What do you do when you are late for exams due to train breakdown?
Imagine: you’re on the train, headphones plugged in, feeling like a superstar as you mentally run through all the notes that your have studied so hard for. Suddenly, the train comes to a screeching halt, the lights flicker, and your heart sinks. Train breakdown! The exam countdown clock is ticking, and you’re stuck in this metal tube. Fear not, my friend! You have been briefed in school on what to do but in case you miss it, here’s a guide.
On September 25, 2024, train services on the East–West line (EWL) of Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) were interrupted due to the dislodgment of an axle box from a Kawasaki C151 train. This incident resulted in five pupils late for PSLE paper due to EWL train disruption but they were given full duration of exam when they finally arrived. Coincidentally, the first day of PSLE written papers was affected by the EWL disruption, with train services unavailable between Jurong East and Buona Vista MRT stations. Our students from ACS, Fairfield Methodist, Nan Hua High were also affected as they could not take their usual MRT journey to their school and had to rely on feeder buses.
1. Stay Calm and Follow Instructions
Take a deep breath. Panic is the last thing you should do! Remind yourself that these things happen, and you’re not alone. Tell your inner optimism that this experience will help you regal better stories during your next oral or essay.
Listen to what instructions are given and proceed in an orderly manner.
2. Contact your exam centre
Pull out your phone and give your exam centre (which is usually your school or what’s written on your entry proof) a ring. Identify yourself (Class, Name), explain your situation and you should also text your parents (if you haven’t already) in case you are unable to contact your exam centre yourself.
Do I need to queue up to obtain and or produce an excuse letter or travel chit from the MRT station for your examinations. The answer is no.
Once you’ve successfully navigated your way to the exam venue, take a moment to gather your thoughts. There will be invigilators at the exam venue who will be able to help you once you arrive. If you arrive at your school after the paper has ended, please inform your school leader or teacher immediately. Don’ panic. Shake off the train saga and remember why you’re there—you’ve got this! Walk in with confidence, even if your hair looks a bit like you just survived a wind tunnel.
For GCE levels candidate only including Private Candidates (O’Levels or A’Levels)
According to SEAB, if your paper is not held at a centralised examination centre and you are unable to reach your designated school or examination centre before the end of your paper, you should:
Candidates taking exams not held at a centralised examination centre, you should:
You should inform your school or examination centre, before proceeding to an examination centre closest to you to take your examination. When you arrive, report to the Chief Presiding Examiner of the centre. You will be given the full duration of your paper. All you need to do is to inform your school or examination centre if you are unable to reach an examination centre in time.
Candidates taking exam in a centralised examination centre, you should:
Report to your designated examination centre as indicated in your entry proof, even if you are unable to reach your examination centre before the end of the paper. Report to the Chief Presiding Examiner of your examination centre upon your arrival. You will be given the full duration of your paper.
3. Focus on the task
If you’re still feeling a bit flustered when you arrive, don’t fret. It happens. Focus on the task ahead Get ready to take the exam, it’s time to focus. Breathe, read the questions carefully, and trust in your preparation. The train mishap is just a quirky story to tell later—what really matters is how you tackle the exam in front of you. You got this!
