Congrats to Kaelyn who scored an AL2 for her PSLE Science!
22nd Nov 2023 is considered a 'sacred day' for many 12 year old kids and their parents as they return to school to collect their PSLE results.
I was on tenterhooks while waiting for Kaelyn to update me of her Science results. We had been working hard on her skills to answer Booklet B questions ever since she joined Aspire Thinking, at the beginning of her Primary 6 journey. It was an arduous race against time as we had less than a year to develop the understanding and skills to answer data based and data analytical questions.
Fast forward to today, an AL 2 for her PSLE Science!
Within a span of 10 months, we managed to move from AL 6 to AL 2! I couldn't be more proud of Kaelyn. An AL 2 grading means that she scored a mark range of 85-89 % for her PSLE Science paper. (Read on for more information about MOE's PSLE Scoring System)
This means that Kaelyn most probably scored between 52 to 54 marks for her Science Booklet A (MCQ), and between 33 to 35 marks out of 44 marks (total) for her Booklet B (OEQ). Kaelyn's marks shows that she has good comprehension of the Science concepts, thus, being use essential key words and answer application questions with ease.
The Challenge of PSLE Science Booklet B
Kaelyn, a bright and curious student, faced a common hurdle many students encounter in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) Science paper: excelling in Booklet B. This section is notoriously challenging due to its focus on data-based questions, real-world scenarios, and experiment-related queries. It requires not just theoretical knowledge, but also the application of scientific concepts in varied contexts.
Our Tailored Approach
Understanding the unique demands of Booklet B, we developed a comprehensive strategy tailored to Kaelyn's learning style and strengths. Our approach focused on three key areas:
Exposure to Various Scientific Experiments: We introduced Kaelyn to a range of experiments, both theoretical and practical. This exposure helped her understand the underlying principles of scientific inquiry and the methodology of experiments. By actively participating in hands-on experiments, she gained a deeper appreciation and understanding of scientific concepts.
Understanding Key Terms: Science exams often hinge on specific terminologies and concepts. We worked with Kaelyn to ensure she was not just familiar with these terms but could also apply them in various contexts. Through interactive sessions and practice papers, we reinforced her understanding of these key terms.
Developing Structured Answers with Relevant Keywords: One of the crucial aspects of tackling Booklet B is the ability to formulate coherent answers embedded with pertinent keywords. We conducted intensive practice sessions where Kaelyn learned to identify important keywords in questions and structure her answers accordingly based on our in-house mnemonics.
The Results
Our personalized and multi-faceted approach bore fruit. Kaelyn's understanding of scientific concepts deepened, and her ability to tackle complex, data-based questions improved significantly. Her hard work and our targeted guidance culminated in her achieving an impressive AL2 in her PSLE Science examination.
Lessons and Moving Forward
Kaelyn's journey is a testament to the fact that with the right guidance and strategies, challenges like Booklet B can be transformed into opportunities for learning and growth. We are committed to continuing our work in helping students not just excel in their exams, but also develop a lasting love and understanding of science.
I'm glad her many months of hard work have paid off. Thank you for trusting in Aspire Thinking Learning Centre to journey with you through this crucial milestone in your life!
Is your child struggling with Math or Science? Contact Aspire Thinking Learning Centre at 8749 8157.
To find out more about MOE's PSLE Scoring System, click here!