<![CDATA[With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express?]]>It’s really up to you and your DD but if you feel she may not be able to cope in the express stream, I’d recommend normal acad instead.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/65405/with-194-should-dd-choose-normal-acad-or-expressRSS for NodeFri, 01 May 2026 09:10:37 GMTFri, 05 Oct 2018 05:39:08 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Mon, 20 Aug 2018 08:13:54 GMT]]>

laughingcat:
Not so easy hor....If vacancy is limited. One may not get into the choice school of express course.


So if one die die wants to go into that particular school, then have to think whether should put NA or Express as ist choice.....Due to vacancy.
I'll pick NA and get into a choice school, rather than Express and have a limited list to choose from. Apart from the individual attributes, good results are also heavily dependent on the school's environment. Hence, for borderline cases, I would value a better school > NA / Express course itself. Besides, it's only an additional year for better grounding. I don't see what's the big deal.

In addition, I would be mindful of the child's mental state. The feeling of moving from NA to Express is often of elation but the feeling of falling back to the NA from Express, when he / she cannot cope, is deflation. The former is straightforward, but the latter is often difficult to manage for many children.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1868525https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1868525Mon, 20 Aug 2018 08:13:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Sat, 18 Aug 2018 11:15:25 GMT]]>Not so easy hor…If vacancy is limited. One may not get into the choice school of express course.


So if one die die wants to go into that particular school, then have to think whether should put NA or Express as ist choice…Due to vacancy.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1868187https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1868187Sat, 18 Aug 2018 11:15:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Fri, 17 Aug 2018 15:53:30 GMT]]>in that case, if score 188 :

choose O-level, first.

Only if cannot cope, after trying, then go back to Normal stream, because it is easier to go down (from OP to NP), than to come (surface) up (from NP to OP)

OP : O-level program (curriculum)

NP : N-level program (curriculum), Normal (Academic)

(a lot of people have heard of IP. But, don’t know what is OP, or NP. And often ask : what is OP ?)

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1868064https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1868064Fri, 17 Aug 2018 15:53:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Fri, 17 Aug 2018 15:28:26 GMT]]>

phtthp:
some Secondary schools allow students with 188, to go Express O-level

Yes. Not some. All. By MOE definition. For the range 188-199, the PSLE results slip will indicate “Express/N(A)”.

That’s why in the question asked by the original poster on page 1, she mentioned:

“MOE gave her option for Express or N(A).”

Candidates in that range are deemed by MOE as capable of coping with Express. They are allowed to choose Express if they wish. But they may choose to go N(A) instead. The considerations are multi-factored and very complicated, as you may guess. For your ref:
https://s33.postimg.cc/y512abh73/B320_F738-_C518-478_C-_A72_A-_D496_E234_FB14.png\">

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1868061https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1868061Fri, 17 Aug 2018 15:28:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Fri, 17 Aug 2018 13:06:29 GMT]]>some Secondary schools allow students with 188, to go Express O-level

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1868047https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1868047Fri, 17 Aug 2018 13:06:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Mon, 02 Dec 2013 13:17:55 GMT]]>I would suggest express too. The odds of her going to a triple science class in a weaker school is higher than get a lateral transfer. Hopefully she finds her interests in science though as it’s really important.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1159981https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1159981Mon, 02 Dec 2013 13:17:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Fri, 29 Nov 2013 15:34:32 GMT]]>

yogi.bear:
no matter Ex or NA, must support your DD with more encouragement and love all the way.

At sec 1, children need lots of encouragement and confidence...my son cried in the first 2 months and when tests came in every alternate week. I was worried when he would adjust. After the first 4 months or so, he started coping...he also started doing well for tests which are graded which helped him score for mid-year and final year exams. Next year will be tougher and I've been nagging at him to start reading up.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1158668https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1158668Fri, 29 Nov 2013 15:34:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Fri, 29 Nov 2013 15:13:07 GMT]]>:thankyou: for all your advice. Greatly appreciate!


Have put in the choices. Now just need to sit tight and take a break till Dec 20!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1158652https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1158652Fri, 29 Nov 2013 15:13:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 07:42:52 GMT]]>

ciaobella:
Dear Mummies


I STRONGLY encourage you to go for Express.
Why push DD to N(A) before you give her a chance to try for Express ?
Probably when she was not feeling too well when she did her PSLE or blank out....we never know
She might \"开翘\" when she promotes to Sec 1 next year.

