KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

Hi

DS is taking his PSLE this year and has his eyes set on both SJI and Anderson. As both schools have vast difference, e.g., govt and independent, co-ed and boys, non-IP and soon-to-be-IP, etc, we're not too sure which school is a better choice for him so would like to get any advice from students or parents who have kids in either school. (The only similarity we noticed is white uniform for boys in both schools... haha...)

We're also considering the DSA option for both schools. Just not sure if we should give it a try... dilemma dilemma... BTW, does religion plays a part if we've decided on SJI cos we're non-Catholic?!?

Know it maybe a bit early to decide on school selection but would really appreciate your kind advice, if any. Many thanks in advance...

I would say SJI is a better choice. No harm going to a Catholic school when you are a non-catholiic. To be honest, if your son gets a very good result but still less than 255. You could consider sending your son to Catholic High School. CHS also has better teachers. (I'm not saying that SJI or Anderson is bad)
SJI pros: They split the class through their talents.
SJI cons: This make them drop in the other subjects.
SJI cons: The school fee is high. Approx $300 per month.

Anderson pros: Cheap school fees.
Anderson cons: There are people from other streams. Pupils in express may get corrupted by the people in the other streams.

CHS pros: Good school( Of course...)
CHS cons: Wear shorts for 4 years. (Unless ur son dun mind)
CHS pros: CCAs are 1 of the top in SG.
CHS pros: They focus on both Mother Tounge and Englsh.

But if your son got like 255 or above. You can consider sending him to ACSI, HCI and even RI.

But it all depends on your son. My best choice for T-score below 255 would be CHS.

Btw, I am also a student.

Hi x3Kenzou, thanks for sharing and suggestion of CHS. Well... as for ACSI and RI, they have never been in our list cos we truly understand that with our DS's current attitude, he wouldn’t be able to survive in those environments (besides, he ain’t that bright lah. : P) Furthermore, like what his Form Teachers have mentioned, the chances to ‘SHINE’ in these Top schools, in terms of exposure (e.g., being selected for overseas immersion programmes, representative for school events, etc) or academically, is very slim as majority (or should we say ‘all’??) are cream of the crop. Looking at our neighbours’ daily schedules (1 each in RI-S2 and RJC-J2), has also put our DS in fear. :!: Their daily routine : leave for school at 6am and return usually after 7.30pm. Weekends are reserved for tuitions and revisions. Zero interaction with anyone in our neighbourhood due to tight schedule?? Probably…

Although will keep an open mind to suggestion, but would still like to find out more about SJI and Anderson from those who have experiences, either good or bad (e.g., teachers, curriculum, etc) in these 2 schools. BTW, which school are you currently in? Thanks again for sharing your tots and all the best in your studies…

moomoo138 wrote:Hi

DS is taking his PSLE this year and has his eyes set on both SJI and Anderson. As both schools have vast difference, e.g., govt and independent, co-ed and boys, non-IP and soon-to-be-IP, etc, we're not too sure which school is a better choice for him so would like to get any advice from students or parents who have kids in either school. (The only similarity we noticed is white uniform for boys in both schools... haha...)

We're also considering the DSA option for both schools. Just not sure if we should give it a try... dilemma dilemma... BTW, does religion plays a part if we've decided on SJI cos we're non-Catholic?!?

Know it maybe a bit early to decide on school selection but would really appreciate your kind advice, if any. Many thanks in advance...

I don't think religion plays any great part. My son too is in P6 this year. Last year we attended the open house of both SJI and Anderson. I liked both. We too are non catholics and I too was concerned if the environment is too influenced by religion. But after hearing the pricipals talk I think is is no longer an issue for me. There seems to be a fair number of non-catholic population as well, can't remember the exact ratio though. But it is something which put me at ease.
RI, ACSI are quite unreachable I think for my DS. So we too are aiming for schools like SJI, Anderson ...
Did you attend the open house? What is your impression abt these schools please share.

tisha wrote:

moomoo138 wrote:Hi

DS is taking his PSLE this year and has his eyes set on both SJI and Anderson. As both schools have vast difference, e.g., govt and independent, co-ed and boys, non-IP and soon-to-be-IP, etc, we're not too sure which school is a better choice for him so would like to get any advice from students or parents who have kids in either school. (The only similarity we noticed is white uniform for boys in both schools... haha...)

