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    CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' Secondary

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Secondary Schools - Parent Networking Groups
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    • doodbugD Offline
      doodbug
      last edited by

      Sorry, just curious - do all students take HCL or is there any criteria to continue with HCL in the upper sec years?

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • MerlionInGermanyM Offline
        MerlionInGermany
        last edited by

        doodbug\" post_id=\"2020511\" time=\"1618559630\" user_id=\"13281:

        Sorry, just curious - do all students take HCLor is there any criteria to continue with HCL in the upper sec years?
        O level students follow their MOE eligibility letter.
        All IP students take HCL.

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • R Offline
          ResilienceLC
          last edited by

          phtthp\" post_id=\"2020507\" time=\"1618553802\" user_id=\"35251:

          ResilienceLC\" post_id=\"2020422\" time=\"1618445810\" user_id=\"191449:

          Just to share -
          I started teaching last week a SNGS Sec 1 student in Maths
          Her mum sent her to one of the 'better know' center in Novena area.
          It didn't work out well.

          In her Sec 1 Maths topics - the coverage is different.

          The Sec 1 Maths covered topics not just the 'main stream' Sec 1 topics- but also include topics from Sec 2
          There were some topics that are taught now - but will only be covered in Sec 3 / 4 in the main stream school

          It is with DI - Differentiated Instructions - that we can help her to cover these topics.
          I am happy to share more.

          Cheers!

          Sec 1 -
          supposed to be \"honeymoon\" year for both IP & O-level students, in Semester 1.

          Because

          they are just fresh from PSLE, less than half a year ago.

          Our school thus give students the necessary time required to adjust to the new Secondary school life including new school mates, new Teachers' faces, the new Secondary curriculum work load, that is the jump from handling 4 to minimum 8 subjects.

          By Sec 1 Semester 2, pace gradually start to pick up momentum.

          So, 2021 Sec 1 students, born 2008, not to worry. Time is given to you to adapt to the Secondary school environment. As long as you put in effort to learn, can handle time management, should be ok. But, if you spent too much time on the handphone ...

          For us, who are one year your Senior, students born in 2007, currently Sec 2 students this year, last year, we were also like you, initially \"blur\" when stepped into Sec 1.

          But from feedback, many current 2021 Sec 2 (IP & O-level) students are doing very well, in their core subjects, this batch. Majority are doing great Out of the 4 core subjects, perhaps we tend to find gao-hua (HCL), a bit challenging. The other 3 are fine

          The worksheets are no honeymoon.

          I am in education so I can see what they are at.

          Now into Set number 2

          Set 1 - on Algebra - the 'simple topics' are done fairly quickly. Then they moved on to HA type of topics and questions. Some topics are done in Sec 2 for the usual main stream schools.

          In Set 2 - they are into Percentages.
          Two topics are covered in Sec 3 / 4 in main stream schools when we are doing indices

          Still the students can adapt.

          If there is a need to clarify for better understanding - please PM me. thanks

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • phtthpP Offline
            phtthp
            last edited by

            ResilienceLC\" post_id=\"2020712\" time=\"1618812672\" user_id=\"191449:

            phtthp\" post_id=\"2020507\" time=\"1618553802\" user_id=\"35251:

            [quote=ResilienceLC post_id=2020422 time=1618445810 user_id=191449]Just to share -
            I started teaching last week a SNGS Sec 1 student in Maths
            Her mum sent her to one of the 'better know' center in Novena area.
            It didn't work out well.

            In her Sec 1 Maths topics - the coverage is different.

            The Sec 1 Maths covered topics not just the 'main stream' Sec 1 topics- but also include topics from Sec 2
            There were some topics that are taught now - but will only be covered in Sec 3 / 4 in the main stream school

            It is with DI - Differentiated Instructions - that we can help her to cover these topics.
            I am happy to share more.

            Cheers!

            Sec 1 -
            supposed to be \"honeymoon\" year for both IP & O-level students, in Semester 1.

            Because

            they are just fresh from PSLE, less than half a year ago.

