All About Preparing For Secondary One

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Mon, 22 May 2023 04:51:51 GMT

kaisuism — Mon, 22 May 2023 04:51:51 GMT

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2108685\" time=\"1684114175\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2108685 time=1684114175 user_id=53606]
Hmmm…in primary school I only asked about his behaviour in class & whether he was getting along with his peers. That was my main concern as there had been some phone calls from the teacher raising these issues (lower primary). In P5-6, I asked the same, and the teachers said he’s absolutely fine; if he wasn’t, you would have gotten a call from me long ago! So we moved on to discussing academics & how to improve.

In secondary school, same tack? Or is there something more specific I should focus on?[/quote]

I had PT session last week and even before I asked the form teacher mentioned it herself, as in behaviour and submission of homework etc. I feel there is a difference in approach between a primary school teacher and a secondary school teacher. Or it could be because is sec 1 and the student is new to the school and the teacher takes the initiative to talk about it.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Mon, 15 May 2023 06:59:04 GMT

sharonkhoo — Mon, 15 May 2023 06:59:04 GMT

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2108685\" time=\"1684114175\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2108685 time=1684114175 user_id=53606]
Hmmm…in primary school I only asked about his behaviour in class & whether he was getting along with his peers. That was my main concern as there had been some phone calls from the teacher raising these issues (lower primary). In P5-6, I asked the same, and the teachers said he’s absolutely fine; if he wasn’t, you would have gotten a call from me long ago! So we moved on to discussing academics & how to improve.

In secondary school, same tack? Or is there something more specific I should focus on?[/quote]

I don't see a need for the chat to be different. Of course, the form teacher spends less time with the form class in sec school, but I'm sure they see enough. For me, I always tried to spend less time on the academic side of things because I wanted to send the message to the teachers that non-academics were important to me, and anyway, I could see the academic side of things from their performance. Now I think about it, once my younger daughter got to sec school, I only attended the first PTM in lower sec - once I was assured that she was doing well in the non-academic stuff, I decided not to attend the rest as my daughter said I should leave the time for others who needed it more! For my older girl, with more issues, I attended every single one, all the way to her A levels!

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Mon, 15 May 2023 01:29:35 GMT

zac's mum — Mon, 15 May 2023 01:29:35 GMT

slmkhoo\" post_id=\"2108677\" time=\"1684112456\" user_id=\"28674:

If you don't have any specific questions, then I would let the teachers lead the discussion in terms of academics? Just ask for their feedback/suggestions as to weakness and strengths.

For a budding teen, I would probably be more concerned to ask about social and emotional aspects of development and interaction among peers as that is the part you don't see much of. I would ask a broad, leading question or 2, and see what the teachers say, and follow on from there.

As a parent, I just wanted to come across as willing to partner with the school in raising my kids, and being concerned with the whole child, not just academic grades.

Hmmm…in primary school I only asked about his behaviour in class & whether he was getting along with his peers. That was my main concern as there had been some phone calls from the teacher raising these issues (lower primary). In P5-6, I asked the same, and the teachers said he’s absolutely fine; if he wasn’t, you would have gotten a call from me long ago! So we moved on to discussing academics & how to improve.

In secondary school, same tack? Or is there something more specific I should focus on?

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Mon, 15 May 2023 01:00:56 GMT

sharonkhoo — Mon, 15 May 2023 01:00:56 GMT

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2108676\" time=\"1684111773\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2108676 time=1684111773 user_id=53606]
We are having Zoom PTM for Sec 1 end-May (meet form teacher/s + 2 subject teachers of our choice).

Any ideas what to discuss? I’m clueless about secondary school PTM.[/quote]

If you don't have any specific questions, then I would let the teachers lead the discussion in terms of academics? Just ask for their feedback/suggestions as to weakness and strengths.

For a budding teen, I would probably be more concerned to ask about social and emotional aspects of development and interaction among peers as that is the part you don't see much of. I would ask a broad, leading question or 2, and see what the teachers say, and follow on from there.

