Singapore Expats

Dear All,

I am going to register my son on Aug 25th, for Primary 1 at a local school, while waiting for the outcome at an int'l school. He's currently in a local kindy.

I live in Bukit Merah planning area. Blangah Rise Primary is just across the road, where as the other school with Phase 3 vacancies in this area, Cantonment Primary School, is a little far.

Considering the fact that the schools start very early in the morning, is it recommended to register at a school which has relatively good reputation, but a little far?

Another school, New Town Primary School seems to be doing good academically in the recent past.

Also, I'm interested in sharing the P1 registration info and thoughts with fellow parents registering on Aug 25th, 2011.

Cheers,

>> ... Also, I'm interested in sharing the P1 registration info and thoughts with fellow parents registering on Aug 25th, 2011.<<I>> where as the other school with Phase 3 vacancies in this area<<

At what address do you see this data???

best ...

>> Also, I'm interested in sharing the P1 registration info and thoughts with fellow parents registering on Aug 25th, 2011.<<

Generous offer, Metroguy, though I am so flummoxed by the information that reaches my eyes on this, my first attempt to register ... that I surely don't have anything to offer in share.

Thanks for whatever you can say on the issue ...

best ...

http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/admissi ... vacancies/

The above link will be updated by 12pm on 24th Aug with vacancies for Phase 3

We chose the school that was closer--literally across the street from our apartment. It has worked out really well for us, especially given the early morning hours. All schools use the same curricula in Singapore, the performance you may see is usually individual students--not the school as a whole (ie scores on PSLE's).

I'd suggest you choose the closer one-how many spots do they have open? Just make sure you get to the school early the morning of registration! The spots may go quickly. I was the 8th person to arrive and there were only 13 spots open when I did phase 3 for my daughter in 2007. Whew!

Good luck!

boffenl wrote: I'd suggest you choose the closer one-how many spots do they have open? Just make sure you get to the school early the morning of registration! The spots may go quickly. I was the 8th person to arrive and there were only 13 spots open when I did phase 3 for my daughter in 2007. Whew!

It's a little different now, starting this yr Phase III now goes for ballot instead of first-come-first-served.

I'm looking carefully at the MoM results this year, as I have to go through the exact same one next year.

Thanks Boffenl,

Unfortunately the school nearest to our home has the worst reputation due to non-academic reasons. We spoke to some current students and parents and they confirmed the same.

That's why we are considering Queenstown Primary, New Town Primary, Cantonment Primary and yes, Pei Tong Primary.

We are even willing to move close to the school if necessary. As the current lease expires in Dec'11, it'd be just nice to move to a new place closer to school.

It'd be great if you could PM me the apartment name that's closest to Pei Tong, so that I could check out the rents etc. Thank you.

ScoobyDoes wrote:
It's a little different now, starting this yr Phase III now goes for ballot instead of first-come-first-served.

I'm looking carefully at the MoM results this year, as I have to go through the exact same one next year.

Guess it's a typo, it should be MoE, not MoM.

Yes, it's a big relief that there's ballotting for Phase 3 starting from this year. I've heard stories of people racing from one school to the other as it used to first come first serve.

It's still first come first serve on the 2nd day (26th Aug'11) if one doesn't get into the school one registered on the 1st day.

Fingers crossed.

Ah, fingers crossed for you and your son. I'm sure you'll bring a level of diversity the school will be looking for.

Can you tell me what school has gang issues? I know the gangs have been recruiting from the primary schools (all schools have gang issues--don't let anyone fool you!)-- primary school bathrooms are a HUGE recruiting ground! I get asked about local schools a lot and like to know the situation on the ground. I think any of the other schools you've mentioned are great. We have kids in our block from all four--they don't look so overworked. In fact, we have a very robust playground group of upper primary kids (P3-5) who hang together. It's like their own support network.

Good luck--do keep us posted!!!

Thanks boffenl!

As this forum is monitored, i've edited my post and do not wish to discuss the topic about gangs in schools. Hope it's alright.

I shall keep the forumers posted of my choice of school and the registration process.

Thanks metroguy, I appreciate your honesty! Again, good luck on the registration exercise!

Phase 3 vacancies are updated.

Looks like many seats have disappeared into thin air. Blangah Rise Pri had 131 seats with 9 registered under 2c supplementary. It turned out that only 20 seats left for Phase 3.

Lucky for me, Queenstown, Cantonment, New Town and Pei Tong still have places left.

Also, I noticed that there won't be any Phase 3 from next year onwards. All international students will have to go through AEIS from next year.

ScoobyDoes...please take note.

Hi metroguy

We're also trying to register our son in a local primary school, and are a bit worried about the number of places left for phase 3 this year! Even some of the unpopular schools seem to be filling in very quickly.

Have you decided which school you are going to go for tomorrow? Like you, we are looking at queenstown, newtown and cantonment.

Fushiav

Hi Fushiav,

My order of preference is Queenstown, Cantonment, New Town and Pei Tong. So, I'll be at qtps by 8am tomorrow

Thanks for this - I think we might also go for Queenstown as it has more places - although would prefer Newton as a school!

Best of luck to you in the registration process- hopefully there wont be any ballotting...

Fushia