Briefing for Parents Subject Choices at Sec 3 level 21 Sept 2006

Briefing for ParentsSubject Choices at Sec 3 level 21 Sept 2006

Programme Introduction

Subject Briefing

Q & A

Possible RoutesJC Education/ CIPolytechnic Education

Admission Criteria for JCs & PolytechnicsJunior Colleges L1R5 20

Admission Criteria to JCs L1R5

Bonus Points2 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 CurriculumOld System - 3 or 4 subjects at A level + 2 subjects at AO level

New System - Knowledge Skills PW and either GP or KI - Languages MTL - Humanities and the Arts - Mathematics and Sciences

JC Curriculum

Admission Criteria for JCs & PolytechnicsCentralized InstituteL1R4 20

Admission Criteria to CI L1R4

Admission Criteria for JCs & PolytechnicsPolytechnics L1R2B2

Admission criteria to Polytechnics: ELR2B2EL EnglishRelevant Subject 1E Maths/A MathsRelevant Subject 2Relevant subjects depend on the type of courses applied Best Subject 3 & 4Best 2 other subjects excluding CCA

Bonus Points2 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 PrinciplesAbility of Student and Interest Are Equally Important for Academic Success Work with the end in mindEvery subject has its meritImportance of strong foundation in lower secondary

Promotion Criteria for 2NA Pass EL + 2 subjectsorPass in 4 subjects (if the child did not obtain a pass grade in EL)

GCE N Level Exam Promotion Criteria -- from Sec 4NA to Sec 5NA

Best 3 subjects 10 points

Pass in EL

N Level Grading System 75 & above Grade 170 74 Grade 265 69 Grade 360 64 Grade 450 59 Grade 5

49 & below Grade U

O Level Grading System 75 & above A170 74 A265 69 B360 64 B455 59 C550 54 C645 49 D740 44 E839 & below F9

Our ExpectationsHigh entry point for our NA cohort

End point is GCE O Level

Gaining strong foundation, esp in the area of EL, Maths and Science from lower secondary

Subjects Offered in 3NACore Subjects :ELMTLMathsSci (Phy/ Chem)Combined Humanities (SS + Elective)

Choose 2 from the following :A Maths/ POA/ Art/ F&N / D&T

Flexibility and ChoiceN(A) students to offer up to a maximum of 2 O level subjects in Sec 4 (Maths/ Science/ MTL)

N(A) students to skip N level examinations Through -Train Programme to O level

Criteria for 3NA Overall Results L1R2B2 25 points

Subject BriefingMathsAdditional MathsCombined Science Combined HumanitiesPrinciples of AccountD & TF & NArt

GCE Mathematics Ordinary LevelNew SyllabusFirst Year of Examination 2008

Mathematics FrameworkBeliefsInterestAppreciationConfidencePerseveranceMonitoring of ones own thinkingSelf-regulation of learningNumerical calculationAlgebraic manipulationSpatial visualisationData analysisUse of mathematical tools EstimationSkillsProcessesMetacognitionAttitudesMathematical Problem SolvingConceptsNumericalAlgebraicGeometricalStatisticalProbabilisticAnalyticalReasoning, communication and connectionsThinking skills and heuristicsApplications and modelling

The 3 Strands of the New Syllabus

Numbers and AlgebraGeometry and MeasurementStatistics and Probability

New Syllabus, New Approaches

Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach to the introduction of algebraLess on manual computation, more on applications in generalLess of doing mathematics in isolation, more of seeing mathematics in action (using more contextual problems)Less on construction, more on analysis and interpretation in statistics

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; write mathematical explanation and arguments.

GCE Mathematics O Level Scheme of Assessment

Various Assessment Modes used by Mathematics DepartmentCommon Test / ExaminationsQuizzesAssignmentsClassroom Participation Groupwork / DiscussionPresentationJournal Writing

GCE Additional MathematicsOrdinary LevelNew SyllabusFirst Year of Examination 2008

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 TrigonometryCalculus


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 O Level Scheme of Assessment

Various Assessment Modes used by Mathematics DepartmentCommon Test / ExaminationsQuizzesAssignmentsClassroom Participation Groupwork / DiscussionPresentationJournal Writing

Who will do well for this subject?Students who possess the following:Acute Procedural SkillsAcute Analytical ThinkingAcute Reasoning SkillsInterest in MathematicsPerseveranceSelf-discipline to practice, practice and practice Mathematical problems

