NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Diploma)
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after spending some time reading this thread, it seems every year its the same concerns. I think NUSH and their pupils have tried their best to explain and assure parents here and really grateful to them. But as the name already implies, its maths and Science.
I think I have read enough about the different schools and have been emphasising to my child, these are all other people’s and my own opinion & experience, how i see she can fit into the school we applied and the cons I SEE - NOT hers coz different folks, different strokes la. No matter what school, her morals, values, character, growth, love for learning, hard work are the most important.
Basically, there are only a few types of kids & parents who consider this school and applied.
1. Geppers who are undoubtedly good in Maths but depends on how they came into GEP too - hot-housed or talent? Either way, they may or may not have a keen interest to focus on Maths and Science. We see too often these few years, being in GEP doesnt guarantee a space for you anymore. Its all again down to how the child fits into the school.
2. Kids who love Science. Every kid sometime, somewhere loves science while growing up, this is due to their natural curiosity but may not be ready to embark on a more serious route to read into accelerated Science. They love the animals but question mark abt the Physics. They love being outdoors, love seeing slime & explosions in experiments, but not keen on the implementation of experiments, measuring and writing down observations & conclusions (the serious things in labs). They love watching documentaries but may not be keen to consider a solution for the problem they see. They love solar system and love all things astronomy but not too keen on cosmology or Astrophysics. Anyway, there is also a difference between a Maths & Science kid and a Geography kid.
3. Kids who started reading periodic tables in lower primary (some even Astrophyics, quantum physics etc) has so much interests in experimenting and starts applying concepts. Really non-fiction readers who absorbs all kind of heavy , intense Science theories, speaks abt diseases & viruses, likes balancing chemical equations, speaks about designing something, trying to create new inventions and/or even have Hawkins, Einsteins, scientists as idols. they tell you what they want to create, do, invent, find out in future. They think microscopic organisms are cute. Teach them abt electricity in 1 lesson, they already know how to explain and they may not be your regular GEPPERs. These kids, need to say more? (their parents are the luckiest lot)
4. Kids who excel in Science and Maths tests in school. Again, like 1 mother said, she realise her DD was doing well better in maths and science than Languages because they wanted her to do well so they ended choosing a broader based education and her DD is now into the languages. These kids ace their exams very well but was it due to tuitions? Some of them are very hardworking kids and they are very teachable so they can answer questions well but that does not equate to having an aptitude for the subjects, keen interest to pursue further and able to thrive. I think such all rounding kids suits a broader base education.
5. Then the last remaining ones are kids who have an innate ability and natural aptitude for maths and science but its waiting to be discovered. I trust the school, with all the experience of the teachers and advisors combined, knows a good fit when they see one. While parents just applied for the school coz kids "kinda" interested & doing pretty well in school exams, they may not know that their kids have hidden talents waiting to be nurtured in the right environment. I have seen such kids, bored to the core in the IP schools due to the taking 7 subjects but unable to fight and shine for that particular opportunity to show their stuff.
Then its the environment.
Some kids thrives in challenging environment where they need to be constantly stimulated in areas they r passionate about, often these kids character shines when they are with the same like-minded people.
Some kids thrives better in an equally challenging environment where there are many other different kinds of kids who are good in certain subjects to give them that balance. They need that balance in their life.
Just like some kids needs proper exams/assessments while some kids cannot take proper sit down exams (dont know if im clear on this). Like some kids can draw very well and no need for any classes, then some kids just cannot draw and need proper classes and teachers to guide them, some kids at first cannot draw but keen then need teachers to guide & teach them and then suddenly POOF , the spark is ignited and their artistic talent just flow out.
Lastly, parents. Some parents wants their kids to do this and that so go with their choices, be it network, branding for them… etc… Some parents knows their child really well and will encourage their child to listen to their hearts. Some parents are chin chye (like me) as long as you promise you don’t blame me later… hahahha … JK! Some lucky parents knew from the start coz they observed their child and their child just show all the right signs!
Really appreciate all the input here from everyone not just NUS high parents , students but also non NUSH parents.
So what is your child’s story? -
like* I think some kids thrive in a more challenging environment, not necessarily academically but can be just dont like being looked ‘down’. kids will not want to lose so will study hard in order to prove it…but then when they are surrounded by their good friends, all those fighting spirit will just vanish… they need something to push them…be it a dream/target/objective… need their own internal drive…ask the parent to push, can vomit blood sometimes.
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I was just wondering if any of those who went for interview actually got a co or majority is rejected or on wl?
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Curioustudent\" post_id=\"1926681\" time=\"1565005514\" user_id=\"171339:
Thank you so much for sharing! I was the one who asked about PE and sports.
1. PE
-2 hours for Yr1-3,5 and 6 and 1.5 hour for yr 4.
2. Opportunities for competitions
-Sports/CCA, if it is a team sport may be hard to win as we are not very committed to sports nor are we very good at them. Probably not the right school to go if you want to win plenty of awards related to team sports/CCA.
-Academics, if you are good, there will be plenty of opportunities to go. SMO, SJPO, SCHO are open to all students in the school. SJBO is only open to biology Olympiad students as additional knowledge from the lessons are required and IO too. If you perform well in these competitions, you can get selected to represent our school/Singapore in international competitions. Some students that perform very well are able to accelerate pass certain levels/exempted from certain modules. Academic competitions opportunities is no worry at all.
3. Humanities
- Economics, Music, History and Geography are offered at yr 3 where you are required to choose 2 of them for a year.
4. Languages
- English and all mother tongue offered. Third language such as Japanese, French is offered at our school but you are required to pay a small amount. Warning though, our school is not known to be very strong in languages with an average of about 4.0/5 for English. Mother tongue can be exempted from the graduation CAP if it pulls your score down so some students do not take it seriously. Higher mother tongue is still offered.
5. Specialization
- Triple science for yr 1-3 before specialization. It used to be later in yr 5 but not it has been shifted to yr 4 as some students do not want to continue studying certain subjects such as biology. However, triple science are still offered to all students with honors modules looking at their grades. Specializing early allows you to choose what you want/reduce your workload while allowing you to study more in-depth with honors modules.
6.Timetable
- Monday
CCA 6pm
-Tuesday
Usually early(1pm) unless you take electives such as Olympiad or in lower years \"fun\"classes.
-Wednesday
Depends if you have research. Ends at 2pm then you continue your research classes. Yr 1-3 have compulsary research classes known as Da Vin Ci program. Upper years have their advanced research projects to complete.
-Thursday
Varies from level to level
-Friday
CCA 6pm but usually have a super long break
7. Students that are unable to cope
-Usually the school does not kick anyone out. However, you may request for a transfer if you are really unable to cope. Had a student in my level transferred to NJC due to fencing commitments.
Tips (Student's perspective)
1. Teachers are super good and approachable. I do not know if they are required to give you consultation if you ask for it but all teacher I have met never said no before.
2. First 2 years are non-graded. Go mess around, make some friends, try to manage your time properly, take some electives as they are usually very fun and try to adapt to the school.
3. Mother tongue \"non-graded\" if you are not the best at this subject, as long as you hit the passing grade, you can exclude it from your graduation CAP. DO NOT FAIL O levels higher mother tongue though if not you will have another year of mother tongue to go.
4. If you are very good in Academics, this school will allow you to soar. You can skip/ sit out on a whole semester of math if you have already mastered it. Olympiads will be offered to you with the aim of you representing the school or Singapore in international competitions. University modules may be offered to you if you do very well in honors class so you basically have an advantage compared to other students when applying to universities. Do not overwork yourselves though.
5. Hostel in yr 5. What's better than living with your friends, playing badminton/Frisbee after 8pm, waking up at 7.30am and still not late to school and living near to the research facility you may want to conduct your advanced research project in. Our hostel experience is 1 year long where you get to live and interact more with your schoolmates, friends and even other schools' scholars.
