Hi there and Good day to all.


This is an interesting topic/ discussion on alternative education journeys in Sgp.

My son was born in 2001, he sat for his PSLE and had the option to go for either NA/ Express stream. From young I noticed that he is a determined child and he seemed to be a go getter but like most children of this generation… can be abit adamant (nicer word to put than stubborn? LOL). Although I observed that given his determination/ academics achievements he can achieve greater heights, his playful streaks got the better of him. I almost pleaded to him to enrol in Xpress but he was adamant to go to N’levels and he said, "I want to study at my pace and I don’t think I will be happy…" I gritted my teeth and finally relented, and said "Uh huh…" lets review your goals every year.

So our fren (my son) went through his 4 years in NA and surprisingly enough he mostly scored A/ B for all his subjects and he sat for his N’levels exams in 2017 and scored 5 for his best 5 subjects. He sat for the Maths O’ levels subject at the same time when he sat for the N’levels. It was during this period that he realised that he should have opted for Express instead and listened to Mummy’s voice… but I advised him reflect and don’t look back. Most importantly, you have an open communication with your children.

My question now is since he sat for the O’level Maths in 2017, does he still need to register/ retake the subject in 2018 O’levels should he opt for the O’level route (although he is aiming for PFP route). I understand you have to register at least 5 O’level subjects and if he drops the Maths he will still have 5 subjects to register. I can’t find this information on the MOE/ SAEB website. Any one can advise? Will this be MOE/ school’s calling on subjects to register for scenarios similar to my son?

Also, communication/ accommodation is best in this instance to determine our children’s background. Spend time with them. We can push them to unearth their limits but ultimately we can only view at the sidelines and encourage them. Who don’t want a faster or ideal route to success? That would be every parent’s joy!! But given different generations idealistic views, accommodation/ consideration is necessary. Children today, leaders tomorrow.

Good luck to all!

Thank you.