NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Diploma)
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JHFMum:
Well said, JHFMum. My dd was very keen on NUSH initially, but we all changed our minds after attending the Open House. Every school has its strengths and weaknesses. The important thing is to select a school based on your child's interest, acumen and personality. That is why it's important to attend Open Houses and to speak to the students and teachers to make an informed decision about your choice of secondary school.
I agree. I've a friend's son in NUSH and am surprised that there was no opportunity for immersion programme overseas and overseas CIP prog. Even nhd sch kids are given opportunity in these areas- I see that in my other friends' children. Though the focus of NUSH is on Maths and Science, there must be development in other aspects of the child as well to give him a total and enriching sch experience. NUSH, I believe do develop the other aspects but more could be done. CCAs is a natural platform for character development and values teaching provided there is rigour in the programme. We have the cream in NUSH and if they are under stretched, in areas other than Maths and Science, then we can be shortchanging the kids. Worse still, if the child ended up not among the upper band for maths and science, he will lead a \"slack\" life??Fluffy:
Its not surprise to hear from a NUSH student's feedback that their school life is rather slack. I heard from a few parents whose children are currently in Sec 1 and Sec 2 that NUSH does not focus very much on CCA. Students are not motivated to participate intensely or excel in any CCA because the CCA teachers's lack of inspiration and encouragement resulted in many students changing CCA each year. This is so different from other IP school such as RI, RGS, HCI or NYG etc who encourage their students to maximise their potential and excel in the CCA. The amount of CCA trainings, attendance and numerous competitions for the students in these IP schools far exceeded the requirement of NUSH's CCA program. In addition, these students need to focus not only on Maths & Science but also humanitarian subject pledged at IP level, Philopsopy, IT, Research Education, Third Language etc. NUSH's students who did not qualify for advance level in the Maths and Science subjects find themselves having alot of free time.
I think it is not wrong to suggest that the student who feels the school environment is too slack and did not maximise his potential should approach the school to help to increase his curriculum and activities especially when he is doing well academically. Bearing in mind that NUSH focus on Maths and Science and if his interest lies wider than Maths and Science subjects, he may want to discuss with his parents and consider switching to another school that could provide a more broader education.
Well, parents need to know your kids very well and make informed decision. As a parent, I look for a school that provides a balanced education so that my child can develop fully. I don't believe that children need to do university math at sec sch level. Those gifted can, but usually at the expense of other development that is crucial. However, we should not complain bec NUSH is a sch meant to be different from mainstream schs. SO if we do not agree with their mission, then we just don't put our children there. -
One parent i know chosed NUSH than another top IP school with good T-Score (>270+) when offered both cos she does not want to OVER stress the son. They can choose not to due to its modular system. Also , not a must to past HCL in order to get promoted to year 2 (May I know if this is true in NUSH?) . Afterall, each individual has the choice to choose what kind of life he wants.
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As parents, we always encourage kids to work hard (not over stress) and to try the best they can. If a kid selects NUSH over other schools because he thinks that the life in NUSH is more relax and easy, then how can we expect the kid to work hard when he grows up? But as Zann said everyone has the choice to choose what kind of life he wants. It is not up to me to say if this is good or bad. It is their lives. :celebrate:
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My girl is in year 3 of Nush.
I do not really agree on what that had been discussed recently about students slacking, lack of motiviation for cca...etc
She and her class/school mates are very busy with lots of electives and enrichment modules which they want to take out of their own will.
What they want to learn from these modules are certainly very innovative and which is somthing very much out from the normal text.
They are also very involved with their cca be they in sports, clubs etc...
Besides these, they took part in many competitions, be they maths, science, english debate, moot parliament etc.... These really kept them busy but happy! You can see the spark in their eyes and they are so much confident but still have the happy spirit for trying their best.
My girl slept at half past 10 and wake up about half past 5 (school bus) and is not being deprive of her sleep but she is still doing really fine in her study too.
If you have further doubts about the school, you can email me at [email protected] -
Thanks happymum8, it is always good to hear another side of the story from other parents / students. It is very important that a kid has good attitudes towards life while he is still young. :celebrate:
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It will be difficult for NUSH to compete with the bigger schools in areas of CCA particularly sports. However, they have also made commendable achievements in their non sports CCA. All these achievement would not be possible without the effort and commitment of students and teachers.
These are some of their non academic achievements in 2009 (taken from their website):
NUS High School String Ensemble (from School Orchestra) clinched Bronze Award in Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Central Judging for Instrumental Ensembles (String/Secondary) 2009
Lu Jun (Year 4) came in 1st place in the Senior category and Li Yanan (Year 3) also came in 1st in the Junior category in the The Global Book Review Competition for High School Chinese Students 2009.
