Secondary 2 Streaming

[Tamago123]

Hi phtthp,

That is what I thought as well; it seems not possible to do H2 Physics or H2 Chem without ‘O’ level foundation.
However, besides HCI, I checked TJC and Yishun-Innova.
This "assumed knowledge" remark seems to be a new update from More than 1 JC
In TJC 2022 subject requirements, it now states clearly that for Bio/Chem/Physics H2, only Assumed Knowledge is needed. No longer "pre-requisite " like previous years
TJC also explains clearly
"Subject prerequisites are centrally set MOE requirements that students must fulfil in order to
be eligible to offer the subject at the A-Level."

" Assumed knowledge refers to the set of content knowledge that students are expected to
have learnt in advance, usually as part of a corresponding subject at O-Level, which teachers
will build upon as part of the A-Level syllabus. Students without the assumed knowledge
may offer the subject but will be expected to bridge the knowledge gap during the
course of study."

Hence my confusion. Hoping anyone can clarify? Thanks again

[lego]

Hi Tamago123, I think HCI, as well as the other JCs which u have checked on are just following what is stated as per the subject information for H2 Physics on SEAB’s website.

It states that “ The syllabus has been designed to build on and extend the content coverage at O-Level. Candidates will be assumed to have knowledge and understanding of Physics at O-Level, either as a single subject or as part of a balanced science course.“
I suppose “part of balanced science course” would mean combined science with physics.
So, it’s not a must to have taken pure physics at O levels to take H2 Physics, but u need to have taken at least combined physics with another science as required by the respective JCs in that case. (Sorry, I hope I got your question correctly.)

https://www.seab.gov.sg/docs/default-source/national-examinations/syllabus/alevel/2022syllabus/9749_y22_sy.pdf

[Tamago123]

Thanks Lego!

[wishingstar0]

Hi fellow parents, seeking confirmation on my understanding in the pre-requisites for taking H2 Biology at A levels, is it correct that students must hv taken either pure Bio or combined science with Bio at O levels in order to select H2 Bio? Is there any JC that allows students to select H2 Bio if they had not taken this subject at O levels at all? Thx in advance.

[SG_KP1]

wishingstar0\" post_id=\"2043604\" time=\"1635080236\" user_id=\"43589:

Hi fellow parents, seeking confirmation on my understanding in the pre-requisites for taking H2 Biology at A levels, is it correct that students must hv taken either pure Bio or combined science with Bio at O levels in order to select H2 Bio? Is there any JC that allows students to select H2 Bio if they had not taken this subject at O levels at all? Thx in advance.

HCI does not require students to take Bio in Sec 3-4 to take Bio in JC. I am not entirely sure how to answer the \"combined science with Bio\" part of your question, as the current subject info and prerequisites only says \"assumed knowledge of O Level Bio.\" Similarly, I'm not entirely sure how many kids take Bio in JC without taking Bio in Sec 3-4.

https://admindev.hci.edu.sg/uploads/A_Level_Subjects_info_for_2022_JC_1_updated_30_Aug21_de0584714f.pdf

[sharonkhoo]

wishingstar0\" post_id=\"2043604\" time=\"1635080236\" user_id=\"43589:

Hi fellow parents, seeking confirmation on my understanding in the pre-requisites for taking H2 Biology at A levels, is it correct that students must hv taken either pure Bio or combined science with Bio at O levels in order to select H2 Bio? Is there any JC that allows students to select H2 Bio if they had not taken this subject at O levels at all? Thx in advance.

I don't know for sure, but I think that most JCs would need to be quite strongly convinced if they are asked to allow a student without upper sec Bio (combined or pure) to take H2 Bio. They may require the student to take some kind of test, and perhaps make an undertaking to self-study during the vacation, and would probably want to assess that the student is strong enough to do so. You might want to connect with 1-2 JCs (which your child hopes to go to), and just ask what they might allow. Even if it has been allowed for a student in the past, the JC may not allow it for all students, but only on a case-by-case basis.

[doodbug]

Frankly, I wouldn’t recommend it. Under the old system our time (we had 1st three months JC based on prelims, then receive O levels results, then final posting) I took Bio in JC without taking Bio in Upper Sec. I found it pretty insurmountable. Fortunately, we could switch subjects or combinations easily after the 1st three months, and I did - switched Bio for Econs - in spite of missing 1st three months, there wasn’t any issue of catching up. However, I found Bio without prior knowledge very very tough. It’s not just the theory, there are practical aspects too.


JC students now no longer have the ‘1st three months’ luxury to try things out - the decision on subjects, once made, is more or less final (you can only drop one H2 to H1). So do consider carefully - even if the school allows, I am not sure if it is a suitable decision. It depends on the kid, of course.

[Imp75]

I think is doable depending on kid’s calibre. Dd ex classmate did not do bio in nygh but took up H2 bio in hci. So far no issues and coping well. Of cos she has found her calling to be a doctor therefore drop physics for bio.

[wishingstar0]

Thx a lot for all of your inputs, appreciate 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Pebbly]

phtthp\" post_id=\"2043218\" time=\"1634802378\" user_id=\"35251:

Tamago123\" post_id=\"2043216\" time=\"1634801614\" user_id=\"178908:

[quote=lego post_id=2040914 time=1633428868 user_id=11821]

My girl took triple sciences with single humanity because she really don’t want to take an additional humanity subject. She said she will “suffer” if she have to do so, lol.
I’m perfectly ok with her choice too.

Btw, it seems like HCJC’s latest info for 2022 JC1 students no longer states that u need to have a B3 in chemistry in sec 4 to be able to take it in JC.
https://admindev.hci.edu.sg/uploads/A_Level_Subjects_info_for_2022_JC_1_updated_30_Aug21_de0584714f.pdf
That said, laying a good foundation in the subject will be good for her if she wants to continue to take it in JC.

Hi Lego,
Thanks for the link re HCJC 2022JC1 info, it is very useful.
May I ask a question:
To take Physics , remarks state
\"Assumed knowledge of ‘O’ level Combined Science (Physics, Chemistry) OR O- level Physics or equivalent.\"
Does this mean the JC1 student need not have taken Combined Science (P/C), need not have taken Pure Physics at \"O\" Level or but can still apply for Physics H2?
For Bio - what I understand is no need Bio at \"O\" levels , can take Bio H2.
But for Physics I'm not clear.
Thanks in advance

To take H2 A-level Physics,

Compulsory to take O-level Physics

Or

Combined Science involving Physics and scored decent acceptable score. Go to the JC to check

Without any of the above,

No way

To do H2 A level Physics!

How can u don't even have slightest back ground foundation in physics, can jump straight to do a level Physics?[/quote]Back in the day, I took A level physics without taking O level physics ( was triple humanities student at O level). It was a difficult journey - school resistance all the way, pressured to drop the subject, mediocre grades until A level exam, but I did get A for the subject at A level.

However that was then and given the pressure now at A levels, would not recommend even if the school allows it. For biology it may be more (if not the most accessible subject vs physics/Chem/maths) but the course content is considerable.