6. Gender Ratio. Girls to boys ratio is about 1:4. I do not know if this affects your kids but do let them know about it.
Are there any sports modules such as Basketball or any other sports taught in PE in each semester? Does the school also emphasise on exercising and outdoor activities? How many hours do you usually spend on sports? I feel physical fitness is also a key for future success. During the open house, I read the NAPFA results posted on the notice board. So I am quite curious about sport life in NUSH.
TIA. -
quixation\" post_id=\"1926814\" time=\"1565062711\" user_id=\"480:
Unfortunately yes. We know of 2 geppers who didnt make it to the camp, another 2 called for interview. Results, out of those geppers who went for the camp we know, 1 was rejected and 1 on WL.wittlewabbit\" post_id=\"1926754\" time=\"1565051851\" user_id=\"23547:
Just out of curiosity, were there any geppers who had DSAed unsuccessfully to NUSH ?
In fact, it is quite understandable. NUSH accept 150+ students and there are about 400+ GEPpers each year. Ds is in P5. The average math SA2 in P4 for GEPpers was 91 in his school. However, there were still a few below 85. And it seems the results for maths dropped in CT this year. DS told me that some even got less than 75 or 70. Frankly speaking, the exam paper was not hard.
It might not be very wise if a GEPper just wants to secure a “DSA” and applied NUSH. -
Ruhemut\" post_id=\"1926874\" time=\"1565075004\" user_id=\"162256:
Unfortunately yes. We know of 2 geppers who didnt make it to the camp, another 2 called for interview. Results, out of those geppers who went for the camp we know, 1 was rejected and 1 on WL.quixation\" post_id=\"1926814\" time=\"1565062711\" user_id=\"480:
[quote=wittlewabbit post_id=1926754 time=1565051851 user_id=23547]Just out of curiosity, were there any geppers who had DSAed unsuccessfully to NUSH ?
In fact, it is quite understandable. NUSH accept 150+ students and there are about 400+ GEPpers each year. Ds is in P5. The average math SA2 in P4 for GEPpers was 91 in his school. However, there were still a few below 85. And it seems the results for maths dropped in CT this year. DS told me that some even got less than 75 or 70. Frankly speaking, the exam paper was not hard.
It might not be very wise if a GEPper just wants to secure a “DSA” and applied NUSH.[/quote]I agree, there are many kids out there who really really love Science but all fall through the loophole as GEP only test on Maths and English. Many smart Maths prodigy in GEP but maybe Science is also a consideration too. And Its worse when they are not sure and when they get CO from other schools, they opt for the other schools but cannot stop them either. My friend DS dreamt of NUS High since P4 and was unfortunately rejected, he is so disappointed and he is very good with robotics! We also know of AMEC Gepper who arent selected by RI and HCI. We are puzzled too but trust that the school knows what they want. -
May I know what is AMEC gepper?
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wittlewabbit\" post_id=\"1926907\" time=\"1565080279\" user_id=\"23547:
The Advanced Mathematics Enrichment Class for Primary 5 & 6 GEP pupils who excel in Mathematics.
May I know what is AMEC gepper?
https://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/gifted-education-programme/enrichment-programmes-and-activities-primary/advanced-mathematics-enrichment-class -
jasst\" post_id=\"1926846\" time=\"1565069168\" user_id=\"19004:
I was just wondering if any of those who went for interview actually got a co or majority is rejected or on wl?
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quixation\" post_id=\"1926911\" time=\"1565080982\" user_id=\"480:
The Advanced Mathematics Enrichment Class for Primary 5 & 6 GEP pupils who excel in Mathematics.wittlewabbit\" post_id=\"1926907\" time=\"1565080279\" user_id=\"23547:
May I know what is AMEC gepper?
https://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/gifted-education-programme/enrichment-programmes-and-activities-primary/advanced-mathematics-enrichment-class
Thank you !!
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