Singapore Expats

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had any information specifically on the above schools.

I haven't decided whether to send my son to a local or an International School yet. I have a bit of time. I will go and visit the schools but it would be nice to have some input from parents of children who go there.

I think my main priority is that my son is taught in a way that encourages free-thinking and exploration and to work things out on his own, which I know isn't the way in some maybe even most local schools but I think a few are more open than others. The main draw for me to a local school is the emphasis on the Mandarin language. I want us all to be fluent in a year's time.

Thanks for any contributions,
Amelia

hi Amelia, to be able to go in a local school, you need to be "Permanent Resident"... otherwise, you don't find availability...
Priority is given to local people, after, to permanent residents (P.R.), and after, to who is living in de first 2 km from the school.

The International School are really expensive: +/- 40.000 $ sing.

Good luck!
Fauve

I've read as much as I can about the various Phases of entry into schools and we are PR.

Thanks
A.

Hi Amelia,

Fauve is wrong. I'd like to correct what Fauve said. I am a teacher at a local school and I also tutor expat students in English. So I know both systems pretty well.

My Korean student moved to Singapore in January this year and started out at an International School. When the parents decided he'd learn faster and better at a local school, he was in one by MARCH.

All you have to do, is apply for an entry exam, if the local school has vacancies. My student applied and passed on his first try (I was so proud!) and then after that, all you have to do is apply for a student visa - it takes about two weeks - and you're in. The whole process took less than a month. Your child can take the exam at different schools if he doesn't pass the first time (I'm sure he will!).

If you need any more advice/info you can call me at 81685437 I'd be happy to help.

Tanjong Katong was nicknamed "United nations Primary" a couple of years back, as there were so many children from all over the world enrolled. Wh don't you ask if you can go and visit the schoools?

For Primary 1 (which I am assuming your child is), there is no ntrance test. Being PR will help (assuming your son is PR, not just you) as you don't need to wait till phase three enrolments. As for encourgaing creativity, I don't think you will find what you are looking for... Local schools are not usually great in this department. To be fair, this is changing and a good principal/school staff will make all the difference.

International schools do not cost $40k. They are more like $15-18k.

Lastly, learning a language fluently will take a LOT more than a year.