All About A Levels

[Quintessential Mum]

INNOVATE:

Quintessential Mum


There's no more C or F maths.

For those strong in this subject can take it at H2 level preferably combine with physics and chemistry. The contrasting subject must be from the humanities domain ie H2 maths, physic, chem H2/H1 econs or hist, geog or lit.

Thanks INNOVATE! How many H1/H2 subjects do students usually take? In the past (a lifetime ago), 4 A level subjects. 1 GP and S papers. Trying to help my friend whose kid will be in JC 1 next year. Thanks a bunch!

[INNOVATE]

Quintessential Mum


Generally a student takes 4H2 + H1 PW and GP or 3H2 + H1 PW and GP.

H3 level has replaced the S papers. Eligibility is subject to a student’s performance. Objective is due to scholaship application.

There’s a huge difference in standard btw 0-level and A-level. At JC1 promos, the marking level is pitched at undergrad level and is applied across the board.

[Quintessential Mum]

INNOVATE:

Quintessential Mum


Generally a student takes 4H2 + H1 PW and GP or 3H2 + H1 PW and GP.

H3 level has replaced the S papers. Eligibility is subject to a student's performance. Objective is due to scholaship application.

There's a huge difference in standard btw 0-level and A-level. At JC1 promos, the marking level is pitched at undergrad level and is applied across the board.

Thanks again! Do you teach in uni? Yes JC1 promos seem to be a killer now. This is a worry! How would one overcome this huge difference in standard? Any tips? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[INNOVATE]

Quintessential Mum


If I say just work hard or even harder than 0-level my answer to you is only half correct. JC1 hve always been a dissappointment to many students across all jcs due to: 1. Big jump in standard from 0-level 2. Standard of marking which is at undergrad level.

The most impt consideration for parents is to determine their kids’ suitability for A-level vs-a-vs poly education. Raw score is only one criteria as are factors such as hard work, academic aptitude, subject combination and student’s inclination in science or humanities and lastly, the suitability of JC for the particular student.

How to overcome this hurdle? Select the subject combination wisely. In your query, a maths inclined student should choose H2 maths, phy and chem and H2/1 econs, h1 pw, gp. So to do well at A-level is hardwork 50% General ability 30%, subject combination 20%.

RGDS

[Quintessential Mum]

INNOVATE:

Quintessential Mum


If I say just work hard or even harder than 0-level my answer to you is only half correct. JC1 hve always been a dissappointment to many students across all jcs due to: 1. Big jump in standard from 0-level 2. Standard of marking which is at undergrad level.

The most impt consideration for parents is to determine their kids' suitability for A-level vs-a-vs poly education. Raw score is only one criteria as are factors such as hard work, academic aptitude, subject combination and student's inclination in science or humanities and lastly, the suitability of JC for the particular student.

How to overcome this hurdle? Select the subject combination wisely. In your query, a maths inclined student should choose H2 maths, phy and chem and H2/1 econs, h1 pw, gp. So to do well at A-level is hardwork 50% General ability 30%, subject combination 20%.

RGDS

Thank you once again INNOVATE for your advice! My friend's kid is quite bright, hardworking, consistent and independent. He is effectively bi lingual and usually in the top 5 of his cohort in sec school. Your suggestion wrt combination is quite apt. Will pass your input to them. By the way what do you mean by \"Standard of marking which is at undergrad level\"? Where can one find out more about it? Also, you mentioned that JC selection should suit the student? Is there any guide re the culture in the JCs? Thanks for your valuable input! :lol:

[INNOVATE]

Quintessential Mum


Go and get some past exam papers they are interested and compare the difference in standard, is so obvious. For example, is very difficult for students without A maths to do well in H2 maths or combine sci students attempting a pure sci subject because their foundation isn’t strong. Is even common to see an A1 students in double maths failing H2 maths, this scenario is repeated every yr. Apart from daily practice, attention during lectures/tutorial is required. On top of this,a student needs analytical skill. Same applies to sci subjects.

For humanities, a student who just memorise essays and repeats it during exam shall fail. It’s a test of higher order thinking skills! That’s explains why so many struggle each yr including many single pointers who enter JCs thru very hard work.

[INNOVATE]

Quiessential Mum


Just failed to answer another of yr question regarding choice of JCs.

Since yr friend’s son is science inclined, choose the jc that’s strong in science in line with his 0-level raw score. As he is a HMT student, he has an advantage.

[Quintessential Mum]

INNOVATE:

Quintessential Mum


Go and get some past exam papers they are interested and compare the difference in standard, is so obvious. For example, is very difficult for students without A maths to do well in H2 maths or combine sci students attempting a pure sci subject because their foundation isn't strong. Is even common to see an A1 students in double maths failing H2 maths, this scenario is repeated every yr. Apart from daily practice, attention during lectures/tutorial is required. On top of this,a student needs analytical skill. Same applies to sci subjects.

For humanities, a student who just memorise essays and repeats it during exam shall fail. It's a test of higher order thinking skills! That's explains why so many struggle each yr including many single pointers who enter JCs thru very hard work.

THANKS YET AGAIN! I get what you are saying. Many thanks!

[Quintessential Mum]

INNOVATE:

Quiessential Mum


Just failed to answer another of yr question regarding choice of JCs.

Since yr friend's son is science inclined, choose the jc that's strong in science in line with his 0-level raw score. As he is a HMT student, he has an advantage.

Thank you for your patience and advice! :lol:

[MooMoo]

My DD will be a JC1 student in 2011. I am interested to strengthen her ability on the H2 subject - General Paper. I wonder is there any excellent enrichment/tuition center that has solid track record and performance oriented.


:?