Briefing for Parents Subject Choices at Sec 3 level 29 June 2007

Briefing for ParentsSubject Choices at Sec 3 level

29 June 2007

• Introduction

• Subject Briefing

• Q & A

Programme

•JC Education/ CI

•Polytechnic Education

Possible Routes

Admission Criteria for JCs & Polytechnics

Junior Colleges L1R5 ≤ 20

Admission Criteria to JCs L1R5

L1 First Language EL / Higher MT

Relevant Sub 1 Humanities

Relevant Sub 2 Math/ Science

R5 Relevant Sub 3 Humanities/ Math/ Science

Relevant Sub

4 & 5

Humanities/ Math/ Science/

Other GCE ‘O’ Level Subjects

(excluding Religious Knowledge & CCA)

Bonus Points

• 2 bonus points for students who obtain grades of A1 to C6 for both their first languages (i.e. EL & Higher Mother Tongue)

• 2 bonus points for students who obtain an ‘A’ grade in CCA

• 1 bonus point for students who obtain a grade ‘B’ or ‘C’ in CCA

• Students can enjoy up to a maximum of 4 bonus points

JC Curriculum

Revised

- Knowledge Skills – PW and either GP or KI

- Languages – MTL

- Humanities and the Arts

- Mathematics and Sciences

JC Curriculum

JC CurriculumKey changes

Students may select subjects at 3 different levels of study: Higher 1 (H1), Higher 2 (H2) and Higher 3 (H3)

H1 Equivalent to half of H2 in breadth but similar to H2 in depth.

H2 Equivalent to rigour of old 'A' Level subjects.

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

Besides GP, PW, and MTL at H1 level, students are required to offer 3 H2

and 1 H1 content-based subjects, at least one of which is a subject from a contrasting discipline.

JC Subject Combinations

• Maths and Science Enthusiasts

H2 Phy

H2 Chem

H2 Maths

H1 Econs (contrasting subject)

H1 MTL

GP

PW

• Humanities and the Arts Enthusiasts

H2 Econs

H2 Geo

H2 Maths (contrasting subject)

H1 Art

H1 MTL

GP

PW

JC Subject Combinations

• Take KI

H2 KI (contrasting subject)

H2 Maths

H2 Bio

H2 Chem

H1 MTL

PW

• MT Language and Lit

H2 MT language and Lit

H2 Lit in English

H2 History

H1 Maths (contrasting subject)

GP

PW

L1R5 Aggregate 2006 JAE

JC Arts Science/ IB

Anderson 11 9

ACJC 9 8

ACS (I) - 8

Catholic 13 12

Hwa Chong 4 4

Innova 17 20

Jurong 17 14

Meridian 12 12

L1R5 Aggregate 2006 JAE

JC Arts Science/ IB

Nanyang 12 11

National 6 5

Pioneer 17 16

Raffles 4 4

Serangoon 18 20

St Andrew’s 10 9

Tampines 13 14

Temasek 8 7

L1R5 Aggregate 2006 JAE

JC Arts Science/ IB

Victoria 6 5

Yishun 20 20

Admission Criteria for JCs & Polytechnics

Millennia Institute

L1R4 ≤ 20

Admission Criteria to MI L1R4

L1 First Language EL / Higher MT

Relevant Sub 1 Humanities/ Math/ Science

Relevant Sub 2 Humanities/ Math/ Science

R4 Relevant Sub

3 & 4

Humanities/ Math/ Science/

Other GCE ‘O’ Level Subjects

(excluding Religious Knowledge; conditions apply to CCA subject

Admission Criteria for JCs & Polytechnics

Polytechnics

L1R2B2

Admission criteria to Polytechnics: ELR2B2

• EL – English

• Relevant Subject 1– E Maths/A Maths

• Relevant Subject 2– Relevant subjects depend on the type of

courses applied

• Best Subject 3 & 4– Best 2 other subjects excluding CCA

Bonus Points

• 2 bonus points for students who obtain an ‘A’ grade in CCA

• 1 bonus point for students who obtain a grade ‘B’ or ‘C’ in CCA

Guiding Principles

• Ability of Student and Interest Are Equally Important for Academic Success

• Work with the end in mind

• Every subject has its merit

Allocation

• First by Merit, then Interest

- End of Year Exam Results

- Options

Secondary 3

Subject Combinations

2008

Sec 3 Normal AcademicCombinations from

EL

MTL

E Math

Combined Sc (Phy/Chem)

