NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Diploma)
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phtthp:
Phttp, can any straight 'A' students in G.C.E 'A' level sciences and maths get exemptions to direct year 2 or 3 in NUS Science or Engineering faculty or Y3 at MIT ?.during the Tour guide round the campus, the Senior (a Yr 5 student) mentioned that it is common to see some students jump straight directly, got admitted into Year 2 or even Year 3 NUS Science / Engineering faculty, after taking some advanced module(s), and obtain good quality pass in these module(s). She said some even got admitted to overseas university like MIT, for Year 3.
Suppose a student only average in studies at NUS High : just keep to the normal, passing expectation(s) / requirements, each year.
many parents are aware that the academic pace in itself at NUS High : is already very fast paced, compared to other Mainstream Secondary schools, outside.
Question :
Suppose this student only average in academic studies, at NUS High -
does it mean that after completing Year 6 Diploma, he will get admitted to only Year 1, into our local NUS Faculty ?
That means : start from First year ?
cannot jump to Year 2 ?
assuming that he did not take any Advanced module(s) at all in NUS High, because he can only cope with the normal minimum, ordinary pace. (which in itself, is already very fast paced)
He can pass the tests / exam each year fairly, but won't say that he is gifted, nor a genius, in Maths / Science curriculum
If the NUSH curriculum at Y4 is equivalent to 'A' level, then the extra 2 years of advance Physics, Chemistry or Biology and Maths in y5/y6 (JC level) even if DC is not doing Honours (H3 equivalent) would put DC in a very favourable position when DC enter local uni or oversea universities.
That's the advantage for NUSH graduates that many won't be getting by doing 'A' level. -
FantasyLandDreams:
As I read more on the above sharings, I can't help but conclude that 进得了NUSH， 不一定能 survive the 6 years wor, and I don't think NUSH allow re-take of their diploma if I am not wrong. So parents must really know their child well and consider properly before accepting the NUSH DSA offer perhaps.
What Nobhill88 said is correct. If your child's interest and passion is in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), NUSH is about the only school in S'pore that is unconventional and where kids can learn at even faster pace for those who can cope. By Y3/Y4 almost everyone is encourage to take part in S'pore Junior Olympiads and some even get started involving in research at local research institution. Just look at the yearly Olympiads and SSEF (S'pore Science and Engineering Fairs) results will tell you the vast difference in standards and performance. Top 5 - 10 percentage of NUSH graduates can get 2/3 years exemptions at local NUS, NTU and even top foreign universities like MIT etc.walterp:
[quote=\"nobhill88\"]Hi Ammonite and Miracle Child, yes, the students will do the \"O\" level equivalent by Year 2 and \"A\" level equivalent by Year 4. They do pure sciences and therefore, integrated textbooks used by regular schools are irrelevant because at NUSH, they go in-depth into each subject. So, you can say, that from day 1, they are already doing pure sciences.
Not too sure about \"mugging\" part. It all depends on the individual child's mode of studying. I notice some do well by mugging, some by consistent revision... so, it all depends on the individual child. For NUSH, it is also a lot of independent learning. The teachers are very dedicated, responsible and helpful especially so, when the class size is small.
And don't forget, it is a big jump from primary school to secondary school/ NUSH for all our kids - from just 4 subjects to 8 to 9 subjects. Ultimately, it all depends on the individual child and for the parents to assess if their child can cope with new school, new syllabus, new subjects. One man's meat is another man's poison. For my experience, my dd is in the top 5% in a premier girls school and even though she was accepted by IP school of the same namesake, she chose NUSH because she feels that NUSH offers her a learning experience that is unparalleled to the conventional schools. And she is enjoying herself and learning a lot. The learning curve at NUSH is steep and you will be surprised how well your child can cope, given the steepness. I always marvel at my dd's schoolwork at NUSH and the projects that they have to tackle. Very innovating and challenging. So, parents, if your child is prepared for the challenge, by all means, try for the NUSH DSA. Remember, NUSH is the only school that \"selects\" your child, unlike the PSLE S1 posting whereby it is based on the magical 3-digits and the 6-school selection and your child gets posted accordingly based on supply and demand.
