Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

[phtthp]

Comparing IB to A-level

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

doodbug\" post_id=\"2082719\" time=\"1663505295\" user_id=\"13281:

Perhaps the long and short of it is that parents with kids with aspirations towards top unis or top courses, do you think your child has a shot at 4As?

If not,
then is IB and a shot at say 42 points, a feasible option for you/your child?

Every family and child is different. Some kids will excel in one system, some will excel in either system, and some neither system. We all have different capabilities and inclinations.

1)

What's the best (optimal) way,
to find out the differences,
between

( UK-A-level vs. Singapore-A-level),
say,
for these 2 subjects (Chemistry and Maths) ?

And


2)
What's the best (optimal) way, to find out the differences,
between

ACSI IB two subjects (Chemistry and Maths)

Vs.

UK-A-level two subjects (Chemistry and Maths) ?

( since both IB and UK-A-level are much simpler, easier to study, compared to our
more difficult, challenging, tougher
Singapore-SEAB-modified-upon-A-level exam syllabus)

[phtthp]

3) Are there any difference(s) in the way (style / manner),

where

IB (ACSI) teach these 2 subjects (Chemistry and Maths)

Vs.

IB (SJI) teach these 2 subjects (Chemistry and Maths),

to their
Year (5 and 6) cohort ( students ) ?

[autolycus]

phtthp\" post_id=\"2082740\" time=\"1663543865\" user_id=\"35251:

Questions 1-3

Answered in the other thread, sorry.

I've spent a lot of time tracing the history of A-levels and IB in Singapore, and there's a lot to unpack there. In the end, the \"ACJC does A-levels and ACS(I) does IB\" system turned out to be the best way to use the school's resources. Both are thriving. Along the way, there were many interesting issues, including the rather weird one about whether ACS(I) should let girls into the school to do IB—raised by people with zero knowledge of school history: girls have always been part of ACS pre-U classes since before 1977, and the only reason ACS at Barker Road had no girls was because the senior ladies had all been moved to Dover Close East in 1977.

[zero_emissions]

Hello everyone,


Read that the optimal marks for L1R5 for Sec 2 Express to enter IP in Sec 3 is 85%. Is the school looking at just the average of L1R5 scores, or they screen first by L1R5=6 then 7, 8 etc before looking at the average marks for 85%? Cos some students may get 6 but low A1s, and some may get 8 but mix of high A2s and high A1s.

And TBH, in my son’s Sec 2 class, there is only 1-2 students who can meet 85% average so far, and there are 7 Express classes, not sure about other classes students how they do. My son doing 81-82% so far, did well-ish for HAST and interview, I’m not sure about his chances, if the school is looking at 85%.

Would the school consider marks less than 85% and L1R5 > 6? Are there parents whose sons successfully went from Express to IP in Sec 3, and what were your results and experience?

TIA for any feedback!

[autolycus]

zero_emissions\" post_id=\"2082786\" time=\"1663567295\" user_id=\"199427:

Read that the optimal marks for L1R5 for Sec 2 Express to enter IP in Sec 3 is 85%.

It's not quite L1R5, but something close to it; essentially, they are attempting to see if the student is a good fit for the IB and will do well in 6 subjects — 2 languages, 1 maths, 1 science, 1 humanities and 1 other. It's a rough guide, because 85% is nominally equivalent to an IB grade 7.

[manorway]

autolycus\" post_id=\"2082819\" time=\"1663606867\" user_id=\"16143:

It's not quite L1R5, but something close to it; essentially, they are attempting to see if the student is a good fit for the IB and will do well in 6 subjects — 2 languages, 1 maths, 1 science, 1 humanities and 1 other. It's a rough guide, because 85% is nominally equivalent to an IB grade 7.

Hi autolycus, does this imply that IB students who are strong in just Math/Science but weak in Languages/Humanities or strong in Languages/Humanities but weak in Math/Science tend not to do as well as those who are all-rounders?

I know of cases of students who didn't score 85% average but managed to join IP in Yr 3. Any insight to how these students could have been successful? I am sure the decision makers must have seen some strengths/potential in areas other than immediate grades. So I am curious to know how one could demonstrate such potential. Thanks in advance!

[autolycus]

manorway\" post_id=\"2082825\" time=\"1663634500\" user_id=\"9303:

Hi autolycus, does this imply that IB students who are strong in just Math/Science but weak in Languages/Humanities or strong in Languages/Humanities but weak in Math/Science tend not to do as well as those who are all-rounders?

I know of cases of students who didn't score 85% average but managed to join IP in Yr 3. Any insight to how these students could have been successful? I am sure the decision makers must have seen some strengths/potential in areas other than immediate grades. So I am curious to know how one could demonstrate such potential. Thanks in advance!

When we made the case to MOE back at the turn of the century, we pointed out that in line with Tharman's call for diversity, the IB and the IP leading to IB were ideal vehicles for maintaining diversity. So the original scoring system for entrance to the IP/IB at any level that we devised also takes into account breadth of accomplishment, not necessarily pure academics. Also, it's not an 85% average necessarily, but 85% as a guideline in the key subjects.

IB students who are not strong in certain subjects can do those subjects at standard level instead of higher level. (The 3 x Higher Level + 3 x Standard Level format was copied by our current A-level system which uses a 3 x H2 + 3 x H1 baseline.) Every IB student must do 1 first language (lit, or lang/lit), 1 second language (lang acquisition), 1 humanities/human sciences subject, 1 natural sciences/tech subject, 1 math subject, and 1 more subject taken from any of the previous 5 groups. These 6 subjects can be taken at either SL or HL, as long as it's 3HL/3SL. They also have to do Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay research project, and 150 hours of creativity/action/service.

[jalpahs]

Hi,


My son will be attending ACS Independent from next year onwards.

We are living in Marine Parade and looking for car pooling/private bus options.

Are there any parents looking to carpool or private bus transport providers ferrying kids from Marine Parade?

Thanks!

[penguin911]

Hi Parents,


I would like to try my luck here as I am not able to find relevant answers in this forum. My son will attend interview round for SEC 2 Express Admission next week. May I ask what questions teacher may ask? Can help share some tips? I also coach and practice with my son some questions but because he is an introvert boy, I worry he would not create good impression with the interviewer. Not sure if interview round is the decision making round. Thanks so much for all your sharing and insights.

[Kim2010]

Hi Parents,

My son got into ACSI via DSA and I am thinking of getting the school uniforms early since we will be travelling.
Can anyone advise if the sec 1 students mostly wear PE attire? Any particular school house?
Would only 1-2 sets of uniforms be enough then ? In case he outgrows it.
And if the Bibi and Baba shop is the only one that sells ACSI uniforms?

Thank you in advance!