NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Diploma)

[24xiaoparents]

Sorry, it's wonder mom.

[mjl]

I have 2 kids from NUSH, one has recently graduated this year and the other going Y3 next year. Like any other school, NUSH has its merits and shortcomings. With greater emphasis on math and science, some other things may inevitably have to take a back seat. We just have to manage our expectations correctly. For instance, I would not expect the standard/curriculum of languages and humanities subjects to be as rigorous as some other top schools e.g. RI. That is fine with me. I would say, the teaching standard of non-Math&Science subjects in NUSH is generally comparable with most mainstream schools, and for Math&Science subjects, exceeds even the top schools.


What I like most about the NUSH system is, there is no national exams like ‘O’/‘A’ levels (other than mother tongue) and IB, and yet the NUSH diploma is recognized by local unis and many reputable overseas unis. A lot of time is saved not having to mug (i.e. do plenty of past years practice papers) for such national exams. Those with kids who have just gone thru PSLE would appreciate how much time was "wasted" in drilling for a national exam. My elder daughter had spent most part of her JC2 preparing for ‘A’ levels. Instead, all 6 years in NUSH are spent doing fruitful and exciting stuff. Also, from what I observe, most kids in NUSH are happy (well, my kids are, definitely), as they are learning mostly what they have passion for. So, for students who have true passion for math and science, I think this school would suit them well.

[matadorepy]

24xiaoparents:

matadorepy:

[quote=\"piggybank\"]Jtalk seems to know the system well

your DS did'nt make it to NUSH with a 254 ...

Think read somewhere that eventually piggy's DS did get an offer but rejected it as there is maybe some preference towards \"traditional elite program\" in ACSI. Nonetheless, I cannot comprehend why the need for her to make such uncalled for remarks. My DD2 rejected a couple of COs and eventually chose a popular girls' school (which is above ACSI's level in terms COP), but I think it is basic respect not to 'put down' any school especially not when I have no experience there. So, wondering is there any motive here? :?

Anyway, whether good or bad experience sharing, most importantly, there should be value add and not baseless affirmation.[/quote]If you read her posts, she is absolutely keen for her DS to be posted to NUSH. But I think piggy could be pulling a \"fast one\" by saying that her DS with 254 actually got in ... and then suddenly declared she has change her mind totally about the NUSH system.

Immediately after her post someone shared that the COP for NUSH this year is 256. Hence her DS with 254 didn't make it to NUSH after all.

[24xiaoparents]

I think you may be right because reading the threads, wonder mom’s dd went through an interview with t-score 26x.

[KiasiMama]

LoveIsEverything:

Artume:

My class has 20 boys and 3 girls...

and the class next to mine has more girls than boys.

Hmm.. So big different ... I am not sure how NUS High arrange the classes .... Did you get in via Phase I DSA or Phase II PSLE result ?

22 students in my DS class. He noticed classmates are from schools start with alpha \"R-Z\". Spoke to a senior student, they are not arranged by score.

Hope this helps.

[KiasiMama]

mjl:

I have 2 kids from NUSH, one has recently graduated this year and the other going Y3 next year. Like any other school, NUSH has its merits and shortcomings. With greater emphasis on math and science, some other things may inevitably have to take a back seat. We just have to manage our expectations correctly. For instance, I would not expect the standard/curriculum of languages and humanities subjects to be as rigorous as some other top schools e.g. RI. That is fine with me. I would say, the teaching standard of non-Math&Science subjects in NUSH is generally comparable with most mainstream schools, and for Math&Science subjects, exceeds even the top schools.


What I like most about the NUSH system is, there is no national exams like 'O'/'A' levels (other than mother tongue) and IB, and yet the NUSH diploma is recognized by local unis and many reputable overseas unis. A lot of time is saved not having to mug (i.e. do plenty of past years practice papers) for such national exams. Those with kids who have just gone thru PSLE would appreciate how much time was \"wasted\" in drilling for a national exam. My elder daughter had spent most part of her JC2 preparing for 'A' levels.
Instead, all 6 years in NUSH are spent doing fruitful and exciting stuff. Also, from what I observe, most kids in NUSH are happy (well, my kids are, definitely), as they are learning
mostly what they have passion for. So, for students who have true passion for math and
science, I think this school would suit them well.

I freaked out looking at the Bio, phy textbooks... talked to few seniors and they mentioned there is no students required to go for enrichment classes to cope with their studies. Is that true? You wld be the best mom to answer as you already have 2 children in there. Tks in adv.

[LoveIsEverything]

KiasiMama:

LoveIsEverything:

[quote=\"Artume\"]My class has 20 boys and 3 girls...

and the class next to mine has more girls than boys.

Hmm.. So big different ... I am not sure how NUS High arrange the classes .... Did you get in via Phase I DSA or Phase II PSLE result ?

22 students in my DS class. He noticed classmates are from schools start with alpha \"R-Z\". Spoke to a senior student, they are not arranged by score.

Hope this helps.[/quote]Thanks for the info. My dd has 2 other classmates posted to NUSH, but only one is in her class and the other is in another class. However, the one not in her class gained entrance via phase I DSA.

[mjl]

KiasiMama:

I freaked out looking at the Bio, phy textbooks... talked to few seniors and they mentioned there is no students required to go for enrichment classes to cope with their studies. Is that true? You wld be the best mom to answer as you already have 2 children in there. Tks in adv.

Actually, the textbooks are more for reference. If your child can follow the teacher's lessons in class, the lesson notes are generally sufficient. My children hardly read the textbooks. In fact, I regretted buying the Y1-2 Physics textbook as my child has not used it at all.

I think few students go for math and science enrichment classes. Probably it is more common for students to go for Chinese tuition. Some may have gone for accelerated Science enrichment classes (eg Y1-3 students going for 'A' levels) as they want to prepare for junior science Olympiads (SJPhO/SJChO). But it is really not necessary as the school has very good in-house math, physics, chemistry and informatics Olympiad training for junior students (bio Olympiad training will come in later for senior students). My children have no tuition/external enrichment classes, not even for language subjects which they are weakest at. Instead, I keep in close contact with the language teachers and am generally happy with what they are doing to help my children cope with their weak areas.

[Snowy116]

Hi, anyone here staying in Punggol ? Just trying to figure out the best way to get the school and back home for my DS. Is there school bus operation ?

Btw, what kind of shoe can they wear ?

[matadorepy]

KiasiMama:

LoveIsEverything:

[quote=\"Artume\"]My class has 20 boys and 3 girls...

and the class next to mine has more girls than boys.

Hmm.. So big different ... I am not sure how NUS High arrange the classes .... Did you get in via Phase I DSA or Phase II PSLE result ?

22 students in my DS class. He noticed classmates are from schools start with alpha \"R-Z\". Spoke to a senior student, they are not arranged by score.

Hope this helps.[/quote]In my DD year (2011) there are only 29 girls out of the cohort of 130 and they try to \"distribute\" them randomly across the 6 classes. GEPpers are spread out hence there are no classes with special attention. However the indian girls then to be congregate in 1 or 2 classes to facilitate logistics for MT classes.