Sec 2 Subject Combi Briefing

MARIS STELLA HIGH SCHOOL

Sec 2 Parents’ Briefing on Sec 3 Subject Combinations 2009 28 March 2008

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AGENDA 1. 2007 GCE ‘O’ Level Results 2. Admission Criteria for local universities, JCs & Polytechnics 3 .Subject Combination Matching Exercise 4. Sec 3 Subject Combinations 2009 5. Departmental Presentations 6. Q & A Session

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2007 GCE ‘O’ LEVEL EXAM RESULTS

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Overall Performance (2007) • Our pupils performed significantly better than expected. • 10 subjects show value-added results, according to MOE analysis.

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Better than expected performance

2007 GCE ‘O’ Level Results

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2007 GCE ‘O’ Level Results

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2007 GCE ‘O’ Level Results

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Post Secondary Education • Junior Colleges • Polytechnics • Institutes of Technical Education

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Maris Stella High School Post Secondary Education Poly

ITE

JC

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TO JUNIOR COLLEGE

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

L1 + R5 = 6 to 20 points L1 = English or Higher Chinese R5 = 5 Relevant Subjects • R1 – Humanities • R2 – Math / Science • R3 – Math / Science / Humanities • R4 – any other subject* • R5 – any other subject* * except CCA 10

TO JUNIOR COLLEGE

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

CCA can contribute up to 2 bonus points depending on grade, but admission criteria must be met first.

CCA Points A1 & A2: 2 pts B3 – C6: 1 pt 11

Cut Off Points for Entrance into JC 2008 JC

Science

Arts

1

Hwa Chong Institution

3*

3*

2

Raffles JC

3*

4*

3

Victoria JC

4*

6

4

National JC

5*

6

5

Anglo-Chinese JC

6

7

6

Temasek JC

6

7

7

Anderson JC

8

9

8

St Andrew’s JC

9

9

* with Bonus points 12

Cut Off Points for Entrance into JC 2008 JC

Science

Arts

9

Meridian JC

10

10

10

Nanyang JC

10

10

11

Catholic JC

10

11

12

Tampines JC

13

13

13

Jurong JC

13

13

14

Pioneer JC

16

16

15

Serangoon JC

18

20

16

Innova JC

20

19

17

Yishun JC

20

20 13

Framework for 2006 ‘A’ Level Curriculum H1

H2

Equivalent to half content load of H2 subjects but pitched at the same academic standard as H2 subjects

Equivalent to the standard of ‘A’ Level subjects prior to 2006

H3 Subjects with a variety of learning opportunities (e.g. advanced content, research paper, university module)

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Framework for 2006 ‘A’ Level Curriculum Besides GP, PW and MTL at H1 level, students are required to offer three H2 and one H1 content-based subjects, at least one of which is from a contrasting discipline. • GP -H1 • PW -H1 • MTL -H1 • H2 • H2 At least 1 from • H2 contrasting discipline • H1 15

Framework for 2006 ‘A’ Level Curriculum Examples of Subject Combinations Example A H2 Physics H2 Mathematics H2 Economics (contrasting subject) H1 Chemistry GP - H1 PW - H1 MTL - H1

Example B H2 History H2 Literature H2 Economics H1 Mathematics (contrasting subject) GP - H1 PW - H1 MTL - H1

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Entry Into Local Universities NUS, NTU and SMU have adopted a more qualitative approach in considering CCAs in university admission. The School Graduation Certificate was implemented from 2008 to give a complete record of a student’s progress in all domains of education. 17

Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local Universities Engineering Courses in NUS: H2 Math,

• Chemical Engineering H2 Phy and • Environmental Engineering • Bioengineering H2 Chem • Civil Engineering • Computer Engineering H2 Math and • Electrical Engineering H2 Phy or • Engineering (Common) Chem • Industrial & Systems Engineering • Material Sc & Engineering •Mechanical Engineering 18

Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local Universities JC Requirements: To be eligible for Mathematics at H2 level: ! Pupils are expected to have obtained a grade of C6 or better in ‘O’ level Additional Mathematics.

All our pupils offer Additional Mathematics. Pupils who are not able to meet passing criteria will be asked to drop the subject by the end of Sec 3. 19

Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local Universities JC Requirements: To be eligible for One Science Subject at H2 level: Pupils are expected to have completed the relevant course of study at GCE ‘O’ Level, either as a Pure Science or as part of a Combined Science course.

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Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local Universities JC Requirements: To be eligible for One Science Subject at H2 level: !For example, pupils offering H2 Chemistry are expected to have taken Chemistry OR Science (Chem/Phy) or Science (Chem/Bio) at GCE ‘O’ Level. 21

Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local Universities JC Requirements: To be eligible for One Science Subject at H2 level: ! Pupils who have taken ‘O’ Level Combined Science without any Pure Sciences are eligible for only ONE H2 Science subject.

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Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local Universities JC Requirements: To be eligible for One Science Subject at H1 level: !Eligible pupils may opt to take the 2nd Science subject at H1 if they have grades of A1 in all the Three subjects Math, Additional Math and Combined Science.

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Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local Universities Regardless of their Sec 3 subject combinations, pupils are not hindered in any way to pursue at least 80% of the Engineering courses and other courses in the local universities.

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• Built Environment • Business, Finance & Law • Chemical & Life Sciences • Electrical & Electronic Engineering • Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering • Health Sciences • Information Technology • Maritime Studies • Media & Design 25

ENTRY INTO POLYTECHNICS EL R2 B2 = EL + 2 Relevant + 2 Best subjects Aggregate of: • EL (1 - 6) • R1 - Maths (Elem/Add) • R2 - 1 relevant subject • B1 & B2 - any 2 best subjects* * excluding CCA 26

Course

2nd Relevant Subject

• Architectural • Science Based • Technology

Physics, Chemistry, Science, Biology

• Business Related

Combined Humanities, Geography, History, Lit in English, Lit in Chinese

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More information regarding courses and admission requirements to junior colleges and polytechnics can be obtained from: http://www.moe.gov.sg/

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SUBJECT COMBINATION MATCHING EXERCISE 1. Subject combinations have been tested, fine-tuned and updated. 2. Subject combination to match pupil’s ability.

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SUBJECT COMBINATION MATCHING EXERCISE 3. Pupils have varying abilities; T-scores: 191 – 267 4. The exercise seeks to provide different subject combinations to cater to pupils’ varying abilities. 30

• Bring out the best in our pupils • Nurture all-round development • Enable all pupils to proceed to JCs and polytechnics

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All Sec 3 pupils will offer the following 5 compulsory subjects: 1. English Language 2. Chinese Lang/Higher Chinese 3. E Math 4. A Math 5. Combined Humanities (Social Studies + Electives*) * Geo / Hist / Lit (E) / Lit (C) 32

Other subjects: • Pure Sciences - Biology, Chemistry, Physics • Combined Sciences - Phy/Chem, Phy/Bio, Chem/Bio

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Other subjects: • Pure Humanities - History, Geography, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese • Art (offered to pupils who show great aptitude and commitment to the subject)

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There are altogether 10 different Science Combinations. Students are first matched to a suitable Science Combination before being allocated the Humanities. 35

History and Geography are allocated based on pupil’s choice. For E.Lit and C.Lit, good command in the respective languages is a pre-requisite for offering the subject. 36

A subject will not be offered if there are fewer than 15 pupils in the same class opting for it. The criteria for the options are realistic. It reflects the ability a pupil needs to cope with the subjects and the number of subjects he offers. 37

The criteria used is the pupil’s Sec Two Overall Combined Average of all subjects with a Double Weighting in Math and Science.

This calculation gives an advantage to pupils who are strong in these subjects. 38

Subject 1. English 2. Chinese/ Higher Chinese 3. Mathematics 4. Science 5. Geography 6. History 7. Literature 8. D&T 9. Homec 10. Art

Overall Average

Without Double Wt in Ma & Sc 60 60 75 80 60 60 60 60 60 60

With Double Wt in Ma & Sc 60 60 75 X 2 80 X 2 60 60 60 60 60 60

635 ÷ 10

790 ÷ 12

=63.5%

=65.8% 39

Each term, the school will provide updates to parents on the subject combination options each pupil is eligible for based on his results. The purpose of this exercise is to provide timely feedback for parents to monitor their sons’ academic progress. 40

At Secondary 3 level, most pupils offer 7 subjects. If a pupil is not able to cope with 7 subjects, he will be required to do 6 subjects. 41

Subject Combination Options 2009 Only exceptionally good students will offer 9 subjects (Criteria: at least 75%):5 compulsory subjects + 3 Pure Sc & 1 Pure Hum Subj

