Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

[Snow Crystal]

autolycus:

If the student does two first languages, there is a bonus for entry to JC of 2 points if the student passes both languages. Note that HCL is thus -not- reported as a 2nd Language; it is a 1st Language, which if passed automatically fulfils pre-university 2nd Language requirements. This means that yes, the student does not need to do a 2nd Language for the A-levels, and for the IB must either do Chinese A or another language at a lower level.

ACS(I) offers four ab-initio (basic level) language courses — French, Spanish, German and Malay (in some years, also Hindi and/or Tamil, I believe). This means that the student who has passed HCL at Year 4 has a useful opportunity to upgrade his skills, and also one with which he is likely to score (since the difficulty level is low). Every year, about 20 students take up this challenge; average class size is about 5 students to one language teacher.

Thanks for the insights! You are ever so helpful.
Oh so a boy which clears HCL at Year 4 has to take Chinese A or another language at lower level. He can't take Chinese B? Only CL boys can take Chinese B in Yr5?
Also, is the HCL assessment at Year 4 an internal ACSI exam and not O levels HCL?
I see your point about taking another new language. I salute these kids too :salute:
Thanks!

[autolycus]

Snow Crystal:

Thanks for the insights! You are ever so helpful.

Oh so a boy which clears HCL at Year 4 has to take Chinese A or another language at lower level. He can't take Chinese B? Only CL boys can take Chinese B in Yr5?
Also, is the HCL assessment at Year 4 an internal ACSI exam and not O levels HCL?
I see your point about taking another new language. I salute these kids too :salute:
Thanks!

You're welcome!

A student who clears HCL at Y4 can take Chinese A because it is at a higher level than his existing level of proficiency. He shouldn't take Chinese B because it is at a lower level of proficiency — IB regulations caution against it. It's like doing HCL at Y4 and then going to a JC to do CL2 as H1; the exam board won't allow that either.

The HCL exam at the end of Y4 is a Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-level paper. That's to ensure all students clear the level required for MOE exemption at the JC/Pre-U/IB level.

[pixiedust]

I checked the school’s website. Would like to find out if ACS(I) will be holding any open house this weekend ?

[Tentacles]

Hi, my first post here!


A short question for the thread members, are there criteria to be fulfilled for JAE students applying into ACSI Y5/6 with regards to subject combinations? I do believe that IP students have to meet certain criteria to be offered their subjects of choice in Y5/6. Does the same apply for JAE students who have successfully enrolled into the school?

(However, based on comments made here, I do know that the requirements for taking an ab initio subject is to attain a ‘pass’ grade for O Levels HCL.)

[autolycus]

Hi Tentacles,


Any student entering ACS(I) through the JAE will automatically meet the criteria, but you should be aware of the subjects that are mandatory for the International Baccalaureate.

Group 1: A first language subject which will have at least some elements of literature in it.

Group 2: A second language at any level (including up to first language literature).

Group 3: A humanities subject such as Econs, Business, History, Geography.

Group 4: An experimental science such as Physics, Chemistry or Biology.

Group 5: A mathematics subject (think of them as full math, half math, and less than half).

Group 6: Either an aesthetics subject (e.g. Visual Arts) or another one from Groups 1-5.

Students do three of the subjects at higher level (this refers to extra time spent on more content, not necessarily difficulty level) and three at standard level. Think A vs AO level or H2 vs H1 (but not exactly the same).

Since the JAE requires all the basics, students entering via JAE will be fine.

[Tentacles]

Thank you autolycus for the prompt and informative response! :rahrah:


Another question: Can a student take 2 ab initio subjects? (in lieu of a Group 6 subject) Something for me to consider, since the study of new languages is an area I will whole-heartedly delve into. (picked up a 3rd language in secondary school).

Thanks for the great help!

