My DD graduated in the last year 2016 batch.


Since then NUSH has a new lady principal, a revamped 100% intake (170) by DSA and there is also significant curriculum change in the curriculum including compulsory Computing studies for year 1 students. Computing Science has also added as the 4th Science Honours major apart from the Triple science. NUSH is the only JC where top category of student can take up to 3 Science Honours and Math Honours (the toughest in terms of modular credits at Year 6). Astro-physics is also being introduced to the curriculum. On top of that NUSH advocate students to do maths and science research from early years (Y3 onwards). In the past NUSH about 60% of graduates go into science and 40% in other areas. My gut feel is that future batch graduands, as much as 80% is expected to be pursuing science and computing. It would be more science "biased" than before. Hence the DSA is to filter out the science "potential" from the non-science students.

The DSA "competition" to enter NUSH is definitely tougher, the expectation is higher and the bar is raised much higher than any time say 2 years back.

Just take a look at the performance 2017 cohort in International Maths and Science Olympiads to know the standing of the school.

IMO 2017 ( 6 reps - 3 from NUSH (1G, 1S (almost G) , 1B) 3 from RI (1 G, 1B, 1HM)
ICHO 2017 ( 4 reps - 2 from NUSH (2 G), 1 form RI (S), 1 from HCI (S)
IPHO 2017 ( 5 rep - 2 from NUSH (2 G), 3 from RI (3 G)
IBO 2017 in progress (4 reps - 2 girls from NUSH, 2 boy from RI

At the SSEF 2017, NUSH has won 7 gold, 7 silver, 8 bronze, 7 merit and 5 special awards.

At the A*STAR Talent search competition, NUSH is the overall top school with 2nd and 3rd individual prize winners.

So parents who wish their DC to join NUSH need to know what their children expectation and what they are in for the next 6 years of their academic development.

That’s provided there is a supplementary intake conducted in November or even then probably the top T-scores will compete for the limited ?? vacancies. So the chance is very very limited.

Manga32:

I am rejected. Is there any way to appeal or will the Supplementary Intake be open in November? Since they stated that the Supplementary Intake is subjected to vacancy, I am asking this.

Only those on WL has a chance to have CO provided they put NUSH as first choice above any other CO.

There is no appeal for rejection. Those die-hard NUSH rejected may try DSA at Y3.

Shurin:

How many students will make it into the second round and how many will be offered a place?

Based on past years statistics, more than 4,000 applicants sat for round 1 in various test centres in June of which only top 10% or about 400+ are selected for second 2 (DSA Camp). Eventually out of the 400, only 170 places are awarded. To my understanding DSA is now 100% of the intake. Those eventually accepted in are among the best in Maths (60%) and science (40%). Of those accepted , very Very few accepted will ever reject the DSA offers.

NUS High School is already in the 11th year, its yearly statistics and performance of students (and its graduates) really put the school among one of the top Maths and science High school in the region ( and around the world). The reputation of NUS High is such that it is the only high school in S'pore invited by US universities for some competitions.

Just apply and try. If he is bright enough (to scrape through test written round) he is good enough in theory.

The 2nd round test group and teamwork as well as individual practical proficiency. He may ‘lose’ out because of shyness and introverted but may be deemed ok , got selected and given CO or put in wait-list. Remember those strong in maths or the ‘genius’ type are normally don’t shine in a team environment. In short, just apply and if got selected or put on wait-list. The school assessments team know the ‘potential’ of the respective candidate than the candidate themselves.

FantasyLandDreams:

walterp:

[quote=\"nobhill88\"]Hi Ammonite and Miracle Child, yes, the students will do the \"O\" level equivalent by Year 2 and \"A\" level equivalent by Year 4. They do pure sciences and therefore, integrated textbooks used by regular schools are irrelevant because at NUSH, they go in-depth into each subject. So, you can say, that from day 1, they are already doing pure sciences.


Not too sure about \"mugging\" part. It all depends on the individual child's mode of studying. I notice some do well by mugging, some by consistent revision... so, it all depends on the individual child. For NUSH, it is also a lot of independent learning. The teachers are very dedicated, responsible and helpful especially so, when the class size is small.

