phtthp:

hi,


at Upper Sec (3 and 4) level, before sitting for major GCE \"O\" level exam : may we know what kind of Practical, applied Science projects that SST Secondary school get students to work on ? can name an example each (project), for (Chemistry, Bio, Physics) ?

most of the time, are these projects done in mini group of 3 students, or done individually ?

Thanks very much, for kind sharing. Appreciated

Hello. Let me break everything down, especially projects from Sec 1. Sharing what my child has experienced.


Lower Sec (Year 1 & 2)
The focus is more on applied/interdisciplinary learning. Simply put - establishing a strong & wide base

Projects for Year 1&2: Performance Task & Alternative Assessments (PT&AA)

PT&AA are usually projects that require students to apply what they have learnt (thus the name). Students are required to give a presentation, produce a video etc. Assessment differs from subject to subject because of the different subjects both core and extended curriculum

IRS - Interdisciplinary Research Studies (Year 1): Focus on research methods/data collection and analysis. IRS is focused on current affairs issues, ie. Water Scarcity, Transportation system etc. To build foundation in research and to allow students to see how technology and scientific advancement affects society. Students will have to do report. Report is graded.

ISS - Investigative Skills in Science (Year 2) : Focus on scientific research/ engineering projects. Students are free to decide whatever project they want to do under the guidiance of their teachers. A term is set aside for students to carry out their independent projects. Students have to produce report (building from skills in IRS). Report is graded.

Upper Sec ( Year 3&4)

Students will have to choose 1 of the 4 applied subjects offered : biotechnology, electronics, computing and design

To clarify : These are O level examinable subjects aka equal weightage to \"normal subjects\" like Mother Tounge, Emath. Students are able to compute L1R5/L1R4/ELR2b2 etc with these subjects.

Usually held in a 3 hour block divided between theory and practical (Application and practicals every week if I'm not mistake) In Biotech, the learn study about genes, DNA, bacteria etc. Electronics studies about electronic engineering, their applications etc. Naming of subjects are pretty self explanatory if you ask me.

All experimentation will be done under the supervision of lecturers and lab-technicians though students are expected to do experiments independently ( reason is because of coursework (paper 3) which accounts a significant percentage (~30 percent) of the Student's O level paper in addition to written exams)

Sciences (Ie. Physics, Chem, Biology)

School only offers Pure Sciences. Chemistry is compulsory as governed by MOE. Students Usually take double science ( ie. Chem +Phy/Bio) in addition to applied subject mentioned above. Triple science takes all three sciences in addition to applied subject

SEAB examination requirements has a practical aspect ( all schools have to do this). Students will be trained in relevant practical skills ie, circuits, titration etc

Alternative Assessment - Sec 3

Same as Sec 1-2. Focus on application of knowledge and interdisciplinary.

For instance, my child's Chem AA was in conjunction with EL AA. For the Chem part, they needed to design a portable filtration system. The EL part was to write a speech promoting and marketing the system

Noting that the projects in SST are very interdisciplinary in nature.

In addition, you have the programmes in conjunction with various tertiary institutions ie. Ngee Ann Poly - SST entrepreneurship camp ( SST offers Innovation & Entrepreneurship as part of its lower sec extended curriculum), NTU-SST Flagship programme etc.

So yes, learning its very much applied and interdisciplinary in nature in SST, true to the school's vision

Hi all! Just to share


SST Open House 2017 is on 27 May 2017!!

Hi all. It has been a few years since SST and NUSH has been established. So I hope to weigh in on this issue which was discussed aeons ago and provide a more holistic perspective.


I do know parents who have sent their children to NUSH, while my own child is in SST. I will try to make this comparison as constructive as possible.

There are 2 key main differences being the qualifications and curriculum. I must emphasize SST and NUSH are 2 very good schools who have niches in different areas

SST is very much applied and interdisciplinary based while NUSH, as mentioned, is still very academic based. Both require strong foundations in the Sciences and both schools cater to different learning styles.

So it is important to consider what kind of your learning style is most suitable for your child. This was the consideration I had when deciding with my child to which school he should apply to.

With regards to qualifications part, NUSH offers a diploma while SST offers O level.

