Is your child a failure if he has to do foundation in P5?

[hquek]

way to go phtthp! thanks for sharing your nephew’s story. It’s great that he did not give up. All the best to him.

[Niedino]

mahes_gopal:

Hi just wanted to find out what other mums and dads think about this. My son is a very smart boy with above average IQ. BUt due a moderate learning disability and being a hands on learner he cannot cope with the high exam standards. After discussing with his doctor we decided that foundation would be best for him so that he can perform better in the less demanding exams and give him the space to bloom on his own. He is ok with it, but his classmates told him foundation is for failures. He still wants to do foundation as he knows his limitations. If a child goes to foundation or Normal technical or ITE is he a failure. What's your stand? Give us some encouragement. :rahrah:

Hi mahes_gopal,

The term 'foundation' is used for a reason. In the past, there was 'extended' and 'EM3' both of which were terms that may not have struck a right cord. However, with subject based banding and other recent educational initiatives, being in a foundation class will definitely not equate to failure. Our minister has recently highlighted about the multiple pathways available to achieve your educational goal. There are many ways to success in Singapore.

Do take heed of the fact that 'foundation' subjects are to strengthen your child's subject 'foundations' and prepare them for secondary school, much like the other subjects.

Hope it helps!

Niedino

[SAHM_TAN]

I read that if take foundation science, the subject will not be tested in PSLE. So does that mean the child cannot take up science in Sec school? TIA

[mahes_gopal]

Thanks to everyone for your kind words of encouragement it really has lifted my sprit to know that there still people around us who don’t look down on children who are not academically inclined.

[hquek]

Those that only look to academic qualifications are quite sad. Remember all those stories about brilliant kids who grew up only to end on wrong side of the law?


Bring up a child morally and ethically right, that’s the key. And IMHO, way more difficult than scoring straight A’s.

All the best for your child!

[JonC]

Encouraging.


Inserted the link with text.

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=24798

http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=21890&sec=8

[kittybank]

NO.

[Pen88n]

Every kid has his / her own potential, and we as parents should recognise the kid’s potential beyond just academic. To be successful in life, one need not be academicaly inclined, though some professions do place an emphasis on that. There are many other professions out there which does not require academic excellence and your kid has as much opportunity as any other kids in these.


Learning is a lifelong journey, not just during the study years and ot just via books! Bringing up a morally upright kid who is self-motivated to continue learning for life is what is much more important than to compare academic excellence!

[markfch]

Actually most of us hope that our kids do well academically because that seems to be the surest way to make a decent living. But there are other ways to make a good living even if one is not academically inclined.


One of my relatives bought a coffeeshop when the price was low and now his turnover per mth has got to be in the 50K range (just guessing). Some CEO don’t even earn that kind of money. He doesn’t have a degree or diploma, just a burning ambition not to be a mere hawker for the rest of his life. And his job is definitely safer than a lot of middle-age PMET.

[Niedino]

SAHM_TAN:

I read that if take foundation science, the subject will not be tested in PSLE. So does that mean the child cannot take up science in Sec school? TIA

Hi SAHM Tan,

There are 2 kinds of Foundation Science, one with paper and one w/o paper. The one with paper is recommended for most foundation students. If a child takes the one without paper, they will still do Science at the NT level.

Hope it helps!

Niedino