FAQs – Stella Maris Schools

Everything you need to know: Stella Maris

Academic Information

What is the ratio of teacher to student in a
class

1:25

How is the school doing academically? Show us the latest academic report.

Year 6 first checkpoint is expected to yield good results in 2024. Many of the Primary students who participated in international competitions like SASMO, ICAS and essay competitions scored distinctions.

In 2023, 99% of students who sat for the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint obtained Outstanding, High, and Good gradings with some attaining MAXIMUM MARKS (“perfect scores”) for all subjects.

In IGCSE, we had a 100% PASS rate, with 15% of students achieving
straight 8 As* or A and an impressive 53% of students achieving 5 or more A* or A. We have a student who achieved Cambridge’s Top Scorer for Additional Mathematics in the world.

When does the academic school term start (September/April)?

The academic year starts in January

How many terms are there in a year?

There are 3 terms in an academic year.

What is the maximum number of subjects a student can take for Checkpoint 6 and 9 and IGCSE 11?

Checkpoint Yr 6:- 3 subjects
Checkpoint Yr 9 :- 3 subjects
IGCSE Yr 11- Students study 8 subjects in School but they may take more or fewer subjects for IGCSE.

Is there any ranking system in the class or school?

No.

When do the children take IGCSE and Checkpoint exams?

October / November.

What are the school hours for Primary/Secondary?

Primary: Mon-Thu: 7.30am – 2.45pm | Fri: 7.30am – 12.30pm

Secondary: Mon-Thu: 7.30am – 3.30pm | Fri: 7.30am – 1.00pm

Does the school have any scholarships?

Yes, the School offers academic and sports scholarships.

Admissions and Procedures

Are there trial classes?

No trial classes.

When do we hold assessment tests for new intakes?

July. However, ad hoc arrangements can be made.

My child is currently in Year 5. Can he skip a year and go straight to Year 7?

Not allowed.

I have a / another child in Year 6 currently, can she skip a year and begin Year 8?

Not allowed.

I understand SMIS prefers children to be 6 going on 7 to begin Year 1. Can my child begin Year 1 at 5 years old since he can read and write on his own and can manage himself (toilet trained)?

The entry age for intake is when the child is 6 or 7 years.

Can my child sit for the IGCSE Malay paper only and not have to sit for the SPM BM paper?

Yes.

Can my child sit for the Assessment Test online instead of flying him back here?

All intake assessment must be attended in person so that their conducts and
physical responses of the candidate can be observed.

Can my child join halfway or middle of 1st / 2nd term?

Yes, exceptions can be made.

What is the procedure for withdrawal of the child and return of Security Deposit?

A student wishing to leave before completing either Year 6 or Year 11 must inform the school in writing at least 6 months in advance and with the student still in the school throughout this period. Only when this is fulfilled, the Security Deposit can be returned.

School Policies and Regulations

Are handphones allowed in class/school?

No, handphones are not allowed per our Code of Conduct for our primary wing children.

For our secondary wing, handphones are generally not allowed. However, for valid reasons and with special permission, handphones can be brought to school, but during school hours, these phones must be kept at the school office.

To what extent is the security tightness in this school?

Security is our priority and all relevant measures are in place.

Are students allowed to use the pool during school hours?

No, students are not allowed to use the pool during school hours.

Are students allowed to use the gym during school hours?

No, students are not allowed to use the gym during school hours.

Are students allowed to use the pool/gym after school hours if he/she does not take up swimming under ECA?

Yes, but subject to prevailing terms and conditions.

Extracurricular Activities and Facilities

Do SMIS children get opportunities to shine in sports or is it only academic focused?

Yes.

Do parents get involved in events?

Yes, parents are invited as volunteers to participate in certain events like Annual Sports Day, Cross Country Runs, Children’s Day Fairs, etc.

Do you provide transport service?

No, but we can share a list of private transporters for parents to engage on their own.

What are the break times for Primary/Secondary?

PRIMARY WING:
Break: 9.00am – 9.30am
Lunch: 12.00pm – 12.45pm
(No lunch time on Fridays)

SECONDARY WING:
Break: 10.00am – 10.30am
Lunch: 1.30pm – 2.15pm
(No lunch time on Fridays)

Could you share with us the list of ECA you have currently and its fees?

The list of ECA is subject to changes over time.

Could you share with us the list of CCA you have currently and its fees?

No fees are charged for these which are part of the School’s curriculum

PRIMARY WING:
Badminton, Netball, Football, Table Tennis, Handball, Dodgeball, Chess, Art & Craft, Culinary Art, Speech & Drama, Public Speaking, STEM Society, Performing Arts, Rukun Negara Club, Scouts, St John Ambulance and Girl Guides.

SECONDARY WING:
Badminton, Netball, Football, Table Tennis, Basketball and Board Games, Art & Design; Entrepreneur, English; Rukun Negara Club; Culinary Arts; Interact Club; Environmental Club; Model United Nations; Mathematics & Science; Cultural Dance Club, St John Ambulance; Orchestra & Choir; Coding and Multimedia.