Hwa Chong Institution (High School)

[TravelMummy]

Hi, my DS has received a CO into HCI and ACSI and we are trying to make a choice. I have a few questions I hope you can help me with:

1. DS’ HCL is not particularly brilliant and gets by with a pass in school. Is HCL in sec 1 v tough and gap btw pri & sec HCL v big? How does one normally bridge the gap? Do most kids from an English speaking background require tuition to cope or is the school teaching sufficient?
2. DS is not the brash outspoken vocal type. Personally I would like for him to develop the kind of vocal, confident nature you often see in ACS boys. How does HCI encourage kids to speak up? Chinese culture often emphasizes humility, and many are reticent. What is the culture like?
3. I read in previous threads about the consortiums - how do they work and how are kids allocated?
4. Holiday planning - I originally booked tickets to be away from 14-31 dec. looks like there could be school activities on last week of dec?
Appreciate your advice. Thanks.

[wonderm]

TravelMummy, you’ve got pm.

[keinic]

Hi,

My DS has also received CO from HCI. I would appreciate if anyone could provide info on the school hours. It'll be helpful for the planning and arrangement of transportation as we're living quite a distance away. It's truly a blessing for DS to be able join the HCI family . He's really looking forward to it

[wonderm]

keinic:

Hi,

My DS has also received CO from HCI. I would appreciate if anyone could provide info on the school hours. It'll be helpful for the planning and arrangement of transportation as we're living quite a distance away. It's truly a blessing for DS to be able join the HCI family . He's really looking forward to it

For Sec 1, the formal lessons end at 1:30pm everyday. Wed and Friday afternoon are usually for CCA. Some CCAs have training more than 2 times per week. Your ds will go through orientation and CCA trials and will only know his CCA later in term 1. If he takes third lang, I believe most 3rd lang is on Thursday. Also, there was some Research Studies lectures on some Tuesday afternoons (I am not sure if this is going to be the same for next year Sec1s)

[wonderm]

TravelMummy and keinic,


You may wish to watch this video together with your ds. This was a sharing of a HCI alumni of his experience in HCI, at the recent school assembly.

All the best to your ds and wish them an equally enjoyable and fruitful journey in HCI.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpBRFNqSTJI

[keinic]

wonderm:

TravelMummy and keinic,


You may wish to watch this video together with your ds. This was a sharing of a HCI alumni of his experience in HCI, at the recent school assembly.

All the best to your ds and wish them an equally enjoyable and fruitful journey in HCI.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpBRFNqSTJI

Hi Wonderm,
Thanks a zillion for your sharing and well wishes. Will definitely watch the video with ds. :thankyou:

[MummyMoo]

Hi,

I am new in this thread. Please pardon me if this question was asked before.

DS received DSA WL2 from HCI. May I know if any parent has gone through this and what is the chance of getting an offer for those on WL2 please ?

He has also received a WL from RI. Now we are at a loss of how to put our preference, and whether there is any difference if we put HCI as first choice or second choice.

DS’s dream school and parents’ (our) dream school is different. But I will respect his choice since he will be in the school for 6 years, and it will be his school, not ours. Hence I hope to help him to make an informed choice.

Thanks a million.

Stressed mum

[TravelMummy]

wonderm:

TravelMummy and keinic,


You may wish to watch this video together with your ds. This was a sharing of a HCI alumni of his experience in HCI, at the recent school assembly.

All the best to your ds and wish them an equally enjoyable and fruitful journey in HCI.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpBRFNqSTJI

A wonderful and inspiring speech by Aaron. He demonstrates a maturity beyond his age. Very impressive indeed! And his concluding remarks- reflects HCI's values to the core : 饮水思源! :thankyou: so much for sharing, wonderm!

[HairyOrange]

wonderm:

keinic:

Hi,

My DS has also received CO from HCI. I would appreciate if anyone could provide info on the school hours. It'll be helpful for the planning and arrangement of transportation as we're living quite a distance away. It's truly a blessing for DS to be able join the HCI family . He's really looking forward to it

For Sec 1, the formal lessons end at 1:30pm everyday. Wed and Friday afternoon are usually for CCA. Some CCAs have training more than 2 times per week. Your ds will go through orientation and CCA trials and will only know his CCA later in term 1. If he takes third lang, I believe most 3rd lang is on Thursday. Also, there was some Research Studies lectures on some Tuesday afternoons (I am not sure if this is going to be the same for next year Sec1s)

Hi Keinic and DS,

Congrats on yr CO and welcome to HCI, schools starts 7.20 sharp so be there 10mins earlier because Sec 1 classrooms are furthest from school field. Self drive drop off very convenient because if multiple entrances. Like what Wonderm shared, Thu is 3rd Lang at Newton center and school arranges affordable shuttle one-way. Thu ends around 7pm if taking 3rd Lang. Malay is done in HCI. Other days very CCA specific, sports 3 days weekly common, more during competition. Most CCA, except Canoeing trains in school premises so little traveling. But be prepared that yr DS will be home irregular hours but by late afternoons most days because of endless group project works, seminars/talks.

HCI is. GREAT school, no regrets!

[HairyOrange]

MummyMoo:

Hi,

I am new in this thread. Please pardon me if this question was asked before.

DS received DSA WL2 from HCI. May I know if any parent has gone through this and what is the chance of getting an offer for those on WL2 please ?

He has also received a WL from RI. Now we are at a loss of how to put our preference, and whether there is any difference if we put HCI as first choice or second choice.

DS's dream school and parents' (our) dream school is different. But I will respect his choice since he will be in the school for 6 years, and it will be his school, not ours. Hence I hope to help him to make an informed choice.

Thanks a million.

Stressed mum

Hi Mommymoo,

Think we covered yr question on the DSA thread, hopefully some WL2 parent can answer U. My suggestion, let yr DS decide after PSLE, let him visit Kiasu parents and talk to both RI and HCI parents / DS. Very importantly, attend the HCI DSA Parents Symposium in late Oct. I know CO parents definitely get invited around 2-3 Oct. Will be best oppty to learn abt school thru Q&A, witness winning projects and speak to staff and student leaders.

I guess, if DS puts HCI 1st Choice and RI 2nd, he has fairly strong chance of getting into HCI.


Let DS know that he shd not be influence by current classmates as he will quickly make new friends in secondary school. Go with his passion and what each school can offer. I can safely tell you both schools are neck-to-neck in all areas. HCI emphasis on values are highly visible and you will find it manifested in yr DS after a while. The boys are very competitive BUT function mostly as a family and will willingly share notes.