Though there is a divide between Integrated Programme schools and non-IP schools whereby IP schools are thought as ‘Elitist’. Why should parents consider sending their children to an Integrated Programme school?
Since each school is equally good and teachers in non-Integrated Programme schools are every but qualified. Why should you go through the hassle of the Direct School Admissions process and end up spending large amounts of money on tuition to guarantee a high T-score in the PSLE?
Below, we will take a look at some reasons why you need to consider an IP school for your child. Let’s get started!
Low Student-Teacher Ratio in the classroom
Normally, IP schools on average have 25 students in each class. Are small classes important? The small classes will ensure that your youngster isn’t left behind in the crowd.
On the flip side, non-IP schools usually have on average 40 students in each class. Regardless of the commitment of a teacher to the students, the workload makes it difficult for the teacher to interact with students who need extra help.
So, what makes IP schools different? The learning structure used in Integrated Programme schools is self-directed learning. Meaning that when a student has any difficulty, they can get the help they need from the form teacher.
Professional Development for Teachers
Though NIE does a great job preparing and also training teachers in Singapore. However, the trouble is that the teachers in the non-IP schools don’t get to choose the schools they get placed in. The stress level of these teachers are high and the high turnover rate reflects that too.
After a while, some good teachers move to the private sector and establish tuition centers or offer tuition services. While for Integrated Programme schools, they are permitted to recruit their teachers.
What do Integrated Programme schools do differently? The teachers are employed based on experience, qualification, passion, and competence in the subjects they will be teaching.
Unmatched Facilities
Even though the Singaporean Government is dedicated to supporting education in the country by upgrading all schools. The amount given is not allocated the same to each school. There is no denying that Integrated Programme schools have the top-notch facilities.
Are the IP fully funded by the government? The funds for building these facilities don’t come only from the government but even from donations. These schools utilize the latest technologies to enhance learning. Their libraries have the broadest range of books and even research materials that rivals any public libraries.
They even have the best sporting facilities and also several of the best coaches who manage their sporting programmes.
A Holistic Education
Students get more time to acquire life skills since they don’t have to take the O-levels exams which frees them from the national exam.
How can they use up the free time productively? This could be through having elective studies like psychology, leadership, social etiquette, philosophy, public speaking, problem-solving, character development, etc. The free time may be spent on getting involved in competitions from academic to sports.
Also, students are given the chance to plan school and community events that teach them empathy and responsibility. Certainly, non-IP schools offer several of these skills, unfortunately, more time is usually used in preparing for O-levels thus the experience isn’t as extensive.
Entry to Top JC followed by a place in University
By attending an Integrated Programme school, it implies that you are just about guaranteed a place in top JC. Even though there have been cases for students who didn’t succeed in an Integrated Programme programme, but the numbers are comparatively small.
95% of the students from top JCs get a place in the local or even in foreign universities. Most get scholarships to study in the Ivy-league universities abroad.
Several students from HCI and RJC are offered a study place in these universities right before they get their A-level results. The reason for this is since diplomas from Integrated Programme schools are well recognized by the universities both locally and abroad.
How Does IP Benefit My Child?
The best ‘perk’ with IP is the absence of O- levels. Schools that offer IP can optimize the freed-up time to expand your child and offer greater breadth in their academic and non-academic programmes.
Academically, the fast track programme will keep your child ahead of their peers in addition to the higher-level topics. Meaning, if your youngster is in Secondary 1, their curriculum may also include topics from Secondary 2 which will push him in analytical and higher-order thinking skills.
With O-levels off the list, your child will now have extra time for improvement programmes. These can include elective studies like public speaking, psychology, leadership, problem-solving and more. This will assist your child to develop and gain life skills beyond the class setting.
The IP students are given more chances to plan school and community events that instill values like responsibility and also empathy. When your child is sports oriented, you will be glad to know that IP schools track also gives more time thus allowing them to take part in school competitions and also developing their passion.
Take Away
If you are wondering why you should have your child attend an Integrated Programme school. The above-mentioned pointers can help you make an informed decision on this.
In Integrated Programme schools, students are given the opportunity to plan community and schools events which teach them empathy and responsibility. Although each school in Singapore is good and teachers in non-IP schools are sufficiently qualified, it is up to the individual student and his ability to cope with IP.
Even though the Singapore Government offers funds to all schools in Singapore to help upgrade all the government schools in the country. Additionally, the Integrated Programme schools do get donations that help them build top-notch facilities for their students. That’s why these schools are known to have the best possible facilities.
We have more articles to help you decide if IP is the best education path for your child:
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