After 10 years of curriculum, there are some new changes. I heard the new Y1 batch will take computing science as a subject (previously as Y2 elective) and Specialization started at Y4 instead of Y5. Hence NUSH is a very demanding school for STEM and parents should not be too worry if the DC is selected. Only those who have the proven capabilities and the determination to do well in STEM will be selected by the school.
:siam:[/quote]Out of the more than 2000 applicants every year for the DSA, only 153 (90% of DSA) are selected after 2 rounds of thorough selective testing and closed DSA camp observations. It's unlikely that such kiasi and kiasu candidate(s) and parents as mentioned by you would slip through. Even the 10% selected via S1 posting are the top PSLE T-Scorers and they are even subjected to cross interview and examination.
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walterp:
After the Principal (P) briefing over, on Open House day : some parents went down to the front (below the stage inside Auditorium), crowd round the Principal, asked some personal questions.
Out of the more than 2000 applicants every year for the DSA, only 153 (90% of DSA) are selected after 2 rounds of thorough selective testing and closed DSA camp observations.FantasyLandDreams:
As I read more on the above sharings, I can't help but conclude that 进得了NUSH， 不一定能 survive the 6 years wor, and I don't think NUSH allow re-take of their diploma if I am not wrong.
So parents must really know their child well and consider properly before accepting the NUSH DSA offer perhaps.
It's unlikely that such kiasi and kiasu candidate(s) and parents as mentioned by you would slip through. Even the 10% selected via S1 posting are the top PSLE T-Scorers and they are even subjected to cross interview and examination.
P said for those who enter by Phase 2, ie. via PSLE T-score -
ie. remaining small 10 % left, he said that he and his assistant, will personally interview the 17 short-listed candidates / applicants, for a sufficiently long period of time : to ascertain, to make sure that the pupil coming in (if NUS High were to make an offer, to this student) : must have strong interests, in both Maths & Science.
These 17 candidates (10%), are :
- either did not apply during Phase 1 application, or
- applied but unsuccessful, in Phase 1 DSA : so come back to appeal in Phase 2
During interview, if the P6 student show that he only interested in Maths, but not interested in Science, or vice versa (ie. only interested in Science, but not keen in Maths), the school may hesitate to take him in : in case the child may struggle in those subject(s), which he show no interest in, in the long run. (the next 6 years ahead)
Thus, the more than one hour interview, conducted by P and his deputy / assistant, is stringent.
Out of over 2000 P6 applicants who apply, going to attend 3 hour paper Tests and attend the Science Camp Test (mini lab work project group discussion) -
153 successful candidates (90 %) offered, via Phase 1 :
constitute approximately ... 7.5 % out of 2000 applicants
(not easy)
For P6 candidates who managed to get in : give a clap to yourself -
FantasyLandDreams:
As I read more on the above sharings, I can't help but conclude that 进得了NUSH， 不一定能 survive the 6 years wor, and I don't think NUSH allow re-take of their diploma if I am not wrong. So parents must really know their child well and consider properly before accepting the NUSH DSA offer perhaps.
What Nobhill88 said is correct. If your child's interest and passion is in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), NUSH is about the only school in S'pore that is unconventional and where kids can learn at even faster pace for those who can cope. By Y3/Y4 almost everyone is encourage to take part in S'pore Junior Olympiads and some even get started involving in research at local research institution. Just look at the yearly Olympiads and SSEF (S'pore Science and Engineering Fairs) results will tell you the vast difference in standards and performance. Top 5 - 10 percentage of NUSH graduates can get 2/3 years exemptions at local NUS, NTU and even top foreign universities like MIT etc.walterp:
[quote=\"nobhill88\"]Hi Ammonite and Miracle Child, yes, the students will do the \"O\" level equivalent by Year 2 and \"A\" level equivalent by Year 4. They do pure sciences and therefore, integrated textbooks used by regular schools are irrelevant because at NUSH, they go in-depth into each subject. So, you can say, that from day 1, they are already doing pure sciences.