[WatermelonMum]

Hi autolycus,

My son is eligible to take up the third language (French, Japanese and German) in sec 1 next year. Which one is easier to learn? Would you give some advice? He is also eligible to take up HMTL. Is there any advantage to take the Higher Chinese for IP student. Thanka

[twilight]

Tentacles:

Hi, my first post here!


A short question for the thread members, are there criteria to be fulfilled for JAE students applying into ACSI Y5/6 with regards to subject combinations? I do believe that IP students have to meet certain criteria to be offered their subjects of choice in Y5/6. Does the same apply for JAE students who have successfully enrolled into the school?

(However, based on comments made here, I do know that the requirements for taking an ab initio subject is to attain a 'pass' grade for O Levels HCL.)

Yes, there's a criteria to meet. For HL subjects, you must have gotten A1 or A2 for O levels in that subject. For SL subjects, some have pre-requisites, as in you need to have taken that subject in O level, some don't. I don't remember which are the ones that have though.

Tentacles:

Thank you autolycus for the prompt and informative response! :rahrah:

Another question: Can a student take 2 ab initio subjects? (in lieu of a Group 6 subject) Something for me to consider, since the study of new languages is an area I will whole-heartedly delve into. (picked up a 3rd language in secondary school).

Thanks for the great help!

Technically you are allowed to, but the school will not allow because of timetabling issue.

[BeContented]

autolycus:

Snow Crystal:

Hi Autolycus or anyone who can help answer:


Please may I know the advantages and relevance of taking HCL for ACSI IP program... *snip*

There is one MAJOR advantage — if you have passed HCL (or any other HMT), you have met MOE's mother tongue requirements. This means that when you enter the Y5/Y6 IB Diploma Programme, you can take another language at 'ab initio' level (e.g. German, Spanish) which may be much easier for your son, give him additional functionality, and also extend the breadth of his education.

Hi autolycus,
DS will be taking up HCL & still considering a 3rd Lang.
You have mentioned that after passing HCL at 'O' levels, at Y5/Y6 IB one can take another language at 'ab initio' level (e.g. German, Spanish). For those who took 3rd Lang & persisted, what would their options be at Y5/6. Still 'an initio' level?
Am also thinking perhaps should not do the 3rd Lang now but wait till Y5/Y6, just in case my child can't cope with so many subjects at start of sec life.

If the child do start 3rd Lang at Sec1 & drop it subsequently. Can he still choose it again as a 'ab initio' level in Y5/6?

In addition, if we are overseas during the reporting day, do you know what are the actions to be taken to indicate that we are definitely joining ACSI ? (We have accepted via DSA).

Thanks.

[autolycus]

BeContented:

Hi autolycus,

DS will be taking up HCL & still considering a 3rd Lang.
You have mentioned that after passing HCL at 'O' levels, at Y5/Y6 IB one can take another language at 'ab initio' level (e.g. German, Spanish). For those who took 3rd Lang & persisted, what would their options be at Y5/6. Still 'an initio' level?
Am also thinking perhaps should not do the 3rd Lang now but wait till Y5/Y6, just in case my child can't cope with so many subjects at start of sec life.

If the child do start 3rd Lang at Sec1 & drop it subsequently. Can he still choose it again as a 'ab initio' level in Y5/6?

In addition, if we are overseas during the reporting day, do you know what are the actions to be taken to indicate that we are definitely joining ACSI ? (We have accepted via DSA).

Thanks.

The Latin phrase 'ab initio' means 'from the beginning'. So if you have done German (for example) as a 3rd language prior to entering the IB course, you're no longer allowed to do it 'ab initio'. These subject courses are designed for people who've never had any contact with the language before. So technically, doing it for a full year in Sec 1 would be a problem (although I suspect they'd let you do it anyway).

If you have accepted Phase 2 DSA and not withdrawn by 5 Oct 2012, you are automatically in the school. Hopefully you've not accepted more than one offer (in which case all acceptances are void). No further action is required; just turn up and bring your documents. Do however send an email to the school office to keep in touch and ask if anything else needs to be prepared in advance.

Cheers!