Briefing for Parents Subject 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 LanguageEL / Higher MT Relevant Sub 1Humanities Relevant Sub 2Math/ Science R5 Relevant Sub 3Humanities/ 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

Key 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 JCArtsScience/ IB Anderson119 ACJC 98 ACS (I)-8 Catholic1312 Hwa Chong44 Innova1720 Jurong1714 Meridian12

L1R5 Aggregate 2006 JAE JCArtsScience/ IB Nanyang1211 National 6 5 Pioneer1716 Raffles 4 4 Serangoon1820 St Andrews10 9 Tampines1314 Temasek 8 7

L1R5 Aggregate 2006 JAE JCArtsScience/ IB Victoria 6 5 Yishun20

Admission Criteria for JCs & Polytechnics Millennia Institute L1R4 20

Admission Criteria to MI L1R4 L1 First LanguageEL / Higher MT Relevant Sub 1Humanities/ Math/ Science Relevant Sub 2Humanities/ 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 Academic Combinations 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 SYLLABUS To develop students in areas of Knowledge, Skills and Values AIMS: Acquire KNOWLEDGE of characteristics and distribution of physical and human phenomena Develop an understanding of processes affecting the physical and human relationships Provide a holistic understanding of physical-human relationship Develop SKILLS in acquiring, communicating and applying geographical knowledge VALUES: 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 people Develop 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 Framework Paper 1: Physical Geography [Section A: Geog E : Only Topics 3 & 4 ] Topic 4 Rivers & Coast River processes & related landforms Coastal processes & related landforms River & coastal management Topic 3 Natural Vegetation* Types of natural vegetation Adaptation of natural vegetation to the environment Uses of forest Case study of deforestation *at O levels Topics 1 & 2 Plate Tectonics & Resulting Landforms Weather & Climate

Syllabus Framework Paper 2: Human Geography Section B: Geog E : Only Topics 1 & 4 Topic 1 Geography of Food Trends in food production & distribution Factors affecting intensity of food prodn Development in food production Topic 4 Development Variations in Development in the World Reasons for Variations in Development Strategies to Alleviate Uneven Developmt Topics 2 & 3 The Industrial World Tourism

Assessment: GCE O Levels Exam Format for Geography Elective PaperNo. of QnsWeighting 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 relationships o Compare & contrast different views o Draw conclusions on a reasoned consideration of evidence

SKILLS TAUGHT TO INTERPRET: Geographical Data MapsBase maps, sketch maps, topographical maps, road maps, Atlases etc SymbolsProportional circles PhotographsAerial photos, landscape photos, satellite images GraphsLine graphs, Bar graphs, Others OthersTexts, Diagrams, Tables, Cartoons Statistical calculations Percentages, Ratios, Mean, Mode, Median

Assessment modes used by department Common Test 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

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: DifferencesO LevelN Level No. of Parts in Assessment Maximum 5 partsMaximum 6 parts No. of marks capped for the level descriptor Capped at 8 marksCapped at 6 marks Curriculum Time24 periods / Topic32 periods / Topic Nature & Type of Question Different SAME: Syllabus Aims, Assessment Objectives, Assessment Format

COMBINED HUMANITIES (HISTORY ELECTIVE)

AIMS OF SYLLABUS To develop students in areas of Content, Skills and Values CONTENT Grasp broad fundamental concepts common to all historical explanations Understand international affairs and the forces that shaped 20 th Century World history SKILLS Understand History in its setting Understand points of view in History Process historical information Develop critical and creative thinking

VALUES Develop an interest in the past and an appreciation for history, and of human achievements and aspirations Understand the significance of the past to their own lives, community and society Develop an empathy for and sensitivity towards different political experiences Appreciate that different societies hold different beliefs, values and attitudes at different times Instill a sense of respect for evidence and tolerance of a range of opinions.

HISTORY SYLLABUS FRAMEWORK Combined Humanities (History Elective) Paper 2: 20 th Century World History, 1910s-1991 Theme 1: Impact of WW1 The world at war and the Immediate Aftermath Theme 2: Hope for Better world Establishing peace Rise of Authoritarian Regimes Theme 3: Breakdown of World Order War in Europe

Syllabus Framework Paper 2: 20 th Century World History, 1910s-1991 Theme 1 Impact of World War 1 Did the World War 1 change the world? Theme 2 Hope for a Better World? In what ways were the years between WWI & WW2 a time of both new hopes and great troubles? Theme 3 The Breakdown of the World Order Why had international peace collapse by 1939?