My niece was an good example.
She was an average student in Primary Sch and not interested to study and got only 222 for 2012 PSLE.
This year in Sec 1, she scored 7A & 1B and will be receiving $500 cash award for top 10% in her school.

Go for EXPRESS and you will not regret......the rest (meaning future result) is up to your DD cos you did what is best already.
Totally agree with your recommendation. Results in primary sch is 60% parents effect , 40% child. In lower Sec, it is 40% parents, 60% child. And parents' effect continue to decrease as the child progress.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1156584https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1156584Wed, 27 Nov 2013 07:42:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Tue, 26 Nov 2013 17:03:05 GMT]]>no matter Ex or NA, must support your DD with more encouragement and love all the way.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1156078https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1156078Tue, 26 Nov 2013 17:03:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Tue, 26 Nov 2013 10:16:10 GMT]]>Only parents will know if the child is ready/suitable for Express or NA. If the child has been doing pretty decent throughout his pri sch like 70-80s, but due to one-off sickness or mental block during those few days that cause him to underperform, you should be able to gauge if he can easily pick up speed in Express.


On the other hand, if all the while the child has been lagging behind in the 40-50s and shown little interest or motivation to study, then perhaps giving him more lead time to acclimatise will be better. Some kids warm up faster than others. Others might take longer to pick up speed.

My cousin was like that. Opted for Express despite a not so good aggregate. Ended up suffering cos couldn't keep up with the O-level track. Did badly for O Levels like 20+ pts, but enough to get into 3-yr Pre-U Institute (which is now defunct) but still couldn't keep up. Flunked A Levels, and had to retake A Levels as pte candidate. 1+1 yrs downtime in total. Finally went into uni... rough journey, but still made it thru hardwork:)

What downtime means? Opportunity costs. Graduate 2 yrs later than peers = Loss of 2 yrs' income. But if that's not key to you, by all means, let the child take a longer and less hectic journey. He'll reach his destination ultimately. This is Singapore. No one will be left behind, because the G won't forsake anyone 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1155782https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1155782Tue, 26 Nov 2013 10:16:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Tue, 26 Nov 2013 08:55:43 GMT]]>Dear Mummies


I STRONGLY encourage you to go for Express.
Why push DD to N(A) before you give her a chance to try for Express ?
Probably when she was not feeling too well when she did her PSLE or blank out…we never know
She might "开翘" when she promotes to Sec 1 next year.

My niece was an good example.
She was an average student in Primary Sch and not interested to study and got only 222 for 2012 PSLE.
This year in Sec 1, she scored 7A & 1B and will be receiving $500 cash award for top 10% in her school.

Go for EXPRESS and you will not regret…the rest (meaning future result) is up to your DD cos you did what is best already.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1155706https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1155706Tue, 26 Nov 2013 08:55:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Tue, 26 Nov 2013 07:33:58 GMT]]>Personally i think it is better for the child to be in the best NA class of a good school than in the last express class of a 'so so' school. Motivation and competition is usually higher in a good NA class than the last express class. It is also not about finishing the o level in 4 or 5 yrs. There are many NA students who do better than the express students in the o level exam. 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1155624https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1155624Tue, 26 Nov 2013 07:33:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Tue, 26 Nov 2013 06:23:34 GMT]]>

obiwanmum:
Thanks Rains. I agree with you, particularly \"What matters most is the class you are in, the classmates you study with, and the kinda work that prepares you for O level\".


Do you know of any NA schools that provide the best option for lateral transfer from NA to Express in Sec 1 or 2?

Hi xavnme,
Yes, it's a nightmare for us... my relatives and friends have the same views... ie do Express even though it may not be a good school. But my worry is my DD may suffer with the 9 subjects in Sec 1. As it is, she's weak in Math and Science. And she was from a premier primary school. So it'll be a double-whammy for her if she do badly in Express in non-branded sec school. \"Demoted\" to a non-branded school...and still can't cope. That's our fear....
Yes. You are right to say that Sec school will have additional subjects. Math & Science will be tougher than pri syllabus. Not forgetting that this year papers are easier than previous years. Personal I still feel that school environment is very important to the kids. By going to a better school will minimise bad influences. No point to go to Express & then she can't cope with her school work. She might feel demoralising if she is being transferred from Express to Normal.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1155545https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1155545Tue, 26 Nov 2013 06:23:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:19:45 GMT]]>How are we able to know the chance (%) of students performing well to go from NA to Express? I think that it will be below 10% right? 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1154999https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1154999Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:19:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Mon, 25 Nov 2013 01:13:58 GMT]]>

obiwanmum:
Thanks Rains. I agree with you, particularly \"What matters most is the class you are in, the classmates you study with, and the kinda work that prepares you for O level\".


