NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Diploma)

[sakura_2009]

matadorepy:

sakura_2009:

Hi, I read somewhere in this forum thread that many parents have said that there is no way to prepare for the DSA test...but I understand that for the science portion, questions related to subjects such as physics, chemistry and biology will be tested. How then will the kid know how to answer those questions if they are not taught those in school? Will attending courses such as those offered by Science Hub help? Any parents out there to share their experiences?

If I may answer this question correctly, I guess the NUSH DSA test on the Sciences is not so much the \"hard facts of science\" (which can be of course be prepared) but rather the aptitude and inclinations /their potential of students towards the sciences. I think it can be said the same for Maths test. Like what people used to say, it's not what you know or what you don't know, it is what hidden potential you possess or inclination the students may possess.

To cut it short, they are not looking for people who are pure muggers and can remember text book fact well, they are seeking potential scientist and researchers who are thinkers and problem solvers. These abilities to think and inclinations to problem solving are what the DSA tests are all about.

That's why they have always emphasized \"no need to prepare\" for DSA test ... hmmm .. same just like the GEP Selection test ..

Thank you very much for your thoughts and comments on this post. Really appreciate it.

DS is very keen on this school after attending their open house and being much stronger in Math and Science (as compared to languages), I thought maybe he can give it a try at their DSA tests next year (DS is P5 this year). However, from what I've read in this thread so far, it seems that the test questions are not really based on what has been taught in school so far. If I understood correctly, most of the math related questions seemed to be similar to Math Olympiad type of questions, and for Science, they are tested on topics like biology, physics and chemistry, again which are not topics that are covered in the current primary school science curriculum.

I know there are students out there who have passed the DSA tests and subsequently got a CO from the school without undergoing any formal training for any of the above subjects. Maybe they are really smart, and/or they must be avid readers who read widely in particular Science related books and obtained sufficient knowledge to tackle those questions, I really don't know...

From a 'kiasu' parent's standpoint, I'm just thinking if there is anything I can do to help him get that 'extra' edge to help him tackle the tests, and hence my question on whether prior training or coaching can help...DS has participated in Math competitions such as NMOS and the recent Mathlympics and he told me if not for the training he has received previously, he probably won't even make it to the final round...

Well, guess you are right - ultimately it still depends if the kid has the right talent and calibre to make it through the tests...

[shurley197323]

Hi, there is a talk at Nushigh these 2 saturdays. They are open to public.


https://oas.highsch.nus.edu.sg/Seminar/default.aspx

[Jennifer]

sakura_2009:

I know there are students out there who have passed the DSA tests and subsequently got a CO from the school without undergoing any formal training for any of the above subjects. Maybe they are really smart, and/or they must be avid readers who read widely in particular Science related books and obtained sufficient knowledge to tackle those questions, I really don't know...

I believe the school is looking for children who are pro-active in gaining knowledge for the joy of learning.

[BeContented]

Hi Sakura,

Besides the written test (Maths, Science - Bio, Chem, Phy), there is still a round 2 ‘half-day selection camp’.

Guess it’s a little like GEP selection…dun think it’s testing hard facts. DS is so-so in Science and he does not seem interested in Bio/Chem, do not read widely too. When he came back from round1, his face was blank for Science. Told me it’s difficult and he left many blank & was shocked to see Bio/Chem type questions.

We thot no chance…but he was selected to round2. Reason? Why? How? Dun ask me, I dun know. But I can only conclude, it’s definitely not testing hard facts.

[sakura_2009]

slmkhoo:

sakura_2009:

However, from what I've read in this thread so far, it seems that the test questions are not really based on what has been taught in school so far. If I understood correctly, most of the math related questions seemed to be similar to Math Olympiad type of questions, and for Science, they are tested on topics like biology, physics and chemistry, again which are not topics that are covered in the current primary school science curriculum.

I don't quite understand why you think that the Math and Science is not covered in the Pr school curriculum. The content is surely mostly from the Pr school curriculum even if the questions are of a different style. And the Pr school science curriculum covers biology, chemistry and physics, just not divided up.

Sorry kind of misleading here but what I meant was the Science topics tested (from what I understood) was that they are of a 'higher' level than what is being taught in primary schools...maybe I'm wrong but the impression I got was that the questions tested are similar to Science topics for bio, chem and physics taught at secondary level...

