<![CDATA[No mid year exam for Sec 3]]>effort and some degree of hard work is required at secondary level.

doing away with mid year for sec 1 and 3 will give the kids some breather…for sec 1s, time to adjust to a new environment and more subjects. for the sec 3s, new subjects and also after a stressful year (sec 2 streaming).
OT…after I have heard of kids who commit suicide and having that dreadful C illness, nothing is more important than having good health which includes mental health.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/92758/no-mid-year-exam-for-sec-3RSS for NodeSat, 18 Jul 2026 06:19:59 GMTFri, 11 Jan 2019 03:31:36 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Fri, 11 Jan 2019 02:34:25 GMT]]>

janet88:
learning is and should be kept fun.

I agree with this up to a point. That is the way it should be for young kids, but they also need to gradually learn that learning does take hard work. I think many Singaporean students have been pushed to the \"hard work\" stage way too early, but we should be wary of letting them think that learning will always be enjoyable and interesting all the way. Certainly by sec school, they should be expected to put in some hard work, and be disciplined enough to put in some hours of slogging even if it isn't interesting or fun. But of course, that shouldn't be all day, every day, even at the highest levels. It has to be a gradual progression, and that is something teachers and MOE have to work out.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893930https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893930Fri, 11 Jan 2019 02:34:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Thu, 10 Jan 2019 14:43:45 GMT]]>

ChiefKiasu:

Interesting. I'm sure many folks feel the same. Exams can be stressful, students are doubtlessly anxious about their grades; but it really depends on our point of view.

Some people enjoy exams because they know they will do well and exams is the means for them to stake their excellent marks on the subject. Their reception of their results are one of excitement. Many others dread exams because they find the subjects very difficult for themselves.

I personally believe that if learning is a matter of choice, then we can convert exam stress into anticipation! Just imagine all of us studying only subjects that we love and cherish!
learning is and should be kept fun. this will help our kids think out of the box. if there is an exam, the focus is on passing it. when there is no exam in sight, the teachers do not have to rush through the topics, thus giving time for students to absorb and maybe dare to ask questions when in doubt.
zac mum said her son will have 3 terms to adjust to a new subject and final year exam...however, the cohort will still be promoted to p4 regardless of the result. this lessens the fear of sitting for an exam and for 4 subjects.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893873https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893873Thu, 10 Jan 2019 14:43:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Thu, 10 Jan 2019 13:48:36 GMT]]>

janet88:
ChiefKiasu:


I don't like the idea of removing regular exams. That would mean more anxiety during the actual exams since kids need to face them, anyway. Why not focus on teaching kids how to handle problems during exams and making kids more immune to anxiety during exams?

having mid year exams means preparation (aka revision) would have to start from late march/early april and that means teachers would be rushing through to complete the syllabus. doing away with mid-year exams mean less stress to prepare a chunk of topics. attending school is to learn...but exams contributes to anxiety because the students would have to understand the topic fast as the teacher will be zooming through in order to complete the topics which will be tested for mid year.
our kids (and us) are so stressed with exams...learning should be fun. bite size tests would help teachers and parents know how well the kids understand. IMO, exams = STRESS + ANXIETY.

Interesting. I'm sure many folks feel the same. Exams can be stressful, students are doubtlessly anxious about their grades; but it really depends on our point of view.

Some people enjoy exams because they know they will do well and exams is the means for them to stake their excellent marks on the subject. Their reception of their results are one of excitement. Many others dread exams because they find the subjects very difficult for themselves.