Not too sure about \"mugging\" part. It all depends on the individual child's mode of studying. I notice some do well by mugging, some by consistent revision... so, it all depends on the individual child. For NUSH, it is also a lot of independent learning. The teachers are very dedicated, responsible and helpful especially so, when the class size is small.
And don't forget, it is a big jump from primary school to secondary school/ NUSH for all our kids - from just 4 subjects to 8 to 9 subjects. Ultimately, it all depends on the individual child and for the parents to assess if their child can cope with new school, new syllabus, new subjects. One man's meat is another man's poison. For my experience, my dd is in the top 5% in a premier girls school and even though she was accepted by IP school of the same namesake, she chose NUSH because she feels that NUSH offers her a learning experience that is unparalleled to the conventional schools. And she is enjoying herself and learning a lot. The learning curve at NUSH is steep and you will be surprised how well your child can cope, given the steepness. I always marvel at my dd's schoolwork at NUSH and the projects that they have to tackle. Very innovating and challenging. So, parents, if your child is prepared for the challenge, by all means, try for the NUSH DSA. Remember, NUSH is the only school that \"selects\" your child, unlike the PSLE S1 posting whereby it is based on the magical 3-digits and the 6-school selection and your child gets posted accordingly based on supply and demand.
After 10 years of curriculum, there are some new changes. I heard the new Y1 batch will take computing science as a subject (previously as Y2 elective) and Specialization started at Y4 instead of Y5. Hence NUSH is a very demanding school for STEM and parents should not be too worry if the DC is selected. Only those who have the proven capabilities and the determination to do well in STEM will be selected by the school. :siam:[/quote]Agree with Walterp. Results speak volumes. NUSH has a short 10-year history compared to the older established IP schools but it has in a short span of time, churned out students that have gained entry into local and foreign universities. \"Demanding\", \"challenging\" - all these words have been used to describe the curriculum. It is precisely on this basis that the school is able to perform in a short 10-year span. Last year, it proudly produced its first President Scholar. Just as it took 150 years for the US to reach its first world status, it took Singapore only 50 years.
First to get into NUSH is not a walk in the park. To be selected through DSA (say, out of average of 2000 applicants) and say, 150 applicants ultimately given the CO is only 7.5% chance. So, to those that have being accepted into NUSH are, if I may say, suited to the regime or curriculum of the school. Whether they can \"survive\" in the environment for the full 6 years or not is anybody's guess (too many variables involved) but I would say, if one can \"survive\" the DSA qualifications or the hour-long interview by the principal/ staff, the child certainly will be able to hold his/her own. -
There must be some miscommunication here. I doubt any NUSH student can go directly to year 2 or 3 for Science/Engg course at local uni, or year 3 at MIT, as someone claimed above.
Most unis practise modular system. I believe what the NUSH senior meant is, some students can get exemption for certain modules (not the level!) if he has taken those NUS modules while studying at NUSH, or he has met module exemption requirements (eg. Medalist at Intl Olympiads). If he has done well for AP exams, he can get exemption for some modules (again, not level) at certain US unis. -
In SA1 Time table, I cannot see dates for IH or geography exams (Year 2). when will they test these subjects?
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wonder mom:
In SA1 Time table, I cannot see dates for IH or geography exams (Year 2). when will they test these subjects?
I, too, noticed IH exam is missing and CM1302 too (can't remember if the 3 series have exams or not)
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macflashpay:
That's my understanding too. Have yet to read up on Year 5 Subject Specialization Briefing slides ... but I know max no of majors that one can take is 4 and honours is 2, so have to decide by year end. :roll:There must be some miscommunication here. I doubt any NUSH student can go directly to year 2 or 3 for Science/Engg course at local uni, or year 3 at MIT, as someone claimed above.
