dotb\" post_id=\"2116829\" time=\"1692451346\" user_id=\"108948:
Hello JiaLinMum,
My post was in response to an earlier post by garrybor
https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2116464#p2116464
In the post, He thought that almost all GEP entrants must have recieved external training or specific guidance from parents, and that those who claim not to have 'prepared' actually cram in private. And that all this talk of not preparing is propaganda, and the 'locals' who buy into this idea of not preparing are losing out to those who do train.
My post was to cite that there are actual cases of not preparing, and getting in (as in my children), and from my knowledge and experience, it is not as 'rare' as he perceived. I do not have the numbers, and I refrain from saying things like 'most cases are like this, or that', but hope that from my own observation of parents and children I've known, shed some light that it is not that 'rare' to not prepare.
As for the experience that children in GEP facing challenges, I'm quite certain that I did not specifically said that was the experience I had, or had observed. I was sharing my own thoughts that if it is true that a child that is not suitable, got into the program by extra training, then the child might find difficulty. And I mentioned, as an example, to take into cosideration that PSLE prep for kids in this program comes later than those in mainstream, and possibly for a child that require more practice would end up having to go for extra lessons.
These were my thoughts, in summary, and I did not mentioned I saw this happening to any of my child's schoolmates back then. Though this does not mean it will not happen or could not have happened.
On hindsight, if my post had not been in response to the earlier post by a fellow member here, it could be seen like a 'boast' of some sort, but seriously this was not my intention. I've always been a supporter of not preparing, and the seeing the earlier post fram garrybor, I thought I should just share my thoughts, with parents of children who will be taking the selection tests.
And yes, my post and I, are genuine. And my children were accepted into the program.
I hope this clarifies the intention of my post, if it still doesn't, please PM me if you want further clarification.
OMG, your tone seems to be dragging me into your \"discussion\" with jialinmum.
I feel that you are re-phrasing my words to make it sound more confrontational.
1) You said that \"He thought that almost all GEP entrants must have recieved external training or specific guidance from parents\".
What I actually said was \"I think that any child goes in without some sort of “enrichment”, be it external or at home is extremely unlikely:
maybe it is simply that the child reads a lot, or maybe it is that the parents guide at home\"
The word enrichment was in quotes because for lack of another word, I meant to say that even a good supply of books is considered beneficial for GEP admission.
Since you said that your child reads a lot, (and I presume you bought many of the books), I believe you can agree with the spirit of this point.
2) You said that I meant \"And that all this talk of not preparing is propaganda, and the 'locals' who buy into this idea of not preparing are losing out to those who do train.\"\"
I actually said \"I think the locals are eating our lunch eaten here because some locals are actually buying into the propaganda while other are happily sharing and exchanging tips and resources (and getting their kids into the GEP).\"
Indeed, I meant that the locals are losing out. I did not say that locals were completely excluded.
How does citing actual cases of not preparing change the reality?
I am sure nobody doubts that there are such cases.
Perhaps it is the number of such cases that we disagree about, in which case I invite you to do a Google search and look at the claims made by the prep centers.
3) Can you reveal when your child got into the GEP? Was it in recent years or say, more than 5 years ago?
The landscape (for GEP prep) is significantly different in the last 5 years or so.
Also, you mentioned that \"And I mentioned, as an example, to take into cosideration that PSLE prep for kids in this program comes later than those in mainstream, and possibly for a child that require more practice would end up having to go for extra lessons.\"
My own experience in recent years is that MOE and the school has managed and prepared for this very well, with a lot of communications and working together with the parents. So at least for my children's school, I do not think that this concern exists.
And in any case, what is to stop any parent/child from preparing for PSLE earlier if they really have difficulties?
Perhaps the experience is different for different schools.
4) I can see your reasons for advocating zero preparations.