Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

[hoskins8h]

The IB Diploma Program as far as I know, refers to Y5 and Y6 program leading to the IB exam. Many overseas schools when they advertise IB mean they follow the final 2years of the IB. Before that, it could be various diverse programs as the IB Middle Years (ie Sec sch) program is not that popular.

[Kiasu Friend]

Hi hoskins8h,


Thank you very much for the info on IB CoP at ACS(I).

You have mentioned that the IB(Middle years) Program is not that popular.

But does ACS(I) follow the IB (Middle year) programs for its Year-1 to Year-4 under its IP program? Or does ACS(I) has its own specially modified curriculum for Year-1 to Year-4 of IP which ensures that its students are better equipped to handle year-5 and year-6 in IB?

Because I believe the whole idea of an Integrated Program is to skip O-level and use the time in Year 1 to Year 4 to better prepare the students for A-level or IB. So, how ACS(I) uses Year 1 to Year 4 becomes an important question.

If anyone has info on this (even good guesstimates welcome), please reply.

Thanks and regards.

[autolycus]

Hi, KF!


ACS(I) does not follow the IB MYP. It uses its own specially modified curriculum, the ACS(I) IP Y1-Y4 curriculum.

In this curriculum, the key differences with most schools (although I should add that quite a number of schools have now begun to adopt some of these practices) are:

1. Separation of lower sec science into life sciences and physical sciences (first implemented 2001, Y1/Y2).

2. A course called 'Philosophy of the Disciplines' which is intended to build some foundations for the IB Theory of Knowledge course (first implemented at Y3 2003, now Y1-Y4).

3. A module called CASL (Creativity, Action, Service, Leadership) which is intended to build foundations for the IB CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) requirement. (Y3-Y4)

4. Various adaptations from the GEP and other education systems, in terms of pedagogy and practice. (Y1-Y4)

5. A subject called IHS (Introduction to Human Societies), originally designed to be a 'gateway' module preparing all students to do any humanities subject, but aimed mainly at the IB Group 3 (Individuals and Societies) subjects. (Y3-Y4)

6. Combining language and literature skills into a set of modules (equivalent to one or two subjects depending on your perspective) called Language Arts. (Y1-Y4)

7. Project work and other skills modules. (Y1-Y4)

I think that's about it. Or at least, that's all I can remember.

[hoskins8h]

autolycus has already given a detailed picture. I dont have any info on the Y1-4 program; just wanted to highlight the fact that many IB schools internationally dont do the MYP. Kinda of like the diff between ACSI and ACS International. Name might be similar but significant difference.


I’ll be very surprised if Y1-Y4 IP followed the MYP; expect it to be closer to other Singapore IPs.

[DadOfGirl]

ACS(I) is Boy’s school at SEC1 … Correct me if i am wrong… I know they give admission to Girls at IB - Year 5… Do they also give admission to Girls at Year 3?

[jtoh]

DadOfGirl:

ACS(I) is Boy's school at SEC1 ... Correct me if i am wrong... I know they give admission to Girls at IB - Year 5... Do they also give admission to Girls at Year 3?

No they don't. Girls only join ACSI at Year 5.

[Kiasu Friend]

autolycus:

Hi, KF!


ACS(I) does not follow the IB MYP. It uses its own specially modified curriculum, the ACS(I) IP Y1-Y4 curriculum.

In this curriculum, the key differences with most schools (although I should add that quite a number of schools have now begun to adopt some of these practices) are:

1. Separation of lower sec science into life sciences and physical sciences (first implemented 2001, Y1/Y2).

2. A course called 'Philosophy of the Disciplines' which is intended to build some foundations for the IB Theory of Knowledge course (first implemented at Y3 2003, now Y1-Y4).

3. A module called CASL (Creativity, Action, Service, Leadership) which is intended to build foundations for the IB CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) requirement. (Y3-Y4)

4. Various adaptations from the GEP and other education systems, in terms of pedagogy and practice. (Y1-Y4)

5. A subject called IHS (Introduction to Human Societies), originally designed to be a 'gateway' module preparing all students to do any humanities subject, but aimed mainly at the IB Group 3 (Individuals and Societies) subjects. (Y3-Y4)

6. Combining language and literature skills into a set of modules (equivalent to one or two subjects depending on your perspective) called Language Arts. (Y1-Y4)

7. Project work and other skills modules. (Y1-Y4)

I think that's about it. Or at least, that's all I can remember.

Hi autolycus,

Thank you so much for such a detailed reply. Perhaps, even an official spokesperson of ACS(I) could not have replied with such clarity. You have proved to be 'the ever-reliable source' on ACS(I) and IB course. Honestly, I have learnt more about ACS(I) from this thread than from the school's own website. Thank you.

Based on the above, I feel ACS(I) is indeed using the Years-1 to 4 reasonably well in preparing the students for the Year-5 & 6 of IB. I think students studying from Year-1 at ACS(I) are likely to have a definite advantage when compared to those who join in year-5, due to courses like - IHS, CASL and 'Philosophy of the Disciplines'.

Thanks & Regards.

[DadOfGirl]

jtoh:

DadOfGirl:

ACS(I) is Boy's school at SEC1 ... Correct me if i am wrong... I know they give admission to Girls at IB - Year 5... Do they also give admission to Girls at Year 3?

No they don't. Girls only join ACSI at Year 5.

Thank you proving clarity... My DD showing all signs at Sec1-end to be IB material.. Great english/ lierature scores & member of leadership groups already

Looks like for ACS(I) , must take Open Test Conducted by them ... right? This was how it was two years ago....Or have they Joined 'Joint Admission Exercise' which is based on 'O' level course ?

[autolycus]

ACS(I) is part of the post O-level Joint Admissions Exercise.


Currently, I think you need to have a score of 6 points and below. That was the case for entry to Year 5 in 2010, nominally.

However, under present circumstances, the score needed might actually be higher, say 7? Hard to judge the market in the wake of recent events.

[INNOVATE]

autolycus


For those with good cca record and a credit in 0-level HMT, the raw score can go up to 8, a safe entry,ie 8-4.