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27 March 2015
Changes in the education landscape
Subject and Course Eligibility
Subject specific sharing ◦ Mathematics
◦ Science
◦ Craft and Technology
◦ Humanities
Q and A session
Combination Subjects Criteria
1 8 subjects 1) English 2) Mother Tongue 3) Combined Humanities
(SS & Geo/Hist/Lit) 4) Mathematics 5) Additional Mathematics 6) Pure Chemistry 7) Pure Physics 8) Pure Biology
• Sec 2 overall % ≥ 70% • Sec 2 Science ≥ 70% • Sec 2 Mathematics ≥ 65%
Combination Subjects Criteria
2 7 subjects 1) English 2) Mother Tongue 3) Combined Humanities
(SS & Geo/Hist/Lit) 4) Mathematics 5) Additional Mathematics 6) Pure Chemistry 7) Pure Physics/Pure Biology
• Sec 2 overall % ≥ 65% • Sec 2 Science≥65% • Sec 2 Mathematics≥65%
Optional 8th subject: Pure English Literature
• Sec 2 EL Literature≥60% and not taking Combined EL Lit for Combined Humanities
Combination Subjects Criteria
3 7 subjects 1) English 2) Mother Tongue 3) Combined Humanities
(SS & Geo/Hist/Lit) 4) Mathematics 5) Science (Chem & Bio /
Chem & Phy) 6) D&T / Art 7) Principles of Accounting/
Additional Mathematics
• Pass Sec 2 D&T/Art (For D&T / Art)
• Sec 2 Mathematics≥65% (For A Maths)
Subjects Criteria
Mother Tongue subject replaced by Higher Mother Tongue
• Sec 2 Mother Tongue ≥ 80%
Students will be allocated based on merit (i.e. Sec 2 results meeting the selection criteria)
Allocation is subjected to the availability of the vacancies in the relevant classes
Course Combination
Humanities Briefing for
Parents 2015 (Sec 2 Exp)
Objectives of Humanities Briefing
- Why study Humanities
- Humanities@ Sec 2
- Humanities@ Upper-Sec
- Requirements for Poly/JC
Taken as an O’ Level subject
To hone critical and inventive thinking
skills
To raise global awareness
To acquire cross-cultural skills
To hone communication skills
To imbue a sense of empathy
*To prepare our students for the 21st Century
Why study Humanities?
History & Geography
Modular system
- Semester 1- History (LJ@
Ford Factory)
- Semester 2- Geography (LJ@
Bishan Neighbourhood)
Humanities@Secondary 2
Humanities@Secondary 2
Assessment for Sec 2 History
•Class tests/Common tests- 20%
•HI project- 40%
•Mid-Year Exam- 40%
Assessment for Sec 2 Geography
•Class tests/Common tests- 20%
•GI project- 40%
•End-of-Year Exam- 40%
Social Studies
(Compulsory)
+
Electives
(Choice of 3 subjects)
Humanities@Upper-Secondary
Social Studies + History
Or
Social Studies + Geography
Or
Social Studies + Literature
Combined Humanities
Social Studies
Issues covered in Social Studies:
Issue 1: Exploring Citizenship and Governance
- How can we decide on what is good for society?
(CPF issue)
Issue 2: Living in a Diverse Society
- How can we respond in a diverse society?
(Responsible use of social media)
Issue 3: Being part of a Globalized World
- How do we respond to tensions arising from some
cultural impacts of globalization? (Pervasiveness of
world trends and cultures)
Social Studies
Assessment for Social Studies
National Exam: Source-Based Case Study- 35 marks
Structured-Response Questions- 15 marks
School based Exam:
Issue investigation- Component of CA in Sec 3
(20-30%)
Is it likely that any increase in the birth rate in
Singapore will occur?
Study Source A.
Are you
surprised by
this source?
Explain your
answer. [6]
Source-Based Case Study
Structured-Response Questions:
Explain how “Leadership is Key” ensures the
economic stability of Singapore. (5 marks)
Explain two other principles of governance which
ensures the economic stability of Singapore.
Which is a more important principle in ensuring
economic stability? Explain your answer.
