Singapore Primary School Systems?

[GRichard]

Hi is anyone aware of how the primary school systems are like? From what I heard from my friends the kids are reshuffled every year according to their grades. I'm considering a local school versus an International School

[jazzle]

Hi is anyone aware of how the primary school systems are like? From what I heard from my friends the kids are reshuffled every year according to their grades. I'm considering a local school versus an International School

Hi
I am a singaporean mum who is interested to meet up with new friends and playmates for my baby. (That explains why I am here)
Anyway, I am a local school teacher. Perhaps I could help with your enquiry.

Whether or not the kids are reshuffled (banding system)depends on the school that he/she has enrolled in. Some schools band the kids every year while others every 2 years. Some based on overall grades, while others on English or Math.

Feel free to email me if u need more help.
jazzlean@yahoo.co.uk

Jaslyn

[GRichard]

Hi jaslyn!

Thanks so much for your reply. How does this affect your child in terms of his/her social skills? because my daughter is a very shy girl.

Wouldn't changing classes so frequently affect her? By the time she gets acquainted with her classmates and find some friends, she would have to move on in the next year.

I do see the merits in this system but I feel that my daughter might not be able to cope. Could you enlighten me on this please?

Much appreciated for your help (:

Richard

[jazzle]

Hi there!
Glad I could be of help. Most schools will try to keep to changing classes every 2 years so that there is minimal disruption when it comes to the relationships that have been forged over time but children can handle this better than we think. They may fret for a couple of days but they usually get over it after a short while. I guess children adapt pretty quickly. The thing about changing classes is that there will still be some friends who will end up being in the same 'new' class. There will still be familiar faces around. Also, not only does it help the teacher to teach at the pace suited for the class, it also teaches the children a lesson of life. There comes a time where parting is inevitable.

So far in my teaching career, I haven't seen any pupils who fail to cope with their 'bestfriends' going to another class. They find new friends quickly. The only 'bad' thing I would say is for those pupils who end up being sifted to the lower end classes. Overtime it does hurt their confidence. But this is the way Singapore is. Very much based on meritocracy.

[boffenl]

I would echo what jazzle mentioned. My daughter's P2 class had a few new kids, but roughly 50% stayed the same. They adapted within the first week--learning new names, when to see old friends, who was the brainiest...etc. If your daughter is painfully shy this issue will come up in local or International School as many kids cycle through the international system too.

It's a fact of life, and one the majority of kids have no problem dealing with. A great way to be on top of the issue is to make friends with your kids teacher so she/he can also be on the lookout for issues.

Good luck!