low_sookyee:

True... I was thinking about to monitor further and allowing her to have more time to adjust. What I can do is to encourage her. I did tell her before the school starts that I will not arrange any tuition lessons for her. She needs to manage own time management and learn to handle studies. Let me know if she needs support/help in studies.


Highest is 18/25 - 2 students got this rating. Not sure the rest 9 of them.

I am just concern, is this a healthy trend.

I learnt from a friend that her child who was in higher chinese and DSA in this language - failed chinese in her Sec 1 test also. How depressing for the child who has been so good in the language to suffer such a set back. I seriously could not understand why... Pri to Sec, cant be a huge gap right?

12mum:

It is a big Jump from primary to secondary school. More subjects qnd maybe longer hours in school for some students.


Of the 11 who passed, do they have a good pass or a just pass?

Go thru the papers with dc and see what went wrong. Seek teacher's advice/help to clear doubts if possible.

Maybe your dc need a bit more time to find a way to cope with the load. Too many subjects too little time to do revision.

As for tuition, why not wait for mid year exam results and decide.

For me, I find it pretty common to fail a test or two. Need help seek help. Just don't get into the negative mood.

low_sookyee:

I am a parent of a Sec 1 child. My child feels despair when recent test scores badly. In the class of 39, only 11 passed the test. My child sends me a sms apologizing and mentioned that unfortunately she was not the 11 that passed. I felt sorry for her. I am not upset over the failing result, but more concern on, why only 11 passed the test. Was the test being set too high a level for most students? Is this a common practice in schools?


Can any one provide advise on, should I be worrying to help my child to get a tutor? Or, I should allow time for her to adjust to the expectations of Sec level?

努力努力再努力:

StillThinking:

Hmm, well, I know this might sound mean and all, but tuition never worked out in my Pri School. Most who took tuition did very badly, it was till the point i felt as if it pulled them down. Like sometimes some students would just ask,\"My tuition teacher told me to do ____, so am I suppose to do it?\" More often, my teacher would say something like,\"That's the old syllables.\" or \"That's not accepted in PSLE.\". Those that ask are ones that are more hardworking or ask till they understand. Most students nowadays are really not so into studies and rarely ask when they have a question(That includes me too) I'm pretty certain most others were also taught wrong things but just never ask. Also, it's more often that the \"wrong\" stuff get stuck in their head more than the ones taught in school. Though that, if you find the right tutors, like perhaps they just left that \"level\" of education aka for Sec 1-4 they just finished their Sec 4... or perhaps they are teachers and teach that \"level\" of education, it can be good(maybe other things can make that person the right tutor). I guess my take would be that you shld take your time and find the right tutor, instead of just rushing to find one just cause you need one. Anyways, if you choose a tutor, have faith in that tutor and not get affected by what I said up there, the part up there is just to remind you to make sure to choose the right tutor if not it could make things worse.


P.S. 1: I am a student, a Sec 1 myself, this is all from my observations and all.
2: Is your school a dual-track or full IP school? If you wanna solve your question on whether this is normal or just for IP, you can look at the schedule for the O-level track and just figure it out from there. If it's full IP, you can almost assume it's normal.
3. Wait, why does your schedule look totally alike to the IP track of my school. Nvrm just curious.

My school offers both the O level track and IP track... and which school are you in? Thanks for the comment btw

StillThinking:

Hmm, well, I know this might sound mean and all, but tuition never worked out in my Pri School. Most who took tuition did very badly, it was till the point i felt as if it pulled them down. Like sometimes some students would just ask,\"My tuition teacher told me to do ____, so am I suppose to do it?\" More often, my teacher would say something like,\"That's the old syllables.\" or \"That's not accepted in PSLE.\". Those that ask are ones that are more hardworking or ask till they understand. Most students nowadays are really not so into studies and rarely ask when they have a question(That includes me too) I'm pretty certain most others were also taught wrong things but just never ask. Also, it's more often that the \"wrong\" stuff get stuck in their head more than the ones taught in school. Though that, if you find the right tutors, like perhaps they just left that \"level\" of education aka for Sec 1-4 they just finished their Sec 4... or perhaps they are teachers and teach that \"level\" of education, it can be good(maybe other things can make that person the right tutor). I guess my take would be that you shld take your time and find the right tutor, instead of just rushing to find one just cause you need one. Anyways, if you choose a tutor, have faith in that tutor and not get affected by what I said up there, the part up there is just to remind you to make sure to choose the right tutor if not it could make things worse.


