Hwa Chong Institution (High School)

[mommylow]

Hi lexis, the students are required to do only one project for Science (IS), so no additional project like what you may think.


My onły gripe with the SMPT programme is the students are not doing any humans subject, not even one. They take social economics instead. I would prefer it if they can do Literature to keep them intellectually productive, boost their imaginative powers as well as refine their verbal and written skills and stretch their critical thinking.

Now I have to make sure DS is finding time to read on his own since sustained studying of Lit in school is not an option now.

[lexis]

yikes. i didn’t know that SMTP don’t do humanities.


Do they still do ELL? how does one practice writing for GP since they don’t do any humanities subject (which, like you, I feel promotes analytical thinking, writing skills)?

[CatMoon]

Hi,

sorry to ask this simple Qn: What is SMTP?
My ds is only in sec 1.
:scratchhead:

[lexis]

Science & Maths Talent Programme.


At Sec 3, if you qualify (i think need MSG 2 or below?), you can opt to go to the Centre of Scholastic Excellece (CSE) where u can pursue special programmes, one of which is SMTP. the other 2 are Bicultural (emphasis on CL) and humanities programmes.

Even at sec 2 we haven't been thoroughly briefed yet. During the sec 2 symposium, HCI indicated that it will conduct a formal briefing during the later part of the year.

[mommylow]

English is a compulsory subject for all, so DS still get to write GP stuff.


CatMoon,

SMTP (Science & Mathematics Talent Programme) is part of the four special programmes for CSE (Centre for Scholastic Excellence). The bulk of students will choose to remain in IP for Sec 3 /4. Promotion criteria for CSE is MSG below 2 for all programmes. For SMTP, A1 for Eng, Math and Science based on Sec 2 year end results are required. For BSP, A1 for Eng and Chinese. Humanities Programme (HP) A1 for Eng, Geog/History. Among all the special programmes, HP is the most hard core and demanding one. I think there is only one class this year. I know HCI is well recognised for her humanities programme. All CSE students must engage in a year-long research project of their chosen programme with the guidance of expert mentors. The students undergo expanded curriculum as compared to IP. Opting for CSE should be guided by personal interest and passion in the selected field of study. I have known some very bright students with stellar Sec 2 results and they chose to remain in IP because the nature of the curriculum suits them better.

[CatMoon]

mommylow:

English is a compulsory subject for all, so DS still get to write GP stuff.


CatMoon,

SMTP (Science & Mathematics Talent Programme) is part of the four special programmes for CSE (Centre for Scholastic Excellence). The bulk of students will choose to remain in IP for Sec 3 /4. Promotion criteria for CSE is MSG below 2 for all programmes. For SMTP, A1 for Eng, Math and Science based on Sec 2 year end results are required. For BSP, A1 for Eng and Chinese. Humanities Programme (HP) A1 for Eng, Geog/History. Among all the special programmes, HP is the most hard core and demanding one. I think there is only one class this year. I know HCI is well recognised for her humanities programme. All CSE students must engage in a year-long research project of their chosen programme with the guidance of expert mentors. The students undergo expanded curriculum as compared to IP. Opting for CSE should be guided by personal interest and passion in the selected field of study. I have known some very bright students with stellar Sec 2 results and they chose to remain in IP because the nature of the curriculum suits them better.

Hi mommylow and lexis,
Thanks so much for your explanations - very clear. Also very scary. Looks like heavy in research (is it like the IS now?)

:udawoman:

[Song22]

It sounds like 2X IS :nailbite:

[alliance1711]

Anyone knows what is the name of the supplier for Hci pe attire?

[lexis]

PE attire can be bought from the school bookshop. I have called the supplier of the shirt/khaki shorts before and they said they don’t sell PE shirt/shorts.

[lexis]

Thanks for sharing mommylow!


I agree it should be guided by passion and interest in selected field of study - otherwise the prestige of being in CSE alone is too high a price to pay for such early "specialisation".