All About GEP
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revils_ling\" post_id=\"2119394\" time=\"1695347779\" user_id=\"136480:
If you haven't done so already, take a look at some of the PSLE Science Papers in November. I think Booklet B (OEQ, 44 points) has a decent amount of short answer questions that don't require extensive writing. For the other questions, while strong writing is never bad, I'm not sure these questions are marked as meticulously as the two compos are (as it pertains to language skills). I think the more important thing is identifying and applying the correct science concepts.
As of this year, he has gotten a combination pf silvers and golds from the MO competitions, but not in IMSO team. And I wouldn't call him a topper per se, although he did get overall top 10 for one of the MOs (not NMOS). His strongest subject is Maths, and he's hovering within the top 5-10 in his GEP cohort for this subject. Based on my understanding of his academic progress, we are setting his target ALs for PSLE as follows:
English - 2 (main weakness is compo)
Chinese - 1/2 (main weakness is 作文)
Higher Chinese - Merit (same weakness as CL)
Maths - 1 (weakness is careless mistakes 🙄)
Science - 2/3 (main weakness is OEQ)
Target/expected total AL = 6-8 (if all goes well)
Above is just a positive projection on my part if he's willing to stay focus and push himself abt. But I did tell him that we'll be happy for him if he can achieve a total AL below 10.
As u can see, the general academic weakness is his writing skills. Despite being an avid and independent reader since his was 4-5yo, and despite reading widely since 6yo, he was never good at writing. Whereas most of his GEP peers don't have this problem. So this has been his biggest academic obstacle and likely will be for PSLE as well.
And this is why I can't help but worry about his ability to do well enough for PSLE since his main weakness will affect at least 3 out of 4 subjects (compo, 作文 and OEQs). And even though NUSH is his first choice, I have read about the feedbacks from other parents that DSA to NUSH has been getting more competitive over the last few years, and DSA via Maths to other IP schools aren't any easier. So we don't want him to leave it just to DSA only.
Every kid is different but for some the playbook on Science is to win Booklet A. Securing a good portion of the points here plus the short answer questions in Booklet B will give one some breathing room on the other questions (both concept wise and writing the answer in a way that will obtain the marks) to clear the desired target.
And by all means I am not suggesting neglecting one's writing skills. Just saying what's needed for this test may be a bit different (possible upside to where you think he stands). Anyways, reasonable expectations and the willingness to live with a range of scores (which seems to be the case for you) will go a long way to keeping the child at ease (often leads to better performance as well).
Best of luck and regards. -
SG_KP1\" post_id=\"2119420\" time=\"1695372559\" user_id=\"188234:
Thanks for your kind advice and well wishes! I truly appreciate it. 👍😊
If you haven't done so already, take a look at some of the PSLE Science Papers in November. I think Booklet B (OEQ, 44 points) has a decent amount of short answer questions that don't require extensive writing. For the other questions, while strong writing is never bad, I'm not sure these questions are marked as meticulously as the two compos are (as it pertains to language skills). I think the more important thing is identifying and applying the correct science concepts.
Every kid is different but for some the playbook on Science is to win Booklet A. Securing a good portion of the points here plus the short answer questions in Booklet B will give one some breathing room on the other questions (both concept wise and writing the answer in a way that will obtain the marks) to clear the desired target.
And by all means I am not suggesting neglecting one's writing skills. Just saying what's needed for this test may be a bit different (possible upside to where you think he stands). Anyways, reasonable expectations and the willingness to live with a range of scores (which seems to be the case for you) will go a long way to keeping the child at ease (often leads to better performance as well).
Best of luck and regards.