As a parent, I just wanted to come across as willing to partner with the school in raising my kids, and being concerned with the whole child, not just academic grades.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Mon, 15 May 2023 00:49:33 GMT

zac's mum — Mon, 15 May 2023 00:49:33 GMT

We are having Zoom PTM for Sec 1 end-May (meet form teacher/s + 2 subject teachers of our choice).

Any ideas what to discuss? I’m clueless about secondary school PTM.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:28:33 GMT

chenlaoshi — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:28:33 GMT

Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"2090693\" time=\"1669616345\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=2090693 time=1669616345 user_id=58173]
Both reading materials seem to be unused.. I will take a look and focus on 话题，快读新闻，新闻消化室 and 说说看 as per your recommendation. Could you share what are the 2-3 topics that was tested in HCL, being was covered in 逗号? Thank you for sharing![/quote]

Sure. I'll post my detailed reply under the https://kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=8835 thread so that this one won't go out of topic.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:19:05 GMT

Zeal mummy — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:19:05 GMT

chenlaoshi\" post_id=\"2090630\" time=\"1669564960\" user_id=\"162894:

I see. 逗号 is local (SPH) publication so should be more \"user-friendly\" (content coverage and level of difficulty wise). Both IP and O level track had tested components from 逗号. I remember my RI students also had tested scope from some past issues too.

I would say the benefits are accumulative. For example, 2-3 of the topics covered in O level CL & HCL oral this year were covered in issues over the past 1-2 years. 物尽其用 + 学以致用吧, easier and more convenient than getting them to read newspaper.

Both reading materials seem to be unused.. I will take a look and focus on 话题，快读新闻，新闻消化室 and 说说看 as per your recommendation. Could you share what are the 2-3 topics that was tested in HCL, being was covered in 逗号? Thank you for sharing!

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sun, 27 Nov 2022 16:02:40 GMT

chenlaoshi — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 16:02:40 GMT

Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"2090620\" time=\"1669560818\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=2090620 time=1669560818 user_id=58173]
Oh, the optional purchase was 少年文摘.. my bad. 逗号 Is indeed free. Thanks for pointing that out. May I ask if it’s the IP or the O-level track of scgs that is using it for WA? So far, it hasn’t been useful for us..[/quote]

I see. 逗号 is local (SPH) publication so should be more \"user-friendly\" (content coverage and level of difficulty wise). Both IP and O level track had tested components from 逗号. I remember my RI students also had tested scope from some past issues too.

I would say the benefits are accumulative. For example, 2-3 of the topics covered in O level CL & HCL oral this year were covered in issues over the past 1-2 years. 物尽其用 + 学以致用吧, easier and more convenient than getting them to read newspaper.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sun, 27 Nov 2022 14:53:38 GMT

Zeal mummy — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 14:53:38 GMT

chenlaoshi\" post_id=\"2090606\" time=\"1669556343\" user_id=\"162894:

As with most CL materials, I guess that's usually the case unless certain type of habit is being formed. https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20220326-1256063 since April this year (https://www.zbschools.sg/cos/o.x?c=%2Fca7_zbs%2Fzbs_download&func=&mf=5&y=2022&sf=823).

Some schools make it a point to incorporate it as part of student's learning by testing relevant components/content from it during WA. An example will be SCGS:

https://i.imgur.com/lDlwQVU.jpg\">

The sections I cover/encourage my students to read are: 话题，快读新闻，新闻消化室 and 说说看. Being a bi-weekly publication, it should not be too difficult to complete these before each new issue.

I have previously shared in the https://kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=8835 how some of the oral/compo topics that came out in exam/O'Levels were covered in past issues of 逗号 too.

Oh, the optional purchase was 少年文摘.. my bad. 逗号 Is indeed free. Thanks for pointing that out. May I ask if it’s the IP or the O-level track of scgs that is using it for WA? So far, it hasn’t been useful for us..

