Sec 2 Subject Combi Briefing

1

Sec 2 Parents’ Briefing on

Sec 3 Subject Combinations 2009

28 March 2008

MARIS STELLA HIGH SCHOOL

2

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

AGENDA

3

2007 GCE ‘O’ LEVEL

EXAM RESULTS

4

Overall Performance (2007)

• Our pupils performed significantly

better than expected.

• 10 subjects show value-added

results, according to MOE analysis.

5

Better than expected performance

2007 GCE ‘O’ Level Results

6


7


8

Post Secondary Education

• Junior Colleges

• Polytechnics

• Institutes of Technical Education

9

Maris Stella High School

Post Secondary Education

Poly

JC

ITE

10

EN

TR

Y R

EQ

UIR

EM

EN

TS

EN

TR

Y R

EQ

UIR

EM

EN

TS

TO

JU

NIO

R C

OL

LE

GE

TO

JU

NIO

R C

OL

LE

GE

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

11

CCA can contribute up to 2

bonus points depending on

grade, but admission criteria

must be met first.

EN

TR

Y R

EQ

UIR

EM

EN

TS

EN

TR

Y R

EQ

UIR

EM

EN

TS

TO

JU

NIO

R C

OL

LE

GE

TO

JU

NIO

R C

OL

LE

GE

CCA Points

A1 & A2: 2 pts

B3 – C6: 1 pt

12

Cut Off Points for Entrance into JC 2008

98Anderson JC7

8

6

5

4

3

2

1

99St Andrew’s JC

76Temasek JC

76Anglo-Chinese JC

65*National JC

64*Victoria JC

4*3*Raffles JC

3*3*Hwa Chong Institution

ArtsScienceJC

* with Bonus points

13

1920Innova JC16

2018Serangoon JC15

17

14

13

12

11

10

9

2020Yishun JC

1616Pioneer JC

1313Jurong JC

1313Tampines JC

1110Catholic JC

1010Nanyang JC

1010Meridian JC

ArtsScienceJC

Cut Off Points for Entrance into JC 2008

14

Framework for 2006 ‘A’ Level Curriculum

Subjects with a

variety of learning

opportunities (e.g.

advanced content,

research paper,

university module)

Equivalent to the

standard of ‘A’

Level subjects prior

to 2006

Equivalent to half

content load of H2

subjects but pitched

at the same

academic standard

as H2 subjects

H3H2H1

15


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

• H2

• H1

At least 1 from

contrasting discipline

16


Examples of Subject Combinations

H2 History

H2 Literature

H2 Economics

H1 Mathematics

(contrasting subject)

GP - H1

PW - H1

MTL - H1

H2 Physics

H2 Mathematics

H2 Economics

(contrasting subject)

H1 Chemistry

GP - H1

PW - H1

MTL - H1

Example BExample A

17

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.

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Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local

Universities

Engineering Courses in NUS:• Chemical Engineering

• Environmental Engineering

• Bioengineering

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Engineering (Common)

• Industrial & Systems Engineering

• Material Sc & Engineering

•Mechanical Engineering

H2 Math,

H2 Phy and

H2 Chem

H2 Math and

H2 Phy or

Chem

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JC Requirements: To be eligible for

Mathematics at H2 level:


Universities

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.

! Pupils are expected to have obtained a

grade of C6 or better in ‘O’ level Additional

Mathematics.

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One Science Subject at H2 level:


Universities

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.

21




Universities

!For example, pupils offering H2

Chemistry are expected to have taken

Chemistry OR

Science (Chem/Phy) or

Science (Chem/Bio) at GCE ‘O’ Level.

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! Pupils who have taken ‘O’ Level

Combined Science without any Pure

Sciences are eligible for only ONE H2

Science subject.


Universities

23



!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.


Universities

24

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.


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

26

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

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Combined Humanities,

Geography, History, Lit in

English, Lit in Chinese

• Business Related

Physics, Chemistry, Science,

Biology

• Architectural

• Science Based

• Technology

2nd Relevant SubjectCourse

28

More information regarding courses and

admission requirements to junior colleges

and polytechnics can be obtained from:

http://www.moe.gov.sg/

29

1. Subject combinations have been

tested, fine-tuned and updated.