            Our school thus give students the necessary time required to adjust to the new Secondary school life including new school mates, new Teachers' faces, the new Secondary curriculum work load, that is the jump from handling 4 to minimum 8 subjects.

            By Sec 1 Semester 2, pace gradually start to pick up momentum.

            So, 2021 Sec 1 students, born 2008, not to worry. Time is given to you to adapt to the Secondary school environment. As long as you put in effort to learn, can handle time management, should be ok. But, if you spent too much time on the handphone ...

            For us, who are one year your Senior, students born in 2007, currently Sec 2 students this year, last year, we were also like you, initially \"blur\" when stepped into Sec 1.

            But from feedback, many current 2021 Sec 2 (IP & O-level) students are doing very well, in their core subjects, this batch. Majority are doing great Out of the 4 core subjects, perhaps we tend to find gao-hua (HCL), a bit challenging. The other 3 are fine

            The worksheets are no honeymoon.

            I am in education so I can see what they are at.

            Now into Set number 2

            Set 1 - on Algebra - the 'simple topics' are done fairly quickly. Then they moved on to HA type of topics and questions. Some topics are done in Sec 2 for the usual main stream schools.

            In Set 2 - they are into Percentages.
            Two topics are covered in Sec 3 / 4 in main stream schools when we are doing indices

            Still the students can adapt.

            If there is a need to clarify for better understanding - please PM me. thanks[/quote]Yes,
            what you said is absolutely true !


            Even for our \"O-level \" (the Non-IP) program taught here inside St Nick,

            our Sec 1 Maths curriculum taught is pretty advanced,
            compared to several other typical O-level Mainstream schools

            in that -

            even at Sec 1,

            St Nick school already started teaching our girls certain Sec 2 Maths MOE syllabus topics in advance, at the Sec 1 level.

            This way, when our girls eventually reach Sec 2, they

            1)

            not only completed the lower Secondary entire Maths syllabus in advance well ahead of many other Secondary schools,

            but also


            2)

            our girls have more time left for revision,

            to prepare themselves well ahead in advance,
            for the important end-of-year Sec 2 EYA streaming exercise, that determine the choices of Sec 3 subject combination preferred / selected.

            Taught so well in advance, to the extent that

            If one were to compare
            Year 2021 Sec 2 mid-year (2nd week of May month) Maths test topics scope / coverage

            VS.

            current Y2021 Sec 2 EYA (1st week of October month) Maths test scope / coverage,

            there is not much difference,
            except for maybe 3 more test topics to be included,
            Eg.
            (Trigonometry, Pythagoras Theorem & Congruency),

            at final year-end exam.


            The more important Maths topics had already been taught & dealt with, by the time Sec 2 students reach the end of Term 2 (Semester 1). The balance of the remaining 5 months left, towards October EYA :

            is more like revision time, clarifying any doubts that students have.

            EYA : end-of-year Assessment


            ============================

            Fyi


            Based on past Lower Secondary batches -

            those PSLE students who had entered St Nick (O-level track) via Tscore,
            would have met at least minimum PSLE Cut-off-point (253 or 254).

            2019 PSLE batch : COP was 253

            2020 PSLE batch : COP was 254


            From the COP inference -
            this means that
            many of our girls would have gotten A* in a number of PSLE subjects (comprising Maths / Science / English / Chinese).

            At Tscore COP (253 / 254),
            our O-level track girls don't just scored
            ONE A* in just one single PSLE subject alone, but usually a few !


            Thus,
            even when our school brought down some Sec 2 Maths topics & started teaching them at Sec 1 level, our girls usually no issue with this, as majority are already strong & well-grounded in Maths, to begin with.

            It is common to find our lower Secondary O-level track girls scoring A1 in Maths, at our usual checked-point regular Term tests & at year-end assessments !



            Come to think of it,
            many of us find Secondary Maths much easier than primary schools Maths

            because

            Primary school Maths (Primary 4 to PSLE) deal with the \"Model\" method,
            whereas come to Secondary level,
            no need to \"Model\" anymore.

            \"Model\" method :
            gone with the wind !