We're also considering the DSA option for both schools. Just not sure if we should give it a try... dilemma dilemma... BTW, does religion plays a part if we've decided on SJI cos we're non-Catholic?!?

Know it maybe a bit early to decide on school selection but would really appreciate your kind advice, if any. Many thanks in advance...

I don't think religion plays any great part. My son too is in P6 this year. Last year we attended the open house of both SJI and Anderson. I liked both. We too are non catholics and I too was concerned if the environment is too influenced by religion. But after hearing the pricipals talk I think is is no longer an issue for me. There seems to be a fair number of non-catholic population as well, can't remember the exact ratio though. But it is something which put me at ease.
RI, ACSI are quite unreachable I think for my DS. So we too are aiming for schools like SJI, Anderson ...
Did you attend the open house? What is your impression abt these schools please share.

Both of my son and nephew were from Catholic school (SJI and Catholic high) were not influenced after 4years and 2 years....and I think this is also a good chance to teach them to show respect to each other even they were from different religions.

Hi

x3Kenzou - from a few other threads, realized that you're doing your Yr1 in CHS and seems to be enjoying and happy with your choice... Good for you!!

tisha - it would nice if you're able to share what you like about both schools after attending their open house last year. SJI is a recommended choice by Ds' FTs. Below are their briefly mentioned reasons and I've yet to find out more when I next meet up with them.
FT1 (former): Unlike Anderson, SJI runs only express stream and thus more focus on their curriculums and able to set a somewhat equal pace of learning for the each level.
FT2 (current): SJI's education system (holistic programme, to-be-IP etc), cultures and environments (camaraderie) are more suitable for DS as he works and learns better with classmates of the same gender, i.e., all boys environment.
MTL Tr: DS is more an 'angmo gia', thus it's easier for him to fit into SJI and would be more comfortable with its 'angmo' culture. DS's MT registration status is 'Ptd Ltd', often loiters between low As and Bs.
Niece (AJC-J2): Lower chances of BGR issues compared to a co-ed environment and (jokingly) most of the boys in SJI are cute and dashing.
Nephew (Anderson-S3): Although Anderson is one of the top but 'reachable' neighbourhood school, there were many 'equal' opportunities given to students and assistance to help them 'shine', which is unlike those in the top-top schools. Personally, based on FTs comment, both DS and myself are more in favour of SJI. But still unsure if we should try DSA for both.

laifeeling - thanks for your tots and reassurance (in term of religion, I guess you're non-Catholic too?). It's really great to know a mom who has kid in SJI. Would appreciate it if you could kindly share your (or your DS') view on the choice of SJI. Thanks in advance...

moomoo138 wrote: tisha - it would nice if you're able to share what you like about both schools after attending their open house last year. SJI is a recommended choice by Ds' FTs. Below are their briefly mentioned reasons and I've yet to find out more when I next meet up with them.
FT1 (former): Unlike Anderson, SJI runs only express stream and thus more focus on their curriculums and able to set a somewhat equal pace of learning for the each level.
FT2 (current): SJI's education system (holistic programme, to-be-IP etc), cultures and environments (camaraderie) are more suitable for DS as he works and learns better with classmates of the same gender, i.e., all boys environment.
MTL Tr: DS is more an 'angmo gia', thus it's easier for him to fit into SJI and would be more comfortable with its 'angmo' culture. DS's MT registration status is 'Ptd Ltd', often loiters between low As and Bs.
Niece (AJC-J2): Lower chances of BGR issues compared to a co-ed environment and (jokingly) most of the boys in SJI are cute and dashing.
Nephew (Anderson-S3): Although Anderson is one of the top but 'reachable' neighbourhood school, there were many 'equal' opportunities given to students and assistance to help them 'shine', which is unlike those in the top-top schools. Personally, based on FTs comment, both DS and myself are more in favour of SJI. But still unsure if we should try DSA for both.

Hmmm... I attend open house(OH) just to observe the school atmosphere, students, teachers, principal's talk. I had not made any detailed pros and cons as you have stated(FT's points). Well, DS was still in P5 and me blur-blur. Hence forth I should take note of more things when I go to OH.
For me the main point for attending OH was: Will my child fit into this school's environment? And for both the schools; Anderson and SJI my answer was 'yes'. If I have to give you a preference, then it would be SJI - coz all boys and dicipline wise I felt it was better.

