2019 PSLE Discussions and Strategies (Children born in 2007)
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Time to do window-shopping for Science enrichment. The time in the timetable to allow children to learn Science in the regular school setting is too little. When the P2s move up to P3s, the hours of learning remains the same. However, time that was previously used for Eng, Math and Mother Tongue is taken away to make way for a new subject -Science. To do well in Science, the child must have a very good grasp of English and likes to read widely in order to absorb Science knowledge. To me, Science tuition/enrichment is a must for my dd because I have talked to some P3 children who are my DD’s friends and they readily admitted they are all having Science enrichment but at different centres. Why do I want to jump on the bandwagon for Science?
Our P2 children born in 2007 will be taking the new syllabus PSLE Science in 4 years’ time. Children born in 2005 will be the first batch to sit for PSLE New Science syllabus exam in 2017. The good news is that for our children born in 2007 who will take PSLE in 2019, by their time, they would have 2017 and 2018 past year new PSLE Science syllabus exam papers for practice.
PSLE Science covers all the topics that are taught from P3 to P6. It is a necessity to send the child to external Science class to gain opportunities to do Science experiments which will be useful for Science Practical test (10%).
When the P3 child moves on to P4, she would have grasped the basic concepts of P3 topics and only focus her time on P4 topics. If a P3 child does not have a firm foundation in P3 Science topics, the child will struggle when she moves on to P4 because in P4 SA2, all the topics taught since P3 will be tested. Now, keep thinking forward. When the child moves on to P5, there is an additional Higher Mother Tongue offered and with 5 subjects to study for in P5, do you think the child has much time left to grasp the Science concepts that she has not learnt well for past 2 years since P3 and P4 if the child is already in P5?
In fact, the most important years to me are the p1 and P2 years. These are the 2 years that provide a solid foundation for the child to have a strong grasp of English, Math and Mother Tongue. With the introduction of Science, a child who likes to read widely will find Science is just like another new story for them to read and comprehend. P6 is the most challenging year because the teachers will teach at roller coaster speed and most of the time is used for revision after July.
How to choose Science enrichment centre?
-Budget. Set a budget, how much are you comfortable with paying for Science enrichment for the next 4 years?
-Shortlist those Science enrichment centres you have in mind. For me, I will go for distance-based. I will not choose a centre that requires long travelling time to commute there. Think about the fact that you have to travel for next 4 years and would you want to waste time on the road when the time could have been spent revising by the child.
-Look at timetable and see which schedule suits your child’s timing the most. CCA schedule and CCA confirmation has been given out to my child so it is easier to plan time for Science enrichment. Take the child with you to the place and see what they have to offer.
-Decision-making. Leave that decision-making to your child. Why do I say that? Remember my dd has P3 friends? They revealed to me that their parents were the one to decide which centres they go to and they have no say. I feel that it is very important to provide a choice for the children to choose from your list of shortlisted enrichment centres. Firstly, your child gains an opportunity to practise for Stimulus-based Conversation on which centre she likes to go to and why? Secondly, your child is the one that is learning at that centre, not the parents. That’s why I stressed that the budget is a very important factor. Let the child have a choice where she would like to go for Science enrichment. If it is possible, get the child to talk to the potential teacher that will be teaching your child. If the teacher is proactive, she will be the one to request to speak to your child to find out more about your child and see if this partnership of teaching and learning will work out or not?
Lastly, involve the husband in the process too. Keep him in the loop of what is happening. -
Hi
May I know which science enrichment course include doing science experiment?
I have yet to come across a science enrichment centre that comes with a science lab? Thanks. -
FantasyLandDreams:
Hi, don't think you need an actual science lab to carry out the experiments. A number of places - from TLL to CC-conducted workshops - carry out experiments, and they don't have a science lab for primary level science. Many of the experiments can easily be done at home if you have the interest and are willing to put the materials together for a fraction of the cost. Schools carry out a number of experiments as well.Hi
May I know which science enrichment course include doing science experiment?
I have yet to come across a science enrichment centre that comes with a science lab? Thanks. -
What kind of experiments are we looking at for primary science level?
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Basic stuff - plants - factors for growth, plant and insect life cycles, light experiments, electric circuits, energy, magnets.
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Thanks ammonite! I’m new to all these, been in my own world all these while…
Do CC actually conduct suchworkshops? Never even realise that! -
Any recommended tuition center for science in NorthEast area? Thanks
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Is it true that starting 2017 PSLE will adopt the new grading system and no longer T-score? I was told by my friend who is a teacher.
So all our piglets will be using the new system. -
kikimama:
They are conducted by third party companies, using the cc premises. You can find check out the PA website to see the available workshops across the island. Some schools also invite vendors in to conduct holiday science programmes during school holidays.Thanks ammonite! I'm new to all these, been in my own world all these while....
Do CC actually conduct suchworkshops? Never even realise that!
The core material itself is not difficult and many things can be done at home. Where most kids need more guidance is how to answer in a scientific manner or/and reading charts etc. -
EatNonStop:
Really? I wonder how that will work out...Is it true that starting 2017 PSLE will adopt the new grading system and no longer T-score? I was told by my friend who is a teacher.
So all our piglets will be using the new system.
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