The way I see it, the addition of the seven more IP schools won't affect the present COP of IP schools. Firstly because, the number isn't big. Only 50 more for each school and they already have this number before they get IP status. It will be useful for some schools to stem brain drain. For example Saint Nick, MGS.....the biggest winner is Cedar Girls School. They are already good, now get to associate with a better brand name VJC.

Can someone tell me what is the intake for MGS ,SCGS and ACSI after they reserve all the places for their affiliated primary schools?