2013 PSLE Discussions and Strategy

[rains]

Mommybel:

Someone suggested having higher math, higher eng and higher sci in pri school. I thought that was a brilliant idea. The govt can set easier paper for the standard subjects so that parents are happy. Those who want to take higher whatever should not complain if paper is difficult. Parents made their choice and they should live with it. This way all are happy.

But you will only take something more difficult or at a higher level if it comes with certain benefits eg. Higher Chinese gives you 1 to 3 points more.

If the higher EMS are not going to add more points to their t-scores, why would any pupil want to take them and disadvantage or penalise themselves?

On the other hand, if pupils who take higher EMS get to score more points becos of the difficulty level of the papers, then everyone, except those who just want to make it to the express stream or pass psle, will want to take them.

[Mommybel]

rains:

Mommybel:

Someone suggested having higher math, higher eng and higher sci in pri school. I thought that was a brilliant idea. The govt can set easier paper for the standard subjects so that parents are happy. Those who want to take higher whatever should not complain if paper is difficult. Parents made their choice and they should live with it. This way all are happy.

But you will only take something more difficult or at a higher level if it comes with certain benefits eg. Higher Chinese gives you 1 to 3 points more.

If the higher EMS are not going to add more points to their t-scores, why would any pupil want to take them and disadvantage or penalise themselves?
Yes, there must be a \"reward\" for doing well for higher subjects, as per higher Chinese. So if the child is not competent enough but parents still insist on it, then they have to live with their decision. Parents have to ask if it's worth it to take the higher subjects or concentrate on the standard subjects.


On the other hand, if pupils who take higher EMS get to score more points becos of the difficulty level of the papers, then everyone, except those who just want to make it to the express stream or pass psle, will want to take them.

[Mommybel]

rains:

Mommybel:

Someone suggested having higher math, higher eng and higher sci in pri school. I thought that was a brilliant idea. The govt can set easier paper for the standard subjects so that parents are happy. Those who want to take higher whatever should not complain if paper is difficult. Parents made their choice and they should live with it. This way all are happy.

But you will only take something more difficult or at a higher level if it comes with certain benefits eg. Higher Chinese gives you 1 to 3 points more.

If the higher EMS are not going to add more points to their t-scores, why would any pupil want to take them and disadvantage or penalise themselves?
Yes, there must be a \"reward\" for doing well for higher subjects, as per higher Chinese. So if the child is not competent enough but parents still insist on it, then they have to live with their decision. Parents have to ask if it's worth it to take the higher subjects or concentrate on the standard subjects.
On the other hand, if pupils who take higher EMS get to score more points becos of the difficulty level of the papers, then everyone, except those who just want to make it to the express stream or pass psle, will want to take them.

[Fresco]

Mommybel:

Someone suggested having higher math, higher eng and higher sci in pri school. I thought that was a brilliant idea. The govt can set easier paper for the standard subjects so that parents are happy. Those who want to take higher whatever should not complain if paper is difficult. Parents made their choice and they should live with it. This way all are happy.

Not feasible. From what I understand, pupils taking Higher Mother Tongue also sit for the standard Chinese paper. If higher Eng/Maths/Science are implemented, will the pupil end up sitting for all standard subjects as well as the 'higher' papers? That will be 8 exam papers to do instead of 5 for pupils who take HMT with the present system. Wouldn't that take the stress of the pupil to higher level if he/she opts for 'higher' subjects?

To add on, we already have foundation classes for academically weaker students and they are tailored to make learning much easier for these kids so they do not grapple with their learning if they remain in the mainstream.

[rains]

Fresco:

Mommybel:

Someone suggested having higher math, higher eng and higher sci in pri school. I thought that was a brilliant idea. The govt can set easier paper for the standard subjects so that parents are happy. Those who want to take higher whatever should not complain if paper is difficult. Parents made their choice and they should live with it. This way all are happy.

Not feasible. From what I understand, pupils taking Higher Mother Tongue also sit for the standard Chinese paper. If higher Eng/Maths/Science are implemented, will the pupil end up sitting for all standard subjects as well as the 'higher' papers? That will be 8 exam papers to do instead of 5 for pupils who take HMT with the present system. Wouldn't that take the stress of the pupil to higher level if he/she opts for 'higher' subjects?

To add on, we already have foundation classes for academically weaker students and they are tailored to make learning much easier for these kids so they do not grapple with their learning if they remain in the mainstream.

I think the assumption is that if pupils opt to take higher EMS, they won't take the standard papers - different from the current system for higher chinese. If not, it will be too much for the children.

[Fresco]

If MOE does come up with this system, then what do we have?


Foundation classes, standard mainstream, higher mainstream and the gifted programme.

I simply cannot imagine what will come next when parents start complaining again.

[clay569]

Fresco:

Mommybel:

Someone suggested having higher math, higher eng and higher sci in pri school. I thought that was a brilliant idea. The govt can set easier paper for the standard subjects so that parents are happy. Those who want to take higher whatever should not complain if paper is difficult. Parents made their choice and they should live with it. This way all are happy.

Not feasible. From what I understand, pupils taking Higher Mother Tongue also sit for the standard Chinese paper. If higher Eng/Maths/Science are implemented, will the pupil end up sitting for all standard subjects as well as the 'higher' papers? That will be 8 exam papers to do instead of 5 for pupils who take HMT with the present system. Wouldn't that take the stress of the pupil to higher level if he/she opts for 'higher' subjects?

To add on, we already have foundation classes for academically weaker students and they are tailored to make learning much easier for these kids so they do not grapple with their learning if they remain in the mainstream.

Maybe limit to 2 higher subjects? DS studies for his HMTL and that covers MTL too. It's like in sec Sch, those of us who took A maths didn't have to really study E maths for exam. Just did some practice papers and that sufficed. Same analogy for F. Maths and math 'C' in JC.

I think it's higher stress if parents push kids to take up. Would be different if they are taken because the kids choose to and are driven by passion for the subjects. IMO.

[Jennifer]

3 more papers to go.


Jia you, everyone.

[notredame]

skyhigh_18:

...No wonder MOE knows that there is a very big gap between the good student and the average student in terms of attitude towards fellow classmate. My DD is in an integrated class that is mixed with GEP students... You can already see the attitude among them.. And it's not good

My DD Sch hv mix the top 10% of the mainstream with the GEP during certain lesson..which mean during MT & some other gathering they will be mix together.. Hence DD will be going to some of the GEP class or vice versa ..

Hi skyhigh 18. Can you please elaborate on those I underlined? TIA.

[notredame]

I read today’s Sunday Times about the Finland’s educational system. Thumps up! Wish I were born there…