<![CDATA[Express or Normal stream]]>If my child is eligible for both Express and Normal stream; can I make a choice for both in the 6th choices of Sec sch? Does the online system allow this input?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/5882/express-or-normal-streamRSS for NodeMon, 04 May 2026 22:14:49 GMTTue, 06 Oct 2009 09:29:05 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Sat, 02 Oct 2021 12:49:02 GMT]]>Hi floppy & zac’s mum,

Thank you for your detailed analysis.

Hi Zeal mummy,
Thank your for your feedback and comment.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2040354https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2040354Sat, 02 Oct 2021 12:49:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Sat, 02 Oct 2021 03:58:42 GMT]]>I will go along with zac’s mum selection.


The reality of the situation is very few schools in the eligible range of 21-22 produces quality candidates at O Level. Hence, insisting in Express only may only limit your options moving forward. The double whammy that you will face is a poor result at PSLE limits your options at secondary schools, resulting in poor O Level results limiting your options for post-secondary education.

There are a few ways to break this cycle. One, as zac’s mum suggest is to opt for schools with FSBB. That will allow you to do some subjects at Express level and some at NA level. The advantage is that you are effective splitting the National exams into two years, while staying in the school system (ie not private candidate). If you do well enough for the express subjects, you will not have to take them again in sec 5. Less workload means higher probability of doing better at sec 5.

In addition, PFP is an option open to ONLY NA students. It’s a programme that I’ll utilize even if I’m doing FSBB. Effectively, you are competing among NA students ONLY for entry to polytechnic courses. You get the courses before O Level / express students get their pick a year later. The advantage is you do not have to be the big fish in a small pond, even a moderate size one is good enough, to get into some popular courses. Also, you wont risk being a small fish in big pond when the express students turn up en masse after the O Level.

Going with express offers the lowest probability of success but it’s the one that t most people go with because there are face issues and “extra” year issue.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2040281https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2040281Sat, 02 Oct 2021 03:58:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Fri, 01 Oct 2021 12:59:01 GMT]]>I would pick express, whenever it’s possible. Just try, yup!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2040187https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2040187Fri, 01 Oct 2021 12:59:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Fri, 01 Oct 2021 12:39:05 GMT]]>

maple\" post_id=\"2040181\" time=\"1633091567\" user_id=\"6458:

If the child score AL 21 or AL 22, any advice what are the factors to consider when choosing express or normal stream?
All the 6 choices in the form must be for the same stream, ie. Either all Express, or all NA stream.

So sometimes there are very limited choices of schools for Express especially if you want near your house.

Worthwhile to consider those pilot FSBB schools, pick NA stream instead, especially if only 1 subject (Eg CL) dragged down the total PSLE score. Child still has chance to do the other subjects at Express level.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2040183https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2040183Fri, 01 Oct 2021 12:39:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Fri, 01 Oct 2021 12:32:47 GMT]]>If the child score AL 21 or AL 22, any advice what are the factors to consider when choosing express or normal stream?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2040181https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2040181Fri, 01 Oct 2021 12:32:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Fri, 01 Oct 2021 12:04:45 GMT]]>

skss\" post_id=\"619828\" time=\"1319625915\" user_id=\"48741:

Please enlighten me here... out of touch with the secondary school system since my own...

Qn1) If a student gets eg. 240, it's an Express for sure and there is no option for student to choose normal, right?
Qn2) If student gets 180, it's Normal for sure, right?
Qn3) What is range for those who can choose Express or Normal ( somewhere around 188 to 200)???

:scratchhead:
This year onwards MOE uses the AL system so they need AL 21-22 to be in the range for which they can choose between Express or NA.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2040172https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2040172Fri, 01 Oct 2021 12:04:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Tue, 31 Aug 2021 16:31:36 GMT]]>Just thought this article is worth sharing - for current and prospective Normal stream students.


https://i.imgur.com/EiIZxSC.jpg\">

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/normal-stream-student-achieves-his-dream-of-becoming-a-doctor
https://fb.watch/7KCy0q76Ns/

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2036065https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2036065Tue, 31 Aug 2021 16:31:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Sun, 29 Nov 2020 10:36:55 GMT]]>Anyone here can give some comment on the following school. Thinking of choosing the Express stream in these school.

