Higher Chinese in P5 - To opt or not

[rocklee]

Both my kids did very well in MTL throughout P1 to P4 with a consistent band 1 without tuition but with lots of guidance from me. However, my DS1 was not recommended to take HMT in P5 because he did not do well in the other core subjects. Though I could opt for him to go HMT, I decided against it. I was glad that I made the right decision as he needed more time for the other core subjects. P5 was indeed a demanding year with more remedial classes, homework and CCA practices. There was hardly anytime for revision. DS1 spent the least time on his MTL as he had to cope with the other subjects. Like most kids, he struggled with chinese comprehension. Fortunately, he was able to make it up with the other components like oral, compo and listening comprehension and managed to get a high B.


Unlike DS1, DS2 is given the option to take HMT in P5 next year. I have struggled very hard to make a decision as I do not want to deprive him of this opportunity just because gor gor does not cope well yet I am afraid that I can’t give him as much attention since DS1 will be taking PSLE next year. DS2’s MTL teacher advised me to give him a chance to try as he was attentive in class and had good learning attitude. All I need is to help him with consistent revision, encourage him to read more and write more. I have discussed with DS2 about the challenge and asked him to make his own decision. Finally, we have decided to accept the challenge and give it a try. I bet whatever he learns in HMT will still benefit him in P6 and beyond even if he has to drop the subject later. It is now a matter of determination and good time management. Just hope we have made the right decision.

[BlueBells]

My DD has been working hard to qualify for HMT, so we opt in the moment she is recommended for it.


Our philosophy has always been to support our children in the sound decisions they make so that there are no regrets. In fact, DD made the decision herself to take HMT. She is aware that if her HMT is not up to par, the school will make her drop it; but rather than live life with some "what ifs" we prefer that we have at least given it a shot.

[zeemimi]

Tresille:

My ds1 was a borderline case when he was offered HCL in P4 few years ago, we opt in. He did not do well in P5, so we were thinking that the school will ask him to drop the subject in P6, but the school did not and he continued. Surprisingly, he scored a merit for HCL even though he only managed an 'A' for his CL in his PSLE. He did not go to a SAP sec school so the additional 2 points were not included in his T-score for admission. But he is automatically offered HCL in Sec school because he has taken HCL in PSLE. He is looking forward to the day he completes his HCL paper in Sec 4 and he can study 1 subject less for his A level.

Only if the child is in the top 30% n meet the criteria then can take HMTLs in secondary school.

Pupils who offer Mother Tongue Language (MTL)(i.e. Chinese/ Malay/ Tamil) or HMTL (i.e. Higher Chinese/ Higher Malay/ Higher Tamil) at the PSLE and are ranked among the top 10% of the PSLE; or are in the top 11% - 30% band who meet the language criteria (i.e. an A* grade in the MTL or at least a Merit in the HMTL)may opt to study HMTL at secondary schools. They may offer English Language and HMTL in the GCE ‘O’ Level Examination at the end of Secondary Four.

[donser]

Can HCL points be used for IP schools?

My DD can use affiliation instead of HCL points to apply but as the sec school now has IP track, im wondering if HCL points can be used.
Otherwise I would rather she focus on her core subjects…

[jtoh]

donser:

Can HCL points be used for IP schools?

My DD can use affiliation instead of HCL points to apply but as the sec school now has IP track, im wondering if HCL points can be used.
Otherwise I would rather she focus on her core subjects...

HCL points can be used for application to SAP schools, regardless of whether the school is IP or O level.

[jedamum]

If child puts in a lot of time for CL and HCL at the expense of one other core subject, but refused to drop HCL, what will you do?


Around what score is 11-30% for psle cohort?

Thanks.

[Dreamgear]

Goodluck8:

There are two criteria that the child needs to meet before the points of the HCL is added to the T-score.


First, the child is applying a SAP secondary School.
Secondary, the child T-score must be the top 15% of PSLE cohort for that year.

So, only if your child is good in his study, otherwise the points will not be counted at all.

This second point on the T-score, where did you get this info from?

[Dreamgear]

jedamum:

If child puts in a lot of time for CL and HCL at the expense of one other core subject, but refused to drop HCL, what will you do?


Around what score is 11-30% for psle cohort?

Thanks.

Will there be any difference in time spend on cl irregardless of taking hcl or not? I think the time taken would still be the same....

[mummy so kiasu]

jedamum:

If child puts in a lot of time for CL and HCL at the expense of one other core subject, but refused to drop HCL, what will you do?


Around what score is 11-30% for psle cohort?

Thanks.

Those who qualified for SAP schools will be in the top 30% of the PSLE cohort. 250 & above is already in top 10%. Maris Stella (234) has the lowest COP for a SAP school. 230 & above should be in the top 30% of the PSLE cohort.

[jedamum]

Dreamgear,

Lol. Why you think hcl and cl takes up almost same time? My boy spends a lot of time on school homework and the corrections that comes in after the homework is submitted.worried about his hcl compo as will fail once it is out of point, unlike cl, out of point, only downgrade one band.

Mummy so kiasu,
Thanks for the estimated cop for 30%.