Hi

My daughter just got into Mgs sec 1 this year. May I ask if there are parent chat groups for each class? Also does anyone know where can we buy the skorts? Thanks

CowMooMoo\" post_id=\"1957355\" time=\"1578159516\" user_id=\"183405:

pandabear88\" post_id=\"1955147\" time=\"1577152848\" user_id=\"31976:

My child is joining the MGS O Levels program. I would like to find out more about the Sophia Blackmore Academy in particular - how many classes are there, is it subject based e.g. humanities, Maths & Science or covering all subjects, what is the cut off point & promotion criteria..... Appreciate any insights into this beyond what is available on the MGS website?

hi, i know you were redirected but i'll post my answer here in direct response to your query

I was in the SBA at MGS (now IP) and there are usually 3 classes for SBA, but based on 2018's intake there happened to be only two (1I and 1E), one for Math and Sciences and the other for Languages (as long as you get an A* for said area, your child will be automatically posted to one of the SBA classes). Usually, there'll be three SBA classes (1E, 1I and 1O), one for both areas and one more for all-rounders; people who got A* for at least one subject in both areas and is in the O Level program will be in said class). Cut-off point for SBA is 250, if she was previously from MGS Primary but 255 for non-affiliated. Assuming she is already in MGS, promotion criteria is that she must pass Language Arts as a subject whole for end-of-year overall grade and get an overall pass for all subjects. Regarding lessons, depending on your class, for example if you are SBA Math and Science there will be a different math book the students get to use, same as IP students (if you're not in said class you are still free to purchase it for additional revision), emphasis is mostly spread out equally but if you are in the SBA *blank* subject-oriented classes only slightly a bit more, but other than that, that's about it. SBA students also get to take one additional non-examinable compulsory subject called Philosophy, Thinking, and Knowledge (PTK) which the IP girls take, and will be beneficial to your child if she is planning to pursue the IP route in Y3 or going to ACSI after the O' Levels in Sec 4.

I do hope your girl will enjoy her time at MGS and her Orientation, because I had a hand in planning some of the games, haha ^^

Hi, may i ask please:
1. what is the latest cut off for SBA
2. how many girls moved from SBA to IB after sec 2
3. how many girls moved from O to IB
thanks!

how many mgs girls successfully move from O to IB after sec 2? thank you

Hi, for kids who are exempted from chinese - what language will they be offered?

And could anyone share about the GAT please? Is it an IQ test? Thanks!

Hi, I’m looking for advice with regards to DSA via shooting or sailing please. Thanks

Mitochondria:

tomatocellulose:

Dear kanekii,


I am a SOTA student and although I am not from the Theatre Faculty, from the conversations I have had with my Theatre friends (I am entering Year 5 next year) it can get extremely hectic, especially for the performing arts students. This is usually due to the rehearsals that they have to do for their upcoming performances, mostly school related (Although we had Body of Land which was at the Esplanade last year!).......

In regards to this post, it's not wrong. I'm keeping this short and sweet and answering your questions as efficiently as possible.

1.

kanekii:

is it easier to join in Year 2 or Year 3 for Theatre?

I recommend joining as early as possible. There are a lot of skill taught in year 2 that are crucial to performing at least decently in year 4. Such examples include 'Realism' and 'Brecht' theatre forms. In year 4, we were asked to make a monologue following those forms.

2.

kanekii:

do i need to have a very detailed portfolio to transfer in Year 2 or 3?

No. I came in with one year of drama club. It lies on your skill or potential/eagerness to learn. Some of the best actors in our year were on waiting list. Not because of talent, because of their lack of eagerness. The key here is to understand what the interview wants to achieve. It wants to know the student, not the talent.

Although, a pretty portfolio wouldn't hurt. Make sure to compile it nicely and word it properly.

3.

kanekii:

is it hard to fit into SOTA? this is one thing i've been pondering actually :scratchhead:
what are the students like in SOTA?

