Skills considered at enrolment tests

CHILDREN seeking admission to the Singapore International School must be able to follow classes in English and Mandarin.

Eligibility for admission will be determined by an entrance test, interview and a pupil's previous educational record.

The SIS follows a Singapore primary school curriculum which includes languages, mathematics and sciences as the main subjects.

Other subjects include moral education, pastoral care, the arts and physical education.

To enroll by September 1, a student must be a minimum three years eight months for entrance into preparatory year one (pre-primary one) classes and at least five years eight months for admission to preparatory year two (pre-primary two).

Primary classes consist of Primary One to Primary Six. There are no secondary classes.

On completion of Primary Six, a student will be prepared to sit for the Singapore Primary School Leaving Examination.

Children seeking enrolment in preparatory year classes will be required to attend an interview, while applicants for Primary One to Six will have to sit for an entrance exam and present themselves at an interview. Admission will be on a priority basis.

Children who are Singapore permanent residents, Singapore citizens or have at least one parent who is either a resident or citizen will be considered as the first choice for admissions.

The school will then take in siblings of pupils already enrolled and allow entry to children of other nationalities.

Currently, 70 per cent of the 700 students are Singaporean. Children from about 15 nationalities make up the rest of the school population.

If enrolment places are not available, qualified students will be placed on a waiting list for the level applied for.

Tuition fees are $32,000 for preparatory year one, $34,000 for preparatory year two, and $48,000 for Primary One to Six.

Private and corporate debentures are available for $30,000 and $65,000 respectively.

Singapore citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a Singapore Government grant of $12,000.

Other expenses include textbooks and stationery ($1,500-$2,000), school bus service ($3,000-$4,000) and lunch ($4,000).

Parents have to bear expenses for extra-curricular activities.

For enrolment, a student should send an application, a transcript of grades/report card for the previous year, recent passport photo and copy of birth certificate or other official documents indicating birth date.

Also, a copy of either the child's or one parent's proof of Singapore citizenship should be provided if applying for the Singapore Government grant.