Yes, my current advice for him for Science is to focus on knowledge acquisition by reading on the relevant topics taught in class and trying his best to ace his MCQ section for tests/exams since it's an achievable task for him. Then he can have his breathing space in the OEQ section where his weakness lies. I have also procured a few books from Popular which are targeted at helping him to improve on his answering techniques for OEQs without drowning him in excessive practices. Hopefully these will be truly useful🤞
And we're not giving up on his meagre writing skills just yet 😋 I've already tasked him to ask his English teacher for advice on how he can work on bettering his writing skills outside of school (as in actual tasks he can take on during his free time). That shall be completed next week if he can remember what I said 😅 I told him to approach his teacher personally (instead of me asking on behalf) so that his teacher will take him more seriously and provide proper/executable advice. And I believe his teacher will be the best person to give such advice based on his understanding of his student's abilities over the course of the year. -
The screening results for this year is supposed to be early October . Can anyone share when your kid gets the letter for the selection ? Thanks !
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Gentleparent\" post_id=\"2119895\" time=\"1696259409\" user_id=\"71560:
my guess is this week too.
The screening results for this year is supposed to be early October . Can anyone share when your kid gets the letter for the selection ? Thanks ! -
revils_ling\" post_id=\"2119394\" time=\"1695347779\" user_id=\"136480:
He must have fairly strong vocab to be in GEP. Since he is an avid reader, all you need is the right writing coach to enlighten him on HOW to improve. Deliberate practices with detailed feedback is key to improving quickly. Don't just write compo after compo. PM me if you like a recommendation. Many GEP kids with same needs went to her with some improving by 10 marks this year. Story telling skill is the same for both languages. Once your kid understands how to write for English, it won't be hard to improve Chinese compo, assuming his vocab/sentences are strong.
Based on my understanding of his academic progress, we are setting his target ALs for PSLE as follows:
English - 2 (main weakness is compo)
Chinese - 1/2 (main weakness is 作文)
Higher Chinese - Merit (same weakness as CL)
Maths - 1 (weakness is careless mistakes 🙄)
Science - 2/3 (main weakness is OEQ)
Target/expected total AL = 6-8 (if all goes well)
Above is just a positive projection on my part if he's willing to stay focus and push himself abt. But I did tell him that we'll be happy for him if he can achieve a total AL below 10.
As u can see, the general academic weakness is his writing skills. Despite being an avid and independent reader since his was 4-5yo, and despite reading widely since 6yo, he was never good at writing. Whereas most of his GEP peers don't have this problem. So this has been his biggest academic obstacle and likely will be for PSLE as well.
And this is why I can't help but worry about his ability to do well enough for PSLE since his main weakness will affect at least 3 out of 4 subjects (compo, 作文 and OEQs). And even though NUSH is his first choice, I have read about the feedbacks from other parents that DSA to NUSH has been getting more competitive over the last few years, and DSA via Maths to other IP schools aren't any easier. So we don't want him to leave it just to DSA only.
For Science OE. Don't worry. Not hard to acquire knowledge and understand concepts. Next is application. For OE, marks are awarded for scientific explanation (which is why key words are important to show you clearly understand the why and how) for questions that ask for explanations. These are the 2 marks questions. Kids won't be penalised for poor writing skill. The common issue we see is kids with advanced Science knowledge over-explaining. I am not Science tutor but I personally coached my own kids, relatives' kids and a few I watched over for PSLE Science and all went on to get distinction and AL1/2. So your kid has time to get to AL1. -
Gentleparent\" post_id=\"2119895\" time=\"1696259409\" user_id=\"71560:
Hi, Just got a memo via Parents Gateway about the selections on 17 & 18 Oct.
The screening results for this year is supposed to be early October . Can anyone share when your kid gets the letter for the selection ? Thanks !
The kids will probably be getting the hardcopies in school today... -
I just got a notice from parents gateway as well. Hardcopy letters will be distributed in school tmr as per notice.
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I also just received a phone call from the school that my DS got selected. I was actually surprised as after the test my DC told me that he couldn’t do most of the questions for the English paper (he guessed the answers for most questions), although for the Maths paper he said it was alright. Perhaps the selection was not so strict.
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skii\" post_id=\"2119936\" time=\"1696309455\" user_id=\"82603:
My p3 got the notification slip for round 2 earlier today.
my guess is this week too.
(We are from a GEP Centre; thus the above may be used to see who gets into the mixed ability class in p4) -
Yes received round 1 results today. From neighborhood school.
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