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Singapore Sling

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 08:25
Good luck in finding lovely pics Claire. I also saw at the Bastakiya but cannot remember from which of the art galleries. And that frame/Arabic bric-brac cum trinket shop in MoE. Gallery One at Madinat Jumeirah stocks the old ones too.
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 08:23
Regarding India - If you are interested in traveling India I suggest Jaipur in the North or Kerala in the South. Another no for Mumbai. Sri Lanka I haven't been to and believe that it can be quite a nice experience. The country however, is on the list of the 4 least liveable places in the world. What is the security situation in Damascus like at the moment? That city blew my mind away - it is simply phenomenal. <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 22/06/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 08:18
Ask SimoneN Claire. They published http://www.amazon.com/Now-Then-Dubai-Our-Earth/dp/0953303500 and I am sure she has access to old pictures for you.
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 08:16
Is he asking for forgiveness in order to be friends or does he want you to be in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship again? I say forgive the man. Forgiveness is a choice and not an emotion but it can however prevent you from closure & moving on or closure & picking up the pieces again.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 08:08
We went to the Maldives during early September one year and had nice weather. It rained daily, but those tropical showers are short and quite a relieve as it is otherwise hot and humid. I am big fan of Mauritius too but can only report back about Decembers and Aprils. Are you looking at sea, sand, surf and singapore slings :D or are you interested in exploring the destination, enjoying some culture, food, architecture? What about Penang, Langkawi, Borneo, the Perhentians? Or Phuket (East side is authentic and less sleazy). The Philippines . . . <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 22/06/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 08:01
The old Coin Merchant at Bur Dubai Souk http://jalbum.net/en/browse/user/album/932269/ Dhow workers http://jalbum.net/en/browse/user/album/310031/
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 18:51
@srdoucet - I suppose the look and feel of a yearbook is entirely up to the school and that these can range from the very serious and neat to the completely funny and informal. In our school each teacher decides their own look and feel with quite a bit of help from the children. Many of the photos are actually taken by children during field trips and events at school. We also pay for ours but I suspect it is only part of the actual cost of producing the book. I like fun, less formal yearbooks as the children seem to have endless joyful moments exploring the pages.
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 13:06
I only mentioned Switzerland cos it's on the border with France, where the OP wants to go :) I guess that is a very good alternative as OP can fly into Geneva, exit Swiss side and plan from there.
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 13:03
We applied for many Schengen visas over the years and it was nothing but nightmares with the French and Italian Embassies. I want to suggest an alternative - take the plunge and drive to Abu Dhabi and apply via the Greek Embassy. The two times we did the visas were ready within 4-5 days and the process a million times easier than some of the other countries. However, these are the rules enforced by all Schengen countries: If you will visit only one Schengen country, you must apply through the embassy or consulate of that country. · If you will visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa through the embassy or consulate of the country which is your main destination· If you will visit several countries but do not have a main destination, you must apply for a visa through the embassy or consulate of the country which is your first point of entry.
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 20:48
I also suggest using the demo versions. You need to register with adobe (just a name and e-mail) and download from http://download.cnet.com/windows/ I use the Adobe Acrobat X Pro and download the 30 day trial versions. Once it expires you will need to uninstall, re-register and download from a different IP or else it won't download. Something really important - DON'T download Mozilla Firefox 4. It is not yet compatible with all the add-ons and plug-inns and also not with these demo versions.
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 18:48
Duck and lychee red curry Or just chuck some shrimp in Off to raid the fridge . . . :\:
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 18:30
Ginger Beef :) Beef with Broccoli & Oyster Sauce Pineapple Beef
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 15:18
You have a good point Sarah. Locally KUL mostly refers to KLIA but the two airports officially share the same code. Best is to scrutinize the air-ticket as it is not always that obvious that flights also arrive/depart via LCCT. The two airports is well connected with a bus service but you will need some Malaysian Ringgit in small change to buy a ticket. http://www.lcct.com.my/empress_hotel.php for LCCT hotels. LCCT is more like the budget airline option with crowds of budget travelers and budget restaurant options etc. It is however not a rundown place by any means. Still ok, but KLIA is just that much nicer. Happy travels :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 14:48
I always picked up everything from Stitches. It is an easy one stop shop and really not expensive at all. The towel for swimming is good quality and optional. JAPS uniforms lasted very long as in 3-4 years + or until they grow out of the uniform. We are not even one year into our new school uniforms and it is falling apart.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 14:44
Egyptian Day Greek Day Castle Day Halloween Dress in red/green during Christmas 70's day <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 15/06/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 14:42
Lots of 7/11's where we live but the slurpee machines are frequently out of order. I now make my own. Liquidize ice cubes and a teeny bit of water until it resembles frozen/blended ice. Mix with slurpee style syrup from C4 or Spinneys ;)
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 14:37
KUL = KLIA http://www.klia.com.my/ You will find two hotels listed on the site. DH was put up in one of the hotels and I recall him complaining bitterly about the place and referring to it as dingy. It is perhaps worth your while taking a look at the more expensive 5 star one.