(10 marks)
Issue 1: Exploring Citizenship and Governance
- Perceptions of Singaporean identity
- Provisions to the people by the government
- Aged-care in Singapore
- Volunteerism in Singapore
OR
Issue 2: Living in a Diverse Society
- Integrating new citizens into society
- Building racial harmony in a diverse society
- Bridging the income inequality gap
School-Based Issue Investigation
Themes covered
• Effects of World War 1
• Rise of Stalin
• Rise of Hitler
• World War 2 (Europe and Asia-Pacific)
• Cold War (Korean War & Cuban Missile Crisis)
• End of Cold War
Assessment for History
• Source-Based Case Study- 30 marks
• Structured-Essay Questions- 20 marks
Requirements for History Elective
Themes covered
• Plate tectonics
• Weather and climate
• Global Tourism
• Food resources
• Geographical Investigations
(Fieldwork)
Requirements for Geography Elective
Assessment for Geography
• Geographical Investigation
(Map work, fieldwork techniques) [13m]
• Short Answer Questions and Structured
Essay [37m]
Learning Journeys
• Climate (Sec 3)- School and its
surroundings
• Tourism (Sec 4)- Tourists’ attractions in
Singapore
Requirements for Geography Elective:
1. Grades achieved in Sec 2 for the different
subjects (History, Geography and
Literature)
2. Inclination- analysis of sources or hands-on
especially in terms of conducting field
based studies?
3. Passion and love for the subject
4. Practicality- what is your child’s
interest/ambition?
5. Combination of all these factors.
Choice of elective:
@ Polys
L1R2B2
- Singapore Poly
Accountancy
Business administration
@ JCs
L1R5≤20
Combined Humanities- One of the relevant
subjects
Course Requirements
Principles of Accounts (considered
as ‘others’ in the computation of
points)
Other subjects categorized under
the Humanities department:
THANK YOU
English Literature
Subject Talk
27 March 2015
Job Opportunities for Literature Lawyers
Politicians
Media/ Journalism/ Mass Communications
Marketing/ Advertising/ PR
Ex-NMP Janice Koh
Disney CEO, Michael Eisner
Talk show host, Conan O’Brien
Why Study Literature? By the end of Sec 4, your child will be able to…
Critically analyse literary texts
Develop and communicate personal responses
Manage ambiguity and multiple perspectives
Why Literature at KCPSS? Engaging Curriculum
Depth: Deep understanding and critical analysis
Breadth: Plays and workshops by professional theatre
companies
Quality results
Value-added results for Pure Lit and Combined Lit
90% distinction in Pure Lit 2010
Big drop in number of students
taking literature Stacey Chia, 25 Feb 2013
The decline in the number of students taking literature as a subject in school has to do with new subjects that have been introduced over the years, said Ms Indranee Rajah, Senior Minister of State for Education and Law.
She was responding to questions from Nominated Member of Parliament Janice Koh who asked for the main reasons for the decline.
There are currently only about 3,000 students taking literature, compared to 16,970 in 1992.
"The decline in the 'O' level candidature for full literature over the last 20 years needs to be understood in the context of an education system responsive to a changing social context, and which has offered increasingly more curricular choices for students over time," she said.
A factor for the decrease is that there is a "common perception that it was difficult to obtain a good grade for the subject".
Who says literature is ‘useless’? Ng Qi Siang, 2 Mar 2013
Literature has often been labelled as "useless". Parents and students
perceive it to be difficult to score in, and as offering no tangible
benefits.
I disagree; literature offers untold rewards for those who take up the
challenge.
The subject equips students with skills that are useful in the
working world.
Writing literature essays trains students to present their arguments
coherently and develop critical thinking skills while under
pressure. Literature also improves one's linguistic ability and helps
students to be more creative. Literature deals with abstract concepts
such as human character, morality and ethics, which allows them to
become used to thinking out of the box.
Who says literature is ‘useless’? Ng Qi Siang, 2 Mar 2013
This is transferable to daily life. With greater knowledge of
human behaviour, students will have greater empathy and
understanding for others.
Many students are deterred from taking literature despite these
benefits because they fear doing badly in exams as there are
no "textbook" answers.
The Government must take steps to promote literature among
the young and prepare them for the rigours of the subject at
higher levels from a young age.
Upper Sec Literature Syllabus Study texts across three main literary genres: prose,
poetry and drama
Analyse texts under 5 areas of study: plot, character,
style, theme, setting/ atmosphere
Pure Lit Combined Lit
1 novel (‘Lord of the Flies’)
Range of poetry and prose extracts
1 play NA
Eligibility Criteria Pure Lit
Sec 2 overall: >65% overall
Sec 2 Literature: >60% overall
Not offering Combined Lit
Preparing Your Child
for Upper Sec Literature
Transfer writing and answering skills across subjects e.g.
