Q1: Is it unwise to select schools with cut-off points higher than my son's T-score?

A1: School selection isn't a tikam-tikam (random) exercise. Shortlist schools according to his ability band, and remember to consider his strengths and interests too. Picking schools that your child does not qualify for puts him at a disadvantage. If he doesn't get a place in any of the six schools he selected, MOE will post him to a school based on criteria like his T-score band, availability of places and distance from home.

Q2: I am deciding between an IP and a neighbourhood school for my daughter. How do I know which is more suitable?

A2: IP programmes are rigorous and offer many opportunities for project work, discussion and independent learning. You have to consider if this learning style works for your daughter - does she enjoy a more tightly guided learning environment where requirements are specific, or would she prefer the more open-ended learning style of an IP programme? Choose the school based on the teaching and learning environment that suits your child.

Mrs Serene Gan wanted to know if she should send her daughter to an IP or neighbourhood school.

Q3: With an aggregate of 265, should my child opt for an IP or normal school? Would he be disadvantaged if he goes to a normal school?

A3: Congratulations! With a score of 265, all doors are open to your child. That said, schools in Singapore are fairly equal in delivering a good education. An IP programme could stretch your child's abilities as he will be challenged by different forms of learning and methods of enquiry. But if he prefers to attend a normal school and sit for the "O" levels followed by the "A" levels before university, he will not be disadvantaged in any way.

Q4: My child's strengths are in Maths and Science. I am looking for a school with aggregates from 230 to 250. What would you recommend?

A4: NUS High School of Mathematics and Science focuses on these two subjects, but the cut-off point is over 250. You could consider IP schools that offer a challenging Maths and Science curriculum or the International Baccalaureate (IB), an international programme that leads to an IB diploma or degree. Several schools offer the IB. You could also consider the School of Science and Technology, which opens in 2010.

It's a good idea to check the websites of your target schools to see if they offer special programmes that your child may be keen in, such as a Maths or Science Olympiad.

Q5: How many Direct Schools Admission (DSA) applications can my child send in? What happens if he is offered a place by a few DSA schools?

A5: DSA offers a place in selected schools for children with non-academic talents such as sports, dance, robotics, speech and drama etc. There is no limit to the number of applications, but it's best not too send too many. Most DSA schools will call the child for interviews and other selection tests, which can be very taxing.

When a DSA school offers a place to your child, it is a confirmed offer - as long as your child qualifies for the Express or Normal stream based on his PSLE results. If your child has been offered places in several DSA schools, pick the one that most fulfil his or her needs. But remember, if you opt for a DSA school and qualify for it, you cannot opt out and apply under the regular Sec 1 posting exercise.

Q6: Can a Normal (Academic) student with good results transfer to the Express stream?

A6: An N(A) student can transfer to Express at any point during Sec 1 or Sec 2 if she scores 70% overall, shows strong language skills and is deemed to be able to cope with the rigours of a faster pace. The transfer cannot be made at the upper secondary level as the gap by then is too wide.

If the N (A) student is good in certain subjects, he can study these subjects at the Express level. The student can also choose to study advanced elective modules which can be used to apply for a place at the polytechnics even before the "O" level results are released.

Look out for part 2 of the report on the Q&A session, which will cover common questions about specific subjects or programmes in secondary schools.