Hwa Chong Institution (High School)

[FantasyLandDreams]

Eddisema:

Overmars:

[quote=\"Eddisema\"]Heard some insider speculations that Nan Chiau High's current principal will be taking over as Hwa Chong's principal in Dec... Is it a reliable info?? ':o

No.

Tks for clarifying!

The news was finally out today. New principal is Pang Choon How, former CCHMS principal and current Director of Mother Tongue Languages at MOE-CPDD. He also heads the Chinese Language Elective Programme which HCI offers. Is definitely good news for HCI! :congrats:

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/61-schools-including-raffles-institution-and-hwa-chong-institution-to-get-new[/quote]If I recall correctly, Pang was from the 4th batch of LEP, Sim Ann was in the 3rd batch, Low Chun Meng (NYJC Principal) was from the 2nd batch.

[lexis]

As the soon-to-be-retired principal Dr Hon used to say, if you are poor in Chinese, don’t be afraid to come to HCI. But if you hate chinese, then don’t come to HCI.


My Son has gotten by without tuition in chinese all these 4 years (he used to have tuition in pri for CL) and his grades have gotten better over the years, thanks to the good chinese Teachers in the school. Yes, the standard is high but the Teachers do hold remedial classes for weaker kids and I have even received calls to say my son has not done his homework after repeated chances.

If your son loves the school, encourage him to go for it. The reality is that there is no such thing as an easy secondary school education- be it IP, o levels, RI, HCI or any other secondary school- this you can tell from the many threads here where parents seek guidance on how to help their kids.

But what will make a difference is the environment where your child will be when he is facing these challenges. HCI kids are largely self motivated and driven, and the Teachers are helpful and willing to go the extra mile for the boys.

It is my son’s last year in he high school section this year and I can say that it’s been a great 4 years there. He’s made good friends, gained knowledge and skills, and have had the support of good teachers- you really sense that the school wants to nurture the boys. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it.

[CatMoon]

:goodpost:

[CatMoon]

momresource:

May I ask how HCI support the weaker kids in HCL or any other subjects? When will HCI intervene or it is up to parents to sign up external tuition?
Many thanks

Hi momresource,
As lexis said earlier, the teachers will be guiding the boys closely. There are remedial lessons for boys who need help and they are encouraged to seek help early. In addition, the syllabus is not the same as in primary school - they cover only a few chapters in the textbook and have additional materials (youth magazines) and other assessments to test the boys outside the textbook e.g. group work or group debates.

Don't be discouraged. We are a mixed race family and do not speak Chinese at home nor do we watch Mandarin programmes on TV. But my son is managing well in school, he takes active part in group/project work activities & attends remedial classes (even though he doesn't need to). He also regularly approaches his Chinese teacher for consultations / advice on how to manage his weak areas.

The key thing here is consistent work!

[doodbug]

Thank you so much Lexis and CatMoon for your encouragement.

My son is weak in Chinese but he is interested in China and Chinese history. Hopefully, the language acquisition will follow from more opportunities to be immersed in the language in School as we do not speak Mandarin at home.

[wanxuan75]

Does anyone have any idea about what are the advantages of taking Bio? DS had previously chosen Bio and History combi, but upon knowing that the combi will land him in another consortium, he’s deciding if he should drop Bio to stay put in the same consortium. As we as parents did not take Bio during our time, we are not sure what is the impact. Can someone advise us on this?

[lexis]

To me, the biggest advantage is having options at year 5-6. Although bio at Sec isn’t a pre requisite for bio at jc, I think most boys won’t choose bio in year 5-6 unless they have tried it in Sec school.

[myteapot]

Hi, may I ask if in HCI, the focus for Science in year 1-2 is mainly on Phy and Chem, and only minimumly on Bio? So one will need to opt for Bio in year 3 in order to go more in-depth into it? Also, is there any other talent program for Science in year 1, apart from the SMTP program in year 3? Thanks.

[Maple leaf]

myteapot:

Hi, may I ask if in HCI, the focus for Science in year 1-2 is mainly on Phy and Chem, and only minimumly on Bio? So one will need to opt for Bio in year 3 in order to go more in-depth into it? Also, is there any other talent program for Science in year 1, apart from the SMTP program in year 3? Thanks.

Can sign up for Science Olympiad training which includes all 3,Physics, Chem,and Biology.if .DS enjoys it.
He wants to join again next year.

[Maple leaf]

Maple leaf:

myteapot:

Hi, may I ask if in HCI, the focus for Science in year 1-2 is mainly on Phy and Chem, and only minimumly on Bio? So one will need to opt for Bio in year 3 in order to go more in-depth into it? Also, is there any other talent program for Science in year 1, apart from the SMTP program in year 3? Thanks.

Can sign up for Science Olympiad training which includes all 3,Physics, Chem,and Biology.if .DS enjoys it.
He wants to join again next year.

Edit: check iemb to sign up, I think after orientation week.
Once a week after school,lasting mid Feb to end July