Secondary 2 Subject Combination Parent Engagement

PUNGGOL SECONDARY SCHOOL

ACHIEVERS WITH CHARACTER

Secondary 2 Subject Combination Parent Engagement

19 February (Express)

P U N G G O L S E C O N D A R Y S C H O O L


Objectives

Help parents and students to make informed decisions through:• Better understanding of the Post Secondary

Pathways and the Post-Secondary Education Institutions

• Tentative subject combinations offered in 2022 and the respective criteria to offer these subjects

PUNGGOL SECONDARY SCHOOLACHIEVERS WITH CHARACTER



Background

Subject combinations options are reviewed annually and modified based on

1. Post-Secondary Education Institute’s admission requirements

2. Manageability of subjects, based on past cohorts

• YOUR CHILD’S INTERESTS, STRENGTHS AND ASPIRATIONS

• YOUR CHILD’S ABILITY TO COPE WITH THE DEMAND OF THE SUBJECT COMBINATION

GENERAL GUIDELINES

In guiding your child to select a suitable subject combination, please consider:



POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS

https://www.moe.gov.sg/microsites/whats-next/for-gce-o-level-students/index.html

https://www.moe.gov.sg/microsites/whats-next/for-gce-o-level-students/index.html



You Have Choices! Education Pathways for O-Level Students



• Applied & Practice-based Learning

• Cumulative GPA

• Career-Ready with Sector-specific Skills & Knowledge

• 25 - 30 bite-sized Modules per course, spread out in 3 years

• 5 Polys - 35 to 50 different Diploma Courses per Poly (some courses offer exemptions to related degree programmes in local/Australian universities)

Polytechnic pathwayJC/MI pathway

• 7 Academic Subjects

• 1 big Exam at the end of Year 2 (GCE ‘A’ Levels/IB)

• Academic Deep Dive to prepare for University education

• Lectures & Tutorials

• 16 JCs/MI

OR



‘A’ level curriculumTypical subject load:

• GP, PW, MTL

• 3H2 + 1 H1 subject, including 1 contrasting subject

Very common Sci combi:

H2 Math, Chem, Physics/Biology

H1 Economics



Sample GP essay questions (GCE ‘A’ level 2020)• How reliable are statistics as a guide for planning the future?

• To what extent is human life in general about the survival of the fittest?

• ‘Individuals achieve sporting success, not nations.’ Discuss.

• ‘We shape our buildings, but then our buildings shape us.’ To what extent is this true of your society?

• To what extent can any society claim to be great?

• Examine the view that the scientist is concerned only with knowledge, not morality.

• Given greater levels of international cooperation, how necessary is it for countries to engage in the arms trade?

• Should politicians pursue the popular viewpoint or their own convictions, if they conflict?

• Is modern technology a benefit or a threat to democracy?

• ‘An appreciation of music is vital for a fully rounded education.’ How true is this of your society?

• ‘In a free society, there should be no restrictions on the freedom of speech.’ Discuss.

• How far can prosperity and uncontrolled population growth go hand in hand?



Project Work task 2019



ADMISSION CRITERIA for JC

L1R5 must be ≤ 20 (excluding bonus points)

Minimum Requirement for

- English Language C6

- Math D7

- Mother Tongue D7/ Pass in Mother Tongue(B)



L1R4 must be ≤ 20 (excluding bonus points)

Minimum Requirement for

- EL C6

- Math D7

- Mother Tongue D7/ Pass in Mother Tongue(B)

ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR MI



Bonus points

• For JC/MI only: 2 bonus points, for students who pass EL and HMTL

• For JC/MI/Poly/ITE: 1 or 2 bonus points for CCA

• Max 4 bonus points

CCA attainment Details

Excellent i.e. A1 or A2 (2 bonus points)

Student who attains a minimum Level 3 in all 4 domains with at least Level 4 in one domain

Good i.e. B3-C6 (1 bonuspoints)

Student who attains a minimum Level 1 in all four domains with any one of the following:• At least Level 2 in three domains• At least Level 2 in one domain and at least Level 4 in another domain• At least Level 4 in one domain

Fair Students’ attainment in co-curricular will not translate into any bonus points.



