Dunman High School (Junior High)
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Hi, seems like there are a lot of Dunman High students here.
I am a Yr 4 student this year, just to clarify a few things:
1. You do not have to be particularly good in Chinese to strive in DHS.
To use myself as an example to illustrate, I was not particularly good in Chinese when I entered DHS. Sure, the school has a strong chinese culture (i.e. strong respect for Chinese values, etc.), but because lessons are taught (like all other schools) in English, and teachers and students generally converse in English, there is no reason for poor Chinese standards to influence your grades and performance in any way except for your Chinese grade (of course).
2. Double Humanities
As far as I know, at least for my cohort, most students would prefer to take triple science + 1 humans combi in Yr 3/4, but the school allows pretty much most choices of humanities for students taking double humans, though most students who do so would prefer to take up English Lit + History/Geog. However, there ARE also some students who take up History + Geog combination - I know one who's my friend, in fact.
3. Econs
Economics is a subject that is offered only at Yr5/6 level, as the others have mentioned. However, there is a compulsory financial literacy class at Yr3/4, and at Yr4, an optional Economics preparatory class is opened for students who are keen to explore what economics is like.
Lastly, in response to iamastudent's comments:
Firstly, DHS SH is a newly established JC program, therefore it is unwise to compare with other established JCs such as VJC or HCI, whether in academic results or school culture. However, in the short years since we have been established, I find it remarkable that we have already produced a President's scholar, and as the others have mentioned, the A-level results are improving every year. Also, there ARE actually some perks to being a newly established JC, such as the many opportunities that SH life in DHS has to offer. For example, students are actually allowed to create interest groups and participate in them as CCAs in SH, and because we are so new, teachers are very open to the suggestions of the students.
Secondly, to the point on the workload. I am not in a position to comment on the SH workload, but from what I have heard from my seniors in Yr 5, the workload in SH is tremendous - but I believe that is true for every other JCs, as there is a need to prepare for the upcoming A-levels.
On the JH workload though - consistency is the key. This would be funny coming from me (since i'm no hard worker myself), but my friends are able to cope very easily with the workload, and I find that the main reason for that is that they are very consistent in their work. They finish whatever homework their teacher doles out on the day they were given, and prepares for exam weeks before a test, no matter how small it is. That, and the fact that they strive to understand whatever the teacher has taught in class, and seek consultations with teachers to clarify their doubts. They do it with so much ease that they can find time to play games or pursue their own interests 1-2hrs everyday. Of course, not everyone in DHS is like that, but they don't find themselves drowning in the workload either. So, in short, be consistent, prioritise your time, and apply a schedule that works for you, that would be enough to 'survive' Yr4.
Thirdly, results. There is no point fretting over what's done, actually, because you can only change the future by hard work. Believe me, I was in your shoes once. In fact, I scored a 2.93(top 75%) for my first semester and a C for geography, while most of my other classmates scored 3.2 and above. It was a horrible experience, but every bit worth it, because it kicked off my superiority complex after achieving a decent PSLE score and spurred me to mug... and score a decent 3.2 (top 50%). So my advice would be, make the most out of this holiday, because there really is no point stressing over your past results, and maybe relax and enjoy a bit, though if you really want to, practice those areas which you were weak at (because Yr 1/2 content would be important foundation for Yr 3/4) - basically, prepare yourself for Yr 2, because it would be another whole year of academic rigour.
There's actually a bit of a good news, if you are math-science inclined: because 5 of your subjects would be math/science in Yr 3/4 (if you intend to take triple science), this CAN pull up your GPA... by a lot :evil: So don't worry too much, just work hard and you can pull it off, and also, stop comparing yourselves with your friends; a little competition is good, but too much unhealthy competition which breeds unnecessary stress and cause your grades to suffer more - again, been there, done that
Lastly, that bit on anime. Sorry, couldn't resist, since i'm an anime fan myself, but I have absolutely no idea where you got that notion from, but I'm guessing it's not reliable, since many anime fans (including myself) do just fine in school. The thing is, all addictions are essentially distractions, so they WILL cause your grades to suffer, if you LET THEM to. So the key thing is, like I have mentioned previously, learn to prioritise your time - try to strike a balance between studying and distractions, because too much of either isn't good for you.
Sorry this is such a long post, guess I got carried away
This is only my point of view, I'm neither too wise nor too experienced to give a firm advice, so take it with a pinch of salt -
May I know whatβs the average girl-boy ratio in each class at Dunman?
Heard the ratio is 4 girls to 1 boy at NJC, wonder if it is similar to that at Dunman
Thanks -
Itβs generally 2 girls to 1 boy, though some classes may be different.
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CaptRamen:
:goodpost: Thanks for taking time and effort to share your invaluable experience! Do drop-by often to share more! Totally appreciate it.Hi, seems like there are a lot of Dunman High students here.
I am a Yr 4 student this year, just to clarify a few things:
1. You do not have to be particularly good in Chinese to strive in DHS.
To use myself as an example to illustrate, I was not particularly good in Chinese when I entered DHS. Sure, the school has a strong chinese culture (i.e. strong respect for Chinese values, etc.), but because lessons are taught (like all other schools) in English, and teachers and students generally converse in English, there is no reason for poor Chinese standards to influence your grades and performance in any way except for your Chinese grade (of course).
2. Double Humanities
As far as I know, at least for my cohort, most students would prefer to take triple science + 1 humans combi in Yr 3/4, but the school allows pretty much most choices of humanities for students taking double humans, though most students who do so would prefer to take up English Lit + History/Geog. However, there ARE also some students who take up History + Geog combination - I know one who's my friend, in fact.
3. Econs
Economics is a subject that is offered only at Yr5/6 level, as the others have mentioned. However, there is a compulsory financial literacy class at Yr3/4, and at Yr4, an optional Economics preparatory class is opened for students who are keen to explore what economics is like.
Lastly, in response to iamastudent's comments:
Firstly, DHS SH is a newly established JC program, therefore it is unwise to compare with other established JCs such as VJC or HCI, whether in academic results or school culture. However, in the short years since we have been established, I find it remarkable that we have already produced a President's scholar, and as the others have mentioned, the A-level results are improving every year. Also, there ARE actually some perks to being a newly established JC, such as the many opportunities that SH life in DHS has to offer. For example, students are actually allowed to create interest groups and participate in them as CCAs in SH, and because we are so new, teachers are very open to the suggestions of the students.
Secondly, to the point on the workload. I am not in a position to comment on the SH workload, but from what I have heard from my seniors in Yr 5, the workload in SH is tremendous - but I believe that is true for every other JCs, as there is a need to prepare for the upcoming A-levels.
On the JH workload though - consistency is the key. This would be funny coming from me (since i'm no hard worker myself), but my friends are able to cope very easily with the workload, and I find that the main reason for that is that they are very consistent in their work. They finish whatever homework their teacher doles out on the day they were given, and prepares for exam weeks before a test, no matter how small it is. That, and the fact that they strive to understand whatever the teacher has taught in class, and seek consultations with teachers to clarify their doubts. They do it with so much ease that they can find time to play games or pursue their own interests 1-2hrs everyday. Of course, not everyone in DHS is like that, but they don't find themselves drowning in the workload either. So, in short, be consistent, prioritise your time, and apply a schedule that works for you, that would be enough to 'survive' Yr4.
Thirdly, results. There is no point fretting over what's done, actually, because you can only change the future by hard work. Believe me, I was in your shoes once. In fact, I scored a 2.93(top 75%) for my first semester and a C for geography, while most of my other classmates scored 3.2 and above. It was a horrible experience, but every bit worth it, because it kicked off my superiority complex after achieving a decent PSLE score and spurred me to mug... and score a decent 3.2 (top 50%). So my advice would be, make the most out of this holiday, because there really is no point stressing over your past results, and maybe relax and enjoy a bit, though if you really want to, practice those areas which you were weak at (because Yr 1/2 content would be important foundation for Yr 3/4) - basically, prepare yourself for Yr 2, because it would be another whole year of academic rigour.
There's actually a bit of a good news, if you are math-science inclined: because 5 of your subjects would be math/science in Yr 3/4 (if you intend to take triple science), this CAN pull up your GPA... by a lot :evil: So don't worry too much, just work hard and you can pull it off, and also, stop comparing yourselves with your friends; a little competition is good, but too much unhealthy competition which breeds unnecessary stress and cause your grades to suffer more - again, been there, done that
Lastly, that bit on anime. Sorry, couldn't resist, since i'm an anime fan myself, but I have absolutely no idea where you got that notion from, but I'm guessing it's not reliable, since many anime fans (including myself) do just fine in school. The thing is, all addictions are essentially distractions, so they WILL cause your grades to suffer, if you LET THEM to. So the key thing is, like I have mentioned previously, learn to prioritise your time - try to strike a balance between studying and distractions, because too much of either isn't good for you.
