NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Diploma)
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Wondering if any existing parents could help. Heard about all the benefit of acceleration and individualize program, and example given for some of the top students during the preview session. Wondering is this only available to maybe the top 10% of the cohort (or it is for everyone).
I believe the parents of those in the top 10% will be very happy with the school. But trying to hear more from the mid or average students… what is it like? do they enjoy the school? Does the school still support them on individualized studies plan and etc? Do they have the opportunity, for example, to go to MIT and etc?
Thanks in advance -
abhcbl:
Hi abhcbl,Wondering if any existing parents could help. Heard about all the benefit of acceleration and individualize program, and example given for some of the top students during the preview session. Wondering is this only available to maybe the top 10% of the cohort (or it is for everyone).
I believe the parents of those in the top 10% will be very happy with the school. But trying to hear more from the mid or average students... what is it like? do they enjoy the school? Does the school still support them on individualized studies plan and etc? Do they have the opportunity, for example, to go to MIT and etc?
Thanks in advance
Going to MIT! It is the Centre of Education Excellence Research Science Institute program offer under MOE OSAP. Every year, think max, 6 Singaporean are given the chance, NUSH year 5 / JC 1 students. It is a 6 weeks program between end June to 1st week August. It is a fully paid/sponsored. For for NUSH students, they still need to complete all the term assignments/ tests and examinations even they attend the program. Can be very demanding for NUSH students if they take 2 honours. However the program is very beneficial, students get the chance to dine with Nobel Laureate /CEO of top companies, attached to research program of their choice if RSI can match up the students choice in Boston area. Attend lectures by eminent professors and senior company executives.
All those who apply for the program have to be screened and interviewed by MOE.
Hope this give you any insight. -
57dolphin:
Thanks 57 Dolphin for the information. I guess that is not for the normal average students then.
Hi abhcbl,abhcbl:
Wondering if any existing parents could help. Heard about all the benefit of acceleration and individualize program, and example given for some of the top students during the preview session. Wondering is this only available to maybe the top 10% of the cohort (or it is for everyone).
I believe the parents of those in the top 10% will be very happy with the school. But trying to hear more from the mid or average students... what is it like? do they enjoy the school? Does the school still support them on individualized studies plan and etc? Do they have the opportunity, for example, to go to MIT and etc?
Thanks in advance
Going to MIT! It is the Centre of Education Excellence Research Science Institute program offer under MOE OSAP. Every year, think max, 6 Singaporean are given the chance, NUSH year 5 / JC 1 students. It is a 6 weeks program between end June to 1st week August. It is a fully paid/sponsored. For for NUSH students, they still need to complete all the term assignments/ tests and examinations even they attend the program. Can be very demanding for NUSH students if they take 2 honours. However the program is very beneficial, students get the chance to dine with Nobel Laureate /CEO of top companies, attached to research program of their choice if RSI can match up the students choice in Boston area. Attend lectures by eminent professors and senior company executives.
All those who apply for the program have to be screened and interviewed by MOE.
Hope this give you any insight.
Trying to find out like how an average student in NUSH could benefit from the system or will it be better for them to be other schools like RI, HCI, RGS, NYGH, ACSI, DH, VS, or CH. -
Hi abhcbl
Once successful in the DSA selection, your child should have a fruitful time in NUS High.
The small cohort/class size, in comparison to other schools, enables the student to have more opportunities in events, activities, overseas trips etc
There is a lot more personal attention and interaction from teachers.
The feedback that I get is that usually students have a wonderful time in NUS High.
There is also the Year 5 boarding programme where the students learn to become more independent and responsible. -
abhcbl:
Thanks 57 Dolphin for the information. I guess that is not for the normal average students then.
Hi abhcbl,57dolphin:
[quote=\"abhcbl\"]Wondering if any existing parents could help. Heard about all the benefit of acceleration and individualize program, and example given for some of the top students during the preview session. Wondering is this only available to maybe the top 10% of the cohort (or it is for everyone).
I believe the parents of those in the top 10% will be very happy with the school. But trying to hear more from the mid or average students... what is it like? do they enjoy the school? Does the school still support them on individualized studies plan and etc? Do they have the opportunity, for example, to go to MIT and etc?