Combined Hum = Social Studies + (Lit E or Hist E or Geog E)

++++++++++++Choice of 2 subjects from:

A Math or POA or D&T/F&N/Art------------------------------------------------------------------

7 subjects

21 choices

1 class

Subject Briefing (those involving choices)

Elective in combination with Social Studies (Geog, Hist, Lit)

Add Math

Principles of Accounts

Design & Technology

Food & Nutrition

Art

COMBINED HUMANITIES

(GEOGRAPHY ELECTIVE)

AIMS OF SYLLABUSTo develop students in areas of Knowledge, Skills and Values

AIMS:Acquire KNOWLEDGE of characteristics and distribution of physical and human phenomenaDevelop an understanding of processes affecting the physical and human relationshipsProvide a holistic understanding of physical-human relationshipDevelop SKILLS in acquiring, communicating and applying geographical knowledgeVALUES: Develop an informed concern about the quality of the environment and the future of the human habitat, and thereby, enhance students’ sense of responsibility for the care of the Earth and its peopleDevelop awareness of contrasting opportunities and constraints which people face in local, regional and global environment

GEOGRAPHY SYLLABUS FRAMEWORK

Combined Humanities (Geography E)Section A:

Students study 2 Physical Geography Topics

Section B:

Students study 2 Human Geography Topics

Duration of Exam: 1hr 30 min

Syllabus FrameworkPaper 1: Physical Geography [Section A: Geog E : Only Topics 3 & 4 ]

Topic 4Rivers & Coast• River processes & related landforms• Coastal processes & related landforms• River & coastal management

Topic 3Natural Vegetation*• Types of natural vegetation• Adaptation of natural vegetation to the environment• Uses of forest• Case study of deforestation

*at ‘O” levels

Topics 1 & 2Plate Tectonics & Resulting LandformsWeather & Climate

Syllabus FrameworkPaper 2: Human Geography Section B: Geog E : Only Topics 1 & 4

Topic 1Geography of Food• Trends in food production & distribution• Factors affecting intensity of food prodn• Development in food production

Topic 4Development• Variations in Development in the World• Reasons for Variations in Development• Strategies to Alleviate Uneven Developmt

Topics 2 & 3The Industrial World

Tourism

Assessment:GCE ‘O’ Levels Exam Format for Geography Elective

Paper No. of Qns Weighting by Section

Section A:

Physical Geography

2 Qns set

Attempt 1 only

25%

Section B:

Human Geography

2 Qns set

Attempt 1 only

25 %

Total Marks for Combined Humanities:Social Studies (50%) + Geography Elective (50%)= 100%

Assessment Objectives:Objective 1: Knowledge

Demonstrate relevant factual knowledge – geographical facts, concepts, processes, interactions and trends.

Objective 2: Construct Explanation Select, organise and apply concepts, terms and facts

learnt Make judgments, recommendations and decisions

Objective 3: Interpret and Evaluate Geographical data

Comprehend and extract relevant information from geographical data (numerical, diagrammatic, pictorial and graphical forms)

Use and apply geographical knowledge and understanding to interpret geographical data

o Recognize patterns & deduce relationshipso Compare & contrast different viewso Draw conclusions on a reasoned consideration of evidence

SKILLS TAUGHT TO INTERPRET:

Geographical Data

Maps Base maps, sketch maps, topographical maps, road maps, Atlases etc

Symbols Proportional circles

Photographs Aerial photos, landscape photos, satellite images

Graphs Line graphs, Bar graphs, Others

Others Texts, Diagrams, Tables, Cartoons

Statistical calculations

Percentages, Ratios, Mean, Mode, Median

Assessment modes used by department

Common TestShort QuizzesComic / cartoons SongsVideo clipsRole-play and SkitsDebatesProjects Fieldtrips

Who will do well for this subject?

Students who possess the following:

Analytical thinking

Eye for details

Read widely

Ability to write

Good memory skills

Conscientious

Summary of Content Differentiation:Topics GE

‘O’GE ‘N’

Plate Tectonics & Resulting Landforms

Weather & Climate

Natural Vegetation Rivers & Coast Geography of Food The Industrial World

Tourism

Development * Pure Geog not offered for NA Geography

Elective

Comparison Between ‘O’ & ‘N’ Level:

Differences ‘O’ Level ‘N’ Level

No. of Parts in Assessment

Maximum 5 parts Maximum 6 parts

No. of marks capped for the level descriptor

Capped at 8 marks Capped at 6 marks

Curriculum Time 24 periods / Topic 32 periods / Topic

Nature & Type of Question

Different

SAME: Syllabus Aims, Assessment Objectives, Assessment Format

COMBINED HUMANITIES

(HISTORY ELECTIVE)

AIMS OF SYLLABUSTo develop students in areas of

Content, Skills and Values

CONTENTGrasp broad fundamental concepts common to all historical explanationsUnderstand international affairs and the forces that shaped 20th Century World history

SKILLSUnderstand History in its settingUnderstand points of view in HistoryProcess historical informationDevelop critical and creative thinking

VALUESDevelop an interest in the past and an appreciation for history, and of human achievements and aspirationsUnderstand the significance of the past to their own lives, community and societyDevelop an empathy for and sensitivity towards different political experiencesAppreciate that different societies hold different beliefs, values and attitudes at different timesInstill a sense of respect for evidence and tolerance of a range of opinions.

HISTORY SYLLABUS FRAMEWORK

Combined Humanities (History Elective)Paper 2: 20th Century World History, 1910s-1991

Theme 1: Impact of WW1The world at war and the Immediate Aftermath

Theme 2: Hope for Better worldEstablishing peaceRise of Authoritarian Regimes

Theme 3: Breakdown of World OrderWar in Europe

Syllabus FrameworkPaper 2: 20th Century World History, 1910s-1991

Theme 1Impact of World War 1

• Did the World War 1 change the world?

Theme 2Hope for a Better World?

• In what ways were the years between WWI & WW2 a time of

both new hopes and great troubles?

Theme 3The Breakdown of the

World Order• Why had international peace

collapse by 1939?

AssessmentGCE ‘N’Levels Exam Format for Elective History

Paper

Source-Based Qn

Structured Essay Qn

Weighting by Paper

20th Century World History 1910s-1991

1 qn set

(5 sources)

(compulsory)

3 qns set

(Attempt 1 only)

50%

Weighting 25 % 25% 50 %

Total Marks for Combined Humanities:Social Studies (50%) + Elective History (50%)= 100%

Assessment Objectives:Objective 1: Testing Knowledge

Objective 2: Constructing Explanations Select, organise and apply concepts, terms and facts learnt Make judgments, recommendations and decisions

Objective 3: Interpret and Evaluate Sources / Given Information

Comprehend and extract relevant information Draw references from given information Analyze and evaluate evidence Compare and contrast different views Distinguish between fact, opinion and judgments Recognize values and detect bias Draw conclusions based on reasoned consideration of evidence

and argument

SKILLS TAUGHT:

• Structured Essay SkillsExposition writing skills

Constructing Explanations

• Source Based SkillsInferring from SourcesComparing Evaluating Usefulness/UtilityChecking ReliabilityDrawing Conclusion

Assessment modes used by department

Common Test [ Structured Essay Questions & Source Based Questions]

Short Quizzes

Comic / cartoons

Songs

Video clips

Role-play and Skits

Debates

Projects

Fieldtrips

Who will do well for this subject?

Students who possess the following:

Analytical thinking

Eye for details

Read widely

Ability to write

Good memory skills

Conscientious

COMBINED HUMANITIES

(LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

ELECTIVE)

‘N’ Level candidates should be able to:

Demonstrate knowledgeDemonstrate understanding of the ways in which writers’ choices of form, structure and language shape meanings;Sensitive and informed personal response Express responses clearly and coherently

The Assessment Objectives are inter-related and it will not normally be either possible or desirable to assess them in isolation.

AIMS

Enjoyment

Explore the elements of different genres

Perceptive & logical thinking

Evidence to support their case

Understanding information of text

Personal engagement

AREAS OF STUDY

Style

Plot &Structure

Character-isation

Setting/Atmosphere

Viewpoint

Areas of Study

SPECTRUM OF SKILLS

Evaluating skills

Generatingskills

Analysingskills Information

-gatheringskills

Integratingskills

Focusingskills

Organisingskills

Rememberingskills

Spectrumof

Skills

What we are looking for:

Relevant comment

Understanding

Personal response to the texts

Exploration of language

Own ideas

Syllabus

Level Literature Elective

‘N’Level

Sec 3Sec 4Sec 5

Candidates offer only 1 paper (‘N’ Level Paper 1)

Assessment is in the form of passage-based & essay questions

Over 2-3 years, they study one set prose text and the Unseen

GCE ‘N’ Level Examination

Examination Format

Paper Duration&

Weighting

Details of Paper and Sections

ProseandUnseen Texts

1 h 40 min[50%]

There will be two sections in this paper

Candidates will select one question from each of the two sections

In total, candidates will answer two questions

Each question is 25% of the total weighting

Current Prescribed Texts

Sec 4 Normal Academic (2007)

Kiss the Dust by Elizabeth Laird

Sec 3 Normal Academic (2008-2010)

The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera

Drama presentations

Exposure to range of unseen materials

Group work

Projects

Quizzes

Creative writing

Practical criticisms

ALTERNATIVE MODES OF ASSESSMENT

GCE NA Level

Additional Mathematics

New Syllabus

First Year of Examination 2008

Mathematics FrameworkBeliefsInterestAppreciationConfidencePerseverance

Monitoring of one’s own thinkingSelf-regulation of learning

Numerical calculationAlgebraic manipulationSpatial visualisationData analysisUse of mathematical tools Estimation

Skills

Pro

cess

es

MetacognitionAttitu

des

Mathematical Problem Solving

Concepts

NumericalAlgebraicGeometricalStatisticalProbabilisticAnalytical

Reasoning, communication and connectionsThinking skills and heuristicsApplications and modelling

Features of Additional Mathematics

To prepare students for further study by providing a strong foundation in mathematics

Emphasise depth rather than breadthExtend learning of Algebra and GeometryEmphasise algebraic manipulation and mathematics reasoning skills

Introduction to Calculus

Assume knowledge of GCE Mathematics Ordinary Level

Coherence and completeness

The 3 Strands of the New Syllabus

Algebra

Geometry and Trigonometry

Calculus

Assessment Objectives:

Objective 1: Understand and use mathematical concepts and skills in a variety of contexts.

Objective 2: Organise and analyse data and information; formulate problems into mathematical terms and select and apply appropriate techniques of solution, including manipulation of algebraic expressions.

Objective 3: Solve higher order thinking problems; interpret mathematical results and make inferences; reason and communicate mathematically through writing mathematical explanation, arguments and proofs.

GCE Additional Mathematics N Level Scheme of Assessment

Paper Duration DescriptionMax

Mark Weighting

11 h

45 min

13-15 questions testing more on the fundamental skills and concepts

Answer all questions

Calculator allowed

70 50 %

21 h

45 min

8-10 questions

Answer all questions

Calculator allowed

70 50 %

Various Assessment Modes used by Mathematics Department

Common Test / Examinations

Quizzes

Assignments

Classroom Participation

Groupwork / Discussion

Presentation

Who will do well for this subject?

