2023 PSLE Discussions and Strategies (Children born in 2011)

[zac's mum]

00skyblue00\" post_id=\"2122956\" time=\"1700468132\" user_id=\"143605:

Something for considerations for G3 students taking O levels in sec 4,

Often students and parents do not take notice of subjects offered by the schools among those we have shortlisted. Largely because we cannot predict which subjects will our kids likely be more interested.

There are also schools whose criteria are more stringent than others in choosing different combi. So it will be useful to take a look at their sec 2 briefing notes. For example, students who score below 65% overall can only select a total of 7 subjects, vs the better ones can choose 8 subjects.
What are the criteria for choosing pure sciences etc?
Some schools offer DnT, FoodnN, POA, some dont.
If one is taking 3rd foreign lang, what is the criteria to take 9 subjects?
What is the criteria to take A math?

This year, one I know got stuck with limited choices without prior knowledge on the above. But as far as I know FSBB seem to allow more flexibility so it may become no issue from next year. Wonder if those SAP schools have any limitation in subj combi then?

As far as i know (correct me if I’m wrong), the SAP schools only offer pure sciences, no combined science. Also, they do not offer DnT, NFS, POA these kind of Others subjects (which are typically offered only by the lower tier Express schools). These are usually for those aiming to go Poly.

As for number of subjects, i believe in SAP schools the norm is 8 subjects; the weaker ones do 7; while the spectacular appeal to do 9. In lower tier express schools, the norm is 7, and 6 for the weaker ones.

So if a child is academically good (at the Math & Science subjects), choose a higher tier school, otherwise come Sec 3 won’t get to do the “JC track” range of O level academic subjects.

[manorway]

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2122974\" time=\"1700487233\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2122974 time=1700487233 user_id=53606]
By reputation alone (which i believe is tied to the o level results; no longer published nowadays), the only CHIJ which is SAP (SNGS) would be the “best”, followed by CHIJ TPY (top rep among non-Chinese), followed by all the rest.[/quote]

Thanks. Any idea why CHIJ TP is top rep amongst the rest non-SAP?

[00skyblue00]

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2122975\" time=\"1700487695\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2122975 time=1700487695 user_id=53606]
As far as i know (correct me if I’m wrong), the SAP schools only offer pure sciences, no combined science. Also, they do not offer DnT, NFS, POA these kind of Others subjects (which are typically offered only by the lower tier Express schools). These are usually for those aiming to go Poly.

As for number of subjects, i believe in SAP schools the norm is 8 subjects; the weaker ones do 7; while the spectacular appeal to do 9. In lower tier express schools, the norm is 7, and 6 for the weaker ones.

So if a child is academically good (at the Math & Science subjects), choose a higher tier school, otherwise come Sec 3 won’t get to do the “JC track” range of O level academic subjects.[/quote]

Not necessary.

Top O level schs offer DnT, POA and FnN too. Bukit Panjang Gov High, Anderson Sec, Swiss Cottage, all with COP of AL11. Come 2024 CGS with FSBB shld be similar too.
These subjects are popular among good students too for a good reason. Many good in Maths will take POA and still can go JCs.

[zac's mum]

manorway\" post_id=\"2122976\" time=\"1700488791\" user_id=\"9303:

Thanks. Any idea why CHIJ TP is top rep amongst the rest non-SAP?

Historical reasons. I believe it was the original CHIJ founded in the old CBD area. Now preserved and renamed as CHIJMES. When it moved out, a SAP branch was founded in AMK (SNGS) and the non-SAP moved to TPY current site.

The others are just later branches set up for the various heartlands. That’s why they are dotted all over the island.

This is what my older relatives who attended CHIJ told me. Not sure if historically correct but i guess can google.

[floppy]

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2122995\" time=\"1700522535\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2122995 time=1700522535 user_id=53606]
Historical reasons. I believe it was the original CHIJ founded in the old CBD area. Now preserved and renamed as CHIJMES. When it moved out, a SAP branch was founded in AMK (SNGS) and the non-SAP moved to TPY current site.

The others are just later branches set up for the various heartlands. That’s why they are dotted all over the island.

This is what my older relatives who attended CHIJ told me. Not sure if historically correct but i guess can google.[/quote]

Original CHIJ (now known as CHIJ TP) was founded in 1854 and moved to TP in 1983. Therefore, SNGS definitely wasn't founded after the move. That aside, the various CHIJ were indeed established for various communities / locations in Singapore:

Katong Convent (1930)
St Nicholas Girls’ School (1933)
St Theresa’s Convent (1933)
St Joseph’s Convent (1938)
Bukit Timah Convent (1955; now known as CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace)
CHIJ Punggol (1957; now known as CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity)
Opera Estate Convent (1959; merged with the primary section of Katong Convent to form CHIJ Katong Primary in 1990)
Our Lady of Good Counsel (1960)
Kellock Convent (1964)

[eastshore]

Websites showing score chart matching which schools are confusing parents.


How is 7D and 7M score ranking lower than 7 ?
The ranking after 6 should be 7D, 7M, followed by 7…

[bbbay]

There are some secondary schools offering only 1 humanity subject from Sec. 3. That mean students would not have choices for their O level humanity subject. This will be tricky if students are bad at it. For those students aiming for JC where the humanity subject is mandatory in L1R5 tabulation , you may want to consider choosing a secondary school that give you more than 1 humanity subject choices

[00skyblue00]

Results will be released in under 3hrs! All the best to all P6 students.

Dear parents, remember, our children look to us for cues to seek security and assurance and can be sensitive at this age. Do give them lots of praises for their effort and show them how looking forward to secondary schools can be exciting and great chance to spend quality time together.

[zac's mum]

bbbay\" post_id=\"2123045\" time=\"1700612030\" user_id=\"175278:

There are some secondary schools offering only 1 humanity subject from Sec. 3. That mean students would not have choices for their O level humanity subject. This will be tricky if students are bad at it. For those students aiming for JC where the humanity subject is mandatory in L1R5 tabulation , you may want to consider choosing a secondary school that give you more than 1 humanity subject choices

How can we tell which are the ones? Is it must go find the Sec 3/4 timetables from the school website?

[bbbay]

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2123051\" time=\"1700614047\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2123051 time=1700614047 user_id=53606]
How can we tell which are the ones? Is it must go find the Sec 3/4 timetables from the school website?[/quote]

I think only way is to ask during open house, or call up to ask. If I am choosing school, I will first short list the schools based on my other criteria, then find out about how many humanity subject options for these shortlisted schools, then use the info to further short list the schools.

I have been talking about schools that offer humanity subject selection options, for the 1 humanity O level slot. There are also some schools that offer double humanity option ( 2 humanity O level slots). Students will sit for 2 humanity O level subjects exam. Advantage is student can choose the best scoring among the 2 to be used for L1R5 tabulation. That will be added insurance. But students themselves have to be keen in studying the additional humanity.