A strong competency in lower sec math and science is often underrated by students and parents. The idea that after streaming at sec2, you will be able to drop one science subject, or simply just not being interested in A-math, is a dangerous idea to toy with.
Lower sec science explores all 3 major aspects of science, which are chemistry, biology and physics. By underperforming in lower sec science, students would have a tougher time choosing whichever science specialization they want to go to after streaming. Underperforming in lower sec science actually sacrifices the potential of the student, and results in lost opportunities. You must bear in mind that choosing a pure science subject in sec 3 onwards affords you certain opportunities in post-secondary education, and eventually in the workforce. It would be a shame to underperform in lower sec science, take combined science and then to eventually realize that you were meant to become an engineer or a science researcher. A strong foundation in lower sec science also prepares you for the intensity of pure sciences at sec3, as former concepts will not be covered again. You will not want to be playing catch up for your mistakes in lower sec come the O-level period.
Lower sec math teaches important concepts such as basic equations, basic indices, negative numbers and proportionality. As you can see, these topics are not covered in primary six. This means even if a student has an A* in PSLE math, there is a limitation on the amount of competitive advantage he has over his peers. Yes, the student might be more skilled in concepts relating to ratio, and creative solving in problem sums, but that does not help much in secondary math which focuses on rules, and further algebra. A consistent effort in lower sec math goes a long way into ensuring a smooth secondary school life, as many students often forget that E-math is compulsory. Another factor to consider is that an A in lower sec math allows the student to take A-math, which is necessary for certain industries such as accounting, and those industries generally enjoy high employability. A-math is also a ticket to entering JC, which can pave the way for their children to enter university. It would be disastrous if a child were to underperform in lower sec math and be rejected from A-math, eventually crushing their dreams of entering JC.
What puzzles me is that parents, students, and even tuition centres can completely neglect lower sec math and science, and de-prioritize it from their lives. If you are reading this, and you are a parent who is seriously concerned with the well being of your lower sec child, and you are unable to find proper avenues for help in lower sec math/science, I urge you to sign up for my lower sec math and science classes and seek my expert opinion.
Mr YS Pang, Sec Math and Science tutor at SL
For lessons, contact 9385 534.
Location: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).
PM us on FB if you wish to have a free consultation.
https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeLearner/