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sun, 27 Nov 2022 13:39:03 GMT

chenlaoshi — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 13:39:03 GMT

Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"2090599\" time=\"1669553285\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=2090599 time=1669553285 user_id=58173]
Actually we ordered SPH's 逗号 from the school (it was optional to do so).. but it’s also sitting on the shelves, collecting dust. May I ask if there’s any good method to encourage the use of it. I think buying it, is the easiest part….[/quote]

As with most CL materials, I guess that's usually the case unless certain type of habit is being formed. https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20220326-1256063 since April this year (https://www.zbschools.sg/cos/o.x?c=%2Fca7_zbs%2Fzbs_download&func=&mf=5&y=2022&sf=823).

Some schools make it a point to incorporate it as part of student's learning by testing relevant components/content from it during WA. An example will be SCGS:

https://i.imgur.com/lDlwQVU.jpg\">

The sections I cover/encourage my students to read are: 话题，快读新闻，新闻消化室 and 说说看. Being a bi-weekly publication, it should not be too difficult to complete these before each new issue.

I have previously shared in the https://kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=8835 how some of the oral/compo topics that came out in exam/O'Levels were covered in past issues of 逗号 too.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sun, 27 Nov 2022 12:48:05 GMT

Zeal mummy — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 12:48:05 GMT

chenlaoshi\" post_id=\"2090559\" time=\"1669526670\" user_id=\"162894:

For CL, I think it will be good to get assessment books with the purpose of expanding the child's range of vocab - in Sec lvl, even knowing all the words/phrases from syllabus text is not really sufficient when it comes to exam (although WA wise, the tested scope is still very much limited to syllabus content - in fact, most of the time, the scope/list of vocabs will be made known/provided).

Thus, I would recommend getting assessment books focusing on Paper 1 (i.e. model compo) and cloze passage (综合填空). These, in addition to SPH's 逗号 (available for free in soft copies) should be more than enough enrichment materials for lower Sec.

I would not advise getting compre assessments because the question types are not exactly relevant to the ones students get tested in WA and exams - the coverage are mostly questions from the lower tier of the bloom taxonomy. The suggested answers provided also lack depth.

As for examinable idioms (必考成语), most schools include it in the book list or cover them in terms of notes, so can wait and see first.

Actually we ordered SPH's 逗号 from the school (it was optional to do so).. but it’s also sitting on the shelves, collecting dust. May I ask if there’s any good method to encourage the use of it. I think buying it, is the easiest part….

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sun, 27 Nov 2022 05:24:30 GMT

chenlaoshi — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 05:24:30 GMT

For CL, I think it will be good to get assessment books with the purpose of expanding the child’s range of vocab - in Sec lvl, even knowing all the words/phrases from syllabus text is not really sufficient when it comes to exam (although WA wise, the tested scope is still very much limited to syllabus content - in fact, most of the time, the scope/list of vocabs will be made known/provided).

Thus, I would recommend getting assessment books focusing on Paper 1 (i.e. model compo) and cloze passage (综合填空). These, in addition to SPH’s 逗号 (available for free in soft copies) should be more than enough enrichment materials for lower Sec.

I would not advise getting compre assessments because the question types are not exactly relevant to the ones students get tested in WA and exams - the coverage are mostly questions from the lower tier of the bloom taxonomy. The suggested answers provided also lack depth.

As for examinable idioms (必考成语), most schools include it in the book list or cover them in terms of notes, so can wait and see first.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sun, 27 Nov 2022 04:07:11 GMT

Zeal mummy — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 04:07:11 GMT

The assessments books that I enthusiastically bought for sec 1 are all sitting on the shelves, new and untouched (collecting dust). I think really don’t buy first… unless your child wants them and asks for some.

We started letting go after p6 prelims, as I could see that burn-out was real. So we gave support in other ways like verbal encouragements and snacks/food… we believe that many kids do better once they are on their own and can do things the way they want to do them (in teenage years). So we let her try. Many may struggle a lil in the beginning… but they have 4-6years ahead of them to learn to be independent.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sun, 27 Nov 2022 03:17:55 GMT

jedamum — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 03:17:55 GMT

For parents whose kids have been using assessment/guide books n showing results in Pri sch, do continue to encourage use of assessment books. Sec sch kids need not use all the chapters but it is useful to refer/revise using such relevant resources.

