NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Diploma)

[Atan]

Artume:

Atan:

Understand that the assessment mode of NUSH is via CA and end of semester examinations. For the exams, is it on a modular basis, ie once a module is cleared, it is not retested?


The Principal emphasized that NUSH kids have more opportunities for external exposures (oversea seminars, programs etc) and competitions. Would appreciate kind comments by current students and parents on this. Is it true that there is ample opp for all students vs other school of bigger cohort?

Thanks very much in advance!!

Exams are also on a modular basis, with some semesters having 2 modules of the same subject (e.g. Calculus-based Electromagnetism & Calculus-based Mechanics). Some module-specific content is not tested again, while content that is more fundamental to understanding will often reappear in future modules. For example, students are assumed to know many, if not most of the techniques in solving algebraic equations taught in lower years. Some modules have an introductory/revision chapter for this purpose too.

Personally, I feel that ample chance is provided. More than a cohort worth of students are sent overseas every year, so each student have opportunities for oversea trips. There are also competitions that restrict entry on a school basis, so students of a school of a smaller enrollment will have a statistical advantage. NUSH will also provide a lot of support for student-initiated projects. A lot of these opportunities are available on a sign-up basis, so students that have the initiative to sign up will have a lot of opportunities available.

I cannot say whether it is more than those of other schools though. From what I have heard from my friends, it does seem like it. It also makes sense that bigger schools might have a higher number of exchange partners. I think a parent with children in both schools may be able to compare in a more meaningful manner.

Tks very much, Artume.

[phtthp]

heard there are NUS High pupils who got admitted into Law faculty, NUS university.



anyone know how many got admitted into Law, past 3 years trend (2013, 2012, 2011 ) ?

what subject combination(s) did these NUS High pupils take in Year (5 and 6) ?

[Artume]

phtthp:

heard there are NUS High pupils who got admitted into Law faculty, NUS university.



anyone know how many got admitted into Law, past 3 years trend (2013, 2012, 2011 ) ?

what subject combination(s) did these NUS High pupils take in Year (5 and 6) ?

Not a lot of NUSH students get into law... most of us are not interested in law in the first place.

Law depends on the interview as well as how the student did for English. The subject combination does not as much as law does not need any honours content anyway.

[Atan]

We feel that one unique feature of NUSH curriculum is the avail of elective and enrichment modules.

Pls adv if it’s a norm for students to take up these extra modules if eligible and if the electives are considered for credits towards the diploma.
Based on the info on subjects each year, the workload seems to be pretty heavy, esp from Y3. Pls adv what is normal school life like for NUSH students since there does not seem to be a lot f emphasis on CCA. What about leadership and other holistic / fun activities avail at the school. The info on the sch website is rather limited so it will be great to hear from current student/parents.

Thanks again !!!

[Artume]

Atan:

We feel that one unique feature of NUSH curriculum is the avail of elective and enrichment modules.

Pls adv if it's a norm for students to take up these extra modules if eligible and if the electives are considered for credits towards the diploma.
Based on the info on subjects each year, the workload seems to be pretty heavy, esp from Y3. Pls adv what is normal school life like for NUSH students since there does not seem to be a lot f emphasis on CCA. What about leadership and other holistic / fun activities avail at the school. The info on the sch website is rather limited so it will be great to hear from current student/parents.

Thanks again !!!

Comparing with my friends in other schools, I would say that the workload is lesser, especially during O level and A level periods. Now, for example, my friends in JC are studying hard for their A levels while I am on KSP... Most of the work in NUSH come from projects. For those, as long as time is managed properly, it should not be a problem.

Workload is indeed heavier in upper years, with some people calling Year 1 and Year 2 the honeymoon period. This depends heavily on the combination that the student choose to specialize in. It could range from dismissal at about 12 on most of the days, or dismissal at 4~6.

it is quite common to take electives indeed and most elective classes are full (except some of those writing/literature/language ones). Elective modules will similarly be given a grade, and the grade will be considered for credit for diploma only if it helps. For example, if one's CAP is 4.7, an elective with grade of 5.0 will be calculated into the CAP to pull it up, with an elective with grade of 4.5 will not be calculated into the CAP, but just written in the transcript.

