2011 PSLE Discussions and Strategy

[llbros545]

Apricot:

Mvm:

I think its a case of whether you want to be \"big fish in small pond\" or \"small fish in big pond\". Different children thrive under different circumstances, so choose what works best for them.

My dd was a 'big fish in small pond' for primary school. Being in the best class in a neighbourhood school, there were so much opportunities abound for her. She was the selected few to go for competitions, subject-based seminars, leadership and motivational talks etc. Compared to my many friends' kids in branded schools who were in `normal' class, I felt that she was very privileged to have so much exposure and it did good for her confidence. The reality of our education system is that every school whether branded or not (with their limited resources) will always want to groom the students from the better class as these will be the ones to bring glory to the school.

My dd did well in PSLE and could qualify for any schools. I did not put her in a small or big pond. Instead I wanted her to be a big fish in a medium size pond .... enough turbulence in the pond to motivate her but not too much currents to stress her out. Based on my dd's character, I feel that she will thrive in this environment. At the end of the day, I would like her to have ample opportunities avail to her if she is good enough and at the same time to enjoy her studies as she makes her way to university.

Your statements above just goes to show how flawed the logic of a big fish in a small pond is, at least in this context of Singapore education. People like to put forth the argument of how a big fish in a small pond will have no breathing space in terms of holistic development as they feel that naturally, the land of opportunity resides in the big ponds. This is definitely incorrect, top schools might have more cake up for grabs but top and deserving students in small ponds will also have many opportunities to shine.

In contrast, small fishes in big ponds will have much competition to deal with, including having to fend themselves against the likes of bigger, more aggressive fishes. Perhaps it is a long shot to call this a cat-eat-mouse reality but such are sentiments from a realist deep down. However, you can also put it this way, that a small fish in a big pond will never be starved of the endless opportunities.

All in all, these separate environments all have their varied pros and cons to it and students can always adapt and excel, riding the waves to their individual success. Good luck!

[SunBrazen]

Happy New Year everyone! All the best for the academic year 2012, it’s gonna get tough…

[pepper spice]

Edureach:

My ds had just completed his A-level. He will be starting work soon as a relief teacher in an unranked sec sch prior to his enlistment. He could hve gone on to do relief teaching in an IP sch, lower sec level which to some may look better for his cv. However he feels that an unranked neighbourhood sch's students need him more than an IP sch.

Teaching in an unranked sec school, helping the \"weak\" students realise their potentials is much more satisfying.

If my son shows such compassion as to know that these students need him more than IP students, I will be beaming with pride.

[Belle2011]

pepper spice:

Teaching in an unranked sec school, helping the \"weak\" students realise their potentials is much more satisfying.


If my son shows such compassion as to know that these students need him more than IP students, I will be beaming with pride.

Isnt this is what we as parents would like to see in our children?

[pepper spice]

Belle2011:

pepper spice:

Teaching in an unranked sec school, helping the \"weak\" students realise their potentials is much more satisfying.


If my son shows such compassion as to know that these students need him more than IP students, I will be beaming with pride.

Isnt this is what we as parents would like to see in our children?

Yes。

[Selfan4ever.05005423]

Happy New Year!

[Alchemist]

Happy New Year to all parents here and thanks especially to the helpful souls on the various subject threads who answered our questions. Your help was invaluable.

[blotchdudu]

Omega:

I wonder, is secondary school life tougher than P6 life?

No worries but definitely.

[Angry bird 99]

Hi Gd mrng to everybody.Anyone got SJI through an appeal?

[Bbee]

Angry bird 99:

Hi Gd mrng to everybody.Anyone got SJI through an appeal?

No, unsuccessful
Did you appeal too? Did they contact you? I called up the school and they told me since I did not hear from them by 28 Dec, it means unsuccessful.