St Paul Co-Ed VS. DGJS VS. Good Hope

gogochurch

Hi BBPanda,

The success % vary with applicants.  For some candidates, the % for admission to SPCC is 6% in the first round and 60% in the second round.  For the strong candidate meeting all the SPCC requirements, their parents calculate the success rate to be 100% chance in all rounds.

I think each parent has a different success rate in mind when they apply, though they will not disclose it.

cfanny

ed-dunc 寫道:
Well, in my opinion they are both very good schools and there is little to choose between. I'm sure you won't regret either way you pick.

I had a similar question before: if I were given the choice, would I choose SPCC or DBPS for my son?

I finally decided to go for SPCC and its location was the prime reason (since we live on Hong Kong side).

I applied for SPCC only and luckily we got into the second interview. We are still waiting for the result and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

girls--DGJS
boys--SPCC

ed-dunc

Well, I am not confident at all. The reason I applied only for SPCCPS is that I have a reasonably good backup - the primary school I studied in. My son has 25 points and will almost definitely be admitted to it in case SPCCPS turns down my son's application.

SPCCPS will announce the result on 20 November 2006. I believe she will send out letters a few days ahead.

BBPanda 寫道:
ed-dunc,

Just curious - could you pls share why you are so confident that your son can be admitted to SPCC?  Success rate in 2nd round is 60% (120 out of 200)?  What would be your back-up plan just in case (only just) that it is not good news from SPCC?

btw, do you know when the school will send out the final results - did it overlap with the results from govt allocation last year? or slightly earlier, does anyone know?

Tks for sharing.

123daddy

Someone told me the kid's holding 25 marks are more than 200.  Some of them must be out eventually as the seats are limited to 120.
I know all the kids have the chance to second-in are all holding 25 marks. Those kids without 25 marks shouldn't apply SPCC any more because this is not our game.
    

ed-dunc

I was not talking about SPSSPS when I said my son had 25 points. I was talking about the primary school I studied in when I was a small boy.

The point system does not apply to DSS schools like SPSSPS.

Moreover, what your friend said, about those who had no relationship with SPSSPS should not apply, was not accurate.

SPSSPS as far as I gather divides applicants into two categories: A/AR and B/BR. "A/AR" applicants are "related" applicants equivalent to those with more than 20/25 points of the EMB P1 allocation system. "B/BR" applicants are "unrelated" applicants with no more than 15/20 points. According to the school, she will at least reserve 30% of seats (i.e. 36) for "B/BR" applicants. So, children with so called less than 25 points still have a chance to get in.

My son is a "B" applicant (equivalent to 15 points, age and first born).

123daddy 寫道:
Someone told me the kid's holding 25 marks are more than 200.  Some of them must be out eventually as the seats are limited to 120.
I know all the kids have the chance to second-in are all holding 25 marks. Those kids without 25 marks shouldn't apply SPCC any more because this is not our game.
    

lemontrees

So what is the difference between B and BR?

ed-dunc

+R = same religion.

lemontrees 寫道:
So what is the difference between B and BR?

primary2006

Hi Farmer

I think your girl is still waiting for the results from SPCC and DGJS. You must have great confidence and expectation on your kid. Anyway, don't worry and give too much pressure to yourself and your kid.   

Last year, my family also had the similar selection process in Dec.  According to my own resources/understanding, I hope that I can give you some ideas to facilitate your thinking process: -


DGJS:
1. Appears to be a prestigious school for girls.
But it is uni-sex (no boys)--- is that good or bad??
Some studies state that uni-sex is good for kids in study periods.  They can be more concentrated on their studies. Some studies also state that kids can learn better social skills in a co-ed school. Hence, it all depends on your expectation and preference.

2. No doubt, they have strong academics, but I am afraid that my girl would be too pressured by the tonnes of homework and peer-pressure among the students themselves. I am sure there would be immense competition from within. Is that true ? Please share if you know.
There are not too much homework in both DGJS and SPCC but both schools encourage the kids to do a lot of own readings.  In terms of quantities, SPCC has fewer assignments than DGJS. In addition, kids have one 導修堂 per day in SPCC to do their homework.

You have to join some extra-circular activities after school in DGJS. In SPCC, you can choose some extra-circular activities within school hours. You can choose two activities which are free.  In addition, you can also choose some other activities (need to pay and optional) to be held in those 導修堂.  From this aspect, kids of SPCC can have more free time after school. My girl in SPCC is also free to play on every Saturdays. Her nursery classmates who are now in DGJS have to take some extra-circular activities in school on every Saturdays.

3. DGS girls appear more aggressive, and smart-looking... Why?
Most of the time, we can observe the kids in their school uniforms only (that why we know where are they from). Different colors/ design of uniforms can give you different impression.

Kids in SPCC need to wear their uniforms from time to time. Girls need to tie up their long hair with dark blue/ black ribbons. Girls' uniforms are in royal blue. No colorful color can be seen. In DGJS, girls wear white color dresses in summer. When two girls stand together, you will find the girl in DGJS looks more aggressive and smart-looking. However, if there is one more girl from St Paul's Convent (SPC) joins the group, you will find the girl from SPC looks more aggressive and smart-looking than the girl from DGJS.

