Three of u are faced with this very tricky situation to choose between the "Express" and the "Normal(Acad)" courses. U asked helplessly, "what should I do?"
Frankly, I do not have a definite answer for any of u, but I do have some facts and suggestions that u may wish to consider.
Facts about:
Express course
1) 4-year secondary course, sits for GCE 'O' Level in Sec 4 (2013)
2) Pupils with PSLE aggregate 200 & above are directly offered this course
3) Pupils with PSLE aggregate from 188 - 199 are also offered this course, but they may opt for the N(A) course
Normal(Academic) course
1) 5-year secondary course, sits for GCE 'N' Level in Sec 4 (2013). Those who do well in this examination will proceed to sit for GCE 'O' Level in Sec 5 (2014). Those who did not qualify for the fifth year of secondary education may take up vocational-technical training in ITE.
2) Pupils with PSLE aggregate from 170 - 187 are directly offered this course
3) Pupils with PSLE aggregate from 152 - 169 are also offered this course, but they may opt for the N(T) course
I understand most of u are in a dilemma. If u opt for the N(A) course, u would get better and wider choices of schools, esp. the good schools such as Anderson Sec, Xin Min Sec, Chung Cheng High (Yishun) etc. School learning environment and cultures are very important aspects that we have to consider carefully. A more conducive and comfortable environment motivates u to work hard where your academic study is concerned. But it also largely depends on individuals, and your choice of company in your new sec sch. There are black sheeps in any schools, though it's only a matter of how many. Mix with the wrong types, even in a good school, u are gone for good.
On the other hand, if u opt for the Express course, your choices of schools are limited to a great extent. However, if u shortlist the schools available carefully, u'll still be able to pick out some decent schools. U may just need to travel a little further though, but I am sure it's worth the effort. =) In the Express course, u enjoy a one-year advantage over your peers in the N(A) course. In my opinion, pupils in the Express course have higher PSLE aggregates and hence are generally more motivated & concerned about their academic work. Their driving force also comes from the slightly more competitive environment than in the N(A) course. The "everyone tries to keep up with everyone" mentality makes u somehow work harder. A bit of kiasu-ism is good for u too.
I am sad to say, regardless of the course - Express or N(A), some of your classmates would just sink into mediocrity*, especially when without close supervision. If this is the case, then I am sure u would agree that it's better to be a mediocre* in the Express course than the N(A) course. For these pupils who need constant supervision to get things done, the Express course might just have that competitive mechanism to move them around, even if not much. If all else fails, it's destined.
If u are harbouring the idea to choose Anderson Sec Normal course, and vow and swear now to yourself or anyone that u would work very hard in Sec 1 so as to get into Sec 2 Express, I can tell u, most likely u are not going to get it. Firstly, u have to handle 9 subjects in secondary school (U did only 4 subjects in pri sch and yet did not have the self-discipline to handle them well). Once the stress builds up, your so-called determination now would just give way. Secondly, plenty of distractions, e.g. fashions, handphones, that "I want to look good to attract the opposite gender" would all work against u. If u would to fail to manage these problems, these problems would manage u instead. Thirdly, choice of friends. Friends who only want to play, versus friends who are able to balance work and play. Be careful in your selection of friends. I suggest u choose those who are more into their academic work. Fun lasts only for that moment, your education goes with u a life-time.
Choose your school carefully. Use the prospectus (Information on Sec Sch) to help u make sound decision. If the cut-off point for a school in the previous year is 248, while your aggregate is 245, I think u can forget about it. NOT MORE THAN 2 POINTS DIFFERENCE ON THE LOWER SCALE. U are not buying Toto/4D here, don't bother to try your luck. The outcome sometimes could be disastrous (it'll definitely happen to some of u, pray hard u would not be the one), u might end up with none of your six choices. MOE will then place u in a school with vacancies and that is nearest to your place of residence. If u are staying around APS, the sec sch is obvious. ("!)
Personally, I would opt for the Express course, but with very careful choice of sec sch. What about u?
All the best to everyone in your future endeavours. =)
Secondary One application is now open till 2 Dec, 3pm. Posting results will be released on Tue, 22 Dec.
PS:
"mediocre" means ordinary, or average, or sometimes poor
"mediocrity" means the condition of being mediocre
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