Textbooks:Mathematics:Math Insights Secondary 3,Lim Siew Hoon, Teo Peck Hoon Whey Kin Pheng / Pearson Additional Mathematics:Panpac Additional Mathematics, Ho Soo Thong, Khor Nyak Hiong / Panpac

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

Combined Science (Phy/Chem)

Science Curriculum Framework

Assessment: GCE O Levels Exam Format(Combined Science)- Physics & ChemistryPaper 1 (20%)40 MCQ questionsDuration 1 hPaper 2: (32.5%) - PhysicsStructured-Essay Duration: 1 h 15 minPaper 3: (32.5%) - ChemistryStructured-Essay Duration: 1 h 15 minPaper 5: (15%)PracticalDuration: 1 h 30 min

2 Years ProgrammeGCE O Level at the end of Secondary 4Criteria: Overall distinction grade in Sec 2 science2007 Subject Combinations (Normal Academic)

COMBINED HUMANITIES SOCIAL STUDIES [Exp / NA]2190/1 & 2191/1

OBJECTIVES OF SOCIAL STUDIES:

The syllabus is organized around 2 core ideas Being Rooted and Living Global. It aims to develop our students into well-informed, responsible citizens with a national identity and a global perspective.Students will develop competence in 3 areas: knowledge and understanding, skills and processes, values and attitudes.

OVERVIEW OF TOPICS:

Assessment: GCE O Levels Exam FormatSECTION A: Source-Based Question [25m]Question 1 (4 part questions: a - d) [Compulsory]

SECTION B: Structured-Essay Question [25m]Questions 2 4 (2 part questions: a & b)[Choose 1 out of 3 Qns Set]

Duration: 1 hr 30 min


Objective 1: Knowledge

Objective 2: Construct ExplanationSelect, organise and apply concepts, terms and facts learntMake judgements, recommendations and decisions

Objective 3: Interpret and Evaluate Sources / Given InformationComprehend and extract relevant informationDraw references from given informationAnalyze and evaluate evidenceCompare and contrast different viewsDistinguish between fact, opinion and judgmentsRecognize values and detect biasDraw conclusions based on reasoned consideration of evidence and argument

SKILLS TAUGHT:Structured Essay SkillsExposition writing skillsConstructing Explanations

Source Based SkillsInferring from SourcesComparing Evaluating Usefulness/UtilityChecking ReliabilityDrawing ConclusionMixed Question Type [Comparison + Reliability]

Assessment modes used by departmentCommon Test [ Structured Essay Questions & Source Based Case Study]Short QuizzesComic / cartoons SongsVideo clipsRole-play and SkitsNewspaper ReviewPoster MakingDebatesProjects fieldtrips

Who will do well for this subject?Students who possess the following:Analytical thinkingEye for detailsRead widelyAbility to writeGood memory skillsConscientious

Comparison Between O & N Level:SAME: Syllabus Aims, Assessment Objectives, Assessment Format

DIFFERENCE: Content Reduced for N LevelFacing Challenges & ChangeManaging International Relations: How Conflict in One Region can Affect the Rest of the World

1. COMBINED HUMANITIES (ELECTIVE GEOGRAPHY)

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 ELECTIVE SYLLABUS FRAMEWORK

Section A:Students study 1 Physical Geography Topics

Section B:Students study 2 Human Geography Topics

Duration of Exam: 1hr 30 min

Syllabus FrameworkSection A: Physical Geography

Rivers & Coast River processes & related landforms Coastal processes & related landforms River & coastal managementSection B: Human Geography

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

Development Variations in Development in the World Reasons for Variations in Development Strategies to Alleviate Uneven Devt

Assessment:GCE N Levels Exam Format for Elective GeographyTotal Marks for Combined Humanities:Social Studies (50%) + Elective Geography (50%)= 100%


Objective 1: KnowledgeDemonstrate relevant factual knowledge geographical facts, concepts, processes, interactions and trends.