As to what type of assessment books, math is pretty std. Our preferred type is those that demarcate tougher q n basic q so kid can monitor own proficiencies. For sci assessment bk, u can wait til mid yr n bring your kid to the bookshop to choose or ask your kid to go to his bookshops to ask the shop assistant there which r the popular purchases.
If sch does not provide own past yr pp, getting some to pract is also useful.
Dont have the misconceptions that once in sec sch, u can relax. For every matured n auto student, there are a few more who r still maturing n playful. The kids gonna face more academic rigour, tricky friendships, competition n also raging hormones. All the more they need us to be around. We do not steer their ship this round but serve as a consultant n guidance coach. We need to be firm too at times.
All the best.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sun, 27 Nov 2022 01:10:43 GMT

sharonkhoo — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 01:10:43 GMT

SG_KP1\" post_id=\"2090514\" time=\"1669506920\" user_id=\"188234:

I guess in hindsight I wonder whether the upper primary years would be much different (results wise) if we let the kids start to manage on their own then (and of course, some could, some couldn't yet)? I think many things we do as parents are well intentioned. However, I am also starting to believe that many kids do better once they are on their own and can do things the way they want to do them (and decide what is important, what they can let go a bit).

I don't think there's a universal answer here. Just some food for thought. Best of luck to all the S1s next year; it is an interesting and exciting time!

I have 2 kids from 2 ends of the spectrum - one managed her studies with very little supervision from me starting from early on in Pr school; my older one required closer watching from me right up to university! This older one has some learning disabilities, so she's not representative, I guess. I think every parent should assess their child objectively and not just do whatever 'other people' say is necessary. And I also find strange the assumption that some parents have - that a kid who has been strictly supervised and supported up to PSLE can suddenly be very independent 3 months later. It would be kinder (and safer) to withdraw supervision more gradually, whether in upper Pr or in Sec.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sun, 27 Nov 2022 01:04:44 GMT

sharonkhoo — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 01:04:44 GMT

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2090489\" time=\"1669471920\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2090489 time=1669471920 user_id=53606]
Openschoolbag having sale ending tomorrow…should I be stocking up on Sec 1 (Express) assessment books / guide books? Which ones are highly recommended?

Buy now before 8% GST kicks in better right?[/quote]

Since the GST increase (1%) is small relative to the cost of the books, I would hold off getting books you aren't sure that he will need. Sec school kids have less time to spend on practising, and learning the material will be more about understanding than repetitive practice.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sun, 27 Nov 2022 01:03:12 GMT

Imp75 — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 01:03:12 GMT

Good point. For my younger ones, they only had HCL tuition in pri Sch, didn’t do assessment books but I did feed them daily dosage of challenging top school papers or revise with them science concepts. Since sec1, no tuition no assessment books no past year papers and I no longer looked at what they were doing, I found they are still doing ok maybe HCL standard dropped but not worrying enough to get tuition.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sat, 26 Nov 2022 23:55:20 GMT

SG_KP1 — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 23:55:20 GMT

My impression is that in general secondary kids get less practice (for the exams) than in primary school (probably just given the time constraints of the number of subjects doubling). The kids are much busier so they don’t have time to revise everything. Hence, the trick is for them to understand what they know and what they don’t know as well based on the hw and class time. For the former, no need to spend time practicing. For the latter, whether self-revise/study with school notes, assessment book, or tuition, I guess it all depends on what is best for the individual.

There is no doubt that kids mature and their ability to manage themselves increases with age. However, I’ve always found it odd how some kids go from lots of support to almost none in the few months gap from P6 to S1 (not that it is wrong, just the sudden jump). Others (parents) seem to still guide (perhaps mainly on prioritization and time management) and then pullback once the kids are managing. All makes sense and either are fine.

I guess in hindsight I wonder whether the upper primary years would be much different (results wise) if we let the kids start to manage on their own then (and of course, some could, some couldn’t yet)? I think many things we do as parents are well intentioned. However, I am also starting to believe that many kids do better once they are on their own and can do things the way they want to do them (and decide what is important, what they can let go a bit).

I don’t think there’s a universal answer here. Just some food for thought. Best of luck to all the S1s next year; it is an interesting and exciting time!

