The SA1 is short for Semestral Assessment 1. The SA1 examination's dates differ for every school. However, we know that the SA1 exam is typically conducted within the first half May.
COVID-19 led to the unprecedented move of the mid-year examination being scrapped for all students last year. But it’s worth remembering that this examination, also known as the SA1, have been permanently done away with for many levels.
As things stand, only students in Primary 4, Primary 6, Secondary 2 and Secondary 4 are still required to sit for the SA1 examination, which typically serves as a mid-year checkpoint for students to assess their progress up to that point and make adjustments accordingly. But this does not mean that the SA1 examination are no longer important.
Many parents and students alike have the misconception that the SA1 exam is simply a way to “check-in” on a student’s progress. There is more to the SA1 than a mere assessment. In fact, the SA1 exam is one critical step in your child’s academic journey that paves his or her success for the year.
During the SA1 exam, all the topics that your child learnt during the first half of this year will be tested. Fast forward to the SA2 at the end of 2021, and you will find that your child will be tested on the entire exhaustive list of topics learnt in the whole academic year. Acing the SA1 is not just advantageous for your child it also helps them stay ahead for the SA2 examination.
Our teachers emphasise on the importance of getting our students’ knowledge and application for each topic down pat before the SA1 exam roll around, including addressing knowledge gaps in the SA1. The second half of the year should be focused on grasping more complex topics and concepts. Furthermore, topics in the second semester may be linked as well.
The SA1 exam is very important for students in Primary 4, Primary 6, Secondary 2 and Secondary 4, as students in these levels will be facing major academic milestones in the same year, whether these are subject-based banding, the PSLE or the O Levels.
If your child is taking the SA1 examination this year, here’s why SA1 still matters and what you and your child should be doing to prepare for them:
Firstly, because the SA1 examinations cover topics and content taught in the first half of the year, they help lay a solid foundation for the year-end examinations. This is the original rationale for SA1 which is still valid.
Your child is expected to absorb a voluminous amount of content for multiple subjects across the academic year, and by the end of the year it is only natural for some of what was taught early on to have faded somewhat.
Mid-year examinations effectively ensure that students have to put in the work to not only learn, but master, the first half of the year’s content even before they move on to the second half. This is not to mention the fact that there may be many topics which are linked, meaning that grasping the first aids in the understanding of the latter.
Consistent work is the key to long-term academic success, but as many parents and teachers know all too well, children are not fans of consistent work. Mid-year examinations provide that impetus for consistent work.
While our lives went through a ‘circuit breaker’ last year, your child’s academic progress need not be held with the same restrictions. The SA1 prevents the total loss of momentum.
Secondly, the importance of the SA1 examinations is magnified for students who are preparing for major academic milestones at the end of the year, such as national exams or streaming.
For these students, the mid-year examinations are also dress rehearsals for the Big Event, and offer valuable lower-stakes exposure to exam conditions and pressure that will come in handy later.
For example, on top of familiarising themselves with content that will eventually be examinable, students will also be able to hone their time management skills, building their confidence and self-belief. These are takeaways that you and your child should tap in your preparation for the end of the year.
Thirdly, the SA1 examinations help point the way forward in the second half of the year for both students and their teachers, including here at The Learning Lab.
Based on your child’s SA1 performance, his or her teachers will be able to recommend adjustments to shore up weak spots such as a particular kind of question or topic, or to tackle common mistakes.
Your child’s performance will also help to put long-term goals set at the beginning of the year in perspective.
Are these still realistic, can your child set his or her sights higher, or must both you and your child manage your expectations?
Time is of the essence with the final examinations four to five months away, and coming up with an optimum preparation plan will be critical. Our TLL teachers relish the challenge of tailoring individualised exam strategies for their students and are experienced in dealing with students of varying abilities to identify areas of improvement.
On your and your child’s part, you should also be proactive in communicating what your child requires help in with their teachers — what our teachers do not know, they cannot help you with!
Lastly, the absence of the SA1 examinations also bears some remarking upon. Parents whose children are not taking the SA1 examinations this year will doubtlessly be getting used to the new regulations, but while the dust has yet to settle there are also many adjustments to be made.
Rather than fret about the “loss” of the mid-year examinations, seize the newly open window to get your child to work on other areas of competencies, which all contribute to a holistic, well-rounded education.
These can run the range from the languages (reading and writing), critical thinking, public speaking and fanning the flames of the spirit of inquiry. Formal assessments are not the be all and end all of learning — the working world that your child’s education is preparing them for requires knowledge, skills and values in equal measure. The latter two come less from textbook teaching, and more from exposure to different experiences, role models and ways of thinking.
At The Learning Lab, we place equal emphasis on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of education because we believe our students need to master both in order to thrive and succeed now and in the future.
To help your child prepare for the upcoming SA1 examination, we have put together an extensive SA1 study guide featuring helpful tips and techniques.
This guide features common exam challenges and our teachers’ advice for answer precision in English, Maths and Science. Download your complimentary guide by clicking on the buttons below.
The SA1 examinations, though no longer a reality for students at many levels, still have an important function to play in the preparations for major exams at the end of the year.
Being able to navigate the mid-year examinations well sets students up for subsequent success.
At The Learning Lab, we believe in the value of consistent work and a long-term approach to academic success by building up a strong foundation. Click here to find out more about how our teachers can impart the requisite knowledge and skills for your child to confidently take on the SA1 examinations.
The Learning Lab is now at locations. Find a location that suits your needs.
If you have any questions about our range of programmes or class schedules, you may contact us at 6733 8711 or drop us an email at enquiry@thelearninglab.com.sg.
The Learning Lab is now at locations. Find a location that suits your needs.
If you have any questions about our range of programmes or class schedules, you may fill in the form below or contact us at 6733 8711 / enquiry@thelearninglab.com.sg.