Hwa Chong Institution (High School)

[myteapot]

doodbug:

Hi Myteapot!

My son also mentioned some scholastic MSG of sorts but I have no idea what that is. Infocomm seems to be a full subject, and a graded one too?
Also, the there seems to be MSG criteria to stay in the IP, as well as in Sec 4, there are different MSG criteria to read 4 or 3 H2s in Year 5.
I guess we'll learn along the way. Hopefully there will be some info on average MSG so we have a better idea of how our kids are faring or where they need help in.

Hi doodbug,
Yes, we’ll learn along the way and hopefully be clearer as our DS moves up the years. I’m looking forward to the SLF as this will be the first time meeting the teachers and finding out how DS is coping.

[myteapot]

mommyNg:

Wow, HCI promotion criteria to stay in IP (and to promote to JC1) is at least MSG 3 (although it is excluding the languages)!

Hi mommyNg,
I think the promotion criteria for NYGH to promote to HCI JC1 is at least MSG 3 as well.

[doodbug]

mommyNg:

myteapot:

Found this page in the school portal

http://www.hci.edu.sg/admissions/high_school/assessment-promotion-criteria#assessment-and-promotion-criteria
It shows a promotion criteria of MSG <=6 for Sec 1 and <=4 for Sec 2. EOY exams definitely has a heavier weightage but it varies with subjects as well. There is also some criteria for Scholastic assessment. What I don’t quite understand is how the Oral communications is assessed? :scratchhead:

Often times, DS would come home and say they did a piece of work in school today and it is graded. It can be a composition or a Maths “test” sheet. I presume this is class test since it is graded? For common test, my guess is the whole cohort will sit for the same paper usually on the same day and time. For the Sec 1 history paper tomorrow, my understanding is it is the equivalent of the EOY exam since they will not be doing history in second half year.

Wow, HCI promotion criteria to stay in IP (and to promote to JC1) is at least MSG 3 (although it is excluding the languages)!

Academic MSG includes the languages right? Not only is there an MSG 3 requirement, there is also a requirement of MSG 2.5 to read 4 H2s, and you also need a B3 minimum to read particular subjects in JC.

[CatMoon]

paperprata:

Hi doodbug, thanks for your reply, he got C5 for maths this common test

He’s always been weak in maths n science but this year its showing more. Worried about his promotion this year.

We are staying in the East

Hi paperprata,
Check out Indigo at Goldhill Square. They follow the HCI syllabus quite closely. It's a few stops from TKK to Novena mrt. My boy has been going there for a couple of years. Lots of RI and HCI kids.

[lexis]

doodbug:

Academic MSG includes the languages right? Not only is there an MSG 3 requirement, there is also a requirement of MSG 2.5 to read 4 H2s, and you also need a B3 minimum to read particular subjects in JC.

Yes includes - but don't worry too much, most of the s4 boys do make to to the JC section smoothly!

[CatMoon]

Hi Doodbug,


The boys need Academic MSG below 3.0 at the end of Sec 2 and 3 to stay in IP. Subjects include both languages.
Scholastic MSG includes Oral Communications.

For Sec 2 boys with MSG above 3.0 at the end of the year will be placed in SIP classes - usually less than 50 boys in the whole level. The school will put in a lot of effort to help the boys move back to IP classes by end of Sec 3. In the past, there are usually less than 20 boys who will end up in the O-level track in Sec 4.

[doodbug]

Thanks very much CatMoon and Lexis!

I’m quite hands-off as far as kids’ schoolwork goes - I don’t read any of their assignments or go through test papers or whatever.
Am I right to say that so long as the child’s overall MSG is 2.0 and below, the child is thriving and there is no need to worry or intervene? What sort of MSGs are required to get into the special programmes in Sec 3? (Not that we are aiming for them, but out of curiousity).

[lexis]

it’s ok, i am hands-off too, and in fact, my son’s grades started to improve in sec 3 when he went for the boarding programme (I highly recommend it). And yes , i think if your boy is happy and thriving with an MSG of 2.0 or less, there’s nothing to worry about.


I think the criteria for special programmes varies from year-to-year, but there will usually be a minimum score you need for EL, Project Work (Independent Studies), Sci and Maths (for SMTP) and Humanities (for HP). There’ll definitely be some sort of parent talk where they will inform the parents so not to worry, just keep your eyes peeled for the letter from school.

[doodbug]

Thanks Lexis! I am just hoping child will remain in the IP programme - anything more is a bonus. My DS is a DSA kid and did not meet the PSLE COP, so naturally I’m curious if the child can cope academically. From what I can see, he is enjoying school immensely.

[doodbug]

Is the Sec 3 boarding programme optional? Boarding may not be a bad thing, in fact it saves a lot of commuting time. Also, is it difficult to qualify to participate in the China immersion programmes?