And so today marks the start of our formal participation in the PSLE machinery we are required to partake of.
One of the conditions we have to agree to when we homeschool our children is that they will sit for PSLE the year they turn 12. And prior to that, they have to sit for a National Eduction Quiz. And so, even as I am writing this, ds is taking the National Education Quiz now.
Come August, he will have to sit for his English and Chinese Oral exams and in September, the Listening Comprehension exams. And come October, he will have to sit for his English, Maths, Chinese and Science exams – in that order.
Are we all prepared? I have no idea! 😀
Due to the way answers are required in their Science and Maths papers, we decided to send him for tuition this year to ensure that he is aware of the requirements. If you haven’t realised, our exams don’t so much test what you know but HOW you answer the question. A child may have gotten his facts right but if he did not phrase it the way it is required, then he will be penalised – either marks are deducted or none are given at all!
Not fair? Well, that is the system here. 🙁
Meanwhile, I have been asking him to do exam papers and getting him to read as many good books as possible.
Physically, I have not been able to do much. Remember we have a super high maintenance toddler about the house 🙂 As I have said it before – I am “forced” to trust God. There are many things I would like to do to prepare ds for PSLE but physically I just can’t. I feel a bit like Gideon when he was told by the Lord that his army was too big. God didn’t want Gideon to trust in his 32,000 strong army. He wanted Gideon to trust Him and Him only. God doesn’t want me to trust in my work with my son. He wants me to trust Him!
He called us to homeschool way back in 2002 and as we obeyed in faith, I believe He will come through for us. Not that we presume on His grace by just sitting back and not educating our children. We have done our work and the required revisions even. Now we just have to stand still and just trust. We do not bow want to down to societal pressure and the fear that grips many parents hearts as they think about PSLE.
Yes, easier said than done. There have been many occasions (today included) that I feel fear’s cold grip upon my heart and the murmurings of “what ifs” in my head. But I refuse to give in and pay any heed to them.
I want to remember what God said to me as He called me to homeschool our children in Joshua 1:9,
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”