2016 PSLE Discussions (Born in 2004)

[Oh My Gosh]

nicnac:

Time flies. 3rd week of term 2 already yet my DD has not started on her revisions. I am :nailbite: :frustrated: but she is still nonchalant. I dread the coming SA1 :xedfingers:

DS too... Still in relaxed mode :stupid:

[Oh My Gosh]

zbear:

Oh My Gosh:

PSLE is indeed manageable but it is the stress of how well DS/ DD perform among the cohort which scares parents like us :stupid:

I do understand how you feel as I went through the same stress with my kids 7 years ago especially so for my DD who belonged to the cohort which started using calculators for the first time. That year, the Maths paper was super tough n many parents/students cried aloud! Subsequently, the Maths paper was set more realistically after that year. :evil:

We all want our kids to do well n go to our preferred choice schools. But the end result will not be so important so long as your child puts in efforts, work hard n incalculate good study habits. Also be realistic in your expectations in your child's academic performance. I know it's easier said than done n I also went through a hard time trying to adjust my expectations.

Also, it's not the end of the world if your child eventually didn't get into the preferred choice school. My DS didn't but he still did fine in Sec School. Our road to education is very long n PSLE is the first major national exam. There will be more to come which are even more stressful because the stakes are higher.

I am just sharing with you my personal experience with PSLE and subsequent national exams' challenges. Upon looking back and sharing with my kids about their PSLE experiences, they feel that we parents tend to go overboard where PSLE is concerned.

JMHO

To register for Primary Schools (especially the more branded ones), external factors (the kid does not need to do anything) such as alumni, within 1 km radii, siblings, parent volunteer etc) play a part. PSLE is the first examination which students are be posted to Secondary schools based on their merits (even DSA is based on their own merits and strengths in sports, music etc). Hence the helplessness as parents role is supportive (encourage, find external help in tuition etc) here... :stompfeet:

[Giggler1]

I am contemplating to stay at home to fight the battle with dd too. But not sure will it backfire and create more stress on her. Also, not sure how I can help her by staying at home with her.

[sleepy]

Moral support? I can’t coach dd but I will hang around in her room. Not the whole time of course. Say for example instead of me resting on the sofa, I will park myself on her bed while she is studying.

[Hope21]

I still a SAHM. No intention to go back to workforce at the moment. Dh can't coach dd but drive dd to school daily.


A friend's child fall sick during PSLE, this is all parents nightmare. So besides coaching dd, I make sure she sleep and eat well and drink lots of water. I got her oxgenated water and essence of chicken. On psle days, I didn't ask her what are the answers because it's over and what's done is done. I do not want to affect her/made her cry by nagging/scolding her because of any mistakes made. We move on revising the following day's paper.

[SpartanMum]

Yup, looks like everyone is ramping up their efforts....not long now for the first PSLE paper.


By now, we all know that there is no one size fits all approach. Every child is different. Every family is different. Some of us can afford to stay home and provide moral and in some cases academic support for our DCs. For others, it's simply not a viable financial option or a preferred career move.

Whatever the case, these are some of the factors that I believe can help our DCs at this time:
1) Be a Calm and consistent parent
If we panic, our DCs will panic, so we need to stay calm and focused for our DCs. Our actions must be consistent with what we say. If we ask DC to work harder, we should try and facilitate that. E.g. planning something that would distract DC and take his attention away from his studies is a no-no.

2) Help with time management
Remember, at this age, time management is still a skill to be mastered for many! Many kids like to know in advance, what to expect in terms of revision...so that they know how much time they have to play! A revision schedule is really very useful for students and parents (to monitor progress) alike.

3) Keep life as normal as possible.
Yes, this year they probably have to sacrifice on some holidays, outings, gaming and reading (story books) but otherwise, it's good to keep life as normal as possible. Continually reminding DC that it's PSLE year can add a lot of undue stress. A lot of parents stop music and sports classes leading up to PSLE. Remember \"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy\". Certainly don't overburden the child with too many classes. But if your DC enjoys sports/arts classes ...taking it away might be a disincentive to study.

4) Aim for quality work
Except for perhaps Math, the rest of the subjects are about understanding and internalising concepts. A good teacher can make a world of difference. Doing & doing without learning from mistakes is not useful. So, we should try not to overburden our DCs with too many exam papers.

5) Take care of physical and emotional wellbeing
Sleep is so very important. Never allow DC to compromise on sleep. A well-rested child is fitter, happier and concentrates better. IMHO no amount of vitamins or chicken essence can replace adequate sleep.
Our DCs are now tweens, so watch their moods, respect their thoughts, have a good old chat when they come to you and be there for them..yes, even if it just hanging around the house while they are revising.

Disclaimer - my personal thoughts only..may not work for all

Take care everyone. :grphug:

[Ikid]

PSLE preparation is also preparation for the kid to be ready for secondary school.

The child learn to be an independent and a responsible learner. Especially for kids aiming to go IP schools, if you are able to fight PSLE battle with confidence, adapting to the program should be easier. Secondary school is very much about time management, with more subjects, CCA and many other non academic activities.

[randwick]

Your kids need to go back to school during the June holidays?


Mine does, 1st wk and last wk of the June holiday.

[Love Clouds]

Ikid:

PSLE preparation is also preparation for the kid to be ready for secondary school.

The child learn to be an independent and a responsible learner. Especially for kids aiming to go IP schools, if you are able to fight PSLE battle with confidence, adapting to the program should be easier. Secondary school is very much about time management, with more subjects, CCA and many other non academic activities.

Totally agree.
My DDs now in IP Y1 and Y4. They feel PSLE is \"more relax\" compares to sec sch life.
During their PSLE year, CCA trainings were twice a week before SYF and homework could be finished during weekdays, leaving weekends for extra self revision and play. Even being a perfect, they did their duties during sch hours. We could visit their grandparents every weekend.

Now, their CCA trainings can be upto 3 times a week preparing for all kinds of performances (sch concerts/SYF/public). Having leadership role, my DD1 is in sch till 6.30pm almost everyday. Other days used to do projects/ class activities / CIP. Weekend will be to catch up with their sleep and assignments. Visit to grandparents became fortnightly event.

Their life is more hectic than my working life.

[Oh My Gosh]

randwick:

Your kids need to go back to school during the June holidays?


Mine does, 1st wk and last wk of the June holiday.

DS school just need to go back 1st week of June hols.