There is one way to fulfill his wish if he is not selected. What my DS did was he organized regular weekend session with his peers for badminton, just for leisure. Importantly, they built camaraderie, teamwork, leadership skills. I stayed at the sideline and watch in awe what the boys can do on their own as long as they are happy and have a good time.

In general, sports in HCI is not for leisure but to win medals. Those school players will be in. The rest have to go for trials. A few may get selected. Those with no sports background will usually end up in uniformed groups or clubs. My DS was in such a category. All his choices in sports were rejected because he did not impressed during the trials. He was upset of course. He got posted to unifrom group. But on hindsight, it was good for him. He is physically tougher and very tan now, well prepared for NS from the drills, pyhysical fitness tests, shooting etc.

Its hard to tell u what time they come home. It depends on what they join or study. As a guide, he is home around 8 pm on CCA days. If he gets to assume leadership roles or take part in national competitons, 11 pm is possible. This was why I mentioned earlier not to be too "greedy" in that everything u also want. One CCA is fine, two will be a stretch, three may "kill" him. Because HCI boys want to win at all national competitions. So even in uniformed groups, they train really really hard to try to win gold. Don’t forget he has to study and rest. Just sharing what I saw in some parents previously and count myself lucky I am not that poor child. Let nature take its course is best. Just support and cheer them on is what I would do.

Sec 1 and 2 no difference in consortium. Sec 3 onwards will depends on which elective he takes. DS was in ProEd and posted to Ortus in Sec 3 because of Literature elective. He resisted because he dont want to move out of his comfort zone. I checked and told him that Ortus has produced president scholars and angus ross winners (top in A level literature), just to assure him that he was not being \"dumped\" for no reason. It is a humanities consortium. So the posting was for his good because he belongs there.

No need to be anxious, just let your sons explore his interest and strength in Sec 1 and 2 and then let the school decides what is good for him when the time comes. The teachers know the kids strength and want to produce winners down the road. Its their KPI. The consortium director told me that the panel reviewed each kid's capability and results every year before they made any decisions, not anyhow tikam. DS has done well in Ortus and made new friends. I thank his teachers who helped him to settle down very quickly. As parents, i think we should trust the school's judgement. The way i see it, we are just the \"supporters and cheerleaders\" of our kids. Our life is quite easy if we take that perspective and trust. And there will be no more kiasu parents.
DS has set up his CCA booth today, and waiting to recruit some Sec 1 boys next week to join his team.

Yes fully agreed. Parents have to learn to let go or else they will never grow up. I let DS take bus from East to school on his own even though I could have drop him along the way to the West. Also let him decide if he wants to do 3rd language, electives, CSE, CCA, etc. He's the one studying. I appreciate Dr Hon's good intention to caution parents during Sec 1 orientation not to be too greedy.

Imconcern:

Welcome to HCI.

From past experience when my boy was posted to HCI 4 years back, we saw majority not in their school U. You can then go to make purchase of their books and uniform then.

Main thing is for parents not to get overly excited and try to decide everything for them. Remember, they are officially no longer a P6er. They are going Sec 1 and moving into a different chapter which will require a different mindset from parents when managing their progress.

One piece of advise. Join the PSG under the diff consortium. You will benefit from your involvement and interaction. Will help to manage our expectations and anxieties as parents too.

Just checked HCI website about promotion criteria. Seems they have drop the standard.

When my DS went to Sec 1 : MSG for Sec 1, 2, 3 and 4 are maximum 4, 3, 3 and 3. Not negotiable. Above those numbers, go to Q class. And if more than 1 point above those numbers, bye bye.
Now MSG for Sec 1, 2, 3 and 4 are 6, 4, 3 and 3. Big drop in promotion requirement for Sec 1 and 2 which is surprising.
What is the meaning of \"Express\", Q class first, need to take O level ? Confusing..

yin3:

Hi, I just received SMS on the secondary one posting. However, the message says my DS is posted to HCI EXPRESS course. I am a little confused as I thought HCI is IP? Anyone can share if this message is common for all accepted students?
Thanks.

DS Sec 2 Maths Text is Discovering Mathematics 2A and 2B by Chow Wai Keung. Are they what you are looking for ?

He did not buy all the e-books.
And he just realized that he had "misplaced" his Sec 3 Maths book in school. Reason - it was never used hence he could not remembered where he left it. Amazing ?

Ellehcim and others, you are welcome. Don’t be so kancheong, your sons will feel your stress… Sec 1 is an adjustment year for every student, IP or not. Many will struggle for sure, but HCI has a good system to help them. Relax…

Yup, I am amazed and grateful that the school has \"changed\" him from an extreme introvert to a student leader in just 2 years. His teachers make him attend debate training and attachment in Tung Lok to learn how business is run and meet the founder during his sabbaticals. Parents, just be mentally prepared that you will see lesser of your DS.:( Mine is away this week at a retreat to plan the coming Sec 1 orientation.

Hi. My son is in Sec 4 HCI. I read the many questions from many parents, hope I can help to answer some.

1. No need to buy Maths text books. So far, all this teachers gave handouts and worksheets. Its like in the uni. Same for Science subjects. It's a waste of money.
2. Literature, English and Chinese should buy, from my experience...
3. Any decent laptop will do, not necessary to spend too much. My son uses a Dell (I bought for him in Sec 1 from IT Show) for his projects and emails and of course computer games every night with his peers.
4. School uniform 2 or 3 sets maximum is sufficient. On Fridays, they are allow to wear PE attires, so buy 3 PE T shirts if he sweat a lot from my son.
5. If he comes back late, there are several reasons: studying in school with his peers, CCA, CIP. My son comes back at 9 or 10 pm every Friday because of CCA. Some weekends, he is busy because he is a student leader and also involve in PathLight School projects.
6. 3rd language should be his decision. My son did not want to take it back then, even though I wanted him to do so. But I respected his decision, I'm not the one studying. He told me a number of his friends eventually drop it because no time....

Parents, I had the same anxiety as you when he entered Sec 1. I did not set him up for any DSA, GEP or whatsoever. I \"panic\" when I got his PSLE results, wow can go IP, so how? I still could remember that \"eventful\" Saturday when I drove him around to see several IP schools, and asked him which one he likes ? Only to be told at the school gates that \"Sorry, our Open House is over long time ago, you cannot go in\". The only exception was HCI. We got to park the car inside and walk around. Students were helpful to ask questions when I asked, and very polite and respectful. These tell a lot about the school and the upbringing. On hind sight, I know I made the right decision for him. It is not just about exam results. So relax, let your son enjoy his 6 years there, be it studies or CCA or his peers.

Let me know if I help if you have any questions.