[*StarDust*]

Let's party, say schools

by Imelda Saad
imelda@mediacorp.com.sg
05:55 AM Nov 05, 2009

SINGAPORE - Free flow of food and drinks, parties, concerts and overnight camps - polytechnics are pulling out all the stops to reach out to potential students.

Call it a new approach. Some polytechnics are organising mega events ahead of traditional open houses which are held at the start of the new year. This month, three polytechnics - Ngee Ann (NP), Singapore (SP) and Temasek (TP) - are doing so.

Industry observers estimate that these institutions spend at least five-figure sums organising such events. From the publicity on their websites, it is clear the events have a party vibe. NP has its three-day Red Camp, TP its TP Rawks and for the first time, SP is having an overnight event, called Escapade.

They are not just about familiarising the students on polytechnic education.

On the sidelines - an appearance by Singapore Idol finalists, gigs by local bands and even dance parties featuring the resident deejay from clubbing hotspot, Zouk.

Of course, there are sponsors but still, such events don't come cheap.

MediaCorp understands that one such event is racking up a bill of some $50,000.

"They will make it much more happening and show that this school is a very happening school, you won't get bored at this school," one polytechnic student told MediaCorp.

But some parents are concerned about the image that polytechnics are sending out. "I don't know what kind of parties they're holding. On the other hand, I think it's good for them. Also, it opens up a wider scope to see what's happening, things that'll be offered to them in poly," said parent Bharti Danam.

Students believe that it all boils down to competition among the polys.

Increasingly, more O-Level school leavers are choosing polytechnics instead of junior colleges. And the polytechnics want the cream of the crop.

When contacted, all five polytechnics were tight lipped, but industry sources told MediaCorp that the institutions are quite competitive. This is reflected in the close tracking of not just the total number of applications each polytechnic receives every year but also the number of students who choose a particular polytechnic as their first choice.

Looking ahead, Nanyang Polytechnic, just like SP, is organising an overnight event called Iluma to coincide with its Open House in January.

Republic Polytechnic seems to be the only institution that has chosen a quieter approach in its outreach efforts.

In a joint statement, the polytechnics say they organise a variety of outreach activities throughout the year, such as camps, workshops and sporting events.

These activities are aimed at promoting "awareness of polytechnic education and provide information on the courses they offer to secondary school students".

Source: http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore...,-say-schools-