2018 PSLE Discussions & Strategies (Born in 2006)

[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

[zbear]

floppy:

TBH, I feel A Level is not really stressful. Most students (non-IP) can afford to have fun in the first year, buck up in the 2nd year, and still make it past the finish line.
That said, most of the syllabus and exam materials are built upon what you have learnt in the O Level. Hence, a strong foundation and sound fundamentals for the subjects are important (which is where pure sciences and double maths students have an advantage).
O Level, on the other hand, if you have 8 subjects or more, can be a real nightmare.
It's good that the IP route takes away some of these O Level stress / issues.

TBH, I am not sure where you get the impression that A levels is not really stressful especially for non IP students. Are you speaking from personal experience 30 years ago or from your child’s experience?

Both my kids did their A levels n I didn’t hear them saying it’s not really stressful. Likewise, they told me that their friends were equally stressed.

My DS found O levels a breeze although he had to sit for 8 subjects. The only challenge is Elective History. He is very confident that he will do well in his O levels. He did very well and could enter one of the top JCs. Come to A levels, he found it a struggle trying to catch up with IP students who already had a head start. He also had to unlearn what he learnt for O levels in physics.

But his determination and resilience to reach his ultimate goal pushed him to work hard n his efforts paid off.


For my DD, being a IP student, also found A levels a challenge. The advantage is - IP students get to learn more out of syabulus n also had a head start in approaching A levels earlier than JAE students.

Regardless of whether you are a IP or JAE student, work hard and work smart are the only way to handle A levels n get yr dream results!

Just my 2 cents worth!