Objective 3: Interpret and Evaluate Geographical dataComprehend and extract relevant information from geographical data (numerical, diagrammatic, pictorial and graphical forms)Use and apply geographical knowledge and understanding to interpret geographical dataRecognize patterns & deduce relationshipsCompare & contrast different viewsDraw conclusions on a reasoned consideration of evidence

SKILLS TAUGHT TO INTERPRET:

Geographical DataMapsBase maps, sketch maps, topographical maps, road maps, Atlases etcSymbolsProportional circlesPhotographsAerial photos, landscape photos, satellite imagesGraphsLine graphs, Bar graphs, OthersOthersTexts, Diagrams, Tables, CartoonsStatistical calculationsPercentages, Ratios, Mean, Mode, Median

Assessment modes used by departmentCommon TestShort QuizzesComic / cartoons SongsVideo clipsRole-play and SkitsDebatesProjects Fieldtrips

Summary of Content Differentiation:

Comparison Between O & N Level:

COMBINED HUMANITIES HISTORY ELECTIVEN(A) Level

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 FRAMEWORKCombined Humanities (Elective History)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 worldPeace MakingRise 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 O Levels Exam Format for Elective HistoryTotal Marks for Combined Humanities:Social Studies (50%) + Elective History (50%)= 100%


Objective 1: Knowledge


Objective 3: Interpret and Evaluate Sources / Given InformationComprehend and extract relevant informationDraw references from given informationAnalyze and evaluate evidenceCompare and contrast different viewsDistinguish between fact, opinion and judgmentsRecognize values and detect biasDraw conclusions based on reasoned consideration of evidence and argument

SKILLS TAUGHT: Structured Essay SkillsExposition writing skillsConstructing Explanations

Source Based SkillsInferring from SourcesComparing Evaluating Usefulness/UtilityChecking ReliabilityDrawing Conclusion

Assessment modes used by departmentCommon Test [ Structured Essay Questions & Source Based Questions]Short QuizzesComic / cartoons SongsVideo clipsRole-play and SkitsDebatesProjects Fieldtrips

LITERATURE IN ENGLISHLiterature Elective

Assessment: GCE N Levels Exam FormatPaper 1: Section 1A: ProseChoose 1 out of 7 set textsSection 2: Unseen Prose & PoetryQuestion TypesPassage-basedEssayUnseen ProseUnseen Poetry

Assessment: GCE N Levels Exam FormatPaper 1: Prose & Unseen TextsSection1A: Prose (Open Selection)Seven short prose texts are offeredFor each text, one passage-based question & two essay questions will be setCandidates study one set text and answer one questionFor every year of exam, one to two Singaporean/ Malaysian texts will be set

Assessment: GCE N Levels Exam FormatPaper 1: Prose & Unseen TextsSection 1B: Unseen Prose & Poetry (Open Selection)Two questions will be set, one on an unseen poem & one on an unseen prose extractCandidates answer one questionFor every year of exam, one question will be set on a Singaporean/ Malaysian text either prose or poetry

SALIENT FEATURES: Common O & N Level text lists Built in contrasting genres Regular inclusion of Singaporean/Malaysian writing Increased duration for examinations by 10 mins

Assessment modes used by departmentDrama presentationsExposure to range of unseen materialsGroup workProjectsCreative writingPractical criticisms

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTSGCE Normal Level (7114)

OBJECTIVES OF PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS :

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.

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 FormatPAPER 1:Duration: 1 hourStructured Written Paper consisting of 3 or 4 Compulsory Questions [40m]

PAPER 2: Duration: 1hour 30minutesSECTION A: 1 Compulsory Question which will involve the preparation of the final accounts of a Sole Trader or Partnership [30m]

SECTION B: 1 Structured Question [30m]


Objective 1: Knowledge with understandingKnowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, conventions, principles, procedures and techniques appropriate to the syllabusUnderstanding of knowledge through numeracy, literacy, presentation and interpretation

Objective 2: Knowledge with applicationApply knowledge and information to various accounting situations and problems

Objective 3: AnalysisSelect, analyse and order information in written, numerical and tabular formPresent appropriate information in an accepted accounting form

TOPICS TAUGHT: GCE N Levels Double Entry SystemThe Double Entry System of bookkeepingSource DocumentsBooks of Prime EntryThe LedgerThe Trial BalanceAccounting ProceduresCorrection of ErrorsBalance Day AdjustmentsAccounting for Fixed AssetsAccounting Procedures Sole TraderPartnership

