pirate:

I think that a serious number of top scoring mainstream kids simply do not want to commute across half of Singapore every day just to join the big 4. Joining the big 4 is no joke if you live in like Tampines.

Pirate ! You said it! That was the case for both my (proudly) mainstream kids! Why travel for one hour to be in top 4 school when you have a perfectly school just 5 mins away? Best decision we made.

mylilgirl:

phtthp:

Can understand why some Mainstream students prefer not to join the Big 4 ... they may have a lot to catch up in Year (1 and 2) IP, compared to the GEP students who had already touched base on Lower Secondary content to some extent, in their Upper primary (P5 / P6) GEP curriculum covered.

Totally agree with this. Some schools are even using GEP P4 reader as their Sec 1 literature book. I find this is a bit ridiculous. The standard of a P4 GEP student is equivalent to Sec 1 express. OMG.

Hmm...really? While I agree that Mainstream students may be quite different from GEP students I think there are many factors contributing to this difference . Not just academic abilities. To say they are scared away from the top 4 ... hmmm. I suspect the top mainstream students may have different interests and priorities other than chasing a place in the top 4. God forbid they may even choose other schools based on factors other than being in the brand name schools ... like a nurturing environment, their preferred CCA. Yeah Mainstream students are not scared... they are just more adventurous and fearless. As for the Lit book being a P4 GEP book ... hooray ! Let them have some fun I say !

To help everyone who is interpreting the COP results:

1) Affiliation only applies to O level track except for NYGH for which it applies to IP track. Their IP affiliation COP is 250.
2) Only SAP schools accept the +1/+2/+3 for HCL. All other schools do not
3) Those who have obtained pass/merit/distinction in other HMT languages other than HCL do not get use this for entry into sec schools
4) Supply (no of seats available) is different in different schools. So is demand for the seats. Low supply, high demand will drive up COP.

Best wishes

Like Zeng, I choose to see see this as an encouragement to students. In our own family, my hubby was one of those who was a late bloomer. Yes it may be rare but it happens and it should be highlighted to give hope to the late bloomers among our children.


Somehow I realise that over the years many of us have been taught to view things critically/suspiciously rather than positively. I don’t know if it is the education system or the upbringing. But we must try and move towards a more positive way of looking at things. I believe this young man is going to be a great doc someday.

1 or even 2 points change up or down … I know it makes a difference to those folks who couldn’t get in as a result.

But I really don’t think it signifies anything major like changes in school standard. As mentioned by others, it’s all about demand and supply. So where there are minuscule changes in COP it really doesn’t mean the school is suddenly better or worse… just sayin…

Now about affiliation … well… there is a reason why it’s so coveted by many . And apparently not just at primary level but from sec to jc. Overheard a conversation recently on the many ways to minus 2 points for jc entry with affiliation being one of them. My take… while I don’t like the whole affiliation advantage thing, I just accept and move on. Cos can’t do anything about it anyway.

Heartiest congrats to all! Such a major milestone. I like it when COPs don’t differ much from the previous year becos it does not give surprises or major disappointments to too many people. And this is probably one such year. Nice!

As always tho, my heart always goes out to those disappointed folks of which inevitably there will be some admist all the delight and congratulatory messages. I just want to say hang in there, all is not lost. Sometimes the universe has a funny way of making choices for us when it knows our choices may not be in our best interest. For those who plan to appeal, do remember the criteria and if you qualify to appeal, wish you all the very best.
One more short note … it may not be necessary to compare COP of schools too finely. Yes there are a set of top tier schools and apart from the big 4-5 there is really not much diff between the rest within this group of IP/ dual track schools.
And far from being ‘normal’ schools , those that do not fall in the top tier all have their own merits too. The most important thing is for DC to be happy !
Have fun tomorrow !
Warm wishes

jtoh:

Careermum:

I see. Then I supposed it’s compulsory for SAP IP, whereas non SAP IP has the option of making it compulsory, esp the independent schools eg RI, RGS.

My DS2 is in CHS IP & during open house, some parents whose kids didn’t do psle hcl asked about it.
The principal says all chs ip boys have to do hcl coz they are sap ip.

What schools are your kids in SpartanMum?

HCL isn't compulsory in RGS. Not in RI either I believe. .

RI and RGS are not the only non-SAP schools offering IP though Oh and it's HMT not just HCL.

Careermum:

jtoh:

It's not compulsory for all IP students to take HMT. Varies from school to school.

That’s right. Only SAP IP schools.

Er no...my kids don't go to an SAP IP School. HMT is compulsory for all IP students in their school.

Elitism - such a sad thing and yet so very common in our top schools these days. I deliberately sent my 2 DS to "tier 2" non-independent schools…just in case they got it into their heads that they were somehow elite. 2 X EESIS forfeited.


Not at all saying that everyone in independent/top tier schools are elitist. Just didn’t want to take any chances.
To be honest, am/was seeing some of these folks in the workforce …and getting seriously worried.

Completely off topic but couldn’t resist. Apologies

Love Literature and proud to have done it!

jtoh:

SpartanMum:

[quote=\"anandhi\"]Hi parents,

My son did not take HMT in PSLE, can we request for HMT in secondary school ? what is the procedure to switch to HMT in secondary school?

Hi anandhi
All IP students must take HMT unless they are exempt from Mother Tongue. O level students in top schools are encouraged to take HMT whether or not they took it in pri school.
I believe there is an \"eligibility\" for HMT in the PSLE result slip?

It's not compulsory for all IP students to take HMT. Varies from school to school.[/quote]thanks for the clarification jtoh...I did not know that...i was basing on my DS school. Sorry anandhi - please take note.