NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Diploma)

[layperson]

Let me help clarify some of the above points. The school experience and commitment can differ from child to child.


The students are free to take up the elective, enrichments should they meet the requirements and had no clashes in their schedule. All year 1 modules, do not require the student to have prior knowledge or skills from outside sources. Therefore anyone is free to sign up for say MO, robotics, chemistry, humanities etc without having to be put through a test or audition.

The year 1,2 modular performance, including the electives, are not counted towards final CAP, but is indicated in your report. The school caters for wider range of needs and interest, students are not oblige to sign up for electives or enrichment or competitive cca if they do not wish to. For such cases, they only have to stay till 6pm on their one cca day. Most of the time, the classes ends at 1. The cca does not requires a child to stay for 3 times a week, 4 hours a session.
However if your child has signed up to do a CCA competitively, there will be extra day of training during the competition period.

Also quite a number signed up for 1 or more electives. It is irresistible not to if this is your dream school. They are willing to commit time and energy to say till 5 or 6 for 2to 5 times a week (including Saturdays) to pursue their passion.

There is concern brought up by some parents that the school will put undue pressure on a gifted child. That is not true because whether or not he/she sign up for the acceleration test to skip modules or choose to remain at the existing level is entirely up to you. There are also fears that going for an acceleration will disadvantage a child’s performance when compared to the peers. Again if one is confidant of own ability and has a thirst to learn more, i would say if can be fulfilling.

[dagong99]

layperson:

Let me help clarify some of the above points. The school experience and commitment can differ from child to child.


The students are free to take up the elective, enrichments should they meet the requirements and had no clashes in their schedule. All year 1 modules, do not require the student to have prior knowledge or skills from outside sources. Therefore anyone is free to sign up for say MO, robotics, chemistry, humanities etc without having to be put through a test or audition.

The year 1,2 modular performance, including the electives, are not counted towards final CAP, but is indicated in your report. The school caters for wider range of needs and interest, students are not oblige to sign up for electives or enrichment or competitive cca if they do not wish to. For such cases, they only have to stay till 6pm on their one cca day. Most of the time, the classes ends at 1. The cca does not requires a child to stay for 3 times a week, 4 hours a session.
However if your child has signed up to do a CCA competitively, there will be extra day of training during the competition period.

Also quite a number signed up for 1 or more electives. It is irresistible not to if this is your dream school. They are willing to commit time and energy to say till 5 or 6 for 2to 5 times a week (including Saturdays) to pursue their passion.

There is concern brought up by some parents that the school will put undue pressure on a gifted child. That is not true because whether or not he/she sign up for the acceleration test to skip modules or choose to remain at the existing level is entirely up to you. There are also fears that going for an acceleration will disadvantage a child's performance when compared to the peers. Again if one is confidant of own ability and has a thirst to learn more, i would say if can be fulfilling.

Has anyone taken the Math Acceleration test before ? May I check what is the format like and coverage ? MA1110 syllabus ? TIA

[layperson]

dagong99:

Has anyone taken the Math Acceleration test before ? May I check what is the format like and coverage ? MA1110 syllabus ? TIA

Only a dozen or 2 sit for the diagnostic test every year, whereas about 3or so obtained the acceleration. It is possible that the passing mark may not be 50pc...perhaps 80. The idea is that those who need to strengthen their foundation should take the opportunity to do so before moving on to higher levels. The modular system allows flexibility to meet an individual's needs and ability. It is not meant as a bragging rights, one-upmanship, etc. There are parents who decided against acceleration because they wish to get a 5 point instead of risking a 4.5, others worried about stress level, inability to cope... . Still one should not push for one if your child is a marginal candidate or it may backfire.

[Nebbermind]

Does accelerated subject's grade go into the overall CAP?

If one is accelerated to Y3 Math and exempted from Y1 Math, does he get a 5 by default for Y1/2?

If he gets a 4.5 for Y3 Math (accelerated) in Y1, does it pull his Y1 overall CAP down vs another kid who got exactly the same grades for all subjects BUT WITHOUT Y3 Math?