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 20:00
Tee heeee. Next time I will target the living breathing ones :-D
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 19:53
Singapore Sling, If you can leave Schiphol Airport take a train to Amsterdam Central Station (about 20min.). just outside station, you can find canaltours they start at 9.00. Canaltour will bring you back to CS. Have a breakfast somewhere, and take the train back around 12.00 at Central Station. Rijksmuseum is to far at this time. Have fun, when will you go? Avoid Amsterdam 29th and 30th if you just have a view hours. Hi I just want to say thank you to all the great advice. It is month later and I am just back from travelling to Sweden via Amsterdam. I pretty much did what dutchdesert advised. I had a great morning doing lomography too. Amsterdam is excellent for this type of photography and I focused on taking photos of mannequins and dolls in the shop windows, ensuring that the buildings at the opposite side of the streets were also reflected in the windows. It made for really interesting pics too. I was also worried about flying KLM as reviews on here have been negative. WOW I had great flights - in fact I would rate it on par with Air Singapore. Really good service, yummy food and friendly crew. Cheers and thank you again! Even though we left Dubai this board is really still adding value in the absence of a similar forum where we currently live.
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 12:24
I have a feeling that airfare via Air Arabia to Athens will be unbeatable.
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 12:22
If the kid is on cough medication or something for asthma in addition to the antibiotic, you might want to give that a closer look.
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 12:17
I would seriously consider WIS Last year I worked at WIS during the IGCSE's, specifically within the Achievement Center and I was gobsmacked by the amazing support that is being given to children with Alternative Educational Needs. It is difficult to outline all the "tools" in place to scaffold these children, but here are some examples: Students are assigned a scribe + moderator and depending on individual needs papers are handwritten or typed by either the scribe or student. All questions are read out to them and some need to process the information on their own little white board before reading it back to the scribe who then write or type on behalf of the student. Other candidates are OK writing, typing themselves, but need someone to read the paper/questions. They all qualified for extra time and some of them were high achievers, it is just a question of getting the info from mind to paper/computer. Each student were treated as an individual with their own set of tools. I am NOT a fan of profit making schools at all (my own attended non-profit), but this surely is one of the reasons WIS get excellent ratings ;) PS to add: Speak to Theresa Almon. edited by Singapore Sling on 15/05/2011
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 12:17
I have heard recently that Wellington International School are gaining a good reputation for this, at least at the primary level, but not sure if it applies to secondary. I have no personal experience, though. To the best of my knowledge, dyslexia is a condition which is not necessarily well catered for in many European countries, either. Ta da - OK post simultaneously.
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 15:06
LOL sorry it is indeed west. We just moved east from BF hence me confusing east and west now! That dam/reservoir is new and is also where the International Dragon Boat Racing takes place. The Butterfly Farm is situated just there and aaaaaaaaaaaargh someone is now developing a waterpark nearby and looks like hotels will follow :( That is such a nice stretch, especially with the mangrove towns etc further south and west and really an amazing part of the island (which many tourists of course hardly ever see). I guess we live very nearby to where you lived. We are the last (and newest, about 2 years old) development bordering the rainforest in the hills of Tanjung Bunga - one of the nearby little neighbourhood centres is the one with the Bulgarian, German, Indian etc eatery, 7/11, Happy Supermarket and Guardian pharmacy. <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 21/04/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 14:17
I need to update the blog and will add a few pics. One day when I have time I will add text too. I love the Pulau Tikus market and shop/eat brekkie there too. Teluk Bahang is the next town east from Batu Ferringi bordering the National Park. I don't know about rents for KL but I can tell you that rent in Penang is nothing like Dubai - we pay about a fifth of what the same place would cost in Dubai. I also have no idea about salaries. DH works in Vietnam and commutes.
