Networking Group - JCs General

[jtoh]

Unfortunately, since 2006 all students must take at least one contrasting subject so the option of triple science + math at H2 level are no longer available to most students. That is the reason why the most common subject combinations these days is BCME and PCME, Econs being the contrasting subject.

[Teacher Aaron]

jtoh:

Unfortunately, since 2006 all students must take at least one contrasting subject so the option of triple science + math at H2 level are no longer available to most students. That is the reason why the most common subject combinations these days is BCME and PCME, Econs being the contrasting subject.

I know about the contrasting subject requirement, but the contrasting subject can be offered at H1 level. You can still take triple science and math at H2 level and take, say, Economics at the H1 level, which the result will be of no consequence to university admission.

Triple science and math at H2 level is the best subject combination based on my knowledge of university admission requirements. Of course, the question is whether JCs are willing to offer such an option. Maybe parents can try to pressure JCs to offer this option?

[DadOfGirl]

Teacher Aaron:

DadOfGirl:

[quote=\"Teacher Aaron\"]

If you ask me, my only advice is to have at least two science H2, unless your children really hate science. From the viewpoint of being able to successfully qualify for a place in a local university, students in the science stream in JC have more options because you can apply to all the faculties, but if you are in the arts/humanities side, you already close the door to the science, engineering and computing schools.

It's informed choice. If you can't do Physics at O -level(Bio-Chem option) , then you won't do 3H2 Science at A level( Bio, chem & Maths will qualify for only Medicine/Dentistry ) So all Engg/Computing course are out of window.

Here are options for Arts/Humanities students.
1: SMU( Social sciences, Economics)
2: SMU-Law
3: NUS-Law
4: NUS-Art & social science
5: SUTD-Architecture
6: Yale-NUS Arts program
7: SIM-Community Law( Is it opeing by Aug-2016?)

Yes, you are right that if you can't do Physics at O-level, you can't offer the subject at H2 level in JC, but you are mistaken that you cannot do Engineering if you didn't do H2 Physics at \"A\" levels. Take a look at this link from our FoE website: http://www.eng.nus.edu.sg/ugrad/prospective/eng_admissions.html

H2 Mathematics is a must for all engineering disciplines, but Physics is not compulsory and can be substituted with H2 Chemistry. The catch is that you must have had taken \"O\" level Physics.

For arts and humanities JC students, I believe they should be eligible for Business Administration as well. It's best that those in the Arts Stream offer H2 Mathematics to slightly broaden their options in university.[/quote]Noted. I thought Accountancy & business administration course at SMU will be filled up by Millium institute students, but looks like other students can apply as well.

[dohmisoh]

jtoh:

Unfortunately, since 2006 all students must take at least one contrasting subject so the option of triple science + math at H2 level are no longer available to most students. That is the reason why the most common subject combinations these days is BCME and PCME, Econs being the contrasting subject.

My 2 cents worth that I tell my own kids.

Logic by which you choose your subjects.

1) Choose subjects that you like (chances are, you will be good at it)
2) Choose subjects that you are good at (can score)
3) Choose any subject (boh pian)

:boogie:

[sharonkhoo]

Teacher Aaron:

jtoh:

Unfortunately, since 2006 all students must take at least one contrasting subject so the option of triple science + math at H2 level are no longer available to most students. That is the reason why the most common subject combinations these days is BCME and PCME, Econs being the contrasting subject.

I know about the contrasting subject requirement, but the contrasting subject can be offered at H1 level. You can still take triple science and math at H2 level and take, say, Economics at the H1 level, which the result will be of no consequence to university admission.

Triple science and math at H2 level is the best subject combination based on my knowledge of university admission requirements. Of course, the question is whether JCs are willing to offer such an option. Maybe parents can try to pressure JCs to offer this option?

That means taking an extra H1 subject on top of 4 H2 subjects? That's only for the most able students then. Many are already struggling with 3 H2 + 1H1. I'm not sure all students will be permitted to take the extra subject even if they want to.

Your analysis is good for students who have no idea what their passions are or are purely pragmatic in their outlook. For students who have a passion, it would be best to follow their passion (at least the broad area) rather than do sciences just because they can. They are likely to be more interested in their studies and will probably derive more intrinsic satisfaction from their work. I was one who qualified to do the triple science+maths combination in the days when it was allowed, but I chose to do humanities as I couldn't face the prospect of 2 more years (or more) of sciences. I have not regretted that choice.