And don't forget, it is a big jump from primary school to secondary school/ NUSH for all our kids - from just 4 subjects to 8 to 9 subjects. Ultimately, it all depends on the individual child and for the parents to assess if their child can cope with new school, new syllabus, new subjects. One man's meat is another man's poison. For my experience, my dd is in the top 5% in a premier girls school and even though she was accepted by IP school of the same namesake, she chose NUSH because she feels that NUSH offers her a learning experience that is unparalleled to the conventional schools. And she is enjoying herself and learning a lot. The learning curve at NUSH is steep and you will be surprised how well your child can cope, given the steepness. I always marvel at my dd's schoolwork at NUSH and the projects that they have to tackle. Very innovating and challenging. So, parents, if your child is prepared for the challenge, by all means, try for the NUSH DSA. Remember, NUSH is the only school that \"selects\" your child, unlike the PSLE S1 posting whereby it is based on the magical 3-digits and the 6-school selection and your child gets posted accordingly based on supply and demand.

What Nobhill88 said is correct. If your child's interest and passion is in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), NUSH is about the only school in S'pore that is unconventional and where kids can learn at even faster pace for those who can cope. By Y3/Y4 almost everyone is encourage to take part in S'pore Junior Olympiads and some even get started involving in research at local research institution. Just look at the yearly Olympiads and SSEF (S'pore Science and Engineering Fairs) results will tell you the vast difference in standards and performance. Top 5 - 10 percentage of NUSH graduates can get 2/3 years exemptions at local NUS, NTU and even top foreign universities like MIT etc.

After 10 years of curriculum, there are some new changes. I heard the new Y1 batch will take computing science as a subject (previously as Y2 elective) and Specialization started at Y4 instead of Y5. Hence NUSH is a very demanding school for STEM and parents should not be too worry if the DC is selected. Only those who have the proven capabilities and the determination to do well in STEM will be selected by the school.

As I read more on the above sharings, I can't help but conclude that 进得了NUSH， 不一定能 survive the 6 years wor, and I don't think NUSH allow re-take of their diploma if I am not wrong. So parents must really know their child well and consider properly before accepting the NUSH DSA offer perhaps. :siam:[/quote]Out of the more than 2000 applicants every year for the DSA, only 153 (90% of DSA) are selected after 2 rounds of thorough selective testing and closed DSA camp observations. It's unlikely that such kiasi and kiasu candidate(s) and parents as mentioned by you would slip through. Even the 10% selected via S1 posting are the top PSLE T-Scorers and they are even subjected to cross interview and examination.

nobhill88:

Hi Ammonite and Miracle Child, yes, the students will do the \"O\" level equivalent by Year 2 and \"A\" level equivalent by Year 4. They do pure sciences and therefore, integrated textbooks used by regular schools are irrelevant because at NUSH, they go in-depth into each subject. So, you can say, that from day 1, they are already doing pure sciences.


Not too sure about \"mugging\" part. It all depends on the individual child's mode of studying. I notice some do well by mugging, some by consistent revision... so, it all depends on the individual child. For NUSH, it is also a lot of independent learning. The teachers are very dedicated, responsible and helpful especially so, when the class size is small.

And don't forget, it is a big jump from primary school to secondary school/ NUSH for all our kids - from just 4 subjects to 8 to 9 subjects. Ultimately, it all depends on the individual child and for the parents to assess if their child can cope with new school, new syllabus, new subjects. One man's meat is another man's poison. For my experience, my dd is in the top 5% in a premier girls school and even though she was accepted by IP school of the same namesake, she chose NUSH because she feels that NUSH offers her a learning experience that is unparalleled to the conventional schools. And she is enjoying herself and learning a lot. The learning curve at NUSH is steep and you will be surprised how well your child can cope, given the steepness. I always marvel at my dd's schoolwork at NUSH and the projects that they have to tackle. Very innovating and challenging. So, parents, if your child is prepared for the challenge, by all means, try for the NUSH DSA. Remember, NUSH is the only school that \"selects\" your child, unlike the PSLE S1 posting whereby it is based on the magical 3-digits and the 6-school selection and your child gets posted accordingly based on supply and demand.