2021 JC Cut-off points



AGGREGATE COMPUTATIONS TO POLYTECHNICS

Each polytechnic offers different courses that comes with different pre-requisites. Please refer to http://www.polytechnic.edu.sg/introduction/available-courses

To be eligible for poly, students must obtain net ELR2B2 (i.e. including CCA bonus points) ≤ 26 & meet minimum entry requirements

http://www.polytechnic.edu.sg/introduction/available-courses



Example of cut-off points for poly

@ TP


ACHIEVERS WITH CHARACTER @ TP


ACHIEVERS WITH CHARACTER@ TP


ACHIEVERS WITH CHARACTER@ TP



So what do all these mean?For students interested in JC

L1R5 ≤ 20?

L1R5 ≤ 10 for eligibility for most JCs?

Average msg of less than 2.0

Distinctions in 6 subjects

For students interested in PolyELR2B2 ≤ 26?

ELR2B2 ≤ 15 for more choices?

Average B3 for 5 subjects

Question: What subject combination will enable you to get into your dream institution/course?



CONSIDERATIONS FOR SUBJECT COMBINATION

Subject performance in Secondary 2 overall marks

(not just EYE) needs to meet the criteria stated

Minimum of 20 students is needed to form a subject

class

WA1 WA2 WA3 EYE

15% 15% 15% 55%



SUBJECT INFORMATION(English/Literature)

Subject Lower Secondary Syllabus Upper Secondary Syllabus

English

Language

(Paper 1)

Narratives, personal recounts, descriptive

essays, formal/informal letters, e-mails, reports

Discursive essays, argumentative essays,

speeches, proposals, hybrid essays (including

revision of lower sec essay types)

English

Language

(Paper 2)

Factual questions, inferential questions, in-your-

own-words questions, vocabulary-in-context

questions, summary, visual texts

Language for Impact questions, Point-of-view

questions (including lower sec question types)

Literature in

English

Introduction to different genres (poetry, prose

and drama). Key areas of Literature: plot,

character and theme. Short structured

questions.

In-depth study of poetry, prose and drama. Key

areas of Literature: plot, character, theme,

setting, and style. Essay questions



SUBJECT INFORMATION(MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGES)


Mother Tongue

Languages

(Paper 1)

Narrative/situational Writing/,

informal email writing

Discursive/argumentative/hybrid essay,

formal email writing

Mother Tongue

Languages

(Paper 2)

Vocabulary based questions/Factual

Question/ Inferential Question/Use

Your Own Words Question./Summary

(HMT)

Same as lower secondary but more higher

order inferential questions

We are offering MTLB for Sec 3 students in 2022.Should students offer MTLB, they need another 6 subjects to qualify for JC or 5 subjects to qualify for poly.



SUBJECT INFORMATION (HUMANITIES)Subject Lower Secondary Syllabus Upper Secondary Syllabus

Pure History Consists of two exam papers:Paper 1: World War 1 to Fall of Communism.Paper 2: Colonisation of Southeast Asia

HumanitiesSocial Studies(Compulsory for all)

Lower Sec History: Source based skills and constructing explanation

This is about citizenship education. Includes topics on Governance, Citizenship, Diversity, Impact of globalisation. Assessment similar to Lower Sec: Source Based skills and constructing explanation.

Geography(Elective)

Physical Geography

(Water supply, Rainforest + Map

Reading)

Physical Geography (Tectonic Hazards & Weather)

Human Geography (Tourism & Food Resources)

Geog is about current happenings.

Geog is more a science which explains the world around us and the impact of both

natural and manmade factors and events. Involves data reading and analysis.

Well suited to students who are curious about environmental issues

History(Elective)

Source based skills and constructing explanation.

• World War 1 to Fall of Communism (Germany, Russia & Japan)

History is more an art of reconstructing the past events using evidence.

Well suited to students who are curious to know how past events still influence us

today, and has a good command of EL.

Tip: Take a look at Sec 3 Geography and History textbooks to get a sensing about the subjects.



SUBJECT INFORMATION (ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS)

Subject Additional Mathematics

Additional

Mathematics

(A math)

● Add Math questions typically have more marks attached as

compared to E Math questions. The number of marks ranges from

4 marks to 12 marks

● Very little scaffolding of Add Math questions into parts as

compared to E Math questions

Topics not covered in E Math: Differentiation and its applications,

Integration and its applications, Trigonometric functions, formulae and

identities, Binomial Theorem, Linear Law, Polynomials and

Remainder/Factor Theorems, Surds, Exponential and Logarithmic

functions

A Math is not a pre-requisite for many Poly courses.



