@chenlaoshi thank you Chen Lao Shi for your recommendation.

@chenlaoshi
Hi Chen Lao Shi, can I check is 议论文similar to argumentative writing in Eng ? Can you share the broad categories of topic tested for 议论文？ Any good books to let kids familiarize on the topics ? Cos eng at least the theme are given so it is easier to narrow down.
Thanks

chenlaoshi\" post_id=\"2107225\" time=\"1683004723\" user_id=\"162894:

zeal_mummy,

In O-Level, the students will have 3 compo questions to choose from (although for school WA, sometimes, it may be restricted to a specific type of compo questions - assessment of learning + increase exposure so as to minimize situation where students put all their eggs in one basket - i.e. only practice/learn how to handle 1 particular type of question):
－记叙文
－议论文（／演讲词）
－材料新闻

The topics they should know can be found in 逗号 under 话题，新闻消化室 and NIE说说看 sections.

For the 250 idioms, some schools included it in the book list, others hand out notes, so do check before proceeding to purchase.

Left, idioms: https://sapgrp.com/product/%E4%B8%AD%E5%AD%A6%E5%BF%85%E8%80%83%E6%88%90%E8%AF%AD250%E6%9D%A1-%E4%B8%AD%E5%AD%A6%E9%AB%98%E7%BA%A7%E5%8D%8E%E6%96%87-%E5%BF%AB%E6%8D%B7%E5%8D%8E%E6%96%87-%E6%99%AE%E9%80%9A%E5%AD%A6%E6%9C%AF/

Right, proverbs & common sayings: https://sapgrp.com/product/%E6%88%90%E8%AF%AD-%E8%B0%9A%E8%AF%AD-%E4%BF%97%E8%AF%AD-%E6%83%AF%E7%94%A8%E8%AF%AD-%E6%AD%87%E5%90%8E%E8%AF%AD-%E4%B8%89%E5%AD%97%E8%AF%AD-%E5%9B%9B%E5%AD%97%E8%AF%AD-idioms-proverbs-commo/
https://i.imgur.com/KlPVdZ2.jpg\">https://i.imgur.com/GKZBr5K.jpg\">

Hi chenlaoshi,
Is there an update to the 250 idioms cos of the new syllabus in 2021? The idiom list from my kid sch seems like got some differences with the popular book?

Hi,

any teachers to recommend for balmoria branch for ip English?

please share referral code too. thanks.

Hi fellow mummies, happy new year!

my kid is in ip2 this year. Anyone has any IP English enrichment center to recommend?

Thanks alot!

harsha9\" post_id=\"2077736\" time=\"1659963171\" user_id=\"128683:

Hi all! I'm a Sec 1 student studying in SST currently, and I'm using my dad's account
Anyways, I would like to clear some ice about SST and tell you more about it from a student's perspective. I hope this helps you in the future!

To start things off, like most of you know, SST is a Specialised Independent School. However, it does not differ much from a traditional secondary school apart from its programmes and curriculum.

Whatever I am being taught in SST for Maths and English is exactly the same as what students in traditional secondary schools would be learning. However, our Science curriculum differs slightly. Although we are taught everything that is necessary for O-Level Science, we follow a special way of learning by going from Biology to Physics and then Chemistry. The teachers are very gentle and caring and don't mind tutoring you after school if you need help. During lessons, they will not tell you to memorise things. Instead, they create funny and engaging situations that help us remember concepts even more clearly. We also have the ChangeMakers Programme in our curriculum, which consists of ADMT, ICT, I&E and PS. These subjects equip us with the necessary skills needed if we want to start a business. Although these are engaging subjects, some students like me may find them hard and a bit stressful as we also have to focus on our core subjects.

Now, some of you may be concerned about the girl-to-boy ratio in SST. Currently, it is at about 1:3. When I first heard about this, I was hesitant to join SST, being concerned that relationships and crushes could affect my studies. However, now that I'm in SST, I can confidently tell you this is nothing to worry about. The boys and girls here are really very good friends. Everyone here is motivated and always ready to help each other whenever necessary. I have many boy friends in SST who are very caring towards the girls. The seniors here are also very nice!! I managed to get tips and notes for exams from them, and we bond a lot. Everyone here has a connection with each other. No one, and I mean no one, is left behind anywhere.

Here in SST, if you want to sign up for a competition, by all means, go ahead! We have a student blog and announcer created by our SST Inc. members. Competition details are released here, and a Google form is available for SST students if they want to sign up. We also have various Talent Development Programmes specialising in different fields. Students can withdraw if they are not interested, and it is not compulsory for them to be in a TDP. However, these TDPs give you a much wider view of each subject, and it is highly encouraged to join at least one.

To address the issue of where SST Students go after graduation, from what I heard, about 60% of the 2021 cohort went to JCs. Some popular JCs that many SST Students are SJI, NJC and EJC. I'm sure that some of you have the perspective that SST is a 'go to poly after grad' school or that it convinces you to go to poly. Peer pressure has nothing to do with this! We all have our own perspectives and respect each other's decisions. In the end, the decision of where the students go depends on their area of interest and the amount of effort they put in. The new IDP programme is optional, giving us the opportunity to take O-Levels if we want.

There are many facilities in SST. Firstly the classrooms. They are very spacious with aircon in each class. However, they are not turned on due to COVID. One thing I wish the school would do is to change the flooring as it is a bit unpleasant to look at :frustrated: The various tables around the school in quiet areas provide a conducive environment for students. The auditorium is a wonderful place to be, although it takes a long time to cool down. The lecture theatre and seminar rooms are also airconditioned and block out most noise from outside. The canteen is a bit small, but everyone has a place to sit, and if the students want to, they are allowed to stay back in class during their break time. The food from the cafe is amazing and also available at a cheap price which is very appealing. The general office staff are kind and ready to help you whenever you need with medical kits on hand for emergencies.

Regarding CCAs, we have plenty of options to choose from. I am in Robotics@APEX, and I do not regret joining. Despite the long hours, it is a great joy after I complete a competition as I can tell myself, \"Yes. I did it.\" We have a total of 16 CCAs. All of these CCAs are really unique, and you can appeal if you are unhappy with the CCA you are put into. Many friendships are formed through CCA.

As a class, everyone knows everyone. In my class, we created a class website for everyone to use and also went to the extent of creating a class t-shirt! We also have mascots which we love playing with. These are some happy moments that I shared with my class. As a whole school, SST is really bonded. Seniors and juniors are friends with each other. Everyone is happy to help another. There are many fun moments that we have experienced together as a school. There were times when our WiFi was cut down, and we all were sad. Every single moment here in SST is a memory for a lifetime.

Regarding DSA, I would say if your child wants to go for it, let him/her do it. I chose SST not because my parents told me to(they actually didn't want me to go to SST) but because I was personally interested in the school's programmes. And I do not regret it. I got AL8 for PSLE so it was a letdown for my parents when they found out that I could have just gone for the IP Programme. But deep down, I knew that I wanted to go to SST. Please, I ask you all, don't limit your child. Let them explore their interests and allow them to make their choices. If you are unhappy, do sit down and have a chat with them to discuss your options.

Being a Sec 1, I may not know much about SST, but this is a summary of all I have experienced so far
I'm sorry if I made any spelling or grammatical errors!
If you have any questions, do ask me, and I'll try my best to answer. Thank you!!

Wah thanks so much for taking the time to share these info, very useful for parents and kids. Hoping my kid can join SST next year too :xedfingers: !

Hi, fellow parents,. Any holiday class for June holiday u planning to send your kid for Maths and Sci?