There was some discussion on which path SST Students will take after SST.
The answer is that the paths taken are very very diverse. Some go onto Poly to study various subjects such as Engineering, Film and Biotechnology (they offer Applied Subjects at SST which are taught by Ngee Ann), others go to JC in both arts and sciences stream and they head over to uni. My opinion is that the SST curriculum allows students to be more flexible in a certain sense to decide which educational pathway.

On the other end, the NUSH diploma has its own merits as well ( as discussed), the diploma is well grounded in the academia side of the sciences and of course, NUSH Diploma holders also head over to uni.Nothing much to elaborate here because it’s a pretty straightforward route to uni for those with NUSH Diploma

Both schools have strong credentials and track records. They are also well supported, NUSH obviously by NUS while SST is supported by Ngee Ann Poly, NTU and lately SUTD.

So ultimately, it is up to your child’s learning style. Both schools have their perks and they have their differences, so ultimately it’s up to the child to decide which school’s curriculum really appeals to them. I hope this has been helpful and constructive for all those parents who are in still deciding on the "NUSH vs SST" debate.

Noting that this is a NUSH thread, do head over to the SST thread if you want to know more about SST and I will be happy to answer questions

UncleLim:

phtthp:

still confused over NUSH and SST ... SST part not very clear.


- seems like NUSH leads to NUS eventually (more theoretical based, more research oriented),

- whereas SST (more practical based, more hands on oriented) leads to polytechnic first, then to NTU eventually.

wonder if half way through got students:-

- transfer out of NUSH go into SST, and
- vice versa, transfer out of SST go to NUSH.

after all, both also focus on Maths and Science. It's just different approach in learning.

Hi phtthp, let me put it this way. Forget about the diploma etc. I understand that you are wondering where the difference in the 2 schools lie since they are sort of focused on more technical subjects. The truth is they are worlds apart, at least in goals and direction.

NUSH wants to groom the very best of maths and science students to emerge as leaders in their scientific fields. That may be through research, academia, engineering innovations etc. The school is modeled after the Bronx School of Science in New York which produced numerous Nobel laureates.

SST, on the other hand, seeks to teach \"applied technology\". Your child may end up with or without a degree. But his training will gear him towards using technological skills and tools to solve problems. So despite studying maths and science, he or she is not likely to become a mathematician or a nuclear scientist or a cancer researcher. However, the SST grounding will be perfect for application engineers and a host of other jobs that requires systematic thinking and logic.

I frankly think transfers either way between NUSH and SST are rare.

Hi all. It has been a few years since SST and NUSH has been established. So I hope to weigh in on this issue which was discussed aeons ago and provide a more holistic perspective.

I do know parents who have sent their children to NUSH, while my own child is in SST. I will try to make this comparison as constructive as possible.

There are 2 key main differences being the qualifications and curriculum. I must emphasize SST and NUSH are 2 very good schools who have niches in different areas

SST is very much applied and interdisciplinary based while NUSH, as mentioned, is still very academic based. Both require strong foundations in the Sciences and both schools cater to different learning styles.

So it is important to consider what kind of your learning style is most suitable for your child. This was the consideration I had when deciding with my child to which school he should apply to.

With regards to qualifications part, NUSH offers a diploma while SST offers O level.

There was some discussion on which path SST Students will take after SST.
The answer is that the paths taken are very very diverse. Some go onto Poly to study various subjects such as Engineering, Film and Biotechnology (they offer Applied Subjects at SST which are taught by Ngee Ann), others go to JC in both arts and sciences stream and they head over to uni. My opinion is that the SST curriculum allows students to be more flexible in a certain sense to decide which educational pathway.

On the other end, the NUSH diploma has its own merits as well ( as discussed), the diploma is well grounded in the academia side of the sciences and of course, NUSH Diploma holders also head over to uni.Nothing much to elaborate here because it's a pretty straightforward route to uni for those with NUSH Diploma

Both schools have strong credentials and track records. They are also well supported, NUSH obviously by NUS while SST is supported by Ngee Ann Poly, NTU and lately SUTD.

So ultimately, it is up to your child's learning style. Both schools have their perks and they have their differences, so ultimately it's up to the child to decide which school's curriculum really appeals to them. I hope this has been helpful and constructive for all those parents who are in still deciding on the \"NUSH vs SST\" debate.

Noting that this is a NUSH thread, do head over to the SST thread if you want to know more about SST and I will be happy to take questions too

Parent of 4 years here. Has been a year since the new P (Linda Chan) assumed office.


