2018 PSLE Discussions & Strategies (Born in 2006)

[floppy]

cherryc:

It is stressful In the sense that it is bell curved like psle. And they keep increasing the difficulty and changed the syllabus or exam questions like chemistry paper last year. From what I heard some jc were better prepared than others . No prize guessing which one

Every exam is a bell curve, be it PSLE, O Level or A Level.

The problem with the A Level is that you are no longer competing among the entire cohort, where there are always weaker students (no offence) to cushion the base. Even if you are among the 'top' scorers in O Level, have to be aware that the O Level does not include the top 10~20% of the cohort in the IP (O Level somewhat eliminates both ends of the bell curve, albeit more so on the top end as NT is usually a very small group). Thus, the real position may be somewhat lower when everyone is being accounted for - a possible stress factor when he / she realises that he / she isn't as 'strong' as he / she imagines in JC.

Another problem with A Level is not so much in the difficulty or changing of syllabus (happens all the time), but having most secondary schools / students getting street-smart. They design or choose their subject combinations / options not necessarily in the pursuit of knowledge but for easy scoring. E.g. instead of offering 2 or 3 pure sciences, many picked a combined science option, or L1R5 that doesn't include all the 'real' exam subjects for A Level but with FNA, DNT, etc instead. While it may be easier to get that A1 or A2 at O Level, or a low score for O Level, that weaker foundation would be exposed in A Level - another possible stress factor. The better prepared JC also tend to have the better students with the better foundation

[doodbug]

Hmm does this mean it may be more advantageous to read the IB instead of the A levels as the curve, if any, would be an international pool (and not among the streamed Singapore kids)?

[emoh]

doodbug:

Hmm does this mean it may be more advantageous to read the IB instead of the A levels as the curve, if any, would be an international pool (and not among the streamed Singapore kids)?

https://www.reddit.com/r/singapore/comments/7982kv/ib_vs_a_levels/

[vectorbiz]

oliveminx:

yymm03:

By the way, in general, 2 points above last years COP, is it safe to get in? Fox example, last year school A with COP 250, we have 252 this year to apply this school, is it safe in general basis ? We just worry if the COP will raise by 3-4 points this year, because we have no visibility of the overall result for this year.

Any parent to share your view ? Thanks a lot !

Quite safe. COP will likely be the same or a little lower.

Hi I hope this is true , may I know why you think so ? appeciated your view

[KETWEI]

mdas:

Hi, my girl got 246. I am considering Bukit Panjang Govt High School, St Margaret's Secondary School, Swiss Cottage Secondary School. We are staying at Bukit Panjang area. Anybody can recommend any other school? Also any review on St Margaret's Secondary School? Appreciate your feedback.

Hi, my boy got 248+2 and I staying at Bukit Panjang also. I am considering Nan Hua High, Bt Panjang Govt High, SJI (O), Catholic High, RV & Swiss Cottage.
You can consider for Nan Hua High, take DTL to King Albert Park then bus 151 (abt 15-20 mins) to Nan Hua High.

[oldman123]

Dear Experienced Parents


Our child would have gotten into his dream secondary school, Fairfield Methodist, if we have put him in its affiliated primary school. However, due to our ignorance of the system, we did not. The non-affiliated COP is just too high at 241 compared to 200 if affiliated. He was greatly disappointed as he got 230+.

Not to repeat the same mistake twice, can experienced parents advised whether it is also critical to go to secondary schools that are affiliated with Junior College ?

Please advise. Thank you so much.
:thankyou:

[floppy]

emoh:

doodbug:

Hmm does this mean it may be more advantageous to read the IB instead of the A levels as the curve, if any, would be an international pool (and not among the streamed Singapore kids)?

https://www.reddit.com/r/singapore/comments/7982kv/ib_vs_a_levels/

From a mathematical point of view, that is correct. We are taking the top 10-20% (COP > 253) of our streamed kids (not counting international and private schools) to compete against the rest. That’s like Korea vs Singapore in a football match. No need to guess but we should know the outcome 99.9% of the time.

That said, still has to access each individual suitability, whether A Level or IB, is better.

[phtthp]

Which O-level program (OP), Science and Maths curriculum, is stronger ? SCGS (OP) or MGS (OP) ?


Both are independent schools.
Both O-level track charged $ 300, per month.

MGS (O level) have their own in-house SBA programme, for their students.

How about SCGS ?
Does SCGS (O level) have an equivalent program, to what MGS (O level) offer ?

Is there any Science Mentorship programme available, or Passion Pursuit available, inside SCGS (OP)?

[floppy]

phtthp:

Which O-level program (OP), Science and Maths curriculum, is stronger ? SCGS (OP) or MGS (OP) ?


Both are independent schools.
Both O-level track charged $ 300, per month.

MGS (O level) have their own in-house SBA programme, for their students.

How about SCGS ?
Does SCGS (O level) have an equivalent program, to what MGS (O level) offer ?

Is there any Science Mentorship programme available, or Passion Pursuit available, inside SCGS (OP)?

With regards to the curriculum, it’s like asking which country has the better football rules - Korea or Singapore? Answer: they are the same, governed by the same authority (FIFA for football, MOE for curriculum but maybe with some leeway for schools to add/drop some sections). They study the same syllabus and sit for the same exams but some people just play the game better and are better footballers.

As for SCGS and what’s available, you can read it yourself here:
https://scgs.moe.edu.sg/scgs-education/overview/

[KETWEI]

Hi, any review for Nan Hua High? DS got 248+2. Thanks