Hwa Chong Institution (High School)

[AWSP]

yellow-dk:

Does anyone know the differnece between Isspark n mainstream in terms of syllabus and pace?

I saw a difference in the Maths TextBks, heard that some GEP students DSAed in with lower scores than the main cohort; however it appears that that the main cohort cannot cope with the maths syllabus. ---- I am confused --- I would nevertheless like to see a level playing field rgdless for DS in sec school.
No offence but I think GEP have an unfair advantage.

[yellow-dk]

AWSP:

I saw a difference in the Maths TextBks, heard that some GEP students DSAed in with lower scores than the main cohort; however it appears that that the main cohort cannot cope with the maths syllabus. ---- I am confused --- I would nevertheless like to see a level playing field rgdless for DS in sec school.

No offence but I think GEP have an unfair advantage.

DSA is about specific talents, GEP or mainstream, there will be cases where those entering via DSA may have lower T-scole. Inevitable cos it is that specific talent that the school wants, but i suppose the scole wont be tht far off. As for GEP kids, the syllabus in P4 to P6 is already quite different from mainstream mainly becos these kids need more challenging stuff to keep them going, else they may get really bored in school... maybe better this way

[AWSP]

yellow-dk:

DSA is about specific talents, GEP or mainstream, there will be cases where those entering via DSA may have lower T-scole. Inevitable cos it is that specific talent that the school wants, but i suppose the scole wont be tht far off. As for GEP kids, the syllabus in P4 to P6 is already quite different from mainstream mainly becos these kids need more challenging stuff to keep them going, else they may get really bored in school... maybe better this way

I would suppose that your children are from GEP?

[yellow-dk]

AWSP:

I would suppose that your children are from GEP?

both, GEP and non-GEP...

[247mum]

Can parents who has kids in this proogramme share / advice on the Ispark programme? :?:

1. What subjects do they take?
2. The syllabus - how can we ensure the child is able to cope... must child be very independant to do well?
3. Any other info that may we need to know

Thank you

[Chirunner]

Ds2 will be in sec 1 HCI next year. After buying all the books I realised so many are optional, including ALL the Chinese n math books. Now I wonder if I’ve wasted money buying them. Anyone knows if these books will be used at all?


I should be happy my son’s going there but I don’t know why I wish he’d chosen RI or ACSI. Only consolation is it’s so close to home he can walk to school. I hope it will turn out to be the right choice for him- he was adamant on HCI even though almost all the boys in his GEP cohort have chosen RI. Anyone with positive experiences in HCI who can allay this mom’s apprehension? Ds1 is in the ACSI IB n I was positive about it from the startn still think it’s the best choice for him. Just hope this is the best choice for ds2. Perhaps only time can tell?

[longreach]

Chirunner:

Ds2 will be in sec 1 HCI next year. After buying all the books I realised so many are optional, including ALL the Chinese n math books. Now I wonder if I've wasted money buying them. Anyone knows if these books will be used at all?


I should be happy my son's going there but I don't know why I wish he'd chosen RI or ACSI. Only consolation is it's so close to home he can walk to school. I hope it will turn out to be the right choice for him- he was adamant on HCI even though almost all the boys in his GEP cohort have chosen RI. Anyone with positive experiences in HCI who can allay this mom's apprehension? Ds1 is in the ACSI IB n I was positive about it from the startn still think it's the best choice for him. Just hope this is the best choice for ds2. Perhaps only time can tell?

Hi Chirunner,

My son also got into ACSI IB program via DSA, however, we are now appealing to another IP. Would you be able to share with us why you feel that IB program is best choice for your DS1? Thank you.

[Chirunner]

I felt that the school culture and the program suited him best amongst the top 3 boys’ schools. Now I have people looking at him and saying he must be an ACS boy - kinda like that, don’t really know how to explain. He’s very sensitive and reflective and yet sociable, and has his own opinions about many issues, and the IB calls for them to make their own stand about lots of issues. He loves to write as well, and that’s something that you need to do a lot in the IB. It’s a well-rounded program, and that’s what he is - he has very wide ranging interests. It was partly a process of elimination as well - I felt that HCI and RI just wouldn’t suit him.

[poohandtigger]

I heard about this consortium thing in HCI open house. Can soemone throw some light on what this is about?

[Chirunner]

Can anyone tell us more about HCI’a programs? There’s a lot of enlightening information about RI’s RP and how kids get selected for RA kn sec 3 but I’m totally in the dark about HCI’s programs. Would appreciate if any HCI parent or student can enlighten us. TIA