Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary

[JRLam]

E3:

Just my two cents...


Last year, many of my dd's P3 classmates were reading P5/P6 model compositions and possibly, some on them write like a P5/P6 kid. I let my dd do P6 synthesis and transformation. It is not surprising that the school wants to raise the standard, expecting them to do better than the formal year. However, it might benefit those who are already strong or advanced in the subject, yet overlooked those who are coping or barely coping with their current standard.

It is not that your child is weak. It is a good opportunity to expose them to tougher questions as early as possible. Also, the 10% is almost negligible. I hope those who didn't score as desired will not be discouraged. Persevere.

That's precisely the part that is not right - children who get to expose to the higher level of learning, naturally get better results than those who don't, become more confident (which further boast their moral/motivation), proceed to the better class, even more confident, get better teachers (agree this is quite subjective) etc etc. The less-exposed ones, chances are will feel completely the opposite, unless intervention from parents, tuition (that's where everything starts!) etc etc. How many 9-year old children really 'wake-up' from this shock and study REALLY hard after this by their own accord? Small %.

I agree with Trap - this shock which is used to be at P5 level, has now been introduced to P3 (maybe it had been like that years ago just that I am not aware coz my DS was transferred to PH in P3). This is very unhealthy as the competition is starting much earlier now, where our 9-year old may not be ready for it.

I certainly hope this is a one-off occurrence ... if it is just as simple as a wrongly-benchmark exam paper, or a group of unskillful paper-setters / vetters. Hopefully we don't have this type of extreme papers in SA1 or SA2.

Personally I am ok with a couple of more difficult questions to sieve out the better ones vs the rest, but this paper seems to have crossed the line. Imagine my DD's teacher actually adjusted the scores of a couple of 'ambiguous' questions twice (my DD's score was adjusted upwards by 4 marks after 2 rounds of moderation), it just goes to show even certain teachers (presumably they are not the ones who set or vet the papers) have to chirp in to do some adjustments, partly could be due to pressures from some parents, ha!

Now have to do some damage-control to my DD's bruised confidence .. I myself might have been too harsh to her before seeing the papers .. must sayang her a bit and say :imsorry:

[kohhweelin.010441gmail.010441com]

Yup, JRLam, that's the harsh reality of our education system. Viscious cycle for some, virtuous cycle for others. That's y people migrate...:siam:

[IJJ]

Just days ago, my eldest came asking me if she has to return for sec/A level. I think she will have issues adapting back to singapore system. Over here, very relaxing. Hardly any homework. \"Even if there is, it is very fun to work on...\" her own words. :roll: Well, there is always good and bad of a system.


You (or rather the kids) are having your term break. Have fun!

[Jennifer]

This year Parents-Teachers conferencing, I needed to see only 2 teachers- FT is the EL & Sci teacher, CL teacher is away on the sch overseas trip. Yet, I was in sch from morning 8.30am to 11.30am- 2 hours just to see 2 teachers :roll:


I brought up my concern abt less worksheets given to the pupils and got a confirmation from the FT that the sch is indeed moving away from giving worksheets as many parents had feedback that the qty of worksheets were too much! She would prefer the pupils to revise what they have completed and understand where was not right. BUT I saw her introducing assessment books to some parents. Obviously, some pupils need more worksheets. Now the sch is not giving, it becomes the parents' job to give & monitor at home :mad:

[dyh]

IJJ:

Just days ago, my eldest came asking me if she has to return for sec/A level. I think she will have issues adapting back to singapore system. Over here, very relaxing. Hardly any homework. \"Even if there is, it is very fun to work on...\" her own words. :roll: Well, there is always good and bad of a system.


You (or rather the kids) are having your term break. Have fun!

i am sure your eldest will have no problem at all when she comes back.

is it thawing in USA yet?

[dyh]

Jennifer:

This year Parents-Teachers conferencing, I needed to see only 2 teachers- FT is the EL & Sci teacher, CL teacher is away on the sch overseas trip. Yet, I was in sch from morning 8.30am to 11.30am- 2 hours just to see 2 teachers :roll:


I brought up my concern abt less worksheets given to the pupils and got a confirmation from the FT that the sch is indeed moving away from giving worksheets as many parents had feedback that the qty of worksheets were too much! She would prefer the pupils to revise what they have completed and understand where was not right. BUT I saw her introducing assessment books to some parents. Obviously, some pupils need more worksheets. Now the sch is not giving, it becomes the parents' job to give & monitor at home :mad:

I think more worksheets are needed especially for EL as it is such a broad subject.

[iRabbit]

Jennifer:

I brought up my concern abt less worksheets given to the pupils and got a confirmation from the FT that the sch is indeed moving away from giving worksheets as many parents had feedback that the qty of worksheets were too much! She would prefer the pupils to revise what they have completed and understand where was not right. BUT I saw her introducing assessment books to some parents. Obviously, some pupils need more worksheets. Now the sch is not giving, it becomes the parents' job to give & monitor at home :mad:

From the school's mgt pt of view, this is a case of damn if you don't, and damn if you do. Iirc, janet_lee previously complained that the amt of worksheets given was overwhelming. For some of us, we worry when it's reduced.

Since PH has been doing well for PSLE last few yrs, personally I prefer that they don't rock the boat too much.

[IJJ]

dyh:

i am sure your eldest will have no problem at all when she comes back.

is it thawing in USA yet?

Thanks for seeing my dd so 'up'. Mommy here not so confident. Maybe I am the one having problem adjusting back, if there is a day lah. Well, not worrying it now.

This year, not much snow, although some days can still be pretty cold. Hence, not much thawing. :rotflmao: God has been merciful for us not to subject us to harsh cold bizzare/hail or snow storm this year. The circular wind came early this time tho. Some suburbal areas are affected with some casualties, power down and damages.

[janet88]

Jennifer:

This year Parents-Teachers conferencing, I needed to see only 2 teachers- FT is the EL & Sci teacher, CL teacher is away on the sch overseas trip.


I brought up my concern abt less worksheets given to the pupils and got a confirmation from the FT that the sch is indeed moving away from giving worksheets as many parents had feedback that the qty of worksheets were too much!

Obviously, some pupils need more worksheets. Now the sch is not giving, it becomes the parents' job to give & monitor at home :mad:

Hey Jennifer,
Same here. Son's Chinese teacher is away in Surabaya for some exchange program...so, we had to meet FT (Math/Science) and Eng teacher.

Looks like the school is moving towards the MOE's idea of 'Teach Less, Learn More'. Fortunately, my son in P6 still has worksheets. For Eng, it's better for school to continue giving worksheets bcos it's really too broad a subject...his EL teacher did mention giving him a little extra practice if time permits.
The baton of educating is passed back to the parents...so that explains why your boy in P5 this year has lesser homework than my son in P5 last year.

[Happy Mama]

Hello FQW! So how did the PTC go yesterday? The teachers must have got lots of positive comments about your DS I'm sure.


Hey, quick try for number 2 (hopefully DD) then you may have chance to visit that thread.

Oops! :siam: