| Home My Visit Menu My Opinion Photo Collection Back Next |
 |
| Is ITE really "It's The End"? |
| Home My Visit Menu My Opinion Photo Collection Back Next |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Is it really "It's The End"? |
| EM3, the most dreaded words for parents of primary school students in Singapore. Parents do not wish their children to be streamed into the EM3 stream in their primary 4 streaming examination. The common mentality of most people in Singapore is when a student is streamed into EM3, it is the end of his academic path. He will be looked upon as handicapped in school and there will be no future in the working society for him when he grows up. The equivalent of EM3 stream in Secondary schools is Normal Technical Stream. Normal Technical Stream suffered the same prejudice. |
| Basically, an EM3 steamed pupil is a pupil who failed all the 3 streaming examination subjects: English, Mathematics and Mother Tongue during their Primary 4 streaming examination. Although Science is not classified as a streaming examination subjects, generally, these students failed science as well in their examination. Having failed all subjects, these students will be promoted to primary 5 (EM3 stream). In EM3 stream, the syllabus is different from the EM1 and EM2 stream. The EM3 syllabus is tailored to emphasize learning in English Language and Mathematics, as these are important subjects for future learning. The academic level is also lowered to the equivalent of between Primary 2 and 3 since these students need to re-learn many of the fundamental of English Language and Mathematics. As a result, by the time the EM3 students completed Primary 6, academically, he is equivalent of Primary 4. Naturally, the PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) for EM3 pupils is also different from those in the EM1/EM2 streams. The passing criteria for EM3 PSLE are also not as strict as the regular PSLE for EM1/EM2 stream pupils. EM3 pupils, upon passing their PSLE, will be promoted to secondary school in Normal Technical Stream where they continue their education with similar emphasis as when they are primary school in EM3 stream. They spend 4 years in secondary school after which they sit for the GCE "N" Level Tech examination. (General Certificate of Examination Normal Technical Level). On passing their GCE "N" level examination, they will be promoted for technical study in Institute of Technical Education (ITE), where they learn certain set of technical skill. ITE provides 2 years of technical training to equip students with technical skill. There are wide variety of engineering program like Automotive engineering, Electronic Engineering, etc. On completion of ITE training, students are ready to be employed as skilled labourers in working society. Some students with better grades have the opportunity to continue their education in the polytechnics, where they will be on equal ground as their EM1/EM2 counterpart. Of course, they have already spent extra 1 or 2 years playing catch up. For foreigners who do not understand Singapore's education system, click here to get an overview general education path in Singapore for children. |
| It can probably be judged that the Primary 4 streaming examination is to identify children who are slower learners. Once identified, they are placed in EM3 stream from Primary 5 onwards so that they can learn at a slower pace all the way to secondary school in Normal Technical stream. ITE (not It's The End) will equip them with technical skill so that they can be useful in society and are able to make a living with their skill. It is clear that the intend of Singapore Ministry of Education wants to make sure the children who are not academic inclined can be properly be trained and equipped with useful skill. The system may not be perfect, it has come a long way to reach this level so that no children will be neglected of proper education. As Singaporeans, we are also aware that the education ministry is continuously improving their system. |
| What is EM3 stream? |
| Why Streaming? |
| Is it fair to stream pupils at Pri. 4 (age 10)? |
| I really do not have an answer that will please everyone. I personally think that it is not that bad a system unless we have something better to replace it. When a child fails all the subjects in their Primary 4 examination, it is an indication of a problem. The child is struggling in school. He is not learning what he is supposed to be learning. Parents and teachers need to find out what the problem is. I'm sure that responsible teachers have tried to help the poor child. I also believe that parents have also engaged tutors for their children if they can afford. Bottom line is I fear for the mental state of the children. If they are continue to be placed in an environment where they cannot catch up their classmates and they always fail their tests and examination, their confidence in themselves will be affected. I'm afraid that they will have the impression that they are a failure and give up completely. Placing them in an environment where they are learning at the pace suitable for them will boost their confidence level. It is a great feeling to see that you are able to pass some tests and examination. It is important to build up their self-esteem and confidence. |
| Depending on how you wish to look at it. I have heard some parents called EM3 students stupid or even abnormal. I feel so sad that people generally looked down on EM3 or Normal Technical students. To me, EM3 students are not stupid at all. They are normal children who want to be respected and loved by people. They behave like any children on streets. They are as playful and lovely like other children. They can express themselves about the people they like and dislike. They are as talented as any other students though they may not excel academically compared to EM1 students. Rarely, there are some children who have some disability in learning. Some children do come from problem families which affected their motivation to study. What they do need is acceptance, encouragement and love to motivate them. Fortunately, many teachers are their source of encouragement and love. So, who is discriminating these children? Parents are so proud of their children being streamed into EM1 or posted SAP school in secondary school. Aren't these also discriminating children as well? Unfortunately, it is the parents and general society in Singapore who are discriminating. It is certainly not the system. If we change our mindset about EM3 being hopeless and start thinking of how to help these kids, the situation will be a lot different. |
| Is streaming a discrimination of children? |
| Aren't EM3 students naughty and noisy causing class not conducive for learning? |
| Unfortunately, I have to say that their exam result is really poor. Their academic level is really lower than they really should. Most students are really slow learner. They can learn something now, an hour later, they just forget about it completely. I have taught EM3 students, I know it. The good thing is when they are properly motivated, they have the positive attitude toward learning. It is important that parents to work closely with teachers to encourage and help them. |
| Are these children really that academically poor? |
| The issue here is classroom discipline. One of my first lessons as a teacher is never leave your class unattended. All hell will break loose. This is applicable to all students, not just EM3 students. Yes, EM3 students tend to be more difficult to manage. Being a fierce teacher doesn't help. If a teacher tried to manage the class with the "I'm the teacher and you obey without question" attitude, he is surely heading for disarster. The key is being strict with them like an understanding parent and at the same time being a good friend to them. As I mentioned, many EM3 students comes from problem family background, so they behave in certain ways to catch attention. Others are slow learners and suffer poor self esteem. They really need people to show genuine love and concern for them. These kids are smart to know whether adults are genuinely concern about them or put on an act. Once a loving relationship between students and teachers is formed, classroom management is easlier. Learning can take place in a very fun manner with them too. My favourite EM3 classes is Pri 6I from Jiemin Primary School (year 2000). We had tough and fun time together. Most schools seem to assigned experienced teachers to EM3 classes as well. So, I trust that they are in good hands. |