Is a move to singapore the best thing for the children?

[princessleah20]

Hi everyone I wonder if there is anyone who can offer any advise...this seems like a good starting place!
My husband had been offered the opportunity of transferring to singapore with work. We have ds who is 5 (6 in jan) and dd who is almost 2.
Up until a year ago I would have jumped at the chance but my son is really struggling with self confidence since starting primary school. He's just started year 2, goes to a lovely friendly and small village school, has lots of friends and is generally outgoing yet we have tears and anxiety every day.
I'm sure it's just a phase and he'll grow out of it but my concerns are obviously about the effect of a big move overseas on him...
Does anyone out there have experience of moving to singapore with a child of the same age?
What academic year would be in the international schools system?
Also leaving a close extended family behind, how do people cope with that?
Thanks so much, suddenly something I've always dreamed of doing is a scary reality!

I have the same experience as you. I did the French Baccalaureate with 3 extra languages and all my humanities.

The huge difference is that it was deeply grounded in a classic subject based curriculum that evolved year on year in an age appropriate context. We were formatted to have the opportunity to turn into the individual bees that bring diversity to the beehive.
They are trying to format the global citizen from the word go with no content, no perspective, no timelines.

Its just shocking how wildly the content varies from school to school. The only common ground is the 5 pillar format that teaches sophistics or "the art of persuasion and consensus" as taught in ancient Greece. Really? has that worked?

I think the sad thing about this MYP is that it is trying to mould all minds into the same clay and they are not. It does not allow enough room to value individual expression or quiet types.
Its all about group work and being the most articulate in a boardroom in 20 years.

So bottom line is just choose a place that suits your child's personality, even if it is a "lesser" school. You can and will bridge the gap as they go. Just love them, trust them.

Thought I would post a quick update... So it's all systems go and we have secured a place for our son at Dover Court for January, which I'm really pleased about.
We have a trip to SG booked for half term to have a good look round and get our heads round it all, so other than the chaos and stress of sorting the house out for removals/rental am feeling positive and excited if a little (a lot) overwhelmed! Looking forward to the trip and hoping that it will all fall into place from here on in..!
Thanks for all the advice and info x

fantastic! do you have a relocation agent paid for with work? if not PM me, used to work as a property agent in Sg and can give you a couple of reliable contacts.

Good for you. Really liked the look of Dover Court when I visited and would have no problem sending my kids there, good luck OP - hope you enjoy the experience.

Wow, good luck!! Enjoy yourselves.

thanks so much master, bling and medal! husbands company have provided various contacts for us and I'm slowly working my way through things!
will keep you posted...so keep an eye out for silly questions as im sure there will be lots! x

Hi all. Jumping in on this thread and hope its not too old:-)
Interested to find out how you are doing princess. Are you in the middle of your move? We are also on our way and going to do an investigation trip mid feb. Have 1 year old twins so school is not an issue but very interesting to hear about the options. master you mentioned that you had property contacts? We would be looking for a place door 6 weeks in mid feb and then something more permanent towards the end of the year if all works out.
Cheers.

Hi - I'm interested as well as we may well be headed back. I have 3 kids (7 yrs, 5 yrs and 3 yrs) who currently go to a tiny faith based school and I am enrolling them into local schools....