My PSLE Experience - Noel Fong

by Noel Fong

My PSLE experience wasn't so bad after all. To me, all my hard work has paid off. I thank God that during the examination I was able to concentrate and not be distracted when I was doing the papers. Since I was able to concentrate, my papers were finished about halfway through each exam. This time was dear as I could use the other half of the time allotted to check through the script and take a breather. 

I now realize that examinations do you good. From the PSLE I have learnt discipline and perseverance, and the examination has educated me quite well, and is there for a purpose: to spur the students on to work hard and learn.

I thank my parents; my mother for teaching me, and encouraging me to excel in the PSLE, and my father for accompanying me to play sports and watch movies when I needed a break. I also thank God for the homeschooler friends in my year, who made it fun to take mock exams together. God was with me throughout the examination, and I thank Him for that.

Miles vs Jesse - The Two Tuck Brothers

By Matthew Lim Si Yuan

• Compare & contrast the two Tuck brothers, saying which character appeals to you more and why.

Jesse Tuck is a cheerful, stress-free, playful seventeen year old guy, while his brother, Miles Tuck, is a sad and serious twenty-two year-old guy. Jesse wants to roam all around the world and enjoy life to its fullest. Miles wants a purpose in life, instead of travelling and not settling down. He wants to get a proper career. 

Miles is sad because he has lost his wife and children due to his immortality. His wife thought that he has sold his soul to the devil in order to become immortal. So his wife and children left him, making Miles thinks that immortality is a curse. “I was more’n than forty then,” said Miles sadly.   “I was married. I had two children. But from the look of me, I was still twenty-two. My wife, she finally made up her mind I’d sold my soul to the devil. She left me. She went away and she took the children with her.” 

On the other hand, Jesse is so stress-free and cheerful as he has never lost anything dear to him. He is still single. The only important people he could lose are his parents! But even then, his parents are immortal! “I’m glad I never got married,” he declares.

Miles is serious as he wants a purpose in life, instead of constant travelling. He wants to settle down and get a proper career. “Someday, I’ll find a way to do something important. The way I see it, it’s no good hiding yourself away, like Pa and lots of other people. And it’s no good just thinking of your own pleasure, either.  People got to do something useful if they’re just going to take up space in the world.” 

In contrast, Jesse takes things too lightly and is thinking of selfish enjoyment only. He thinks that immortality is a blessing to be used to enjoy life to its fullest. “Just think of all the things we’ve seen in the world! And all the things we’re going to see!” He wants to take Winnie as his wife, so that both of them can stay immortal and roam the world and enjoy life together. “But the thing is, you knowing about the water already, and living next to it so you could go there any time, well, listen, how’d it be if you was to wait till you’re seventeen, same age as me-heck, that’s only six years off-and then you could go and drink some, and then you could go away with me! We could get married, even. That’d be pretty good, wouldn’t it! We could have a grand old time, go all around the world, see everything. Listen, Ma and Pa and Miles, they don’t know how to enjoy it, what we got. Why, heck, Winnie, life’s to enjoy yourself, isn’t it? What else is it good for?”

As to which character appeals to me the most, it would be Miles. Miles appeals to me more as even though he has lost his wife and children, he still moves on. He wants to find a purpose in life, whereas some people will just grieve and grieve and not do anything and hence, waste their life away. As for Jesse, I think he should “grow up” and stop being so playful like a ten-year-old child and be more sensible like Miles. Life is more than just self-enjoyment.

My PSLE Experience - Aaron Fong

By Aaron Fong

The PSLE never seemed a daunting challenge when I first began to prepare for it. As I had been in the public school system before, major examinations were not that new to me.

Thanks to enrichment classes, mounds of assessment books and drilling, by the time I had turned Primary 6 I had a firm grasp of the concepts needed for the exams. This allowed me to spend the year to prepare in a more relaxed manner, as well as do school preliminary papers to see where I stood vis-a-vis the cohort. This was the first year where taking the PSLE was compulsory for homeschoolers. Hence, I was determined to do well. 

The PSLE week finally arrived.

During the break between one of the language papers, an incident arose when the students were playing. I did not let that incident influence my mental concentration, but I could tell that several of my friends were distracted and affected by it, and later on admitted that it did affect their performance during the exam. Also, almost every day there were several students running about and fooling around with each other, so by the time they reentered the classroom for the next paper, they were all panting and sweaty. So my point is, crazy things might happen, distractions will be all around you, but you must not let it affect you.

During the English paper on the first day, I wasn't certain that I had selected the correct answers for a few of the questions. And as I had finished the rest of the paper already with slightly less than an hour to spare, I had lots of time to redo and change my answers. However, later on when I repeated the questions to my family, I realized that my original answers were correct and I had just given away 6 marks or so - probably the reason why I did not achieve the results I had targeted for. Fortunately, I learned from my mistake and for the next few papers, I checked my answers thoroughly but did not doubt and question my original answers.

So, if I were to change one thing if I had to do it all again, I would go with my gut feeling. Of course, checking of your work is necessary and vital to spot and rectify errors, but try not to second guess your answers. After all, your gut knows best - your first instinct is usually right.