I personally believe that if learning is a matter of choice, then we can convert exam stress into anticipation! Just imagine all of us studying only subjects that we love and cherish!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893865https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893865Thu, 10 Jan 2019 13:48:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Thu, 10 Jan 2019 13:18:02 GMT]]>

ChiefKiasu:

I don't like the idea of removing regular exams. That would mean more anxiety during the actual exams since kids need to face them, anyway. Why not focus on teaching kids how to handle problems during exams and making kids more immune to anxiety during exams?
having mid year exams means preparation (aka revision) would have to start from late march/early april and that means teachers would be rushing through to complete the syllabus. doing away with mid-year exams mean less stress to prepare a chunk of topics. attending school is to learn...but exams contributes to anxiety because the students would have to understand the topic fast as the teacher will be zooming through in order to complete the topics which will be tested for mid year.
our kids (and us) are so stressed with exams...learning should be fun. bite size tests would help teachers and parents know how well the kids understand. IMO, exams = STRESS + ANXIETY.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893860https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893860Thu, 10 Jan 2019 13:18:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Thu, 10 Jan 2019 08:53:49 GMT]]>The fact that they removed mid-year exam : is to signal to students that, now since no more mid-year exam, so u all can relax, can learn (practise) more stuff (whatever u are interested in), at your own relaxed pace.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893826https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893826Thu, 10 Jan 2019 08:53:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Thu, 10 Jan 2019 08:38:02 GMT]]>

phtthp:
Noticed that MOE had announced the removal of 4 (four) odd-level mid-year exam, for (P3, P5, Sec 1, Sec 3) level, but why never include that of JC1 (Year 5) mid-year exam, as well ?



Except for (P1 and P2 abolished exam), all other level (from P3 to JC2) have compulsory end-of-year exam.
I don't like the idea of removing regular exams. That would mean more anxiety during the actual exams since kids need to face them, anyway. Why not focus on teaching kids how to handle problems during exams and making kids more immune to anxiety during exams?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893822https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893822Thu, 10 Jan 2019 08:38:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Thu, 10 Jan 2019 07:54:54 GMT]]>

janet88:
MrsKiasu:


I m just guessing probably they still have those bite size assessments just that not graded or whatever we call it..then when given exam papers at the end P3..wont be first time seeing/going through it ba 🤷

exam script would be longer in duration and more questions tested.
I don't know what it would be...but EOY in p3 followed by mid year and EOY in p4. no joke.

No mid-year exam doesn't mean no mid-year tests.

There will still be tests, check-point in progress, just that for mid-year : not graded, do not enter Report card, for (P3, P5, Sec 1, Sec 3), hence people feel relieved

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893815https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893815Thu, 10 Jan 2019 07:54:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Thu, 10 Jan 2019 03:17:20 GMT]]>

MrsKiasu:

I m just guessing probably they still have those bite size assessments just that not graded or whatever we call it..then when given exam papers at the end P3..wont be first time seeing/going through it ba 🤷
exam script would be longer in duration and more questions tested.
I don't know what it would be...but EOY in p3 followed by mid year and EOY in p4. no joke.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893769https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893769Thu, 10 Jan 2019 03:17:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Thu, 10 Jan 2019 03:12:46 GMT]]>

janet88:
phtthp:

Noticed that MOE had announced the removal of 4 (four) odd-level mid-year exam, for (P3, P5, Sec 1, Sec 3) level, but why never include that of JC1 (Year 5) mid-year exam, as well ?


Except for (P1 and P2 abolished exam), all other level (from P3 to JC2) have compulsory end-of-year exam.

parents are stressed usually at primary levels...students at JC level are considered mature.
however, I find that removing exams for p2 is not a good idea because the kids will face the first exam at the end of p3 and there would be 4 subjects. then there is also mid year and final year at p4. strangely at p5, there is no mid year.

I m just guessing probably they still have those bite size assessments just that not graded or whatever we call it..then when given exam papers at the end P3..wont be first time seeing/going through it ba 🤷

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893768https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893768Thu, 10 Jan 2019 03:12:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Thu, 10 Jan 2019 03:05:22 GMT]]>

phtthp:
Noticed that MOE had announced the removal of 4 (four) odd-level mid-year exam, for (P3, P5, Sec 1, Sec 3) level, but why never include that of JC1 (Year 5) mid-year exam, as well ?


