Choosing secondary schools after PSLE

The decision to choose the best secondary school after the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) for students can be a crucial matter for them and their families. When choosing an institution, it is important to note that the best school is the one that can bring out the best in students, academically and overall well-being. 

Here are “five-tastic” tips to ease the process of searching for the “perfect” school: 

1. Doing research about the different types of secondary schools in Singapore

   Like it or not, doing research and gathering some data related to the topic is the best way to gain more knowledge regarding the schools. Learn about the different types of schools that Singapore has as well as their programs, culture and facilities. There are five (5) types of schools in total.

   • Government schools: These are the schools administered by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and provide a broad-based education. Bukit Panjang Government High School, Raffles Institution, and Jurong West Secondary School to name a few, are the examples of government schools. 
   • Government-aided schools: These schools are also monitored by the MOE, but receive additional funding from the government and private donors. CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), and Catholic High School are the examples of government-aided schools
   • Independent schools: These schools have greater autonomy and can set their own curriculum and admission criteria. Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang Girls’ High School, and Singapore Chinese Girls’ School are examples of schools that belong in this category. 
   • Specialised schools: These are schools that accomodate students with specific talents or interests. School of the Arts (SOTA), Singapore Sports School, and NUS High School of Mathematics and Science are some of the specialised schools in the nation.
   • International schools: These schools offer an international curriculum and often cater to expatriate families. United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA), Canadian International School, and German European School Singapore just to name a few. 

Living in a technological era has many perks for all generations especially for students and their parents. They can check out their potential’s school websites and attend school open houses to get to know about the schools more. Besides, interacting with current and former students of the school can assist students and parents to get a sense of their experiences and academic performance. They can provide valuable insights into the school’s academic standards. It’s important to do your research and choose a school that can mould students to become a better society for a better Singapore. 

2. Strategic location

   Schools that are easily accessible and conveniently located from your home is a plus point. The location of these schools is considered vital as it can affect accessibility, convenience, and safety for students. When looking for a school, here are some location factors that parents should consider. 

   • Proximity to residential areas: Most secondary schools are located near residential areas to make it convenient for students to get to and from school. This reduces travel time and the need for long commutes, which can be tiring and affecting academic performance.
   • Accessibility to public transportation: Secondary schools are normally located near public transportation hubs such as MRT stations, bus interchanges, and major roads to make it easy for students to travel to and from school.
   • Safety and security: Schools are often located in safe and secure areas with low crime rates. This ensures that students can travel to and from school without any safety concerns.
   • Availability of facilities: Secondary schools are often located near community facilities such as sports complexes, libraries, and community centres. This provides students with access to a range of amenities that can enhance their learning experience.

All in all, the strategic location of secondary schools in Singapore is designed to provide students with a safe, accessible, and convenient environment that supports their learning and development.

3. Students’ interests and strengths

   When choosing secondary school, it is important to align it with their interests and strengths. This makes significant changes in your child’s life as transitioning from primary to secondary school can be quite challenging. For instance, if your child is into sports, consider a school with a strong sports program like Singapore Sports School. A lot of parents are struggling to find school that best suits their child’s interests and strengths. Here are some the ways you can identify their interests and strengths:

   • Communicate to your child: Have an open conversation with your child about their interests, hobbies, and strengths. Ask them about the subjects they enjoy the most and what they are passionate about.
   • Evaluate their academic performance: Review your child’s academic performance and see if there are any subjects they excel in. This can provide a clue to their strengths and interests.
   • Assess learning style: Observe your child’s learning style and see if they are more visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners. Look for schools that cater to your child’s learning style.

Assigning students in a preferred secondary school can boost their motivation and assist them in excelling academically. These will lead to obtaining academic success and self actualization. 

4. School’s academic progress

   Observing the school’s important examinations results such as PSLE and O level, and track record of academic performance can provide a clearer indication of the quality of education provided. Here are some ways you can assess a school’s academic performance:

   • Check the school’s O-level results: Look at the school’s O-level results to see how well their students perform at the end of secondary school. This can give you an indication of the quality of education provided by the school.
   • Consider the school’s academic programs: Look at the academic programs offered by the school, such as gifted education programs or accelerated learning programs. These programs can indicate a school’s focus on academic excellence.
   • Consider the teaching staff: Look at the qualifications and experience of the teaching staff. Schools with experienced and qualified teachers are likely to provide a better learning environment for students.

Remember, academic performance is not the only factor to consider when choosing a secondary school in Singapore. It is also about finding a school that is a good fit for your child’s needs and interests. However, sometimes things happen. “Man plans, God laughs”. If you did not manage to secure a place in your desired school, fret not! The final tip will help you and your child’s academic development! 

5. Tuition centres and enrichment programs for students:

   These learning centres create opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom. One of the best ways to take full advantage of their educational opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom, allows students to explore concepts in greater depth, tackling challenging course material with confidence and curiosity. They provide a safe space for students to ask tough questions, interact with their peers, and collaborate on projects. Most importantly, the existence of these centres allows parents to have peace of mind. 

Edufront Learning Centre is Singapore’s premier tuition and enrichment centre for Primary and Secondary-level students. They specialised in: PSLE tuition, English, Mathematics, Science and Malay, both in primary and secondary levels. 

Edufront Learning Centre can be the stepping stone for students and parents to be the high achievers in their academics and here’s why:

• Proven Track Record: Each year, they have students accepted into top schools such RI, RGS and VJC. Many will make remarkable improvement by 2 to 3 grades in the PSLE and O-Levels.

• Trained and Qualified Tutors: Caring and professional team of educators led by their founding principal, to maximise the academic potential of students.

• Small Group Classes: 1:12 tutor-student ratio to give your child the added attention to boost their confidence or to fully stretch their learning. *2:24 for classes by our Principals Mr Yang and Cikgu Hayati

• Edufront Curriculum: In-house team of curriculum specialists to spot changing exam trends and ensure that our teaching resources are constantly aligned with the latest MOE syllabus.

• Technology-Enabled Learning: Choice of physical or online lessons (via zoom) supported by our innovative mobile-enabled LMS to extend your child’s learning beyond the weekly face-to-face interaction with our tutors.

Edufront Learning Centre has 5 branches that are conveniently located across the island. Not only that, they too provide online classes called Edufront @ Live-Online for students and parents who choose to enrol the classes anywhere at any time without having to physically attend the classes.