Sorry this is such a long post, guess I got carried away
This is only my point of view, I'm neither too wise nor too experienced to give a firm advice, so take it with a pinch of salt -
caramel_:
Thanks for sharing! This is really useful information for the 2013 Sec1. :goodpost:hi:) i am a year 1 student in DHS. I would like to give my input on the yr 1 curriculum. Overall, I find the subjects manageable and not too difficult.
For Higher Chinese, the standard is no doubt high but it is generally okay to score for as long as you do well for your ζθ―θε― by scoring roughly 18 and above out of twenty and for project works, as it would be able to pull your score up from a low B to an A. The format of the Higher Chinese papers take a while to get used to as there are usually two comprehension passages with 7 or so 4-6 marks questions. Moreover, the passages have a lot of deeper meanings required for one to understand to score for the longer questions. The η»Όεε‘«η©Ί is quite difficult as the words are mostly not found in the syllabus and can have fairly similar meanings to one another. However, the paper only takes up 30% of your grade for CT1 & 2.
For LA, the main focus would be the assigned book for the year, being Animal Farm in Year 1. It requires deep understanding and the ability to PEEL to score well for the paper in which you have to write an essay for 2 questions, with about 6 paragraphs in total. The comprehensions are manageable and the LA teachers would give you several chances to have timed practices in class. LA would be one of the subjects that are harder to score for in my personal opinion.
For Humanities, Geography would be easier than History at the start of the year as Geog is based more on facts. Geography tends to be easy as long as you know your facts well and are able to apply them. History would be considered as one of the harder and most dreaded subjects. It requires the students to PEEL for each questions several times, with multiple parts to one question. However, once you get the hang of PEELing, it becomes a skill necessary in the following years and for other subjects like Geog and LA. The History EOY paper consist of question 1 with parts a, b and c, which is a total of 2 PEELs+3 PEELs+ 3 PEELs+1 Conclusion respectively, while the second question has two parts, 5 and 12 marks each. The first part requires one paragraph whilst the second, 3 PEELs+1 Conclusion again. This all has to be completed in 1h45min and sometimes the questions may be a bit confusing if not vague, which is one reason why History is one of the most hated subjects.
For Math and Science, these two subjects are the easier ones to score for. However, be prepared to have many surprise Math tests throughout the year. By doing well for your assignments, a consistent A or A+ would even be able to pull up a C to an A for your CT. You will be given many notes and as long as you understand them they are easy to apply in the exams for both subjects.
Now for some shameless school promotionI find that this school year has been very enjoyable, with many activities and an unforgettable Orientation Week. I must say that our class spirit is really strong and we are all very much bonded. It is also not very stressful and quite relaxed, having the time to actually have a social life and not mug all day. The people in DHS do not really look down on those who score lower and this helps them to not feel as pressurized. There are many engaging activities throughout the year and compared to Primary School, it just feels like there is more freedom for the class in general. Also, your CCA mates are going to be one of the people that stay in your life for a long time, as I can honestly say that I have never felt so bonded to my CCA mates ever. Your first year in DHS is one that would create many memories, good and bad.
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CaptRamen:
Nice to have existing students (esp senior high students) to come here to post their sharings and first hand experiences.....
I am a Yr 4 student this year, just to clarify a few things:CaptRamen:
Yes, for the past yrs there are still some who took both Geog and Hist....[2. Double Humanities
As far as I know, at least for my cohort, most students would prefer to take triple science + 1 humans combi in Yr 3/4, but the school allows pretty much most choices of humanities for students taking double humans, though most students who do so would prefer to take up English Lit + History/Geog. However, there ARE also some students who take up History + Geog combination - I know one who's my friend, in fact.
but Not for the current year (yr 3), there isnt such class for this combination of subjects.CaptRamen:
Do continue yr sharings here....believe DHS's students/ parents will appreciate yr informative sharings.......
Sorry this is such a long post, guess I got carried away
This is only my point of view, I'm neither too wise nor too experienced to give a firm advice, so take it with a pinch of salt -
caramel_:
Would like to highlight this point here regarding of yr mentioning of ζθ―θε―hi:)
For Higher Chinese, the standard is no doubt high but it is generally okay to score for as long as you do well for your ζθ―θε― by scoring roughly 18 and above out of twenty and for project works, as it would be able to pull your score up from a low B to an A. The format of the Higher Chinese papers take a while to get used to as there are usually two comprehension passages with 7 or so 4-6 marks questions. Moreover, the passages have a lot of deeper meanings required for one to understand to score for the longer questions. The η»Όεε‘«η©Ί is quite difficult as the words are mostly not found in the syllabus and can have fairly similar meanings to one another. However, the paper only takes up 30% of your grade for CT1 & 2.
