SST vs NUSH

[CeciliaANG]

How about the average criteria to get into SST?

[thinkie.036920lee]

kwcllf:

thinkie.lee:

Hi all. It has been a few years since SST and NUSH has been established. So I hope to weigh in on this issue which was discussed aeons ago and provide a more holistic perspective.


I do know parents who have sent their children to NUSH, while my own child is in SST. I will try to make this comparison as constructive as possible.

There are 2 key main differences being the qualifications and curriculum. I must emphasize SST and NUSH are 2 very good schools who have niches in different areas

SST is very much applied and interdisciplinary based while NUSH, as mentioned, is still very academic based. Both require strong foundations in the Sciences and both schools cater to different learning styles.

So it is important to consider what kind of your learning style is most suitable for your child. This was the consideration I had when deciding with my child to which school he should apply to.

With regards to qualifications part, NUSH offers a diploma while SST offers O level.

There was some discussion on which path SST Students will take after SST.
The answer is that the paths taken are very very diverse. Some go onto Poly to study various subjects such as Engineering, Film and Biotechnology (they offer Applied Subjects at SST which are taught by Ngee Ann), others go to JC in both arts and sciences stream and they head over to uni. My opinion is that the SST curriculum allows students to be more flexible in a certain sense to decide which educational pathway.

On the other end, the NUSH diploma has its own merits as well ( as discussed), the diploma is well grounded in the academia side of the sciences and of course, NUSH Diploma holders also head over to uni.Nothing much to elaborate here because it's a pretty straightforward route to uni for those with NUSH Diploma

Both schools have strong credentials and track records. They are also well supported, NUSH obviously by NUS while SST is supported by Ngee Ann Poly, NTU and lately SUTD.

So ultimately, it is up to your child's learning style. Both schools have their perks and they have their differences, so ultimately it's up to the child to decide which school's curriculum really appeals to them. I hope this has been helpful and constructive for all those parents who are in still deciding on the \"NUSH vs SST\" debate.

Noting that this is a NUSH thread, do head over to the SST thread if you want to know more about SST and I will be happy to answer questions

Agree with what thinkie said, but I would like to add a little bit more.

SST, as mentioned, is very Science and Maths based. In Secondary 3 when students choose their subject combination, the school only offers combined Humanities (ie, social studies, which is compulsory + either History or Geography).

Chemistry is compulsory. The other science subject can be either Physics or Biology. Students also choose from one of the applied subjects which are computing, biotechnology, design studies and electronics.

If you think of sending you DC to polytechnics, then the applied subjects will give them the edge over students from other national schools. Basically, theses subjects taught by Ngee Ann Polytechnic will give them a leg up.

Of course, as mentioned, SST students can also opt to proceed to JCs if they don't want the polytechnic route.

To add on, according to the latest statistics, about 55% go on the JCs for A level or IB programme and about 45% goes to poly.

Was at Open House 2017 today and managed to talk to P,VP as well as the Alumni.The general feedback from those who go onto JC is that because SST's curriculum is both applied and interdisciplinary, it sets a very broad based education for the students to go onto JC, especially when they do GP, PW and their subjects. Many of them also opt for additional H2 subjects or H3 science or research projects

There are some who also went on to the do the social sciences and art stream, doing very well as well. The general feedback is because of the programs in places, students understand that their knowledge, does have real world implications and therefore being exposed to the \"real world\" since young, it also aids them in the Humanities and Social Sciences, allowing them to excel.

There is an obvious advantage for those who go onto Polytechnic. Fast paced and project based environment similar to SST. Of course they also do very well, producing many scholars and valedictorians for courses.

So, using these \"stats\" reported by School Leadership as well as my own interactions, my personal conclusion is that the school prepares well for the future. It's up to the child to decide. Afterall, SST admits \"university bound\" students

[thinkie.036920lee]

CeciliaANG:

How about the average criteria to get into SST?

Was at Open House 2017. SST admits strictly based on DSA process only. Therefore criteria is more broad based.

The fundamental thing is your child must be interested in STEAM fields as well as applied and interdisciplinary learning.

The school will consider CCA and holistic development, academic performance, as well as the logical reason and potential shown in students through the GAT and CRT tests

For the selection camp, the Admissions Officers will observe and conclude who will be the best fit for SST. As discussed, SST is a very fast paced envrionment and its focus on applied & interdisciplinary learning may not be suited for everyone.

Overall conclusion is submit application first showcasing your child's holistic development and interest in STEAM. No need to prepare for GAT, CRT test in my opinion. Afterall the test were designed to identify the cognitive level and reasoning level of the child and mainly logical reasoning.

Interviews, just let your child be themselves naturally. No point trying to fit a certain mould and try to bluff the admissions officers.The AOs are SST staff so they know the kind of qualities, collaboration, communication, critical thinking to look out for. These things are to hard to bluff IMO.

To sum it up, just showcase and submit portfolio, let the child be themselves. Treat the entire process as a learning experience, I think that is more important than anything else