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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 13:36
Yes Blimey we love it here :) I would say you have a million times over reason to be proudly Penangite. xxxxx This is my photoblog if you want to take a look Lomond. As soon as you give me the heads up I will remove the details again. Don't fancy keeping it open on EW :) <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 21/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 13:27
Janesul lived in KL she might also be able to give you tonnes of info :) As for the schools - the only PYP in Malaysia is actually the school here in Penang hence us living here and not in KL (DH commutes between Vietnam and Malaysia). I have to say though that the other Brit and American Curriculum schools in Penang seem to be just as active with sports and field trips which is really great given the weather and environment. Guess it will be the same in KL http://www.ibo.org/school/ - Click on find an IB world school for info on all the IB's on offer. We just moved house and I am currently sorting out home telephone/wireless internet/sat tv etc. Wow! The service is amazing. These people are obviously trained technicians and not slaves from the subcontinent. It took both the telephone dude and the sat TV people less than 3 minutes to sort us out. I added another 30s to this when I asked them to also install our DVD player. No need to go into any office either. Everything was arranged telephonically (contract details were recorded over the phone too) and payment took place in cash at home. Just make sure you ask neighbours for recommendations. There are so many service prividers and not all them cover all areas. Our new neighbour gave me a number and within 30 minutes of phoning the person, he arrived to deal with all matter telecom. Wireless internet will follow in another 2 days. As for our visas - that was sorted within a week too. This is not Switerland (LOL) but things move compared to Dubai. Start-up costs for gas (cooking) is MYR 50 deposit and then MYR28 for 14kg gas - something to add to cost of living ;-) Start up costs for telephone is MYR1075 refindable deposit for all foreigners in Malaysia. This is about the only expensive thing here. House rental is payable monthly. Our waterbill is MYR 7 (up from MYR 6 LOL) and electricity in an apartment (2 aircons on at night) was about MYR150. I guess the villa will be more and am budgeting for around MYR250-300. Also whatever you need and can't find - shops will order for you (Shampoo, laptop battery, PSP games etc). These are the things I have ordered over the past 7 months. Public tansport runs smoothly. Again speaking from Penang side of Malaysia, but busses are plenty and cheap and in KL you have many more transport options. Our school charges MYR 1000 (AED 1216) per term to give you an idea of what that might cost you should that be an option. Malaysia is a great destination :) Do a google search for all the fabulous foodbloggers in KL. The people here love to vlog, phlog and flog tee heee - meaning video blogging, photo blogging and food blogging :)
Singapore Sling
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 17:29
Yes the visa is a royal pain to be honest :( South Africans are global outcasts and I am not even ever living in the country again :( I have to fly from Penang to KL twice to 1) submit visa and 2) collect visa. Then I fly Penang/KL/Amsterdam/Sweden - about 20 hours trip and the same route back. AND the best is that I will only be in Sweden for 4 nights. If I go through all this trouble, I reckon I want to see as much as I can - I will sleep later LOL. I will ask the embassy whether it would be possible to leave the airport. I might be lucky as the flight to Amsterdam will be codeshare Air Malaysia/KLM but i think onwards to Sweden it will be straightforward KLM. Soooo if you have little visa troubles consider yourselves extremely lucky :) Mmmmm the musems sound very interesting :):):) <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 20/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 17:20
I will just have to find out about the transit situation and if it is not a problem to leave the airport I will definitely go out. Thanks for all the replies.