2. Subject combination to match

pupil’s ability.

SUBJECT COMBINATION

MATCHING EXERCISE

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3. Pupils have varying abilities;

T-scores: 191 – 267

4. The exercise seeks to provide

different subject combinations to

cater to pupils’ varying abilities.

SUBJECT COMBINATION

MATCHING EXERCISE

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• Bring out the best in our pupils

• Nurture all-round development

• Enable all pupils to proceed to JCs

and polytechnics

32

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)

33

Other subjects:

• Pure Sciences - Biology, Chemistry,

Physics

• Combined Sciences - Phy/Chem, Phy/Bio,

Chem/Bio

34

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)

35

There are altogether 10 different

Science Combinations.

Students are first matched to a

suitable Science Combination before

being allocated the Humanities.

36

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.

37

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.

A subject will not be offered if there are

fewer than 15 pupils in the same class

opting for it.

38

This calculation gives an advantage to

pupils who are strong in these subjects.

The criteria used is the pupil’s Sec Two

Overall Combined Average of all subjects

with a Double Weighting in Math and

Science.

39

Subject Without Double Wt

in Ma & Sc

With Double Wt

in Ma & Sc

1. English 60 60

2. Chinese/ Higher Chinese 60 60

3. Mathematics 75 75 X 2

4. Science 80 80 X 2

5. Geography 60 60

6. History 60 60

7. Literature 60 60

8. D&T 60 60

9. Homec 60 60

10. Art 60 60

Overall

Average 635 ÷ 10

=63.5% 790 ÷ 12

=65.8%

40

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.

41

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.

42

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 SubjOption S1

43

Option S1

No. of subjects 9

Science Chemistry

Physics

Biology

Pure

Humanities

One subject

Criterion 1

Criterion for Lit

in Eng

(pure/ elective)

!75%

Eng & Lit

!70%


44

Deserving students will offer 8 subjects

(Criteria: at least 70%):-

Options

S2 - S5


+

3 Pure Sc OR

2 Sc Subj & 1 Pure Hum Subj


45

Option S2

No. of subjects 8

Science Chemistry

Physics

Biology

Pure

Humanities

-

Criterion 1

Criterion for

Lit in Eng (elective)

!70%

Eng & Lit

!70%


46

S3 S4 S5

No. of subjects 8 8 8

Science Chemistry

Physics

Chemistry

Sc (Phy/Bio)

Physics

Sc (Chem/Bio)

Pure

Humanities

One

subject

One

subject

One

subject

Criterion 1

Criterion for

Lit in Eng

(pure/ elective)

!70%

Eng & Lit

!70%

!70%

Eng & Lit

!70%

!70%

Eng & Lit

!70%


47

Able students will offer the following



+

2 Pure ScOption S6


48

Option S6

No. of subjects 7

Science Chemistry

Physics

Pure Humanities -

Criterion 1

Criterion for Lit

in Eng

(elective)

!67%

Eng & Lit

!67%


49

Able students may also offer the following



+

1 Pure Sc & 1 Comb Sc

Options

S7 - S9


50

Options S7 S8 S9

No. of

subjects

7 7 7

Science Chemistry

Sc (Phy/Bio)

Physics

Sc (Chem/Bio)

Biology

Sc (Chem/Phy)

Pure

Humanities

- - -

Criterion 1

Criterion for


!64%

Eng & Lit

!64%

!64%

Eng & Lit

!64%

!64%

Eng & Lit

!64%


51

Students who are coping will offer the following

7 subjects:-


+

1 Comb Sc & 1 Pure Hum Subj

Option S10


52

Option S10

No. of subjects 7

Science Science (Chem/Phy)

Pure

Humanities*

One

subject

Criterion 1

Criterion to take

Lit in Eng

(pure/ elective)

-

Eng & Lit

!60%


53

Tip:

Work Hard CONSISTENTLY !

54

Presentation by

HOD EL & E Lit

Miss Koh Siang Cheng

55

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%

56

EL Exam Components:

100%Total

Part 1: Reading Aloud

Part 3: Conversation

Part 2: Picture Discussion

20%Paper Three3.

Part 2: Summary

Part 1: Comprehension

40%Paper Two2.