CCA is not neglected, it may be just that we are not as good in them as we are in maths and sciences, which is our primary focus. There are also \"less official\" interest groups that students can join. We have house carnivals and sports days, as well as house activities through the years. There are also events planned for youth week, valentines day, teachers' day, orientation program for all the years andso on. Leadership opportunities can similarly be cultivated in CCAs, IGs, classes, mentor groups or the student council.

[matadorepy]

Atan:

It is the DSA preference school selection phase and we are still undecided between NUSH or HCI :scratchhead: as DS likes both schools.


Understand that the assessment mode of NUSH is via CA and end of semester examinations. For the exams, is it on a modular basis, ie once a module is cleared, it is not retested?

The Principal emphasized that NUSH kids have more opportunities for external exposures (oversea seminars, programs etc) and competitions. Would appreciate kind comments by current students and parents on this. Is it true that there is ample opp for all students vs other school of bigger cohort?

Thanks very much in advance!!

Between the choice of NUSH and HCL, I would recommend a simple decision be made based upon percentage of the likely kind of career your DD/DS is likely to pursue in the future:

70% (Science and advanced research, engineering, computing, maths, medical etc), 30% (lawyers, economist, administration, finance n business etc) - choose NUSH. if it is the reverse percentage - then HCI or any other IP school would make a better choice.

NUSH is a specialized maths n Science school with no 'A' level constraint.
Just by comparing the past Olympiad performance in all science, maths, computing, and opportunities for SSEF, ISEF etc, only RI is comparable. In short, NUSH offers a better nurturing environment than HCI if your DD/DS is in the 70%.

[dagong99]

Atan:

We feel that one unique feature of NUSH curriculum is the avail of elective and enrichment modules.

Pls adv if it's a norm for students to take up these extra modules if eligible and if the electives are considered for credits towards the diploma.
Based on the info on subjects each year, the workload seems to be pretty heavy, esp from Y3. Pls adv what is normal school life like for NUSH students since there does not seem to be a lot f emphasis on CCA. What about leadership and other holistic / fun activities avail at the school. The info on the sch website is rather limited so it will be great to hear from current student/parents.

Thanks again !!!

A typical week will be 2 days (CCA days) till 6 pm and the rest between 3 pm to 5 pm if you opt for all electives & enrichments (I think max is 2 as your time table will be very full) for Year 1 & 2. And if you take MO, half of Saturday will be \"burned\" too.

Starting from this year in Year 3, DS1 stays back till 6 pm almost every day. So best is you find time between breaks to catch up with your homewrok so that by the time you reach home, you can have your rest. But of course if you do not opt for any electives or enrichments, you are \"free\" after 1 pm except for CCA days

[Atan]

:thankyou: Artume, matadorepy and dagong99 for your kind sharing.


My DS doesn't know what kind of career he wants to pursue yet :scratchhead:, unlike some kids who already have some kind of direction.

It is a hard choice and we have been considering since receiving CO and attended the impressive preview at NUSH. On the other hand, HCI has been his dream school (being fm a SAP sch) before NUSH came into the picture. Its like 鱼与熊掌,新欢与旧爱, cant have both.

[dyh]

Atan:

:thankyou: Artume, matadorepy and dagong99 for your kind sharing.


My DS doesn't know what kind of career he wants to pursue yet :scratchhead:, unlike some kids who already have some kind of direction.

It is a hard choice and we have been considering since receiving CO and attended the impressive preview at NUSH. On the other hand, HCI has been his dream school (being fm a SAP sch) before NUSH came into the picture. Its like 鱼与熊掌,新欢与旧爱, cant have both.

I guess the choice is more difficult if the child is an all rounder who is good in both math & sciences, and languages.

[tck]

Atan:

:thankyou: Artume, matadorepy and dagong99 for your kind sharing.


My DS doesn't know what kind of career he wants to pursue yet :scratchhead:, unlike some kids who already have some kind of direction.

It is a hard choice and we have been considering since receiving CO and attended the impressive preview at NUSH. On the other hand, HCI has been his dream school (being fm a SAP sch) before NUSH came into the picture. Its like 鱼与熊掌,新欢与旧爱, cant have both.

Let your son decide. If he can't decide, toss a coin in the air, heads for NUSH, tails for HCI, and while the coin is still in the air, he will hope the coin lands on a particular side, that's the school he really wants