SUBJECT INFORMATION (PURE SCIENCE)

Subject Description

Pure

Sciences

The content for Pure Science is broader and more in depth compared to Combined Science. Pure Sciences will cover approximately 20% more content than Combined Sciences.Pure Sciences emphasise on Data Reading & Analysis as well as Application of Concepts and questions are more rigorous and challenging. Students should be able to think deeply and critically and draw inferences. A good foundation in Mathematics is essential to ensure that students can handle and interpret visual, numerical and graphical data confidently.There is a practical exam at the end of the course which is 1 h 50 min for each Pure Science subject and 1 h 30 min for Combined Science.



SUBJECT INFORMATION (CRAFT & TECHNOLOGY)


Design & Technology

Focuses on the development of freehand sketching skills through idea generation and development. Foundation for D&T learning at upper secondary level.

Focuses on research to define user needs, exploration and develop design solutions, prototyping their ideas using tools/equipment/machines. Cultivating creative, critical and reflective thinking.

Food & Nutrition (Food & Consumer Education) - Students will learn to make sound food choices and consumer decisions in their everyday living.

Demonstrate principle of nutrition and scientific principles underlying food preparation, processing and safety.

ART Expressing Art ideas and concepts Basic Art Techniques (Pencil and Colourwork)

Advanced art techniques (Niche mediums)Art movements and inspirationsIndependent discovery and concept development



SUBJECT INFORMATION (PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNT)

Subject Description

Principles of Account(POA)

The study of accountancy involves:• recording,• summarizing,• analysing,• interpreting, and• reporting financial information of a business

POA students will therefore learn how to prepare, communicate and use accounting information.

D&T – Important Dates (Using 2021 for illustration)

June Holidays)31 May – 25 Jun

Release of CourseworkQuestions

(22 Jan)

School Submission

16 July

Jan JulJun

May

May

Mar Apr

Mid-year Exam3 May – 14 May

Mid March 50% of Journal

completed (45 pgs).

End Apr100% of Journal

completed(90 pgs).Mock-up completed

2nd Jul2 presentation

Boards completed

Jun

Mid June HolsPrototype completed.

Jul

National Submission

30 July60% of total

marks

Prelim23 Aug – 17 Sept

Aug

Nov

O-level Written ExamNovember

40% of total Marks

F&N – Important Dates (using 2021 for illustration)

Mid-year Exam(Written & Practical)

May week 2Release of

CourseworkQuestions

(22 Jan)

Completed 35% of Coursework by

end Mar(18 out of 50 pgs)

Jan Mar Jul

Jun

May

Feb Apr

Completed 65%of Coursework

by end May(33 out of 50 pgs)


end Feb(10 out of 50 pgs)

Completed 50%of Coursework by

end Apr(25 out of 50 pgs)


Jun week 1(40 out of 50 pgs)

Coursework –Practical work

Mar week 1

Completed 100% of Coursework by end Jul

Coursework Deadlines30 Jul (school deadline)2 Aug (official deadline)

Coursework –Practical Exam

Jun week 1

Prelim ExamAug week 4

Aug

Nov

National Exam (Nov week 1)

Art – Important Dates (using 2021 for illustration)

June Holidays)31 May – 25 Jun

Release of CourseworkQuestions

(22 Jan)

School Submission

17 Sept

Jan SeptJun

Aug

May

Mar Apr

Mid-year Exam3 May – 14 May

Mid March 25% of Boards

completed (2 Boards).

End Apr50% of Boards


Mid Aug100% of Boards


Jun

Mid June Hols75% of Boards

completed (6 Boards) .

Aug

O- Prelim23 Aug –

6 Sept

National Submission

21 Sept60% of total

marks

Sept

Nov

O-level Written ExamNovember

40% of total Marks

May

Mid MayStart of Final Work



Critical qualities for coursework:• Regular attendance• Consistent hard work throughout Sec 4 year (Jan-Nov)

• Time management• Self-discipline

• Openness to teacher feedback



FOR MORE INFO ONGCE O- LEVEL SUBJECT SYLLABUSES

https://www.seab.gov.sg/home/examinations/gce-o-level/o-level-syllabuses-examined-for-school-candidates-2021

https://www.seab.gov.sg/home/examinations/gce-o-level/o-level-syllabuses-examined-for-school-candidates-2021



SUBJECT COMBINATIONFirst time offering

Chem/Bio in more than 8 years. Hence, we will start

small and offer it to 1 class

only.



