Hwa Chong Institution (High School)

[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?

[lexis]

Yes, boarding is optional, and it’s for half a year. Not sure about chinese immersion as my Son didn’t go.

[momresource]

How will we know the kid’s msg? Only year end. Or we know it during the SLF? Thanks.

[TTC]

Doodbug, dont worry too much. HCI teachers will help him. They are all very good and experience. My introvert son went in with the lowest PSLE T score and struggled in his 1st 2 years. His teachers helped him along the way. He just graduated with a HC Diploma with Merit this year. He scored a UAS 90 (perfect score) with straight As and has received 2 scholarships last month. He was not in any special programs throughout the 6 years. Just an ordinary IP student in his own words. He joined NPPC, became Exco committee + received his TKD Black Belt there. He has no CCA in primary school, only play computer ganes at home quitely. In HCI however, he volunteered for overseas CIPs to help poor students and serve in old folks homes weekly. On hindsight, really no need to join those academic programs and get stressed out. Joining CCA enriched his life, taught him compassion, independence and leadership. So my advise is just let him enjoy his student life there and trust the teachers. You will not see him very often though.

Thank you to all his caring teachers, consortium directors and Dr Hon (ex-Principal). My son would not have transformed so tremendously without HCI. Hence I reminded him that he must give back what he received.

[lexis]

TTC:

Doodbug, dont worry too much. HCI teachers will help him. They are all very good and experience. My introvert son went in with the lowest PSLE T score and struggled in his 1st 2 years. His teachers helped him along the way. He just graduated with a HC Diploma with Merit this year. He scored a UAS 90 (perfect score) with straight As and has received 2 scholarships last month. He was not in any special programs throughout the 6 years. Just an ordinary IP student in his own words. He joined NPPC, became Exco committee + received his TKD Black Belt there. He has no CCA in primary school, only play computer ganes at home quitely. In HCI however, he volunteered for overseas CIPs to help poor students and serve in old folks homes weekly. On hindsight, really no need to join those academic programs and get stressed out. Joining CCA enriched his life, taught him compassion, independence and leadership. So my advise is just let him enjoy his student life there and trust the teachers. You will not see him very often though.

Thank you to all his caring teachers, consortium directors and Dr Hon (ex-Principal). My son would not have transformed so tremendously without HCI. Hence I reminded him that he must give back what he received.

:goodpost: