Singapore Schools

[TinyPop]

I started another thread a while ago about whether to choose HK or Sg as my OH has the option of working in either, but we have chosen to look into Sg instead, as the more family-friendly option. I say look into since we still haven't decided what we're doing .

Anyway, having looked up all the old threads about schools in S'pore, I have some questions about schools if anyone can help.

Unfortunately his package won't cover school fees (or at least it hasn't been specified yet) so would like to know more about the local education system and local schools. I haven't found any expats who've sent their kids to a local school. Why would this be? In some cases I imagine it's because private ed is already paid for, and that if you are only planning to be there for a few years and come back to the UK you want to keep education as consistent as possible. I imagine it also makes settling in easier. But what are the other reasons? Is it hard to for an expat to get into a local school? How much of their curriculum is taught in Chinese/Malay/Tamil? Would it be completely unrealistic to send our DC to a local school if we plan to come back to the UK in 2 or 3 years' time? Would it be too disruptive?

I am finding the cost of fees hard to swallow but think we could manage it if we compromise on other things such as where we live, but we'd have to work out the figures very carefully.

Thanks for any help or pointers.

I'm in SG, but only have a toddler and he isn't even in a preschool yet (see my other posts...). But from what I have gathered the main issues are:

• wanting to keep up the home country's curriculum, so returning or moving to another international school in another country is easier

• cultural differences in the approach to education. The Confucian approach is very much focussed on rote learning and teacher is always right, rather than teaching critical thinking and how to analyse information. I know an (Australian) NUS professor who says this is a real problem with his undergrad students.

• the SG government have changed policies several times on whether or not temporary residents are eligible to attend govt schools, and fees have varied too. My understanding is that currently you can attend, but you are given lowest priority and you have to take whatever place is available, even if it is at a school on the opposite side of the island to where you live. I think you also have to apply quite early (not sure of the application process).

• parents don't want their kids to be a racial or cultural minority at school

There's a site called singaporeexpats or something similar and there have been a few threads about local schools. They might be a bit more enlightening.

HTH

It would be culturally quite different. When we lived there it would not have been possible to attend as an expat.

We have never lived there but researched it earlier in the year. Impression I got was that local schools prioritise Singaporean residents and then PRs before they would consider expats so its very difficult to secure a place.

Try asking on singapore expat mums on facebook, I'm sure I've seen some posts on there about expat kids going to local schools. To be honest though Terror has it about right in my opinion. I left singapore this summer after a 5 year posting and never knew any expats with kids at local schools. The style of teaching and discipline is very different to what we are used to in the uk, and the pressure is enormous even at 5-6 years old. As far as I know expats are still able to apply for local schools but there's no guarantee of a place and you are likely to find out very late if you get a place. Expats are at the back of the queue for local school places so you might get something an hour away and it's probably the school that no-one else wants.

Ask on Facebook anyway, the expat mums group is great and there's always someone who can answer a question.

Butterflies is right about the academic pressure. I'm looking at preschools and many parents are seeking an academic curriculum. There's a real fear of children not being prepared for grade one! On one of the Facebook groups I'm on someone was looking for a Mandarin tutor for her three year old because he had homework she couldn't help with.

I read an opinion piece in the paper the other day comparing the local system to the Finnish system (currently top for education outcomes internationally). The Finns don't start reading until later and don't do standardised testing. Despite the obvious benefits the writer basically said Singaporeans aren't ready for such a cultural shift and possibly never will be.

I know quite a few expats with kids at local school. In terms of admissions you do get selected after locals. The people I know have agreed that their kids are getting a great standard of education, probably better than at the international schools. The main diffuculty seems to be in the social side of things. Very little play dates, parties etc However if you live in a condo full of kids then it's easier as they have kids at home to play with

There is a group being set up on Facebook under singapore expat wives, for parents of kids at local schools

Had quite a few expat friends send their kids to local schools. The 'best schools' are very difficult to get into and academically very robust, so expats tend to go for less popular more relaxed schools. Singapore has a good education system but many of my friends ended up regretting their choice and sent their kids back to international schools. It is possible though.

Thanks everyone for your posts, it's interesting to know that some expats do go the local route. Terror, that sounds pretty awful not being able to help with homework! And sad for kids to be pressured academically at such a young age.
Anyhow, since my OP we've visited Singapore and managed to see four British schools. We visited Nexus, which although is only in its second year, looked pretty impressive. Does anyone know any more about this school? Anyhow, probably best off asking these types of more specific questions on the sites mentioned above, so thanks everyone.

OP there's a comprehensive thread here on Nexus. Not sure if it will help you.

forum.singaporeexpats.com/forum64.html

Thanks Pupsiecola, that's a brilliant thread - have only skim-read so far but it seems pretty positive.

Tiny one of my friends is a Y1 teacher there and her son has just started in YR. Let me know if you want more info.

Hi Merlion! How are you? Are you still in SGP?

Have been lurking but wanted to say I would love some more information on Nexus too. We are looking at a move next year and trying to figure out the school situation. UWC is my first pref by far but we need a backup! Nexus seems promising from the little I have read. Would love to hear experiences!