Except for (P1 and P2 abolished exam), all other level (from P3 to JC2) have compulsory end-of-year exam.
parents are stressed usually at primary levels...students at JC level are considered mature.
however, I find that removing exams for p2 is not a good idea because the kids will face the first exam at the end of p3 and there would be 4 subjects. then there is also mid year and final year at p4. strangely at p5, there is no mid year.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893767https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893767Thu, 10 Jan 2019 03:05:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Thu, 10 Jan 2019 02:39:59 GMT]]>Noticed that MOE had announced the removal of 4 (four) odd-level mid-year exam, for (P3, P5, Sec 1, Sec 3) level, but why never include that of JC1 (Year 5) mid-year exam, as well ?



Except for (P1 and P2 abolished exam), all other level (from P3 to JC2) have compulsory end-of-year exam.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893759https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893759Thu, 10 Jan 2019 02:39:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Thu, 10 Jan 2019 01:15:33 GMT]]>daughter told me her principal addressed the sec 3s yesterday...no mid year exams. they are so happy.

then one had to push her luck by asking if there is end of year exam :rotflmao:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893731https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893731Thu, 10 Jan 2019 01:15:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Mon, 07 Jan 2019 14:51:25 GMT]]>

Estéema:
@ lee_yl Good to know finally secured a slot at TLL, but gosh, after Yr 1 exams over. Maybe blessings in disguise ya? Yr DD1 find footing & develop sense of time mgt. These are skills hard to teach, but learnt early benefits thro’out Sec sch.


DS had met with both good teammates & manipulative ones. Definitely hv one or two clueless & cant contribute ones. He learnt to manage them. He knows exactly what the proj requires & hence able to navigate well even if on his own.
Funny right? Year 1 exam already over. 😂 She actually improved by 10 marks by end-of-yr without tuition. 😂 I saved some money.

At the beginning, she spent too much time on projects and we thought it was normal but her teacher said there’s no need to. Partly also because she has to cover her team mate’s portion :roll:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893459https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893459Mon, 07 Jan 2019 14:51:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Mon, 07 Jan 2019 14:37:45 GMT]]>@ lee_yl Good to know finally secured a slot at TLL, but gosh, after Yr 1 exams over. Maybe blessings in disguise ya? Yr DD1 find footing & develop sense of time mgt. These are skills hard to teach, but learnt early benefits thro’out Sec sch.


DS had met with both good teammates & manipulative ones. Definitely hv one or two clueless & cant contribute ones. He learnt to manage them. He knows exactly what the proj requires & hence able to navigate well even if on his own.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893458https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893458Mon, 07 Jan 2019 14:37:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Mon, 07 Jan 2019 14:32:33 GMT]]>@Nycity,

Yes, my DD1 is in the IP, just started sec 2 this year.

@Estee,
Think DD1 was quite blurred during the transition period from P6 to sec 1.

It’s from these class tests that the teacher noticed her difficulties and rang us up (very early). She’s now more aware of time management, how to deal with uncooperative project team mates and acquire better exam techniques. 😄

Yes, in Dec, TLL called to say they had a weekend slot available for sec2 term1. TLL not very fantastic but at least it helps to expand DD1’s vocabulary.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893457https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893457Mon, 07 Jan 2019 14:32:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Sun, 06 Jan 2019 14:41:39 GMT]]>

phtthp:
For the Sec 3 byte sized tests, does the school let u know the dates in advance first when to test u, or are they \"surprise\" tests springed ?

daughter told me the tests will be in week 6...I suppose the dates will be made known.
no mention of any briefing for sec 3 parents so far.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893304https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893304Sun, 06 Jan 2019 14:41:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Sun, 06 Jan 2019 10:19:27 GMT]]>

lee_yl:
Agreed with Chief.


My eldest just started sec 2 this year. Last night she mentioned that there will be some new changes this year. The whole class dislikes the new arrangement. The girls felt more stressed this way.

DD1 feels that she may fare better with regular graded bite size tests (aka checkpoints) than just depend on 1-2 major ones.
Hi,

Is your child on IP program?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893285https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893285Sun, 06 Jan 2019 10:19:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Sun, 06 Jan 2019 09:17:04 GMT]]>

lee_yl:


Graded tests for secondary so far no “surprise test”. Anyway, we will be going for the sec 2 talk on 18th Jan to find out more.

