Our kid attended local schools from P1 to Sec 2 (i.e. until we moved away).aster wrote:For starters, I am currently putting my kids through the local educational system, so we are on the same boat. Of course cost is a factor, but for us the most important thing at the moment is... MANDARIN. I really want my kids to grasp the basics of this language, only after that will I consider moving to an International School... in turn simply to SAVE their English.
Did not worry about having to save the English.
Proper English was the rule in speaking with the parents & parents' friends.
So, just be sure you have a lot of extended conversations together at home so your children hear the correct rhythms & phrasings to counter the influence outside. Make sure they understand that Singlish is just another language.
Same goes for reading - voracious reading is an effective antidote to the Singlish outside the home and to the text speak online.
In fact, with what I see online I wonder if kids in English speaking countries really have a better grasp of English nowadays?
US engineers are not succeeding because of the basic education system, but rather in spite of it.aster wrote:Is maths such a strong point compared to other systems? Last time I checked the likes of Europe, the US, Japan, etc. were churning out the world's best engineers and I don't think anything has changed, so to start drumming up stories about how the maths are stronger than elsewhere seems a bit of a non-starter.
They were the future geeks that were a little different to begin with.
With support at home or examples of relatives or friends, they overcame the social influences that look down on those that are math savvy.
The success of Zuckerberg & others may be changing this for the better, but kids in the SG system do not have to worry about such stigma, given that everyone is required to do well at "maths."
By the way, coming from the high-tech world I can tell you that Singapore engineers do very well overseas.
The work ethic they get in the school system combined with the "freedom" they get overseas to try things to solve problems gives them an advantage.
Yes, the schools are different.aster wrote:Another area worth looking at is PE as a child needs to develop both mentally and physically. You can only truly develop (and be healthy in the true sense of the word) if both your mental well-being and physical well-being are being focused on. Unfortunately over here it's all about studying, homework, extra tuition, etc. Physical education seems to be frowned upon, like a waste of time. Luckily some schools are different ....
Schools my kid went to did OK for PE.
In addition, kids can select sports for their extra-curricular activities (ECA).
Get involved with the school.
Find out which classes, which teachers and which activities your child should be taking.
Most important thing is do not delegate everything to the school.
This applies no matter where you are.
Yes, it can be tough when parents work long hours, but it is an investment & one that pays off each time you see the glimmers of understanding when your child understands something new. Grab these while you can.
