Singapore Chinese Girls' Primary

[jolctan]

Hi Ariella,


Sorry for the late reply. That's nearby my place. I'm staying at Rivervale Drive, in btwn the Mall & the Plaza. Maybe we should catch up with the kids so that they'll know someone before school starts. I've pm you my contact earlier.

[floyap]

Arielyn:

Hi,


I'm an old girl of SCGS and have a pair of B/G twins. Some major hesitation on my part, re. sending DD to SCGS vs. registering both DD and DS at the SAP school near my place, stems from the following:

1. Distance - We stay in Katong. As my Hubby travels quite a bit, either my Mom or I (working mum) will have to make a concerted effort to drive DD to school every morning, while my Dad will have to take my DS to school nearby. I'm not sure how sustainable this arrangement will be, since Bkt. Timah is easily 20-30mins' drive away. If I were to arrange for school bus tptn, does it mean that she will have to board the bus by 6am *gasp*, if not earlier? WHat time does school start for SCGS?

2. Homework - How's the workload in SCGS like? Just thinking about sitting down with the twins to go through 2 sets of h/w fills me with great trepidation....

3. Elitism - I've gone through some of the postings in this thread, centred on this. Actually, it's also a concern close to my heart, especially since my DD is already the more intellectually developed and articulate or the two. I'm quite worried about her picking up some of the snobbery inherent in certain factions of the students, and looking down on her brother. I've spent 10 yrs in SCGS and much as it instilled great pride in me, and provided me with the excellent well-rounded education I had, and the opportunity to forge many firm friendships, it's a fact that most of the students, including myself back then, were quite cut-off from the outside world. And I was also staying in HDB back then (I was from the minority group from HDB dwelling). But even then, I don't think I was ever exposed to the harsh reality of the income divides, the haves vs. the have-nots. I don't think I was snobbish, cos' my parents and background kept me grounded, but elitist and sheltered, yes, to a certain extent, for sure. It was not until I entered JC that I found myself integrating with students from different rungs of society.

My kiddos are due for registration next year, but the stress has kicked in since last year. EVery other day, I find myself struggling with the options. I'm tempted to enrol both in the school near my place, but the mere thought of not leaving DD with the SCGS legacy, is like selling her short on my part. Any comments? Anyone staying in Katong, and whose DD takes the school bus? Could you share with bus pick-up/drop-off times?

Much thanks!

Hi Arielyn

I’m new here and here’s my 2 cents worth of opinion

RE: Elitism
I also had my reservation initially as I’ve heard many stories about SCGS’ girls being atas/materialistic. However, after having spoken to a number of ex girls and parents of existing students; it doesn’t seem as bad as what others have portrayed. As DadsForever puts it, every school will have its own black sheep and parents play a key role in shaping the values and beliefs of a child. Therefore, I’m glad that I’ve made the decision to enroll my girl in the school (she’s going P1 next year). From what I read, I could sense that you are actually very proud of SCGS and I guess as a mom you know what is best for your DD. SCGS is a good school (I like its holistic approach to education) plus it has affiliation to Sec school and will start offering IP program as well. Plus you could enroll your DD in the school without stress (although it doesn’t make much diff since you still have to register your DS in another school)

RE: Distance
This is a key factor that you may want to consider as the morning peak hour traffic can be bad especially along Bukit Timah Rd (so it may take more than 20 – 30 min). You may want to test out the actual travel time in the morning. Is your work place near the school? If not you could end up rushing from one place to another and get totally stress out especially when it rains/when there’s a traffic accident. I presume your parents stay with you? If not, your DS also will end up having to wake up early as well. Not too sure about school bus but I guess the pickup time is likely to be around 6am or earlier? I have a relative staying in Woodlands and study in St Andrew and the school bus picks him up at 5am and the poor boy wakes up at 4am everyday!