[sakura_2009]

BeContented:

Hi Sakura,

Besides the written test (Maths, Science - Bio, Chem, Phy), there is still a round 2 'half-day selection camp'.

Guess it's a little like GEP selection.....dun think it's testing hard facts. DS is so-so in Science and he does not seem interested in Bio/Chem, do not read widely too. When he came back from round1, his face was blank for Science. Told me it's difficult and he left many blank & was shocked to see Bio/Chem type questions.

We thot no chance......but he was selected to round2. Reason? Why? How? Dun ask me, I dun know. But I can only conclude, it's definitely not testing hard facts.

Maybe aside from those questions which your DS had left blank, he probably answered the rest of the questions correctly

[Happy Mummmmm]

Dear Mothers,


I am using my mother's account right now because I have a few questions to ask you before I submit my answer for school admission via DSA. :?:

1) What are the school hours in NUSH?

2) During science lessons, are there normally more theory or practical lessons?

3) What are the chances of getting into a CCA of your choice?

4) Are the science lessons generally more interesting than those in IP schools? Are there more hands-on experiments?

5) On average how many overseas trips have your child(ren) participated each year?

6) Do you know how many students graduate to become specialised doctors?

7) Are there air-conditioning units in the classrooms?

Thank you!

[Sun_2010]

Happy Mummmmm:

Dear Mothers,


I am using my mother's account right now because I have a few questions to ask you before I submit my answer for school admission via DSA. :?:

1) What are the school hours in NUSH?

School starts at 7:45am. The day end depends upon CCA, no of CCAs, third language, elective taken, MO .... If you are into all, then it could be a full day 4 days a week at least - ending between 4-6:30. .

2) During science lessons, are there normally more theory or practical lessons?
A lot of practical work is done

3) What are the chances of getting into a CCA of your choice?
Depends on what CCA . But it is easier than other top schools I think, as cohort size is much smaller.

4) Are the science lessons generally more interesting than those in IP schools? Are there more hands-on experiments?

Dunno on a comparative basis. But at nush the 3 sciences are done thought out the year unlike what I believe is done in others schools.

5) On average how many overseas trips have your child(ren) participated each year?

6) Do you know how many students graduate to become specialised doctors?
NUSH started in 2004. The first Batch students who graduated and went into med schools are probably still there doing their graduation. I don't think antone would be specializing yet.

7) Are there air-conditioning units in the classrooms?

No

Thank you!

[uhoobus]

Just to add on to some of the answers

Sun_2010:

Happy Mummmmm:

Dear Mothers,

I am using my mother's account right now because I have a few questions to ask you before I submit my answer for school admission via DSA. :?:

1) What are the school hours in NUSH?

School starts at 7:45am. The day end depends upon CCA, no of CCAs, third language, elective taken, MO .... If you are into all, then it could be a full day 4 days a week at least - ending between 4-6:30. .

2) During science lessons, are there normally more theory or practical lessons?
A lot of practical work is done

3) What are the chances of getting into a CCA of your choice?
Depends on what CCA . But it is easier than other top schools I think, as cohort size is much smaller.

4) Are the science lessons generally more interesting than those in IP schools? Are there more hands-on experiments?

Dunno on a comparative basis. But at nush the 3 sciences are done thought out the year unlike what I believe is done in others schools.

5) On average how many overseas trips have your child(ren) participated each year?

Most of the trips would come in year 4-6. There would be at least one exchange trip for everyone. There are little to no opporunities for you to go overseas in the earlier years but it is well worth the wait

6) Do you know how many students graduate to become specialised doctors?
NUSH started in 2004. The first Batch students who graduated and went into med schools are probably still there doing their graduation. I don't think antone would be specializing yet. So far i think about 5-10% of the cohorts that graduated decided to go into medicine

7) Are there air-conditioning units in the classrooms?

Some classrooms have, but as far as I know there are none for the year 1 classes.

Thank you!

[Jon101]

My DD will be attending NUSH next year. Can anyone help me with the following questions on school uniform for NUSH?

(a) Other than at NUSH, where else can I purchase the school uniform?
(b) I understand that NUSH allow students to wear sports shoes during school. Must the sport shoes be white? Can it be coloured?

Thanks in advance.