Networking Group - JCs General

[DadOfGirl]

jtoh:

How's everyone's kid doing in JC as they near the end of the first month? I see the workload coming on with assignments, homework, lectures, readings, as well as CCA taking off. It's going to be a busy 2 years.

Past two weeknds were busy with homework... There is plenty of break between lecturers so she says , i will complete in those gaps. Only one day have to go early(Reach 7.20 because of PE) , rest of days can reach 8.35 AM. CCA days are late dismissal. Not much hassel for parents

[Teacher Aaron]

DadOfGirl:

Teacher Aaron:

[quote=\"jtoh\"]zeemimi, I agree that it's important for parents (and students) to do some research on the subject combinations available in the different JCs so they can make an informed choice. Sometimes we get too caught up in getting into what is perceived as a better JC over what subject combination is actually available in that JC and whether it suits our kids' needs.

If you ask me, my only advice is to have at least two science H2, unless your children really hate science. From the viewpoint of being able to successfully qualify for a place in a local university, students in the science stream in JC have more options because you can apply to all the faculties, but if you are in the arts/humanities side, you already close the door to the science, engineering and computing schools.

It's informed choice. If you can't do Physics at O -level(Bio-Chem option) , then you won't do 3H2 Science at A level( Bio, chem & Maths will qualify for only Medicine/Dentistry ) So all Engg/Computing course are out of window.

Here are options for Arts/Humanities students.
1: SMU( Social sciences, Economics)
2: SMU-Law
3: NUS-Law
4: NUS-Art & social science
5: SUTD-Architecture
6: Yale-NUS Arts program
7: SIM-Community Law( Is it opeing by Aug-2016?)[/quote]Yes, you are right that if you can't do Physics at O-level, you can't offer the subject at H2 level in JC, but you are mistaken that you cannot do Engineering if you didn't do H2 Physics at \"A\" levels. Take a look at this link from our FoE website: http://www.eng.nus.edu.sg/ugrad/prospective/eng_admissions.html

H2 Mathematics is a must for all engineering disciplines, but Physics is not compulsory and can be substituted with H2 Chemistry. The catch is that you must have had taken \"O\" level Physics.

For arts and humanities JC students, I believe they should be eligible for Business Administration as well. It's best that those in the Arts Stream offer H2 Mathematics to slightly broaden their options in university.

[Teacher Aaron]

jtoh:

Teacher Aaron:

If you ask me, my only advice is to have at least two science H2, unless your children really hate science. From the viewpoint of being able to successfully qualify for a place in a local university, students in the science stream in JC have more options because you can apply to all the faculties, but if you are in the arts/humanities side, you already close the door to the science, engineering and computing schools.

How useful is doing just one Science (be it Chemistry or Physics), as Math is essentially a must-do Science H2? Which faculties would be open to the student?

Well, if you offer either Chemistry or Physics, you will only be eligible for courses that are related to either disciplines in university. So you can enter Faculty of Science or Faculty of Engineering, but you can only choose courses that are related to the science subjects you took at the H2 level.

I know that many students opt to take Economics in lieu of a science subject at the H2 level (I did that as a JC student as well), but this is actually more limiting in terms of university options because economics is available to any student who is able to gain entry to university.

For example, a student who took H2 Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology will have an added edge over a student who substituted say, biology for economics. By offering biology, the first student can choose biology related courses in university OR economics. The second student, by not offering biology, will still be able to choose to study economics but will lose the option of biology related courses in university as an option.

The best option, if your child is willing and able to, is H2 triple science and math combo. Scoring As in these four plus an A in GP guarantees entry into any university course.

[jtoh]

Unfortunately, since 2006 all students must take at least one contrasting subject so the option of triple science + math at H2 level are no longer available to most students. That is the reason why the most common subject combinations these days is BCME and PCME, Econs being the contrasting subject.

[Teacher Aaron]

jtoh:

Unfortunately, since 2006 all students must take at least one contrasting subject so the option of triple science + math at H2 level are no longer available to most students. That is the reason why the most common subject combinations these days is BCME and PCME, Econs being the contrasting subject.

I know about the contrasting subject requirement, but the contrasting subject can be offered at H1 level. You can still take triple science and math at H2 level and take, say, Economics at the H1 level, which the result will be of no consequence to university admission.

Triple science and math at H2 level is the best subject combination based on my knowledge of university admission requirements. Of course, the question is whether JCs are willing to offer such an option. Maybe parents can try to pressure JCs to offer this option?

[DadOfGirl]

Teacher Aaron:

DadOfGirl:

[quote=\"Teacher Aaron\"]

If you ask me, my only advice is to have at least two science H2, unless your children really hate science. From the viewpoint of being able to successfully qualify for a place in a local university, students in the science stream in JC have more options because you can apply to all the faculties, but if you are in the arts/humanities side, you already close the door to the science, engineering and computing schools.