1) Bartley sec
2) Bendemeer Sec
3) Serangoon garden sec
4) Yio Chu Kang sec
5) Yuying Sec

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2005674https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2005674Sun, 29 Nov 2020 10:36:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:45:15 GMT]]>Please enlighten me here... out of touch with the secondary school system since my own...


Qn1) If a student gets eg. 240, it's an Express for sure and there is no option for student to choose normal, right?
Qn2) If student gets 180, it's Normal for sure, right?
Qn3) What is range for those who can choose Express or Normal ( somewhere around 188 to 200)???

:scratchhead:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/619828https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/619828Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:45:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:28:30 GMT]]>I would still choose express because the environment there is generally better and express is only 4 yes.

Still if the child is very eager to go to a particular school but only qualifies for normal stream there, you might want to find out from others about the class environment there, especially if you have relatives or friends etc. who have volunteered there before for field trips or class activities there in the normal stream classes. If you find it ok then I suggest you just go ahead and choose normal stream. After all if child does well in sec one he or she can always transfer to express in sec two onwards.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/619781https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/619781Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:28:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 07:23:14 GMT]]>

Bentan:
Many parents are not aware of the various progress paths available to their child when opting for NA stream. The lack of understanding often causes parents to believe that no matter how hard their child study, he is left only with very limited options for his education progress.


http://singapore.math-chinese-tutor.com/normal-academic-streaming-in-secondary-school/ offers good advice on options avaialble...
I was from N(T) but went to NUS anyway and have gotten a Degree in IT. Although I must admit that if there was some life coach at that time, I could have done better? Being admitted to Normal stream is not end of the road. I have seen many Express students not making it to Uni. From my personal experience, the most important thing is to motivate your child enough to want to progress academically.

Encourage but do not force your child. Having a degree is no big deal too as there are many of my ex-colleagues/colleagues who has degrees but do not do well in life, and vice-versa.

Personally, I do not think streaming is a good measure of just intellect, but also a measure of \"willingnes to study\".

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/266057https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/266057Sat, 25 Sep 2010 07:23:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:59:19 GMT]]>Many parents are not aware of the various progress paths available to their child when opting for NA stream. The lack of understanding often causes parents to believe that no matter how hard their child study, he is left only with very limited options for his education progress.


http://singapore.math-chinese-tutor.com/normal-academic-streaming-in-secondary-school/ offers good advice on options avaialble...

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91474https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91474Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:59:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:12:50 GMT]]>my suggestion to parent is to push their kids into express (regardless of sec sch) ! get a tuition teacher if needed 🙂


Rest assured that the sch will force ur kid to normal if they cant cope:)

Excel in express stream in order to do Add math & pure sci in sec 3.

I struggled in MATH C in JC w/o A math & pure sci 😞 didnt qualify to do A maths in sec sch 😞

motivate ur kids ba!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/90430https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/90430Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:12:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:53:31 GMT]]>

blesseddad:
VitoRelax:

That means if enrol in a school that has only Express stream is better than to enrol in a school that all Express, N(A) & N(T) ?


Yes, that is true. The environment is more conducive for learning as there are less discipline issues.

Yes, I heard lots of fighting in N(T) streams

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89599https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89599Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:53:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:49:44 GMT]]>

VitoRelax:
That means if enrol in a school that has only Express stream is better than to enrol in a school that all Express, N(A) & N(T) ?

Yes, that is true. The environment is more conducive for learning as there are less discipline issues.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89595https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89595Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:49:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:44:12 GMT]]>There are late boomers who will do well later in life. Congrats ...

loner:
Hi punk06,

U really give hope to children who are \"average\" and a strong dosage of consolation to parents who have children who r not in the top 25% cohort....

Tks a bundle


punk06:

i strongly recommend express. its freaking hard to move frm normal to express. Im kinda a slow learner. express is def a better envt to learn 🙂

my personal exp

was frm a boys sch in pri sch. scrapped my way to local U 🙂 barely made e cut each time round. haha
PSLE 196
O LEVELS 18 pts (Neighborhood Sec Sch)
A LEVELS CCB B3(Neighborhood JC)

NOW IN SMU yr 1 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89589https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89589Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:44:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:25:33 GMT]]>Hi punk06,


U really give hope to children who are \"average\" and a strong dosage of consolation to parents who have children who r not in the top 25% cohort....

