2012 PSLE Discussions and Strategy

[Rational_Parent]

hercules:

read some 'interesting' advice on not taking 3rd lang if it does not add 'value' to the grades, etc.


this is typical singaporean - if something is of no concrete value, then shun it. (something similar to if old aged parents cannot add 'value' to a family, then don't stay with them).

I do not think this sweeping statement is typical of Singaporean. And the reason is not entirely about grades either when parents/students decide to give 3rd Lang a miss.

An alternate view and MHO.........
It is more about priority, and the time a student have when in sec sch for his/her whole well-being, be it academic, health, acquiring new skill set, etc is a critical factor. CCA is already compulsory, and this is already getting under the skin of many parents. Sec sch students nowadays spend a significant amount of time in sch as compared to years past. Some have to commute to centres, sports complex, etc for their CCAs and/or 3rd languages. Couple with more subjects to tackle as compared to primary school, one has to make a fair judgement whether too much will be detrimental to the overall development of a child. Many have struggled through PSLE, and have decided to persist with tuition etc into sec schs. With so much to juggle, additional subjects such as the 3rd Lang can have a marked effect on a child. This time management concern has to be one reason why the 3rd lang is optional in the first place.

Yes, when a child express interest in taking the 3rd lang, it might be beneficial to just let the child take it since he/she can drop out if the load is deemed heavy or if the interest waned. However, it is not really amusing to have a huge piano crammed up in a corner of one's house collecting dust just because his/her child had expressed interest in playing it after watching Elton John on TV some years ago only to realize that that interest had waned or the child was simply not musically inclined. Granted, one won't end up with a dusty piano idling in the house by dropping the 3rd lang, and many do not look back once a decision is made anyway. But this is food for thought nonetheless.

It is easy to be philosophical about things but practicality must prevail. Children get into things they know little about and regret more often than adult do. I would think every parent knows their children best. Therefore, as an advisor, confidante, etc, it is only natural for parents to decide what is best for their children every now and then or assist their children in making an informed decision one way or the other.

I view the 3rd lang an enrichment and a commitment, and never grades. But my priority is such that my children need not commit to this enrichment for now. If in the event my children still show or continue to express unyielding interest to acquire another lang, is coping well in sch, and do not mind the fact that learning a new lang at a more advance age can be challenging, I will be more than glad to send them to private institutions to get that enrichment.

But here is the thing - If those brains in MOE is resolute about the holistic development of a child, they should seriously consider making the 3rd lang as one of the core CCAs instead of a separate entity. It may be a resource and logistical challenge to do so, but it is a stronger incentive for students to take it up if it is a CCA. I will fully support and encourage my children to take it up then.

[zeedoo]

Yes, I agree that it’s a matter of priority. My dd initially toyed with the idea of taking up 3rd language as it seems so cool with some of her friends opting for it. But we told her that we’d rather she spend more time on other aspects of secondary school life, such as honing her leadership skills and other soft skills through CCAs and project work. She should also exercise more to build up her stamina and health. There will be more than enough subjects to exercise the brain, no need to add on more load on the brain


Also told her that should she be interested in learning a 3rd language later in life, there are many avenues available. No significant difference anyway in language learning ability between a 12 year-old and an adult. I myself attended French classes under the NUS Extension programme and Malay classes offered by my former employer. I googled the NUS Extension and found that they are still in existence after all these years! You can check out their website…they even offer Korean!

[Coolkidsrock2]

slmkhoo:

MeKiasuLeh:

But here is the thing - If those brains in MOE is resolute about the holistic development of a child, they should seriously consider making the 3rd lang as one of the core CCAs instead of a separate entity. It may be a resource and logistical challenge to do so, but it is a stronger incentive for students to take it up if it is a CCA. I will fully support and encourage my children to take it up then.

Now this is a great idea! And I would also like to see other outside activities eg music, dance, creative or artistic endeavours, charity work etc counted as CCA too. I know policing it may be a problem, but if something can be worked out, then a child need not be dependent on what the school has to offer.

I second this. :rahrah:

DD may not be taking an academic path but unfortunately MEP/EMP is offered only in selected schools and her T-score does not meet the COP. We now have to put in more time on her external lessons on top of duplicating efforts on a CCA which has no relevance towards our direction and goal.

In our case, there will be graded exams, performances and competitions as evidence of meeting the CCA's objectives.

[isetan]

zeedoo:

Yes, I agree that it's a matter of priority. My dd initially toyed with the idea of taking up 3rd language as it seems so cool with some of her friends opting for it. But we told her that we'd rather she spend more time on other aspects of secondary school life, such as honing her leadership skills and other soft skills through CCAs and project work. She should also exercise more to build up her stamina and health. There will be more than enough subjects to exercise the brain, no need to add on more load on the brain


Also told her that should she be interested in learning a 3rd language later in life, there are many avenues available. No significant difference anyway in language learning ability between a 12 year-old and an adult. I myself attended French classes under the NUS Extension programme and Malay classes offered by my former employer. I googled the NUS Extension and found that they are still in existence after all these years! You can check out their website...they even offer Korean!

Fully agreed that DC shld avoid 3rd Lang if possible.

[janet88]

Hi mummy so kiasu,

That was a good one you posted.
Yes, I wanted my son to do well, not bcos of bragging or to enter elite school.

From this PSLE result, I realized how crucial foundation is for languages. Mistakes made should not be repeated as much as possible…so I remind myself what I have to do with my daughter.

[fifiyeo]

I spent the last 2 days sorting out old and printing new photos. I was sad looking through them. Could have had so much more fun with the kids. This is what I’ve learned from my PSLE experience -


6 years passed by in a flash. All the time spent studying which we could have spend growing up together. More time-out, vacations…etc. So, now on if grades are decent, I shall just let it be. There is so much catching up. Kids would be all grown up and out of the house before we know it if we continue with the mad paper chase.

Hack what the ILs or who-so-ever says! I hope I will remember this and not be pressured.

[Essential]

I made a mistake allowed taking HMT in PSLE , I should have let him focus in weaker subjects.

[Essential]

This time though given a choice for 3rd language , my advice to him is stay focus to manage what is must than opt for extra.

[SAHM_TAN]

Am I correct to say that one has to achieve a certain T-score to be offered the option of taking up a 3rd lang? If yes, why some parents and kids are unhappy abt the T-score?

I’m trying to understand the context. Thanks.

[Lynn2]

Hi SAHM_TAN,


Nice to see you here!

Yes, there is certain T score for taking certain third languages.

I pm you.

Cheers,
Lynn

SAHM_TAN:

Am I correct to say that one has to achieve a certain T-score to be offered the option of taking up a 3rd lang? If yes, why some parents and kids are unhappy abt the T-score?
I'm trying to understand the context. Thanks.