Schools for a teenager.

[k001]

Hi, we're relocating to Singapore in January and searching fo a suitable school for a 13yr old with a high IQ and Dyslexia, so far we've been shown the Genesis school which whilst it seems to be a very good school is totally inappropriate for his needs, what we're really looking for is a mainstream school that can provide additional support for both his Dyslexia and his IQ, can anyone help or are we expecting too much. Many thanks in advance k.

[zzm9980]

Maybe Pathlight:
http://pathlight.org.sg/aboutus/mission.php

I'm not sure if what you're looking for would fall under "related disorders" in their mission statement, but it's a start for you.

[k001]

Thank's very much for the suggestion, I've had a look at the website and will explore it further, though my son doesn't have any Autism type of disorder, so I'd feel bad taking a place from someone who really needs it. His problem is purely Dyslexia which makes his handwriting totally indecipherable (shame he doesn't want to be a doctor) At the moment he's in a totally mainstream school on a gifted and talented programme with handwriting assistance. Our relocation lady mentioned Dover Court today, does anybody have any experience of older children in Dover Court as all the posts I can find concern primary school.

[Angcha123]

Hi, I had a 13 year old at Dover Court but we have just changed schools.

Dover Court is a lovely school but the Senior school is VERY small. That said, it is one of the only International Schools that will accept dyslexic kids. The upside of it being very small is that if your son is gifted they will accelerate him. The downside is that there is little in the way of extracurricular activities and onviously not a huge pool from which to choose socially.

The teachers are largely very good and you have no worries about bullying etc

Be warned, the current year 9 has about 20 students. This number will decrease every year. At the moment there are no year 10 students and only 3 in 11 and 12.

Good luck!

[k001]

Hi, Angcha123, Thanks so much for that, my hubby went and viewed Dover Court on wed, but the only appointment he could get was after school and it's difficult to gauge a school without the kids, they did tell him that the school is full at the moment though, so we'd have to wait and see. I'm glad you mentioned bullying, it is a problem he's suffered in the past, usually he gets beaten up if he won't do the other kids homework, so he tends to be quite shy now and generally sticks to a small group of friends he's had since primary school in the UK, keeping in touch via the internet and xbox, so I think a smaller environment would probably be better for him, that said he will need friends in Singapore. Are there any clubs or societies you know of that he could join? Or any other schools you could suggest that accept Dyslexic children as so far, most of the ones we've spoken to act like I've said serial killer when I mention Dyslexia, Thanks in advance, K.

[the lynx]

Here's the link that may help, if you're looking for association based in Singapore.

http://www.das.org.sg/

Sorry that I'm not keeping abreast to dyslexic movement here in Singapore. One of the ladies I'm working with at another association (I'm currently volunteering with Down Syndrome Association) mentioned about Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS).

[k001]

Hi The Lynx, That really helps, I've already explored the website and I'm about to call them and see what they say. Thank you.

[Angcha123]

Dyslexia is a dirty word to the International Schools here and it makes my blood boil, even though I don't have children with any problems. We have come from a very inclusive system and I find the attitude here infuriating.

If it was Serena who told your husband that it is full then press the issue and go higher. Try to get some communication to the Principal, Maureen Roach, and make your case. Certainly the Infant and Jumior schools will be full, but not the senior school.

I know most of the children in the current year 9 and there are a few boys that sound like they would be a good social fit for your son. Most of the louder personalities (mine included, lol) have moved on. There are 2 other dyslexic boys in year 9.

I don't know about activities that would suit your son. My boy is all rugby and sports. However, ANZA have a great Scouts program that a couple of the Dover boys attend. You don't have to be Australian or NZ to join.

PM me if you would like my email address to send questions directly.

Cheers

[k001]

Brilliant news about the Scouts, he's already a member here in Australia and loves it so he'll be thrilled, It was someone called Katherine my hubby met with, but we'll certainly be pushing the matter further, we're due back in Singapore in oct. to start the house-hunting so we'll try and make contact with the head for then. While he's not really very sporty he loves Kayaking,Karting and Fencing he's also a member of the Sailing Club here and has done a couple of basic sailing courses. I can't pm you yet as I've not posted enough, though I've loads more questions so you'll probably be sick of hearing from me lol and I'm very grateful for all the help you've given me so far, so remind me I owe you a drink when we arrive!

[Angcha123]

I didn't realise you were Australian. Cheers big ears :} I prob don't have enough posts either as I only signed up to answer your post. Sort of felt a duty as I know how hard the school thing can be here, especially when you have something "out of the box". And I had the insight you needed.

Stay in touch and maybe we can meet up when you arrive. Always looking to make new friends Maybe we can do enough silly posts on here to be able to qualify for PMs

[k001]

No I'm British, sorry to disappoint lol, moved to Melbourne 2 yrs ago for hubbys work (I had 3 months notice that time), thought that was us settled for life and then he goes and does it again!( at least I've got an extra month this time) I'm starting to feel like a Nomad. Gotta say I'm glad you signed up you're a mine of information and like I said We're back in Singapore in October so if you fancy a large glass of Aussie white, I'm buying.

[the lynx]

@k001: You have already activated your PM feature

@Angcha123: Just one more post and you will activate it too.

Hope both of you have fruitful time discussing on schooling options. However, do keep this thread updated so that other parents who are in similar situations will be able to benefit from your experiences. I personally find that k001's case is unique and it would be helpful to have someone to guide out here.

[fivegomad]

Hi Lynx,

Reading through various posts on the forum and your mention of the DSA caught my eye.

Our Son, who is 13 has DS and we are looking at moving to Singapore this summer. Can you give us any advice, help or suggestions of how best to get the support he'll need there.

We are also looking at school for him. Again, if you have any recommendations, that would be gratefully accepted.
Many thanks.

Here's the link that may help, if you're looking for association based in Singapore.

http://www.das.org.sg/

Sorry that I'm not keeping abreast to dyslexic movement here in Singapore. One of the ladies I'm working with at another association (I'm currently volunteering with Down Syndrome Association) mentioned about Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS).

[Hannieroo]

I know from experience that Nexus does work ( from what I can gather, incredibly well) with dyslexic children. The parents are very happy.

I am not aware of any children with DS there but if you're looking for mainstream then I would approach them. They are very into individual learning plans and providing the support to achieve.

Both of my boys aged 6 and 15 are there and are very happy. It's a very relaxed, inclusive and warm environment. Having done a total of 7 schools in 5 countries I can honestly say they know how to get the best out of children. We've never had it so good.

[the lynx]

Hi Lynx,

Reading through various posts on the forum and your mention of the DSA caught my eye.

Our Son, who is 13 has DS and we are looking at moving to Singapore this summer. Can you give us any advice, help or suggestions of how best to get the support he'll need there.

We are also looking at school for him. Again, if you have any recommendations, that would be gratefully accepted.
Many thanks.

Here's the link that may help, if you're looking for association based in Singapore.

http://www.das.org.sg/

Sorry that I'm not keeping abreast to dyslexic movement here in Singapore. One of the ladies I'm working with at another association (I'm currently volunteering with Down Syndrome Association) mentioned about Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS).

Hi, you can find out more in Down Syndrome Association's official website here:http://downsyndrome-singapore.org/content/view/18/80/

Since your child is under 16, DSA has programme for children up to 16. They will put the child in mainstream schools under that programme. Unfortunately, I know this works for local children so I would wonder how that works for expat children.

Give them a call, email or pay them a visit at Junction 8 tower in Bishan. They are very friendly and helpful.

Do let us know here how it turned out for your child's case.