Actually, girls in the same peer group affect each other. They like the similar kinds of dresses, bags and cartoon characters…  In facts, my girl likes to wear like a princess, when she goes out with some of her nursery classmates who are now studying in DGJS/ Maryknoll/ SPC/ ESF…, they all look like the same.  All are quite smart and pretty noisy …

4. The 3 minute interview is really too short to access the girl !!

Yes, I agree on this point. SPCC's interview seems to be more reasonable and intensive (> 60 minutes for 2 interviews). From this selection process, the headmistress should understand more about the kids and parents. Therefore, the kids and parents in SPCC are of some similar types of characters.  In DGJS, girls are of similar types but parents may vary a lot...

SPCC:
1. Looks like a noble school for boys and girls.
2. Graduates are said to be competent leaders in the society yet are humble and have integrety (at least that is what Mrs. Lee is saying).
3. The school appeared more open than DGJS --- at least they held a parent's information session for us to know more about the school, have a lengthy book about their school's future plans, and the headmistress are willing to more time with the kid and the parents separately.
4. Chinese-based learning in Primary school, and English in secondary school ---- is that arrangement good or bad... I am still debating.
Don't worry about the English standard of the kids in SPCC. You can check the results from the HKCEE of its secondary school. I found most of the kids could speak English like those kids in an international school. If you had been to SPCC's open day, you would have found the answer by yourself. The school also requires all kids to speak English or Putonghua on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (including rest and lunch time). There are 10 English lessons and 2 Oral lessons per week in P1. Both lessons have two teachers (with native speakers) to teach them. Teachers can have ample time to train/ listen to the kids individually. In some parents' gatherings, I am surprised to find out that the kids in SPCC have more time to practice English than those kids in some English-based teaching schools.  

In addition, all kids need to speak Putonghua to their 普通話助教 in their class (they have two teachers in the class). My kid was afraid of speaking Putonghua in September. After one month's practice in the school, she is now willing to speak Putonghua in a happy manner. She says that her teachers always encourage and motivate her to speak. She is so proud to say that it's not so difficult to 煲冬瓜 …

Besides the debates above, I also have many questions in mind:
A. In which school would a child enjoy a more HAPPY and memorable school life? What are your views?

Both kids in SPCC and DGJS have happy school life. I think you better design you own comparison table to list out the criteria that are important to you and make the assessment by all your family members. Most important, you should ask you girl's opinions in the selection process. She is the one who will spend her time in the school.

B. SPCC say that their teacher-student ratio is good (eg, 9.8 to 1), does any one know the situation in DGJS ?
In SPCC, there are two teachers in a class of 30 students.
In DGJS, there is one teacher in a class of 35 students.

C. Can any one tell me the difference between the school curriculum between the 2 schools?
You can refer to their web-sites for details.

Some additional data for consideration:-

SPCC has the "Through Train Model", students of the Primary School with satisfactory academic results and conduct are automatically enrolled in the secondary school. Students are not required to sit for any selection examination.

SPCC has a lot of resources.  It will also have a new primary school in 2008. The school will also offer IB curriculum in 2010 for Form 4 students to choose. Other than the school fees and your chosen extra-circular activities, there is no need to pay some other misc. fees. It's free for some kinds of stationery such as color pencils, folders, picnic fees, and various on-line assignments/ readings etc... There are also a lot of supports from parents and old boys/ girls.  Most of them are too good to spend their own resources and time to assist the school in all aspects.

SPCC is my kid's and our 1st choice. I'm so happy that my girl is so happy there. DGJS is also a good choice.  Try to talk to your kid when you have more one offer, and you'll be so surprise to find out that your kid has already had her own best choice...

Best wishes...

farmer 寫道:
Dear All,

THANK YOU for all your comments!  I have now focused my selection between SPCC and DGJS only.  By reputation, I know these 2 schools are great schools.  Obviously, I feel that there are pros and cons to either one.  Let me share my views first, and I would appreciate if all you experts can  kindly comment or correct me if I am wrong, and generate a discussion if you are interested.  Thanks.

DGJS:
1.  Appears to be a prestigious school for girls.
But it is uni-sex (no boys)--- is that good or bad??   
2.  No doubt, they have strong academics, but I am afraid that my girl would be too pressured by the tonnes of homework and peer-pressure among the students themselves.  I am sure there would be immense competition from within.   Is that true ? Please share if you know.
3.  DGS girls appear more aggressive, and smart-looking... Why?
4.  The 3 minute interview is really too short to access the girl !!

SPCC:  
1. Looks like a noble school for boys and girls.
2. Graduates are said to be competent leaders in the society yet are humble and have integrety (at least that is what Mrs. Lee is saying).   
3.  The school appeared more open than DGJS --- at least they held a parent's information session for us to know more about the school, have a lengthy book about their school's future plans, and the headmistress are willing to more time with the kid and the parents separately.  
4.  Chinese-based learning in Primary school, and English in secondary school ---- is that arrangement good or bad... I am still debating.

Besides the debates above, I also have many questions in mind:
A.  In which school would a child enjoy a more HAPPY and memorable school life?  What are your views?

