[Bishan] Primary Schools

[kaimono]

Bishan_Mom:

kaimono:

Hi Bishan_Mom,


I have also thought of KCP - think will go to their open house on Jun.
Do you stay within 1 km with these 2 school ?

Hi Kaimono,

No...I'm staying next to Catholic, which is outside 1km of both KCP and AiTong, that's why I need to get into Phase 2B in order to secure a better chance of getting into either one of these schools. Since I've already completed my PV hours in KCP, should not hv a problem getting in, furhtermore, there are less than 20 PVs registering this year. Just thot if I'm also given a chance to get into Ai Tong, will it be big mistake if I give it a miss, real kiasu...

Anyway, which part of Bishan are you? If you are within 1km of KCP, then you should be \"safe\", so far, there were no balloting for those staying <1km in phase 2C. But for Ai Tong, it'll definitely be balloting, as Bishan is outside 1km.


I've been to KCP open house last year, so don't think I'll drop by again this year. Ai Tong does not have open house, guess they do not need to either.


Hello Chief,

Thanks for sharing more info. on KCP. I knew they were awarded the SDA and BPA, but didn't find out much about the awards and really don't know how these awards will boost the school's standing.

As for Chinese Language, KCP is not strong in this subject, their emphasis is in the English Language.

Hi bishan_mum,
Ai Tong is no chance. I'm staying near junction 8 - so both Catholic & KCP are within 1 km; but there is balloting for C - still thinking whether to take the 'risk'.

You been to KCP and doing PVs, what is your thoughts about the school ?

[Bishan_Mom]

Hi Kaimono,


Yes…Catholic, you’re likely to get balloting in 2C, but KCP, so far, I don’t
think balloting is needed in phase 2C for <1km, but for 1k-2km, that’s why I join as PV.

So far, although I have done 40hrs of PV, I have shared the hours with my husband, and only done work in 2 or 3 events, thus interaction is mainly with the PV support group commitee. From what I’ve heard and know, academic wise, its average or slightly above, not really sure as they do not publish their PSLE results. However, I’ve not really noticed any "hooligan-type" kids there. And the school organises regular "meet-the-Principal" session for the parents. Also, one thing I like, is that the school’s CCAs are conducted during regular school hours, not after school. Every Monday, after Assembly, they have their CCAs until 9:30 a.m., then they start their regular school lessons. It is a missionary school, so it teaches christian values.

Also, it has affiliation with Kuo Chuan Secondary but the secondary school is not really that good lah.

The school has small intake, last year was 270, I heard they may reduce the number of classes again this year, but I have not verified this piece of info. yet.

If you want to register in Catholic, until it is time to register, take a look at the number of places available in your eligible phase, no need to register on 1st day, wait till the last day and see how many places are available. Check with the school during that time, they will advise you how many people within 1km have registered and your chances, if there 30 places and 31 people who registered, sometimes, they will just take in all rather than ballot, or even if they do ballot, the chances are still high.

[immimei]

Hi, My sister gave me dis website because she knows how desparate I am. I have a daughter due for P1 next year. I live in Bishan. I wanted a co-ed school because I have a younger boy. Wanted Aitong all along, but too lazy to volunteer bec they don't guarantee a place even if you volunteer. I am very desparate now. I live within 2km from Aitong, may not even have a chance to ballot. I am old gal of MGS, but MGS is so far, at blackmore drive. Marymount Convent seems nearer. MGS is a good school. Marymount is more convenient. Where should I put her? I am considering putting my son in Catholic High if I put my daughter in a girls' school. I am within 1km of Catholic High. :roll:

[ChiefKiasu]

immimei:

Hi, My sister gave me dis website because she knows how desparate I am. I have a daughter due for P1 next year. I live in Bishan. I wanted a co-ed school because I have a younger boy. Wanted Aitong all along, but too lazy to volunteer bec they don't guarantee a place even if you volunteer. I am very desparate now. I live within 2km from Aitong, may not even have a chance to ballot. I am old gal of MGS, but MGS is so far, at blackmore drive. Marymount Convent seems nearer. MGS is a good school. Marymount is more convenient. Where should I put her? I am considering putting my son in Catholic High if I put my daughter in a girls' school. I am within 1km of Catholic High. :roll:

You should have just volunteered. Although they say they don't guarantee a place, normally, the parent volunteers are given some priority in borderline cases, especially those that really contributed to the school.

2km from Aitong will likely land you in Phase 2C. We do not know yet what your chances will be at that stage, since the 2009 cohort size is not yet released.

Here's http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=415 of parents talking about schools in AMK. Seems like that's a pretty hotbed of parents with 6yo kids . Why not consider http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/school/kuo-chuan-presbyterian-primary-school, which excels in aesthetics and athletics, and a mixed one too? Also, don't forget http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/school/chij-st-nicholas-girls-school which is a very strong academic school.