I thought it’s nice to have a sibling studying in the same school especially twins (and probably easier for you as well). But there’s pro and cons too, ultimately it depends on their personality i.e. whether they are the competitive sort. I’ve a friend who is always at odd with his twin brother. I guess their parents/family members played a big part as they were being compared since young (from results to generally ability) and that sort of create tension among the 2 of them. So as their mom, you’ll know best if it’s better to put them in the same or different school.

Hope this helps and I’m sure whatever decision you have made, it will be for the best interest of your DD

[ariella]

jolctan:

Hi Ariella,


Sorry for the late reply. That's nearby my place. I'm staying at Rivervale Drive, in btwn the Mall & the Plaza. Maybe we should catch up with the kids so that they'll know someone before school starts. I've pm you my contact earlier.

Sure, jolctan...we shld catch up...

[shm125]

Hi all,


I’m a newbie as well and also an ex-SCGS girl.

Well, i do have some reservations about sending my 2 Ds to SCGS. Perhaps someone can help to dispel them (if they are myths)

1) Environment which can potentially be elitist

When I was in school, there were also many friends who came from well-to-do families. I can only imagine that they will be more in my daughters’ time, especially when both parents work full time. However, for my case, I’m a SAHM living in a HDB and finances will definitely be on the tighter side. And i wouldn’t want to put my daughters in a difficult spot when their friends are able to have material things which their parents can readily afford.

Having said that, i’m sure that SCGS won’t be the only school facing this- since there will always be an "income gap" among the students.

2) Lack of emphasis on Chinese language

During my time, everyone spoke English and detested Chinese (unless you are good at the language). I felt that SCGS didn’t quite emphasise on the importance of the Chinese language, especially when most of my friends came from English-speaking homes.

Has anything changed? Cos I would like my Ds to be able to cope and use the Chinese language and not be a flop like her mummy.

3) Distance

Like some have mentioned- i’m currently staying in Clementi and it’s certainly a torture to go through the Bukit Timah jam in the morning. And the poor kids will be totally worn out by the time they reach home.

Notwithstanding the above, I enjoyed my school life in SCGS and always looked forward to going to school.

Any comments/advice pls? Thanks!

[DadsForever]

Hi Shm125,


i’m a HDB heartlander too, elder DD already in SCGS, younger one following suit soon. Seriously, this ‘elitist’ thing should be laid to rest. DD has never come home crying or wishing she had something we couldn’t afford. She made great friends both rich and not so rich, she gets invited to birthday parties both simple and elaborate. This is part and parcel of growing up in Singapore, we can only help our children cope but we can never shield them completely from it.

Well my kids are weak in Chinese too and that’s because we hardly speak it at home. I can’t say that SCGS puts particular emphasis on Chinese unlike SAP schools that offer higher Chinese (only 15 schs currently i think). I would say the emphasis on different subjects are quite balanced there. Therefore if you want to help your kids with mastering Chinese, you need to get them interested in the language. Big challenge for me still.

Morning jam in Bt Timah is a pain I admit and none of the schools along the belt are spared. Going home is not so bad though. Clementi not too far lei??? Think your kids shld be ok. We are in the north, and some of DD classmates from Changi and Punggol and all got used to it eventually.

At the end of the day, if you are guaranteed of a place in a good school, my advice is not to gamble on a ballot and uncertainty.

[alng]

Hi Shm125 and DadsForever,


I would like to comment on the focus of Chinese in SCGS. My dd is in P5. I agree that most girls are from English speaking families and they do not speak Mandarin at home. Their interests to learn Chinese is also low. However, I do see the school placing emphasis on Chinese over the last two years. The current Principal believes that the girls have to do well in Chinese in order to do well in PSLE :-). They have invested in resources to bring in very good Chinese Teachers to teach Chinese and to work out a curriculum to raise the Chinese standard. The school tested out the new curriculum last year with one P4 class and my dd was in that class. The results was fantastic and very encouraging. This year, the curriculum is rolled out to more classes.

[DadsForever]

Hi alng,


Thanks for the info on the new Chinese initiatives - sure sounds encouraging.

