In reply to this post,

> How do parents find the RGS exam system? I find that there has been changes in the last few years - in the past the MYA was taken in one whole stretch just like the EYA, but it seems like now it was a few papers a week (can be 3 different papers in a day) and lasted a few weeks. Also for those who take RA Maths, in the mid year GPA computation, Maths will be counted as 1 subject instead of 2 subjects (for the non-RA Maths students) - a bit disadvantaged for students strong in Maths.

Actually, I beg to differ your point that RA Maths students are of a disadvantage because of that new system. I have a daughter currently in RA Maths now in RGS. At first I thought the new system will be of a disadvantage to her, but after considering different points of view, I think it is actually of an advantage if you look at it this way:

The system goes like that, RA Math students will be exempted from all math 1 assessments except the end of year one, which will go 100% into her final Math 1 GPA. It might seem of a disadvantage, especially if students happen to not do well for that paper, but actually, after you weigh the pros and cons out, it does not really seem so.

Although math 1 isn’t counted for mid year gpa, it will still be counted for end yr gpa which is firstly more important as it is the final and overall gpa, and secondly, it is actually no different from other students taking other RA subjects, because math just happens to be double weightage whereas other subj, e.g. lit is only one weightage. So actually if you look at it that way, RA math students have an advantage in the end year where there is double weightage given to their strong subjects, and an equal advantage in mid year. Also, I trust that your daughter, if in RA maths, will come to prefer that structure, as math 1 has more projects, e.g. unit summary, which she wont need to do, which actually saves time and effort for her to concentrate on other subjects.

But all in all, my daughter still enjoys RA Math classes a lot as it is very challenging and they learn more new topics (touch on JC topics) which will definitely give them an advantage when come to math in JC. Her teacher is also very good, and her class is also quite active in discussions and the participation is very enthusiastic, as everyone like-minded has an interest in math, which also motivates her to strive better as well, and I believe, this type of atmosphere is very hard to find in non-RA Math classes.