Primary 4 Meet The Parents Session: SUBJECT-BASED BANDING 16 Sept 2014

What is Subject-Based Banding (SBB)? SBB was implemented from 2008 Every child will be encouraged to do the subjects at the level that best meets his abilities

What is Subject-Based Banding (SBB)? Introduced as a refinement to the streaming process to help each child realize his potential, based on his interests and strengths.

Why introduce SBB? To provide more flexibility to pupils with different strengths and abilities that vary across subjects. To encourage greater interaction among pupils with different strengths.

Why introduce SBB? “We recognise different abilities... and help each student to proceed at a pace that he can manage.” Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam Minister for Education 2006

PSLE scores The PSLE scoring system remains unchanged. The raw mark for each subject is converted to a transformed score (T-score). The T-score reflects the pupils’ standing relative to other pupils on a common scale.

PSLE scores The Aggregate Score is the sum of the T-score in all subjects. Each subject carries equal weighting. The PSLE score takes into account the content and demand of each subject.

How does SBB work in MPS? Adhere closely to MOE guidelines Provide choice and flexibility to pupils To ensure that pupils take subjects which BEST meet their abilities

Selection Criteria Based on Merit Overall performance and performance in various subjects Teacher availability Number of pupils being offered the options

MPS offers these options…

OPTION 1 – 4S1H If child… Passes in all 4 subjects Achieves overall 60% and above Performs very well in Mother Tongue – 80% and above 4S1H combination (4 Standard Subjects + Higher Mother Tongue) English Language Mathematics Science Mother Tongue Higher Mother Tongue

OPTION 2 – 4S If child… Passes all 4 subjects 4S combination (4 Standard Subjects) English Language Mathematics Science Mother Tongue

OPTION 3 – 3S1F If child… Passes in 3 subjects Fails in Mother Tongue 3S1F combination (3 Standard Subjects + 1 Foundation Subject) English Language Mathematics Science Foundation Mother Tongue

OPTION 4 – 3S1F If child… Passes in 3 subjects Fails in Mathematics 3S1F combination (3 Standard Subjects + 1 Foundation Subject) English Language Science Mother Tongue Foundation Mathematics

OPTION 5 – 4F If child… Fails in all subjects 4F combination (4 Foundation Subjects) Foundation English Foundation Mathematics Foundation Science Foundation Mother Tongue

OPTION 6 – 3F1S If child… Fails in 3 subjects Passes Mother Tongue 3F1S combination (3 Foundation Subjects + 1 Standard Subject) Foundation English Foundation Mathematics Foundation Science Mother Tongue

Educational Support Support Objective Time Frame Structured Remediation Programme To help students who are in the low progress group Mondays Enrichment Programme To build interest and higher order skills in all students in Eng, Maths and Sci subjects (problem solving, creative writing, investigative skills) Wednesdays Leadership Programme To build self and peer leadership skills, personal leadership, discipline and self-confidence Fri 10 Oct 2014 Fri 31 Oct 2014 Differentiated Remediation Programme To stretch the high progress students and middle progress students Term 4 (after school)

Important Dates P4 SA2 (Main Papers) Mon 27 Oct 2014 – Thu 30 Oct 2014 Release of SBB Option Forms and Report Books to parents Mon 10 Nov 2014 Submission of Option Forms to Form Teachers Mon 10 Nov 2014 – Tue 11 Nov 2014 Meeting with Year Head (if requesting for change of option) Tue 11 Nov 2014 These are some important dates to take note. “Mention what the dates are for”. We will inform you nearer to the dates.

6 Tips on Preparing Your Child For Exams Be prepared!  Be well versed with the 4 P's - "Preparation Prevents Poor Performance". The most effective way of reducing stress brought on by tests and exams is to be well prepared. Plan a home timetable.  Help your child write down the topics they have to cover. Guide them in allocating appropriate number of hours for revision. Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Child-Prepare-for-Exams

6 Tips on Preparing Your Child For Exams Practice, Practice, Practice! Encourage your child to do more practices on their weaker areas eg. multiplication tables, whole numbers, fractions, grammar, etc. Have regular breaks.  A short break is a good idea every 60 or 90 minutes. Eg. a brisk walk is a great way to recharge the batteries. Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Child-Prepare-for-Exams

6 Tips on Preparing Your Child For Exams Eat to improve concentration.  Feed the body and you feed the mind. Make sure they eat healthily and regularly and don't let them skip meals. Omega 3 fish oils are said to be an aid to concentration. Rest the mind.  Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Give them time to wind down if they’ve been studying in the evening. Let them watch a bit of TV, have a warm drink and a read before trying to go to sleep. Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Child-Prepare-for-Exams