Networking Group - JCs General

[MrsKiasu]

doodbug\" post_id=\"2095300\" time=\"1673947874\" user_id=\"13281:

Will think more when confronted with the situation. To me, the child's input is very important. If no buy in or interest, or not ready or not willing, no point. I am open to kids taking some time out, i.e. gap year etc, if they need it for their mental health or for whatever reasons. I don't wish for it to happen, but if it does, will deal with it then.

Right now I m pro Poly but not dd..I told dd unless can get great results else really need to seriously consider Poly. Of course still depend on her. I don't mind the extra years..at least that is more time to mature. Dh told me to put the options down in writing.. well it is time to check already as the window period to make decision will be rather short after results out.

[doodbug]

phtthp\" post_id=\"2095299\" time=\"1673947627\" user_id=\"35251:

From SEAB-A switching over, to attempt UK-A, should be much easier lah !

Whereas

From SEAB-A switching over to IB, must find out
if there's any cut off age, and
how much difference in syllabus, per core subject.

For Maths and Science, I think SEAB-A switch to UK-A, shouldn't be problematic. Humanities subjects like Geog or History, more complex I think. Syllabus may be different.

Fail SEAB-A then switch over to IB I think not possible for Singaporean boys right, sure overaged if have to serve NS. Too complex I donno how to navigate.

[phtthp]

doodbug\" post_id=\"2095303\" time=\"1673948611\" user_id=\"13281:

For Maths and Science, I think SEAB-A switch to UK-A, shouldn't be problematic. Humanities subjects, more complex I think. Syllabus completely different. No such thing as SS and all in UK A levels.

Fail SEAB-A then switch over to IB I think not possible for Singaporean boys right, sure overaged if have to serve NS. Too complex I donno how to navigate.

If take PCME (SEAB-A), switch over to (UK-A), much easier ! Econs, not much difference, neither. You can go and study their both curriculum.

Boys, bec of NS, IB may be a bit old for boys. Girls, still can.

[doodbug]

MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"2095298\" time=\"1673947174\" user_id=\"43981:

Oh ok..can get a 2nd chance.

Which option is more interesting to you..so far?

My kids didn't take O levels - so I don't even know how poly admissions works for IP kids whether after Sec 4 or JC2.

But I must be having phobia of failing Year 6 hahahahahaah. I personally found the A levels hard and would not want to relive A levels.

[doodbug]

phtthp\" post_id=\"2095304\" time=\"1673948859\" user_id=\"35251:

If take PCME (SEAB-A), switch over to (UK-A), much easier ! Econs, not much difference, neither. You can go and study their both curriculum.

Boys, bec of NS, IB may be a bit old for boys. Girls, still can.

you are probably right I adjusted my message. But none of my kids doing PCME oops.

[MyPillow]

doodbug\" post_id=\"2095297\" time=\"1673946795\" user_id=\"13281:

UK A levels is 1.5 to 2 years if studying in the UK. But for students repeating A levels (i.e. fail SG A levels then want to do UK A levels), usually can get by with one year.

Doodb, I heard my ds classmate went back Msia after SG O level to take gcse A . Then went UK degree prog, , his was less than 2 yrs,

Any clue what type of results or courses for those with Uk A who can get in local uni, Which uni?

[sharonkhoo]

MyPillow\" post_id=\"2095311\" time=\"1673956653\" user_id=\"70594:

Any clue what type of results or courses for those with Uk A who can get in local uni, Which uni?

I have explored applications to local universities (specifically NUS/NTU) with 'other' qualifications, i.e. other than Sg Camb A levels or IB. There is no info as to what the IGP 90%/10% for such qualifications are. Note that the websites may say that a minimum score is necessary to be eligible to apply, however these scores are not necessarily enough to get a place in the university, especially for competitive courses. They also don't disclose how many places are available for students with 'other' qualifications.

[sharonkhoo]

doodbug\" post_id=\"2095269\" time=\"1673943710\" user_id=\"13281:

yes there is this pathway. I wonder - should one repeat A levels, or start all over in Poly.

The question is whether the student has an idea of what they want to do, other than the vague 'go to university' aspiration. Retaking A levels may be a waste of time depending on whether the student really thinks that he can do better the next time round. If he has scored roughly what was expected, taking another year may or may not help - some of these students may have already had a repeat year in JC or been in MI, so they would already have had 3 years.

The A level and Poly course structures are also so different - a student in Poly has to choose a particular Diploma course and all his subjects will be focused in that direction. If he isn't interested, it will be hard to do well. I believe that taking A levels again will require the student to take all 4 subjects again plus GP, and if the student dislikes one or more of those subjects, what are the chances he will do better with a retake?

And although many parents don't like to consider this, but what if the student is really not cut out for university? Maybe a Diploma or apprenticeship to learn a concrete skill might be more suitable. It could be that with added maturity and experience, he can get a university qualification later in life, or take other professional qualifications. Not going to university at 18-20 yo is not the end of the world.

[doodbug]

MyPillow\" post_id=\"2095311\" time=\"1673956653\" user_id=\"70594:

Doodb, I heard my ds classmate went back Msia after SG O level to take gcse A . Then went UK degree prog, , his was less than 2 yrs,

Any clue what type of results or courses for those with Uk A who can get in local uni, Which uni?

The SG A levels is only administered in Singapore. Anyone taking A levels in Malaysia will be taking the UK A levels. All UK A levels are well and perfectly recognized by UK universities.

All Singapore universities consider applicants with 'other' qualifications such as the UK A levels. But nothing is said about number of places or grades required or citizenship, or if one took the A levels in UK, MY or SG. I do know of quite a few Singaporeans who took A levels in UK boarding school who are now in local uni, including Medicine.

[sharonkhoo]

doodbug\" post_id=\"2095305\" time=\"1673948876\" user_id=\"13281:

My kids didn't take O levels - so I don't even know how poly admissions works for IP kids whether after Sec 4 or JC2.

But I must be having phobia of failing Year 6 hahahahahaah. I personally found the A levels hard and would not want to relive A levels.

I don't know about IP Sec 4 students. When my older daughter applied to poly after her A levels, I was very annoyed when I realised that the polys did not have some way to equate A levels and O levels in some way. My impression was that there were few places set aside for A level holders, which made it harder for those with A levels to get in compared to those with O levels. Of course, no one would answer my questions! This may have changed now that they are encouraging A level holders to go to poly.

Personality and learning styles make a lot of difference in whether something is 'hard' or not. My daughter did get a place in her 3rd choice poly eventually, but found the way the courses were taught and the constant group work very trying. We were really wondering if she would survive the year, let alone the course. We were really glad when it turned out that she could actually squeeze into a university course that suited her, and she gave up her poly place in relief.