In fact, DD1 didn’t do well for sec 1 CA1, and her teacher rang us up. We were grateful for the call and took note of it. DD1 did well subsequently which helped to pull up her overall results. Imagine there’s only one end-of-year exam and if she flopped and couldn’t meet promotional criteria? Scary thoughts
Ya. I rmbr yr angst earlier last year with yr DD1. Glad to know her grades pulled in for the rest of year. So she did get a place with TLL for sec 1 tuition?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893283https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893283Sun, 06 Jan 2019 09:17:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Sun, 06 Jan 2019 07:51:26 GMT]]>

phtthp:
lee_yl:

Agreed with Chief.


My eldest just started sec 2 this year. Last night she mentioned that there will be some new changes this year. The whole class dislikes the new arrangement. The girls felt more stressed this way.

DD1 feels that she may fare better with regular graded bite size tests (aka checkpoints) than just depend on 1-2 major ones.

For your DD1 Sec 2 (IP), besides those \"1-2\" major tests, are there also a number of \"surprise quiz\" which are graded ? Do they inform u in advance first, when these \"surprise\" tests (quiz) going to take place ?

Graded tests for secondary so far no “surprise test”. Anyway, we will be going for the sec 2 talk on 18th Jan to find out more.

In fact, DD1 didn’t do well for sec 1 CA1, and her teacher rang us up. We were grateful for the call and took note of it. DD1 did well subsequently which helped to pull up her overall results. Imagine there’s only one end-of-year exam and if she flopped and couldn’t meet promotional criteria? Scary thoughts

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893274https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893274Sun, 06 Jan 2019 07:51:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Sun, 06 Jan 2019 03:16:42 GMT]]>

lee_yl:
Agreed with Chief.


My eldest just started sec 2 this year. Last night she mentioned that there will be some new changes this year. The whole class dislikes the new arrangement. The girls felt more stressed this way.

DD1 feels that she may fare better with regular graded bite size tests (aka checkpoints) than just depend on 1-2 major ones.
For your DD1 Sec 2 (IP), besides those \"1-2\" major tests, are there also a number of \"surprise quiz\" which are graded ? Do they inform u in advance first, when these \"surprise\" tests (quiz) going to take place ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893244https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893244Sun, 06 Jan 2019 03:16:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Sun, 06 Jan 2019 03:09:56 GMT]]>For the Sec 3 byte sized tests, does the school let u know the dates in advance first when to test u, or are they "surprise" tests springed ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893243https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893243Sun, 06 Jan 2019 03:09:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Sun, 06 Jan 2019 01:25:39 GMT]]>I welcome graded bite sized tests which will make up the 40% (in place of mid year), spread out over 10% WA1 (weighted assessment), 15% WA2 and 15% WA3...before the end of year exam 60% in Oct.

this way, my daughter will feel the pressure to be attentive in class & work hard for those WAs...the test results would show how she fares. 60% EOY exam is definitely less pressure than 70%.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893238https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893238Sun, 06 Jan 2019 01:25:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to No mid year exam for Sec 3 on Sat, 05 Jan 2019 07:19:45 GMT]]>Even in my time, in the 70s, we had tests in terms 1 & 3 which counted for 10% each, and exams in terms 2 & 4 which counted for the other 80%. Some parents (and their kids) got stressed by them, and some didn’t. For my kids, under the US system, every assignment (every few days) counted for 2%-5%, with bigger tests and exams spread throughout the year. But no-one got too stressed, as far as I could see.


I think a lot of it is how parents look at the tests - rather than pressure the kids to work hard for the tests and then heave a sigh of relief, I preferred to let the kids work as hard as they thought they needed to for the frequents assignment/tests, then troubleshoot after the results of were out. That way, they couldn’t argue with me that they didn’t need to do more work as the results would speak for themselves. And they would probably have covered the ground sufficiently by the time the major exams came round.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893183https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1893183Sat, 05 Jan 2019 07:19:45 GMT