Hwa Chong Institution (High School)
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kshroom\" post_id=\"2079394\" time=\"1661216797\" user_id=\"188328:
Thank you for sharing!
Hi,
Once DSA boys enter HCI, they are treated the same way as any other students and given the same opportunities for talent programmes, immersion, leadership. But if the PSLE score doesn't quite make the mark, be prepared to work harder than others. When others are playing online games, my boy is having tuition. When others are hanging out with friends, my boy is revising early for tests. Internal motivation is important and it is definitely possible to catch up and even excel.
Has your son always been self-motivated since primary school or did you see the self-motivation settling in after he joined HCI and felt the need to match up with his peers?
Did he ever voice unhappiness over having to put in more effort than others? -
doodbug\" post_id=\"2079399\" time=\"1661218322\" user_id=\"13281:
Wow, thank you for sharing this! I'm glad that you son is doing so well in HCI!
My DS is not done with his HCI journey yet. But from Year 1 to Year 4, he was never denied any opportunity in school. He was Class Chairperson in Year 1, Consortium Councillor in Sec 2, Consortium Councillor Exco in Sec 3, and High School Councillor in Sec 4. This is on top of other opportunities to do and participate in a whole of of stuff. Academically, my son got a very good set of high school teachers all throughout - none were poor or so-so and he got his 1st so-so teacher I think only in Sec 4 (she wasn't bad or negligent or what). Tuition was more to keep him disciplined, than for teaching / learning, and he recognized that. Academically, he was never anywhere near top, but average if not above average. The enriching and fulfilling journey my son had in High School is something my family is deeply grateful for. He had the option and grades to apply for Special Programmes, but he chose not to. And ironically, I feel that by not being in iSpark (which is the special programmes minus BSP consortium), he was in a class that is far more suited to his pace and the peer influence was very strong. I don't think he would have thrived in a more competitive (some would say perhaps more self-centered) environment as he is a gentle soul, but I could be wrong.
I can't comment about JC life though, as it is run very differently and is a different environment.
In short, the child and parents' attitudes and perspectives are very important. Teachers are ever willing to help. Nobody will look down on you, but you also musn't carry too much of a chip on your shoulders.
My son is applying for DSA under Leadership and he would be devastated if he missed out on leadership opportunities because of lacklustre academics. I feel more reassured reading both your post and kshroom's post. We're waiting for the DSA outcome this Friday and hopefully he'll have the opportunity to join HCI too! Keeping fingers crossed! -
I do need to say though, that you will not be considered for council leadership positions in High School if you cannot cope academically (i.e. at risk of SIP etc). Appointed student leaders after all, are to a certain degree, a model and example to other students.
For Student Council in Year 5, it is purely by elections, so grades do not matter. However, if you are retained in Year 5, you are likely to be asked to be advised to drop your Council commitment. My DS is not in JC Council. -
doodbug\" post_id=\"2079414\" time=\"1661221257\" user_id=\"13281:
That makes sense...
I do need to say though, that you will not be considered for council leadership positions in High School if you cannot cope academically (i.e. at risk of SIP etc). Appointed student leaders after all, are to a certain degree, a model and example to other students.
For Student Council in Year 5, it is purely by elections, so grades do not matter. However, if you are retained in Year 5, you are likely to be asked to be advised to drop your Council commitment. My DS is not in JC Council.
May I ask what is SIP? Or what kind of grades will get you into SIP? -
SIP = Structured Integrated Programme.
During my son’s batch, if your Sec 2 results are poor, you will be streamed into SIP for Sec 3. Usually, half of SIP students in Sec 3 will do well enough to join back Sec 4 IP. Those who don’t, will proceed to Sec 4 O level class. Those in Sec 3 IP who do badly may also be moved to Sec 4 O level class. Usually, 20 kids or fewer do the O levels at HCI.
I am not sure whether there are still SIP/O level class for the current HCI kids. Covid has changed things. -
doodbug\" post_id=\"2079423\" time=\"1661222129\" user_id=\"13281:
I see. Thank you for the explanation. :xedfingers:
SIP = Structured Integrated Programme.
During my son's batch, if your Sec 2 results are poor, you will be streamed into SIP for Sec 3. Usually, half of SIP students in Sec 3 will do well enough to join back Sec 4 IP. Those who don't, will proceed to Sec 4 O level class. Those in Sec 3 IP who do badly may also be moved to Sec 4 O level class. Usually, 20 kids or fewer do the O levels at HCI.
I am not sure whether there are still SIP/O level class for the current HCI kids. Covid has changed things. -
There is still a SIP/O level class in Sec 4, I am not sure about Sec 3 (anymore). I do believe the school is doing everything it can to help all of the boys make it through. In reality, the environment is as stressful or stressfree as someone wants to make it.
It is true that having a PSLE score better than the COP is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition to do well in HCI (or probably any school for that matter). Reasonable time management and commitment are probably more important.
Some of the non-academic activities have been a highlight for my kid. -
SG_KP1\" post_id=\"2079450\" time=\"1661230465\" user_id=\"188234:
Got it! :thankyou:
There is still a SIP/O level class in Sec 4, I am not sure about Sec 3 (anymore). I do believe the school is doing everything it can to help all of the boys make it through. In reality, the environment is as stressful or stressfree as someone wants to make it.
It is true that having a PSLE score better than the COP is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition to do well in HCI (or probably any school for that matter). Reasonable time management and commitment are probably more important.
Some of the non-academic activities have been a highlight for my kid. -
Hi, any recommendation on sec 3 chemistry tutor? Thank you.
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hdbmummy\" post_id=\"2079401\" time=\"1661219005\" user_id=\"53192:
Hi!
Thank you for sharing!
Has your son always been self-motivated since primary school or did you see the self-motivation settling in after he joined HCI and felt the need to match up with his peers?
Did he ever voice unhappiness over having to put in more effort than others?
My boy back in P6 really wanted to enter HCI to join a particular sports CCA so his self motivation was strong. Happily arrived at HCI after his waitlist got converted and his motivation now mainly comes from himself not his peers - I feel this is better for him as the environment is very competitive and there will always be someone better no matter how hard he tries to match up. Having said that, i think hanging around kids who are diligent and focused definitely rubs off a child positively if he has the right mindset.
As for complaints, nope. When he sees his grades improving after putting in more effort, it is all worth it!
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