Thanks in advance
Going to MIT! It is the Centre of Education Excellence Research Science Institute program offer under MOE OSAP. Every year, think max, 6 Singaporean are given the chance, NUSH year 5 / JC 1 students. It is a 6 weeks program between end June to 1st week August. It is a fully paid/sponsored. For for NUSH students, they still need to complete all the term assignments/ tests and examinations even they attend the program. Can be very demanding for NUSH students if they take 2 honours. However the program is very beneficial, students get the chance to dine with Nobel Laureate /CEO of top companies, attached to research program of their choice if RSI can match up the students choice in Boston area. Attend lectures by eminent professors and senior company executives.
All those who apply for the program have to be screened and interviewed by MOE.
Hope this give you any insight.
Trying to find out like how an average student in NUSH could benefit from the system or will it be better for them to be other schools like RI, HCI, RGS, NYGH, ACSI, DH, VS, or CH.[/quote]Hi abhcbl
Your normal average students, are you referring to national average or NUSH average ?
To be able to get a into NUSH, the students are not national average students.
My personal understanding, NUSH first round test the basic foundation in Mathematics, Science and English. The second round, the school look for students with strong interest in STEM and other criteria like team work, discipline, self development and etc. Basically looking for students that can do well in the NUSH system. Now admission is 100% DSA via the same 2 rounds of selection. There is no admission by other domains. Hence the cohort is more homogeneous. The gap between students would be very small. The school therefore is able to design their program to suit this smaller cohort of selected students.
For year 2015, the results are 54% high distinction, 31% distinction, 15% Merit and Pass. Some students score perfect graduation CAP of 5.0. For students taking the AP exams, all most all the students score 5/5 for various subjects, mostly in various Mathematics, biology, Chemistry and various Physics subjects.
Hence most of the students will benefit from the school programs and opportunities, both academic and non academic.
Hope this help -
57dolphin:
Hi 57dolphin,
Hi abhcbl
Your normal average students, are you referring to national average or NUSH average ?
To be able to get a into NUSH, the students are not national average students.
My personal understanding, NUSH first round test the basic foundation in Mathematics, Science and English. The second round, the school look for students with strong interest in STEM and other criteria like team work, discipline, self development and etc. Basically looking for students that can do well in the NUSH system. Now admission is 100% DSA via the same 2 rounds of selection. There is no admission by other domains. Hence the cohort is more homogeneous. The gap between students would be very small. The school therefore is able to design their program to suit this smaller cohort of selected students.
For year 2015, the results are 54% high distinction, 31% distinction, 15% Merit and Pass. Some students score perfect graduation CAP of 5.0. For students taking the AP exams, all most all the students score 5/5 for various subjects, mostly in various Mathematics, biology, Chemistry and various Physics subjects.
Hence most of the students will benefit from the school programs and opportunities, both academic and non academic.
Hope this help
This is really helpful. Yes, I meant average student in NUSH. Attended the preview session, sound very interesting and tempting ... the acceleration, international exposure, and etc. And also the individualized program and no 'A' level. But also understand that it is normal for any school to put more resources on their top students or students who could win them medals, so also concern on what are the support that an average students in the school get.
It is always tough when comparing a new system like NUSH with the other very established IP schools ... at one end worry that what if DC become an average students (so like a fallback plan), but at the other end, also worry the support available if DC could become top in some stuff (will there be sufficient support, chances to go top international universities, likelihood to get scholarship which usually focus more on all rounded students), and not to mention the concern if DC decided to deviate from Math and Science. -
abhcbl:
Let me share my DC experience.
Hi 57dolphin,57dolphin:
Hi abhcbl
Your normal average students, are you referring to national average or NUSH average ?
To be able to get a into NUSH, the students are not national average students.
My personal understanding, NUSH first round test the basic foundation in Mathematics, Science and English. The second round, the school look for students with strong interest in STEM and other criteria like team work, discipline, self development and etc. Basically looking for students that can do well in the NUSH system. Now admission is 100% DSA via the same 2 rounds of selection. There is no admission by other domains. Hence the cohort is more homogeneous. The gap between students would be very small. The school therefore is able to design their program to suit this smaller cohort of selected students.
For year 2015, the results are 54% high distinction, 31% distinction, 15% Merit and Pass. Some students score perfect graduation CAP of 5.0. For students taking the AP exams, all most all the students score 5/5 for various subjects, mostly in various Mathematics, biology, Chemistry and various Physics subjects.
Hence most of the students will benefit from the school programs and opportunities, both academic and non academic.