Assessment modes used by departmentCommon Tests [ Structured & Problem Solving Questions]Short QuizzesRole-play and SkitsNewspaper ReviewPoster MakingDebatesProjects

Who will do well for this subject?Students who possess the following:Basic Mathematical SkillsAnalytical thinkingOrganised and systematic Positive attitudeEye for detailsConscientious

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

For Secondary 3 Normal (Academic) Students (2007)

OBJECTIVES OF DESIGN & TECHNOLOGYFoster positive values and develop dispositions for enterprise, creativity and innovation;Harness curiosity and ability to create through design-and-make activities;Exercise judgements 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.DESIGN Project Management, Research, Need Definition, Idea Generation, Realisation Plan, Evaluation, Design & Technology in Society, Design Communication, Ergonomics & Anthropometry

TECHNOLOGICAL AREAS Structures, Mechanisms & Electronics

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

ASSESSMENTGCE N & O Level Exams Format

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 EDUCATIONCan be used as one of the subjects in L1R5 for entrance to JCs and L1R2B2 for entrance to PolytechnicsAdded advantage and/or serves as foundation for most Engineering & Design Courses in Polytechnics

REQUIREMENT FROM CANDIDATES

Have an inquisitive mindIndependent and hardworkingLoves hands-on activitiesPositive attitudeHave passion for the subject

FOOD & NUTRITIONFor Sec 3 Normal (Academic) Students (2007)

OBJECTIVES OF FOOD & NUTRITIONUnderstand 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 TOPICSNutrition and Health Nutrients, Diet & Health, Energy Balance, Digestion, Meal Planning & Meal AnalysisFood Choices Main Food Commodities, Food LabelsFood Science The 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

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVESSubject Content Knowledge Demonstration of knowledge and understanding principles of nutrition, underlying food preparation, processing and safety; relationship between nutrition and healthProcess Skills Ability 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 EDUCATIONCan be used as one of the subjects in L1R5 for entrance to JCsAdded 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 CANDIDATESScored B for Homec in Mid Year exam (in Sec 2)Independent and hardworkingHighly motivated to do well. Aim for distinctionPositive attitudeHave a strong interest in the subject

Art and Design

OBJECTIVES OF Art and DesignThe aims of the syllabus are to nurture an informed awareness and appreciation of the visual arts; enhance ability to identify and solve problems creatively in visual and tactile forms; develop competency in the use of art and design principles, materials and processes; foster self-confidence and a sense of achievement through the practice of the visual arts; cultivate an inquiring mind, a spirit of experimentation and a passion for the visual arts

Assessment: GCE NA Levels Exam FormatPaper 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.

Assessment: GCE NT Levels Exam FormatPaper 1 (60%) - Portfolio(Coursework)Collection comprising three art and/or design works from at least two differing media.A brief of not more than 50 words must be submitted for each work.

Paper 2 (40%) 3 h ExaminationArt Task: Task question and answer booklet to be given ten weeks in advance. Six questions will be issued to candidates who are to make a response to one of the questions. The answer booklet with documentation of the processes and exploration must be submitted with the final solution.

Who will do well for this subject?Students who choose art must bepassionate andcommitted to regular and consistent work during holidays and after schoollike art

Question & Answer

THE INNER CIRCLE centering on life skills ensures that students acquire sound values and skills to take them through life as responsible adults and active citizens. It comprises the non-academic curriculum.

THE MIDDLE CIRCLE on knowledge skills seeks to develop students' thinking, process and communication skills. It comprises skills-based subjects.

THE OUTERMOST CIRCLE covers the content-based subject disciplines i.e. Languages, Humanities & the Arts, and Mathematics & Sciences. It ensures that students acquire a multi-disciplinary grounding.Pure Geo has 2 paper whereas Elect Geo only has 1 paper.Each Paper for Pure Geo is 1 hr 30 min taken at different seating.

Students taking Elect Geo will do 2 topics less than Pure Geo students. They will do only Topics 3 & 4 for Physical Geo.Paper 1 (60%) Portfolio(Coursewk)Collection comprising three art and/or design works from at least two differing media.A brief of not more than 50 words must be submitted for each work.Paper 2 (40%) - 3 h ExaminationArt Task: Task question and answer booklet to be given ten weeks in advance. Six questions will be issued to candidates who are to make a response to one of the questions. The answer booklet with documentation of the processes and exploration must be submitted with the final solution.