Part 2: Situational Writing

Part 1: Free Writing

40%Paper One1.

57

Literature in English

Paper One

• Section A : Prose - Set Text

• Section B : Unseen Poetry & Prose

Paper Two

• Drama: Set Text

*Pupils who opt for ElectiveLiterature will offer Lit. Paper One &Social Studies.

58

Presentation by

HOD Chinese

Mr Kay Ren Tat

59

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60

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62

Presentation by

HOD Math

Mr Ng Chor Yam

63

Assessment % of overall Type of tests Weightings % of Overall

Common Test 40% of CA 1 8%

Base Tests 20% of CA 1 4%

Homework 20% of CA 1 4%

CA 1 20%

Journal Writing 20% of CA 1 4%

SA 1 30% 30%

Common Test 40% of CA 2 8%

Base Tests 20% of CA 2 4%

Homework 20% of CA 2 4%

CA 2 20%

Journal Writing 20% of CA 2 4%

SA 2 30% 30%

64

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.

65

Presentation by

HOD Science

Miss Goh Teck Koon

66

Lower Secondary Science

Biology module = 33%

Physics module = 34%

Chemistry module = 33%

For each module

SA = 23 or 24 %

Common Test = 7 %

Class Tests = 3 %CA

67

Lower Secondary Science

CA1 = Bio 10% + Phy 5% = 15%

SA1 = Bio 23% + Phy 12% = 35%

CA2 = Chem 10% + Phy 5% = 15%

SA2 = Chem 23% + Phy 12% = 35%

For each module

SA = 23 or 24 %

Common Test = 7 %

Class Tests = 3 %CA

68

Science Department

Since July 2002, admission to

NUS medical course does not

require Biology

at ‘A’ level.

69

Science Department

What subject combination must I have?

To be eligible for Medicine, candidates musthave Chemistry at 'A' level and eitherBiology or Physics in addition to Chemistry.

The 'triple science' combination is nolonger required for Medicine, andcandidates who present the 'triple science'have no advantage in the admissionsprocess.

http://www.med.nus.edu.sg/corporate/admissionsFAQ.shtml

70

Science Department


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

71

Science Department


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.

72

Science Department

Subjects Performing Above National Average (% Distinction)Subjects Performing Above National Average (% Distinction)

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73

Options S7 S8 S9

No. of

subjects

7 7 7

Science Chemistry

Sc (Phy/Bio)

Physics

Sc (Chem/Bio)

Biology

Sc (Chem/Phy)

Pure

Humanities

- - -

Criterion 1

Criterion for


!64%

Eng & Lit

!64%

!64%

Eng & Lit

!64%

!64%

Eng & Lit

!64%


74

Presentation by

Subject Head -

Geography/ I & E

Mr Edmund Goy

75

History

CA = F=%

SA = G=%

Geography

CA = 60%

SA = 40%

76

For students offering only ONE Humanities subject, it iscompulsory for them to offer the Combined Humanities whichconsists of 2 components:

50% Social Studies (compulsory)50% An Elective

choice of Geography/ History/ Lit E/ Lit C

Humanities Department

77

For pupils opting for TWO Humanities subjects:1st: Combined Humanities (SS & Elective)2nd: Either Pure Geography

OR Pure HistoryOR Literature in EnglishOR Literature in Chinese

Note: Pupils cannot opt for the Elective and Pure of thesame subject, e.g. Geography Elective with Pure Geography.


78


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.

79

Elective (Geography vs History)

Geography:Physical Geography

Natural Vegetation

Rivers and Coasts

Human Geography

Geography of Food

Development

History: 20th C WorldHope for a Better World?Establishing PeaceRise of authoritarian regimesBreakdown of World OrderWar in EuropeWar in Asia PacificA World Divided and United?Cold WarEnd of Cold War

80

Pure Geography

Physical Geography (50%):Plate Tectonics and resulting landformsWeather and climateNatural VegetationRivers and CoastsANDHuman Geography (50%)Geography of FoodThe Industrial WorldTourismDevelopment

81

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 (1945-1967)Egs. derived from Indonesia, Malaya and VietnamAND20th 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)

82


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.

83

84

Q & APanel of HODs

Documents

Sec 2 Subject Combi Briefing