Secondary 2 Streaming

[qms]

Pizza862268\" post_id=\"1942193\" time=\"1571496471\" user_id=\"181765:

Please help me! Thank you!
For my overall score,

Eng: 60
Math: 83.8
Sci: 72.3
MT: 64.435
Geog: 72
Hist: 67
Lit: 67.4
In my school, there is only double science and double humanities and triple science and one humanities
Is it possible for me to get triple science?
For humanities, should I take Geography or Literature? I am more interested in literature but my geography has better grades? Thanks!

For Science, which area are you well in? Physics, Chemistry or Biology? I know that for some schools, you need to score at least 80 marks in Science and achieve overall percentage of 70% to take Triple Science. So, it depends on your school's criteria.

If you have zero interest in Humanities, it might help if you choose the one that you are interested in.

[Pizza862268]

Thank you.

[ongstarling]

Hi, would like some advice.

My ds is offered combined science (phy/chem) and POA although he is very interested in science.

Will having just 1 combined science affect his route to JC after the O levels , assuming he wants to pursue Science subjects? Or having 2 pure science subjects is better? Would have to appeal if this is the basic requirements.

He is being offered POA but I feel that POA can always be studied after O levels if interest is there and it is too early to "cement" his route for now.

Thanks!

[floppy]

ongstarling\" post_id=\"1944321\" time=\"1572668035\" user_id=\"117702:

Hi, would like some advice.
My ds is offered combined science (phy/chem) and POA although he is very interested in science.

Will having just 1 combined science affect his route to JC after the O levels , assuming he wants to pursue Science subjects? Or having 2 pure science subjects is better? Would have to appeal if this is the basic requirements.

He is being offered POA but I feel that POA can always be studied after O levels if interest is there and it is too early to \"cement\" his route for now.

Thanks!

Incomplete picture, so I will make a couple of deductions but first, to address your query on the requirement: pure science is not a pre-requisite for science subjects in JC. Nonetheless, having pure science foundation helps since there will be greater overlap between O / A Level subject matter (ie less to catch up in JC).

Since you did not provide his result, I'm assuming that he did not do well in his science and / or overall grades to be offered pure science subjects in his school. There could be a valid concern that he may not be able to do well for the pure science subject(s) in O Level. Interest notwithstanding, suitability and ability to achieve result is important, especially for O Level since it will affect his eligibility to JC and polytechnic courses.

POA is, unfortunately, very much a 'filler' subject these days (so that student can have a 7th or 8th subject). Yes, it can always be studied after O Level or sometime later, but if the school is offering it to him, I see it as a signal that academically, the school isn't confident in him, or think it's overall better for him not to be overburden with another core subject like science, humanities or math. You can always replace it with another subject but you should bear in mind that in L1R5 or L1R2B2 calculations, scoring A1 in a 'filler' is worth more than a getting B3 in a 'core' subject. IMHO, POA is probably a better choice than F&N, D&T, etc.

Finally, the elephant in the room. Like I said, the details are incomplete, but based on the school's offering, I don't think JC, especially their science stream, would be a suitable or viable pathway for him.

[ongstarling]

Hi Floppy


Thanks for the reply. It’s good to hear your view.
Shall think it through and discuss with him again.
His science is a few marks short of the overall minimum for the cut off and he would have to put in a lot of effort to perform well for O levels, but having said that, it is also good to consider the alternative choice ( as suggested).

Thanks!

[travoltagetriggered]

I totally agree POA is a filler. But it could be an advantage if your child can do well in the subject, basically a ‘free A’. You should look into your child’s strength and weakness and help him or her decide. Honestly, I was glad my DS wasn’t offered pure Bio in the past, cause he couldn’t memorize at all. At first we lamented not having another pure science subject but in hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise.

[kidznme]

My DD has been selected for pure chem and pure physics. However she told me she’d prefer bio over physics. Moreover her wish is to try to get into medicine school eventually. Plus she’s going to be taking A Math. So that’s a lot of pressure on her from the nature of subjects she’s taking. Any feedback is much appreciated.

[floppy]

kidznme\" post_id=\"1946028\" time=\"1573555099\" user_id=\"7722:

My DD has been selected for pure chem and pure physics. However she told me she'd prefer bio over physics. Moreover her wish is to try to get into medicine school eventually. Plus she's going to be taking A Math. So that's a lot of pressure on her from the nature of subjects she's taking. Any feedback is much appreciated.

Your daughter’s combo is fairly common, at least in all the top schools, as well as among medical school aspirants. Biology vs Physics would purely be a personal preference.

[kidznme]

She didn’t do well in physics in Sec 1 and somehow this year, her physics result got better than expected. Maybe it was because of that that she got into that combo. However her interest is still very much in bio than physics.

[sky minecrafter]

Hello kidznme, adding on to floppy's advice... interest is important, why not get your child to consult the teachers about switching over to Biology? Hear what teachers have to advise, any real concerns. Where there's a will there's a way; I'm sure the child's passion can overcome the workload!