Woodland Repluse Bay Montessori Pre-School

JJsMama

Hi bigheadcat

GSIS acceptance rate (for reception) is about 10%, while CIS is about 25%.  Other than nationality and corporate debentures holders, GSIS' acceptance is partly based on the time of application.  So the earlier you apply, the better chance of getting in. Out of the 2 schools, I personally would go for GSIS if Chinese is not a major concern.   

With regards to SIS's school ground, it was a pleasant surprise because I initially thought it looked rather dry from the outside.   It has similar facitilities to CIS but is more open and feel less conjestive.   The moment of truth came when I saw the kids all looked so happy, bright-eyed, and so...spiritually healthy (!).   That kind of washed away all the reservations I had initially about the school.   

I don't know the acceptance rate or the waiting list of SIS.   They seem to be less open about these numbers than the other international schools.  I imagine it wouldn't be too hard to get in at PY, ie. unless the kid is totally unable to communicate in English or Mandarin.
   

Amosmother

JJsMama 寫道:
...
I don't know the acceptance rate or the waiting list of SIS.   They seem to be less open about these numbers than the other international schools.  I imagine it wouldn't be too hard to get in at PY, ie. unless the kid is totally unable to communicate in English or Mandarin.
   

JJsMama,

Do you mean that SIS' admission interview is conducted in Eng and Mandarin?  And what's the fluency level of Mandarin is expected by SIS?

JJsMama

Amosmother

It's either English or Mandarin for PY1.  You can state your choice.   I think as long as the child can understand the interviewer, it's fine.   The interview was pretty simple and nothing intimidating.  All the children came out with a smile  (& a candy).

ShermonSeto

Hello Amosmother,

Do your son like Woodland Wanchai Preschool ??
Is it good ?  Howabout the teachers ?  Are they professional and patience ?
Have you compare Wanchai vs other campus ?  
Like playgroup at Science Villas (Pok Fu Lam) ?

Sorry for so many queries, as I can't find the answer while my visit in this March.

Kindly advise to me, thanks !!

Cheers,

Amosmother

ShermonSeto,

My son loves Woodland actually as he still mentions the names of his teacher and friends there now, even he's not in Woodland now.  I'm content with the environment there as it's spacious, esp. the indoor playground (with air-con, not affected by hot and wet weather).  Teachers there are professional and caring, too.  All of them are native speakers.  I haven't compared this with other Woodland campus.  But when they opened the Tai Tam campus early last year, they eagerly urged me to pay a visit there and consider going there, as they think it's new and nearer to my living place (and maybe they want more students there, I thought).  But I didn't want to, as a convenient one is more important for me and my son got along there well.

Hope it helps.

ShermonSeto

Hello Amosmother,

Thanks much for your advise, it really helpful !

I have paid the registration fee (HKD500) for the enrollment, even though I saw the lady (teacher) wear a ring on her toe while my visit last time!!!  

Agreed with you that the indoor playground is good, however other than the playground, it seem that the school is no much decorate, I mean not so funny enough, what do you think !


The school supervisor in Wanchai most likely prefer traditional method due to  her school is not Monsttessori !!!   I think and so........ he he !!

As you live near Tai Tam, have you consider the TurtorTime ?

How long for your son taken the playgroup in Woodlands ?    Have you attend with him ? Where are your son study right now ?Which kindergarden  you are planning to enrol for your son ?

Thanks and Regards,






      

Amosmother 寫道:
ShermonSeto,

My son loves Woodland actually as he still mentions the names of his teacher and friends there now, even he's not in Woodland now.  I'm content with the environment there as it's spacious, esp. the indoor playground (with air-con, not affected by hot and wet weather).  Teachers there are professional and caring, too.  All of them are native speakers.  I haven't compared this with other Woodland campus.  But when they opened the Tai Tam campus early last year, they eagerly urged me to pay a visit there and consider going there, as they think it's new and nearer to my living place (and maybe they want more students there, I thought).  But I didn't want to, as a convenient one is more important for me and my son got along there well.

Hope it helps.

Amosmother

ShermonSeto,

Please check PM.

bigheadcat

Hi JJsMaMa,
I went to the Montessori in Stanley. That's really good. I applied for my son already.
By the way,you prefer GSIS to CIS,don't you think that the IB programme is important?It seems that more and more schools adopt this programme.

JJsMama

Hello bigheadcat

It's great to hear you like Montessori for Children.  Now that you've applied, will you definitely put your child there?  Or are you still scouting.   No matter what, I think it is a good choice.  

IB is not an important selection criteria for me, though I can see why many international schools move towards that direction.  IB emphasizes on internationalism and completes the connection to IB diploma which some schools are already implementing.   No doubt there is a lot of merit in the IB Diploma programme (ie. the final 2 years of secondary school) as it's recognised by many universities worldwide.  Saying that, top students don't neccessarily need an IB diploma to get into top universities.   As for the IB primary & middle year programmes, my understanding is they emphasize a lot on cultural awareness and the meaning of world community, which could be supplemented by our own up-bringing anyway.    Between CIS & GSIS (and if Chinese is not a criteria), I would choose GSIS which allows the child to emmerse in a more international environment.   And CIS for its Mandarin component.   All in all, I think the set of reasons for choosing GSIS and CIS are quite different.   It's easier to make a decision if you look closely at what you want from your child's education.