So after hearing all the hype I went ahead to see this new "IT" school.
The school opened about 3 weeks ago with an enrolment of about 800 plus students.
The location is in Bukit Batok, about 15 more minutes of travel time, after the Science Centre. I'm not going to say anything on it being far, since most schools now are at a distance, with the exception of Chatsworth (orchard).
The area is still being built up, so you kind of enter "Crane City" but the building itself seemed charming (red bricks and clock tower). The class rooms are spacious and well kept. The equipment is still sparse, like play area, music and art room and library don't have a lot of things right now, but I assume this would look considerably different once they settle. Other facilities, swimming pool/gym seemed fine ( I was looking at the junior section), not very big though.
My reasons for seeing this school was because most of my friends had told me to visit it and lauded the Headmaster for being the sole reason they had been sold on choosing the school. But for me this was exactly the opposite!
The tour is being offered every Wednesday at 10am and starts off with a 40 minute(feeling more like 40 days) chest thumping presentation by the Head master, Nick Magnus.
I have yet to come across a sales pitch that seems so pompous, arrogant and egotistical. It went on and on about how they aspire to groom every child for the Ivy leagues, Oxford and the likes. How they excel in EVERY department of sports, music, drama then throwing big names who have attended in the past, from here there and everywhere.
Then there were the real gems that were dropped by saying things like:
My daughter was reading the unabridged version of Charles Dickens at the age of 6.." and
" Some people may say I am arrogant or an Elitist.."!
This was followed by Q&A, where Mr. Magnus did his best to give evasive answers to real questions,for example one parent asked:
" Can you give some examples of what disciplinary actions are taken for behavioural problems at your school"
" We are firm. we believe in firmness. If a child comes to me and I tell him I'll be with him shortly, Ive already lost him. So we are firm". Wha??!!
I've seen real estate agents come up with better b.s while showing me crap, than this man!
I found no depth in what Mr. Magnus was saying, it seemed fake and pretentious and really for me the tour ended pretty much at the start!
Anyone else get that impression? Or am I the only one who feels that this is the last person my child needs to be following in terms of developing a strong sense of values and good sensibilities in a school.
Would like to hear more from parents who's kids have attended (Shangahi/UK)or will attend Dulwich and their experience and if they have had any issues that were managed well, since that really would be the true test of a good administration.
Thanks.
