IB vs American vs British Schooling - Singapore

[pupsiecola]

Hi all,
I've not posted here before but have been lurking for a while. We're hoping (I think!) to move to Singapore in the next couple of months. I've done a fair bit of research re schools for my boys (9 and 7). Tanglin would be first choice 'cos of the British curriculum but we don't really stand a chance of getting in. Lots of the others are full. We like the idea of Stamford and I'm in touch with a lady from the ex-pat site who moved there a year ago from the US and she's been really helpful.

I think I've got myself all confused though. I read earlier that the American system makes it really hard for the kids to come back here and crack on with GCSEs/A Levels and even university. I thought the American schools followed IB. Is this not the case? I'm sorry if this is a silly question. I've done so much research on just about every aspect of relocating in such a short space of time (we returned from Singapore 3 weeks ago after a 2 week visit with best friends who live there - our 3rd visit there) and we've only been planning this for those 3 weeks. Can someone please explain the whole US/IB system in simple terms? I think I have a mental block... Thanks.
K

I teach in the US. There is no set curriculum in the US though some states do have guidelines set down. That means that most schools make up their own programs.

Some US schools do the IB but that isn't the norm. However, lots of schools run by US groups (eg military) do follow IB when they are international. So you would have to check each school.

If they are doing just their own thing then it could cause problems as UK Exam boards are pretty highly structured so it is hard for kids to move even within the UK let alone from outside. Having said that, when I taught in the UK I had students move into gcse groups and they just had to do their best to catch up.

Thanks very much. So an American school following the IB system would be good?

Hello pupsie - are the other schools really all full? What about ISS, we nearly went with them, seemingly more of an international IB slant. I know I've mentioned Dover Court to you before, is that full up too? Poor you, doing all this right at the end of the international school year...

Hi londonmoo. To be honest we're receiving lots of strong opinions from our friends who live in Singapore. They grew up there and returned 5 years ago. They advised against Dover Court (sorry!). But I'm trying to bear in mind that in their eyes there is only one school - UWC (and perhaps Tanglin). But need to remember they are from different background than us, they have 2 girls, we have 2 boys, there are cultural differences etc. So whilst I 100% trust their judgement FOR THEM I'm aslo trying hard to keep an open mind. Cos let's face it, UWC and Tanglin aren't options!

I think I have it straight now that IB is good though. And now we're looking at Canadian too. And trying to see if I can fly out and look at a couple. DH had an interview with a guy in Australia at 4am (!). Two more on Monday. Decision next week. House valued today and yesterday. It's getting very real and I feel a bit wobbly!

You do know that there are regular schools in Singapore that do the IB syllabus? And that the local students sit the Cambridge 'o' level and 'a' level exams? There are quite a few expats who now send their kids to the regular schools.

Absolutely lots, from what I hear, to be said for regular schools, which all sound either on a par with and/or above those two top-scorers (UWC & TT). The latter, I might add, are the FIRST schools anyone mentions to me if they have ever a) lived in Spore, or b) been there, or c) schooled their children there. They just seem to have developed this amazing name, which I am sure has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. I get a bit tired of telling people that no we're not going there :)

They're all great, I think, it's down to what curriculum you fancy. Sounds like lots going on for you. I am SO pleased to have that whole school thing nailed so all we have to do is coast (ha ha) down to the starting point.

Hi jumpingship. Thanks so much for that. I think I might be flying out next week if DH gets an offer. We have excellent state schools where we live in Surrey. I thought I was done with the whole which school dramas!! Think I will pm you... Thanks too drcrab. I will look into that.

You can look at the ministry of education website. Moe.gov.sg or a variation of that. They have sections for foreigners.

How long are you thinking of staying in Singapore?

Your boys are still young, if there is a strong liklehood that you will return to the UK in the next 10 years or so, then maybe consider a school that adheres to the English Nat. Cur. I would make things easier to return.

If, however you feel you will be there long term, or that you may well move from Singapore to another country over the coming years, then maybe the IB is the way to go.

The IB diploma is a world respected qualification. Unlike A' levels it is not affected by any moving of the goal posts in order to gain cheap political benefit. It has stood the test of time and is gaining in reputation every year.

I am trying hard not to oversell the IB as I know full well it does not suit every child.

I am also failing to mention that a 'full' IB school will follow a curriculum for the Primary years (PYP) and also a curriculum for students aged between 11 and 16 (MYP).

I think I have given far too much 'stuff', and not enough actual useful information. Sorry for that.

Please send me a message if you think I may be able to answer more questions. I have a lot of international school experience (though not in Singapore) and have taught within the IB structure for about 8 years.

I'd go local, given the fact everyone speaks English too in Singapore don't they? There is even a website which makes choosing a local primary a bit easier. I'd imagine in the more expensive areas, you'll find the better academic primaries too. There must be some forum for Singapore where you might find views from international parents who have opted for the local system.
www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/singapores-top-primary-schools

Ooh on closer look, a very useful forum this is indeed, if looking at local schooling.
www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/index.php

I think one problem with IB is that UK universities seem to equate a 7 with an A* at A level when the 7 is much harder to achieve. Hence the university offers from the UK can be very high. Not all the universities seem to understand the IB grading system.

Hahaha.... Cant believe the website is actually called kiasuparent. They must have developped a sense of humor since i left!

I had a look at some of the forums on that website natation. It is scary stuff. Have you seen the posts about the employers putting cctv around the house and even in the helper's room? Unbelievable.

Hi, my kids started out school in Singapore (one having been born there) I am American and my husband is British. Although we were previously US based we ended up coming back to the UK after a 7.5 yr. stay in Singapore (with 2 kids at TT,finished yrs. 4 and 1.) and faced the same dilema you are facing now. Since we left I know that things have changed. Singapore is heaving with expat families and its hard to find any school at all. American schools do not adhere to any set curriculum unlike British schools. British schools also have set examinations at the end of one's school career. If you are returning to the UK at the end of your stay, for however long it will be, it would be better to get your kids into Tanglin. It is also difficult to move from American curriculum back into British, as the American schools are behind the British school academically. My second choice would be UWC which is the school most long-term expats prefer. It does the IB The American school is also very good and you might be able to place your children there until a space can be found at TT. I believe since we left, TT is offering the IB.
The other important thing is to make sure your company foots the deposit and tuition bills as all the international schools are very costly (as well as rent and Summer repatriation.
Finally, if you go back to the UK make sure you have placed already organized for your children when you return. Good Luck