EL, Humanities
Read broadly and analyse issues as a family
What Our
Upper Sec Literature Students Think “Makes us think out of the box... There’s always something more if
you look harder. Plus, it’s fun!” --Claudine & Claudia
“It’s not like other subjects. I can express myself more freely. It makes it easier for me to communicate in future”
--Ryan
“I get to think more about life and learn the skill of reading into people, instead of just skimming the surface of things”
--Mark
Acknowledgements Literature in English Teaching Syllabus 2013
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/syllabuses/english-language-and-literature/files/literature-in-english-lower-secondary-2013.pdf
Straits Times Articles
http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/big-drop-number-students-taking-literature-20130225
http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/who-says-literature-useless-20130302
Parents’ Meeting
27th Mar 2015
Sec 2 EXPRESS
1
Sec 2 EXP 2
2014 ‘O’ Level Math Results
% Distinction % Passes
School 57.7 96.9
National 57.5 94.9
2014 ‘O’ Level A.Math Results
% Distinction % Passes
School 56.6 96.9
National 54.0 96.0
Sec 2 EXP 3
‘O’ Level Math Trend Results
2014 2013 2012
Passes 96.9 94.6 92.9
Distinctions 57.7 43.1 49.5
‘O’ Level A.Math Trend Results
2014 2013 2012
Passes 96.9 95.0 91.7
Distinctions 56.6 46.7 35.9
AGENDA 1. Singapore Mathematics Framework 2. New Syllabus starting 2013
3. Additional Mathematics in Sec 3/4
Sec 2 EXP 4
Singapore Mathematics Framework
Sec 2 EXP 5
No change in examination format
Few changes in topics
Strengthening Math Thinking Processes
Influencing Teaching and Learning in
the classroom
New Syllabus Starting in 2013
Sec 2 EXP 6
Increasing emphasis on
Learning Experiences
Problems in real-world contexts
Mathematical Modelling
New Syllabus Starting in 2013
Processes
• Reasoning
• Communication
• Connection
• Thinking skills and Heuristics
• Application and Modelling
Sec 2 EXP 7
1. Learning Experiences
Discuss examples of foreign
exchange rates, interest rates, billls etc
Using AlgeDisc and AlgeCards and other manipulatives
Construct tables, bar graphs, pictograms etc
Work collaboratively on a task to collect and classify
data etc
New Syllabus Starting in 2013
Sec 2 EXP 8
Objectives of Learning Experiences
• Enhanced conceptual understanding through use of various mathematical tools (including ICT tools)
• Apply concepts and skills learnt in real world context
• Communicate their reasoning and connections through various mathematical tasks and activities
• Build confidence and foster interest in mathematics
Traditionally in our classroom, we focus on
• Only one approach to get the correct answer
• Memorised facts (formulae) and procedures to
solve problems quickly
• Maths learnt is unrelated to students’ lives and
the real world
In a Mathematics classroom…
“Experiences may begin the journey of…”
• Knowledge construction
• Consolidation of sense making
• Stimulation of thinking
2. Problems in real-world contexts
3. Mathematical Modelling
Pure Math
Application
Problems in Real World context
Mathematical Modelling
New Syllabus Starting in 2013
Sec 2 EXP 12
The Punggol Waterway is a 4.2 km man-made waterway connecting Punggol and
Serangoon reservoirs featuring landscaped promenade and exercise water-play areas.
In the map above, the waterway runs from the Sunrise Bridge in the east to the Sunset
Bridge in the west.
1a) Estimate the length of the waterway on the map.
b) Describe the method you have used to obtain the estimation in (a).
c) Using your estimation in (a) and the given information state the scale of the map in
the form 1: r.
Punggol Waterway
Sec 2 EXP 13
E-Learning
Fun Learning through Games and ICT
Based Lessons
Self-Revision (Interactive Tools)
Practice
Technical Support
Online Math Portal – Ace-Learning
Sec 2 EXP 14
New Syllabus started in 2013
Some minor shift in topics
Increase emphasis on process of learning
Aims for students to
Go for higher studies in Math and to support learning
particularly in Science
Appreciate abstract nature and power of Mathematics
Qualify for H2 Math in JC/MI
tertiary Math, Sciences and Engineering
Additional Mathematics Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Calculus
+ Math Processes
Sec 2 EXP 15
Preparing your child for Additional Mathematics
Strong foundation in lower Secondary Algebra
Consistent effort (Not Last Minute Work!!)
Criteria to take A Math as the 7th Optional Subject
Sec 2 Math results ≥ 65%
Overall Results ≥ 65 %
Additional Mathematics Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Calculus
+ Math Processes
Sec 2 EXP 16
Attentive in class
Consistent practice
Take initiative to clarify doubts with teachers or peers
Deep thinking
To do well in Math
Sec 2 EXP 17
THANK YOU
Sec 2 EXP 18
Science in KCPSS
Science in KCPSS
Cultivate students’ perception in Science
as a collective effort and a way of thinking
rather than just a body of facts
Engage students in science-related issues
that concern their lives, the society and
the environment
Help students develop the domains that
are integral to the conduct of Science
Inquiry
Different Science combinations
in Secondary 3 Pure Science
◦ Biology
◦ Chemistry
◦ Physics
(To take all three Sciences or two Sciences)
Combine Science
◦ Chemistry / Biology or
◦ Chemistry / Physics
Changes to Science Syllabus
less emphasis on factual materials and greater emphasis on the understanding and application of scientific concepts and principles
Develop skills that will be of long-term value in an increasingly complex and globalised world, rather than focusing on large quantities of factual material, which may have only short term relevance.
assessment are intended to test skills, comprehension and insight in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
Chemistry
Focuses on
(a) the finite life of the world’s resources and hence the need for recycling and conversation
(b) economic considerations in the chemical industry, such as the availability and cost of raw materials and energy
(c) the social, environmental, health and safety issues relating to the chemical industry
(d) the importance of chemicals in industry and in everyday life.
Biology
Focuses on
(a) developing skills that will be of long-
term value in an increasing complex and
globalised world, rather than focusing on
large quantities of factual material
(b) a wide variety of learning experiences
designed to promote inquiry
Physics
Focuses on
(a) coherent understanding of energy,
matter and their inter-relationships
(b) investigating natural phenomena and
(c) applying patterns, models, principles,
theories and law to explain the physical
behaviour of the universe
Main difference between Pure
and Combined Science
Weightage of assessment objectives
Level of difficulty of the assessment
questions
Pure Science
2 main components
Theory papers ( Paper 1 and 2)
◦ Knowledge with understanding (45%)
◦ Handling information and Solving problems
(55%)
School-Based Science Practical
Assessment (SPA) (Paper 3)
◦ Experimental skills and Investigation (100%)
School-Based Science Practical
Assessment (SPA) (Paper 3) Skill set 1: Performing and observing
◦ Demonstrate the ability to perform an experiment using familiar
apparatus, materials and techniques safely and methodically
◦ Make relevant and accurate observations or measurement and
record results in an appropriate manner
Skill set 2: Analysing
◦ Process results, identify and comment on a key source of error
◦ Draw conclusions which are consistent with obtained results
Skill set 3: Planning
◦ Analyse a practical problem and produce an appropriate
procedure for the investigation
Combined Science
2 main components
Theory papers ( Paper 1 with 2,3 or 4)
◦ Knowledge with understanding (50%)
◦ Handling information and Solving problems
(50%)
School-Based Science Practical
Assessment (SPA) (Paper 5)
◦ Experimental skills and Investigation
Practical Assessment (Paper 5)
In one or more questions in Paper 5, students are
expected to suggest modification or an extension,
which does not need to be executed.
Depending on the context in which the
modification or extension elements is set, the
number of marks associated with this element will
be in the range of 10% to 20% of the total marks
available for the practical test
In summary
Pure Science Combined
Science
Theory Paper
Knowledge with
understanding
45%
(15% recall)
50%
(20% recall)
Handling
information and
solving problems
55% 50%
Practical
Assessment
3 skills are tested
over 3 different
settings
One-off practical
examination
What’s next?
If you are considering junior college (e.g.
SAJC) Subject For H2 consideration
Biology B3 or better in Pure Biology
A1 for Combined Science (with Biology)
Chemistry B3 or better in Pure Chemistry
A1 for Combined Science (with Chemistry)
Physics B3 or better in Pure Physics
A1 for Combined Science (with Physics)
AND C6 or better in Additional Mathematics
What’s next?
If you are considering polytechnic courses
Science is considered as one of the R2
subjects for
◦ Science and Technology Courses
◦ Design Courses
Choose
Based on your child’s ability
