Not too sure if there are still mums here preparing their child for the SPERS exams. 2 of my boys sat for SPERS-Sec in 2021. One sat for SPERS-Sec 1 (PSLE syllabus) and the other sat for SPERS-Sec 3 (Sec 2 syllabus). Thought it might be good to share how I prepared for my boys.


My boys attended local Chinese school for 3 years and then switched to an international school for another 3 years. When they were in Chinese schools, I homeschooled them in English and gave them some test papers to do. I didn't do much for Maths because the Chinese schools drilled them well. In addition, I wasn't very skilled in teaching heuristics Maths. Subsequently, when they transferred to international school, I stopped homeschooling them in their English. When we made the decision to return to Singapore in Mar 2021, we only had a short runway of 6 months to prepare for SPERS. Both of them had intensive tuition for English and Maths on top of their normal school hours. I think it really depends on the level which they are gaining entry to. My younger boy who sat for SPERS-Sec 1 had it tough as he had to master all the heuristic questions. While my boy was already 6th grade in the US curriculum, he was only at P4 level by Singapore standard (the tuition teacher gave them an assessment). On the other hand, my older boy who sat for SPERS-Sec 3 had it easier. He wasn't excelling in Maths but neither was he lagging far behind. There were still gaps to fill in. As most of us know, Singapore has quite high standard.

They went through countless test papers. We had very excellent tutors who drilled them. They were also very patient and long-suffering. Ha ha.... The format of the exam can be taken from the SPERS website. No calculator is allowed for Maths. Please let your tutor know so that they can focus on the questions that don't require the use of calculator. Often, there are a lot of steps to be written. So ensure that they check and re-check their answers. Encourage them to write out the sums on rough paper if their mental sums skill is not that strong. It might be good that the tutors can give them some practice on IQ or Olympiad kind of questions e.g. patterns, logic. For English, there wasn't any question on Synthesis and Transformation.

My advice is that, if possible, try not to come back during your child has to sit for SPERS-Sec 1. Personally, I feel SPERS-Sec 2 will be better. I couldn't wait till this year Sept for my 2nd boy to take SPERS-Sec 2 because my older boy would have to sit for O-level the following year. It would have been really unfair for him. As it is, entering Sec 3 puts him at a disadvantage. He was limited in his CCA choices. Thankfully he was offered his desired subject combinations.

We returned end August and they had about 1 month to adjust. As it was Covid times, we tried to keep them home as much as possible cos we didn't want to risk having them fall sick.

We are thankful that both was offered the Express stream and posted to their 1st choice of school. While the exam is important, I feel the support given during the transition to Singapore system is more important. There are so many administrations and details to look into. We also had to gently guide them as they make their way around and get used to the lingo and culture of Singapore school.

It has been an exciting journey and with steep learning curves. At the end of the day, you know your child best and is aware of how much stress they can take. Work alongside with them. Listen to them and be there to guide them.

Hope all this information helped.

https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/article/school-placement-exercise-for-returning-singapore-children/

Anyone has the email address of the principal of SHSS, Mrs. Janice Lim?

I am interested to know about the timing too. Anyone knows when the school will call/notify you if your child has been shortlisted/accepted for the transfer?

reinersu\" post_id=\"2033086\" time=\"1628116199\" user_id=\"192784:

mummytozen\" post_id=\"2032034\" time=\"1627444242\" user_id=\"166232:

[quote=Sgmommy2 post_id=2031701 time=1627138260 user_id=193359]

Even we didn’t get the reply yet, the application date is till Aug 26, so only by then we might get the confirmation is what I thought.

Thanks Sgmommy. I received a reply from them asking if I am interested in their Assured Placement option. They gave me 3 schools to choose from but I declined. They will proceed to process my son's SPERS application.

Are the 3 school choices near, within 1km to your registered address kinda?[/quote]Sorry for the late reply. One is within 1km currently but will merged with another secondary school next year (and hence will not be within 1km). The other 2 offered is like 5 km away when there are other schools within 2km vicinity.

Sgmommy2\" post_id=\"2031701\" time=\"1627138260\" user_id=\"193359:

mummytozen\" post_id=\"2031059\" time=\"1626686935\" user_id=\"166232:

For those who have applied for SPERS, how long does it usually take for SEAB to reply regarding approval?

Even we didn’t get the reply yet, the application date is till Aug 26, so only by then we might get the confirmation is what I thought.

Thanks Sgmommy. I received a reply from them asking if I am interested in their Assured Placement option. They gave me 3 schools to choose from but I declined. They will proceed to process my son's SPERS application.

Another question regarding returning students taking SPERS Sec 1 - As stated on SEAB website:


The Common Last Topics for PSLE Mathematics are only the Primary 6 content of
the following topics: Speed, Volume, Pie Charts, Solid Figures and Nets.
The Primary 6 content of these topics will not be examined in 2021 PSLE Mathematics.

Does it mean that these topics will not be examined in the SPERS Sec 1 paper?

For those who have applied for SPERS, how long does it usually take for SEAB to reply regarding approval?

A quick question for those whose child has taken the SPERS exam recently. I noted that the format listed in the SPERS website differs slightly from the PSLE English and Maths. It is also indicated that the child is not allowed to use calculator for Maths. Is that true for your child? I have 2 children who will be taking the SPERS Sec 1 and Sec 3.

slmkhoo\" post_id=\"2021640\" time=\"1619604672\" user_id=\"28674:

mummytozen\" post_id=\"2021627\" time=\"1619599336\" user_id=\"166232:

I am just wondering how the recent AL scores will affect our child who will be taking SPERS-Sec 1. I suppose our child just have to work hard and score well (and not knowing the score) to hopefully be able to get one of the 6 choices we listed.

Frankly, since MOE has never said how they grade/rank students who take SPERS, there is really no difference to students now as they still don't know! As in the past, a parent should be objective about the child's ability, and choose the school accordingly to avoid disappointment.

Indeed! Still not knowing the score etc makes it difficult. I had initially wanted to try the Assured Placement route because that's what MOE recommended on their SPERS info. So I emailed, asking if I could first apply, wait for the results and then decide if I want to take up the offer under the Assured Placement or reject and proceed to let my child take SPERS. They never gave me an exact yes/no answer. Only gave me very factual information (which can be found on the website). I had a teleconf with one of the officers to clarify more but she just said it will take 3 months to process my application and asked me to submit my application and still did not give me a yes/no answer. I went on to ask her about the recent changes in the PSLE scoring and how it might affect my child sitting for the SPERS exams, she said she is unsure and asked me to write in to MOE to find out more.

I am just wondering how the recent AL scores will affect our child who will be taking SPERS-Sec 1. I suppose our child just have to work hard and score well (and not knowing the score) to hopefully be able to get one of the 6 choices we listed.