Do you know of any NA schools that provide the best option for lateral transfer from NA to Express in Sec 1 or 2?

Hi xavnme,
Yes, it's a nightmare for us... my relatives and friends have the same views... ie do Express even though it may not be a good school. But my worry is my DD may suffer with the 9 subjects in Sec 1. As it is, she's weak in Math and Science. And she was from a premier primary school. So it'll be a double-whammy for her if she do badly in Express in non-branded sec school. \"Demoted\" to a non-branded school...and still can't cope. That's our fear....
I don't have any recommendation for transfer from NA to Express. I am not sure how many percent of students manage to do such a transfer every year. I thought it is more damaging to the child's self-esteem for her to go to Normal stream. It will be great if the child is able to do a transfer eventually though.

I am just speaking from experience. Incidentally, a parent I met during my kid's psle year offered me the same advice. One of his sons went to a very good neighbourhood school's normal stream after they chose Normal, but he was frustrated that the teachers allocated were not fantastic.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1154114https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1154114Mon, 25 Nov 2013 01:13:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:58:10 GMT]]>Choose a school that focuses on studies as well as discipline.

My son is in Chung Cheng Yishun.
Although he is in Express, I have also heard from my son the NA students in Chung Cheng Yishun behave no different from Express, mostly respectful.
But to get into Chung Cheng Yishun through Express with 194 quite impossible, maybe choose Chung Cheng Yishun Normal then study hard to get lateral transfer.
My son said his friend in Sec 2 Normal didn’t have to sit for additional exams and is transferred to Sec 3 Express next yr because he already did well in Sec 2 exams.
Most schools still want pupils to sit for additional papers & choose only 1-2 to be laterally transferred.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1153951https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1153951Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:58:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:29:46 GMT]]>Thanks Rains. I agree with you, particularly "What matters most is the class you are in, the classmates you study with, and the kinda work that prepares you for O level".


Do you know of any NA schools that provide the best option for lateral transfer from NA to Express in Sec 1 or 2?

Hi xavnme,
Yes, it’s a nightmare for us… my relatives and friends have the same views… ie do Express even though it may not be a good school. But my worry is my DD may suffer with the 9 subjects in Sec 1. As it is, she’s weak in Math and Science. And she was from a premier primary school. So it’ll be a double-whammy for her if she do badly in Express in non-branded sec school. "Demoted" to a non-branded school…and still can’t cope. That’s our fear…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1153928https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1153928Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:29:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Sun, 24 Nov 2013 12:04:52 GMT]]>

obiwanmum:
hi all,


DD got 194. Got As in Eng & Chinese. But D in Math and C in Science. It doesn't show, but we feel she's quite demoralised. 😢

MOE gave her option for Express or N(A).

Looking at a few schools with N(A) eg. Anderson, AMK Sec, BPGH, Chung Cheng (Yishun), Kranji Sec. Based on past year COP, she can get in these schools for N(A).

We stay in Woodlands.

Question is...

Should we choose
1) the above N(A) schools OR
2) the Express stream schools near our area (eg. Admiralty, Canberra, Marsiling, etc) which has COP within her reach.

Appreciate advice...

TQ
Hi Obiwanmum

I've the same issues as you & wonder whats right or wrong in our final choices.
Most of my friends , relatives suggested to go for express instead of wasting another year in NA.

I will suggest you to shortlist those high possible schools (express) & do some read up on the school performance. It may not be easy getting feedback for those schools over here, you may need to google for more info.

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=65315 Click here

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1153633https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1153633Sun, 24 Nov 2013 12:04:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to With 194... should DD choose Normal Acad or Express? on Sun, 24 Nov 2013 12:01:52 GMT]]>My take is to choose Express whenever you can.


Express bcos the syllabus is very different from Normal stream. When you do O level, you won’t get a shock at the different standard and having to make adjustments when you are at the 5th year.

Don’t be distracted by the good schools available if you choose Normal. What matters most is the class you are in, the classmates you study with, and the kinda work that prepares you for O level.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1153626https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1153626Sun, 24 Nov 2013 12:01:52 GMT