            Was it Mr Yeap Ban Har, who introduced the \"model\" method, into primary school Mathematics curriculum, at MOE HQ, several years ago ? Once upon a time, Mr Yeap taught Maths before & written some Secondary books on Chemistry too. Many of us are aware that Mr Yeap taught Maths, but not many aware that he familiar with Chemistry too


            (for IP track,
            the PSLE Cut-off-point was higher than 254, around 257)

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • phtthpP Offline
              phtthp
              last edited by

              MerlionInGermany\" post_id=\"2020517\" time=\"1618561191\" user_id=\"2964:

              doodbug\" post_id=\"2020511\" time=\"1618559630\" user_id=\"13281:

              Sorry, just curious - do all students take HCLor is there any criteria to continue with HCL in the upper sec years?

              O level students follow their MOE eligibility letter.
              All IP students take HCL.

              To add on -

              those girls from the \"O-level track\" who had failed to obtain that PSLE eligibility letter from MOE & are currently in 2021 Sec 1, do not be dismayed

              because

              at year-end assessment October this year, if you do well in your bu-hua (Standard CL),

              can approach Chinese HOD (Ms Low), seek request to switch over from bu-hua to gao-hua starting next year Sec 2.

              In fact,
              this was what happened to some of our Sec 1 students, last year.

              Initially, they did bu-hua the whole of last year (2020).
              This year (2021),
              they came over to join our gao-hua (Higher Chinese) lessons.

              Deducting two points from L1R5, for clearing gao-hua, made a lot of difference, when admission into Junior Colleges !

              Not only this, but is also such a great relief & advantage that in JC1 or in Year 5 (IP),
              one can fully concentrate on the core, essential 4 \" H2 \" A-level subjects, no need to still must set aside time to study Chinese (JC).

              If not sure what's the \"qualifying\" criteria, to cross over from bu-hua into gao-hua,
              can check with either your own class laoshi or check with our Chinese HOD. Total, there are 5 O-level classes in St Nick.

              There is also another group of 5 \"IP\" classes. All IP students do gao-hua

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • phtthpP Offline
                phtthp
                last edited by

                doodbug\" post_id=\"2020797\" time=\"1618890777\" user_id=\"13281:

                In my DS' school, you generally cannot take BSP with Triple Science.
                doodbug\" post_id=\"2020827\" time=\"1618899826\" user_id=\"13281:

                I don't think BSP is a heavily subscribed option at SCGS -

                it certainly is interesting, but there are also other interesting pursuits like Art, Music, 3rd Language, or some will opt for Triple Science.
                For comparison with SCGS Secondary,

                for \"end-of-Sec 2\" students
                who are keen in our CHIJ St Nicholas Girls (BSP) -


                1)

                to qualify for BSP (Bi-cultural programme),

                there is a certain minimum grade expected in a SAP school, from our gao-hua (HCL) students. You can check & clarify with your own class laoshi or Chinese HOD what this minimum expectation is.

                Cannot be the situation whereby, all participants / applicants interested, will get it.


                And


                2)

                for \"O-level\" students who are interested -

                Once they are offered BSP & if they accept this BSP offer -

                then,
                pupils must cross over into IP (Year 3 starting),
                cannot still continue remain fixated inside O-level track any more.

                This is something that O-level students need to be aware, take note of.

                So, those of you who are aiming / targeting to go to some other Junior College(s) apart from Eunoia JC or go Polytechnic after your \"Os\", then cannot take BSP.


                More info here, concerning BSP (St Nick) :-


                https://chijstnicholasgirls.moe.edu.sg/secondary/learning-at-st-nicks/key-programmes/talent-development/bicultural-studies-programme

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • phtthpP Offline
                  phtthp
                  last edited by

                  doodbug\" post_id=\"2020511\" time=\"1618559630\" user_id=\"13281:

                  Sorry,

                  just curious - do all students take HCL or is there any criteria to continue with HCL in the upper sec years?
                  do All students take HCL ?

                  a) for IP : Yes, all take HCL


                  b) for O-level : depend

                  Those given MOE eligibility letter : Yes , go ahead to take Sec 1 (HCL)

                  Those without MOE eligibility letter :
                  No.

