[PSLE MT] PSLE less weightage in Chinese / Mother Tongue
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veryverykiasuparent:
tried to sign it but it keeps telling me i already signed .... something wrong with the petition software systemDear fellow parents,
if you are concerned about the PSLE cutting of MT weighing, kindly lend your support to the petition. Just imagine the consequences of the reduction in mother tongue weighing it has on the motivation to learn the language!!
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/pslemothertongue/ -
I do NOT support the lowering of the weightage for MT and will not repeat all the valid points brought up by others on this forum.
I am not educated in Chinese (which I always view as a handicap). Thus, my daughter has always been weak in the subject too. However, we have not given up on the language just because she finds the language difficult to learn. Since P3, she has been putting in a lot of efforts to polish up her Chinese. Hence, the weekly tuitions/enrichments. Kudos to the native speaking teachers, she is actually enjoying the language she once feared.
If, after all these efforts, she still cannot ace the subject, she will have to concede that she is just not as good as her peers who can master 4 subjects. At least her efforts has paid off and she has learnt a language that is going to be useful to her in the future.
That is not to say that I will not use DSA to apply for entry to her school of choice. And, if she is still not accepted by the top schools, then she shouldn't even be in the top schools.
I certainly find it sad that some English speaking family thinks that the only way for their kids to get into the top schools is to lower the MT weighting. Is this the kind of signal we should be passing to the next generation? Cry foul if you cannot beat the system. Isn't Singapore a country that promotes meritocracy? Don't know about you but I don't think I will feel proud should my girl top the PSLE due to this unfair advantage. :celebrate: -
I just happen to read this news at the moe website…so just like share with u though it is not too related to the topic which this thread is talking about.
Choices for Above Average Chinese Language
Posted: Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:00:00 +0800
Response
The CL changes are to respond to the on-going trends in home language environments where the majority of Chinese households use English as the dominant language. However, the aim remains to help all students progress as far they can or want. We want to ensure that Chinese learning remains relevant and engaging by learning the language in settings and modes which they are likely to use in daily life.
The dominant use of English will mean a wider spread of capabilities in CL among students. The proposed CL approaches is to cater to the entire spectrum, and not only a select band. We will continue to support those who can attain high levels of CL proficiency. But we must also recalibrate our expectations and teaching methods for the broad middle band from mainly English-speaking homes and for students who face exceptional difficulties in learning CL. We will provide more details of these changes during the COS (in full).
Students with good CL ability will continue to receive support if they offer Higher Chinese Language (HCL). Currently, about a quarter of our students are taking HCL at the PSLE and the ‘O’ Levels. At the ‘A’ Levels, students may opt to take Chinese Language and Literature at the Higher 2 or even Higher 3 level instead of CL at the Higher 1 level. Other ‘A’ Level subjects are available for students to hone their Chinese language skills or deepen their understanding of China. These include General Studies in Chinese, China Studies in Chinese, or History in Chinese.
Beyond formal subject offerings, MOE provides opportunities for greater depth of study and enrichment through special programmes. We have 15 Special Assistance Plan (SAP) primary schools and 10 SAP secondary schools, each with their own school-based flagship programmes to nurture an interest in Chinese language and culture. The Bicultural Studies Programme (Chinese) spans the upper secondary to JC level and aims to groom a core group of students with a confident grasp of Chinese language and culture, as well as contemporary developments in China. It enrols around 350 Singaporeans each year. The Chinese Language Elective Programme (CLEP) is also available at the A-levels, to deepen students’ appreciation of Chinese language and literature. MOE will continue to encourage students to participate in these programmes.
If more students do well in Chinese and there is demand for SAP school places, MOE is willing to consider setting up one more SAP school. -
veryverykiasuparent:
Signed.Dear fellow parents,
if you are concerned about the PSLE cutting of MT weighing, kindly lend your support to the petition. Just imagine the consequences of the reduction in mother tongue weighing it has on the motivation to learn the language!!
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/pslemothertongue/ -
verykiasu2010:
yesterday I signed and encountered no problem. perhaps you can try other account name to sign again
tried to sign it but it keeps telling me i already signed .... something wrong with the petition software systemveryverykiasuparent:
Dear fellow parents,
if you are concerned about the PSLE cutting of MT weighing, kindly lend your support to the petition. Just imagine the consequences of the reduction in mother tongue weighing it has on the motivation to learn the language!!
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/pslemothertongue/ -
i signed the petition too. no hiccups.
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MangoLim:
My exact sentiments.I do NOT support the lowering of the weightage for MT and will not repeat all the valid points brought up by others on this forum.
I am not educated in Chinese (which I always view as a handicap). Thus, my daughter has always been weak in the subject too. However, we have not given up on the language just because she finds the language difficult to learn. Since P3, she has been putting in a lot of efforts to polish up her Chinese. Hence, the weekly tuitions/enrichments. Kudos to the native speaking teachers, she is actually enjoying the language she once feared.
If, after all these efforts, she still cannot ace the subject, she will have to concede that she is just not as good as her peers who can master 4 subjects. At least her efforts has paid off and she has learnt a language that is going to be useful to her in the future.
That is not to say that I will not use DSA to apply for entry to her school of choice. And, if she is still not accepted by the top schools, then she shouldn't even be in the top schools.
I certainly find it sad that some English speaking family thinks that the only way for their kids to get into the top schools is to lower the MT weighting. Is this the kind of signal we should be passing to the next generation? Cry foul if you cannot beat the system. Isn't Singapore a country that promotes meritocracy? Don't know about you but I don't think I will feel proud should my girl top the PSLE due to this unfair advantage. :celebrate:
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BlackAngel:
I will try to call 68722220 mentioned above next Monday...Dear fellow parents, I strongly oppose to this decision, because it will only benefit those who are super strong in English language. My child can manage both languages quite ok. not superb. so with this new weighing, my child would be disadvantaged!!
It is a form of elitism by a small group of parents who has been pressurising the government. If we let them have their way, our children would be strongly disadvantaged. I spoken to other parents about it and they felt the same way too!
I called up MOE call centre this afternoon to reflect my view to Mr Ng Eng Hen. They recorded my message and would relay to Mr Ng. I hope more parents would follow suit and do likewise. As a parent who really wants my child to have a good foundation in own Chinese language and English Language, such a drastic move by MOE is simply language suicidal.
MOE call centre phone no is 68722220. Just say that you want to air your view on the latest PSLE MT weightage issue and the kind officer will help you relay your message. More voice the better, i strongly oppose to the change in weighing. It is just unfair to my boy or someone who is more linguistically inclined. MOE everyday change policy, if we believe in everyone of them and not think on our feet, we will be cheated by them!
Do not be silent about it, it is our children future education. :x -
I tried signing the petition but also encounter the following problem :
:?
You have already signed this petition. If you believe this is an error, please wait 24 hours and try again. -
mathsparks,
quite weird… try tomorrow?
ok, OT - you like Cats huh?
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