Hope this help
This is really helpful. Yes, I meant average student in NUSH. Attended the preview session, sound very interesting and tempting ... the acceleration, international exposure, and etc. And also the individualized program and no 'A' level. But also understand that it is normal for any school to put more resources on their top students or students who could win them medals, so also concern on what are the support that an average students in the school get.
It is always tough when comparing a new system like NUSH with the other very established IP schools ... at one end worry that what if DC become an average students (so like a fallback plan), but at the other end, also worry the support available if DC could become top in some stuff (will there be sufficient support, chances to go top international universities, likelihood to get scholarship which usually focus more on all rounded students), and not to mention the concern if DC decided to deviate from Math and Science.
My DC is always an average or just slightly above average student in his MS primary school. He loves math and science subjects but his overall always being pulled down by his weakness in language subjects. I believe DC came to NUSH as one of their lowest PSLE scorer in his cohort (DC will not be able to enter any IP school with his PSLE score). Thus, our expectation for DC is simple, to stay afloat only in school.
Fortunately, for almost the past 2 years, we could see how DC blooms in NUSH. We witnessed that he grows from strength to strength with all the opportunities provided by the school. As highlighted by other forummer, small cohort in NUSH means more opportunities for students be it superior or just average students. If DC was to enter another traditional IP school which also gave him offer, likely he would be in the “last class” and we guessed opportunities would also be limited.
We viewed NUSH as a very fair school, did my DC got any acceleration last year? No. But we were satisfied, because they gave him a fair chance to take the test. He can’t pass the test because his standard not there yet.
This year DC managed to secure place for multiple Olympiad modules (he has to choose!), something that we never expect him to acheive just over a year ago. We could see that his placement in some Olympiad competition also improving, all of these we attributed to the guidance from the school teachers since DC has no tuition outside. -
Hi, does anyone knows the marks range for the grading system?
Also is the marks required consistent across all subjects?
A+(5.0) (>85%)
A (5.0) (?)
A- (4.5) (?)
B+(4.0)(?)
B (3.5) (?)
B- (3.0) (?)
C+(2.5)(?)
C (2.0) (?)
D+(1.5) (?)
D (1.0) (?)
F (0.0) ( < ? %)
Thanks. -
ryka:
Let me share my DC experience.
Hi 57dolphin,abhcbl:
[quote=\"57dolphin\"]
Hi abhcbl
Your normal average students, are you referring to national average or NUSH average ?
To be able to get a into NUSH, the students are not national average students.
My personal understanding, NUSH first round test the basic foundation in Mathematics, Science and English. The second round, the school look for students with strong interest in STEM and other criteria like team work, discipline, self development and etc. Basically looking for students that can do well in the NUSH system. Now admission is 100% DSA via the same 2 rounds of selection. There is no admission by other domains. Hence the cohort is more homogeneous. The gap between students would be very small. The school therefore is able to design their program to suit this smaller cohort of selected students.
For year 2015, the results are 54% high distinction, 31% distinction, 15% Merit and Pass. Some students score perfect graduation CAP of 5.0. For students taking the AP exams, all most all the students score 5/5 for various subjects, mostly in various Mathematics, biology, Chemistry and various Physics subjects.
Hence most of the students will benefit from the school programs and opportunities, both academic and non academic.
Hope this help
This is really helpful. Yes, I meant average student in NUSH. Attended the preview session, sound very interesting and tempting ... the acceleration, international exposure, and etc. And also the individualized program and no 'A' level. But also understand that it is normal for any school to put more resources on their top students or students who could win them medals, so also concern on what are the support that an average students in the school get.
It is always tough when comparing a new system like NUSH with the other very established IP schools ... at one end worry that what if DC become an average students (so like a fallback plan), but at the other end, also worry the support available if DC could become top in some stuff (will there be sufficient support, chances to go top international universities, likelihood to get scholarship which usually focus more on all rounded students), and not to mention the concern if DC decided to deviate from Math and Science.
My DC is always an average or just slightly above average student in his MS primary school. He loves math and science subjects but his overall always being pulled down by his weakness in language subjects. I believe DC came to NUSH as one of their lowest PSLE scorer in his cohort (DC will not be able to enter any IP school with his PSLE score). Thus, our expectation for DC is simple, to stay afloat only in school.
Fortunately, for almost the past 2 years, we could see how DC blooms in NUSH. We witnessed that he grows from strength to strength with all the opportunities provided by the school. As highlighted by other forummer, small cohort in NUSH means more opportunities for students be it superior or just average students. If DC was to enter another traditional IP school which also gave him offer, likely he would be in the “last class” and we guessed opportunities would also be limited.