Assessment GCE NLevels Exam Format for Elective History Paper Source- Based Qn Structured Essay Qn Weighting by Paper 20 th Century World History 1910s-1991 1 qn set (5 sources) (compulsory) 3 qns set (Attempt 1 only) 50% Weighting25 % 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 Skills Exposition writing skills Constructing Explanations Source Based Skills Inferring from Sources Comparing Evaluating Usefulness/Utility Checking Reliability Drawing 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 knowledge Demonstrate 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 Areas of Study Viewpoint Setting/ Atmosphere Character -isation Plot & Structure Style

SPECTRUM OF SKILLS Spectrum of Skills Remembering skills Organising skills Focusing skills Integrating skills Information -gathering skills Analysing skills Generating skills Evaluating skills

What we are looking for: Relevant comment Understanding Personal response to the texts Exploration of language Own ideas

SyllabusLevelLiterature Elective N Level Sec 3 Sec 4 Sec 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 PaperDuration & Weighting Details of Paper and Sections Prose and Unseen 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 Framework Beliefs Interest Appreciation Confidence Perseverance Monitoring of ones own thinking Self-regulation of learning Numerical calculation Algebraic manipulation Spatial visualisation Data analysis Use of mathematical tools Estimation Skills Processes Metacognition Attitudes Mathematical Problem Solving Concepts Numerical Algebraic Geometrical Statistical Probabilistic Analytical Reasoning, communication and connections Thinking skills and heuristics Applications and modelling

Features of Additional Mathematics To prepare students for further study by providing a strong foundation in mathematics Emphasise depth rather than breadth Extend learning of Algebra and Geometry Emphasise 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 PaperDurationDescription Max Mark Weighting 1 1 h 45 min 13-15 questions testing more on the fundamental skills and concepts Answer all questions Calculator allowed 7050 % 2 1 h 45 min 8-10 questions Answer all questions Calculator allowed 7050 %

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%2 0Sec%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 30minutes SECTION 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 System The 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; and Acquire knowledge and skills beyond textbooks through the contexts of design-and- make activities.

OVERVIEW OF TOPICS The 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

ASSESSMENT GCE N & O Level Exams Format Paper No.DescriptionN LevelO Level Paper 1 Written Paper Weighting30% Total Marks70100 Duration1 hr 30 min2 hr Part A40% of total marks Answer all 5 questions based mainly on DESIGN Part B60% of total marks Answer all 3 questions (2 for N) based mainly on TECHNOLOGICAL AREAS Paper 2 Coursework Weighting70% Part ADesign Journal 40/140 marks (29%)60/140 marks (43%) Part BFinal Presentation (Presentation Boards & Artefact) 100/140 marks (71%)80/140 marks (57%)

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES KNOWLEDGE WITH UNDERSTANDING - demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate knowledge in materials, processes and technological areas DESIGN PROBLEM SOLVING - plan and manage a design project; produce design solution; research; generate and develop ideas; testing and evaluation; apply appropriate communication methods REALISATION - 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 Health Nutrients, Diet & Health, Energy Balance, Digestion, Meal Planning & Meal Analysis Food Choices Main Food Commodities, Food Labels Food Science The Science of Food Preparation and Cooking, Reactions in Food During Preparation and Cooking, Evaluation of Food, The Science of Processing

ASSESSMENT GCE N & O Level Exams Format Paper No.DescriptionN LevelO Level Paper 1 Written Paper Weighting40% Total Marks40100 Duration1 hr 30 min2 hr Section A10 marks25 marks Section B16 marks30 marks Section C14 marks45 marks Paper 2 Coursework Folio Weighting60% Part ANo separate parts70/100 marks (42%) Part BNo separate parts30/100 marks (18%)

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES Subject Content Knowledge Demonstration of knowledge and understanding principles of nutrition, underlying food preparation, processing and safety; relationship between nutrition and health Process 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 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%) - Coursework Project: 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 Examination Drawing & 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?