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sat, 26 Nov 2022 15:24:58 GMT

doodbug — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 15:24:58 GMT

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2082053\" time=\"1663052046\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2082053 time=1663052046 user_id=53606]
Well I have done my absolute best as a parent for his DSA. He has worked extremely hard to improve his grades but to no avail. If that’s the school that his PSLE gets him then I guess God and His angels will take care of him. It’s not like I have other options.[/quote]

He's in an extremely nurturing school with strong pastoral care. A school which does not only celebrate successes and excellences the way the world views things and judges people, a school which cares for and is willing to educate and nurture every child in the family regardless of where his academic starting point is or where he is on the academic spectrum whether NA NT or Express. I have heard so many accounts of grace and gratitude from alumni and students of the school.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sat, 26 Nov 2022 14:59:15 GMT

MerlionInGermany — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 14:59:15 GMT

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2090489\" time=\"1669471920\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2090489 time=1669471920 user_id=53606]
Openschoolbag having sale ending tomorrow…should I be stocking up on Sec 1 (Express) assessment books / guide books? Which ones are highly recommended?

Buy now before 8% GST kicks in better right?[/quote]

We had Chinese assessment books for sec 1 through sec 4. The school didnt really follow the textbook but I thought it was necessary to learn new vocabulary and assessment books would be the way to go.

That being said, if one were to buy $50 worth of assessment books today and $50 next year, the difference is only $0.50. So there is no need to rush I guess?

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sat, 26 Nov 2022 14:35:43 GMT

sky minecrafter — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 14:35:43 GMT

Hi, there is no need for secondary 1 assessment books at all. What will really help is school's past year papers, which can be borrowed from the library to be printed within the library (usually do not come with answer keys), or just wait for the teachers to supply them before exams. The key is to learn the new techniques required to ace each component (teachers would have supplied each component's rubrics by exam preparation period), read up on general content knowledge, & of course exam time trials 👍

Edit: I forgot to mention that maths is somewhat a different story. Maths is fairly straight-forward, so most of my kids' classmates would self-study before going to class, which does help, since textbooks are rather self-explanatory these days ️

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sat, 26 Nov 2022 14:12:00 GMT

zac's mum — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 14:12:00 GMT

Openschoolbag having sale ending tomorrow…should I be stocking up on Sec 1 (Express) assessment books / guide books? Which ones are highly recommended?

Buy now before 8% GST kicks in better right?

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Sat, 24 Sep 2022 02:51:12 GMT

Smartiepants55 — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 02:51:12 GMT

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2082053\" time=\"1663052046\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2082053 time=1663052046 user_id=53606]
Well I have done my absolute best as a parent for his DSA. He has worked extremely hard to improve his grades but to no avail. If that’s the school that his PSLE gets him then I guess God and His angels will take care of him. It’s not like I have other options.[/quote]

God will make a way, where there seems no way. He works in ways we cannot see….

He will make a way….

Anyway, majority of kids, 90% of kids move to secondary schools using PSLE results.

Reply to All About Preparing For Secondary One on Tue, 13 Sep 2022 16:01:07 GMT

Liew Nga Wing — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 16:01:07 GMT

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2082053\" time=\"1663052046\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2082053 time=1663052046 user_id=53606]
Well I have done my absolute best as a parent for his DSA. He has worked extremely hard to improve his grades but to no avail. If that’s the school that his PSLE gets him then I guess God and His angels will take care of him. It’s not like I have other options.[/quote]

不要灰心, I believe there is only small % (is it 10%?) of the total P6 students are able to receive a CO from their target schools and most (maybe 90%) are getting into their target schools based on their PSLE results during S1 Posting (correct me if I am wrong). Chances are still there. As you and Zac both have done your best in this DSA exercise, then there will be no regrets. 有时候，尽管我们已经尽力了，但也不一定能成功. And this is called life and is a lesson that we have to learn. 希望你和Zac 能享受这段一起努力的过程，这将会是你们共同回忆。

I am not a Christian even I was studied in a Catholic school before. I don't believe God will do this and that for me. 我相信人是靠自己，路是自己走出来，命运都是自己决定。