PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.
Prepare them for the hard work ahead – and remind them that you’re there for them
At the start of Primary 5, talk to your kid about the change in workload over the next two years, so they know what to expect, says Vyda S Chai, a clinical psychologist at Think Kids Intervention and Development Services.
“Tell them that there’ll be more to do and learn, but remind them that you’re on this journey with them and you’ll be there to support, guide and help them along the way.”
Teach them about purposeful goal setting
Just as the new PSLE scoring system from 2021 hopes to remove that culture of tagging a child to a T-score, you should send the message that the PSLE is not just a score or band or set of grades, but a journey towards a bigger goal.
In life, you regularly work towards different goals. Similarly, the PSLE should be contextualised as a journey towards your child’s goal of going to their chosen secondary school, where there will be even more opportunities for success.
“At the beginning of Primary 6, I advise having a series of conversations with your child about the PSLE year and what to expect,” says Joseph Lim, senior director of Education at Mindchamps.
“For example, invite them to think about which school they’d like to attend and what it takes to get there. This opens the door for them to take ownership of their work during the PSLE year.
“Empower them to do some research on the school so they see that it’s a shared decision. Ask questions like, ‘how do you think this school will benefit you?’ and ‘what would it take for you to get into this school and how can we help you?”
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