P.S. 1: I am a student, a Sec 1 myself, this is all from my observations and all.
2: Is your school a dual-track or full IP school? If you wanna solve your question on whether this is normal or just for IP, you can look at the schedule for the O-level track and just figure it out from there. If it's full IP, you can almost assume it's normal.
3. Wait, why does your schedule look totally alike to the IP track of my school. Nvrm just curious.

kennethTutor:

努力努力再努力:

I do not understand what the teacher is saying during lesson time, it happens a lot. I do not believe that it is because my basics taught in primary school is not strong enough as I always manage to adapt to new topics quickly and come up with the best methods within a short period of time. This is the first time I feel so lonely and lost in my studies. The fact that all my friends seem to understand makes me feel really bad. The people in my class are competitive and do not help me even if they know, I end up running back to my primary school group chat to seek help.

There are other avenues for help! For example, you can post your questions here in the proper threads or you can try an app called EduSnap. The app is pretty popular among students.

Unfortunately in life there are going to be people who are extremely competitive and self-centered. Focus on what you can control! And don't be like them!

努力努力再努力:

I tried to read up before lessons but there are many factors that interfere. 1, our subjects are random, we started with book 1, chapter 3 for Maths, then now we are at book 1, chapter 15 and book 2, chapter 12&13. I tried to read up, even bought guide books as notes provided are not always clear, however, the randomness always makes me feel like all that reading is useless. The teachers try to help me, especially my Maths and Physics teachers. They try to help me as much as they can but due to the fact that all my lessons progress really quickly and my teachers are not always free during recess, they are unable to clarify all my doubts.

If you don't mind you can post a general outline of the topics covered so far, especially for Maths and Physics. I am pretty sure there are people here who can help you link the topics together and see 'the big picture'.

For example, in primary school, you probably learnt Fraction first, followed by Ratio, Decimals and finally Percentage. With practice you would have realized they are all closely related to one another. Linking new concepts to old ones will reinforce your learning!

Pre-reading doesn't work for everyone. When I was a student I found it a complete waste of time to pre-read the whole chapter. Moreover if you don't have a decent understanding of the previous chapters you may run the risk of complicating things further when you read in advance.

My tip for you is to look out for the main ideas in the chapter especially the Summary page and learning objectives in your textbook/guidebook. From there you can filter the important stuff from the unimportant ones.

努力努力再努力:

Dear Parents, as my parents have never received much education, I have no one but myself to decide for things like DSA and which program to go for. Choosing IP track is my biggest regret already and I just want to ask for opinions before I make another choice. Tuition seems like the best choice currently but with a schedule like that, should I really tuition? Or is this the schedule of every secondary student and I am just not used to it?

If you are considering tuition, look for a tuition centre/tutor that caters to your needs. Some tuition centers impose fixed topic schedule. For example, this week they may focus on Algebra and you have to follow it strictly. This is not ideal for you as like you mentioned earlier, your school does things differently from mainstream schools.


Finally for me, it is impressive to see you, a 13 year old girl, to be so proactive in seeking help and advice. Although you sound a little stressed and uncomfortable in your new school (It's only week 3!), if you work hard and stay positive things will eventually improve. And I am pretty sure your parents are proud of your achievements so far! Not everyone can make it to an IP school!

Remember, what doesn't kill you can only make you stronger!

