Indian International School

[sundaymorningstaple]

This is also one of the big factors causing a rift in the assimilation of new Indian PRs/citizens here as the firmly ensconced Tamil Singaporeans tend to be looked down upon by the Hindi's who think they are better than their southern origin Singaporean cousins.

[lagimoana]

Thanks for all this local knowledge, ecureilx and sundaymorningstaple. I really appreciate it as I figure out where to live and where my kids might go to school. I had no idea about of any of these things.

In Sydney, we met many Indian ex-pats because we lived near a Sikh temple. But the only Tamil-speaking people I knew were my old GP, who was Sri Lankan, and an acquaintance I met at a tennis club, who was married to an ophthalmologist (another Tamil). We also had a Hindi speaker in the group but the woman who spoke Tamil seemed proud that she did - she was also teaching her sons classical Indian music and was very proud of that tradition also, which I admired.

That sparked an interest in me - I am interested in languages and cultures anyway - so began my interest in the Tamil language, and Tamil literature. It's a real shame that Tamil isn't a focus at GIIS - I think, looking at the curriculum choices at the different campuses, the Queenstown one offers Tamil as an ISGCE choice, but not the one in the East. Haven't looked too much at Balestier yet.

We looked at condos near Farrer Park MRT today and yesterday and there seem to be plenty of Tamil speakers on the street. Maybe if my boys prepped for the AEIS in September they might go to a local school.

The kind agent recommended Stamford American if we stay at Farrer Park, because Woodleigh is only a few stations away, but having checked it out previously, it's not really what I'm after. I don't like the idea of them becoming spoiled western expat children and mixing with more of the same. It's such an obscene amount of money for something that is free back at home. Just doesn't sit right with me at all.

[ecureilx]

In Sydney, we met many Indian ex-pats because we lived near a Sikh temple. But the only Tamil-speaking people I knew were my old GP, who was Sri Lankan, and an acquaintance I met at a tennis club, who was married to an ophthalmologist (another Tamil). We also had a Hindi speaker in the group but the woman who spoke Tamil seemed proud that she did - she was also teaching her sons classical Indian music and was very proud of that tradition also, which I admired.
>
We looked at condos near Farrer Park MRT today and yesterday and there seem to be plenty of Tamil speakers on the street. Maybe if my boys prepped for the AEIS in September they might go to a local school.

ah, Sri Lankan Tamil ? There's a bit of love hate relationship between Indian Tamil speakers and Sri Lankan Tamil speakers don't fret over it anyway.

About Farrer Park, you know that's Singapore's little India?

Yes. The Tamils who are outside India are proud of Their language.

FYI, there are some events in little India to promote Tamil speaking. This month. Check along Campbell lane. In fact some of the successful Indians in Singapore are of Tamil descent. And ministers and MPs too, including JBJ !

And a curious question : what's with your interest in Tamil ?

[lagimoana]

I just like languages, but especially ancient ones. I learned several languages at a basic level at high school and then took Hebrew at university because my grandfather used to be a Hebrew lecturer and that made me interested in it. From there I just became interested in ancient languages generally speaking, and ancient literature.

That makes sense, that Sri Lankan Tamil is and Indian Tamil have a love-hate relationship. I'll have to keep a look out for those events! I think I have settled on Farrer Park as a place to live.

By the way, the Balestier campus of GIIS does seem to employ a Tamil teacher, but that campus is only for primary school. Still - that's something.

[rajagainstthemachine]

There is a big difference in what you want and what your child wants.. in an era of globalisation learning multiple languages is a good skill to have.. Tamil is useful in south asia and in singapore.. What if your child wants to live in europe in the future or in say japan or korea.. I dont mean to discourage you or anything, but merely suggesting that you mull it over a few times and hava chat with your child over it.

[lagimoana]

Yes, truly there is a massive difference between what my children want and what I want.

What I want = a well rounded education for my children

What my children want = to eat limitless amounts of fried snacks and candy, and play xbox for six hours a day

We'll only be in Singapore for a couple of years, and I figure one language is as good as another during that time, to expose them to the skills needed to learn another language and to gain a deeper understanding of English.

At their primary school in Australia, they have one French class per week from kindy-year 4, and then one Mandarin class per week, in years 5 & 6. So they are used to other people choosing a language and then being expected jus to learn it.

Thanks for the genuine advice though It is definitely something to consider.

[Sathish G]

Does anyone have any idea about Yuvabharathi CPE (Committee of Private Education, Singapore) renewal ? I understood they are registered only till May 2018. Is there a chance that the renewal can be cancelled ?
I am not sure if this can happen as 1200 students are enrolled.

[Sia White]

You can check this one they have really good classes for kids http://www.myenglish.com.sg/ Phonics awareness, pronunciation, better spelling ...

[Strong Eagle]

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sia - how can you know anything about this school when you are posting from a Bulgarian IP address?

[sundaymorningstaple]

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sia - how can you know anything about this school when you are posting from a Bulgarian IP address?

I went through this once before. viewtopic.php?p=773290#p773290 viewtopic.php?p=773573#p773573 Claims she uses a VPN and forgets to turn it off. I agree with you. Looking at the posts, it just doesn't jell, does it. But for lack of anything firmer, I had to let it go. Been watching every since.

[poojaumsharma]

Hello Simith,

I read your post here.

which school did you choose and did you pay visit to GIIS , could you please share your review on it.

My son is 3 years old and I will be shifting in Singapore in few months.

Thanks
Pooja

Hello All,
We are a planning to move to Singapore in a couple of months from Australia, looking for a good Indian International School, i have come across a few on the internet, GIIS, NPS, DPS , Yuvabharathi etc. Would you be able to give your feedback on any of these schools, school your kids are attending, pros and cons and the curriculum, if anyone of you have moved from AU, it would be great to hear your story too.

Thank you.

Cheers,
Simith

[poojaumsharma]

Hello People,

I would need help about schools in Singapore , I will be shifting soon there and my kid is 3 years old and will be going in Nursery (if am not wrong).
I need to know few options for me and the tentative cost for nursery school, few other details like timings and full time cost if I opt for post school care.
My nationality is Indian. and I would certainly prefer the mixed crowd in school leading to presence of diverse nationality.

you inputs will be highly appreciated

Regards!!
Pooja