What Nobhill88 said is correct. If your child's interest and passion is in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), NUSH is about the only school in S'pore that is unconventional and where kids can learn at even faster pace for those who can cope. By Y3/Y4 almost everyone is encourage to take part in S'pore Junior Olympiads and some even get started involving in research at local research institution. Just look at the yearly Olympiads and SSEF (S'pore Science and Engineering Fairs) results will tell you the vast difference in standards and performance. Top 5 - 10 percentage of NUSH graduates can get 2/3 years exemptions at local NUS, NTU and even top foreign universities like MIT etc.

After 10 years of curriculum, there are some new changes. I heard the new Y1 batch will take computing science as a subject (previously as Y2 elective) and Specialization started at Y4 instead of Y5. Hence NUSH is a very demanding school for STEM and parents should not be too worry if the DC is selected. Only those who have the proven capabilities and the determination to do well in STEM will be selected by the school.

jowil219:

Hi my gal just got into CHIJ TP this year and I regretted not reading this forum earlier, now I am really worried about all the negative things mentioned.


Since the last post about the school was in 2012, can I know if any parents with their girls there felt the same for the last 2 years?

You should not worry so much. This school is an above average neighborhood school with strong IJ traditions and alumni support. There are many past students who have excelled at pri and sec level and have done well in life. My older DD is from the TP IJ family since Pri 1. She finished her sec 4 2 years ago, chosen to pursue biomedical science at poly instead of doing her JC. She knows what field she wants to pursue and this is out of her ten years grooming at IJ school.

Zedlyn:

How much is enough pocket money for food for a Year 1 student (whose appetite is much greater than an average teen). Does the canteen charge similar prices as food courts (kopitiam, koufu, etc)? How much does a typical meal cost? Thanks.

Nope, school canteen operator don't charge Kopitiam, koufu kind of price. I have not eaten at DS school for a while. My guess is the price is typically $2 to $3.50 depending on the meal type. Your DS (guess) obviously need double helping. Assuming he take extra meal, snacks if staying back late for CCA, projects etc, typically $10 (exclude public transport) should be more than sufficient.

matadorepy:

RAY142:

Hi wonder mum

Events in year1 what events i should be concern abt
Events(tests) affect year3 n year5

My DD will be in Y5 next year (3 sciences major with honours).

So I hope i understands your interpretation and meaning of event(s) in Y1 affecting y3 thru y5 to answer your concern.

Y1 and Y2 are basically foundation years hence all students are pretty much the same. Some student also take 3rd Language electives (Jap /French) conducted in NUSH. in Y2 some student also start taking Computing studies (CS) elective - VB.Net. Not a pre-requisite yet for y3/y4 CS. Any taken electives with good results( A/A+) can be used to beef up their overall CAP.

In Y3 there are choices regarding Humanities studies options (Arts, , Music, Geography, History, Economics (which they carry through y4 as core modules). Some student also opt for CS Y3/Y4 electives (C/C++, Java and object-oriented programming). Better students are invited at y3/y4 for Physics/Chemistry Olympiads trainings. The school encourage all students to take part in S'pore Physics/Chemistry Junior Olympaids in y3/y4. Most would make their first attempt at Y3 while a few already started at Y1 (especially Maths Olympaids). By Y4 the rigour of the curriculum would have enabled most students to have a go at both Olympiads even if they are not in Olympiads training. The yearly results at SJPO and SJchO (just looking at the no of honourable mentions (physics) and merit (Chemistry) would tell you the difference between typical IP-school.
in y3/y4 some students also started with their first research programme via SMP/ YSC participation.

At year 5 (specialisation year), Maths is a compulsory majors( or Honours) with at least 2 Sciences (major or honours) and a Humanities major or 3 Sciences Honours. From this year onwards, Computing Studies (CS) is also taken a 3rd possible Science Major (pre-requisite y3/y4 CS electives must be taken)

NUSH is also the only school outside of SOTA that allows a student to also to major in Arts (fine/abstract) or MUSIC (which require a senior recital and a performance to graduate) as Humanities major.

The general thinking is - that parents should not be too concern about any specific \"events\" as their DC will be informed and well-taken care of by the school administration and mentors as they went through the 6 years.

May I ask what's the difference between a Subject as a major or as an Honours. ? TIA.