Students who possess the following:

Acute Procedural Skills

Acute Analytical Thinking

Acute Reasoning Skills

Interest in Mathematics

Perseverance

Self-discipline to practice, practice and practice Mathematical problems

Guideline

As a guideline, students who obtain less than 60% overall for Mathematics in Secondary 2 are strongly discouraged from choosing Additional Mathematics. Based on our professional experience and judgment, these students will face difficulties coping with the rigour of the subjects.

Textbook:

Panpac Additional Mathematics,

Ho Soo Thong, Khor Nyak Hiong / Panpac

Website:

http://www.moe.gov.sg/cpdd/doc/2007%20Sec%20Math%20Syllabuses.pdf

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS

OBJECTIVES OF PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS :

1. The main thrust of the syllabus is on developing basic

fundamentals of accounting with a good understanding of

the rationale and underlying principles for preparing

accounting information.

2. Students will acquire a sound knowledge of the basic

double-entry book-keeping method, from which they

develop the ability to prepare, present and analyse

financial statements

Assessment: GCE ‘N’ Levels Exam Format

PAPER 1:Duration: 1 hour

3 to 4 Compulsory Structured Questions [40m]

PAPER 2: Duration: 1hour 30minutesSECTION A:

1 Compulsory Question [30m]

SECTION B: Choose 1 out of 2 Structured Question [30m]

Assessment Objectives:

Objective 1: Knowledge with understanding Knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts,

conventions, principles, procedures and techniques appropriate to the syllabus

Understanding of knowledge through numeracy, literacy, presentation and interpretation

Objective 2: Knowledge with application Apply knowledge and information to various accounting

situations and problems

Objective 3: Analysis Select, analyse and order information in written, numerical

and tabular form Present appropriate information in an accepted accounting

form

TOPICS TAUGHT:

GCE ‘N’ Levels

•Double Entry SystemThe Double Entry System of bookkeeping

Source Documents

Books of Prime Entry

The Ledger

The Trial Balance

•Accounting Procedures

Correction of Errors

Balance Day Adjustments

Accounting for Fixed Assets

•Accounting Procedures

Sole Trader

Partnership

Assessment modes used by department

Common Tests [ Structured & Problem Solving Questions]

Short Quizzes

Role-play and Skits

Newspaper Review

Poster Making

Debates

Projects

Who will do well for this subject?

Students who possess the following:

Basic Mathematical Skills

Analytical thinking

Organised and systematic

Positive attitude

Eye for details

Conscientious

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

OBJECTIVES OF DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Foster positive values and develop dispositions for enterprise, creativity and innovation;Harness curiosity and ability to create through design-and-make activities;Exercise judgments of an aesthetic, technical and economic nature;Develop awareness of design in areas of social, culture and environment; andAcquire knowledge and skills beyond textbooks through the contexts of design-and-make activities.

OVERVIEW OF TOPICSThe subject content is organised into 3 sections.

DESIGNProject Management, Research, Need Definition, Idea Generation, Realisation Plan, Evaluation, Design & Technology in Society, Design Communication, Ergonomics & Anthropometry

TECHNOLOGICAL AREASStructures, Mechanisms & Electronics

MATERIALS AND PRACTICAL PROCESSESResistant Materials, Smart Materials, Marking Out, Shaping, Joining & Assembly, Finishing

ASSESSMENTGCE ‘N’ & ‘O’ Level Exams Format

Paper No. Description ‘N’ Level ‘O’ Level

Paper 1

Written Paper

Weighting 30%

Total Marks 70 100

Duration 1 hr 30 min 2 hr

Part A 40% of total marks

Answer all 5 questions based mainly on DESIGN

Part B 60% of total marks

Answer all 3 questions (2 for ‘N’) based mainly on TECHNOLOGICAL AREAS

Paper 2

Coursework

Weighting 70%

Part A Design Journal

40/140 marks (29%) 60/140 marks (43%)

