2023 PSLE Discussions and Strategies (Children born in 2011)

[SG_KP1]

Missylee\" post_id=\"2086861\" time=\"1666833998\" user_id=\"151705:

Hi, my kid’s higher Chinese and normal Chinese results are about the same (around AL4 to AL5 level). I’m thinking if dropping higher Chinese in P6 will give him more time to concentrate on normal Chinese or taking higher Chinese will help improve his normal Chinese since our focus is still on normal Chinese cause it counts towards the total AL score. Anyone has any take or experience to share? Thank you.

Tough call. Does your school have specific criteria for taking HCL in P6 (some schools will not let student/parent decide)? If HCL is 65-79 or Merit, I think should be OK to continue (from school's perspective).

Generally, my view is that HCL is more likely than not to help those that are doing OK+ in CL. That being said, there's no need for HCL in the secondary school posting (AL(X-1) without HCL beats AL(X) + D/M/P in CL). Some thoughts for consideration:

a) If targeting a SAP secondary school, try to stick with HCL, as it could help in the S1 Posting.
b) One can always take HCL in secondary school after dropping in P6 (provided the student meets the criteria. Some SAP schools may also require HCL in Sec 1 regardless).
c) I think HCL in secondary school has the most value for O Level kids targeting A Level JCs. It (HCL) has some advantage for IP A Level kids but probably not a huge deal. For IP(IB) path, it may even make more sense to stick with normal CL unless one is really good / naturally gung-ho about Chinese. Caveat to all of these is taking HCL cannot make your other subjects \"worse\" due to disproportionate amount of time spent, stress, etc.

Perhaps just ask how he feels after hearing some pros/cons to each route. Good luck.

[Missylee]

SG_KP1\" post_id=\"2086924\" time=\"1666852987\" user_id=\"188234:

Tough call. Does your school have specific criteria for taking HCL in P6 (some schools will not let student/parent decide)? If HCL is 65-79 or Merit, I think should be OK to continue (from school's perspective).

Generally, my view is that HCL is more likely than not to help those that are doing OK+ in CL. That being said, there's no need for HCL in the secondary school posting (AL(X-1) without HCL beats AL(X) + D/M/P in CL). Some thoughts for consideration:

a) If targeting a SAP secondary school, try to stick with HCL, as it could help in the S1 Posting.
b) One can always take HCL in secondary school after dropping in P6 (provided the student meets the criteria. Some SAP schools may also require HCL in Sec 1 regardless).
c) I think HCL in secondary school has the most value for O Level kids targeting A Level JCs. It (HCL) has some advantage for IP A Level kids but probably not a huge deal. For IP(IB) path, it may even make more sense to stick with normal CL unless one is really good / naturally gung-ho about Chinese. Caveat to all of these is taking HCL cannot make your other subjects \"worse\" due to disproportionate amount of time spent, stress, etc.

Perhaps just ask how he feels after hearing some pros/cons to each route. Good luck.

Thank u very much for the very insightful advice. I’ll certainly see how he does for his CL and HCL for SA2 and speak with him on how he feels. Thanks!

[coast]

Missylee\" post_id=\"2086861\" time=\"1666833998\" user_id=\"151705:

Hi, my kid’s higher Chinese and normal Chinese results are about the same (around AL4 to AL5 level). I’m thinking if dropping higher Chinese in P6 will give him more time to concentrate on normal Chinese or taking higher Chinese will help improve his normal Chinese since our focus is still on normal Chinese cause it counts towards the total AL score. Anyone has any take or experience to share? Thank you.

Dropping HCL may not give your son more time as the hours of CL and HCL classes are the same for some schools. Other schools may have additional afternoon HCL classes and homework so it \"saves\" time in that sense.

Do check with your son's school teachers. They should be able to give good advice and if not, they will direct you to an experienced teacher or HOD.

All the best.

Note: Your son may be getting a different teacher and classmates for CL lessons if he drops HCL in P6.

[Zeal mummy]

Missylee\" post_id=\"2086861\" time=\"1666833998\" user_id=\"151705:

Hi, my kid’s higher Chinese and normal Chinese results are about the same (around AL4 to AL5 level). I’m thinking if dropping higher Chinese in P6 will give him more time to concentrate on normal Chinese or taking higher Chinese will help improve his normal Chinese since our focus is still on normal Chinese cause it counts towards the total AL score. Anyone has any take or experience to share? Thank you.

It will largely depend on the situation he is in. Is he in a SAP primary school currently, does he intend to join a SAP secondary school? If yes and yes, then continue with higher Chinese. If not, focusing on Chinese itself will be a better choice.

Higher Chinese is an advantage only if your kid is targeting a SAP secondary school. The higher Chinese components tested are quite different from Chinese. At AL4/5, it will be wiser to improve on his Chinese.

[Missylee]

Hi coast and zeal mummy, thanks for your replies. Indeed there r many considerations. I’ll share them with the kid cause I think he should be aware of them and be involved in the decision making process too. Have a good weekend!

[kaisuism]

Missylee\" post_id=\"2087043\" time=\"1666927948\" user_id=\"151705:

Hi coast and zeal mummy, thanks for your replies. Indeed there r many considerations. I’ll share them with the kid cause I think he should be aware of them and be involved in the decision making process too. Have a good weekend!

I would follow the school's advice. ie if the school/teacher deem your child suitable to take Higher Chinese, just continue to take.

[coast]

Missylee\" post_id=\"2087043\" time=\"1666927948\" user_id=\"151705:

Hi coast and zeal mummy, thanks for your replies. Indeed there r many considerations. I’ll share them with the kid cause I think he should be aware of them and be involved in the decision making process too. Have a good weekend!

Hi, it's certainly good to get your son involved. You can ask him how he feels about his current CL teacher and classmates.

All the best!

[Zeal mummy]

Missylee\" post_id=\"2087043\" time=\"1666927948\" user_id=\"151705:

Hi coast and zeal mummy, thanks for your replies. Indeed there r many considerations. I’ll share them with the kid cause I think he should be aware of them and be involved in the decision making process too. Have a good weekend!

You’re welcome! All the best for SA2! (We are also studying for it, last paper on Monday! Hang in there!)

[floppy]

Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"2087145\" time=\"1666965132\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=2087145 time=1666965132 user_id=58173]
You’re welcome! All the best for SA2! (We are also studying for it, last paper on Monday! Hang in there!)[/quote]

I think most schools will be having their last paper next week.

[MrsKiasu]

Looks like it. If got hcl one more day