British family needs school advice

[FC03]

Hello

We are about to relocate to Singapore with our 3 boys (1, 2 and 4).

Our four year old is half way through Reception. He will join a school in Singapore in Year 1.

I'd welcome any advice on schools please. Tanglin Trust would be our first choice but the waiting list is 2 years so it's not an option. I'm very keen to stick to the British Curriculum because we will probably only be in Singapore for 2/3 years so he needs to be able to slip back into the UK primary school system in a few years.

We are totally flexible on where we live, so this can actually be dictated by the school.

I am planning on visiting schools in March so any tips on 'must see' schools would be fantastic.

Many thanks

F

[SCinSG]

I believe Tanglin Trust is the only school in Singapore that teaches the UK National Curriculum at the Primary level. One World International School uses a modified version of it for Middle Years, but follows the IB Primary Years Program for the younger grades.

Many schools here follow the IB PYP. Another option may be the International Primary Curriculum, offered by St. Joseph's Institution International.

[Taitaiwife]

I've just sent off my daughter's application for Dover Court Preparatory School, which also teaches a British curriculum. It's close to Tanglin and I've been to visit both schools. As you mentioned, Tanglin have waiting lists about 2 years long, whereas Dover Court had no waiting list for my situation (you'd have to check with admissions as it may vary by year group).

The two schools are quite different. Tanglin has the wow factor, very slick with impressive facilities. It's a big school. Dover Court reminded me more of my childhood schools in the UK - smaller and the facilities look a bit tired, but it's incredibly friendly and the children there looked so happy in the lessons. I have heard nothing but good things from other parents and children at Dover Court, so I highly recommend you check it out. As a bonus, the fees are somewhat lower than most other International Schools too.

[FC03]

Thank you both for your replies.

I've actually been looking Dover Court (online). I'm very keen on a smaller school too. Good to hear that other parents are pleased with it. I think general word of mouth counts for an awful lot. It's so hard trying to find schools from half way across the world though, it's not like in the UK where you at least have the Ofsted reports to help guide you.

[Taitaiwife]

Yes, it's hard to judge until you visit the schools in person. You will hear lots of pros and cons and different opinions online. I believe in most of the International Schools you can expect your child to receive a good education. It's more down to waiting lists and finding a good fit....a school that matches with your child's temperament and your outlook as parents. A useful starting point for me was buying the International Schools guide book on Singapore. It gives a quick comparison across all the schools - although some of the facts were not 100% correct....e.g. it states Dover Court has no swimming pool - not true!

[jacL]

Hi i'm a preschool teacher & has taught in premium schools for several years. Since your 3 children are still very young, i think you are more concern abt the eduction they are getting this growing up years.
There are many good schools around, but to help u narrow down your choices, is there any specific teaching method u prefer your children to learn by. ie. play based, structured, Montessori.
Besides that, what are the location you are keen on. town area, near the beach, or just any housing area. Sg has many preschools but international students are mainly found in the central area. Does the International School allow you to apply when u are overseas. Usually this schools have waiting list.

[lainy]

Hi,
welcome to Singapore.
Have you looked at Avondale Grammar School? It is also small scholl (probably under 300 students) and have a very nurturing environment for the little ones. They offer 5 day classes as well as 3 days/week classes which really works well for some.
My daughter, who is 4 goes there abslutely loves the school and the teachers there .

Otherwise, depending on how long you are staying here in singapore and if you wish to wait for TTS placement you can also have a look at the Thinking Box, White Lodge, Little Ones Kindergarten, Odyssey, Blue House Nursery as they all offer wonderful preschool program - and maybe make things easier for you in the morning with the drop offs of three children

Good luck

Alena

[jogunna]

Hi!

Based on our personal experience I would highly recommend Rosemount Kindergarten, our daughter attended school there from age 4-7 when we first moved to Singapore. The school is smaller and therefore more personal and community oriented. The staff is excellent, all native english speakers. I would say Rosemount is the best preschool in Singapore, definitely a "must see" school!

Best of luck!

J

[Selebration]

Taitai is spot-on. Dover Court is UK Nat Curriculum - it was our interim choice, but kids now in their second year. I'm moving my 11-year-old to Tanglin for Year 7, but my 9-year-old is happy and wants to stay put.

def a good choice for a 3-year stay with younger kids, esp up to Year 4 - smaller and more inclusive than bigger schools, great for having a go at anything and everything!

not perfect, but no school is!

[Dan8]

Hi there, I am in a similar situation and have just found out we are moving to SIngapore in August. I'm starting to do my research on schools, so this link has been really helpful.

We are hopefully coming out to view schools and places to live next month. I have a 3 (nearly 4 year year old) who is due to start school in the UK in September so I am looking for a primary school for her and a 2.5 year old. Do preschools take from this age or is it 3?

I like the idea of a smaller school. Which one did you go for in the end? I am presuming where we live will be dictated by which school we can get my daughter into, but any further advise on schools and family areas to live would be much appreciated.

Many thanks
Danielle

[Selebration]

Dover Court is a good option if there is still space for August.

I don't know much about preschools/Infants, though, as my youngest went into Year 3 when we arrived.

I have a friend whose youngest goes to White Lodge?

All depends too on your budget and expectations....

There's a lot to consider - I looked at 13 schools over several trips before I made up my mind, but DCPS has a good reputation thanks on the whole to its teachers and despite its management!

Good luck!

[CaptainBullus]

Have you looked at Dulwich College? They are opening a brand new school starting in August.