KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

This has been the most common question asked after the pupils received their result: If they only manage to score a low 200 score but the stream indicated on their result slip is EXPRESS, are they eligible for Express stream only or is it possible for them to go to Normal Academic? Thanks in advance

tutor_ng wrote:This has been the most common question asked after the pupils received their result: If they only manage to score a low 200 score but the stream indicated on their result slip is EXPRESS, are they eligible for Express stream only or is it possible for them to go to Normal Academic? Thanks in advance

I faced that dilemma. It is very risky as child can slip into normal stream.
Brought up that issue and possibility to my boy. He must want to work very hard next year...that drive has to be from him alone. For primary school, we can still nag but as a pre teen, he should be forced to be mature and think for himself.

Thanks, Janet. The problem now is more about selecting the secondary schools as with the score of 200 - 210, it is neither here nor there - they are happy they can get into Express stream but they have very limited schools to choose from. Hence they are wondering if they can widen their selection range by opting to go for Normal Academic instead but not sure if MOE will allow that since the stream indicated on their result slip is Express only (don't have the choice of Express/NA).

tutor_ng wrote:Thanks, Janet. The problem now is more about selecting the secondary schools as with the score of 200 - 210, it is neither here nor there - they are happy they can get into Express stream but they have very limited schools to choose from. Hence they are wondering if they can widen their selection range by opting to go for Normal Academic instead but not sure if MOE will allow that since the stream indicated on their result slip is Express only (don't have the choice of Express/NA).

Very limited choices indeed...depressing.
No matter what, son has to work VERY VERY hard. Sec 1 is very different...there is history, Geog, literature, art etc etc. He must wake up !!!

Don't worry - my ex-students who are going to be Sec 2 next year told me that they actually find Sec 1 syllabus easier as compared to Primary 6. Some even managed to cross over from NA to Express. Maybe they have truly matured. I am sure your son will too!

tutor_ng wrote:Don't worry - my ex-students who are going to be Sec 2 next year told me that they actually find Sec 1 syllabus easier as compared to Primary 6. Some even managed to cross over from NA to Express. Maybe they have truly matured. I am sure your son will too!

Really? I am a little relieved to hear that. Thanks.
All boils down to maturity now and the NEED to do well.
Strange, primary 6 tougher than sec 1

janet_lee88 wrote:

tutor_ng wrote:Don't worry - my ex-students who are going to be Sec 2 next year told me that they actually find Sec 1 syllabus easier as compared to Primary 6. Some even managed to cross over from NA to Express. Maybe they have truly matured. I am sure your son will too!

Really? I am a little relieved to hear that. Thanks.
All boils down to maturity now and the NEED to do well.
Strange, primary 6 tougher than sec 1

They were telling me that P6 Maths was more challenging as a lot of questions especially the problem sums are not straightforward and really test their understanding of a certain concept while Maths in Sec 1 requires a lot of memory work - as long as they can memorise certain formulas and know how to apply them, they are able to do well in the test.

I spoke to one of the sec teachers and was told that they will not allow students to select N (A) if result slip is Express. She said that every year there are parents requesting to be in N(A) even they are Express. This is because they are unable to get into their Express COP and hoping to get into their school via N(A). She said MOE will not permit school to do that. Students can only select N(A) if they have a choice of Express/NA.

Another sec sch teacher strongly discouraged parents to transfer Express to N(A). This is because the syllabus is totally different. She said that as long as students who's able to get into Express are already considered very good. The teacher suggested students to work hard in Sec one and later transfer out if you really want to go to your dream sch.

Hi tutor_ng,
Thanks for your advice...I certainly hope son will do well for math if it involves formula rather than concepts.

tutor_ng wrote:Thanks, Janet. The problem now is more about selecting the secondary schools as with the score of 200 - 210, it is neither here nor there - they are happy they can get into Express stream but they have very limited schools to choose from. Hence they are wondering if they can widen their selection range by opting to go for Normal Academic instead but not sure if MOE will allow that since the stream indicated on their result slip is Express only (don't have the choice of Express/NA).

Only those who can between 188-199 can opt for either express or normal. Those who are 200 & above shouldbe able to cope with express syllabus. Why waste aanother year?

They should look forward to sec school, start fresh & study hard. Not all O level top scorers are PSLE top scorers. Janet & fifyeo, continue to guide & encourage your kids & they will do better in their O level.