Networking Group - JCs General
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Hi parents. Do most students in RI and HCI take 4 H2 subjects? Would the schools focus less on H1 level? A friend is wondering if taking 3 H2 and 1 H1 put the child in a disadvantaged position. Thank you.
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kboon2009\" post_id=\"2095097\" time=\"1673747947\" user_id=\"8933:
Yes most take 4H2. Some do drop to H1 after Y1.
Hi parents. Do most students in RI and HCI take 4 H2 subjects? Would the schools focus less on H1 level? A friend is wondering if taking 3 H2 and 1 H1 put the child in a disadvantaged position. Thank you. -
kboon2009\" post_id=\"2095097\" time=\"1673747947\" user_id=\"8933:
Most will take 4H2s. But as long as H1 is offered as an exam subject, the teachers will prepare the students.
Hi parents. Do most students in RI and HCI take 4 H2 subjects? Would the schools focus less on H1 level? A friend is wondering if taking 3 H2 and 1 H1 put the child in a disadvantaged position. Thank you.
Not sure else you might mean by \"disadvantaged position\". -
My child’s class is unusual. About 10 are reading 3H2s, some from the outset and others after JC1. Among those doing 3H2s, there are students doing H3 too. The top student for promos in my child’s class in terms of rank points, did 3H2s.
The system is flexible enough for you to decide whether to do 3 or 4H2s. Whether it affects your self esteem is also individual…some kids and parents are perfectly comfortable with the choice. It is true that majoroty in RI and HCI are doing 4H2s. Some students know for sure they dont want to devote too much time or energies into the contrasting subject, so they opt to do it at H1.
Some prefer the time to build up portfolio in other ways. That’s fine too. You can demobstrate academic strengths in many ways. There is no medal for doing 4H2s. -
:goodpost:
I hope I remember this when my children goes to year 5/6! Thank you for sharing!doodbug\" post_id=\"2095131\" time=\"1673772728\" user_id=\"13281:
My child's class is unusual. About 10 are reading 3H2s, some from the outset and others after JC1. Among those doing 3H2s, there are students doing H3 too. The top student for promos in my child's class in terms of rank points, did 3H2s.
The system is flexible enough for you to decide whether to do 3 or 4H2s. Whether it affects your self esteem is also individual....some kids and parents are perfectly comfortable with the choice. It is true that majoroty in RI and HCI are doing 4H2s. Some students know for sure they dont want to devote too much time or energies into the contrasting subject, so they opt to do it at H1.
Some prefer the time to build up portfolio in other ways. That's fine too. You can demobstrate academic strengths in many ways. There is no medal for doing 4H2s. -
doodbug\" post_id=\"2095131\" time=\"1673772728\" user_id=\"13281:
Surprised to read that there are some taking 3H2 while taking H3 at the same time. I think that's unusual although I understand that to each his own.
My child's class is unusual. About 10 are reading 3H2s, some from the outset and others after JC1. Among those doing 3H2s, there are students doing H3 too. The top student for promos in my child's class in terms of rank points, did 3H2s.
The system is flexible enough for you to decide whether to do 3 or 4H2s. Whether it affects your self esteem is also individual....some kids and parents are perfectly comfortable with the choice. It is true that majoroty in RI and HCI are doing 4H2s. Some students know for sure they dont want to devote too much time or energies into the contrasting subject, so they opt to do it at H1.
Some prefer the time to build up portfolio in other ways. That's fine too. You can demobstrate academic strengths in many ways. There is no medal for doing 4H2s.
Totally agree that there's nothing wrong taking 3H2. However, if one is interested to apply for scholarships (I know that nowadays many smart kids are not keen due to the bonds), seems that organisations still prefer 4H2. Below is what I lifted from the scholarship section of a prestigious GLC.
If you are an A-Level candidate, you should offer at least 11 academic units. Students offering 10 academic units and with outstanding track records may be considered. -
iRabbit\" post_id=\"2095171\" time=\"1673796846\" user_id=\"51587:
4H2s is regarded as indicating overall academic ability, while other achievements can indicate strength in more specific skills as an alternative to the 4th H2. Choosing which route to take should take into account the student's strengths. At least this scholarship ad doesn't expect all applicants to fit in the same mould. Most organisations need both types - the overall strong ones who can do good work in a broader range of areas; and the ones who are strong in more specific areas.