Gold Award in the SYF Central Judging Competition (International Dance) 2009
NUS High School Gamelan Ensemble clinched Silver Award in Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Central Judging for Instrumental Ensembles (Gamelan) 2009
Usually the gamelan instrument and ensemble is played and participated mainly by Malay students. In NUSH, non Malays form the majority of their silver award winning team.
For students keen on sports but only have a average or slightly above average standard, there lies an opportunity for him or her to make it to the school team in NUSH. Most likely, many of the NUSH school soccer, netball, badminton or tennis players would not be able to make it to school teams in IP schools which have gotten many of their top players thru sports DSA. While it is unlikely that the NUSH sport teams will win awards, these students get to experience competition and be trained under a professional coach.
I believe RI, HCI and NUSH have different approaches in teaching and bringing out the best from their students. NUSH is a specialized school and is good for the diversity of our education system. Parents have to decide what environment suits their kids. -
My daughter has been very determined to make Nush her 1st choice since P4 when she knew about the school.
She is very keen in the area of Maths and Science and is interested in debate. She had to option to go Nush & Rgs via dsa but she insisted on Nush and we respected her decision.
Till now, she is really happy and has never looked back. She once said to me that she would want to path the route for others to take rather than to follow a smooth path that has been laid.
She believes that the difficulties that she conquered along the way would help her to be better equipped for her future challenges.
At Nush, some students play ball games during their free time together with all other schoolmates to destress themselves. These students really do excel both in their studies and cca.
As for overseas programmes, I understand that they have been to Christmas Island for their Bio elective module. Those who went commented that it was the most memorable time of their live. Some other students in other cca had also been given the opportunities to go overseas as well.
I think alot depends on how the students themseleves determine how much time they are willing to be committed to their study, cca, competitions etc...
There is No Best School.
There is only better suitable school which best match the needs of the students who really know what they are aiming at and what they really wish to achieve in future and in the right environment for them!
They are the one to spent 3/4 of the day in school. As parents, we just need to give our encourgement and support to them!
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Jenn:
Agreed, this is indeed a plus point. In RI/RGS and many other schools, it is practically impossible for the non-national or less competitive players to make it into the school sports teams.
For students keen on sports but only have a average or slightly above average standard, there lies an opportunity for him or her to make it to the school team in NUSH. Most likely, many of the NUSH school soccer, netball, badminton or tennis players would not be able to make it to school teams in IP schools which have gotten many of their top players thru sports DSA. While it is unlikely that the NUSH sport teams will win awards, these students get to experience competition and be trained under a professional coach..Jenn:
Well said! If everyone is so balanced, where to find the mavericks who are able to put their heart and soul into certain Sciences, Maths etc. to create scientific inventions or new technologies that will benefit mankind as a whole!I believe RI, HCI and NUSH have different approaches in teaching and bringing out the best from their students. NUSH is a specialized school and is good for the diversity of our education system. Parents have to decide what environment suits their kids.
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happymum8:
Hi happymum8My daughter has been very determined to make Nush her 1st choice since P4 when she knew about the school.
She is very keen in the area of Maths and Science and is interested in debate. She had to option to go Nush & Rgs via dsa but she insisted on Nush and we respected her decision.
Till now, she is really happy and has never looked back. She once said to me that she would want to path the route for others to take rather than to follow a smooth path that has been laid.
She believes that the difficulties that she conquered along the way would help her to be better equipped for her future challenges.
At Nush, some students play ball games during their free time together with all other schoolmates to destress themselves. These students really do excel both in their studies and cca.
As for overseas programmes, I understand that they have been to Christmas Island for their Bio elective module. Those who went commented that it was the most memorable time of their live. Some other students in other cca had also been given the opportunities to go overseas as well.
I think alot depends on how the students themseleves determine how much time they are willing to be committed to their study, cca, competitions etc...
There is No Best School.
There is only better suitable school which best match the needs of the students who really know what they are aiming at and what they really wish to achieve in future and in the right environment for them!
They are the one to spent 3/4 of the day in school. As parents, we just need to give our encourgement and support to them!
I totally agreed with you.
My boy will be attending NUSH next year, yesterday I have a chat with him regarding the recent issue of the school in the forum he replied was.
\"Mum, every child has their like or dislike same go for the school. I like NUSH and foreseen will be busy participate in at least 2 cca.\"
Since he was offer the place, he is so happy that he already decided which CCA to join and after PSLE he will find out more about the school subject module and see which subject he like and can he take up more module in Yr 1. -
Hi Sally,
Congratulations to you and your boy!
I am sure he is a bright and independent boy. With the right attitude he can go far in Nush!
If you have any further query, you can email to me and I am happy to share with you on the things that I know.
If there is any future coffee talk in this sem at Nush, you can join in and find out more from the parents. All of us (not most of us), will be willingly to share more with you!
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