Petition to Review the Singapore Education System

[sall]

Well said! Jtoh.

But only a very small minority has this problem. The rest will adjust to the new way of learning and thrive in it.

[Edureach]

jtoh


Good observation!

IP students have an advantage over 0-level route as at year 3-4, these students are exposed to some tropics of the A-level. IP students would have build a strong foundation in answering exploratory questions vs the O-level route. However, this distinct advantage is neutralised by the focus, discipline and experience of good O-level students having taken the intermediate exam.

What you have outlined is also similar to a group of high O-level scorers, ie 6-9 pointers. Usually hailed from the top neighbourhood schools, some of these students are unable to cope with the A-level. Whether science or humanities, due to the type of questions which demand higher order thinking skills, source based questions require high analytical ability. A student cannot rely on regurgitating of facts to do well unlike O-level.

The above explains why we see some high 0-level scores couldn’t perform and need to transfer to poly. You will observe that they excel at poly.

[jtoh]

sall:

Well said! Jtoh.

But only a very small minority has this problem. The rest will adjust to the new way of learning and thrive in it.

I agree. The majority are able to adjust and thrive. In fact, I would say that most of the kids have no problems adjusting to the system and some of the top scorers continue to pull out top scores from their hats, scoring GPAs of 3.8-4.0.

[Brenda10]

jtoh:

sall:

Well said! Jtoh.

But only a very small minority has this problem. The rest will adjust to the new way of learning and thrive in it.

I agree. The majority are able to adjust and thrive. In fact, I would say that most of the kids have no problems adjusting to the system and some of the top scorers continue to pull out top scores from their hats, scoring GPAs of 3.8-4.0.

Hi jtoh and sall

Thank you for sharing your view.

We are hesitating that whether is dd able to go for 6 years program if she is able to make it during this PSLE. However, she is very determine and wanted to go and we are more release after seeing some of your opinion in this case.

[jtoh]

Edureach:

jtoh


Good observation!

IP students have an advantage over 0-level route as at year 3-4, these students are exposed to some tropics of the A-level. IP students would have build a strong foundation in answering exploratory questions vs the O-level route. However, this distinct advantage is neutralised by the focus, discipline and experience of good O-level students having taken the intermediate exam.

What you have outlined is also similar to a group of high O-level scorers, ie 6-9 pointers. Usually hailed from the top neighbourhood schools, some of these students are unable to cope with the A-level. Whether science or humanities, due to the type of questions which demand higher order thinking skills, source based questions require high analytical ability. A student cannot rely on regurgitating of facts to do well unlike O-level.

The above explains why we see some high 0-level scores couldn't perform and need to transfer to poly. You will observe that they excel at poly.

Thanks edureach. So are you saying that whether you should take the IP or O level route also depends on the learning style of the child?

[jtoh]

Hi Brenda10,


You’re welcome. I think what’s most important in Sec 1 is the support and encouragement from parents and the determination of the child. Parents have to help the kid in time management and also to assure him that it is normal to see a drop in grades. That will happen with the leap from primary to secondary school, regardless of which school you’re in. The child also has to learn to ask when in doubt. Secondary school teachers aren’t going to spoonfeed and they expect you to take responsibility for your own actions. If you don’t want to study or hand up your homework, they’re not going to hound you. So be responsible for your own studies, ask and clarify when in doubt.

[Edureach]

jtoh


Yes. If unsure, 0-level route in a 2-track IP school is the most ideal.

Popular courses require sparkling A-level grades.

[jtoh]

Thanks edureach.

[corneyAmber]

jtoh:

sall:

Well said! Jtoh.

But only a very small minority has this problem. The rest will adjust to the new way of learning and thrive in it.

I agree. The majority are able to adjust and thrive. In fact, I would say that most of the kids have no problems adjusting to the system and some of the top scorers continue to pull out top scores from their hats, scoring GPAs of 3.8-4.0.

Just wondering if they are doing this with normal efforts or sacrificing a lot to achieve this? I know many kids are able to pull out stellar results but at what price? If the price is nothing, then I would say there is no issue at all, case closed.

[meinteel]

hi jtoh, I believe that many educators will agree with me when I say that all learning programs especially IP program and those genius programs at primary level are largely dependent on if your child is willing to enter as well as the learning style of the child.


If he/she has been resistant to study and spend most of his time "mugging" for those grades, then as parents you must seriously consider opting out for the child. These programs tend to expect the students to be self-motivated independent learners who find joy doing research and engaging in lengthly in depth discussions.