Tks a bundle


punk06:
i strongly recommend express. its freaking hard to move frm normal to express. Im kinda a slow learner. express is def a better envt to learn 🙂

my personal exp

was frm a boys sch in pri sch. scrapped my way to local U 🙂 barely made e cut each time round. haha
PSLE 196
O LEVELS 18 pts (Neighborhood Sec Sch)
A LEVELS CCB B3(Neighborhood JC)

NOW IN SMU yr 1 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89497https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89497Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:25:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:15:21 GMT]]>

punk06:
i strongly recommend express. its freaking hard to move frm normal to express. Im kinda a slow learner. express is def a better envt to learn 🙂


my personal exp

was frm a boys sch in pri sch. scrapped my way to local U 🙂 barely made e cut each time round. haha
PSLE 196
O LEVELS 18 pts (Neighborhood Sec Sch)
A LEVELS CCB B3(Neighborhood JC)

NOW IN SMU yr 1 🙂
Well done,

:congrats:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89453https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89453Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:15:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:45:49 GMT]]>i strongly recommend express. its freaking hard to move frm normal to express. Im kinda a slow learner. express is def a better envt to learn 🙂


my personal exp

was frm a boys sch in pri sch. scrapped my way to local U 🙂 barely made e cut each time round. haha
PSLE 196
O LEVELS 18 pts (Neighborhood Sec Sch)
A LEVELS CCB B3(Neighborhood JC)

NOW IN SMU yr 1 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89446https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89446Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:45:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:29:55 GMT]]>

James Ang:
ooptimizer:

Generally I will prefer Express. The classroom environment for NA is generally much worse than for Express.


I have come across students from various categories and I observed that:
Express students are too occupied with studies and CCA to disturb others.

That means if enrol in a school that has only Express stream is better than to enrol in a school that all Express, N(A) & N(T) ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/88837https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/88837Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:29:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:19:41 GMT]]>

ooptimizer:
Generally I will prefer Express. The classroom environment for NA is generally much worse than for Express.

I have come across students from various categories and I observed that:
Express students are too occupied with studies and CCA to disturb others.
NA students can be rather tied up with school work but there are some NA students who are not so interested in their studies.
NT work does not seem difficult so it is really up to the NT student to decide whether to study or not.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/88775https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/88775Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:19:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:04:32 GMT]]>Generally I will prefer Express. The classroom environment for NA is generally much worse than for Express.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87731https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87731Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:04:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:19:27 GMT]]>Hi. For me, it depends on the parent’s understanding of the child. I have seen students who after choosing the Normal Stream, become happier and less stressed in their learning, which as a parent, I would want for my child. They become more confident as they are no longer relegated to the shadows. In the process, they do perform better. However, I have also seen students, who are actually quite capable, choose to enter the Normal Stream, thinking it is a ‘softer’ and ‘easier’ option, and languish there. Their performance at the end of the year was worse when they first entered. I am not speaking hypothetically either as I say this from my experience as a former teacher. So, really, have a chat with your child and using your understanding of your child, make the best decision. Either stream, I wish you and your child the best in the learning adventure for the coming year!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87724https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87724Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:19:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Express or Normal stream on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:40:09 GMT]]>hi


as a tutor I have encountered many NA and Express students. I strongly think Express will be a better choice. In NA, only combined science is offered. However, if your child works very hard for the first 2 years, it is possible for him to do Pure sciences. At least if he opts for Express, he has that chance to try to qualify for Pure Science class.
Secondly, if your child does not do well in ‘O’ Levels, student can retake ‘O’ levels ( so that will be 5 years in Seconday School), which is similar to NA. Therefore, I feel Express is still a better option.
Previously, I had a student who did very badly in Secondary 3 ( failed everything except English). The school gave him an option to drop to NA or continue Sec 4 ‘O’ Levels. The school strongly advised his parents to move him to NA. But he did not. He came to me in his Sec 4 year and told me he needs tuition for everything. With sheer determination and peseverance, he managed to score Eng B3, E math A2, Principles of Accounts A1, Science B3, SS/Geo B3 and Chinese C6.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/86177https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/86177Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:40:09 GMT