Chinese International School

[Chynna]

Does anyone have any thoughts and opinions?

Love the small class sizes and the seemingly excellent teaching.

Not so sure why many seem to move etc. Can see beyond the lack/quality of the facilities.

I think it's amazing expat kids have every chance of getting to a great standard in Mandarin.

[scarbowl]

I think the general culture would be a big adjustment for most expat kids.  These schools are very formal in regards to teacher interactions, high on protocol in general, and unless you are really intent on Mandarin proficiency might be a difficult social adjustment as well.

[Chynna]

Thanks. Do you know the school well? Looking around there seem to be a high percentage of caucasian - non Chinese - students in the Primary classes? Seems to run quite a traditional timetable with lots of emphasis on music etc.

[scarbowl]

Not enough to say more than I have.  As you noted, best to talk with those whose children are or have attended.   I've visited the school along with Haw Chong, and Raffles Institution.  Great if your child is local and the brightest of the bright.  And willing to bend to authority.  These descriptions don't fit my family.

[Chynna]

Thanks again. Can local children attend? It isn't a local school.

What gave you a gut feeling that it catered to the brightest of the bright etc? Or it was strict? Is that it's reputation?

I don't really know anyone at the school so searching for some opinions. Which school did you decide on in the end?

[childatcnis]

We have our daughter at CNIS.  She is in K1.  Yes the school is a bit run down on the surface and lacking in facilities (in comparison to some other international schools), but in our eyes the bi-lingual opportunity, teacher ratio/small class size and quality of the teachers made up for this.

She is having a lovely time and is really enjoying school.  

I'm not aware of any emphasis on taking only the brightest of the bright.  Infact I know they want to grow the school student numbers and this doesn't come from being picky.  

Also, I have not had or felt any expectation to bend to authority.  

As a mother I am reassured by the teachers that I can drop in anytime, unannounced, to see what is happening in the class.  There is regular feedback from the teachers on our children and we get weekly emails at the end of the week on what has happened in the class, including the Chinese words, songs etc which the students have been taught.  Parents are also welcome to join in for select activities, if they wish.  

There is a diverse mix of nationalities as you would have noticed.   I think it is a lovely choice.  Spend some more time there or ask more questions here and I will answer what I can.  

[Chynna]

Thanks, Child at CNIS.

I was impressed and value teaching excellence and small class sizes over glossy facilities.

Why are the teachers particularly excellent here? Is the bar higher than elsewhere? I am guessing that it must be wonderful to teach such as small class as you can make a real difference on an individual level?

How much has your child's grasp of Mandarin improved?

Does the school have enough funds to ensure its security and long term future?

How strong is the delivery of the PYP program? How strong are the other academics apart from the language aspects?

What have you been disappointed with, if anything? What are the weaknesses?

[I think...]

I think Scarbowl is confusing Chinese International school with the one next door - Singapore Chinese Girls School (which is local and difficult to get into)

[I think Chynna...]

... may be a teacher at the school.  Or a reporter
 

[mandarin]

i looked at it a while ago and did not like it at all.We ended up at Tanglin and are happy.I hear the new school Avondale has a good mandarin  programme.

[ishq]

... may be a teacher at the school.  Or a reporter  

how much do you think he gets paid to do these advertisements?

[Don't think so]

There are some excellent teachers there, despite the rather run down appearance of the school which I personally couldn't get beyond.