KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

I thought I start a thread like this for those of us parents or students who have gone through this and have a little something to share with all so that what we went through will serve those considering such routes well.

Let me start.

My son (ORD Feb2014 from Naval Diving Unit) has just started his first year in SUTD. His sporting activities got him into RVHS which accepted him just on his P4 & P5 results and sporting credits. He was from Bukit Panjang Primary. Victoria Secondary even gave us an acceptance letter during one of the Inter-Primary School Athletic Meets, without condition, and we did not even approach them. On looking back, that must have boosted his ego quite a bit.

My son told me just a few days ago that he is not the studious kind but will seek to have fun in what he does. Throughout his time in RVHS, he did reasonably well despite the fact that CCA Running and his cycling interests occupied very much of his time. His team helped the school receive some awards from Tan Kah Kee/A*Star competitions, too.

When SUTD gave him a place, it was really a blessing indeed for us as *my* fear during those years were if he did not do well, he will only have a PSLE certificate which will amount to nothing after 6 years. If you ask me I will do it all over again but with the IB and not the IP-"A" Level route.

But I would not have it this way for my 18yo daughter as she is certainly not the kind that will handle such learning methods like those in IP or IB. One really need to be independent, resourceful and a little playful.

Actually I am still not very clear , the difference between IP & IB

Puzz...zzle wrote:Actually I am still not very clear , the difference between IP & IB

Integrated Programme - to me is just skipping the Os and aiming for the As. Some will bail out as in one of the (2011) thread.

International Baccalaureate is comparatively, sane. You get a IB Certificate after the 4th year and a IB Diploma after the 6th year upon successful completion of course. Learn everything IB here - http://www.ibo.org/country/SG/.

One thing is common - all these schools will use some kind of yardstick for acceptance.

Puzz...zzle wrote:Actually I am still not very clear , the difference between IP & IB

Actually, IP is the broader term. It just means 6 yrs of sec schooling without taking O levels. IP schools can lead to either A levels (the majority) or IB (ACSI). Both A levels and IB are just end-of-secondary-school exams.

It took me a while to understand this Singapore unique educational term, IP (Integrated Programme) 直通车. PSLE to A'levels (no need to sit O'levels). I was a little apprehensive in the beginning but we are determined that we are going to pursue the intensive through train from Seconday School to A'levels to a basic University Degree, giving up opportunity of scenic route from Secondary School via O'levels to Polytechnic diploma then to University Degree. Then we like the idea of skipping O'levels, after all, if we are determined and confident of making it through to A'levels why do we need to qualify ourself with O'levels. We are sure 'Integrated Programme' will be as successful as 'Integrated Resort' Singapore style We have digested IP.

Then we found out that besides A'levels, there are other options to qualify for University, there are IB ( International Baccalaureate Diploma) & NUS High Diploma and my my.. how our lives have become more complicated.