SEED Program Briefing

All I can say is that life ain't going to get better for parents when it comes to changes in assessment modes. During the SEED briefing today, parents gasped when it was announced that instead of the usual methodology of paper testing for SA1 (Semestral Assessment 1 - meaning mid-year exam), there would be a project work component which will take up 60% of the SA1. This component would be broken down into written (40marks) and an oral presentation (20 marks). For the oral presentation, parents are advised to do a Show & Tell, guide their child to talk about a topic (E.g. what I want to be, my favourite foods etc) and videotape the child to point out any errors etc. Pre-preparation strategies also include reading a variety of books, building up vocabulary, reinforce intonation (high or low pitch whilst reading) and ensuring accuracy in reading. No kidding... little wonder why parents of school-going children find it very tough to juggle career, family and the demands of the education system and which probably explains the sprouting of tuition/enrichment centres island wide. A simple solution - pay the experts to guide their child whilst they concentrate on their career. I learnt from a girlfriend who works as a tutor that some parents who have no time for their children get a private tutor to guide one-to-one on work that has been assigned by the enrichment centres, in other words, double dosage of tuition. Poor kids!

What I am glad about though, despite the greater demands placed on the parents, is that creativity and oral skills are emphasized now that new strategies like SEED are introduced. I am also excited that there will be two learning journeys in this year as part of experiential hands-on learning - Singapore Zoological Garden and Supermarket. (I remembered that Nic went to the Yakult factory, Sentosa Underwater World, NTUC Fairprice supermarket in her K2 years and enjoyed them tremendously).

To summarise my thoughts after the briefing, being a primary one child these days is no simple task. The expectations are rising and every child is competing against another. I can only hope that mine copes well and doesn't cave in to too much pressure.