Local primary school for expat kid?

[globetrotter]

We're not here on an expat package (actually, hubby is Singaporean), so am just wondering about where to send the sprog, after kindy.

I get the impression that local schools really push kids, and though they're expanding their extra curricular activities, they're still not quite as 'holistic' as international schools. And the long hours are a bit of an eye-opener for me; in my day, I finished at lunch-time, and homework was very unusual.

Age-old question, I know. Hoping some long-standing expat can give me some answers.

How do international schools shape up, academically? I mean, on an international level. If a kid went from an international school here back to, say, the UK, would the level of education be comparable to the best / worst / average school there, would you say?

Would really appreciate some help here (first-time parent ;D). We've got a bit of time, but have to start getting a plan into motion next year. We'll probably only come in at phase 3, or something. What's with volunteering? Is it possible to put in a lot of time at a decent school, but your kid gets turned down? Do you volunteer at 2 or 3 different schools?

I'm starting to run round in circles here - please help before I get dizzy!

[mimi]

I can help you with the international school question. Before I begin, let me give you my background so at least you know where I'm coming from.

I've taught in a UK girls private school and two international schools here. I'm currently working as a private tutor (coaching mainly international primary school kids in Maths and English) In addition I've had 4 kids in 3 different international schools here - UWC, Dover Court and Lycee Francais. So I think I have a fairly good perspective both as a parent and teacher.

How do they compare? Well I would say academically UWC (primary) compares with some of the best non - selective schools in the UK. Given the background of the majority of parents at the school, the average ability of the kids is pretty high, but still you get a range of ability. If your child is very bright then they will be extended withing the class and there tends to be a group of these high flyers in each class. Strugglers are given extra support. Possibly the average child gets overlooked, particularly if they are quiet and well-behaved. Although that probably depends on the teacher. I've noticed that the high flyers can be very demanding of the teachers time though and if you have an average, quiet, well behaved child they may just plod. I find a lot of the children I tutor have this profile and the parents feel that their children aren't pushed enough. This can and does happen in many schools though so it's something parents need to watch out for wherever their children are.

Dover Court was academically thorough but without all the glitz of UWC. Lycee Francais is another route altogether, but if you want your child to bilingual, the school is excellent. No learning support though so not a good choice if you have a slow learner.

If you are on a tight budget another option might be St Joseph's international. I heard through the grapevine that they are opening an elementary school shortly. The new head is currently Head of curriculum at UWC. I expect there will be some teething problems but if you have a few years leeway these should be ironed out by then.

If you go for an IB school be careful. It is not a fixed curriculum so you need to choose one with a solid academic reputation. All IB schools are not equal.

Hope this helps

disclaimer: This is my experience and may not be the same as other parents/teachers

[globetrotter]

Thanks for your reply, mimi.

I think my child is bright, but quiet in class (you wouldn't think it from the noise at home, though!). A question - what's a 'non-selective school'?

And one more - any opinions on Anglo-Chinese Junior? A friend mentioned that it's quite good.

[Asian languages]

I think your choice may also depend on whether you will like your child to learn your hubby's mother tongue. If yes, then local schools will be a better choice as most international schools are mono-lingual with some exposure to other languages at best.