2012 PSLE Discussions and Strategy

[Choco05]

oliveminx:

silverhorse:

Hi Smartmummy,

DS1 started compulsory Supplementary class in P3. Once a week till 5pm, and after that, he still have homework to complete. I told my son the teachers are being ridiculous. He gets on the schoolbus daily at 6am, comes home from CCA and Supp class at 6pm. its a 12hr day for him. How can a young mind function after 12hrs of work? Even as adults, we will feel drained.

I think supplementary classes are necessary because sometimes curriculum time is just not enough to cover the syllabus but I am against excessive supplementary classes. I heard of a primary school that actually conducted supplementary classes for their top P6 students everyday during the holidays.

In my opinion, all the supp classes in pri sch not really helped. It's like in P6, i had 5 supp classes a week, 2 on one of the days so it means i only get 1 day of no supp classes. We just spent that time going through papers/doing more papers. However, my supp classes are only 1h each time, so not that bad, but still get very tired especially near PSLE time where the homework is always a few exam papers everyday :faint:

[Lynn2010]

Yah… totally agree. In fact there are many research that proves this and research from our local doctors here too (if i remember correctly). Sleep and rest. Also ‘play’. Kids need to be kids. If we ask ourselves how are our childhood like, i’m sure most of us here would have very fond memories of playing with neighbours, cousins, etc. In 10 yrs time, if our kids are asked the same question, eh… tuition, enrichment classes, test and exams. Hahahaha


My kids used to sleep at 8 pm (when we lived in Aus), when we came back, they went to bed 8.30pm as 8pm seem crazy (weirdo), then 9.30pm now 10pm (latest). Basically, if they cannot complete their homework by 10pm, I will access if this is due to the teachers loading the kid with unrealistic amount of homework. If so, a letter from me to the teacher asking to extend dateline, so far, no teachers have challenged me. (Maybe behind my back) hehe

[Lynn2010]

My kids skip many supp classes… because by the time they come back from supp class, it will be 5pm. They have about another 4 to 5 exam papers (about 1h 45min each paper) to complete.

[Choco05]

Lynn2010:

My kids skip many supp classes.... because by the time they come back from supp class, it will be 5pm. They have about another 4 to 5 exam papers (about 1h 45min each paper) to complete.

I skip them sometimes too. I think supp classes are still useful, but then too many cooks spoil the broth. Going for too many just makes you tired. It's like after a whole day at school, all you get is a short 30min lunch break and then you start supp classes again. Sometimes really cannot tahan :faint: :faint:

[oliveminx]

Choco05:

oliveminx:

[quote=\"silverhorse\"]
Hi Smartmummy,

DS1 started compulsory Supplementary class in P3. Once a week till 5pm, and after that, he still have homework to complete. I told my son the teachers are being ridiculous. He gets on the schoolbus daily at 6am, comes home from CCA and Supp class at 6pm. its a 12hr day for him. How can a young mind function after 12hrs of work? Even as adults, we will feel drained.

I think supplementary classes are necessary because sometimes curriculum time is just not enough to cover the syllabus but I am against excessive supplementary classes. I heard of a primary school that actually conducted supplementary classes for their top P6 students everyday during the holidays.

In my opinion, all the supp classes in pri sch not really helped. It's like in P6, i had 5 supp classes a week, 2 on one of the days so it means i only get 1 day of no supp classes. We just spent that time going through papers/doing more papers. However, my supp classes are only 1h each time, so not that bad, but still get very tired especially near PSLE time where the homework is always a few exam papers everyday :faint:[/quote]The school I was referring to had very long hours, like my JC days. I think it's crazy for kids of that age. I remember when I first transitioned to JC and could only go home at 4 or 5pm, I felt very tired initially. Nobody can learn well when they are sleepy and tired.

[Sun_2010]

Choco05:

Lynn2010:

My kids skip many supp classes.... because by the time they come back from supp class, it will be 5pm. They have about another 4 to 5 exam papers (about 1h 45min each paper) to complete.

I skip them sometimes too. I think supp classes are still useful, but then too many cooks spoil the broth. Going for too many just makes you tired. It's like after a whole day at school, all you get is a short 30min lunch break and then you start supp classes again. Sometimes really cannot tahan :faint: :faint:

Haha, Should'nt you be in bed, dear Choco05?

Enjoy the last week of hols

[Choco05]

Sun_2010:

Choco05:

[quote=\"Lynn2010\"]My kids skip many supp classes.... because by the time they come back from supp class, it will be 5pm. They have about another 4 to 5 exam papers (about 1h 45min each paper) to complete.

I skip them sometimes too. I think supp classes are still useful, but then too many cooks spoil the broth. Going for too many just makes you tired. It's like after a whole day at school, all you get is a short 30min lunch break and then you start supp classes again. Sometimes really cannot tahan :faint: :faint:

Haha, Should'nt you be in bed, dear Choco05?

Enjoy the last week of hols [/quote]Must treasure the last week of sleeping late and waking up late

[Chenonceau]

Choco05… kekekekekeke… you’re going into secondary? You’ll prolly need to sleep late and wake early. Maybe some nights, you won’t even sleep!!

[Choco05]

Chenonceau:

Choco05... kekekekekeke... you're going into secondary? You'll prolly need to sleep late and wake early. Maybe some nights, you won't even sleep!!

Already in Secondary! Usually get 6h sleep a day in sch days...so need to use holidays to get twice the amt of sleep :evil: :evil:

[Zekezachzoom]

janet_lee88:

Hi parents of 2012 PSLE kids,

Do you experience a sense of fear walking into the unknown next yr ? This fear has been making me lose sleep at nights of late. Am I doing sufficient with my boy or too much ? I don't want him to be burnt out but don't know if he is doing sufficient practice. :imdrowning: :frustrated:
Next year he will not be going to a good class bcos his results dropped. Eng paper wasnt easy either. Will he get motivated/caring or lousy teachers ?

I share the same anxiety as you as my DS will be taking his psle in y2012;) all the best to the parents of psle2012, may the force be with us ( or rather our DD / DS )