Hwa Chong Institution (High School)

[CatMoon]

:rahrah: :congrats:

[laikiasu]

Thank you, CatMoon!

[lexis]

Hi.. have a question and hope parents with kids currently in S3-4 can help.


Do all HCI boys take the O-level Chinese paper (not HCL) in Sec 3? Or do they only do the O-level HCL paper in sec 4?

Thanks!

[monmon31]

Hi ,


For current students/parents, do you feel that HCI places more emphasis on Chinese or it is more balance? The reason for asking is that many people say HCI - more suited for DC that likes chinese and RI - suited for DC that are weaker in Chinese but good in English.

I am worried that my DC cannot cope and I also cannot help much because my Chinese is half-bake.

Appreciate some sharing

[lexis]

My son is in Sec 2 now.


HCI places more emphasis on Chinese than other IP schools for sure - it is after all a SAP school with a very distinct Chinese culture. Syllabus-wise, the boys have to do Chinese Drama and Chinese Debates as part of the curriculum. At Sec 3/4, if you join the special programmes, you have to do China Studies as part of your curriculum.

But that’s not to say there is no emphasis on the other subjects. They have to debate in English too, and I think their sci/math curriculum is very robust. All S1/2 boys also have to do Infocomm (not sure about s3/4), Music and Art.

My son is also weaker in CL than EL, and I won’t say he is sailing through CL in HCI, but he definitely is enjoying himself in school.

[ellehcim]

yes agree with Lexis on her explanation.


before ds enter HCI that was my perception also and thought that my ds will not lost touch of chinese in that school. On the other hand, worry that his already not so good english will get worse. The kids did Chinese Drama as one subject (which I don't think many schools has this subject) and have many other interesting programmes or activities pertaining to other subjects including History.

So far I am quite satisfied that the school has equal emphasis on all subjects. Their English is not simple too. Their English is named as English & Literature (if I remember correctly) which looks quite chim to me. Kind of different type/concept like they were doing in their primary school days.

DS used to drag Chinese learning but can see that ever since his interest in Chinese grew tremendously and able to commute well with friends in both English and Mandarin. :rahrah:

[monmon31]

Hi lexis and ellecim,


:thankyou: so much for your sharing. :grphug:

I will definitely talk to my DS more about it and have him think thru this after his prelims. I believe it is a commitment for him as well as for me as i feel the transition from pri to sec would require some hand holding first and then slowly letting go ...dont want him to be :?: :imdrowning:

[ellehcim]

no problem. ds was kind of lost during the 1st month too. On top of that, also the travelling distance is a kill for him. Thus he lost weight during the 1st 2 months. now already in the 3rd quarter, he has adapted well and have been doing more other stuff (eg CCA activites) besides school work and he seems to be enjoying it.

[jlloke.09430gmail.09430com]

ellehcim:

no problem. ds was kind of lost during the 1st month too. On top of that, also the travelling distance is a kill for him. Thus he lost weight during the 1st 2 months. now already in the 3rd quarter, he has adapted well and have been doing more other stuff (eg CCA activites) besides school work and he seems to be enjoying it.

Hi! May I know where u stay n how long does your son take to travel to HCI?

[ellehcim]

3R:

ellehcim:

no problem. ds was kind of lost during the 1st month too. On top of that, also the travelling distance is a kill for him. Thus he lost weight during the 1st 2 months. now already in the 3rd quarter, he has adapted well and have been doing more other stuff (eg CCA activites) besides school work and he seems to be enjoying it.

Hi! May I know where u stay n how long does your son take to travel to HCI?

I stay in the north, if via MRT every morning, he needs to catch the 6am-6.15am train to reach school by 7.15am