2016 PSLE Discussions (Born in 2004)

[anxious.01501dad]

nicnac:

That is what I recall too. For the 'mainstream' secondary school- 'o' level route, Additional Math starts from Secondary 3, doesn't it?

Yes, for mainstream 'o' level route secondary schools, Additional Maths is only offered from sec 3. I believe phtthp made an error in the listing of subjects as she mentioned 7 subjects but listed 8.

phtthp:

7 subjects : only for Lower Secondary (Sec 1, Sec 2), being :
1English, 2Chinese, 3Additional Maths, 4Elementary Maths, 5General Science, 6Literature, 7Geography, 8History

however, at Upper Secondary (Sec 3, Sec 4) : more than 7 subjects, being :
one subject Science in turn broken down into 3 Science subjects -
pure Chemistry, pure Physics, pure Biology

hence, at Upper Sec, can be taking 8, 9 or 10 subjects, depending on your grade

Art drawing, Home Economics : not graded
Technical & Design : can be graded

Furthermore, I believe phtthp is sharing based on her experience gained from a certain band of secondary schools. Depending on the schools and the stream (E/ NA) that the child is studying in, the number of subjects offered for upper secondary varies, not necessary from 7 as I believe some students are taking only 6 subjects. Other than pure sciences, combined sciences are also offered at 'o' level. Similarly, Art, Music, Food and Nutrition (aka Home Economics), Design & Technology (aka Technical & Design) and Principles of Accounts may be offered as 'o' level subjects. Thus, whether a subject is graded or not in upper sec depends on whether the student has opted to offer that subject for 'o' level, Nowadays, the range of subjects offered at 'o' level covers a wide spectrum and includes O-level School Initiated Elective Cambridge Subjects (OSIE) such as Drama and Applied Subjects such as Biotechnology. However, OSIE and Applied Subjects are only offered in certain identified schools. The following SEAB link has the list of 'O' level subjects. Perhaps, the range of 'o' subjects offered could be a factor for parents and child to consider when choosing a secondary school next week.

http://www.seab.gov.sg/pages/nationalExaminations/GOL/School_Candidates/2016_GCE_O.asp

[nansk]

anxious.dad:

Depending on the schools and the stream (E/ NA) that the child is studying in, the number of subjects offered for upper secondary varies, not necessary from 7 as I believe some students are taking only 6 subjects.

Thank you for the detailed info!

Which reminds me of a question I've wanted to ask for some time. From the MoE Sec schools listing booklet, I see that some schools (a very few) do not offer Literature, and many do not offer History or Geography. I think most (except the independant schools) offer Soc. Studies.
1. Is it better to choose a school that offers the first three of these Humanities subjects?

And, 2. which Humanities subject is better/more interesting of these?

[anxious.01501dad]

nansk:

Thank you for the detailed info!


Which reminds me of a question I've wanted to ask for some time. From the MoE Sec schools listing booklet, I see that some schools (a very few) do not offer Literature, and many do not offer History or Geography. I think most (except the independant schools) offer Soc. Studies.
1. Is it better to choose a school that offers the first three of these Humanities subjects?

And, 2. which Humanities subject is better/more interesting of these?

Hi, for mainstream 'o' level schools, social studies is a compulsory 'o' level subject. It is offered as the first part of the Combined Humanities (paper 1). The second part of the subject could be an elective Literature/ Geography/ History. The choice for the humanities electives depends on the interest and preference of the student. If a student is not aware of his/ her interest, it may be good to choose a school that offers all 3 subjects. However, do note that the humanities subject offered will depend on the choice of the students. If only a handful of students opted for a particular elective and is not able to form a class, the school may choose not to offer it. Other than the elective humanties, a student may opt to take another 1 or even 2 full humanities depending on the result of the student and the direction of the school. However, do note that a student is not allowed to offer the same full humanities subject as the electives. For example, if a student opts for elective History, he will not be allowed to offer full History as another 'o' level subject.

As for Q2, it really depends on the child's interest.

[sleepy]

nansk:

which Humanities subject is better/more interesting of these?

Very hard to say, it depends on the child's aptitude and also to a large extent how the teacher delivers that subject.
Had one humanities teacher in Sec 1, never gave any notes, only came into class to talk (teach). I was horrified that dd had 2 pages of handwritten notes over 4 months period. Obviously dd's notes taking skill was almost non existent back then. Like that how to revise for exam? With 2 pages of notes

Luckily not all teachers have same teaching style. So far encountered one 'talking' style teacher in Sec 1 and another one in Sec 2 Have to put in more effort to put together own notes and write vigorously while teacher is talking (teaching). How well the child performed for that subject is thus more highly dependent on child's notes taking ability. No choice but to adapt to different teacher's teaching style. Coincidentally both are humanities teachers

[janet88]

Yes…it will be quite a drastic change but the first few months should be considered sort of little honeymoon as they adjust to the longer hours and extra subjects.

[nansk]

anxious.dad:

Hi, for mainstream 'o' level schools, social studies is a compulsory 'o' level subject. It is offered as the first part of the Combined Humanities (paper 1). The second part of the subject could be an elective Literature/ Geography/ History. ...Other than the elective humanties, a student may opt to take another 1 or even 2 full humanities...

:thankyou: Thank you for your detailed reply. This is all new info to me, so the info you shared is helpful.

[nansk]

sleepy:

Very hard to say, it depends on the child's aptitude and also to a large extent how the teacher delivers that subject.
...Have to put in more effort to put together own notes and write vigorously while teacher is talking (teaching). How well the child performed for that subject is thus more highly dependent on child's notes taking ability...

:thankyou: Thank you for candidly sharing your experience. I called my dh over to come and read your reply. It was indeed eye-opening for both of us. Our dd is the kind to whom it would never occur to take notes in class. This is a completely different way of learning for her. We are resolved to teach her note-taking and other study skills from tomorrow. Will come back and share how it goes.

[randwick]

My dd is currently doing Higher Chinese. Can someone tell me the difference in Higher Chinese and normal Chinese in terms of mainstream express O Levels exams (non IP)? DD may have to decide which one to do.

[janet88]

hi randwick,

:imanisland:
where have you been?

[bsk]

Hi

When will the psle results be released for this year? Is it Thursday or Friday ?