Surprised to read that there are some taking 3H2 while taking H3 at the same time. I think that's unusual although I understand that to each his own.
Totally agree that there's nothing wrong taking 3H2. However, if one is interested to apply for scholarships (I know that nowadays many smart kids are not keen due to the bonds), seems that organisations still prefer 4H2. Below is what I lifted from the scholarship section of a prestigious GLC.
If you are an A-Level candidate, you should offer at least 11 academic units. Students offering 10 academic units and with outstanding track records may be considered. -
Interesting responses. I think some time ago I had asked whether it would make a difference for an Arts student whether Math was H1 or H2.
Similarly, I have wondered what is a better GPA/MSG (secondary)? For example, assume I am taking 8 classes and figure out how to get 75 (or 80 or whatever the threshold is) for each one, and thus end up with the "best" GPA/MSG. Or, I get 90 in the four classes I really like (i.e. very good) and 60 in the four classes I am not so hot on (i.e. reasonably competent but really only there because MOE told me I have to do this). I.e. same total marks but I can barely read 4H2 in the second case. In the second case I may also have extras in my areas of interest to showcase (assume both cases have the same non-academic attributes). IMO, the latter case may have more commercial value, although you risk getting screened out of some academic things (absent avenues like DSA, etc).
I also think somewhat of the same decision exists at the IP / O fork in the road. One has more subjects, longer days, and perhaps more bells and whistles. Or, take a somewhat lighter load (academic and CCA), build up other areas of strength/character/interest, and say "We’ll see you in four years in JC1" after managing the O/L1R5 route.
Again, probably different for each kid depending on what one is good at, how prefer to spend time, interests that fall in/out of the school compounds, and what is needed to further development (in whatever area)… -
4H2s is one way to demonstrate academic competence.
There are other ways to demonstrate academic prowess. Competitions, reseach projects, coding projects, Olympiads and what not. I do know that in certain schools, parents and students take it as a great blow to self esteem and all to take 3H2s…they will appeal, beg etc. I am just glad that it is not the case in my kids’ schools or their frame of mind. There is no need to all chase the same thing unless it is what you want. -
SG_KP1\" post_id=\"2095177\" time=\"1673832277\" user_id=\"188234:
Parents and students have to decide what really matters to them: maximising grades? breadth? depth? non-academic activities? personal growth?
Interesting responses. I think some time ago I had asked whether it would make a difference for an Arts student whether Math was H1 or H2.
Similarly, I have wondered what is a better GPA/MSG (secondary)? For example, assume I am taking 8 classes and figure out how to get 75 (or 80 or whatever the threshold is) for each one, and thus end up with the \"best\" GPA/MSG. Or, I get 90 in the four classes I really like (i.e. very good) and 60 in the four classes I am not so hot on (i.e. reasonably competent but really only there because MOE told me I have to do this). I.e. same total marks but I can barely read 4H2 in the second case. In the second case I may also have extras in my areas of interest to showcase (assume both cases have the same non-academic attributes). IMO, the latter case may have more commercial value, although you risk getting screened out of some academic things (absent avenues like DSA, etc).
I also think somewhat of the same decision exists at the IP / O fork in the road. One has more subjects, longer days, and perhaps more bells and whistles. Or, take a somewhat lighter load (academic and CCA), build up other areas of strength/character/interest, and say \"We'll see you in four years in JC1\" after managing the O/L1R5 route.
Again, probably different for each kid depending on what one is good at, how prefer to spend time, interests that fall in/out of the school compounds, and what is needed to further development (in whatever area)...
The rare student can maximise all these at the same time, but most of our kids are not that \"super\"-everything. The choices made will differ depending on the end-goal. For eg. in the initial question, I would say that taking H1 Maths (for an Arts student who is not strong in Maths and intending to apply to local university), will probably maximise UAS score since it is easier to score A at H1 than at H2. The same decision may be made because the student wants a bit more spare time to spend on hobbies, CCA, volunteering, part-time job, etc. But if there is some reason why 4H2 is preferred over 3H2, the decision might be different.
Some students prefer to focus on sports, music, entrpreneurship, etc at the expense of maximising grades. Nothing wrong with that as long as they recognise the trade-offs. One problem is that many people prioritise maximising grades above all else, and judgementally impose these values on others. And with CNY coming up, that IS a problem!
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