[dagong99]

layperson:

dagong99:

Has anyone taken the Math Acceleration test before ? May I check what is the format like and coverage ? MA1110 syllabus ? TIA

Only a dozen or 2 sit for the diagnostic test every year, whereas about 3or so obtained the acceleration. It is possible that the passing mark may not be 50pc...perhaps 60 or 70. The idea is that those who need to strengthen their foundation should take the opportunity to do so before moving on to higher levels. The modular system allows flexibility to meet an individual's needs and ability. It is not meant as a bragging rights, one-upmanship, etc. There are parents who decided against acceleration because they wish to get a 5 point instead of risking a 4.5, others worried about stress level, inability to cope... . Still one should not push for one if your child is a marginal candidate or it may backfire.

Yes, we do know not many have taken or would want to take the diagnostic test and chances to being able to accelerate is not high and of course, for everything, there are always two sides of the coin with both pros and cons. But taking the diagnostic test or finding more about the test does not equal to bragging or forcing on a child. Just exploring and finding out more of the flexibilty of the module system that the school offers. To be able to accelerate may be a bonus and if not, it's also not the end of the world. At least you know what it is about.

[layperson]

The official answer is as follows

http://www.nushigh.edu.sg/qql/slot/u186 ... 202014.pdf

\"Students who are granted exemption of a module may proceed to read another module at a higher academic level in lieu. For example, a Year 1 student granted exemption from MA1110 (pre-requisite to MA2112) may accelerate to read MA2112 in his/her Year 1 of study. MA2112’s grade will be computed into the student’s GPA of the semester it is read, and upon the student’s entry into his/her official Year 2 of study, into his/her CAP.\"

:? It didn't answer whether the exempted module is counted in as a 5. Perhaps that's why the apprehension that the Score will be lowered or disadvantaged a high achiever where awards are concern.

[layperson]

I also heard a student sign up for electives on subjects he is already good at so as to bolster his CAP.


I would like to know what are KS parents’ thoughts on this CAP-bolstering strategy. My stand is I wouldn’t do it just for its sake.

[dagong99]

Nebbermind:

Does accelerated subject's grade go into the overall CAP?

If one is accelerated to Y3 Math and exempted from Y1 Math, does he get a 5 by default for Y1/2?

If he gets a 4.5 for Y3 Math (accelerated) in Y1, does it pull his Y1 overall CAP down vs another kid who got exactly the same grades for all subjects BUT WITHOUT Y3 Math?

The acceleration module will be computed into the overall CAP but it is not auto a 5 and depends on your performance. As for the exempted module, it will be reflected as \"exempted\" and will not be used in the computation.

In a way, yes, will affect overall CAP. But if the student is passionate about the subject, it's more of gaining exposure than grades.

[mjl]

Nebbermind:

Does accelerated subject's grade go into the overall CAP?

If one is accelerated to Y3 Math and exempted from Y1 Math, does he get a 5 by default for Y1/2?

If he gets a 4.5 for Y3 Math (accelerated) in Y1, does it pull his Y1 overall CAP down vs another kid who got exactly the same grades for all subjects BUT WITHOUT Y3 Math?

Yes, the accelerated subject's grade will go into overall CAP if the module taken is Y3 and above. 5-6 years ago those who got exempted fr Y1/2 Math were at a disadvantage because he would not get a 5 by default, the exempted modules were simply not calculated into CAP. Now there is no such concern, because Y1/2 CAP for all subjects are not counted into graduation CAP or subject CAP. Only Y3-6 CAP are counted.

Note that if a Y1 takes a Y3 Math accelerated module, the CAP for Y3 Math will be counted into his Y3 CAP (2 yrs later) not Y1 CAP. The CAP will be counted into the Y1 semestral GPA though.

[mjl]

dagong99:

Has anyone taken the Math Acceleration test before ? May I check what is the format like and coverage ? MA1110 syllabus ? TIA

I believe the math diagnostic test will cover both Y1 and Y2 math content, to determine if the student can accelerate to Y2 or Y3. I think it may not be worth the trouble to accelerate 1 year (ie Y1 to Y2) because of the need to arrange separate timetable and make up classes.