Student
Ex-student here. I studied in SFMS from Jan 2023 to May 2024. I’ll share my experience while I was there.
It was terrible. Really, really, terrible. I hate it every single minute when I was there. There was one time that teacher said during assembly session that “If you don’t like the school song, you should move out”
As a foreigners, it is hard for me to learn here due to the majority (Chinese students) can’t understand the lesson, so teachers will explain in Mandarin, more like helping them to understand more than us, the minority. Then how are we going to improve our English then…?
Also, force us, the majority to learn Chinese, which is not our mother tongue language. Although it is a “Foundation Chinese”, it’s still hard for some of us who don’t have the basic understanding of the language itself. Moreover, we cannot opt out this lesson and go learn our mother tongue.
The students’ portal have this button called “Student Email” but they don’t have one for student… so why even bother to put one?
Conclusion: If you wish to join the school, please read this review before you make a decision because once you make the decision, your money can’t be refunded nor your refund money will be extremely low. (Maximum: 30% if you leave before school starts 30 DAY)
Regards,
Anonymous.
19 other reviews for St Francis Methodist School - (Reviews aren't verified )
Showing 18 reviews by parents and students.
Parent
This is my son’s second year in SFMS since we relocated to Singapore. I am happy to see him adjusting and thriving in this school.
1) Dedicated and thoughtful teachers and staff focused on developing my child into a well-rounded person.
2) Active engagement and communication with parents.
3) Strong values system.
The only downside is the limited choices for CCA.
Parent
Ella's deep affection for our school and every teacher is evident in her eagerness to attend daily, even on weekends and vacations. The mere thought of not going to school for two days leaves her upset every Friday, yet she eagerly anticipates Mondays. Her animated recounting of daily school experiences underscores the teachers' profound care, though I've yet to meet many of them. SFMS is a haven of love where Ella thrives, cherishing every teacher and enjoying the company of her witty classmates. Her time at SFMS is cherished as her fondest memory. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to SFMS and its dedicated teachers for their unwavering love and exemplary teaching.
Student
Hello. I am a primary school student and I
really like studying at this school. Teachers always help if students don't quite understand something. I have excellent relationships with all the staff that we have at this school, from junior staff working in the school to the school principal. If someone behaves badly in class and interferes with the learning of other students, then teachers make strict comments to such students. I get excellent knowledge at this school and I have Friends here. I Thank all the teachers and the school Principal for everything they do for us!
Parent
SFMS had positive changes under the new principal's leadership! The emphasis on happiness, care, and building strong relationships between teachers and parents is crucial for a thriving school community. Providing direct access to the principal via a mobile phone number shows a commitment to open communication and support for families.
The success of the English program is truly impressive, especially in helping students with no prior English foundation make significant progress in just three months. This speaks volumes about the quality of education and dedication of the teachers at SFMS. Additionally, the use of platforms like ClassDojo to keep parents updated on their children's school life is a wonderful initiative that fosters transparency and collaboration.
I will highly recommend SFMS as a nurturing and effective learning environment that truly cares about its students' well-being and academic success. Thank you SFMS.
Parent
Students are rowdy, lack of discipline. Poor programmes and academic results. School is also a China school. Head of school is not able to run the school well, made empty promises just to take students in.
Student
I don't like the english programme that i am attending now. I understand that 90% of the students are from China and they may not understand english well but i'm also not a Chinese and yet the Principal uses a mix of Mandarin and English to teach English. I don't understand what he is saying. :( Very difficult for me to learn.
Parent
Class size is huge, above 30 students per class and they’re still squeezing students in every week! false advertising of small class size! The principal also promised small class size, good programmes, good teachers, good results which are empty promises! Heard that the Math teacher for pre university level doesn’t even know how to solve Math questions in class! Teachers also use mandarin during English and Math classes!!
Student
Classmates are noisy in class, but the teachers can't do much about it. The class has lots of China students who always talk to each other in Mandarin, which I don't understand. This disrupts the learning environment. Additionally, the principal's remedial class is ineffective; he uses a mixture of Chinese and English while teaching, which is not conducive to learning English. As this is an English remedial class, I am here to improve my English skills. It's challenging for me to learn when both languages are used.
Parent
Poor disciplines. Students are rowdy and use vulgarites in classes. They does not pays attention in class too. Head of school is unprofessional. Teachers does not care too.
Parent
Heard from my son that the head of school is giving English tuition but he can’t even speak or use proper English himself. He also mixed Mandarin in the classes to suit the Mainland Chinese students, ignoring the minority. There’s also no proper or structured lesson plan. My son also felt uncomfortable as his teachers and classmates are always speaking Mandarin DURING class. Most of them do not take studies seriously and are using handphone in classes, talking and passing paper messages. Teachers do not care too.
Parent
The school’s discipline is very poor. Quality of teaching and overall environment is also poor. School leaders always over- promise. Not recommended to send your kids here as it’s impossible for them to learn and improve.
Student
Very poor discipline and programmes are not useful. Hard to learn anything.
Student
The class is rowdy, students have poor discipline, and there are many Chinese students. Students keep talking in Mandarin in class, and I feel left out. I can't focus during lessons and can't improve my English. :(
Student
I can't focus in class because the class size is very big, students keep talking during lessons, and teachers don't really care.
Student
Our school creates a nurturing and engaging learning environment that inspires students to excel. The state-of-the-art facilities, such as interactive whiteboards and computer labs, enhance classroom experiences and encourage active participation. Furthermore, our dedicated teachers, with their knowledge and passion, go above and beyond to ensure that every student's individual needs are met. Their approachability and willingness to help create a supportive atmosphere that motivates us to strive for excellence.
Student
Made lots of good memories here in SFMS! 🥲
Really miss my teachers and friends as they helped me a lot when I was facing difficulties with school work and projects.
Parent
The teachers are caring and approachable. My child always tells me that he loves going to school as the teachers make learning so fun! They really go the extra mile to support my child and to provide frequent updates to me. Thank you so much!
Student
In Y9, they provide a several curriculum for students and some teachers are kind and their students to engross in the lessons. However, in fact, there are mainly Chinese which does not provide an environment for students to foster their English skill as they usually talk with other Chinese only. Other than that, some teachers often late (10 to 15 minutes) without an apology. Their facilities are poor as i saw weathered cells and doors which even cant work properly. They also do not provide an additional activities like field study which allows students to learn others than cant be obtained from books. All this sources are from my own 3 year of experience in SFMS.
To sum up, although it is a school with more than 60 years of history, indeed, I don't think they fulfill their reputation.