Option S1

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Subject Combination Options 2009 Option No. of subjects Science Pure Humanities Criterion 1 Criterion for Lit in Eng (pure/ elective)

S1 9 Chemistry Physics Biology One subject

!75% Eng & Lit

!70%

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Subject Combination Options 2009 Deserving students will offer 8 subjects (Criteria: at least 70%):5 compulsory subjects + 3 Pure Sc OR 2 Sc Subj & 1 Pure Hum Subj

Options S2 - S5

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Subject Combination Options 2009 Option No. of subjects Science Pure Humanities Criterion 1 Criterion for Lit in Eng (elective)

S2 8 Chemistry Physics Biology !70% Eng & Lit !70% 45

Subject Combination Options 2009 S3 S4 S5 No. of subjects 8 8 8 Science Chemistry Chemistry Physics Physics Sc (Phy/Bio) Sc (Chem/Bio) Pure Humanities Criterion 1

One subject !70%

Criterion for Eng & Lit Lit in Eng !70% (pure/ elective)

One subject !70%

One subject !70%

Eng & Lit !70%

Eng & Lit !70%

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Subject Combination Options 2009 Able students will offer the following 7 subjects (Criteria: at least 67%):5 compulsory subjects + 2 Pure Sc

Option S6

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Subject Combination Options 2009 Option No. of subjects Science

S6 7 Chemistry Physics

Pure Humanities Criterion 1

!67%

Criterion for Lit in Eng (elective)

Eng & Lit !67% 48

Subject Combination Options 2009 Able students may also offer the following 7 subjects (Criteria: at least 64%):5 compulsory subjects + 1 Pure Sc & 1 Comb Sc

Options S7 - S9

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Subject Combination Options 2009 Options No. of subjects Science Pure Humanities Criterion 1 Criterion for Lit in Eng (elective)

S7 7

S8 7

S9 7

Chemistry Physics Biology Sc (Phy/Bio) Sc (Chem/Bio) Sc (Chem/Phy) !64%

!64%

!64%

Eng & Lit !64%

Eng & Lit !64%

Eng & Lit !64%

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Subject Combination Options 2009 Students who are coping will offer the following 7 subjects:5 compulsory subjects + 1 Comb Sc & 1 Pure Hum Subj

Option S10

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Subject Combination Options 2009 Option No. of subjects Science Pure Humanities* Criterion 1 Criterion to take Lit in Eng (pure/ elective)

S10 7 Science (Chem/Phy) One subject Eng & Lit

!60% 52

Tip:

Work Hard CONSISTENTLY !

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Presentation by HOD EL & E Lit Miss Koh Siang Cheng

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English Language

Compulsory A pass - minimum of C6 - is necessary for all pupils Formal Assessment (school-based): - CA1: 15% SA1: 25% CA2: 15% SA2: 45%

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EL Exam Components: 1.

Paper One

40%

Part 1: Free Writing Part 2: Situational Writing 2.

Paper Two

40%

Part 1: Comprehension Part 2: Summary 3.

Paper Three

20%

Part 1: Reading Aloud Part 2: Picture Discussion Part 3: Conversation Total 100%

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Literature in English

Paper One • Section A : Prose - Set Text • Section B : Unseen Poetry & Prose Paper Two • Drama: Set Text *Pupils who opt for Elective Literature will offer Lit. Paper One & Social Studies. 57

Presentation by HOD Chinese Mr Kay Ren Tat

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Presentation by HOD Math Mr Ng Chor Yam

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Assessment % of overall

Type of tests

Weightings

CA 1

Common Test

40% of CA 1

8%

Base Tests

20% of CA 1

4%

Homework

20% of CA 1

4%

Journal Writing

20% of CA 1

4%

20%

SA 1

30%

CA 2

20%

SA 2

30%

% of Overall

30% Common Test

40% of CA 2

8%

Base Tests

20% of CA 2

4%

Homework

20% of CA 2

4%

Journal Writing

20% of CA 2

4% 30%

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Math Subjects in Sec 3 • Additional Math is an essential subject of study for most post-secondary courses. • All pupils will offer both GCE ‘O’ Level Math and Additional Math at Secondary Three. • Pupils may be advised to drop Additional Math if they are unable to cope with the rigour of the subject.