Most unis practise modular system. I believe what the NUSH senior meant is, some students can get exemption for certain modules (not the level!) if he has taken those NUS modules while studying at NUSH, or he has met module exemption requirements (eg. Medalist at Intl Olympiads). If he has done well for AP exams, he can get exemption for some modules (again, not level) at certain US unis. -
quote=\"dagong99\"]
macflashpay:
That's my understanding too. Have yet to read up on Year 5 Subject Specialization Briefing slides ... but I know max no of majors that one can take is 4 and honours is 2, so have to decide by year end. :roll:[/quote]There must be some miscommunication here. I doubt any NUSH student can go directly to year 2 or 3 for Science/Engg course at local uni, or year 3 at MIT, as someone claimed above.
Most unis practise modular system. I believe what the NUSH senior meant is, some students can get exemption for certain modules (not the level!) if he has taken those NUS modules while studying at NUSH, or he has met module exemption requirements (eg. Medalist at Intl Olympiads). If he has done well for AP exams, he can get exemption for some modules (again, not level) at certain US unis.
From my understanding, if one is on an acceleration program and does and passes a NUS module during his/her NUSH days, the modular credits earned will be carried forward to NUS. NUS is based on modular credits and any modular credits earned while studying at NUSH will help to lighten the Uni workload or shorten the period to graduate from NUS.
Also, NUS also has Advanced Placement. Before the start of Year 1, NUS would invite students with better results to sit for their own AP exams. If one passes these AP tests, he/she would earn the modular credits be exempted to take these modules at Year 1 (somewhat similar to NUSH acceleration program). I believe those NUSH students who opt to do honour will be well placed to pass the AP exams by NUS.
Besides its own exams, NUSH also conduct AP exams by College Board. The grades scored for these AP exams will earn you credits at most US universities, including the Ivy League Uni. For example, a grade of 5 for Maths will earn you 10 credits at Stanford. Again this would shorten your Uni course.
Also, I believe you could take more than 2 honours in Year 5 & 6. There are a handful of Year 5 who are taking 3 honours this year. -
DVL:
From my understanding, if one is on an acceleration program and does and passes a NUS module during his/her NUSH days, the modular credits earned will be carried forward to NUS. NUS is based on modular credits and any modular credits earned while studying at NUSH will help to lighten the Uni workload or shorten the period to graduate from NUS.quote=\"dagong99\"]
That's my understanding too. Have yet to read up on Year 5 Subject Specialization Briefing slides ... but I know max no of majors that one can take is 4 and honours is 2, so have to decide by year end. :roll:macflashpay:
There must be some miscommunication here. I doubt any NUSH student can go directly to year 2 or 3 for Science/Engg course at local uni, or year 3 at MIT, as someone claimed above.
Most unis practise modular system. I believe what the NUSH senior meant is, some students can get exemption for certain modules (not the level!) if he has taken those NUS modules while studying at NUSH, or he has met module exemption requirements (eg. Medalist at Intl Olympiads). If he has done well for AP exams, he can get exemption for some modules (again, not level) at certain US unis.
Also, NUS also has Advanced Placement. Before the start of Year 1, NUS would invite students with better results to sit for their own AP exams. If one passes these AP tests, he/she would earn the modular credits be exempted to take these modules at Year 1 (somewhat similar to NUSH acceleration program). I believe those NUSH students who opt to do honour will be well placed to pass the AP exams by NUS.
Besides its own exams, NUSH also conduct AP exams by College Board. The grades scored for these AP exams will earn you credits at most US universities, including the Ivy League Uni. For example, a grade of 5 for Maths will earn you 10 credits at Stanford. Again this would shorten your Uni course.
Also, I believe you could take more than 2 honours in Year 5 & 6. There are a handful of Year 5 who are taking 3 honours this year.[/quote]
DS1 is taking acceleration in one of the Sciences and will likely be taking nus module next year but was told if take 1 major, 3 honours, have to get approval from VP.
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