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 17:13
Tee heee I will be knackered, but that has never prevented me from exploring new territory. I am flying without the kids and just the idea of being on my own gives me an instant superwomen type of energy kick mentally at least ;)
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 17:08
Thanks - It's great that I have options. It would probably be the best to stay in the yotel, but if there is a possibility to have a quick look see I wouldn't mind. I am connecting to another European city and am flying a combo between Air Malaysia/KLM - dreadful. <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 20/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 12:21
Ooops one last thing and then I am logging out. International companies often give an allowance/consession on cars. This way you can acquire a car tax free. Also if you buy/rent local, it is much cheaper. The local cars are very bland in design, but who cares - petrol is cheap and Malaysia is big. So long as one is mobile. Local car brands are Proton and Perodua and are often copies of other known vehicles but locally produced and branded. The dreadful Daihatsu Terios here is known as the Perudua Kembara. Silly car, but hey we get to where we need to be ;)
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 12:15
Good luck Lomond, I have very fond memories of my childhood in KL (that wasn't too long ago, I graduated from high school in 2007 and make annual visits home). There was a good mix of expat and local kids at my school and the expats always raved about how much they loved KL, in fact most of my expat friends are still living in Malaysia as they consider it home. Its a beautiful country and I have no doubt that you'll grow to love it as much as I do. Just a note regarding the crime rate. Yes it is high, petty crime is common on the streets so you do have to keep your wits around you. But as long as you practice common sense (no dazzling jewelry when you're alone, keeping your purse out of sight etc) you should be fine. Thanks so much Sea of Love! Sounds like a pretty idyllic childhood! Lucky you! "no dazzling jewelry " - don't tell DH - it'll just be another excuse to avoid the jewellers like the plague! LOL! Are house break-ins and violent crime more prevalent too? I come from a big city with a high crime rate but it's one of the reasons we were happy to travel! Thanks again Sea of Love - Hope you're loving Dubai too!;) edited by Lomond on 20/04/2011 DH and I are planning to move to KL for a couple of years, he's really excited after hearing my stories! House break ins are unfortunately common, and the newspapers usually have stories about robberies (its usually handbags being ripped away while you're walking, and unfortunately people get hurt in these cases). You'll find that most houses in KL are gated and the windows are barred, and it would be wise to have a good security system in place as well (my parents are paranoid and we had a panic button in each room, but that may be going abit too far). If you find a villa in a nice community they usually have tight security and you'd find guards patrolling the compound 24/7, the good news is if your alarm goes off they'll be at your place in a jiffy. Agree. Look out for either a great apartment or a villa in a gated community. We don't have an alarm system and I won't be getting one either, but would have done so had we lived in an independant villa.
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 12:06
Hi Lomond, we are still virgins here having moved end September last year. I am still in love with the food, culture, nature and people. Yip, I am sooo pleased about the impact of the environment on the kids. Mine are 8 and 11 and they have completely different interests and attitudes now. Gone is the emphasis on all matter technology, electronics, internet social networking, fashion, make-up etc. They still enjoy those things but balanced with nature and cultural interests and activities. Even birthday parties are simple affairs with emphasis on swim/fun, a slice of cake and 4 pieces of candy in a loot bag LOL. The emphasis here is on family values and culture, eating dinner together etc. I also LOVE the school field trips. There are so many different and interesting places to visit in Malaysia compared to Dubai. There is also huge emphasis on both competition and collaboration among the schools not only of Malaysia but also the greater South East Asia. School Field trips within the greater region is common practice and affordable due to Air Asia/Busses. Our kids attend an IB school where there is perhaps more emphasis on field trips compared to the BC but I know that Alice Smith definitely has a great reputation. To give you an idea of field trips: Year 4 kids studied rainforests. They visited over a period of 7 weeks no less than 4 different sites (OrangUtan sanctuary, butterfly and insect farm, botanical gardens and spice gardens). Year 3 kids studied communication and visited amongst others a school for the blind. Year 6 studied Believes and visited 4 different temples/churches during two trips. There are 6 Units every year and within one unit alone the kids visit between 1 and 4 different sites. That is great IMHO. They also do PE 4 times a week - 2 swimming, 1 multipurpose hall and 1 field. We very quickly realised how poor sport education in Dubai was . . . Make no mistake - I am not shooting down Dubai, but the weather has a bigger impact than one realises. We lived there for a long time and to the kids it is home. It has it's own conveniences (being so close to Europe for e.g.). Oh, it is also refreshing to see teens having normal relationships with one another. Walking hand in hand, yearning for that stolen kiss LOL. Why should that be a crime? Enough said ;-) http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/m18adian/Article/art_print This is an article about the crime/crime rate. All in all I would say there are certain hotspots and that one should keep your bag close to your body and be smart with your i-phone or camera - same as any major city. I also only carry copies of my passport and driver's licence with me as advised by numerous people. So far, no problems but I am alert. We live in a security village and within the village we have never experienced any problems, but I do keep my car locked etc Eveybody keep their entire shoe collections in cuboards in the garage for instance. Being South African, we don't LOL. I like my shoes and would be furious if it does get stolen.