Yes, for CA1 and CA2, it does help to pull up a \"B\" to an \"A\" for HCL.
But for EOY exams, there would not have this component of ζθ―θε―,
hence it might not be able to pull a \"B\" of EOY to an \"A\" for overall grade
since EOY occupies 50% of it. (well....it depends alot on whether is it a high B for CA1/CA2)
When comes to yr3, it will be tougher as the EOY occupies 60% of it.
η»Όεε‘«η©Ί is the portion where most pupils lose their marks...... -
Hi Guys, I'm a Year 2 student moving on to Year 3 next year.
The reason why there isn't such an option of Geog and Hist this year is due to the fact that very few people chose that particular combination to 'open' a new class catering for like-minded people with that interest.
Every cohort is unique in a different way and some cohorts may find triple science better than double science double humanities.
Anyway, I feel that DHS is a really lovely school with a friendly and cozy culture.
Many of the students and staff are approachable and will feel free to help when necessary
An exciting part of school life will be the numbers of 'pop quizzes' every student will experience especially for Math.
Quizzes will be dished out unexpectedly during random lessons without the student's knowledge and the grades will be calculated in the CA1/2. Thus, consistency is the key where the year 1s have to be alert and not wait for tuition.
Also,I personally feel that tuition is not really necessary.
Many of my peers (and myself) do not require tuition and can score quite well with GPAs of around 3.6+.
However, tuition is used to reinforce a student's learning of a subject and will be unnecessary for a student for subjects like Math during the school term as the quizzes will appear before the student go for the tuition lessons which is what parents do not want.
But the tuition lessons will be useful to kickstart a student's learning early.
LA is quite a challenging subject to score and it is in fact quite difficult to score an A although it is possible.
Geography is (supposedly) easier in Year 1 than Year 2 because Year 2 Geography requires students to write tons of essays but with practice, it is okay although students must be prepared to see their hands drop off after the Year 2 EOY exam. ><
On a final note, just listen up during lessons and when you have any questions, the teachers would be more than willing to spend time with you in the CONSULTATION ROOM
Consultations are a big thing in Dunman High (especially towards the exam periods) where (frantic) students will chase after their teachers and ask them tons of questions.
Anyway, you will not regret being a part of the Dunmanian Family -
dhsstudent:
Seeing is believing, even students of all levels are coming in with their contributions ,it is like a big family who is really sincere, care and guide one another, be it teacher or friends from 6 levels.Hi Guys, I'm a Year 2 student moving on to Year 3 next year.
The reason why there isn't such an option of Geog and Hist this year is due to the fact that very few people chose that particular combination to 'open' a new class catering for like-minded people with that interest.
Every cohort is unique in a different way and some cohorts may find triple science better than double science double humanities.
Anyway, I feel that DHS is a really lovely school with a friendly and cozy culture.
Many of the students and staff are approachable and will feel free to help when necessary
An exciting part of school life will be the numbers of 'pop quizzes' every student will experience especially for Math.
Quizzes will be dished out unexpectedly during random lessons without the student's knowledge and the grades will be calculated in the CA1/2. Thus, consistency is the key where the year 1s have to be alert and not wait for tuition.
Also,I personally feel that tuition is not really necessary.
Many of my peers (and myself) do not require tuition and can score quite well with GPAs of around 3.6+.
However, tuition is used to reinforce a student's learning of a subject and will be unnecessary for a student for subjects like Math during the school term as the quizzes will appear before the student go for the tuition lessons which is what parents do not want.
But the tuition lessons will be useful to kickstart a student's learning early.
LA is quite a challenging subject to score and it is in fact quite difficult to score an A although it is possible.
Geography is (supposedly) easier in Year 1 than Year 2 because Year 2 Geography requires students to write tons of essays but with practice, it is okay although students must be prepared to see their hands drop off after the Year 2 EOY exam. ><
On a final note, just listen up during lessons and when you have any questions, the teachers would be more than willing to spend time with you in the CONSULTATION ROOM
Consultations are a big thing in Dunman High (especially towards the exam periods) where (frantic) students will chase after their teachers and ask them tons of questions.
Anyway, you will not regret being a part of the Dunmanian Family
That is why there are people who got CO for RI,HCI & NYGH chose DHS.
:grphug: :celebrate: -
My son wishEs to go to dunman high but his score only 255+3 can go in asking so that noneed waste a choice