PSLE Preparation

PSLE is an important exam, but it needs not be stressful. Here are few simple strategies that helped us cope with the stress.

(1) Set a realistic stretched goal at an early stage

In Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), we believe that what you think is what you get. Setting a goal will help the mind to focus. I asked two girls whom I coached in my church this question, "If you set your goal a year before, and not 3 months before exam, how do you think your result will be?", both of them affirmatively answered that their results would have been better.  However, the goal must be in accordance with the child's ability, but it should also be a stretched one (if the child can cope with the pressure).

Setting goal is not as easy as you may think. Remember, T-score of 200 means average. Top schools requires at least 260, highest possible score may be 270-280. What does that mean? 260, I would say easily top 5% or even higher. For average student, a stretch goal may be 210. For those in 5%, perhaps setting a goal of 260 may be appropriate.

(2) Start with the end in mind - choose your secondary school

Visit potential secondary school that you like, but let's be realistic with the choices per your kid's ability, but include also a better school, and a school one rank less. Visiting secondary school will make the child think. What they really want. I find that visiting secondary schools often motivate the child to study harder.

(3) Come up with an actionable plan

Knowing your target T-score, and your desired secondary school will not lead to success. The goal and the desires must be transformed into an actionable plan.  Decide which subject do you need to focus on and the amount of assessment books needed. You actionable plan has to be very detailed. For example, if you plan to let your kid complete Assessment A that has 20 chapters, asked yourself how much time the child needs to complete each chapter, and how much time needed. Be realistic, estimate how much time needed to complete the plan. I will write those down later if I have time. You will find that you have no time to do all. So, decide well what's needed.

After PSLE exams, many friends without a child taking PSLE asked me about my kid's T-score as if the T-score has become a national hobby. I know they asked out of love, out of care, but really it needs not be like this.  To me, the right measure is whether they have prepared the exam, and completed the actionable plan explained in (3) above.  If we parent focus merely on preparation, I think the pressure will be taken off substantially.