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 13:59
http://www.my2home.info/index.php Hi Lomond - the above site provides similar info to EW and I find the most active of the info forums. Although it is geared towards MM2H visa holders, it is just as applicable to expats in general. We are loving every moment of Malaysian living (We are not based in KL, however, many of what I mention below concerns Malaysia in general). I would say the lifestyle is much better than Dubai as the weather allows for so many more activities, everything is much better value for money, people are much more laid back, travelling within the area is great, the food, music and culture scene is pulsing etc. You will find a lovely street culture here that Dubai lacks - possible due to the extreme heat and of course absence of pavements/walking space for pedestrians and the overregulation of small industries in the UAE. I also like being able to integrate and socialise with the locals as mentioned further down. The expats in general are a friendly, down to earth bunch even though some of them might be loaded with money (Money is secomndary to existance here). I really like the kids and the attitudes of the kids in Malaysia (expats and locals). They are still kids and not mini adults and seem to treasure things like nature more than consumerism. To give you an idea of cost of living: Petrol: RM 1.90 per litre (AED2.30 - that is for the lower octane) Medical costs are so different to Dubai. We go to the Gleneagles Medical Centre (private) where a specialist cost Rm50 (AED60) and a normal dr Rm40 (AED48.50). My DD fractured her wrist and we paid double tariffs because it was a Sunday. On the Sunday they took X-rays, she saw a specialist and they gave her a cast. She then saw the specialist again after 3 weeks. Then again after 5 weeks and x-rays were taken once again. The entire procedure over 5 weeks added up to Rm 557.60 (AED675). I am completely impressed with the cost of medical services as well as the quality of the care but would NOT visit government hospitals. DS had tosillitis and a visit to the paed + antibiotics cost Rm90 (AED110) Magazines (local versions of Harpers Bazaar, New Women, Elle, Cosmopolitan etc) between RM 8 and Rm10. The UK Vogue only at Rm22. (That is AED26) and similar for other imported magazines at MPH, Popular, Borders and Kinokunya Eyebrow threading Rm8 Mani/Pedi Rm75 Cleaners (maids) Rm50 for 4 hours but can cost as little as Rm8-10 per hour. If they bring their own cleaning stuffs it cost Rm75 for 4 hours. Groceries (food) from Cold Storage is priced similar to Spinneys (Cold Storage also stocks Waitrose). Alternatives are Carrefour, Tescos, Giant etc. I buy fresh veg and fruit from the wetmarket and with a mere Rm20 I walk away with 2 bags/boxes full of veg and fruit. Candy and chocolates are more expensice than Dubai. So is cheese. Coffee and cake cost about a third of what you would pay in Dubai Where we are at least). Beach club membership at the 5star Hard Rock Hotel in Penang for e.g. cost Rm750 per family per year. That is a mere AED910 per year and includes complimentary one night stay + breakfast for family of 4, 30 min footmassage, Rm50 redeemable dining voucher, unlimited pool and beach for obe year, 50% discount on pool and beach entry for any guests accompanying the family of 4 for a whole year, 25% off at the kids club (most of the time they don't charge anyway) etc etc. Travelling within the area is dirt cheap. Return Airtickets on Air Asia between KL and Penang for example can cost as little as Rm100. I just book for next week and it cost me Rm131 per person return. We went to see Rio in a brand new Imax last week and 1 Adult + 2 Kids Imax tickets including the glasses cost Rm44 in total. Normal movie tickets vary between Rm5 and about Rm12 - dependant on time and day of the week. Mobile line RM5 to register for pay as you go. Internet 4Mbps wi fi + free local calls on telephone Rm140 per month http://www.tm.com.my/ap/personal/internet/Pages/broadband1.aspx Grade 6 RAD ballet classes Rm130 per month for a 3 hour session per week. Yoga at school per term about Rm180 Tae Kwono per term about Rm120 Haircut Rm40 at a really good salon too! About Rm288 at the Hard Rock for a cut, colour, blowdry and conditioning treatment. Kids haircut from about Rm18 for a really good cut too. Brekkie on the beach can cost as little as Rm5 for two slices of toast and eggs or baked beans. Our nearest bakery sells preservative sugar free bread. Coffee/Tea and a long full grain roll with chicken/tuna/egg + verg cost Rm5. Our Christmas lunch buffet for 4 people at a 5star boutique hotel was only Rm125. Kids ate free and this meal was similar to the buffets at say the Royal Mirage. Eating out here is really very affordable. We are honestly having a blast. The lifestyle is fantastic and there is so much to do and it cost very little but most of all being able to integrate with straight forward normal folk is refreshing. Please give me a shout if there is anything in particular you need more info on. edited by Singapore Sling on 19/04/2011 <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 19/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 16:37
Oh you definitely want to take a look at this site http://www.greektravel.com/ and http://www.greecetravel.com/ His info is brilliant and he is also open toward e-mail communication. His daughter wrote for kids http://www.greece4kids.com/page1.html We found that the prices you see on the internet is often double or more the prices quoted when you send an e-mail. Definitely send mails and ask for the best possible price. On many of the islands the landlords (apartments and bungalows) belong to an association that put down guidelines incl of uniform prices for similar holiday rentals. The guidelines are even displayed at the actual property and prices are the same as per internet. BUT that is not what you will be paying ;-)
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 15:55
The IB Diploma is accepted at many Chinese universities FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS provided the student has an HSK score of 6+. Local Chinese is not accepted wioth an IB at University level as per reasons amongst others as pointed out by Mrs L.
