School of Science and Technology

[fifiyeo]

Hi Kaka,


Thanks a million!

I know the website paints a very attractive picture. But what is it really like in there? Is it like what the school promotes itself to be? It’s really new so most poeple I know either don’t know much about it or haven’t even heard of it. They kinda think I’m mad!

Any parents with kids in there? Much appreciated if you have anything to share.

[kaka]

Hi fifiyeo


I have assumed you had read some of my previous posts

My son is enjoying himself in SST as he likes the teachers, friends and teaching method. Yes, I felt it is like what the school promotes itself to be. Due to the small classroom size, the teachers have more attention for the children. All students must buy the LD (learning device - Mac Pro :moneyflies: ) and do most of the work/ learning through the LD.

However, many parents have shared concern of children on computers all the time, not knowing how much of the time is spent on working or others. I think this concern is generic also in other school but more so in SST. Teaching children responsibility and close supervision is critical. :nunchuk:

[fifiyeo]

Hi Kaka,


I like the smaller class size. I think to have 40+ kids in a class is way too much for quality education.

Was it very hard to get through the selection camp?

[kaka]

fifiyeo:

Hi Kaka,


I like the smaller class size. I think to have 40+ kids in a class is way too much for quality education.

Was it very hard to get through the selection camp?

Was it hard? I dont know how to compare. About 1200 applied last year, each intake is 200.

My Ds did not prepare for the test, commented it was difficult, but he got through and went on to the second round - the \"camp\", which the group was given hands-on problem solving scenerio. He was much happier about his performance in the \"camp\" as he has always liked hands-on stuff.

The selection criteria also includes other area like school academic results, CCAs etc

[fifiyeo]

[quote]Was it hard? I dont know how to compare. About 1200 applied last year, each intake is 200.


My Ds did not prepare for the test, commented it was difficult, but he got through and went on to the second round - the \"camp\", which the group was given hands-on problem solving scenerio. He was much happier about his performance in the \"camp\" as he has always liked hands-on stuff.

The selection criteria also includes other area like school academic results, CCAs etc [/quote]Hmm.....academic results...sigh.

What kind of excellent academic results are they looking out for?

My boy is in Nan Hua Pri. This year his grades have dropped so much that I really don't know where he can go after PSLE if those are the kind of scores he gets. The teachers all say he's doing ok and its common to slide 20+ in percentage points. Since he didn't slide that much, he is OK! Sci teacher even sent out email telling us that 61 was the school average and if our kid is getting 60+....he/she is doing fine. :slapshead:

[Alchemist]

Hi Fifiyeo - I can empathise with you. My son is in the same boat. His academics are patchy - he will typically score well in 2 subjects and poorly in 2. This has been his trend throughout primary school. Maths and Science will always take turns in scoring well. We are also worried how much academics contributes to the decision.


But we are hoping very much that the DSA places more emphasis on the kids’ interest in Science and Technology. My son loves Science and anything to do with Technology. He loves the idea of SST - and we think it will be perfect for him.

During the parents’ seminar I asked the principal about this and he said - there is no set formula. They run many permutations of their academic results with and without MT. They use the Selection test as an important criterion for choosing for the camp I think. Thereafter it is a combination of many factors.

Reading Kaka’s post, it always seems she was so relaxed about the whole process. I am also telling myself to be the same - maybe that is the trick ;-).

Cheers

[Alchemist]

by the way unlike many other parents in this forum - my definition of scoring well is 75+ :-). Maybe that is not well at all -

[fifiyeo]

My idea of doing well is 80 or there about. No need more. But this year, nothing is nearby! 1 low 70s and all others in the mid to high 60s. :slapshead:


Teachers in school don't seem to think its a problem. In fact during the PTM, the form teacher actually told me that many of the kids in class has slide more than 20 % pts. So nothing to be overly worry as it is a norm, they will pick up. Then looking at my boy's results she didn't think he did badly. But for us parents, wah!....it's a shock! :yikes:

So now I'm wondering if he'll ever pass his PSLE! :siao:

[phankao]

My ds was an average 75% in school. He had no problem getting past the SST DSA trials and getting a confirmed offer, altho’ he didn’t take it up.

[fifiyeo]

I sure hope my boy will pick up next term. Keeping my fingers cross. :xedfingers:


By the way, SST have school bus service?