Hi


I was the one who posted earlier on my experience on the usage of Algebra in PSLE Math. I dug out my email correspondence and will be reproducing it here. I have a correction to make. While I wrote directly to MOE, MOE forwarded my query to SEAB (Singapore Examinations & Assessment Board) to handle. So, the replies given were from SEAB.

Please read and judge for yourselves:

MY EMAIL TO MOE

I was informed by the school that while Algebra is accepted as a method for solving PSLE Math questions, no \"method\" marks (or marks for showing correct working), will be awarded. Full marks will be awarded only for final correct answers. This means that it is a \"do-or-die\" if you choose to use Algebra. However, if a student uses the Model Method, this can earn him method marks even if the final answer is incorrect.

I would like to seek clarification on whether the information above is accurate. And if so, the rationale behind it?

I find the preference for Model Method puzzling, all the more so because after PSLE, the secondary curriculum rarely mentions the Model Method. Instead, Algebra is taught. I know this because I have an elder son in Secondary school.

While the Model Method has its merits, I believe the examination process should give the child the choice to use other effective methods. This is more so for Algebra -- a problem-solving method which is fundamental to Mathematics and for which he or she will be using anyway in a few more months.

Both Algebra and Model Methods, therefore, could be accorded method marks. Answer sheets for standardized PSLE marking could include Algebra as well as Model solutions so as to ensure fairness in the marking process.

MOE FORWARDED MY QUESTION TO SEAB. SEAB'S REPLY:

SEAB can only provide broad guidelines as marking at the PSLE is a confidential exercise. The broad guideline to your query is “All solutions presented in a clear and systematic manner which demonstrate the candidate’s correct understanding of mathematical knowledge and application of skills will be given credit in the PSLE marking exercise.”

MY CLARIFICATION REPLY TO SEAB

I take it that since \"all solutions\" are accepted, Algebra is also accepted alongside any other solution and will be awarded method marks, not just for the final solution?

I believe answering this question will not entail reveal specific details in the marking process.

SEAB’S FINAL REPLY TO ME

We regret we are unable to reveal specific details in the marking of PSLE as it is a confidential exercise. In general, all solutions presented in a clear and systematic manner which demonstrate the candidate’s correct understanding of mathematical knowledge and application of skills will be given credit in the PSLE marking exercise.

As you can see, SEAB stopped short of saying Algebra is acceptable, preferring to give general, un-committal answers. But I personally take it that Algebra will also be awarded method marks.

Hope this clarifies, rather than confuses.

Hi there, I have some experience to share with regard to the use of Algebra in PSLE Math.


Firstly, at the beginning of this school year, I spoke to the school teacher. He stated that Algebra is acceptable but that method marks will not be awarded. So, the trick is, get the final answer right and you can the full marks. Or none.

In the middle of the year, feeling that this was not justified, I wrote to MOE on this particular question of using algebra. MOE did not categorically said Algebra is accepted (despite my re-questioning) but emphasized that any method will be awarded method marks as long as they are used correctly.

Strangely enough, weeks after my letter to MOE, my son came home to tell me his teacher (the same one I asked about Algebra) told everyone in class that Algebra is now acceptable as a method in PSLE Math and method marks will be awarded as long as they are sound.

So, I guess, bottomline is: don’t worry that you will get zero marks if you don’t get the final answer correct when using Algebra. You will get some marks for method.e.g stating the correct equations etc.

Opps just looked at the component marks for English and MT:

They are Paper 1, Paper 2, Listening and Oral. No further breakdown into reading etc. However, the teacher did give me a rough idea during PTC.
Which gives a good idea of where your child’s weaknesses lie.

I don’t think it is unreasonable at all because my son’s school even puts it in the report book every year. It shows the breakdown of oral components, reading, LC, and conversation as well as composition even!


So, do fight for it!

Hi


Just wondering, is P5/6 Scholarship reduced to only $350 this year regardless of whether you’re in top 5% or not?

Thanks

Hi everyone

Not sure if this is the right thread to ask.My younger one is taking PSLE this year.
My plan to start on Orals earlier.
Any good resources on Chinese and English Oral to recommend? Ideally cone with audio CDfor Listening and following PSLE format closely.

:thankyou:

Thanks for all the quick replies. Anyone received $400 for P5/6 this year?

Hi


Can someone clarify please if the scholarship amount is the same as last year for P5, i.e $400 for top 5% and $350 for the next 5%?

Thanks a bunch!

Hi Everyone


Was looking for the website pages which list down the ACE FOR COMPETITIVE EVENTS, ACE FOR NON-COMPETITIVE EVENTS AND ACE FOR SUBJECT-SPECIFIC EVENTS etc.

Realised that they cannot be found on the new HCI website launched this week?

Did anyone keep a copy of it? Could you please pm or post here if you have it. I particularly want to find out how ACE points are awarded for Math Competitions e.g. SMO. Will you get points based on participation or does one have to perform at a particular level?

Thanks!

Thanks Jeannie12 and Tetsujin for your replies. Truly appreciate the advice! I have asked my son to approach the teacher directly and ask for guidance. By the way, I just checked the Parents’ Portal today and the progress report for Term 1 is already available for viewing.