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 15:04
I do not agree that it is an easy option. Neither do I think that it is an impossible option for most. It is a programme that upholds a global standard of excellence. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) in the UK published an expert 79 page report on the equivalency between British A Levels and the IB Diploma. The report gives some strong conclusions about the extremely high value of the IB Diploma in the UK. Some of these may be summarised as follows: * A Grade 7 (highest) in IB Higher Level is worth much more than a Grade A in an A Level * The ISM average IB diploma score of 33 points is worth more than four A grades at A Level! * A Grade 7 (highest) in IB Standard Level is worth much more than a Grade A in an AS Level * In some subjects a grade 7 in IB at only Standard Level is worth the same as a Grade A in a full A Level The report clearly demonstrates the huge value placed on an IB Diploma by UK universities, and gives an indication of its worth worldwide. This was in 2006. I can only imagine what results would look like some 6 years later. http://www.ucas.com/documents/tariff/tariff_reports/ibreport.pdf http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/5156108.stm http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2006/jul/07/schools.alevels
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 10:10
I second the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 08:49
Wuffles on first gut feel I thought - no, what on earth do you want to go to Johannesburg for. Cape Town or Durban yes, but not Jozi. And then I let my mind take a walk and I remembered all the great things this beautiful green city has on offer too. Your hotel can arrange for you to visit the Cradle of Humankind which is a world heritage site http://www.cradleofhumankind.co.za/index.html and located within this also the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve amongst many other sites all named here http://www.cradleaccommodation.co.za/activities.html Enjoy lunch at the Cradle restaurant - it is a beautiful restaurant with incredible views http://www.thecradle.co.za/ Lunch or Dinner and if possible also a show at Moyo is a great experience too. You have the option of Moyo Zoo Lake or Moyo Melrose Arch. Your face will be decorated with white paint in tribal art patterns and you will eat amazing food from many African countries. http://www.moyo.co.za/restaurant-moyo-zoo-lake/functions.aspx Rosebank fleamarket on a Sunday is also a lovely experience. There is quite a bit to do - no need to be stuck visiting the malls only. The Kromdraai, Muldersdrift etc areas are stunning with many art galleries, craft shops and fantastic tea gardens. There is the Crocodile River Arts and Crafts Ramble and the Sterkfontein Caves too. And then there is the Cheetah Centre http://www.dewildt.co.za/ I think people forget how utterly stunning, interesting and diverse South Africa is. http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionsga/kromdraai.php http://www.valleyofancestors.com/Lowres/default.htm http://www.encounter.co.za/article/30.html http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501609-johannesburg_vacations-i;_ylt=AufH5txLtm0MCQCAzZjSvjOeGGoL . <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 14/04/2011</em>
Singapore Sling
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 18:23
The IB site gives great insight into the programme. http://www.ibo.org/ and for the primary section see the video on this page http://www.ibo.org/pyp/ Basil, it certainly is not more for Europeans - on the contrary. Content is also not Eurocentric, but internationally minded :) Take a look at the stats: http://www.ibo.org/facts/schoolstats/progsbycountry.cfm
Singapore Sling
243
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 07:10
SS, I'm intrigued when you say that the IB and A level programmes "produce very different students". What would you say were the differences, and are those differences not already there before the student decides which course to take? IYSWIM? ETA: The post I'm answering has disappeared. edited by simpleasabc on 03/04/2011 I am not a fan of a kid taking Brit Cur all his student life and then switching to IB only in the final years. The principles and learning perspectives of the IB is grounded right within the PYP. The differences are evident already by the age group of 8-9 year olds and these differences inlcude the way of thinking, the way of learning, researching, what they are producing etc. Civic engagement, youth voice, agency of the child, children as meaning producing beings, photo-elicitation, photographic narrative, digital storytelling are a big part of the IB. All these provide an opportunity for internationally mobile students to design multimodal narratives symbolizing and characterizing their lives, interests and socio-cultural identities thus providing them an alternative opportunity to literacy learning in a completely different way to the Nat Cur of England and Wales for e.g. I'm obviously frightfully dim..............could you please translate all that jargon and buzz words into simple, plain, and understandable English? As an educational dinosaur, I'm afraid your phrases such as youth voice.....agency of the child etc etc really leave me holding