[cyberpie]

My daughter is in Pri 1 this yr. Despite my hesitation, we eventually sent her there. I still have concern on some of the elitist mentality of some of the girls there. Let me relate the following

A week ago, my daughter misplaced her water bottle. Every day she will go to the general office lost and found and try to see if someone had returned it. While there, she saw her classmate’s purse with money there (let’s call this student A). Out of goodwill, she excitedly went to inform A about it. A’s response was nonchalant, and then casually told another classmate, B, to collect for her. Then a few days ago, my daughter managed to find her water bottle at the lost and found. While there, she noticed that A’s purse was still there. She then went to inform A. Guess what was A’s response? She blamed it on B. A openly shouted at B and said, "I told you to collect for me, how come you didn’t go?". My daughter was shocked … but she did not say anything. She came home to relate to me this incident and said that A is like that and treats everyone around her like a maid.

I conclude that student A must, firstly, come from quite well-to-do family. Losing her purse is small matter to her I guess. She probably has half a dozen of cute purses at her disposal. Secondly, her irresponsible attitude is alarming. Not bothering to claim her own property is one thing; but instructing others to do it and then blaming them when they fail to fulfill their task is the maid mentality. Good grief. This is the kind of students I fear will promote all these wrong values and mentality. I can’t help but think that only students who come from such elitist households behave in such an appalling manner.

I know some of you will say that student A is the exception rather than the norm. But to be honest, my son spent 6 years in a neighbourhood school and I have never remotely heard such stories from him. My daughter has been in SCGS for less than a year and I am already hearing such horror stories.

[phtthp]

there are lots of rich tai tai’s daughters studying in SCGS.

early morning, you can see a number of luxurious cars dropping off girls at the front porch.

this girl A most likely come from a rich, pampered family.
she’s treated like a spoit princess at home.
may have > 1 maid in the house. From young grow up in this kind of home environment, with maids are at her disposal, order & command.

no need to wash own bowl /cup after eating - got maid(s) wash for her.

so when she goes to school, it display her natural self.
Unless her own mother & father, grandmother teach her basic character values and proper mannerisms at home like - how to respect fellow peer classmates’ dignity, be responsible for one’s own personal belonging, etc , if from young all these not corrected & pointed out to her esp. when she so young at P1, when she grow up one day work in society, she can’t be a team member. All her pampered behavior will surface, she’ll encounter problems at work. Basic parenting job begins at home.

many parents so busy working outside earning extra $, no time to teach children basic core values at home, so turn out like that, so young at P1 …

[Jav]

Hi, so what did u tell your daughter after she shared her experience?

cyberpie:

My daughter is in Pri 1 this yr. Despite my hesitation, we eventually sent her there. I still have concern on some of the elitist mentality of some of the girls there. Let me relate the following
A week ago, my daughter misplaced her water bottle. Every day she will go to the general office lost and found and try to see if someone had returned it. While there, she saw her classmate's purse with money there (let's call this student A). Out of goodwill, she excitedly went to inform A about it. A's response was nonchalant, and then casually told another classmate, B, to collect for her. Then a few days ago, my daughter managed to find her water bottle at the lost and found. While there, she noticed that A's purse was still there. She then went to inform A. Guess what was A's response? She blamed it on B. A openly shouted at B and said, \"I told you to collect for me, how come you didn't go?\". My daughter was shocked ... but she did not say anything. She came home to relate to me this incident and said that A is like that and treats everyone around her like a maid.

I conclude that student A must, firstly, come from quite well-to-do family. Losing her purse is small matter to her I guess. She probably has half a dozen of cute purses at her disposal. Secondly, her irresponsible attitude is alarming. Not bothering to claim her own property is one thing; but instructing others to do it and then blaming them when they fail to fulfill their task is the maid mentality. Good grief. This is the kind of students I fear will promote all these wrong values and mentality. I can't help but think that only students who come from such elitist households behave in such an appalling manner.

I know some of you will say that student A is the exception rather than the norm. But to be honest, my son spent 6 years in a neighbourhood school and I have never remotely heard such stories from him. My daughter has been in SCGS for less than a year and I am already hearing such horror stories.