Part B Final Presentation (Presentation Boards & Artefact)

100/140 marks (71%) 80/140 marks (57%)

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVESKNOWLEDGE WITH UNDERSTANDING- demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate knowledge in materials, processes and technological areasDESIGN PROBLEM SOLVING- plan and manage a design project; produce design solution; research; generate and develop ideas; testing and evaluation; apply appropriate communication methodsREALISATION- organise work procedures and realise a design solution in appropriate materials using suitable techniques

SUBJECT RELEVANCE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Can be used as one of the subjects in L1R5 for entrance to JCs and L1R2B2 for entrance to Polytechnics

Added advantage and/or serves as foundation for most Engineering & Design Courses in Polytechnics

REQUIREMENT FROM CANDIDATES

Have an inquisitive mind

Independent and hardworking

Loves hands-on activities

Positive attitude

Have passion for the subject

FOOD & NUTRITION

OBJECTIVES OF FOOD & NUTRITION

Understand the concepts of nutrition and meal planning

Understand the link between diet and health

Understand the principles of food science

Equip pupils with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions concerning food and nutrition

OVERVIEW OF TOPICS

Nutrition and HealthNutrients, Diet & Health, Energy Balance, Digestion, Meal Planning & Meal AnalysisFood ChoicesMain Food Commodities, Food LabelsFood ScienceThe Science of Food Preparation and Cooking, Reactions in Food During Preparation and Cooking, Evaluation of Food, The Science of Processing

ASSESSMENTGCE ‘N’ & ‘O’ Level Exams Format

Paper No. Description ‘N’ Level ‘O’ Level

Paper 1

Written Paper

Weighting 40%

Total Marks 40 100

Duration 1 hr 30 min 2 hr

Section A 10 marks 25 marks

Section B 16 marks 30 marks

Section C 14 marks 45 marks

Paper 2

Coursework

Folio

Weighting 60%

Part A No separate parts 70/100 marks (42%)

Part B No separate parts 30/100 marks (18%)

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES

Subject Content KnowledgeDemonstration of knowledge and understanding – principles of nutrition, underlying food preparation, processing and safety; relationship between nutrition and health

Process SkillsAbility to plan and carry out coursework – define and analyse task question; gather and investigate information; make informed decisions; apply food preparation techniques; evaluate and draw conclusions; communicate ideas effectively

SUBJECT RELEVANCE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Can be used as one of the subjects in L1R5 for entrance to JCs

Added advantage for entrance to selected Applied Science courses in the Polytechnics and culinary skills courses in SHATEC

Can be used as one of the subjects in L1R2B2 for entrance to Polytechnics

REQUIREMENT FROM CANDIDATES

Scored B for Homec in Mid Year exam (in Sec 2)

Independent and hardworking

Highly motivated to do well. Aim for distinction

Positive attitude

Have a strong interest in the subject

Assessment: GCE ‘NA’ Levels Exam Format

Paper 1 (60%) - CourseworkProject: comprising the finished artwork and not more than five A2 sheets of preliminary/supporting studies. Candidates are to include explorations of artists/artworks relevant to the chosen theme/media in their preparatory/supporting studies.

Paper 2 (40%) - 3 h ExaminationDrawing & Painting: Paper to be given 3 weeks before the commencement of the ‘NA’ level Examination. Six themes will be issued and candidates are to make response to one of the themes on paper of size A3 or A2. Preliminary/supporting studies of five A3 sheets of paper must be submitted.

Who will do well for this subject?

Students who choose art must be :

Independent and focused during art lessons as exam topics are varied.

committed to regular and consistent work during lessons, holidays and after school.

passionate enough about art to eat, breathe and think of the issue/topic/task taken up for Art expression.

***The End***

Students must think very carefully about their choice.

If your child believes he/she has what it takes to take up art as a passion in life, he/she will be well-rewarded……..

Thank You!

Any Questions?