NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Diploma)

[matadorepy]

DVL:

UncleLim:

QUESTION FOR NUSH STUDENTS/PARENTS...


Would you say that NUS High School is a way out of the overly structured Singapore education system in the following ways?

- Students are less likely to require private tuition compared to their counterparts taking GCE exams

- There is more scope for independent thinking and creativity

- Teaching staff are more open to unconventional approaches to problem solving

Thanks in advance!

I am no expert but I would like to share the following thoughts -
1. As NUSH does not follow the standard GCE syllabus, it would be difficult for NUSH students to find suitable tuition centres/tutors who are familiar with NUSH syllabus. Also, as NUSH enrollment is small, it may not be viable for as tuition centre to customise a course just for NUSH students. I guess NUSH students have to rely on themselves.
2. From my brief interaction with the school, I observe that the school is more interested in providing a learning environment for the students to excel in the field of mathematics & science than to produce straight As students. With their modular approach and acceleration program, they will try to stretch the students' ability to the fullest.
3. The school does have interesting ways to teach the students especially in the sciences. Many scientific concepts are taught through experiments in the lab.
4. One of things that impressed me was during the DSA process, instead of talking about the school's achievements, the staff talked passionately about their programme. After all, it is not a school's past achievements but a school programme that eventually shapes the student.
5. With the support from NUS, NUSH can call upon the best teaching resources in the country. I think this would allow the school to be more unconventional as compared to a mainstream school.

The above are just my personal thoughts.

Fully agreed with points made by DVL. I have a GEPer DD in NUSH Year 1 (barely 7 month only) and a DD in a top mainstream school Sec 3 doing triple science. So I can do some comparison ...

For the same topics in physics eg Kinematics NUSH curriculum covered in real depth and scope for the foundation level 1. That kind of stuff remember I did in \"A\" level physics. Same for Chemistry topics, they are covering 'A\" level depth and details. In Biology they have done a module called Ecology and thermal energy transfer (never done this 'O' or \"A\" level ) and now on Microbiology. Same as Maths curriculum, my NUSH year 1 DD is already doing what her sister has barely started in sec 3. By end of year 2 foundation , she would have covered more than ‘O” level syllabus. At end of year 4 Advance she would have covered beyond “A” levels and U syllabus. NUSH course is structured as 2 year foundation, 2 year Advance and 2 year Specialisation. By year 5 and graduating year 6, they are already doing individual research areas in Maths and Science at U level.

Such is the accelerated programme in both Maths and Science programme that it is not a place for average learners who need tuition. I think the DSA testing and DSA Camp would have weed out those who need extra \"coaching\".

NUSH kids are expected to be fast thinkers and self-learners. They must have the passion and expected to be fast learners. Some of them already are way ahead of their peer in Maths syllabus. One year1 kid had a diagnostic Maths “testing” and was “promoted” to Year 5 maths programme.

[Edureach]

Tks for those invaluable info provided by parents with kids in NUSH. Generally agreed with the comments. Those whose kids are receiving tuitions for maths/science are indeed unsuitable for this programme b’cause it is an accerated one.


NUSH, SOTA and SSP are talent schools and acceptance should be prmarily base on selection tests/trials/auditions.

[UncleLim]

Thank you DVL and Matadorepy for your replies.


NUSH is indeed a refreshing change, then!

[PlatypusMeowMeow]

Results for DSA out already. Anyone knows what the selection camp is like?

[agnesyeo9]

Can someone please help to share info on what "stuff" that were carried out in past selection camps? I am new in this forum after my daughter got selected for the camp this Saturday. We did not attend any open house. What a shame to say we are such a "blur" parents… hopefully I can get some insight from here to help her… thanks all in advance.

[UncleLim]

I have a sketchy picture from a friend who helped at a similar camp 2 years ago. It seems there are various stations featuring experiments and games. The students participation are observed and noted. So there is nothing to prepare !!

[Sun_2010]

Hi agnesyeo9 ,


Congrats to your daughter.
Based on what DD said there is no need to prepare. They were divided into groups. And the groups will be rotated between various stations. There will be some hands on experiment, may have to note their observations , etc. Instructions are clear. Lastly they have to write about a topic given. My advice would be
Let your DD be herself. And The most important thing is the camp is fun so
let her enjoy herself. And things will work out.

All the best

[agnesyeo9]

Fantastic! My daughter will be delighted to know that no preparation is required. She has tons of homework to do for the PSLE. Hope that she can chill out during the camp this Saturday… We have told her that she has already done very well to make it thru Round One and we are proud of her. Whatever the outcome of the camp result, it should not impact her morale to score in PSLE.


As an aside, a few of her classmates who are winners of Maths Olympiad, did not make thru Round One. She made the girls’ team in the class proud!

Thank you UncleLim & Sun_2010. Much appreciated.

[mjl]

agnesyeo9:

Can someone please help to share info on what \"stuff\" that were carried out in past selection camps? I am new in this forum after my daughter got selected for the camp this Saturday. We did not attend any open house. What a shame to say we are such a \"blur\" parents... hopefully I can get some insight from here to help her... thanks all in advance.

A blog post on the NUS High math and science camp:
http://reset-busted.blogspot.com/2009/07/nus-high-school-direct-school-admission.html

[walterp]

Sun_2010:

Hi agnesyeo9 ,


Congrats to your daughter.
Based on what DD said there is no need to prepare. They were divided into groups. And the groups will be rotated between various stations. There will be some hands on experiment, may have to note their observations , etc. Instructions are clear. Lastly they have to write about a topic given. My advice would be
Let your DD be herself. And The most important thing is the camp is fun so
let her enjoy herself. And things will work out.

All the best

My DD is in NUSH year 1. Based on her feedback last year (if I remember correctly) , the assessment is clearly on two aspects - individual work and performance during the group interaction.

At the various rotated stations (Physics, Chemistry and Biology etc) the students will be exposed to experiments and set-up.There will be some hands on, as of all experiment observations are made, etc. Instructions are all clear stated. Certain theory and concept may be explained, and for individual assessment, the students will tested on how well they understood all these as they are required to apply or make inference to answer some of the question. I think a high percentage of marks go into the individual assessment components.

Within the group, assessments are made on the individual knowledge cum problem solving skills within the group environment. They are also assessed on the \"leadership\" and co-operative behaviour in group problem solving environment. In a way the kids really have to prove their “worth” within the few hours. So you can expect certain amount of \"friendly\" competitions among the kids as they try to out do or out spoke each other whether they know their stuff or not.

The few teachers/ assessors and observers will be able to differentiate the good one (invariably the quiet one) from those \"noise\" maker or those attention seekers and those who hodge limelight. Marks will be awarded to each participants.

For the English section, the students are also assessed on their communication skill, their maturity of thought as they are required to express their views in writing essay on certain topic.

All these are all happening from 0800 hrs to 1400 hrs. in between are short breaks and a lunch before they are sent home.