Can go to NA if the student is recommended Express stream?

[Fourth]

I think yes it can be done. At least that happened to my as I heard. However do not recommend as my friend now regrets.

[Believing]

My question is the other way round: if student’s score is between N/A and Express, what would you parents’ advice be? I heard N/A students "suffer" during S5 when they’ve to catch up for ‘O’.

[koguma]

Fourth:

I think yes it can be done. At least that happened to my as I heard. However do not recommend as my friend now regrets.

This is new. I thought only student's score between N/A and Express are allow to choose, and this is indicated in the student result slip? Score above 200 is definitely Express stream?

worldangel, suggest you call up MOE and ask them how to change course when you apply for the school. 4 years ago, my neighbour DD score 150+, which makes her eligible for NA course. However the mother choose the schools based on NT cutoff scores instead of NA cutoff scores, thinking they are the same. She doesn't understand how the selection process works. As a results, the daughter is posted to choice 6, which happen to has a low NA cutoff.

Better check carefully making the wrong choice.

[koguma]

Believing:

My question is the other way round: if student's score is between N/A and Express, what would you parents' advice be? I heard N/A students \"suffer\" during S5 when they've to catch up for 'O'.

Discuss with your child and the school teachers. We have same dilemma few years back. My nephew school results are better than his PSLE. As such, the form teacher recommend us to let him try Express instead of Normal as they feel he has the potential to do much better.

This prove to be the right choice. He is in the top 10% in the cohort throughtout the 4 years, and is now happily studying in Poly.

The only problem is you have not many schools to choose from.

[worldangel]

His is a clear-cut express stream case. I have asked around and think it is not possible. He can only choose schools based on Express stream range and COPs. Only if they are given a choice (Express/NA), then they can choose to go to NA or Express.

[lilacred]

Fourth, do you know why your friend regretted it?

[Fourth]

Well… because she felt that her son became accustomed to the slower pace, rather than taking it to his advantage.

[N3SKiasu]

I have the same situation with 20x and have called up MOE, the answer is the "No", you cannot transfer to Normal.

Yes, the choice of sec is real limited, I can understand how you feel.
However, having gather some feedback, I would go for the Express now.
Reason is : I realised from my friend that, if the child did not do well in N level in Sec 4, he/she will be asked to go ITE, there is no chance for the child to take O level in year 5. The O level is for the better performers at N level. I think I have misunderstood from the beginning that N/A means the child takes 5 years to complete O level (with Yr 4 with N level) and every child, no matter what, will have a chance to take O level in Sec 5, ie. giving one additional year for the child to cope with syllabus. In this case, I would prefer my child to have at least a chance to sit for O level, no matter how he performs in Sec 3/4. Hence I will stick to Express.

[worldangel]

Hi N3SKiasu,


Very interesting perspective. I did not think of this. What do you mean by better performers at N Level? Do you mean if they pass N Level they will move on to Sec 5 and take O Levels or is there like a certain cut off point/percentage of students who will move on to Sec 5?

Thanks again!

[rydy]

I believe the banding of O level also say something about the school.


Some "good" schools have low banding like 5 and some "average" schools have banding of 1.

Please consider this point.

Every child is special in their own way.
Of course we parents like to ensure the "right" path in life for them, me included.

Good luck to all.