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Presentation by HOD Science Miss Goh Teck Koon

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Lower Secondary Science Biology module = 33% Physics module = 34% Chemistry module = 33% For each module

SA CA

= 23 or 24 % Common Test = 7 % Class Tests = 3 % 66

Lower Secondary Science CA1 SA1 CA2 SA2

= = = =

CA

Bio 10% + Phy 5% Bio 23% + Phy 12% Chem 10% + Phy 5% Chem 23% + Phy 12%

= 15% = 35% = 15% = 35%

For each module SA = 23 or 24 % Common Test = 7 % Class Tests =3% 67

Science Department

Since July 2002, admission to NUS medical course does not require Biology at ‘A’ level.

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Science Department

What subject combination must I have? To be eligible for Medicine, candidates must have Chemistry at 'A' level and either Biology or Physics in addition to Chemistry. The 'triple science' combination is no longer required for Medicine, and candidates who present the 'triple science' have no advantage in the admissions process. http://www.med.nus.edu.sg/corporate/admissionsFAQ.shtml 69

Science Department

JC Requirements: To be eligible for Science Subjects at H2 level: ! Pupils are expected to have completed the relevant course of study at GCE ‘O’ Level, either as a Pure Science or as part of a Combined Science course. ! For example, pupils offering H2 Chemistry are expected to have taken Chemistry OR Science (Chem/Phy) or Science (Chem/Bio) at GCE ‘O’ Level 70

Science Department

JC Requirements: To be eligible for Science Subjects at H2 level: ! Pupils who have taken ‘O’ Level Combined Science without any Pure Sciences are eligible for only ONE H2 Science subject. ! Eligible pupils may opt to take the 2nd Science subject at H1 if they have grades of A1 in all the Three subjects Mathematics, Additional Mathematics and Combined Science. 71

Science Department Subjects Performing Above National Average (% Distinction)

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Subject Combination Options 2009 Options No. of subjects Science Pure Humanities Criterion 1 Criterion for Lit in Eng (elective)

S7 7

S8 7

S9 7

Chemistry Physics Biology Sc (Phy/Bio) Sc (Chem/Bio) Sc (Chem/Phy) !64%

!64%

!64%

Eng & Lit !64%

Eng & Lit !64%

Eng & Lit !64%

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Presentation by Subject Head Geography/ I & E Mr Edmund Goy

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History CA = F=% SA = G=% Geography CA = 60% SA = 40% 75

Humanities Department For students offering only ONE Humanities subject, it is compulsory for them to offer the Combined Humanities which consists of 2 components:

50% 50%

Social Studies (compulsory) An Elective

choice of Geography/ History/ Lit E/ Lit C

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Humanities Department

For pupils opting for TWO Humanities subjects: 1st: Combined Humanities (SS & Elective) 2nd: Either Pure Geography OR Pure History OR Literature in English OR Literature in Chinese Note: Pupils cannot opt for the Elective and Pure of the same subject, e.g. Geography Elective with Pure Geography.

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Humanities Department Choice of Elective* (Geography or History) is based on interest and ability. Pupils who have no clear preference towards any Elective should opt for Elective Geography.

*Criteria apply to Lit in English and Lit in Chinese Elective.

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Elective (Geography vs History)

Geography: Physical Geography Natural Vegetation Rivers and Coasts Human Geography Geography of Food Development

History: 20th C World

Hope for a Better World? Establishing Peace Rise of authoritarian regimes Breakdown of World Order War in Europe War in Asia Pacific A World Divided and United? Cold War End of Cold War

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Pure Geography

Physical Geography (50%):

Plate Tectonics and resulting landforms Weather and climate Natural Vegetation Rivers and Coasts

AND Human Geography (50%) Geography of Food The Industrial World Tourism Development

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Pure History Southeast Asian History (50%) Colonial Rule and Impact (1870-1900) Rise of Nationalism (1900-1945) Struggles for independence in post-war Southeast War (19451967) Egs. derived from Indonesia, Malaya and Vietnam AND 20th C World History (50%) See History Elective Hope for a Better World? (1918-1930s) Breakdown of World Order (1930s-1945) A World Divided and United? (1945-1990s)

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Humanities Department

Pupils who qualify for 8-9 subjects are encouraged to opt for double Humanities. This is especially so if they are performing well in History and Geography.

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Q&A Panel of HODs 84