my head in my hands. @ Trish - Yeah there is indeed progression in the world of education that other's are not keeping up with. Those who are involved and on the forefront of change are fully aware of the need to connect bridges. Hopefully people would be interested to read up about these perspectives :cool: @ Tally the IB was founded some 42 years ago. What is new about it are the schools that offer the curriculum in Dubai. I do agree with your other points, however we cannot deny the importance of school life. @ All - I always find it interesting the resistance against progressive education. More often than not it seems to be coming from specific regions/nations. Doesn't mean the national systems are wrong within their own context, but it also does not mean it is always the best option outside of that context, especially for people who are NOT of that nationality. <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 04/04/2011</em>
Singapore Sling
243
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:53
SS, I'm intrigued when you say that the IB and A level programmes "produce very different students". What would you say were the differences, and are those differences not already there before the student decides which course to take? IYSWIM? ETA: The post I'm answering has disappeared. edited by simpleasabc on 03/04/2011 I am not a fan of a kid taking Brit Cur all his student life and then switching to IB only in the final years. The principles and learning perspectives of the IB is grounded right within the PYP. The differences are evident already by the age group of 8-9 year olds and these differences inlcude the way of thinking, the way of learning, researching, what they are producing etc. Civic engagement, youth voice, agency of the child, children as meaning producing beings, photo-elicitation, photographic narrative, digital storytelling are a big part of the IB. All these provide an opportunity for internationally mobile students to design multimodal narratives symbolizing and characterizing their lives, interests and socio-cultural identities thus providing them an alternative opportunity to literacy learning in a completely different way to the Nat Cur of England and Wales for e.g.
Singapore Sling
243
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:33
The article by the independent newspaper is an excellent read. He explains that if a person really knows what they wish to do at uni then A levels is possibly the way to go. If they have no idea (most don't ) then IB is better, as it gives them a broader range to choose from. DS is just choosing subjects for grade 10 at moment so won't be long till he has to decide which way to go BUT as we are from OZ and not sure if we are staying or even going to another Asian country where IB is in all International schools, IB seems better for us Yes this is very true. But this is incidentally also what I meant when I said that this is the one argument highlighted by all, but it remains a small part of the differences. I would rather describe it this way: The average young person today will have numerous careers in his/her lifetime and the IB prepares the student very well to learn and work globally and be able to switch careers when needed. E.g. the case currently with the economic recession where professionals are forced to evolve, think out of the box and recognise alternatives to their current professions where they can still apply or their professional skills and knowledges. People are forced to look at career alternatives and some are better equipped than others to make that switch. Many universities and other learning institutions are right at this moment rewriting curricula in order to deal with the paradigm shift that is taking place due to the economic shock. A doctor is no longer just a doctor. Same goes for law, architecture and other professions. These people also need new business, media and ICT skills to keep up with life, especially a global one where there is continuous movement and demographic shifts. edited by Singapore Sling on 03/04/2011 It would be wrong to imply that following an A'level route does not offer or utilise these other skills you mention, they do. A levels prepare students for a life suited to the UK first and formost and then for life in Europe and lastly to a small extend for international/global life. The IB focusses on preparing students for an international career first and foremost and that includes being highly adaptable careerwise. I currently involve a group of both in a comparitive study for my thesis and can assure you that they produce very different students. It does not mean A-levels are inferior but you have to remember that there are a great number of non-British internationally minded expats for whom the the IB is most suitable and preferable. The lack of well established IB World schools in the UAE was one of the reasons we legged it outta there :) And no, we would not have considered UK Boarding School. We are not Brits :)
Singapore Sling
243
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 11:29
