All About A Levels

[lobo]

seriously, is the info on 30% JC1 to 70% JC2 syllabus kind of thingy really reliable?

[lobo]

Normally JC2 syllabus end in June? Then revision starts?

[lobo]

What’s next after clearing promo?

relax till next year?

[yongzhi93]

lobo:

seriously, is the info on 30% JC1 to 70% JC2 syllabus kind of thingy really reliable?

IMO it's not that the schools teach less in JC1, but that the students learn less in JC1.

I mean, I know HC Econs covers microecons and flies to macroecons by mid-year in JC1 - that's quite sick. HC Math for my year finished everything in Pure Math except DE and Complex, and even covered PnC. The tutors then finished the WHOLE Math syllabus by mid-JC2.

The reason why students \"learn less\" in JC1 is because in general JC1 is really the first time you go into JC and get Orientation, and that lazy introductory spirit can last for the first three months. Then you also have loads of overseas trips and CCA competitions - JC1 is the time to \"build portfolio\" because you won't have the time to do it in JC2. So the unread notes pile up at home, only to be flipped open frantically right before Promos. In JC2, life is a whole different story: serious studying mode from start to end - don't even think about flying anywhere for a prolonged period.

Well, that's JC life from my perspective. It's actually not a bad thing doing it 30%/70% - has worked for many students. Just make sure you get serious by JC2. Hope that helps

[lobo]

Hi folks, pleased to inform that passed promo and promoted to J2.

Facing challenge ahead for ‘A’ levels.
Thanks.

[lobo]

Any advice on handling JC2 and ‘A’ Levels?

[LimAH]

Hi, my child is in j1 now, going on to j2. I just wanted to ask if it’s possible for him to retake 4h2s in j2 if he does well for his block tests, because he has to drop now due to his bad promotional exam results. Please reply if you have any knowledge with regards to this. Thanks and regards

[MandyMummy]

LimAH:

Hi, my child is in j1 now, going on to j2. I just wanted to ask if it's possible for him to retake 4h2s in j2 if he does well for his block tests, because he has to drop now due to his bad promotional exam results. Please reply if you have any knowledge with regards to this. Thanks and regards

I think your child must show a lot of improvement and do well in the block tests for that to happen. You should talk to the management of the JC and find out the criteria of taking 4H2 subjects again. Depending on the promos results, some JCs will not even entertain requests to do 4H2 again.
If your child is really keen, do continue to attend the H2 lessons instead of the H1 lessons (or in addition to the H1 lessons) so that in case he could take the 4H2 subjects again, he will not lag behind.

[phankao]

MandyMummy:

LimAH:

Hi, my child is in j1 now, going on to j2. I just wanted to ask if it's possible for him to retake 4h2s in j2 if he does well for his block tests, because he has to drop now due to his bad promotional exam results. Please reply if you have any knowledge with regards to this. Thanks and regards

I think your child must show a lot of improvement and do well in the block tests for that to happen. You should talk to the management of the JC and find out the criteria of taking 4H2 subjects again. Depending on the promos results, some JCs will not even entertain requests to do 4H2 again.
If your child is really keen, do continue to attend the H2 lessons instead of the H1 lessons (or in addition to the H1 lessons) so that in case he could take the 4H2 subjects again, he will not lag behind.

I do wonder if they make it exceptionally difficult in JC exams? My dd just barely made the criteria for promotion to JC2 this time, but was not asked to drop any H2 (she does 4H2s plus MT/GP/PW). Neither was she identified for extra tutoring as some other students were. She was so shocked about that that she even went to double-check on that. So does that mean she didn't do all that badly? And that the school exams are purposely made difficult? Won't that adversely discourage the students tremendously instead of being motivating? Haiz. Makes us feel very unsettled nevertheless.

[MandyMummy]

phankao:

MandyMummy:

[quote=\"LimAH\"]Hi, my child is in j1 now, going on to j2. I just wanted to ask if it's possible for him to retake 4h2s in j2 if he does well for his block tests, because he has to drop now due to his bad promotional exam results. Please reply if you have any knowledge with regards to this. Thanks and regards

I think your child must show a lot of improvement and do well in the block tests for that to happen. You should talk to the management of the JC and find out the criteria of taking 4H2 subjects again. Depending on the promos results, some JCs will not even entertain requests to do 4H2 again.
If your child is really keen, do continue to attend the H2 lessons instead of the H1 lessons (or in addition to the H1 lessons) so that in case he could take the 4H2 subjects again, he will not lag behind.

I do wonder if they make it exceptionally difficult in JC exams? My dd just barely made the criteria for promotion to JC2 this time, but was not asked to drop any H2 (she does 4H2s plus MT/GP/PW). Neither was she identified for extra tutoring as some other students were. She was so shocked about that that she even went to double-check on that. So does that mean she didn't do all that badly? And that the school exams are purposely made difficult? Won't that adversely discourage the students tremendously instead of being motivating? Haiz. Makes us feel very unsettled nevertheless.[/quote]1. In my understanding, the mid term is usually tougher than the promos. Most JCs would set an easier promos because it is a high stake exams, failing which means retention. And most JCs do not wish to retain more students than expected otherwise it would affect the enrollment of the incoming JC1s.
2. If your dd is not identified for extra remedial lessons after the promos, it means that she probably belongs to the OK group, not the group at risk. if she barely clears her promos, then I think she is below average compared to the cohort, but not the ones at the very bottom. However, some JCs will set a paper that is easy to pass but very difficult to score, hence the very weak students will be sieved out while the majority will get only a decent pass. That could be your dd's case. Also if your dd is not asked to drop one H2 subject, then the JC may feel that she can still cope with 4H2. If you want a more frank answer, you should approach the teachers who will understand your dd's ability better.
3. Usually the difficult tests and exams will come in JC2 after the promotion and retention are settled to prepare the student for the very unpredictable A level papers. So do expect a very hectic JC2 ahead.