[dohmisoh]

Teacher Aaron:

jtoh:

Unfortunately, since 2006 all students must take at least one contrasting subject so the option of triple science + math at H2 level are no longer available to most students. That is the reason why the most common subject combinations these days is BCME and PCME, Econs being the contrasting subject.

I know about the contrasting subject requirement, but the contrasting subject can be offered at H1 level. You can still take triple science and math at H2 level and take, say, Economics at the H1 level, which the result will be of no consequence to university admission.

Triple science and math at H2 level is the best subject combination based on my knowledge of university admission requirements. Of course, the question is whether JCs are willing to offer such an option. Maybe parents can try to pressure JCs to offer this option?

From NUS website.
Computation of University Admission Score »
The University Admission Score (UAS) is computed as follows:


the best four content subjects (i.e. 3 H2 and 1 H1 content subjects, with at least 1 content subject to be from a contrasting discipline) either GP or KI grade taken in the same sitting
H1 Project Work

:evil:

[jtoh]

The 4H2 + 1H1 combination is really for the very strong students and you will need special approval to take it (if the school even offers it in the first place) because the school has to be sure you can cope with it. Unless you’re a really strong student, I would prefer to go with 4H2 which you are good at and have an interest in. No point forcing yourself to study Physics or Biology if that’s not your cup of tea. Why would you want to go into an area of study in university and eventually career if you don’t like that subject to begin with?

[Teacher Aaron]

jtoh:

The 4H2 + 1H1 combination is really for the very strong students and you will need special approval to take it (if the school even offers it in the first place) because the school has to be sure you can cope with it. Unless you're a really strong student, I would prefer to go with 4H2 which you are good at and have an interest in. No point forcing yourself to study Physics or Biology if that's not your cup of tea. Why would you want to go into an area of study in university and eventually career if you don't like that subject to begin with?

Yup, I agree that if you already know it's not your cup of tea. Interest should be the top priority for sure. I'm offering my view on a purely pragmatic standpoint of having the most number of options.

If you can stomach giving up one H2 and living with 3 H2 subjects, I suggest spending the time on beefing up non-academic achievements to try for discretionary admission as a spare parachute.

[Teacher Aaron]

dohmisoh:

jtoh:

Unfortunately, since 2006 all students must take at least one contrasting subject so the option of triple science + math at H2 level are no longer available to most students. That is the reason why the most common subject combinations these days is BCME and PCME, Econs being the contrasting subject.

My 2 cents worth that I tell my own kids.

Logic by which you choose your subjects.

1) Choose subjects that you like (chances are, you will be good at it)
2) Choose subjects that you are good at (can score)
3) Choose any subject (boh pian)

:boogie:

:goodpost:

[Teacher Aaron]

slmkhoo:

Teacher Aaron:

[quote=\"jtoh\"]Unfortunately, since 2006 all students must take at least one contrasting subject so the option of triple science + math at H2 level are no longer available to most students. That is the reason why the most common subject combinations these days is BCME and PCME, Econs being the contrasting subject.

I know about the contrasting subject requirement, but the contrasting subject can be offered at H1 level. You can still take triple science and math at H2 level and take, say, Economics at the H1 level, which the result will be of no consequence to university admission.

Triple science and math at H2 level is the best subject combination based on my knowledge of university admission requirements. Of course, the question is whether JCs are willing to offer such an option. Maybe parents can try to pressure JCs to offer this option?

That means taking an extra H1 subject on top of 4 H2 subjects? That's only for the most able students then. Many are already struggling with 3 H2 + 1H1. I'm not sure all students will be permitted to take the extra subject even if they want to.

Your analysis is good for students who have no idea what their passions are or are purely pragmatic in their outlook. For students who have a passion, it would be best to follow their passion (at least the broad area) rather than do sciences just because they can. They are likely to be more interested in their studies and will probably derive more intrinsic satisfaction from their work. I was one who qualified to do the triple science+maths combination in the days when it was allowed, but I chose to do humanities as I couldn't face the prospect of 2 more years (or more) of sciences. I have not regretted that choice.[/quote]I understand that feeling. I made myself do science in JC, and life was crap for two years, and I swore off science after receiving my \"A\" level results. I am sure if I continued in the sciences, I would have never been able to become a valedictorian.