2016 O levels (Kids born in 2000)

[TheAnswer]

janet88:

TheAnswer:

Poly cut off point have been decreasing and competition has been very stiff. Removing chinese also does not mean other subjects will improve. Just my 2 cents.

the decision lies with him. after all, he is the one studying and if he doesn't have the confidence to get a better grade, I rather he moves on.

Since he has decided then move on. Normally school will ask to retake.

[schweppes]

The general sentiment is that if the student got a grade that is below expectation and feels that he is capable of achieving better, then might be worth considering to retake at year end.


But if the current grade is consistent to what he normally gets during school exams, most students would rather not retake and focus on the rest of the other subjects. If student got D7 and below, school would encourage students to retake.

[schweppes]

TheAnswer:

Poly cut off point have been decreasing and competition has been very stiff.

Agree with this. It's getting more competitive to enter popular courses at selected choice polys. Need to focus and work hard on the home stretch. It also helps if the student has a strong CCA portfolio to support in case need to go for interviews.

[Kee Kor]

DS 's oral is a distinction but Overall C5 so going for retake.

[zbear]

Mother Tongue is not necessary to be computed in the L1R4? If Janet’s son gets A1 for the other subjects, won’t it be safe?

[kitty2]

Chinese is not a compulsory subject if one is not cinfident in it, better to focus on other subjects. If one wants to go JC , C6 also can qualify

[dealingroom88]

my ds got b3 oral merit. dont know if his school will allow him to retake without having to attend chinese classes?

[janet88]

zbear:

Mother Tongue is not necessary to be computed in the L1R4? If Janet's son gets A1 for the other subjects, won't it be safe?

Son's Chinese has always been a marginal pass...so when he got a C6, I was very relieved. I know his teacher did ask him to retake.

to retake MT is a backup...but that would mean time will be channelled to study for it. I'm quite confused too.

[Loving.014897Mommy]

My child’s school requires a letter if students want to be excused from re-taking the paper. My child has been a consistent 50% pass grade from Sec 1, sometimes even going below. Based on our calculations, we are quite sure C6 is already the best, so better to focus on other 6 subjects for L1R5 rather than spend time on Chinese classes and homework.


Weightage if I’m not wrong:
Paper 1-60 marks 30%
Paper 2-70 marks 35%
Listening & Oral- 20+70 marks 35%

If your child has his/her Listening answers (CBCAD DBDAC), you could calculate the score out of 20. If 8 correct, the marks would be 16/20, and if oral is a 30/50, total for listening and oral would be 46/70 which is about 23%. So for P1 & P2, your child will need to get
32/65 for C5
37/65 for B4
42/65 for B3
47/65 for A2
52/65 for A1.

Hope this helps anyone who is deciding about re-taking.

[zbear]

janet88:

Son's Chinese has always been a marginal pass...so when he got a C6, I was very relieved. I know his teacher did ask him to retake.

to retake MT is a backup...but that would mean time will be channelled to study for it. I'm quite confused too.

Janet, I thought your son is going to DSA to Poly? Did he get in?

What is the best L1R4 cut off that he has to attain? I believe you have decided which Poly and which course to take?

Can he work hard on his strong subjects n use them for his L1R4?

In my opinion, I feel that it's no point retaking Chinese if your son doesn't have an interest in the subject. The very most he will probably move up to C5 or perhaps stay at same grade C6. I remembered for myself, I retook but the second result is the same as first so it's really a waste of my time.

Unless the school says it's compulsory to retake, I will say don't go for it.