Preparing kids for P5 in 2011

[Brenda10]

pixiedust:

What I understand :

(1) SA2 in P4, there is subject-based banding so papers tend to be testing more on the basic concepts else it wouldn't be a fair test to sift out pupils who need to take foundation level. Many in better classes will score >95.

(2) P5 Maths follows PSLE format, 2 papers, more questions, 18 problem sums. Count the time the child has been working on the paper when he/she comes to the problem sum. Hence, it is also a test of mental strength.

Hi pixiedust

You're right. I also heard this information that the SA2 test for P4 is more on the basic/fundamental concepts for the purpose of subjects banding that why's parent will find the big different when they step into P5.

[ksme]

I am getting worried too. So much to cover to prepare for SA1 and so little time. Some of these difficult topics also not taught yet. Moreover, my kiddo has such long days in school, no time to do any revision. :scared:

[Chenonceau]

Brenda10:

Hi Chenonceau



Don't worry as this will be resolved once your ds grasp the concept, method or strategies after all these practices... Yes, the learning process for Maths is very tough for P5 but sure can overcome. I remember last year we almost everyday also working on maths. Sad to say that we finish the entire set of pass year test paper for maths and the other subject like Science we can only work on MCQ and walked through the open and end questions. As for CL, only manage to do MCQ two days before the exam.

Thanks Brenda, for sharing. :snuggles:

[janet88]

pixiedust:

Chenonceau:

Exactly what is the difference, do you know?

Is there an effort on the part of the school to apply shock tactics early in P5? Or are we just plain dumb... my son and I?

What I understand :
(1) SA2 in P4, there is subject-based banding so papers tend to be testing more on the basic concepts else it wouldn't be a fair test to sift out pupils who need to take foundation level. Many in better classes will score >95.

(2) P5 Maths follows PSLE format, 2 papers, more questions, 18 problem sums. Count the time the child has been working on the paper when he/she comes to the problem sum. Hence, it is also a test of mental strength.

My son scored 80+ for his Maths SA2...come P5 CA1, he failed miserably. Why must P5 be so drastic from P4 ? I'm at a loss planning SA1 revision. Will get him to revise his Fractions and work on Section A (no calculator) to bring up his marks. Hopefully his SA1 will be better and bring up somewhat. :frustrated:

[Brenda10]

pixiedust:

Chenonceau:

I think we have trouble with ratios and fractions. The straightforward sums are ok. .... there were 2 papers that had area of parallelograms and trapeziums. The textbook only documents angles of such four-sided figures...

From what my friends with older children told me, ratio,fraction,percentage are the difficult P5 topics. My guess is he is new to those tricky problem sums so need to practise and practise (probably that's why Brenda also mentioned last year she and dd spent a lot of time on Maths ?). After the practise paper, you can look at problem sums specificially for these 2 areas (Fabian?)

Area of parallelograms and trapeziums ! :!: Can the problems be solved systematically using concepts of area of squares/rectangles/trianges ?

I better kick my own butt and take out all the SA1 papers.

Don't be depressed lah........let's keep charging ahead.............

Yes, I can confirm that we spent a lot of time in maths last year.

The three critical areas are Ratio, fraction and percentage as they are interlinked. The child must able to covert fraction to ratio, percentage to fraction or ratio or VS when solving the problem sums.

Practice make perfect. jia you

[janet88]

HI Brenda,

As for ‘charging ahead’, that will definitely happen but have to avoid being burnt out too early.

[Peony]

janet_lee88:

Peony:

[quote=\"janet_lee88\"]Can anyone recommend one title which is not too easy nor difficult pls ? Thanks.

Personally though, my DD uses the the Fan-Maths books to prepare for exams.

Hi Peony,
Which title do you get for Fan-Maths to prepare for exams ? Pls advise. Thanks.[/quote]Aiyoh, I'm terrible - I have all three titles. The I-excel, the topics and the CA/SA.

DD uses the I-excel the most but I'll pick random qns from the other 2 to do too.

[Peony]

Chenonceau:

I'm really depressed. DS scored 90+ for every subject end of last year. We've been working really hard together to cover all the topics in P5, and have just started on the SA1 practice papers. He can do Paper 1, losing 1 to 4 marks... but Paper 2 is horrible. After doing 5 practices, he has failed TWO and the other THREE are borderline.


What are other Mommies' experience please? I'm starting to think that this educational system has bested us and we're really not smart enough as a family to cope in it. :?: :?: :?: :?:

My DD also the same as in got super results last year.

My expectations have changed as what is most important is to motivate and cheer my DD on while the going gets super tough.

Am not bothered with her results as long as I see her trying her best. Have kept telling her that it's OK to lose battles a long the way as long as she's building up for war.

So please do not be dejected. Cheer and help your son instead.

[Chenonceau]

Peony:

[Have kept telling her that it's OK to lose battles a long the way as long as she's building up for war.

Aiyo! I loooooooove this. I am gonna tell DS this too!!

[pixiedust]

Peony,I am more terrible but I also choose selected questions from the pile. Quality vs quantity - so I learnt here but hopefully my selection is correct.


Brenda&Leanne, thanks for sharing. Everyday practice maths! Wow…unfortunately we have lots of catching up for Chinese too.
Now I really see the scene behind the big hoo-ha of reducing weightage of mother tongue last year.