Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) [*IP]

[atutor2001]

[quote] ... but in topics such as dynamics and mechanics, knowledge from previous topics is essential. [/quote]
Agreed but unfortunately such related topics are usually covered under the same module, taught in the same term. So after CT, mostly forget already.
[quote]The students in J1 now and were from RGS that I know do not find it as hard to adjust as you seem to say. [/quote]With the exception of the really gifted, most of the kids' grades drop in J1 and took about 1 year to regain their grades. For such a highly intelligent group of kids to take such a long time to adjust and accustom to the A-level format, to me, is quite hard.

Actually my real concern is the introduction of IP to too many schools. Recently, my nephew asked me how come KE=1/2 mv^2 . I was surprised to learn later that he has not been taught velocity and yet the school was teaching KE. He is from a school that has just gone IP and the physics booklet he shown me is compiled by the school probably in preparation for their IP. In their zeal to enhance the coverage, the horse was placed behind the cart and the students will throw off balance.
[quote] In fact, sometimes the RGS students have an upper hand (e.g. Organic Chemistry) because they have already studied it in RGS.

There are quite a few benefits to the IP too![/quote]Fully agreed, especially biology. Heard that they cover the A-level syllabus in the IP. However, I am trying to highlight the fact that that IP can also be a disadvantage to students whose good results are through sheer hardwork or students who are lazy/playful.

[hoskins8h]

moomoo7368:

But I heard comments that some ip teachers do not teach much and that learning is left ver much to the pupils themselves.


So I would really appreciate it if I could get feedback about rgs' programmes from parents who have or had girls in the Rgs ip programme.

I think the school wants to stretch the students. There is a lot of project work, working in groups and singly. It's quite different from the classroom lecture style. Maybe parents should guide the child first couple of times as to where to get information (e.g. internet, what keywords to use in internet search). Trains the child to deal with unfamiliar circumstances. Academically, worksheets can be quite challenging. Naturally some students will complain about \"not be taught\" because they are not being spoonfed.
Without O Levels, it makes it possible for trying alternative learning styles. My guess is that it's back to book style in JC.

[d1s2]

67283:

verykiasu2010:

[quote=\"moomoo7368\"]Hi parents of current or ex-Rgs girls, my dd has been offered a place at Rgs through dsa.


But I heard comments that some ip teachers do not teach much and that learning is left ver much to the pupils themselves.

So I would really appreciate it if I could get feedback about rgs' programmes from parents who have or had girls in the Rgs ip programme.

whatever it is, it is time to train to girls to be more independent in their studies, learn where to get what and how

I concur.
[quote]My comments are :

1) There are some very good teachers who really spoon feed their students with wonderful notes. Unfortunately, these are not the majority.
Some are so lazy that they didn't even bother to give their students the standard notes. The trick is to have many friends and get notes from classes with the good teachers. There was a really good math teacher who left recently. A real lost to the school but I wonder if the principal is aware.

2) Generally by JC1, they forget what is a \"real exam\" after being tested by \"modules\" for the last 4 years. However, being intelligent kids, most of them will recover by JC2.

2) For weaker students who takes time to \"recover\", best to make them do \"O\" level paper on their own because IP can deviate quite substantially from the \"O\" level syllabus.[/quote]Are good teachers the ones who spoon-feed students with notes? Perhaps this is a value judgement but I think good teachers should actually encourage students to think on their own. Though your statement that \"Some are so lazy that they didn't even bother to give their students the standard notes.\" may be true, do not be mistaken; Most teachers in RGS are not like this.

In addition, I do not believe that students will forget what a \"real exam\" is. If your definition of a real exam happens to be one that covers all topics, it is still not true that students will forget. Whatever the subject is, topics covered earlier would serve as a foundation to future topics. Hence, it is not true that students would not remember.

It is precisely because the IP deviates from the O Level syllabus that it is not advised for students to do the O Level paper on their own. The topics taught are more advanced than the O Level topics. However, I do admit that the O Level papers would serve as a good revision for foundation building.
[quote]It is quite worrying as dd is one of those who need to be 'pushed'. So if she gets one of the 'bochap' teachers, it would be...[/quote]Going to RGS would possibly encourage her to study on her own and learn to think critically![/quote]Yes, there are some very good teachers who take the time to explain and teach well (not necessarily equals to spoonfeeding) and inspire the girls to enjoy the subjects. Just like in any school, there are also those who in the girls' words \"cant teach\", \"spending a lot of time on unimportant stuff and running out of time for the rest\" and one who will throw terms around and when asked to explain, told that in University, you would be expected to find out yourselves. There is the expectation that the students are more independant learners and can study/learn on their own and at the same time juggle their load of ccas, projects, many mini tests, assignments... They do survive through it. Lke atutor2001 said, they'll figure it out and get the notes from their friends and seniors with the \"better\" teachers.

