NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Diploma)

[matadorepy]

Beta:

matadorepy:

[quote=\"Beta\"]Hi,

Does anyone know how the Dsa test is going to be? Can give me some questions so I know what I need to do and does anyone know the names of the NUS high text books.
Thanks
Beta

At DSA test for y1, as NUSH have said there is no need for special preparation required. Obviously it is not your std text book where you can prepare. There are P6s who think their did badly and yet still get through the test. There are GEPs who did'nt make it through the written test stage.

For text book, at foundation level Y1/Y2, there are no specific text books recommended as NUSH notes are given for specific subject areas that include maths and the 3 sciences. At year 2, Maths text recommended include typical E and A-maths book required at sec 3/4 mainstream.

For year 1-4, the recommended text for Biology - Campbell Biology nine edition (Reece, Urry, Wasserman etc) , Year 3-4 Physics - College Physics (Zears and Zemansky) , Year 3-4 Chemistry - Chemistry Eleven edition (Chang, Goldsby).

Kindly note the text books are the only basic recommended. There are more advanced topics. Pls note all the basic Y3/4 science texts are currently used by the \"A\" level and Poly students. So that help you to gauge the depth of materials covered at Y3/Y4 level which is the advanced level at NUSH. At Y1/Y2, students would also have covered the Social studies modules ( of y3/y4 mainstream ) under Integrated Humanities.

Thanks,
But do you know what topics is the DSA test based on.[/quote]Can't answer you on what topics, it (If I can recalled from my DD time), it is basically primary maths, science and english. of course those kids who read widely and ahead of primary curriculum obviously would have an advantage.

[1girl1boy]

Last year was tougher on Science from my kid’s feedback. apparently some of the questions were year 3 stuff according to my older kid. During my older kid’s time, the maths portion appears to be the tougher one. My opinion is that it used to be such that you do not have to train at least for my elder kid’s time. But nowadays, I noticed there are some DSA prep courses for NUS high DSA given by one tuition agency. To some extent, I think that would be useful because for Science, its a matter of how far advance content is tested - meaning how much ahead your kid is acquiring whether Sec 1, 2 etc. For Maths, math Olympiad training would be useful. But the emphasis appears to have shifted to more to Science - " I guessed" by the number of Olympiad winners who couldn’t make it.

Take the "no preparation needed" guideline with a pinch of salt. All so called ‘talent’ require content/knowledge acquisition, diligence and a little bit of aptitude. The last bit quite a lot of the kids have.

[mother777]

Heard from parents of two kids who attempted DSA test yday that it was pretty tough. Lots of stuff in science they didn’t know, some chemistry questions about fuel composition etc!


Anyone has further feedback?

[Canli]

Dear All


I really want to emphasis that DO NOT PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR NUS HIGH SCHOOL DSA as it will confuse you and your child if he/she is really suitable for this special school.

If you prepare him/her by sending him/her to those so-called tuition agency which can train your kid for NUS High DSA, or throw him/her a lot of secondary school textbooks and push/force him/her to memorise, you definitely will REGRET. As the DSA questions are logical base. Most of the questions are based on PSLE topics, however, they are deeper than P6 level. Those questions can be solved by scientific-minded kids. (not die die memorise, actually, most of the questions not knowledge required)

If your trained child (not really love maths and science) accidentally get into this school, they may be suffered for 6 years or will withdraw by Yr 3 or Yr 4. They may not happy with the school, their projects, … eventually even may cause depression.

Dear parents, please think thoroughly before you prepare your child or send them to tuition agency. Discuss with them to see if they really want to specialise in maths or science.

One thing I can tell is that NUS High teachers are really good, sourceful and helpful. Most of them are young and energetic. They even arrange a PhD teacher to teach Yr 1 students. He can answer all their challenging questions with humble attitude.

Every parent wants to give the best to their child. But … not everyone can take it.

Hope what I share can help.

[1girl1boy]

I think as parents you have to gauge the interest of your child and whether he is capable of handling maths and science or is he more of the language type. (Note: there are those who are equally adept in both). If he/she is a maths and science type and is able to handle maths well, why not give him the necessary training/knowledge to compete properly. Although my child is in NUSH, I have not sent him through any DSA training as it was not available during that time. I am aware of some of my DD’s classmate who made it with some of these training last year.

Consider this. There are some from my elder child’s batch who went in through PSLE because they could not make it through the DSA. I am aware some of them are now book prize winners. I am also aware of some who went by means of DSA who floundered at the bottom and some of them were GEP students. There are also SMO "top 30 ranked" medallists from neighbourhood schools. So goes for the DSA screening … If I’m not wrong the IMO champ is not from GEP, so goes for the GEP screening. if the GEP screening couldn’t pick up the IMO world champ, how good can it be?
However on the whole, I agree that NUSH provides very good support for students who would want to go the extra mile. The number of maths, physics, chemistry and bio olympians the school produces are among the top 1 or 2 schools (together with RI). It is excellent if your child is enthusiastic about these competitions.

[piggybank]

My DS left 5 Maths questions blank :gloomy: . But for science paper :imcool: he knew the answers of most questions. :slapshead:


Anyone knows when to expect results?

[matadorepy]

piggybank:

My DS left 5 Maths questions blank :gloomy: . But for science paper :imcool: he knew the answers of most questions. :slapshead:


Anyone knows when to expect results?

Based on my DD's DSA taken 3 years back, the result of selection test should be out by mid next week 18/19th July. Those selected for the camp (abt 400+) must pay a registration fee of $90 for half-day selection camp on 27th July. Beside the Maths and science components, I believe there is also a english essay /composition part too !. Good luck !!

[piggybank]

Thanks Mata, anyway I can only

[piggybank]

This week, selection test results will be available…

[matadorepy]

Update on National Science Challenge (NSC) 2013.


NUSH team (of Y3 students) beats HCI and Anglican High in quarter-finals of national science challenge 2013 held in MediaCorp studio on Sunday 14th July. They will proceed to the semi-finals round. This is the first time they proceed beyond QF, previous years always stuck at QF since they join the competition 4 years back. NUSH team (as in previous year teams) are always strong in the final rapid fire and response (one and half minutes ) segment. This year they manage to beat HCL team overall by 4 points to claim final victory.