From PSLE to University

[James Ang]

2ppaamm:

James Ang:

Singapore's education system is an orderly and systematic one which produces consistently good working professionals and skilled workers at varying levels; degree, diploma, technical cert, general O/A levels cert etc.


Not all students can fast-track to Uni from Sec levels (skipping A levels in the process), so a \"younger than his peers\" undergrad in a local Uni is an exception rather than the norm. But when the younger student meets the Uni entrance criteria, then the education system is a fair and transparent one because it recognises the different abilities of each individual. That is meritocratic process at work, and the entire country will benefit when the best talents are running the country for the benefit of all stakeholders in this \"little red dot\" country.

We are lucky to enjoy a safe, stable and prosperous life in Singapore.

Actually hor, not skipping A levels, but O levels, like all the IP schools are doing. Also, NUSH is also offering the same thing: Advanced Placement, just that we are doing this via a non-Singaporean entity and also at a younger age and at the kid's own pace. Nowadays, you can do A levels, IB or AP (HSD).

You got it right, skipping O levels, that seems to be the way to \"beat the system\" and go fast-track from PSLE to Uni via A levels, IB or AP (HSD). My comment then will be that makes O levels less relevant, now PSLE is the \"new O levels\" which makes us wonder what is stopping the IP schools from fast-tracking all their students and let them take A levels, IB or AP (HSD) in less than the current 6 years. Some schools are already using O level textbooks in sec 1, why still spend 4 years on O levels or equivalent syllabus (even if the student is on IP) when they start doing O levels syllabus in Sec 1 (Year 1 for IP)?

[2ppaamm]

jedamum:

so long your kid has a 'say' in such decision making, you'll be saved from future 'naggings'

Yah lor, this is my way of buffering against future blames. However, I do believe we must guide them along as well. Kids are still kids we still need to provide some support and directions. No shoot at will kind of autonomy. :idea:

[Blobbi]

2ppaamm, wanted to ask - you’ve definitely weathered the dreaded "start of puberty" teenage rebellion very well. How’d ja do it? Were there no incidents? Or did you manage them?

[2ppaamm]

Blobbi:

2ppaamm, wanted to ask - you've definitely weathered the dreaded \"start of puberty\" teenage rebellion very well. How'd ja do it? Were there no incidents? Or did you manage them?

Er... how is it that I weathered the start of puberty? Still struggling, but I tell myself that they have their ups and downs. 90% of the time, my kids are simply great, but it is that 10% that drives me nuts. I try to focus on that 90% and then find teachable moments to fix that 10%. Hopefully, this 10% will reduce to 0.00001% one day. O, prayer helps. :lol:

[Blobbi]

2ppaamm:

Blobbi:

2ppaamm, wanted to ask - you've definitely weathered the dreaded \"start of puberty\" teenage rebellion very well. How'd ja do it? Were there no incidents? Or did you manage them?

Er... how is it that I weathered the start of puberty? Still struggling, but I tell myself that they have their ups and downs. 90% of the time, my kids are simply great, but it is that 10% that drives me nuts. I try to focus on that 90% and then find teachable moments to fix that 10%. Hopefully, this 10% will reduce to 0.00001% one day. O, prayer helps. :lol:

Urb, guess we're all human :lol:. I sometimes feel I'm already facing pre-teenage angst, youch!! Yalah. Must focus on the 90%. :love:

[2ppaamm]

Blobbi:

2ppaamm:

[quote=\"Blobbi\"]2ppaamm, wanted to ask - you've definitely weathered the dreaded \"start of puberty\" teenage rebellion very well. How'd ja do it? Were there no incidents? Or did you manage them?

Er... how is it that I weathered the start of puberty? Still struggling, but I tell myself that they have their ups and downs. 90% of the time, my kids are simply great, but it is that 10% that drives me nuts. I try to focus on that 90% and then find teachable moments to fix that 10%. Hopefully, this 10% will reduce to 0.00001% one day. O, prayer helps. :lol:

Urb, guess we're all human :lol:. I sometimes feel I'm already facing pre-teenage angst, youch!! Yalah. Must focus on the 90%. :love:[/quote]Most scary around 10-11 years old turning from angels to ??? . After that, they turn angel for a while again, then it is at 15 they start again with nonsense, but now they outsmart us. :stupid: My students say they become \"normal\" again around 17 or 18. And then peace at 22. Ha ha. Long parental journey.

[James Ang]

2ppaamm:

jedamum:

so long your kid has a 'say' in such decision making, you'll be saved from future 'naggings'

Yah lor, this is my way of buffering against future blames. However, I do believe we must guide them along as well. Kids are still kids we still need to provide some support and directions. No shoot at will kind of autonomy. :idea:

Talking about future blames, I did hear of some youngsters, even middle agers, blaming their parents (already old) for not giving them the chance to go to University and being biased towards their siblings who went to University and became successful. I hope my 5 year old son will not be a \"complain king\" when he grows up.

[metz]

Hi 2ppaamm,


I'm really grateful for your generous sharing and response !:thankyou:

The High School Program sounds very rigorous. I suppose I will need to research more on them before making any plans for my kids. Homeschooling is not for us. Rather, we will be going away from Singapore b'cos of hubby's work. Therefore, the information you provided comes in handy if the posting becomes loooong term. Oh yes, I definitely agree with you on Singapore Math. I have already had the various levels all boxed up.

Once again, thanks for your selfless sharing! :celebrate:

[2ppaamm]

chamonix:

Hi 2ppaamm,


I'm really grateful for your generous sharing and response !:thankyou:

The High School Program sounds very rigorous. I suppose I will need to research more on them before making any plans for my kids. Homeschooling is not for us. Rather, we will be going away from Singapore b'cos of hubby's work. Therefore, the information you provided comes in handy if the posting becomes loooong term. Oh yes, I definitely agree with you on Singapore Math. I have already had the various levels all boxed up.

Once again, thanks for your selfless sharing! :celebrate:

In case you run out of books, this is also an excellent site: http://www.math456.com . O, I don't get commissions for all these - I have used them before. Very good online classes. But I think the rates are not low as well. Do check out and compare. you got the other singaporemath site, right? All the best!

[metz]

2ppaamm:

In case you run out of books, this is also an excellent site: http://www.math456.com . O, I don't get commissions for all these - I have used them before. Very good online classes. But I think the rates are not low as well. Do check out and compare. you got the other singaporemath site, right? All the best!

Yes, madam! *Salute* I have got them both bookmarked.