Preparing kids for P5 in 2011

[janet88]

HI Mummies,

I don’t know about you…but I really cannot understand the big leap from P4 to P5. The gap is just too great.

[jesschan]

Janet,


I think it is due to the format of the exams.

For languages, comprehension is much more difficult and compo is now 40marks. In the past, the good ones can score 18-19 for compo compared to the average 13marks - the difference is only about 5 marks. Now, the average probably scores only closed to 30 compared to the better ones who can score about 38 - the gap is much wider, not forgetting the oral component which is also quite a big part of the total.

For Science, they are tested on more concepts and application stuff. It is very diversified. The Maths paper is also much longer with the introduction of calculators.

That’s why I do not agree with the idea of removing exams for lower primary levels… it is simply delaying the "pain"…

[janet88]

jesschan:

Janet,


I think it is due to the format of the exams.

For languages, comprehension is much more difficult and compo is now 40marks. In the past, the good ones can score 18-19 for compo compared to the average 13marks - the difference is only about 5 marks. Now, the average probably scores only closed to 30 compared to the better ones who can score about 38 - the gap is much wider, not forgetting the oral component which is also quite a big part of the total.

For Science, they are tested on more concepts and application stuff. It is very diversified. The Maths paper is also much longer with the introduction of calculators.

That's why I do not agree with the idea of removing exams for lower primary levels..... it is simply delaying the \"pain\"....

Yes, I agree with you 100%. Delaying exams is not helping things...SA1/2 is reality which kids cannot escape. Why give them the idea of friendly environment when it isn't at P3 ?

Maths Paper divided into 2 parts...that is prolonged torture. My son knocked out after his CA1 Maths last Tue. I've not seen him that tired after exam last year.

[pixiedust]

I agree too.

My friend asked my opinion of no exam till P2 SA2, I told her frankly, if PSLE not changing, better to have exams.

P5 is indeed tough. A real test of the foundation and 实力.
Let’s work hard together and do whatever we can.
To me : Better Late Than Never.

@Janet, I saw you looking for EL compo books ? I have 3 at home, some from Mexxi 3 and also the TAS one. What is your specific requirement ? To practise ? To memorise ? I won’t strongly recommend any but since I have them I can share some info to help you with selection.

[janet88]

pixiedust:

I agree too.

My friend asked my opinion of no exam till P2 SA2, I told her frankly, if PSLE not changing, better to have exams.

P5 is indeed tough. A real test of the foundation and 实力.
Let's work hard together and do whatever we can.
To me : Better Late Than Never.

@Janet, I saw you looking for EL compo books ? I have 3 at home, some from Mexxi 3 and also the TAS one. What is your specific requirement ? To practise ? To memorise ? I won't strongly recommend any but since I have them I can share some info to help you with selection.

PSLE is getting tougher...primary school syllabus is the same too. So how can we skip exams in P2 when there will be SA1 and SA2 PLUS Science at P3. That's very deceiving.

Pixiedust, I don't think it's safe to memorize compos. I've bought Casco PSLE Model Compositions as compo content and vocab is interesting. Also got Creative Writing by Leo Kee Chye. I want son to read the pic model compo to have more ideas how to inject mood and spice it up a little. His compos lack spice and rather dull. Can you share with me what you have ? Thanks.

[Champion]

janet_lee88:

PSLE is getting tougher...primary school syllabus is the same too. So how can we skip exams in P2 when there will be SA1 and SA2 PLUS Science at P3. That's very deceiving.

Yes, Janet - I agree! I feel that they should not forgo Exams for P2 or else by the time they reach P3, is like from honeymooning period to \"raising kids\" period ......Especially in Term 1, the kids are like rushing to adapt to additional subject (Science) and the teachers will suddenly dish out many many worksheets on top of the workbooks - to better prepare them for CA1. Gosh, it's like a mad rush

[janet88]

Champion:

janet_lee88:

PSLE is getting tougher...primary school syllabus is the same too. So how can we skip exams in P2 when there will be SA1 and SA2 PLUS Science at P3. That's very deceiving.

Yes, Janet - I agree! I feel that they should not forgo Exams for P2 or else by the time they reach P3, is like from honeymooning period to \"raising kids\" period ......Especially in Term 1, the kids are like rushing to adapt to additional subject (Science) and the teachers will suddenly dish out many many worksheets on top of the workbooks - to better prepare them for CA1. Gosh, it's like a mad rush

This crazy idea of doing away with exams is not helping kids. Why forgo exams at P1/2 and then expose them to the harsh reality at P3 ? Science is not easy. It's cruel in fact...even though my gal is a year end bb and still playful at P1, I'm still for the idea of SA at P1.

[pixiedust]

The sample compo books I have are from Popular, I find them ok but not particularly brilliant.


Your objective : ...pic model compo to have more ideas how to inject mood and spice it up a little.

My suggestion is 'Creative Writing for primary 3-6' by Liza Tan published by Mexxi Three. This was recommended by livewithvanilla. The book lists the good phrases by emotions and scenes, small paragraphs of how to use. I feel this book is a good place to start because it is very easy to read and remember, so the kid is more encouraged to remember and use the phrases. Thanks again to dear livewithvanilla for the recommendation.

https://www.popular.com.sg/jsp/product/product_detail.jsp?vca001=112&vpd001=50936#

[janet88]

pixiedust:

The sample compo books I have are from Popular, I find them ok but not particularly brilliant.


Your objective : ...pic model compo to have more ideas how to inject mood and spice it up a little.

My suggestion is 'Creative Writing for primary 3-6' by Liza Tan published by Mexxi Three. This was recommended by livewithvanilla. The book lists the good phrases by emotions and scenes, small paragraphs of how to use. I feel this book is a good place to start because it is very easy to read and remember, so the kid is more encouraged to remember and use the phrases. Thanks again to dear livewithvanilla for the recommendation.

https://www.popular.com.sg/jsp/product/product_detail.jsp?vca001=112&vpd001=50936#

Alamak I got the other 'creative writing' title written by koo. I read 'casco PSLE model compositions' this morn and highlighted the creative phrases. Will get son to read book and practice this holiday.

[Vincent Chua]

hi jess,

i totally agree with what you think. removing the exams from lower primary does not relieve much of the stress that they are going through. it gives them a shorter period to adjust to the exams systems.

the funny thing is whatever you learn in primary school is not going to be relevant in sec. for eg, you do not need to draw models in sec and yet you are discouraged to use algebra in pri level.

jesschan:

Janet,

I think it is due to the format of the exams.

For languages, comprehension is much more difficult and compo is now 40marks. In the past, the good ones can score 18-19 for compo compared to the average 13marks - the difference is only about 5 marks. Now, the average probably scores only closed to 30 compared to the better ones who can score about 38 - the gap is much wider, not forgetting the oral component which is also quite a big part of the total.

For Science, they are tested on more concepts and application stuff. It is very diversified. The Maths paper is also much longer with the introduction of calculators.

That's why I do not agree with the idea of removing exams for lower primary levels..... it is simply delaying the \"pain\"....