Singapore Expats

We are a family (with girl age 14, boy age 12) who have moved here from Scotland, with my husbands job. Unfortunately, we do not receive a schooling allowance, and therefore the International Schools are out of our budget. I feel as if I am going around in circles trying to find a school, as there are so many of them here. We thought that a local Independent school would be the answer, but enrolment is not easy, and they also charge a hefty sum just to apply. I have visited one school (ACS Independent)I was only there for 5 mins, and was told that my son MUST get a good grade in the entrance exam. I think this is putting a lot of pressure on them especially after the move. It's a big change from our small village in Scotland. My children are 'middle of the road', what should I do? I wondered about visiting the MOE Office, if they sit the AEIS, will they choose the school for them? How good are the local schools? I feel I am going mad, browsing the internet, and really need to speak to someone. Anyone able to offer practical advice? Am I making it hard for myself, or is it really this difficult to get an education here? (that doesn't cost the earth) Hope you can help? Thanks for reading...

Do a search of this forum using the search function just below the profile link at the top right of this page. It has been discussed quite a few times and there are proponents of both sides in abundance. Look for posts by boffenl as she has her little girl in a local school and she is thriving.

sms

ACSI is a bit like a grammar school back home - selective and academic. The main choice here is between Intl schools or Govt schools - there is not a range of local independent schools (ACSI is an exception).

Govt schools will take foreign students but the highly rated schools will almost certainly be full. Also it is now 3/4 through their school year and in September they will start Term 4 which is the exam term and not the best time to start - Nov marks the end of the school year. Most Govt schools are a highly competitive and exam pressure is intense.

If they have depedents passes they do not have to enter via AEIS; you can call schools directly. Suggest you phone round the schools (listed on MOE website) to see which ones have space for your children and then take it from there. They will invariably ask them to sit entrance tests.

Many thanks for replying. I think from information I have gathered, it appears most expat children do go to the International Schools. I'm a bit concerned about putting my children into a school which is too focussed on 'making the grade', as I think it will put them off living here, and I don't want this to be a bad experience for them. I think that if they were primary school age, I wouldn't be so concerned, but I think that they are at quite a critical stage in their education, especially after the relocation.
I'll keep looking! Thanks for the info.

Hi Shona,
We home school and when the time comes my daughter will sit IGCSE and then A levels.
If you are interested to know more there is a home school talk on "how to choose a curriculum" at my place tomorrow. There will be about 20+ parents so also a good opportunity to meet others in the home school community.
PM me for details if you would like to join.

Shona Trench wrote:I think from information I have gathered, it appears most expat children do go to the International Schools.

This probably depends on your definition of 'expat' children.

Hi Shona,

I may be a bit late since your original post was from last month, but I thought I'd reply anyway. While most International Schools can be quite expensive if your family isn't receiving any schooling allowance through an employer, there are a few International Schools with fees that may be a bit more manageable. Specifically, you may want to check out:

San Yu Adventist School
DPS International School
Global Indian International School

This post has been sanitized by moderator to remove solicitation by poster.

I hope you're able to find something suitable!

I wouldn't recommend any of the three schools mentioned in the previous post.

Thanks for the info, I have been offline for the last couple of weeks while we move apartments. Will resume my search again now.

Hi Shona...(I am a newbie to this forum)
How are you getting on with your childrens schooling? We arrived from New Zealand 4 months ago and we were in the same situation as your family. We have 2 girls age 9 and 14. The 9 yr old have been accepted for enrolment at a local school after an entrance test but will only start in the new term January 2011. Our 14 yr old will be sitting her AEIS test through MOE, on 14th Oct. She'll be tested on English and Maths, where only upon passing that she'll be allocated a school next year...here's hoping!! I have to say that it has been quite stressful for our 14 yr old...studying for her test and especially not having any peers here.
I know where you're at, its been a long process..and we're not finish yet. I'd recommend for you to ring MOE personally as we've found that we didn't get much help by ringing the schools.
If I could be of help please let me know.
Wishing you all the best

Hi Mumsie,
Thanks for your info, it was encouraging to hear of someone else experiencing the same 'problems' as myself. I have registered both my children for the AEIS also, so that's a start. Both of them having to do school work at home, causing a lot of stress and arguments!
Are you interested in meeting up, it might be good for the two older girls?
Don't want to divulge any personal info on this forum, so not sure how to go about organising that? We are in the Holland area.
Thanks again

Hi Shona,
LOL, its like we're both walking in each others shoes...the arguments that we're going through at the moment while home schooling!!! I have very little knowledge on the maths curriculum here in Singapore, so have asked around people that I know around our condo and just found a really good tutor...pricey but it gives us a piece of mind, even if its only a fraction. Be really good to catch up esp for the older girls...mine is going bonkers with no friends here, not through lack of trying. We are on the north area...not sure where to go from here in regards to catching up as I can't pm you through insufficient post...help!!!

Hi Mumsie,
I can't pm either, can we do it through Facebook? Would that work?
Shona

Ok...will try

madura wrote:I wouldn't recommend any of the three schools mentioned in the previous post.

Hi, is there any specific reasons for not recommending those three schools??