Location, CCAs count more than grades for some when choosing sec school

How long it takes to get to school, and whether there are any exciting co-curricular programmes on offer.These may not sound like the typical factors a Singaporean student or parent would look at when choosing a secondary school.

But there are families who do not fit the stereotype.

After the release of PSLE results, it is an important week for Primary Six students in Singapore.

Like his peers, Mohammad Ismat has to decide which secondary school he wants to spend the next four years in.

His first choice is Punggol Secondary School, because it is only five minutes away by bus from his new home.

And he is excited about the school’s co-curricular programmes.

Ismat, a Primary Six student at Jingshan Primary School, said: "Because the football team is quite good, and NCC (National Cadet Corps) can help me grow up to be an army officer."

For Ismat's mother, Sabia Baanu, a lower transport cost helps too.

She said: "Whichever school (he goes to, it) doesn't matter, so long as he is good in his studies. He can then look after me. I'm a single mum with three children, so he knows how I struggle."

Location was also a factor for Secondary 3 student Vanessa Chua, who chose Ngee Ann Secondary School.

Vanessa used to suffer from motion sickness, so it was important that the school in Tampines is one short bus ride away from her home in Pasir Ris.

With her PSLE results, she could have entered a "top school".

Vanessa said: "I'm actually not the competitive type; I prefer a more relaxed environment to study in. I can study at my own pace without being stressed to get a certain grade or something. Under this environment I can do better, and it's more fun for us as well."

Her mother, Nancy Pang, was supportive.

She said: "I didn't like putting my child through stress in school, so I liked that she chose an ordinary school, but a good school. That's okay."

Three years on, Vanessa has no regrets.

"I met very good friends in this school, and friends are very important during your secondary school life."

For the more than 40,000 Primary Six students in the country, it is a time of hope and expectation.

They have to choose their secondary schools by Thursday, November 28, and their postings will be out on December 20.

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