International Schools in Singapore

[ffsgrelier]

Hi

We are due to move from the UK to Singapore at the end of March. Ideally we'd like our two boys (6 and 4) to go to Tanglin but there are dreaded waiting lists - we will still apply.
I believe the other UK curriculum based schools are Chatsworth and Dover Court - does anyone have any advise or comments on these schools. Is there another school we shoudl also look to consider?

Many thanks.

[skye]

At 4 and 6 you don't need to worry too much about which "system" the school uses - they will all be doing similar basic literacy, numeracy, projects and play at that stage whether they call it British, IB or whatever. If you want small, look at Chatsworth, ISS, Dover Court, Eton House. If you don't mind a bigger school, look at Overseas Family School as well. They all have a different philosophy and style but all are good in their own way. If you find they are all full, there is also the Canadian International School a bit further out of town, the German School has an english language section and the newest kid on the block is ERIS, which only opened a few weeks ago. You can then take your time and decide later whether you still want to move your children when places come up at Tanglin. And the waiting lists can go down surprisingly quickly as expat families come and go all the time.

[ffsgrelier]

Dear Skye, many thanks for your prompt reply and the info you gave us.

Our boys have since been offered spaces in dover court or in the East campus of Chatsworth. It is hard to make our minds up as we haven't got any local feedback on either. The pressure is on as we understand places are at a premium and my husband can only go to Singapore in 2 weeks time.
We would really appreciate if anyone could let us know what would be in their opinion the positives and/or negatives for both schools.

Also, I would greatly appreciate if anyone could let me know if there are any clubs or nice activities to look for when we arrive in Singapore. OUr boys (6 and 4) will be arriving during the Easter holidays and won't be starting school for about a month. I would be keen for them to meet up with other children and discover the beauties of Singapore to help them find their feet more easily. They are easy going, love sport, love arts and crafts and socialising.

Many thanks to all who take the time to reply.

[Ma'am]

Mine is too young to attend school so I wont wade into the dreaded school arena, however with regards to making friends you will find that if you move into a condo you are extremely likely to find a ready-made social scene for both you and your boys. Also places like the East Coast Park are always popular for in-line skating, bike riding etc (I personally wouldn't swim there but thats just me!) so make great 'days out'. If you have the cash then joining a club will be your easiest route into a social circuit. Those families who have not made travel plans will spend quite a bit of time at their clubs if they are members. Many organise activities for children during the hols. The British Club is the obvious choice but places like the Hollandse club are pleasant and have the advantage of being cheaper.

Hopefully someone can advise you on the school question.

[micknlea]

Dover Court is a fine school, it has a mix of mainstream, ESL (english as second language) and special needs kids. It is fairly small, advantage is that all the staff know all the students, and it has a very nurturing feel to it. It tends to have smaller class sizes too. My kids settled in there straight away. The only down side is that administration there can be a bit of a pain and very rigid, but then that is not the schooling, which in my opinion counts more. Sorry can't comment on Chatsworth as I have no experience.

Ma'am has already covered the condo bit, and the clubs, but if you are not in a condo and look at the clubs most of them have a sort of try before you buy system where you can sign up for a month or so to try it all out without having to sign your life away. This is not a bad option to try out the different places, and also gives you a chance to socialise when first arriving if not in a condo.

Good luck with the move.

[ERIntlSch]

Dear Skye, many thanks for your prompt reply and the info you gave us.

Our boys have since been offered spaces in dover court or in the East campus of Chatsworth. It is hard to make our minds up as we haven't got any local feedback on either. The pressure is on as we understand places are at a premium and my husband can only go to Singapore in 2 weeks time.
We would really appreciate if anyone could let us know what would be in their opinion the positives and/or negatives for both schools.

Also, I would greatly appreciate if anyone could let me know if there are any clubs or nice activities to look for when we arrive in Singapore. OUr boys (6 and 4) will be arriving during the Easter holidays and won't be starting school for about a month. I would be keen for them to meet up with other children and discover the beauties of Singapore to help them find their feet more easily. They are easy going, love sport, love arts and crafts and socialising.

Many thanks to all who take the time to reply.

Hi! Should you send your boys to ERIS, we will offer them a place too! We are currently trying to accomodate Tanglin's Wait List as well.
Most International School starts in August. When your boys come duriing the Easter Holidays, they have about 3 months to rest and get accustomed to the environment.

If you choose ERIS, the school will arrange buddies to meet up with them and they will have more friends!

www.eris.edu.sg

Cheers,

[PCL]

Hello everyone

We move over in July 2011 from the UK and are looking at Tanglin (oversubscribed) and Dover Court and probably a few others. Would anyone be kind enough to share their opinion of e.g. Dover Court (given we may not be able to get in to Tanglin)

Our kids will be 7 and 5 come Aug 2011 term so Year 3 and Year 1.
Thank you!