Q: How can we find out about the strengths and weaknesses of potential primary schools for my child?

A: All primary schools in Singapore are of a very high standard. However, each school has its unique strengths. For example, in Princess Elizabeth Primary School, our focus is on using performing arts as a form of character development.

You can visit the schools' websites to find out what their niche is and see if the programmes they offer are a good fit for your child. You could also visit these schools. Make an appointment to talk to the principals or have a chat with the parents who are waiting at the schools for their children to end classes.

A father clarified certain balloting procedures with Mrs Ngiam, during which she emphasised that parents can only register their child in only one primary school.

Q: For Pri 1 registration, is there a quota for each phase?

A: There is no quota for each phase. Every primary school is allocated the number of vacancies they can offer each year and priority of placing is based on the different phases. Whatever vacancies are remaining after each phase will go on to the next phase.

However, Phase 2B is an exception. There is a cap of 50% on the remaining vacancies being allocated to parent volunteers, and there are also certain conditions that need to be fulfilled, e.g. volunteering for at least 40 hours of service.

Q: If there is no streaming in Pri 1, how will teachers manage students with different skills and abilities?

A: Every pupil comes into primary school with different abilities - one may be able to learn one subject quickly, but may be slower in another subject. Our teachers are trained to employ different teaching methods during any one lesson so that no child will be left behind. At the same time, we will make it a point to stretch the more able pupils to ensure they develop to their full potential.

Q: When does real screening start?

A: The recommendations by the PERI committee are to not have formal examinations at the Pri 1 and Pri 2 levels. However, this does not mean that there is no longer any assessment. In fact, pupils will be given a more holistic form of assessment according to both academic and non-academic rubrics.

A mother asks what will happen if her child does not get a place in a primary school and Mrs Ngiam assured parents that every child will have a place in a school.

Also, as these new measures are being introduced gradually, different schools may adopt different ways of catering to the differing abilities of the students. For example, students could be grouped according to their specific abilities in a particular subject instead of their overall grades.

At the end of Pri 3, students will sit for the Gifted Education Programme Screening Test while Subject-based Banding will take place at the end of Pri 4 .

Q: How will primary schools promote the use of Mother Tongue?

A: Oracy in these languages will be built up first before guiding the pupils to more advanced language skills such as writing. Teachers will also provide differentiated teaching approaches within the classroom according to each child's ability.

Q: Should I send my child for supplementary classes to prepare for primary school?

A: Going for extra classes may tire your child out even before he or she starts going to primary school. There will be Learning Support Programmes provided for pupils who are weak in English or Mathematics at the time they enter Pri 1.

However, you can prepare children for primary school by training them to be more independent, e.g. being fully toilet-trained and learning how to put on their school uniform by themselves. You may also want to get them used to waking up early a few months before school starts, so that they get used to the routine.