B.  SPCC say that their teacher-student ratio is good (eg, 9.8 to 1),  does any one know the situation in DGJS ?  

C.  Can any one tell me the difference between the school curriculum between the 2 schools?

Thank you all for your sharing.

Puzzled...

Alihaha

Hi Farmer & other anxious parents,

Our daughter had a 2nd inv at SPCC and we feel she did pretty OK at her DGJS inv, so if we get an offer from SPCC, we will tentatively accept it first and wait for DGJS (result out on 21st Dec).  

BUT BE CAREFUL if you take SPCC, your child automatically get withdrawn from the Govt allocation system.
The result for SPCC will be posted out tomorrow and so we should find out by Thurs (16th)!! I think we will be given a short period of time to decide pending the results from Govt allocation next Mon (20th).

BTW, although my daughter is AR, my niece who is in P1 at DGJS this year was offered a place last year and she was just a B (unrelated & not same religion AND she was born in Nov (younger applicant)). So no worries moms & dads!! Good luck to all!

sunkist-lime

Hi Alihaha,

I assume the result will be a bit earlier than 20th but registration after 22nd and 23rd?  Is the source of information from the school or else, please advice.

Alihaha 寫道:
Hi Farmer & other anxious parents,

Our daughter had a 2nd inv at SPCC and we feel she did pretty OK at her DGJS inv, so if we get an offer from SPCC, we will tentatively accept it first and wait for DGJS (result out on 21st Dec).  

BUT BE CAREFUL if you take SPCC, your child automatically get withdrawn from the Govt allocation system.
The result for SPCC will be posted out tomorrow and so we should find out by Thurs (16th)!! I think we will be given a short period of time to decide pending the results from Govt allocation next Mon (20th).

BTW, although my daughter is AR, my niece who is in P1 at DGJS this year was offered a place last year and she was just a B (unrelated & not same religion AND she was born in Nov (younger applicant)). So no worries moms & dads!! Good luck to all!

farmer

Dear "rimary2006",

I am grateful for your detailed sharing.  Your points are particularly invaluable, especially from one who had experienced the process last year, and could share things now as an insider.

Well, I think I know how to choose now if our girl is lucky to have multiple offers.  Moreover, I have faith  that God will lead my girl to a suitable school and a right path of life.

Thank you.

chanlui

eemay 寫道:
[quote]
farmer 寫道:

2. Graduates of SPCC are said to be competent leaders in the society (at least that is what Mrs. Lee is saying).   

I don't agree this pt. On the contrary, DGS graduates are said to be competent leaders in the society. They are bright and confident, where girls in SPCC are tends to be obedient and submissive.



[/quote]

eemay

I agree with you. The DGS old girls in my workplace are typically confident, smart, presentable, sociable and very very good in English. On the other hand, SPCC graduates are obedient, hard working, submissive, and not so proactive. I am not saying SPCC graudates not good, but they are simply not as 'bright' / 'sharp' as DGS girls.

chingchingmom

Will it be possible that girls in an girls' school assume both roles of boys and girls, therefore they are more independent and decisive?

chanlui 寫道:
[quote]
eemay 寫道:
[quote]
farmer 寫道:

2. Graduates of SPCC are said to be competent leaders in the society (at least that is what Mrs. Lee is saying).   

I don't agree this pt. On the contrary, DGS graduates are said to be competent leaders in the society. They are bright and confident, where girls in SPCC are tends to be obedient and submissive.



[/quote]

eemay

I agree with you. The DGS old girls in my workplace are typically confident, smart, presentable, sociable and very very good in English. On the other hand, SPCC graduates are obedient, hard working, submissive, and not so proactive. I am not saying SPCC graudates not good, but they are simply not as 'bright' / 'sharp' as DGS girls.
[/quote]

chanlui

I remember there was once a research saying that girls can achieve a higher goal in a girl school whereas boys can achieve better in a co-ed school. The reason is, in general, boys' development is a bit slower than girls and they are usually less concentrate in study. So a co-ed school with girls' pressure and help pulling up boys' performance. On the other hand, girls can excel better in a girl school, without being 'drag down' by boys. This is from a research that I read sometime ago. There are always exceptions of course. I am not attacking boys as I have 2 kids, a girl and a boy.

eemay

chingchingmom 寫道:
Will it be possible that girls in an girls' school assume both roles of boys and girls, therefore they are more independent and decisive?

[quote]
chanlui 寫道:
[quote]
eemay 寫道:
[quote]
farmer 寫道:

2. Graduates of SPCC are said to be competent leaders in the society (at least that is what Mrs. Lee is saying).   

I don't agree this pt. On the contrary, DGS graduates are said to be competent leaders in the society. They are bright and confident, where girls in SPCC are tends to be obedient and submissive.



[/quote]

eemay

I agree with you. The DGS old girls in my workplace are typically confident, smart, presentable, sociable and very very good in English. On the other hand, SPCC graduates are obedient, hard working, submissive, and not so proactive. I am not saying SPCC graudates not good, but they are simply not as 'bright' / 'sharp' as DGS girls.
[/quote][/quote]

I think so.