Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

[autolycus]

OFF-TOPIC


Dear all,

I am surprised and appreciative of the kind comments. I just have to say that it's just my good fortune to be a teacher-researcher who specialises in integrated programmes at a time when people seem to need info. So I help lor! It's like community service.

As for ACS(I), I must confess to privileged information.

Don't worry, I don't work there. I just happen to know it very well.

A.

[Muffins]

then you should get the community service award (really is one on KSP :))

[hoskins8h]

Kiasu Friend:

What is the CoP for IB intake for year-1 in ACS(I) last year through PSLE Centralised posting (i.e., from non-affiliated schools)?.

IB COP was 255 for 2010 intake; 257 for previous 2 years. The 257 is probably from a school letter somewhere in cyberspace, and 255 was from friend. Since I didnt call the school, take it as unofficial although I think the numbers are accurate. No discount for affliated schools.

[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.