Subject Combination in JC

[TheAnswer]

Head quantum, have you changed your subject combination?

[astraldrop23]

Hi everyone,


Just wanted to add on about arts stream in JC. I took English lit, Econs, English language and linguistics and Math (all H2) as my contrasting subject. I was in the humanities programme in my school. Definitely though, I can say that Arts stream is hard. Arts in general is not about knowledge per se, but it is more about the skills behind the subject.
As for sciences, I believe it IS easier to score. Many of my friends scored very well in the science stream.
However, if your passion is truly humanities, then I believe that you should pursue your passion. Although I didn’t score as well as I hoped, I do not regret my humanities education at all as I’ve grown and matured so much as a person. After all, humanities is all about learning about society, the environment, people around you and even yourself.
Good luck!

[astraldrop23]

Hi! I believe this reply is rather late and I think you have already chosen your subject combi. Nonetheless, I just wanted to provide you with more information about ELL and lit as I took that in JC.


ELL has two components, AS1 and AS2. AS1 is much easier to score. It is a bit like situational writing in English for O levels. AS2 is much more interesting, with its focus on language and culture. However, it is much harder to score. I’ve failed AS2 many many many times.

Literature in A levels is very different from O levels. It is much harder and very demanding. However if you have a passion for literature, then you should go for it! Everything works out in the end:)

Yes, chemistry is indeed important for university applications. However, if you do not see yourself embarking on a purely science undergrad degree in the future, then taking chemistry is not necessary. There are many choices for those who do not take chemistry (Econs, business, information systems, computer science humanities subjects-psychology, geography…).

[Augmum]

My gal can’t decide on which to choose……

Appreciate any inputs of views fr students or parents….

She did equally well for all 3 Sciences, hence can’t decide whether to choose “P” or “B”…
As for interest, she is ok with both subj….

Would like to know how heavy content is H2 Bio ? any examples to quote ?

As for H2 Physics, what will be the common problem that most pupils will face ?

Thanks in advance…

[mathtuition88]

Hi,


H2 Biology is heavy in terms of memorization, students usually need to memorize a lot of information. It would be recommended for students who are good at memorizing information. It is a bit more like an arts subject than a science subject. More qualitative than quantitative. Although Biology is not required for Medicine courses, it does help, according to my brother.

H2 Physics is less on memorization, but more on logic and understanding the concepts. It is a bit like Maths in a way. The study strategy for Physics would be more to practice as opposed to memorization. Students who like logical thinking will usually do better in Physics. And H2 Physics does require a strong mathematical foundation, as basic Geometry and trigonometry, Vectors, Algebra, and Graphs are part of the syllabus prerequisites.

Personally, I took both Biology and Physics, and I found Physics easier in my humble opinion.

Hope it helps,
Best wishes.

[Augmum]

mathtuition88:

Hi,


H2 Biology is heavy in terms of memorization, students usually need to memorize a lot of information. It would be recommended for students who are good at memorizing information. It is a bit more like an arts subject than a science subject. More qualitative than quantitative. Although Biology is not required for Medicine courses, it does help, according to my brother.

H2 Physics is less on memorization, but more on logic and understanding the concepts. It is a bit like Maths in a way. The study strategy for Physics would be more to practice as opposed to memorization. Students who like logical thinking will usually do better in Physics. And H2 Physics does require a strong mathematical foundation, as basic Geometry and trigonometry, Vectors, Algebra, and Graphs are part of the syllabus prerequisites.

Personally, I took both Biology and Physics, and I found Physics easier in my humble opinion.

Hope it helps,
Best wishes.

Thanks for yr response, mathstuition88....

Yes, we are aware of the heavy content of memorization for H2 Bio, but not sure how overwhelming it can get

oh....so u took both Bio and Physics....and u preferred Physics...

Seems that girls prefer Bio to Physics as her surrounding frens will be choosing Bio, but all in different combinations....

anyway, still have few months for her to mull it over.....thanks....

[mathtuition88]

I chanced upon a similar website on SgForums, http://sgforums.com/forums/2297/topics/465341

titled \"H2 Biology or Physics??? \".
Hope it helps.

[Augmum]

mathtuition88:

I chanced upon a similar website on SgForums, http://sgforums.com/forums/2297/topics/465341

titled \"H2 Biology or Physics??? \".
Hope it helps.

oh....thanks for the link.....
yay....there are more discussions/info over there...

Btw, in gal's sch, PCME is the most popular choice.....more classes than BCME....

[Augmum]

Quote : H2 Bio has more content to memorize than H2 Phys + H2 Chem combined. I'm not exaggerating. Be warned. :roll:


Mathstuition88....u agree on the above ??

[mathtuition88]

Augmum:

Quote : H2 Bio has more content to memorize than H2 Phys + H2 Chem combined. I'm not exaggerating. Be warned. :roll:


Mathstuition88....u agree on the above ??

hmm... actually I agree
Some of the H2 Bio questions are more like writing an essay, need to regurgitate whatever I have memorized.
Some of my classmates seem to have a flair for memorizing though, they find it easy to memorize.
I found H2 Biology quite hard, as I am more used to studying Maths and Physics, where the memorization is minimal.

I think maybe future career can be factored into the choice of subject. If a student wishes to take Medicine or Life Science, then he/she should take H2 Bio, even if it is not a requirement. If the student wishes to study Engineering, he should definitely take Physics.

And I think both Biology and Physics can help somewhat in Chemistry, as Chemistry has a Biochemistry and Physical Chemistry component, if I remember correctly. Biology can help a bit in GP too, after practicing writing all the Bio essays, one's English will improve to some extent. Physics will also help in Maths (and vice versa) to some extent.

Best wishes.
William