Sec 3 Subjects Sec 2 Subjects Overall %

Triple Sciences Science &Mathematics

≥70≥65

Double Sciences Science &Mathematics

≥70≥65

Pure Literature English Literature &English Language

≥60≥60

Pure History History &English Language

≥60≥60

Additional Mathematics

Mathematics ≥65

Subjects Criteria (Express)



Subjects Criteria (Express)Sec 3 Subjects Sec 2 Subjects Overall %

Principles of Accounts Mathematics & English Language

≥60≥50

Art Art ≥60

F&N FCE ≥60

D&T D&T ≥60

(not part of Subject Combination option)

HMTL only for existing HCL/HML/HTL students

≥60



USEFUL REFERENCES

Information for joint admission exercise 2021

https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/jae/

The document is for the current batch of graduates and serves only as a guide



Build Relationships

a) Spend quality time to build relationships, do things together as a family

b) Show care, love and support

c) Share with your child your personal experiences

Take Interest:

a) Take an interest in your child’s life, friends, activities, school life

b) Have regular chats (and not only on school work)

Reinforce good habits

a) Use of digital devices

b) Sleeping routines

c) Read

d) Help your child to grow and be self-directed learner: e.g.

i) How to make decisions

ii) How to set targets, review strategies, monitor progress, plan for improvement

iii) Set parameters

Make use of platforms for home-school communication

How can I Support My Child?



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSQuestion Suggested recommendations

1 Is Additional Mathematics a compulsory subject for admission into JC or polytechnic?

NoIf you are keen on Science stream in JC, A Math is recommended, as foundation for H2 Math If you are keen on Poly, depending on the course, A Math might not be recommended.

2 Is it better that my child take triple sciences, to have more options in JC or poly?

Yes and No. It depends on how well you do. Triple Science combination is no longer offered in JC. H2 Chemistry is usually compulsory for students in the Science stream. For example, In order to be accepted into Medicine, you need a GOOD PASS in H2 Chemistry and a PASS in either H2 Physics or H2 Biology.

3 My child did not do that well in terms of meeting the subject criteria for certain subjects that he intended to apply. Will the school consider lowering the criteria?

The setting of qualifying criteria is to safeguard your child from offering subjects that are beyond his ability to cope. The subject teacher’s feedback on your child will be an important factor to consider in appeals.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSQuestion Suggested recommendations

4 What are the chances that my child will be allocated the combination that he wants to study in upper secondary?

The school uses the overall percentage and student’s ranked choices to allocate the subject combination. It is important that your child makes his choice based on his results and interest. Especially for coursework subjects, students need to put in consistent work and attend school regularly.

5 If my child is not allocated the combination of his choice, can we appeal?

Yes. You can obtain the appeal form from the General Office. Please take note that you need to submit the appeal form to the school by the stipulated date. We regret to inform you that late submissions will not be considered.

6 What is the success rate of appeal? The success of appeal cases is dependent on several factorsand considerations. We will also work closely with the child’s subject teachers to get feedback to ensure that it is the best option for your child.

7 What happens if my child does not meet the subject criteria?

Your child will be given a 6-subject combination, very likely based on the best performing 6th subject, so that your child can focus on his subjects and do well.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question Suggested recommendations

8 If my child is eligible for the 8-subject combination, must my child choose that?

No, it is not compulsory. When choosing subject combination, students should also consider their interest and aspiration. When the number of subjects offered is fewer, students have more time to focus on doing well in these subjects. Students with fewer subjects generally have shorter timetables too.

9 What is the promotion criteria? Students must pass English Language and have overall marks of at least 50%. Otherwise, students might be transferred to 3NA.

10 Can my child try a certain subject combination first and then drop later?

As opportunity cost is involved, students should avoid adopting the mentality of “trying things out first” if they are not very confident of the subject combination. Notwithstanding this, at the end of Sec 3, students can review their subject combination. For students who are not doing well, the school will also advise them accordingly.



S/No Event Tentative Dates

1 Parent and student engagement 1 19 February

2 Year Head engagement with studentsTerm 1-4 (Ongoing)

3 Mock Subject Combi Exercise based on WA1 and WA2 Term 2 Week 10

4 Trial POA Lessons Term 4 Week 5/6

5 Parent and student engagement 2 Term 4 Week 7

4 Actual Subject Combination Exercise - online submission Term 4 Week 8

5 Results of Subject Combination Exercise Term 4 Week 10

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Parents are advised to take note of the key dates listed.

Documents

Secondary 2 Subject Combination Parent Engagement