The girls also do take tuition outside - math, chinese, sciences. There must be a substantial demand for it cos I hear that tuition centres such as Aspen Learning, offer IP classes specifically for RGS girls (RI, NYGH and DH too).

[Leanne]

May I just ask on behalf of a friend, is RGS relocating to balestier area in the near future?thank you.


Leanne

[atutor2001]

Leanne:

May I just ask on behalf of a friend, is RGS relocating to balestier area in the near future?thank you.


Leanne

On the opposite side of Bishan Road facing RI/JC. I think it is the former Bradell view Sec Sch and Bradell East school. Very huge area next to the Bradell HUDC. In fact some CCA activities \"had\" been shifted over but teachers and students resisted because the place is dirty and scary. :lol:

My guess is that it will take at least 2 more years for the final move. Then RI, RGS will be at a single location. Very sad because the current location of RGS is very nice.

[Leanne]

Hi atutor2001,


Thanks for the confirmation.
I heard about it few weeks ago and cannot believe it as you quote place is dirty and scary.
The current place is really prime and nice.
I guess, they going to make that area a cluster for rgs, ri and rjc.
Wonder will it be final?

Leanne

Leanne:

May I just ask on behalf of a friend, is RGS relocating to balestier area in the near future?thank you.

Leanne

On the opposite side of Bishan Road facing RI/JC. I think it is the former Bradell view Sec Sch and Bradell East school. Very huge area next to the Bradell HUDC. In fact some CCA activities \"had\" been shifted over but teachers and students resisted because the place is dirty and scary. :lol:

My guess is that it will take at least 2 more years for the final move. Then RI, RGS will be at a single location. Very sad because the current location of RGS is very nice.[/quote]

[WeiHan]

atutor2001:

Very sad because the current location of RGS is very nice.

We have already quite sometimes ago guessed the outcome. Observe that many schools that were located in town or near town areas have all been shifted out to. RI, Cat High, Saint Nicks, RV, St Joseph etc....It is just a matter of time that is RGS's turn. Do you know how precious and expensive that piece of land the present RGS occupy. Thus, with all the vultures and sharks with sharp keen eyes around, that piece of land won't be spared.

[red rose]

Hi! I'm curious about the LEAPS leadership points awarded for the 4 leadership boards in RGS. Just wondering if anyone can enlighten me. Couldn't find any information on this in iNET.


Thank you!

[dlscarlet]

hello, i would like to knw if any1 knws how RGS calculate their GPA grades n wat’s the range? also, i noticed all the teachers teaching sec 1 in rgs are all new teachers and knw almost nothg abt the system. does any1 knw who takes charge of calculating the gpa for the students?

thx.

[mjl]

For RGS, range of marks and their corresponding GPA is as follows:

marks -- GPA
80-100 - 4.0
70-79 - 3.6
65-69 - 3.2
60-64 - 2.8
55-59 - 2.4
50-54 - 2.0
45-49 - 1.6
40-44 - 1.2
0-39 - 0.8
For the Sec 1s and 2s the overall GPA is computed by taking the GPA of the English, Chinese, Maths, Science, and 1 of the Humanities to be the 5 core subjects. Then of the remaining subjects, take the 2 best, plus the 5 core and average it to get your overall GPA. Unless you take 3rd language or something (e.g. MEP, SAP), you should only have 7 subjects for Sec 1s and Sec 2s, that means it is like taking the average of all your subjects.

For Sec 3s and 4s, you will have more subjects, so besides the 5 core subjects (English, Chinese, 1 Maths, 1 Science, 1 Humanities) you can pick the 2 best from 4 remaining subjects (excluding 3rd language, MEP, SAP etc).

Your marks are rounded up. e.g. 69.1 will give you 70.

Your marks (hence, your GPA) for each subject on your report card may be subjected to moderation. Hence, it may be higher than what you calculated, but will not be lower.

As for who takes charge in calculating the GPA, it is the computer...