international schools vs local schools?

[martz]

I cannot believe that expat parents are even considering local schools!! then where are the intl schools going to get their students!! Do you know how expensive the capital expenses are to keep a school running??

I suggest you, as responsible parent, get a package that includes your child's education - then consider supporting intl schools ...NOT local! Remember the local schools will not fit your child's education - there is no creativity, its all rote learning and too much discipline. Moreover, the singapore curriculum is too local & will not prepare your child for a tertiary education back home.

[maneo]

Given that many if not most of the International Schools have waiting lists, you needn't worry yourself about the fate of the International Schools here.

[road.not.taken]

I cannot believe that expat parents are even considering local schools!! then where are the intl schools going to get their students!! Do you know how expensive the capital expenses are to keep a school running??

I suggest you, as responsible parent, get a package that includes your child's education - then consider supporting intl schools ...NOT local! Remember the local schools will not fit your child's education - there is no creativity, its all rote learning and too much discipline. Moreover, the singapore curriculum is too local & will not prepare your child for a tertiary education back home.

This post is so full of stereotypes, misinformation, outdated concepts & bad vibes - I think, no I hope, it's a wind-up.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Looking at fools earlier posts, which is heavily weighted to the local schools I would have to say it was done as a wind-up. I saw it yesterday and just had to laugh. I almost thought Col. Bagshot had gotten lost from the Angry Board.

[Jeppo]

I cannot believe that expat parents are even considering local schools!! then where are the intl schools going to get their students!! Do you know how expensive the capital expenses are to keep a school running??

*PLONK*

[kwokhua]

Frankly, many schools in Singapore are now having a certain percentage of foreigners enrolled in them. Personally, if you ask me if I know of any schools in the vincinity (East) where I stay, I would only be able to recommend East Coast Primary School. I have seen its huge foreigner contingent over the years and I believe it is increasing. Sooner or later, I guess it is going to be an International School in a local setting or rather an international school that charges local rates.

Anyway, all the best in your school search.

[kwokhua]

I cannot believe that expat parents are even considering local schools!! then where are the intl schools going to get their students!! Do you know how expensive the capital expenses are to keep a school running??

I suggest you, as responsible parent, get a package that includes your child's education - then consider supporting intl schools ...NOT local! Remember the local schools will not fit your child's education - there is no creativity, its all rote learning and too much discipline. Moreover, the singapore curriculum is too local & will not prepare your child for a tertiary education back home.

I guess this is a rather loop-sided view of the education in Singapore. Have tou really been to a local school or are you just saying it based on hearsay? It is not true that the local schools are such boring places. The education scene in Singapore are forever changing to improve itself.

I am also perplexed as to why the author of the above article is not aware that there are long queues for places in International Schools.

And mind you, the mathematics curriculum in local schools are not "localised". The Californian schools are using it back in California.

Regards.

[boffenl]

Sorry all, I had to chime in as an expat whose daughter is in a local Primary school in Clementi--Pei Tong Primary. In the 4 months since she's been enrolled in Primary 1, she is reading at 2nd grade (US) level, enjoys math (since it's taught as a mind game!), has Manadarin class everyday, computer lessons at school, art, music, social studies and of course, recess, that makes her LOVE local school. I would strongly recommend to ALL expat parents that they check out their local primary school, you may find their facilities are better, yep, BETTER, than some of the International Schools.

Pei Tong is moving into a spanking new campus on Clementi Avenue 5, I would encourage anyone who has questions about the quality of local schools to call the principal up and ask for a tour. You'll seriously be blown away--just like my husband and I were. Granted, we came from the mid-west where most schools are 40+ years old, teachers ancient and discipline nonexistant. Prior to that we were in Canada--enough said.

I receive regular correspondence from her teachers and the principal knows us by name (helps we're one of a few expat couples). I think we couldn't have made a better choice for our child, and I would really encourage (o.k., that's the third time I've said it) you to check out the local school in your neighborhood. Yes, you might be on pins and needles like we were during registration, but we got one of the 15 remaining spots. Get their early and create a dialogue with the staff so they know who you are.

It's been great, please sms if you have any questions!

[Jeppo]

Hey boffenl,

I've been watching the school go up over the last two years, and was wondering when they're going to reopen? The original sign said it would be finished at end of February, so they're already a couple of months over. Any news on when the kids will be back?

[boffenl]

They've just been creating excitement! The school is open to teachers and resource personnel. I believe they've slowly been making it their own. Kids will do a HUGE parade from Ave 6 to new school on Ave 5 on May 23--day before big local school holiday begins. Then they'll start back at Ave 5 in June.

It's been fun to listen to them preparing the kids, it's going to very well received. Not just all the new equipment, but the amazing new facilities as well. I can't wait--they're done a good job building the excitement for the parents too!

[sundaymorningstaple]

Hey shorebird! Sounds like it's all going good for your daughter. I'm glad. I never had any regrets putting mine in the local system all those years ago and today, as you have rightly pointed out, it's even better.

Have a good day.

[boffenl]

Hey SMS! Glad everyone kept their cool after some of the exagerated comments on this thread. Interesting we all have our opinions and personal experience--just need to frame the conversation as that--our own personal experience.

Thanks for your good thoughts, my daughter is indeed thriving. It's been an amazing few months. Her verbal and reading ability shocks me, the speed of math work is also amazing. They're making so much of the learning seem like a game she's really enjoying it. Thank GOD!

We'll be heading back for our first trip since arriving in April 2007. Need any Fisher's popcorn or Candy Kitchen chocolate?

[sundaymorningstaple]

I envy your trip back. Would be nice but I'll have to pass as I'm on a diet (have lost 20kg in the past 14 weeks - should be finished around beginning of June). Going back to my military discharge weight! (that was 40 years ago!)

Enjoy your trip back.

sms

[martz]

In the 4 months since she's been enrolled in Primary 1, she is reading at 2nd grade (US) level, enjoys math (since it's taught as a mind game!), has Manadarin class everyday, computer lessons at school, art, music, social studies and of course, recess, that makes her LOVE local school. I would strongly recommend to ALL expat parents that they check out their local primary school, you may find their facilities are better, yep, BETTER, than some of the International Schools.

I hate to say this - that math and content subjects are not that impt anymore- thats traditional and old way in education! If the local schools focus on those, i would say, thats a throw back to the old days!

International schools emphasizes creativity, social interactions & class discussions that are inquiry based. Your child gets to do fun things & homework/tuition are not something forced down on! Moreover, your child gets to mix better with a more intl class. Its dreadful to think that local schools drill your child in math, science & languages! Tests & textbooks should not be used anymore - it should be inquiry based rather than traditional rote learning. Intl schools give you a varied program - and helps your child with the easier route via higher weightage on many subjects tat can be part of internal assessment work that will boost your child's chance at college!

[sundaymorningstaple]

martz

I hate to tell you this, but you are so out of touch with the local school system of today you really SHOULD keep you opinions to yourself. Each time you post here you make yourself look sillier and sillier. Rote learning went out the window here when Goh Tock Chong what PM. What rock have you been under?

You sound like a old dinosaur who is getting their info out of an old Expats guide that was published in 1981. You really need to get out more.