BTW, do you know if different schools offer diffirent cirriculum in terms of subjects? Do we need to take note of preferred subjects by the child? I'm still blur-blur abt these things...

moomoo138 wrote:Hi

x3Kenzou - from a few other threads, realized that you're doing your Yr1 in CHS and seems to be enjoying and happy with your choice... Good for you!!

tisha - it would nice if you're able to share what you like about both schools after attending their open house last year. SJI is a recommended choice by Ds' FTs. Below are their briefly mentioned reasons and I've yet to find out more when I next meet up with them.
FT1 (former): Unlike Anderson, SJI runs only express stream and thus more focus on their curriculums and able to set a somewhat equal pace of learning for the each level.
FT2 (current): SJI's education system (holistic programme, to-be-IP etc), cultures and environments (camaraderie) are more suitable for DS as he works and learns better with classmates of the same gender, i.e., all boys environment.
MTL Tr: DS is more an 'angmo gia', thus it's easier for him to fit into SJI and would be more comfortable with its 'angmo' culture. DS's MT registration status is 'Ptd Ltd', often loiters between low As and Bs.
Niece (AJC-J2): Lower chances of BGR issues compared to a co-ed environment and (jokingly) most of the boys in SJI are cute and dashing.
Nephew (Anderson-S3): Although Anderson is one of the top but 'reachable' neighbourhood school, there were many 'equal' opportunities given to students and assistance to help them 'shine', which is unlike those in the top-top schools. Personally, based on FTs comment, both DS and myself are more in favour of SJI. But still unsure if we should try DSA for both.

laifeeling - thanks for your tots and reassurance (in term of religion, I guess you're non-Catholic too?). It's really great to know a mom who has kid in SJI. Would appreciate it if you could kindly share your (or your DS') view on the choice of SJI. Thanks in advance...

I remembered your DS did very well and got Edusave scholarship in P5. Any reason why you are not considering the IP schools other than RI / HCI which may be viewed as too cream-of-the-crop?

Hi
tisha - so sorry... unable to help... I'm equally blur... Curriculum for sec school is so different from our time, I really have no clue whats-what?!!?? Still trying to find out more from my niece & nephew...

Pen88n - Happy CNY... Although DS was awarded but it's based on his school's standard which is not a true representation of the national level lah. I'm not being humble, but knowing his character and ability, it would be like striking TOTO if he's able to get into any IP school. The nearest I can think of is SJI, the soon-to-be IP, and if he's able to enter in 2012, probably he could still try for it when they start their IP in 2013, during his S2 year. Which school have you shortlisted? Reasons for your selection?

BTW, how's your DS doing so far? Mine just upset us today... been watching TV from 1.30pm to 6pm while doing his pile of h/w. FT commented that his grades for all his recent subject tests (except MT) have slided quite a fair bit but our 'not-worried-at-all' DS simply continue his 'bo-chap' attitude. DH was hopping :x , so decided to punish him by not letting him sleep but to watch TV thru'out the night. Probably it's a good idea, so that DS can get this TV thingy out of his system once and for all.
I intend to take 1-month no-pay-leave in Sept just to give DS some moral support and academic guidance. But looking at his current status, am truly worried and make me wonder if I should just quit my job and be a SAHM, maybe just for a year??!? Shoud I or shoudn't I? Hmm, it's a real big sacrifice, must seriously discuss with DH.

Moomoo138,

I would strongly discourage the 1 month break to support your DS for PSLE, as I think if it is near PSLE, it will end up stressing both you and DS more. You will most probably "dat boleh tahan" his "bo-chap" attitude :x and try to force more work; he will resist more and spend more energy on being defiant than on concentrating on his impending PSLE . Not advisable at all unless you are gonna spend the 1 month purely supporting his needs of having someone around to take care of food and anything else but not schoolwork / PSLE revision.

Either you take a much longer break (preferably start before Jun holiday or even earlier if possible) to give ample time to slowly build up some revision schedule / programme, or you just let it run as it is. That's just my humble opinion.

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