Ikid:

Hi 努力努力再努力,


Stay positive. If you think tuition may help you to understand your lessons better and you have time on Friday and Saturday, then go for it. You can give priority to your weakest subjects first. Is only 3 weeks in Sec 1, you still have a long journey.
Integrated Program is for students who are academically strong and I should say if one is an independent learner, then he/she would be able to overcome the challenges. The mindset is important, you must not always feel everything is not going smoothly, is difficult, etc. Tell yourself, things will change for the better. Some students take about one term to adapt, as Sec school life is definitely very different from Pri school, you have more subjects and hence, more homework and projects too. Typically, in Sec 1, the student will need to stay back for CCAs, twice a week, each session is about 2 hours. Yes, 3rd Lang will be another challenge, however, if you have interest to learn it, you will be able to overcome the challenges. I know some students gave up 3rd Lang after 2 terms as either they did not do well in the test, or have problem coping with their school work, or they simply lost interest and has no motivation to carry on. However, there are some who have strong interest, capable of coping with this additional workload and carried on. IP students are given opportunities to learn non-academic curriculum, as the students need not prepare for the 'O' level. In IP schools, capable students even take up leadership role and they can be rather busy, organizing events for peers. Not all students with high PSLE T-score are suitable for IB or IP program, but since you have chosen this path, why not look at the bright side, enjoy the journey and you may be grateful that you have made the right choice. I observed IP schools prepare the students life skills, some of these skills prepare students for their future, at age 13/14, you may feel is a tough journey, but once you learn the ropes, you can easily adapt to JC or even Uni life. 加油！Talk to your teachers and let them know you want to prepare yourself for their lessons, pls let you know which chapter he/she is going to cover, I'm sure the teachers will gladly let you know. And morever, I'm sure within a lesson or two, the teacher will not be able to complete a chapter. All The Best To You!

slmkhoo:

努力努力再努力:

I do not understand what the teacher is saying during lesson time, it happens a lot.

But you do understand when they explain one-on-one? What's the difference? Maybe if you can analyse that it could provide a clue that would help.

I tried to read up before lessons but there are many factors that interfere. 1, our subjects are random, we started with book 1, chapter 3 for Maths, then now we are at book 1, chapter 15 and book 2, chapter 12&13. I tried to read up, even bought guide books as notes provided are not always clear, however, the randomness always makes me feel like all that reading is useless. The teachers try to help me, especially my Maths and Physics teachers. They try to help me as much as they can but due to the fact that all my lessons progress really quickly and my teachers are not always free during recess, they are unable to clarify all my doubts.
Perhaps if you ask your teachers to let you know the order of the topics to be covered, that could help you read up in advance?

I got into Publications, only once a week and 2 hours (the least hour CCA). It is not as long as other sports cca such as track and field but other after school activities takes a lot of time. Even though I am not struggling with time management now, I believe that weeks from now, I will find myself exhausted everyday.
When you are new, it will always feel more tiring. As you get accustomed to the rhythm, it should get better. If you find that you really find the days long, then you could cut back on something, eg. 3rd language.
I find it really irritating that students are forced to go for many workshops and all that we don't necessarily need. I am able to speak in front of a big crowd without stuttering and am able to speak on the spot but I am forced to go for speech enrichment which will take place weeks later, wasting my Tuesday afternoons.We will also be forced into going for Interior Design classes and Guitar lessons in term 3.
One of the \"selling points\" of the IP scheme is that they provide opportunities for students to learn beyond the normal syllabus. Since you have the opportunities, embrace them and enjoy them. Expanding your experience is very enriching, and can help your thinking processes in ways that are not always immediately apparent.

Tuition seems like the best choice currently but with a schedule like that, should I really tuition? Or is this the schedule of every secondary student and I am just not used to it?
If you feel that tuition is the only way to help you understand your work, then you can give it a try. But is it all subjects you need help with? Then which ones will you take tuition in? I think you just need time to slowly get accustomed to the newer way of teaching and learning compared to your primary school. Rather than trying to just ask clarifying questions during recess, perhaps you can ask a teacher to give you a longer session one afternoon to do some fundamental coaching on how to read, how to learn etc.