Tips: 

• Oral Reading: Smile, be confident, be articulate, be loud enough, if you make an error, keep going.
• Oral Picture Discussion: Start with a general statement of the scene (location, setting, e.t.c). Focus more on the important events happening and make sure you give personal opinion, insights and a solution if the situation is bad. (i.e. this is bad because he might hurt ... he should ... ). Try to transit between events smoothly. Wrap up well with a good moral sentence. (i.e. In a supermarket, people should not be running and should have good etiquette e.t.c
• Oral Conversation: Always be the one talking. Do not let the examiner prompt you. Feel free to make stuff up or even if you say no, keep going, don't just say no and stop. (i.e. "Have you been to Sentosa?" "No, but from what I hear, it is very fun and ... ")
• Composition: First, quickly outline your story and the main paragraphs. Good organization and balance of the story (meaning don't focus too much on one scene) is key in a well drafted essay. Make sure to stay on topic. Try to have a good hook or introduction to “hook” and engage the reader. Make sure that you describe well (flowery language and descriptive phrases that add to the scene) and show rather than tell ("his cheeks turned red and steam shot out of his ears" rather than "he was angry" e.t.c). Wrap up well with a conclusion that sums up the moral or emotions e.t.c
• English Paper 2: Make sure to check spelling and grammatical errors especially in the open ended compre. Other than that just do you best and check for errors.
• Math Paper: Present working clearly (label the equation - Area of shaded --> length x breadth = 5 x 2 = 10 - and write out formulas) – show the examiner what you are doing (not just leave the page blank and put your answer at the bottom) so that if you make an error with your answer, he can still award you method marks. Skip the questions which are tedious or you are not sure of and complete the rest of the paper before coming back to complete them.
• Science Paper: Use scientific language (write a lot to explain everything fully and clearly, not just one sentence) and make sure you have the keywords needed. (i.e. condensation, evaporation or whatever is needed in the question)
• Chinese Paper: Can't help you here, just do your best. :)

Homeschool Funfair - Photos

Homeschool Sports Day 2011

The Homeschool Funfair

by the Tan Sisters


We squealed in excitement when we were told there was a Homeschool Funfair coming up. After some discussions, we decided we would be selling two of our family favourite baked goods ~ delectable cupcakes (with frosting) and cinnamon rolls. Grandma also volunteered to prepare her signature glutinous rice and noodles in packets for us to sell. What thrilled us further was our good friends, the Ongs and the Lohs would also be setting up stalls that day. A day promising loads of fun awaited us.

We woke up unusually early to get everything ready before setting off. At 9 am, the venue at Mornington Crescent was already buzzing with life and people were milling around. The Ong family stall selling home-sewn 5-stones was next-door whilst the Lohs' stall selling used books, homemade cookies and peanut butter was next to the Ongs'. It was delightful to see what other stalls were selling.  With so many interesting items, customers were spoilt for choice. 

There was a very good crowd and everyone was kept busy. Children were seen confidently selling their wares and manning the creative games stalls. Well -trained indeed. Parents with young children in particular stopped by our stall with delight when they learned that they could just pay an extra 30 cents to decorate the cupcakes with colourful icing and yummy toppings. It was endearing to see fathers holding their little darlings' hands to guide them along. Sales were good as we sold everything. That gave us to chance to visit other stalls, chat with others and help out at our friends' stalls too. We also met some old friends as well as ex-actress Evelyn Tan with her 3 children who bought from us and enjoyed the cupcake decoration. 

Though it was a rather humid and tiring day, we had no complaints. We derived much joy from participating in this special funfair run by homeschoolers. The day's earnings were good enough though not fantastic as we had deliberately chosen to keep the prices affordable. However, we were grateful for the experience of running a stall business and appreciated the opportunities to interact with customers. It was a day well-spent and we definitely look forward to the next homeschool funfair. 

It's Your Choice

by Matthew Tan

Part 1: The Dilemma

Once upon a time, in the age and era of live boxes, there was a Box man. His length was a mere one metre tall and his width, forty centimetres wide. His body consisted of a box with a head and four protruding limbs; his body, was a box that could open up to an inside compartment. He was an exceptionally puissant box of good quality and he was proud about that. The Box man had come straight from the North Pole where the box factory was. Now he was plodding to his friend’s house to tell him something very important.  Box man’s master was leaving him!

Box man’s owner, was an altruistic and faithful boy named Zack.  Zack was a muscular young boy with lots of enthusiasm and spirit. He played the piano and joined almost any sport he had come across. His particular interest was in basketball, where his height astounded his team mates. Oh the times they had playing soccer, reading, and even trying to play the piano. Box man’s favourite activity though was riding a bicycle or walking with Zack and just spend time talking. 

But, alas seasons came and went, and the small playful Zack became tough, serious and work-focused Zack. All free time was used up in studies and the Box man was slowly neglected …

A gloomy figure trudged down the lane and into a garden. It walked into the house and met another of his kind and they went in. The Box man and his pal sat at the fireplace and the Box man sighed wearily. 