From what I see, observe and here, the school is relatively the same. Student teacher relationship is still very very strong, learning is more personal. Understand that she has signed more partnerships, expanding opportunities which is a good thing.

With regards to involvement with new principal, it has been usually student leaders who interact with School Administration and students. She has made improvements to school infrastructure from school feedback. She tries to interact with students, students do talk to her directly if they have an idea. Though they usually go through teachers which has been the case since sec 1.

With regards to student life now, I have written the following post in the SST thread. Do hop over there if you are interested about SST:
Hi, hope I can shed some light as my child is currently in SST. Now in upper secondary

SST’s selection process is very different from other schools. As it is the only admission pathway into the school as its a Specialized Independent School - which means it has autonomy to develop its on programmes etc.

The process looks at Logical Reasoning and mastery of language –> CRT and GAT

I understand they also look at the "whole person".

As some of you know, the second stage of the admissions process is the interview where there are some projects/task given. This tests the candidate’s appeal to applied and interdisciplinary learning ( the core foundations of a SST Education), communication skills etc. In addition, their critical thinking and linkage to solving real world problems through STEAM ( Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts and Math) is articulated, so the teachers will pick the candidates from there.

My advice is just go and apply. Not having Olympiad does not mean they are a weak candidate. If your children do reasonably well and has decent grades, portfolio and does well through the assessment, he/she will be admitted into SST

With regards to the PSLE scores. As its an all DSA school, they do fluctuate. For the weaker students at the end of the spectrum, I think I can fill you in on SST’s remedial system.

It’s called SSP - Essentially its small consultation classes any student can attend. Weaker students are identified and told to attend these smaller classes.This gives time for teachers to work together with the child. In addition, I find SST teachers one of the most accommodating in the sense that they actively encourage students to organize consultations aside from SSP. The teacher - student relationship is very strong across the board.

So yes, the school has systems, the school has resources. If the students want to delve into the sciences, they can always join the Talent Development Programme or Propose to go for competitions with a teacher advisor. If they want to do service learning, the teachers are always open to suggestions.

If the student wants to improve academically, the teachers will be accommodating with consultations etc.

I guess its the work hard, play hard culture in SST

I am quite glad that the teacher student relationship for acad and beyond is very strong.

The resources are there, its just whether the students want to use it or not

Thank you

Adding on to my previous post, I have never really heard of formal interviews for any programme in SST. Its usually a round table discussion with teachers. At least that’s they style of SST interviews I guess. Its the formal - informal culture the school has with teachers and students making learning personal because the teachers do really understand the child inside out - interest, personality etc

kwcllf:

Just to add. Whichever CCA your child joins, there will be ample opportunity to take part in competitions.


But for Talent Development Programmes that thinkie.lee mentioned, it is not for everyone. You have to be recommended by your teachers and undergo an interview. Also, you must show that your school results are OK as they would not want such additional programmes to affect their studies.

By the way, the school fee is $300/month, up from $280 previously.

Agree that TDPs are not for everyone, therefore interest is important.

From what I understand, in SST, TDPs can be chosen by Students. I understand from my child that the Math TDP is on a sign up basis. Its a module type. Students will have to indicate interest and the teachers will evaluate and develop from there. Being SST, the Math, Science and Engineering TDPs are the more \"hot programmes\" though English, ADMT and other TDPs do exist. I have not heard of Students having to go through formal interviews, just conversations with teachers. As I said earlier, if there is a need for academic intervention, the school will work with the child, 1:1, something that I like and appreciate alot.

Competitions are often sent to the entire cohort. Its on a sign up basis.

In all honesty, SST student schedules are often packed. Time is spent in developing the child's interest. Students can propose working on a science project or going for certain competitions. The teachers are usually very supportive. You don't have to be in TDP to go for competitions. TDP is more like extended learning, though some go for competitions as well.

Being a parent of a child in this school for 4 years, I have to say in all honesty, as I said alot of times that the opportunities are there. Students just have to propose and talk to their teachers. Its very personal.

About school fees, I understand that there bursaries available by MOE, subsidizing quite a far margin. I understand that school will work with families because of extraordinary circumstance. So not to worry

To add on, I personally think the aptitude to applied and interdisciplinary learning is very important because its the foundation of the teaching and learning style in SST.