The article by the independent newspaper is an excellent read. He explains that if a person really knows what they wish to do at uni then A levels is possibly the way to go. If they have no idea (most don't ) then IB is better, as it gives them a broader range to choose from. DS is just choosing subjects for grade 10 at moment so won't be long till he has to decide which way to go BUT as we are from OZ and not sure if we are staying or even going to another Asian country where IB is in all International schools, IB seems better for us Yes this is very true. But this is incidentally also what I meant when I said that this is the one argument highlighted by all, but it remains a small part of the differences. I would rather describe it this way: The average young person today will have numerous careers in his/her lifetime and the IB prepares the student very well to learn and work globally and be able to switch careers when needed. E.g. the case currently with the economic recession where professionals are forced to evolve, think out of the box and recognise alternatives to their current professions where they can still apply or their professional skills and knowledges. People are forced to look at career alternatives and some are better equipped than others to make that switch. Many universities and other learning institutions are right at this moment rewriting curricula in order to deal with the paradigm shift that is taking place due to the economic shock. A doctor is no longer just a doctor. Same goes for law, architecture and other professions. These people also need new business, media and ICT skills to keep up with life, especially a global one where there is continuous movement and demographic shifts. <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 03/04/2011</em>
Singapore Sling
243
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:56
It is expensive but it seems that it also depends on the country/city and the greed/non-greed of said place :) American schools seem to top fees irrespective of country anyway. PS: SW we have a boarding school (inependant villas) too.
Singapore Sling
243
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:39
Nope I cannot agree that the IB is all about money. It is ALL about holistic education for an internationally minded student who will continue to live and work a global life. PS: Our kids attend an IB world school (non-profit) at the low fee of AED25 000 a year!!!! Dubai eat your heart out ;-) There is nothing money making about that kind of fee. Many schools offer non-profit PYP/MYP/IB programmes.
Singapore Sling
243
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:35
I would like to add something else that many posters would find interesting. OFSTED will now also inspect international schools and our school in Malaysia is one of the first of the schools who will be inspected by CFBT for OFSTED. Many IB World schools offer the PYP and IB but not the MYP and prefer to offer IGCSE's since there is a formal examination for those who follow the IGCSE an not so with the MYP if I understand correctly. This also paves the way for offering A-levels as well as IB and for being able to ask for the above inspections. In other words the inspections make it possible to compare various international schools to the same tunes as is possible in the UK.
Singapore Sling
243
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:23
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/schools/should-alevels-be-replaced-by-the-international-baccalaureate-2230674.html Our school has recently sent the above link to all parents. In the words of the headmaster " . . . a well balanced assessment of the relative merits of the A-level and IB diploma routes to university written by another British Principal for a change." I often hear the comments when people ask what the differences between the IB and Brit Cur are, that one is broad and the other narrow and more focussed. Whilst this is true, it is only a tiny part of the differences. The two systems are completely different and suit different needs, although a great number of students would perform very well on either. IMHO choosing either system should have absolutely nothing to do with ability since both cater for a broad range of abilities. The big differences lie in the learning [i'>systems[/i'>, how students take charge of their own learning, the content (IB is completely internationally minded whilst the A-levels remain Eurocentric) and the student's life experiences and how that is applied in either system. We have experienced the Brit Cur for 6 years before we moved over to the IB. All I can say is as a Human Development Professional who work with both adults and children, is that the PYP/MYP/IB blew my mind. It is phenomenal on so many levels that it will take pages and pages to write about it. I understand however that choices between the systems are influenced by local university requirements and that in some instances the A-level will remain preferable.
Singapore Sling
243
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 17:19
Stick to the Eastern and Northern parts of the island. The western waters have a fair amount of sea snakes and sea urchins ;) That said we have been all over the island over the years and never ran into problems. The water is beautiful. With the Maldives we found that there were very strong undercurrants and that the calm look of the sea is extremely deceiving. I nearly ran into trouble near Kuredu island actually because of the rip.
 
 
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