http://www.todayonline.com/Hotnews/EDC120927-0000144/PSLE-is-needed-in-Singapore--PM-Lee


Not a new question actually! But when I read the article about PSLE on Today and saw PM Lee's saying, I really disagree with it.

He said \"There are many points in life where you have to prove yourself and demonstrate what you can do. You don't have to get into the right school and thereafter think that you are on an escalator ... So really it's your own ability and effort you have put in, the dedication of your teachers, and then you demonstrate what you can do at the stage of your life.\"

Then my point is if you don't have to get into the right secondary school, then you will bear the possibility of not getting into high school, and in turn not even in a good university.

It is this education system (which ironically PSLE is part of) that makes students so stressful since primary school. This is an escalator for anyone who wants to reserve a seat in university.

So if PSLE is axed, would it be better?

Hi guys,


Thank you so much for the replies!

As far as I know the changes to the English PSLE format for 2013 include:

a) Pupils’ grammar mastery will be explicitly assessed under the Editing segment.
b) Pupils will now have to deal with 3 passages in the Comprehension segment as compared to 2 passages in the current format.
c) Pupils have to respond personally to the Comprehension texts
d) The essay topics require pupils to merge all aspects of their writing skills ranging from the Narrative, Descriptive, Argumentative and Discursive.

Personally, I am quite happy with the changes because I feel that this is what English is supposed to be about - application. In the past, we had to do stuff like rearranging the sentences, close passage(guess the missing word) and comprehension was basically just lifting from the passage. I didn't think all that was helpful to me at all in terms of mastering the language. At least now the education system is teaching students how to express themselves and use language as a tool for communication rather than just another subject to be practiced over and over again in assessment books.

On a side note, I am also happy that quite a number of tuition centers, well at least from what I know, are already changing their teaching methods for PSLE English. Off the top of my head, The Alternative Story tuition centre, Young Champs Eduland and Raffles EduHub have already adapted to the changes.

So besides English, have there been any changes for Math and Chinese? Because I heard something about new types of questions for Math and something about lesser emphasis in the marks for Mother Tongue, i.e. Mother Tongue results will play a smaller role in entrance to secondary schools. Is this true?

As parents, what can we do as parents to provide a better learning environment for our children?

- be quiet when they are studying
- ensure there is plenty of light in the room
- provide them with a good and nutritious meals
- provide a clean, spacious desk with a comfortable chair

Can any of you come up with more ideas to help our beloved children?

Hi everyone,


My DS is having his PSLE next year. As you know, PSLE is like the new "O" Levels and it would be great if our kids can have a good start to their academic journey by doing well for PSLE.

Lately, I have been reading up on some news about changes in PSLE testing formats but have gotten a little lost along the way. I would really appreciate if someone can kindly update me on the changes in PSLE testing formats over the years so that I can keep track and have a better understanding on how to help my DS prepare for his PSLE. Thank you!!