Comparing Chinese Enrichment (Primary/Preschool)

[ac23]

Hi,

For those presch in Tien HSia, at the end of the term parents will be invited to watch their children perform. I find this is good to build up their confident.

[adafew]

cornucopia:

Hi!


My cousins used to go Han but now they are already in Army haha! My aunt said it's good but again was so many years back. Quality may change now. :?

:? then maybe outdated liao...Anyway, just sign up for a free trial at Tien Hsia...Hopefully my DS1 enjoys that.

[mrswongtuition]

I was sourcing for a Chinese enrichment class for my 2.5yo boy & shortlisted Berries & Beijing Language school.


My personal comparison with the 2 schools:
Berries (attended 2 trial lessons)
The lessons were interesting but the teacher-student ratio was quite large. Maybe because we chose a weekend slot due to distance (we stay at Punggol & the nearest branch is Tampines). Quite pricey (ard $120/mth). & they were not very clear in explaining to me what happens if my son was ill or we are travelling & will miss classes.

Beijing Language School (attended 1 trial class & signed up)
Went to view the centre at Punggol Plaza, found quite small. Went over to the SK branch and preferred the environment there. The staff were very helpful in answering my queries in simple mandarin (they noted I have trouble understanding mandarin). The teachers there are all native teachers who are trained in early childhood education (this is my preference) & have 4-5 years teaching experience in China. Due to closer distance, we could take the weekday slot & the teacher student ratio was much better than Berries. They also have a CD of the songs sung in class which can be purchased termly for $5. It allows me to revise & reinforce the learning at home. My son loves the songs on the CD as they are very catchy, he’ll sing along after listening to the same song twice (FYI, my son does not speak a word of mandarin & if you ask him to, he’ll delibrately reply in english). Affordably priced at $60/mth or $170/term. & even before I signed up, the lady explained to me that if we are going to miss lessons, just inform them in advance & we can attend another lesson within the same week.

[smum]

Is it difficult to get into these Chinese Enrichment class? I tried to enrol my P2 boy into Tien Hsia weekend class. But it’s all full. I think I’m number 7 on the waiting list. Wonder if you need to start them young so that they progress upwards.

[jedamum]

mrswongtuition:

Berries (attended 2 trial lessons)
The lessons were interesting but the teacher-student ratio was quite large. Maybe because we chose a weekend slot due to distance (we stay at Punggol & the nearest branch is Tampines). Quite pricey (ard $120/mth). & they were not very clear in explaining to me what happens if my son was ill or we are travelling & will miss classes.

:? possible to arrange for 2x trial??
if ill, can use the medical cert to exchange for a 'medical voucher'. as to how to use the voucher, i dunno. usually when my boy is sick, i'll arrange for a make up lesson in the same week eg sick sat, he go sun class for make up.

[mrswongtuition]

You need to pay for the trial lessons which is their standard trial lesson pricing. 1 trial lesson is not enough to make a fair judgement.


Even for Beijing Language school they encourage us to try for 1 month before deciding.

[jedamum]

mrswongtuition:

You need to pay for the trial lessons which is their standard trial lesson pricing. 1 trial lesson is not enough to make a fair judgement.


Even for Beijing Language school they encourage us to try for 1 month before deciding.

thanks. i'll ask again. cos i paid $15 promotional price for the 1st trial. the admin said that no 2nd trial. if i want, i have to pay the registration fees first.

[mrswongtuition]

jedamum:

mrswongtuition:

You need to pay for the trial lessons which is their standard trial lesson pricing. 1 trial lesson is not enough to make a fair judgement.


Even for Beijing Language school they encourage us to try for 1 month before deciding.

thanks. i'll ask again. cos i paid $15 promotional price for the 1st trial. the admin said that no 2nd trial. if i want, i have to pay the registration fees first.

Both trial I paid $26++ if I remember correctly. Which branch did you go?

[jedamum]

mrswongtuition:

Both trial I paid $26++ if I remember correctly. Which branch did you go?

bukit batok branch; trial at $15 (or $16+ inc gst).

[mrswongtuition]

That’s their promo, got T&C attached. If you don’t mind paying the full price of the trial then I think they’ll allow a 2nd trial lesson.