And I don't think your schedule is any different from most sec school students, in IP schools, at least. Hope this helps.

努力努力再努力:

I do not understand what the teacher is saying during lesson time, it happens a lot. I do not believe that it is because my basics taught in primary school is not strong enough as I always manage to adapt to new topics quickly and come up with the best methods within a short period of time. This is the first time I feel so lonely and lost in my studies. The fact that all my friends seem to understand makes me feel really bad. The people in my class are competitive and do not help me even if they know, I end up running back to my primary school group chat to seek help.

努力努力再努力:

I tried to read up before lessons but there are many factors that interfere. 1, our subjects are random, we started with book 1, chapter 3 for Maths, then now we are at book 1, chapter 15 and book 2, chapter 12&13. I tried to read up, even bought guide books as notes provided are not always clear, however, the randomness always makes me feel like all that reading is useless. The teachers try to help me, especially my Maths and Physics teachers. They try to help me as much as they can but due to the fact that all my lessons progress really quickly and my teachers are not always free during recess, they are unable to clarify all my doubts.

努力努力再努力:

Dear Parents, as my parents have never received much education, I have no one but myself to decide for things like DSA and which program to go for. Choosing IP track is my biggest regret already and I just want to ask for opinions before I make another choice. Tuition seems like the best choice currently but with a schedule like that, should I really tuition? Or is this the schedule of every secondary student and I am just not used to it?

努力努力再努力:

I do not understand what the teacher is saying during lesson time, it happens a lot.

But you do understand when they explain one-on-one? What's the difference? Maybe if you can analyse that it could provide a clue that would help.

I tried to read up before lessons but there are many factors that interfere. 1, our subjects are random, we started with book 1, chapter 3 for Maths, then now we are at book 1, chapter 15 and book 2, chapter 12&13. I tried to read up, even bought guide books as notes provided are not always clear, however, the randomness always makes me feel like all that reading is useless. The teachers try to help me, especially my Maths and Physics teachers. They try to help me as much as they can but due to the fact that all my lessons progress really quickly and my teachers are not always free during recess, they are unable to clarify all my doubts.
Perhaps if you ask your teachers to let you know the order of the topics to be covered, that could help you read up in advance?

I got into Publications, only once a week and 2 hours (the least hour CCA). It is not as long as other sports cca such as track and field but other after school activities takes a lot of time. Even though I am not struggling with time management now, I believe that weeks from now, I will find myself exhausted everyday.
When you are new, it will always feel more tiring. As you get accustomed to the rhythm, it should get better. If you find that you really find the days long, then you could cut back on something, eg. 3rd language.
I find it really irritating that students are forced to go for many workshops and all that we don't necessarily need. I am able to speak in front of a big crowd without stuttering and am able to speak on the spot but I am forced to go for speech enrichment which will take place weeks later, wasting my Tuesday afternoons.We will also be forced into going for Interior Design classes and Guitar lessons in term 3.
One of the \"selling points\" of the IP scheme is that they provide opportunities for students to learn beyond the normal syllabus. Since you have the opportunities, embrace them and enjoy them. Expanding your experience is very enriching, and can help your thinking processes in ways that are not always immediately apparent.

Tuition seems like the best choice currently but with a schedule like that, should I really tuition? Or is this the schedule of every secondary student and I am just not used to it?
If you feel that tuition is the only way to help you understand your work, then you can give it a try. But is it all subjects you need help with? Then which ones will you take tuition in? I think you just need time to slowly get accustomed to the newer way of teaching and learning compared to your primary school. Rather than trying to just ask clarifying questions during recess, perhaps you can ask a teacher to give you a longer session one afternoon to do some fundamental coaching on how to read, how to learn etc.

And I don't think your schedule is any different from most sec school students, in IP schools, at least. Hope this helps.