Hwa Chong Institution (High School)

[zeedoo]

Thanks, lexis, that’s great info!

[ellehcim]

hi, how abt BSP program? Any parents with kids in BSP programme? Ds plan to take this up, but I am not sure if it will be good or just stick with IP wil do.

[ellehcim]

hi, how abt BSP program? Any parents with kids in BSP programme? Ds plans to take this up, but I am not sure if it will be good or just stick with IP will do.

[Song22]

ellehcim:

hi, how abt BSP program? Any parents with kids in BSP programme? Ds plans to take this up, but I am not sure if it will be good or just stick with IP will do.

I am also interested to find out more as my dd is planning to take this program in NY

[wanxuan75]

Hi,

would like to ask the parents of the seniors here if they would like to sell off the Julius Ceasar’s book that their boys did in Sec 2. my boy’s teacher has asked them to get from seniors since the seniors would have written notes on it and would benefit the boys if they get good notes from the seniors. So would like to approach the seniors’ parents on it. Appreciate your advice. thanks.

[ASLMUM]

Hi Lexi,


Can you share with me the rationale for opting out of the SMTP? My son is being offered the program, but I am still not sure if we should take it on. Do you know how many subjects they take in SMTP?

Thanks

lexis:

zeedoo:

Hi, I have a P6 boy deciding between Hwa Chong and RI, and I have some questions regarding SMTP:

1) From which year does the programme start - Yr 1? Yr 3?

2) Do students apply for a place in the programme or are they chosen by the teachers?

3) Typically how many students are in the programme for each cohort?

4) Is the programme further subdivided into Math and the various Sciences (eg individual students can pick Math and not do the Sciences), or must all students partake in a combined Math and Science programme?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Hi, my son is not in SMTP although he qualified - so hope i can help with some of your queries, esp since the DSA submission deadline is near (my dd took the PSLE this year too!)

1. SMTP starts in Sec 3.

2.You can apply for the program if you qualify - IIRC you need an A1 for both Math and Sci, and English too. And overall MSG cannot be more than 2.

3. I think there are 2-3 sec 3 SMTP classes in 2016- that would be about 60-70 kids.

4. No, they have to do Higher Math and higher Sci for all the sciences. Cannot just choose to do higher Math and normal Sci or vice versa.

[lexis]

IIRC, they take triple science, integrated maths, two languages and one other subject called Social Economic studies (?) but no humanities (i.e no Lit, Hist or Geog).


We didn't take it up because he was not so sure about having a very keen interest in the sciences and maths. Boys in SMTP have to do these subjects at a higher level. Also, HCI boys have to do a project every year (under the Independent studies module) , and SMTP boys have to do a science or math based project and he was not sure he would like that.

Going into SMTP also means that you don't get to do any humanities subject. I personally feel doing some humanities is good, as it trains critical and analytical thinking. Of course, the boys the SMTP do learn these skills too during English. But in a way, you do get a bit pigeon-holed cos i don't think anyone who has not had exposure to any humanities in sec school would dare take the leap to go to a humanities-based course in JC.

SMTP boys have long days too, due to research projects and briefings. In fact, the normal timetable for s3 IP boys is already quite taxing. Coupled with increased responsibilities in CCA in Sec3, not going to SMTP means my boy is able to spend more time on his CCA without having to play too much catch-up.

Perhaps you can speak to your child and see what he thinks? Hope what i have shared is helpful.

[ASLMUM]

Thanks Lexi.

lexis:

IIRC, they take triple science, integrated maths, two languages and one other subject called Social Economic studies (?) but no humanities (i.e no Lit, Hist or Geog).

We didn't take it up because he was not so sure about having a very keen interest in the sciences and maths. Boys in SMTP have to do these subjects at a higher level. Also, HCI boys have to do a project every year (under the Independent studies module) , and SMTP boys have to do a science or math based project and he was not sure he would like that.

Going into SMTP also means that you don't get to do any humanities subject. I personally feel doing some humanities is good, as it trains critical and analytical thinking. Of course, the boys the SMTP do learn these skills too during English. But in a way, you do get a bit pigeon-holed cos i don't think anyone who has not had exposure to any humanities in sec school would dare take the leap to go to a humanities-based course in JC.

SMTP boys have long days too, due to research projects and briefings. In fact, the normal timetable for s3 IP boys is already quite taxing. Coupled with increased responsibilities in CCA in Sec3, not going to SMTP means my boy is able to spend more time on his CCA without having to play too much catch-up.

Perhaps you can speak to your child and see what he thinks? Hope what i have shared is helpful.

[CatMoon]

We were told at the recent talk that Bio is an optional subject.


So the 8 core subjects are: EL, HMT, Integrated Maths x 2, Phy, Chem, IHC (Integrated Humanities Core) and IHE (Social Economic Studies + China Studies).

Although I’m not sure what IHC is … Maybe like Social Studies?

[lexis]

yup, IHC is the equivalent of Social Studies.