                  Sec 1, whole year do bu-hua (Standard CL)

                  @end of Sec 1 -
                  Re-assess, one more time

                  If year-end Sec 1 (bu-hua) results good +
                  If Sec 1 (overall) results also good, can write in to HOD, appeal to take off HCL starting Sec 2.


                  Next question -
                  Amongst Total 5 O-level classes, how many Sec 1 pupils, do bu-hua ?

                  Based on 2021 Sec 2 batch -

                  MAJORITY
                  of our O-level pupils are doing gao-hua (HCL),
                  because
                  they are given the MOE eligibility letter.

                  Whether students have previously entered by PSLE Tscore or by the Affliation route, as long as they posses this MOE letter, all start Sec 1 (HCL).


                  Out of five O-level classes,

                  in each class,
                  on average,
                  out of say, around 38 girls per class,

                  very few girls do bu-hua,
                  usually only single-digit.

                  Majority, still do gao-hua, amongst our O-level pupils.

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • lee_ylL Offline
                    lee_yl
                    last edited by

                    phtthp\" post_id=\"2020994\" time=\"1619050807\" user_id=\"35251:

                    doodbug\" post_id=\"2020511\" time=\"1618559630\" user_id=\"13281:

                    Sorry,

                    just curious - do all students take HCL or is there any criteria to continue with HCL in the upper sec years?

                    do All students take HCL ?

                    a) for IP : Yes, all take HCL

                    For IP students (e.g. DSA) who don’t meet HCL eligibility criteria set by MOE, can they take HCL once they get into SAP Sec? That is, top 30% in psle with A* for Chinese or HCL Merit.

                    As students proceed to upper sec and are not coping well with HCL, there is no option to do normal Chinese?

                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • MerlionInGermanyM Offline
                      MerlionInGermany
                      last edited by

                      phtthp\" post_id=\"2020991\" time=\"1619048053\" user_id=\"35251:

                      doodbug\" post_id=\"2020797\" time=\"1618890777\" user_id=\"13281:

                      In my DS' school, you generally cannot take BSP with Triple Science.

                      doodbug\" post_id=\"2020827\" time=\"1618899826\" user_id=\"13281:
                      I don't think BSP is a heavily subscribed option at SCGS -
                      it certainly is interesting, but there are also other interesting pursuits like Art, Music, 3rd Language, or some will opt for Triple Science.
                      For comparison with SCGS Secondary,

                      for \"end-of-Sec 2\" students
                      1) who are keen in our CHIJ St Nicholas Girls (BSP) -
                      ——
                      (Not), all participants / applicants interested, will get it.


                      And
                      2)for \"O-level\" students who are interested -
                      Once they are offered BSP & if they accept this BSP offer -
                      then, pupils must cross over into IP (Year 3 starting),
                      cannot still continue remain fixated inside O-level track any more.

                      1) BSP in SNGS is not by application.
                      2) I am not completely certain but I think the sequence is wrong — you dont get offered BSP and then accept and then switch to IP. You need to be offered to switch to IP first, before anything else can happen.

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • MerlionInGermanyM Offline
                        MerlionInGermany
                        last edited by

                        lee_yl\" post_id=\"2020996\" time=\"1619051610\" user_id=\"17023:

                        1) For IP students (e.g. DSA) who don’t meet HCL eligibility criteria set by MOE, can they take HCL once they get into SAP Sec? That is, top 30% in psle with A* for Chinese or HCL Merit.

                        2) As students proceed to upper sec and are not coping well with HCL, there is no option to do normal Chinese?
                        1) Yes. IP = HCL.
                        2) Coping well or not is subjective, you only need a D7 to skip H1 CL. That is 45 marks? Unlikely that with the SAP culture surrounding you all day, and teachers looking after you, and you cannot score even 45. The school organises remedial classes for those who are weaker in HCL but I do not know how many marks you need to get, in order to get to join this class. So to answer the question, it is no.

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