“What’s the matter?” His friend, Quirk asked inquisitively, though he had an idea of the situation.

“Zack’s going to college, and I’m afraid he won’t take me and I’ll be all alone,” Box man heaved again with another sigh of resignation.

“Don’t be afraid, I’m with you. Just insist on going with him, he’ll relent then,” Quirk said enthusiastically. 

“I’m afraid it’s not so simple; it’s like this, my friendship with Zack has been growing cold, and I don’t have the courage to face the music and confront Zack…” the Box man faltered. “Well… I should be going. I’ve to meet Butch. Bye.”

At the other house, as the Box man told his friend his predicament; he also encouraged him to go along and follow Zack. It was enough. The Box man gave way and he called a meeting at Zack’s house the following morning.    

The two little boxes came trundling down the lane, their arms loaded with plans to get attention for the Box man. First, Quirk said that they needed to first get his eye and he had a plan for that. Next Butch presented the facts that after drawing Zack’s alertness they would have to convince Zack to take Box man along.

They decided that they would put to work the plan the following day, giving them plenty of time to get ready. To the Box man, he still felt an uneasy feeling. 

Part2: The Strategy

“All set,” Butch announced. The boxes had changed everything needed in order to help the Box man.

“Zack, will you help me water the garden?” Zack’s mother called.

“Yes, mother.” Zack replied obediently.

“There’s your cue, Box man. Get ready to “help” Zack,” Quirk said urgently.

Zack walked into the garden to water the plants. He grabbed the hose and turned on the water. Water spurted out a hole in the hose at his face, and Zack screamed, “Help! Help!” Box man raced around the corner and turned off the water.

Zack grudgingly said thank you, as he did not like the box man anymore and than walked away. “It failed,” Box man mumbled.

“Nonsense!” Butch retaliated, “That’s only the first step. After we are done with all three, you will be the apple of Zack’s eye.”

“Now for step two,” Quirk grinned, his hands rubbing in glee.

The Box man waited in Zack’s room unobserved. Zack turned around to get a book. As he reached into the shelf to grab the book, all the books from that level tumbled!

Box man dashed out from under the table he was hiding and held the books back into place.

“Thanks, Box man,” Zack laughed, “It was as if you were waiting for the books to drop. But then, how could you know?” Box man was too startled to say anything so he fled the room.

“Zack …Zack almost found out it’s becoming too dangerous.” Box man stuttered to his two companions.

“Never mind, now here’s plan three…” Quirk replied in succession.

“My favourite program’s coming up; I’m going to watch now.” Zack declared. The television made an abrupt blast and than went off. 

“Oh no! Now I can’t watch.” Zack cried out in dismay. Box man calmly walked in and fitted the circuit Butch had disconnected. The television flickered to life.

Seeing Zack’s admiration for him, the Box man desperately asked, “Could I go to college with you?” Zack scratched his head and scowled, “Well you will have to prove yourself.”

Part 3: Proof      

“So, if you want to follow me to college, you got to prove it’s worth bringing you along. How can I benefit?” Zack questioned Box man.

“Come on, I’m your best friend. You will get somebody to talk with during free time or when you’re doing your homework,” Box man pleaded.

“But I will have friends to talk to at college. Think up better reasons if you want to go,” Zack said rather coldly, before standing up and leaving the room. Box man was taken aback by this statement and sat here for a while before regaining his senses. His friends hurried into the room. 

“Hey, Box man,” Butch announced, “I’ve just got an idea. Since all boxes have an infallible memory, why don’t you memorize all the stuff Zack will need to study to do his homework?

“That’s a great idea, Butch,” Box man’s other friend, Quirk answered, and then added his own words, “Plus, we could add straps to you and you will become a bag for Zack!”

Box man, the one always with doubts, did not side with his two friends but with much reluctance, agreed to their plans. He borrowed all the books from the library that he needed and started to memorize them. Butch and Quirk attached straps to the back of his body.

Soon, they were ready to face Zack. 

Part 4: Life-Changing Decisions      

Box man mustered himself and bravely walked to where Zack was reading a book. 

“Err…Zack…?” Box man queried. 

“Yes what? Zack growled agitated from getting interrupted.

“I have memorized all the facts you need to know for college when you do your homework. I can be carried as a bag and you could put books in my body.”

“Really? That’s amazing. Hmm… I think not bringing you to college would be a waste. But, there are conditions, mainly for your safety.”

“What conditions?” Box man piped up.

“First, you will have to stay as a box at all times unless you are in my room and when nobody is around and when the shutters are close. Don’t talk outside the room unless I talk to you. Ok?” Zack warned.

“Ok, is there anything else?” Box man persisted.

“Yes, if you go to college with me, you won’t be able to contact anybody except some of your friends. Do you really want to go with me after all these conditions?

Box man’s face lit up, “Yes of course. I can read books and do other stuff while you are having lessons. When you come back from school, we can talk and I can help you with homework.”

Butch and Quirk burst out from nowhere and congratulated Box man. Box man was beside himself with joy. He was finally going to college!