We viewed NUSH as a very fair school, did my DC got any acceleration last year? No. But we were satisfied, because they gave him a fair chance to take the test. He can’t pass the test because his standard not there yet.
This year DC managed to secure place for multiple Olympiad modules (he has to choose!), something that we never expect him to acheive just over a year ago. We could see that his placement in some Olympiad competition also improving, all of these we attributed to the guidance from the school teachers since DC has no tuition outside.[/quote]Hi abhcbl,
You have e few concerns, I will try my best to share what I know and hope you have a better understanding of NUSH.
The minimum NUSH requirement to graduate is for student to take 2 science subjects, 1 mathematics, meet MOE 2nd language requirement, the English paper, a Advanced Research Project (ARP) in any STEM area and 1 individual project . The individual project can be on any subject include humanity. On top of that, sutdents can take on a humanity or Art or Music major. Students dont need to take all Maths and Science subjects.
As you can see from 2015 results most of the students are distinction and high distinction students. Most of the students entering NUSH are highly motivated, the key is for them to development their prefer study metholody, time management and maybe good to pick up 1 -2 destressing skills. There are lots of opportunities and students have the tendency to over commit themshelves. Sometime programme clashed and time are limited.
As each year cohort are small, there are many opportunities for self development in non academic skills like organisation, leadership, event management and stage expereince. Hence students are not restricted to maths and sciences.
Every year, NUSH programme have different focus area, in year 5 its is about research and year 6 is about preparing for univeristy admission. Its about participating in the school research congress, science fair, taking AP, SAT, BMAT, writing personal statement, selected for invitation round for uni scholarships. lots of help are available from school teachers and seniors that have graduated. All the local uni and some established international universities will come to NUSH to promote thier uni.
The school system is fair, all students will have equal opportunties to prove themshelves. For those highly talent in certain subjects, the school will help them to further their interest. During 1 past open house, Dr Hung shared how the school help to advance the student interest in high voltage electricity, intially provided him with equipment in school, later connect him to a research organisation.
As only 170+ NUSH Diploma are issued every, participation and wining medals is 1 of the means to benchmark NUSH standards. The other is the AP exams.
Maybe you can PM some grand master in this forum, they may have some other good information to share with you.
Regards and Best Wishes to your DC. -
ryka:
We have had similar experience. My DD came from a neighbourhood school, was slightly above average in primary school, strong in Math & Sci but weak in languages. She DSAed to NUSH and her PSLE score was also among the lowest in her cohort (low 25x). No external tuition. NUSH is indeed quite fair, she had no subject acceleration as she didn't clear the diagnostic test, but she was involved in a number of olympiads. She did fairly well in these olympiads, took a few NUS modules too, and had the opportunity to go for overseas exchange and competitions. I am quite sure NUSH was the right high school for her, she wouldn't have that much opportunities had she joined another school.Let me share my DC experience.
My DC is always an average or just slightly above average student in his MS primary school. He loves math and science subjects but his overall always being pulled down by his weakness in language subjects. I believe DC came to NUSH as one of their lowest PSLE scorer in his cohort (DC will not be able to enter any IP school with his PSLE score). Thus, our expectation for DC is simple, to stay afloat only in school.
Fortunately, for almost the past 2 years, we could see how DC blooms in NUSH. We witnessed that he grows from strength to strength with all the opportunities provided by the school. As highlighted by other forummer, small cohort in NUSH means more opportunities for students be it superior or just average students. If DC was to enter another traditional IP school which also gave him offer, likely he would be in the “last class” and we guessed opportunities would also be limited.
We viewed NUSH as a very fair school, did my DC got any acceleration last year? No. But we were satisfied, because they gave him a fair chance to take the test. He can’t pass the test because his standard not there yet.
This year DC managed to secure place for multiple Olympiad modules (he has to choose!), something that we never expect him to acheive just over a year ago. We could see that his placement in some Olympiad competition also improving, all of these we attributed to the guidance from the school teachers since DC has no tuition outside.
Of course one should have passion for Math & Sci when they choose this school. But not all continue to pursue STEM related fields. Besides the usual Medicine, Computing, Science, Engineering and Pharmacy. quite a number of her friends have enrolled in the following courses in Uni: Law, Economics, Psychology, Art/Media/Design, Architecture, Accountancy, Business etc.
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