In the lower Sec level, they have a lot of activities and "cooler" classes : Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Art Design Media Technology (ADMT). Programmes such as: NTU flagship programme, Ngee Ann Poly - SST I&E camp etc.

Upper sec, all student have to take the Applied Subjects ( examinable at O levels) - Biotechnology, Electronics, Computing and Design. The applied subjects are pretty unique to SST.

So as you can see, the aptitude to applied learning and interdisciplinary learning is pretty much essential to the entire education experience in SST.

kwcllf:

Ender:

[quote=\"lee_yl\"]Thanks for all the replies.


My friend would like to know if her DS academic results are not so ideal even though he has a keen interest in Robotics (but did not win any competition as school did not invest in their CCA), would it affect his chances as he has nothing much to showcase?

How not so ideal? My son was above average in his P5 results. His CCA is rock climbing, no medals, so nothing relevant to SST.. He doesn't have robotics experience or any math Olympiad medal.. Basically he has nothing much to showcase. But we just put his CCA and his external drums lesson grade into the dsa form. And applied for the GAT and CRT.
My opinion, as long average in P5 result, still stand a chance. I think the GAT and CRT test has more weightage for being shortlisted.

Yes, I agree. Once you get through the GAT and CRT tests, the Selection Camp is also important.

Heard that SSST takes in students with PSLE T-Scores from a wide range, even down to the 220s, although in the past it has revealed that the average T-Score for each cohort is above 240.

However, the school does not reveal such \"sensitive\" information. But in my DD's class, some of them had scored above 260 and quite a number of them above 250.

If you have set your sight on SST, just go for it. Nothing venture nothing gain.

Even if your child don't get into SST, it's not the end of the world. My DS, who is in JC1 this year, didn't manage to get into SST but he did very well in his \"O\" levels although he was from a neighbourhood school.[/quote]Hi, hope I can shed some light as my child is currently in SST. Now in upper secondary

SST's selection process is very different from other schools. As it is the only admission pathway into the school as its a Specialized Independent School - which means it has autonomy to develop its on programmes etc.

The process looks at Logical Reasoning and mastery of language --> CRT and GAT

I understand they also look at the \"whole person\".

As some of you know, the second stage of the admissions process is the interview where there are some projects/task given. This tests the candidate's appeal to applied and interdisciplinary learning ( the core foundations of a SST Education), communication skills etc. In addition, their critical thinking and linkage to solving real world problems through STEAM ( Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts and Math) is articulated, so the teachers will pick the candidates from there.

My advice is just go and apply. Not having Olympiad does not mean they are a weak candidate. If your children do reasonably well and has decent grades, portfolio and does well through the assessment, he/she will be admitted into SST

With regards to the PSLE scores. As its an all DSA school, they do fluctuate. For the weaker students at the end of the spectrum, I think I can fill you in on SST's remedial system.

It's called SSP - Essentially its small consultation classes any student can attend. Weaker students are identified and told to attend these smaller classes.This gives time for teachers to work together with the child. In addition, I find SST teachers one of the most accommodating in the sense that they actively encourage students to organize consultations aside from SSP. The teacher - student relationship is very strong across the board.

So yes, the school has systems, the school has resources. If the students want to delve into the sciences, they can always join the Talent Development Programme or Propose to go for competitions with a teacher advisor. If they want to do service learning, the teachers are always open to suggestions.

If the student wants to improve academically, the teachers will be accommodating with consultations etc.

I guess its the work hard, play hard culture in SST

I am quite glad that the teacher student relationship for acad and beyond is very strong.

The resources are there, its just whether the students want to use it or not

Hi all. Firstly, merry christmas.


My child is currently enrolled in SST and is entering Sec 4 next year. With regards to the macbooks, I personally feel that the most important thing is to get insurance, whether you get from vendor or from other source.

I have heard stories from my child of kids damaging their macbooks here and there, screen crack, hit onto people, rough handling etc.

Personally, if you are getting from Sapura, they should have the insurance either added in or as top up. Sapura is the operator of the SST help desk, so they do all the repairing etc. If convenience and security is your cup of tea, then I would encourage Sapura packages or their insurance.

If not, consider the apple care plan, for a peace of mind. Hope this helps.

If you have any questions, I will be delighted to share