[Jeremy]

immimei:

Hi, My sister gave me dis website because she knows how desparate I am. I have a daughter due for P1 next year. I live in Bishan. I wanted a co-ed school because I have a younger boy. Wanted Aitong all along, but too lazy to volunteer bec they don't guarantee a place even if you volunteer. I am very desparate now. I live within 2km from Aitong, may not even have a chance to ballot. I am old gal of MGS, but MGS is so far, at blackmore drive. Marymount Convent seems nearer. MGS is a good school. Marymount is more convenient. Where should I put her? I am considering putting my son in Catholic High if I put my daughter in a girls' school. I am within 1km of Catholic High. :roll:

Hi there

For Ai Tong, 2Km might not be eligible to go for balloting. I'm putting up a Bishan too, i manage to put my son in CH at phase 2C Balloting. (all wiithin 1KM) I know some volunteers in CH fail to ballot a seat during phase 2c so chances all boils down to luck.

Can consider Kuo Chuan during phase 2c chances are higher.

[kaimono]

Thanks for sharing your tips : )

Bishan_Mom:

Hi Kaimono,

Yes...Catholic, you're likely to get balloting in 2C, but KCP, so far, I don't
think balloting is needed in phase 2C for <1km, but for 1k-2km, that's why I join as PV.

So far, although I have done 40hrs of PV, I have shared the hours with my husband, and only done work in 2 or 3 events, thus interaction is mainly with the PV support group commitee. From what I've heard and know, academic wise, its average or slightly above, not really sure as they do not publish their PSLE results. However, I've not really noticed any \"hooligan-type\" kids there. And the school organises regular \"meet-the-Principal\" session for the parents. Also, one thing I like, is that the school's CCAs are conducted during regular school hours, not after school. Every Monday, after Assembly, they have their CCAs until 9:30 a.m., then they start their regular school lessons. It is a missionary school, so it teaches christian values.

Also, it has affiliation with Kuo Chuan Secondary but the secondary school is not really that good lah.

The school has small intake, last year was 270, I heard they may reduce the number of classes again this year, but I have not verified this piece of info. yet.

If you want to register in Catholic, until it is time to register, take a look at the number of places available in your eligible phase, no need to register on 1st day, wait till the last day and see how many places are available. Check with the school during that time, they will advise you how many people within 1km have registered and your chances, if there 30 places and 31 people who registered, sometimes, they will just take in all rather than ballot, or even if they do ballot, the chances are still high.

[Mum2Gals]

My hubby is alumni in Ai Tong so we can get in at Phase 2A. But everyone in my family is against it because of the distance (6km). There are good schools within 1 km of my area but all needs balloting this year.

Can I register in Ai Tong first, then in Phase 2C, check it out whether there will be confirmed balloting in the nearby school, then decide what to do ?
Will the neighbourhood school be able to tell me if I am likely to end in ballot?
Will I end up like a headless chicken ?

[ChiefKiasu]

Mum2Gals:

My hubby is alumni in Ai Tong so we can get in at Phase 2A. But everyone in my family is against it because of the distance (6km). There are good schools within 1 km of my area but all needs balloting this year.

Can I register in Ai Tong first, then in Phase 2C, check it out whether there will be confirmed balloting in the nearby school, then decide what to do ?
Will the neighbourhood school be able to tell me if I am likely to end in ballot?
Will I end up like a headless chicken ?

Some people would kill to be in your position right now. You should remember the old saying, that a bird in hand is better than 2 in the bush.
The reason why the MoE hold the balloting in stages is to stop parents from holding on to more than 1 registration position at any one time. You cannot ballot in Phase 2C if you have already accepted a place in Phase 2A. You will have to give up your place in Phase 2A FIRST before you are allowed to participate in Phase 2C balloting. The system is fully centralized and programmed to specifically weed out such attempts. Also, no school can guarantee you a place if you have to ballot.

[ChiefKiasu]

Ai Tong and Pei Chun are both equally good schools. Choose the one nearer to you.

[2galsmum]

Mum2Gals:

My hubby is alumni in Ai Tong so we can get in at Phase 2A. But everyone in my family is against it because of the distance (6km). There are good schools within 1 km of my area but all needs balloting this year.

Can I register in Ai Tong first, then in Phase 2C, check it out whether there will be confirmed balloting in the nearby school, then decide what to do ?
Will the neighbourhood school be able to tell me if I am likely to end in ballot?
Will I end up like a headless chicken ?

Yeah how I wish I can get into AiTong here, my in-law is 1 km away from Aitong but my clan membership is less than a year and that make me not qualified.............only at Phase 3, which is of no chance at all!