Not hard at all, we had three new students come into year 5 and they've all settled in quickly and well. Students in SOTA are quite vast, as each individual is unique on its own. If there's anything I should note, I believe everyone is just relatively accepting of everyone. Its not the kind of place where you would be bullied for being homosexual. Of course, as with any school, drama and personal issues come up, but that's subjective to you and your group of friends.

4.

Kanekii:

also last of all, what is the curriculum like in SOTA? i heard that the hours are long but is it really very tough and stressful?

Curriculum in the lower years (as far as I know) have changed from what I went through. For starters, on top of math and science, you will take literature. Not english, literature. Here's a small list of the subjects you would likely be taking.
- Literature: a study of texts and poetry, it aims to analyse and understand. You'll be tested on your knowledge of books as well as how well you can interpret a poem in both meaning and structure. That's just a basic description, there's more to it.

- Math: Standard, it doesn't really digress from the norm.

- Science: In the lower years, you're taking a basic science that consists of chemistry, physics and biology. In year 3 to 4, you will be taking chemistry, along with either bio or physics (note that you can jump straight into only one science if you wish). In year 5, you can pick one.

- ExE: Basically P.E class

- Mother Tongue: Standard, unless you're exempted from MT

- Geography and History: We used to take a mix of everything (Geography, History, Anthropology, Economics) in one subject known as IHSS. But its changed now, you may have the option of taking only Geog or history in year 5 and above. Standard learning as with most secondary schools.

- ELCT: This tests mainly on critical thinking skills, and this is exclusive to the IB programme. It entails analysis of ethical situations, as it looks at world issues (such as censorship, discriminations, ethical situations) and requires the student to approach this with a clear mind.

- Art Form (Theatre): Unlike drama club, and what they don't specify enough during open houses, is that there is a LOT of theory involved. Much so that by the time you hit year 5, theory increases two fold, and you are only given one performance showcase in year 5 and one more in year 6. Year 4 is the time to shine with those performances, so give it your all there.


In the lower years, i would say you still have a lot of free time. It really starts to take over starting year 4, and by year 5, you would have at least pulled a month's worth of all nighters (if you're lazy and an underachiever like me). I would say that it is very stressful, especially now with the actual IB exam looming over me. But if you take it one step at a time and pace yourself, I would say that you can do it. After all, we've had at least 10% of a cohort achieve the highest possible marks for IB (a 45) and its growing every year.

The school does aim to compensate late hours, and homework is lesser compared to standard secondary schools. The projects do require a lot of effort though, and time management is crucial if you want to at least have the mental strength to get through the IB years. Sleep is another thing, and that's up to you. Teachers sometimes compensate if rehearsal hours are late for theatre students (allowing them to come at 10:15 with their permission), although the dance faculty does this almost every day with no complaint. The school does a decent job of preparing you however, you'll get used to it eventually.

Feel free to ask any more questions if you wish.

That is very informative, thanks. Do you have info to share about the experience for those in visual arts please?

Hi! I’ll like to find out how can I register my son for the Junior Academy. My son is in P5.

Also, how should we go about prepping his portfolio for application to the school in P6? Thanks!!

Fern12:

jangoh:

What is the breakdown for SJI?

I called SJIJ yesterday at 5 pm, and they said only 22 applicants within 1 km. the number looks good for those within 1 km. I am not sure about the stats for those beyond 1 km.

Thank you!

Gan Chiong Mummy:

Gan Chiong Mummy are you in P2B as well?

Hi Jsmm, u are right! Only >2km ballot which i think hv been so for many years.... I m in phase 2c 1km :nailbite: :nailbite: :nailbite: what abt u?[/quote]

Hi Gan Chiong Mummy, I'm in the same situation as you. Would you like to share what is the backup school? I'm in a dilemma about this. Thanks![/quote]

Hi Jangoh , have u registered?[/quote]

Not yet. Still looking at numbers. Wondering if there can b a surge of ppl <1k tmw...