It's informed choice. If you can't do Physics at O -level(Bio-Chem option) , then you won't do 3H2 Science at A level( Bio, chem & Maths will qualify for only Medicine/Dentistry ) So all Engg/Computing course are out of window.

Here are options for Arts/Humanities students.
1: SMU( Social sciences, Economics)
2: SMU-Law
3: NUS-Law
4: NUS-Art & social science
5: SUTD-Architecture
6: Yale-NUS Arts program
7: SIM-Community Law( Is it opeing by Aug-2016?)

Yes, you are right that if you can't do Physics at O-level, you can't offer the subject at H2 level in JC, but you are mistaken that you cannot do Engineering if you didn't do H2 Physics at \"A\" levels. Take a look at this link from our FoE website: http://www.eng.nus.edu.sg/ugrad/prospective/eng_admissions.html

H2 Mathematics is a must for all engineering disciplines, but Physics is not compulsory and can be substituted with H2 Chemistry. The catch is that you must have had taken \"O\" level Physics.

For arts and humanities JC students, I believe they should be eligible for Business Administration as well. It's best that those in the Arts Stream offer H2 Mathematics to slightly broaden their options in university.[/quote]Noted. I thought Accountancy & business administration course at SMU will be filled up by Millium institute students, but looks like other students can apply as well.

[dohmisoh]

jtoh:

Unfortunately, since 2006 all students must take at least one contrasting subject so the option of triple science + math at H2 level are no longer available to most students. That is the reason why the most common subject combinations these days is BCME and PCME, Econs being the contrasting subject.

My 2 cents worth that I tell my own kids.

Logic by which you choose your subjects.

1) Choose subjects that you like (chances are, you will be good at it)
2) Choose subjects that you are good at (can score)
3) Choose any subject (boh pian)

:boogie:

[sharonkhoo]

Teacher Aaron:

jtoh:

Unfortunately, since 2006 all students must take at least one contrasting subject so the option of triple science + math at H2 level are no longer available to most students. That is the reason why the most common subject combinations these days is BCME and PCME, Econs being the contrasting subject.

I know about the contrasting subject requirement, but the contrasting subject can be offered at H1 level. You can still take triple science and math at H2 level and take, say, Economics at the H1 level, which the result will be of no consequence to university admission.

Triple science and math at H2 level is the best subject combination based on my knowledge of university admission requirements. Of course, the question is whether JCs are willing to offer such an option. Maybe parents can try to pressure JCs to offer this option?

That means taking an extra H1 subject on top of 4 H2 subjects? That's only for the most able students then. Many are already struggling with 3 H2 + 1H1. I'm not sure all students will be permitted to take the extra subject even if they want to.

Your analysis is good for students who have no idea what their passions are or are purely pragmatic in their outlook. For students who have a passion, it would be best to follow their passion (at least the broad area) rather than do sciences just because they can. They are likely to be more interested in their studies and will probably derive more intrinsic satisfaction from their work. I was one who qualified to do the triple science+maths combination in the days when it was allowed, but I chose to do humanities as I couldn't face the prospect of 2 more years (or more) of sciences. I have not regretted that choice.

[dohmisoh]

Teacher Aaron:

jtoh:

Unfortunately, since 2006 all students must take at least one contrasting subject so the option of triple science + math at H2 level are no longer available to most students. That is the reason why the most common subject combinations these days is BCME and PCME, Econs being the contrasting subject.

I know about the contrasting subject requirement, but the contrasting subject can be offered at H1 level. You can still take triple science and math at H2 level and take, say, Economics at the H1 level, which the result will be of no consequence to university admission.

Triple science and math at H2 level is the best subject combination based on my knowledge of university admission requirements. Of course, the question is whether JCs are willing to offer such an option. Maybe parents can try to pressure JCs to offer this option?

From NUS website.
Computation of University Admission Score »
The University Admission Score (UAS) is computed as follows:


the best four content subjects (i.e. 3 H2 and 1 H1 content subjects, with at least 1 content subject to be from a contrasting discipline) either GP or KI grade taken in the same sitting
H1 Project Work

:evil:

[jtoh]

The 4H2 + 1H1 combination is really for the very strong students and you will need special approval to take it (if the school even offers it in the first place) because the school has to be sure you can cope with it. Unless you’re a really strong student, I would prefer to go with 4H2 which you are good at and have an interest in. No point forcing yourself to study Physics or Biology if that’s not your cup of tea. Why would you want to go into an area of study in university and eventually career if you don’t like that subject to begin with?