Victoria School

[victorian]

Yup, family advice is always important. It's true that if you do really well for O levels, CCA doesn't really matter, unless you're thinking about a scholarship. All the best for his choice! :lol:

[ycpang]

victorian:

No problem. Glad to hear that your son (or DS3? I'm not sure what DS3 means. :oops: ) is choosing VS. I'm sure you would be having a gentleman, a professional and even a sportsman in the house. The VS PE dept is pretty active. During my time, they were already talent spotting track and field/cross-country runners during the sec 1 orientation camp. That's why I'm guessing your son may eventually excel in sports as well.


I think they probably do exist but are probably not so prominent, such that little is heard about these CCAs. Info Club was probably called IT Club in the past. It was one of the better CCAs under 'Clubs & Societies'. There would be a CCA orientation some time during the first few days and I think your son would like to explore his options further. The uniformed groups usually have the coolest exhibits so he might be swayed in that direction. But most important is to choose a CCA that he likes, because it's hard to change CCAs after that.

To a certain extent, uniformed groups will gain more points than a club. But consider this:
1) The reason they gain more points is because they have more activities, which are more time-consuming. Is he ready for this?
2) Uniformed groups are physical in nature. There is physical training, sports games and drills. Would his dislike for sports develop into a dislike for the CCA?
Uniformed groups are good in many ways, e.g. develop discipline, good friendships, study groups organised, but one has to prepare for the physical and mental challenges of a uniformed group.

Don't worry even if your son is posted to one of the bottom classes. Even if it is not openly expressed, students are indeed sorted according to their PSLE scores. I know this because I observed that most of my classmates had similar scores to mine. I came from one of the bottom classes too, but studied real hard and got into the best sec 3/4 class, taking triple science. I hope it doesn't sound like boasting, but more like an encouragement. :lol:

Feel free to ask any questions about school life or anything else. I'd be glad to help the future victorian. :lol:

Hi

Sorry to prob further.

You must have done very well to get in triple science class in yr 3/4. Did you not consider switching to IP at VJC at end of yr 2 then ?

I ask to get a feel of how difficult it is to get into IP at the end of yr 2.

Hope you don't mind shating. Many tks.

[victorian]

Hi,


VIP was very new at that time and the whole IP scene was very new. I could have gotten in, but there were concerns like what if I didn't do well in IP? That would leave me with only PSLE qualifications.

With IP more established now, I might have chosen it, but I'm past that stage now. :lol:

[ycpang]

victorian:

Hi,


VIP was very new at that time and the whole IP scene was very new. I could have gotten in, but there were concerns like what if I didn't do well in IP? That would leave me with only PSLE qualifications.

With IP more established now, I might have chosen it, but I'm past that stage now. :lol:

I agree with you fully.

Is there only 1 class of triple science in Sec 3/4 ?

Tks again.

[victorian]

There are two triple science classes - 3/4A and 3/4D. One takes combined history and the other takes combined geography. All students in these 2 classes take double math. There are also a handful of triple science students split among the other classes. Hope this helps. :lol:

[ycpang]

victorian:

There are two triple science classes - 3/4A and 3/4D. One takes combined history and the other takes combined geography. All students in these 2 classes take double math. There are also a handful of triple science students split among the other classes. Hope this helps. :lol:

Tks for sharing.

Need your help with some questions below :

1. CCA schedule for soccer - frequency and duration

2. remedial & supplementary lessons - is it held through the yr or nearer to exams ?

3. Are Literature (E) and Literature (C) compulsory subjects for Sec 1 & 2 ?

[victorian]

1. I'm not sure of the specifics with regard to the soccer schedule. What I know is that for sports CCAs, it is not uncommon to be training everyday when in the midst of a competition. School competitions mostly take place in the 1st and 2nd quarter of the year.


2. This depends on the class teacher. Some teachers arrange more classes/make-ups while others arrange less. However, if you are referring to the Enhanced Study Programme which I mentioned in an earlier post, it is held for an entire term. If the boy does well enough during the term exams, he 'graduates' from the programme.

3. Yes, literature is compulsory for lower sec classes. In my time, there was no distinction between literature (C) and (E).

I hope this answers your questions. :lol:

[poohandtigger]

hi victorian, do you mind to share a bit on the regional studies programme that teaches bahasa indonesia? is it hard and how useful is it? do most students do it all the way to O level or mostly drop out? pls enlighten

[ycpang]

Tks Victorian.


I have PM you. Pls look at it and hope you can reply.

[victorian]

The regional studies programme started in 2008, so I am not fully aware of what the programme entails. I'm sure it's definitely useful for immersion and interaction with students from other countries in the region, considering how globalised we are now.


However, from http://vs-regionalstudies.blogspot.com/ you'd need to take up Bahasa Indonesia as a 3rd language. 3rd languages have been around for quite a while. The advantage of a 3rd language is that you gain 2 bonus points for entry into JC, provided you meet a specified grade. During my years in VS, most people who took 3rd language did it all the way to O levels. A handful did drop out because they could not cope with that extra workload. 3rd language is fun, but the student must ensure that he is determined to complete it and do well in it, otherwise it would go to waste.

poohandtigger:

hi victorian, do you mind to share a bit on the regional studies programme that teaches bahasa indonesia? is it hard and how useful is it? do most students do it all the way to O level or mostly drop out? pls enlighten