2020 Principal’s Breakfast Chat

with Sec 2 Parents

28 April 2020

Sec 2 Year HeadMr Eric Loh

Other Key PersonnelMs Lee Chee Peng, HOD MathsMr Chua Chang Fong, HOD AestheticsMr Jason Lum, SH PE&CCAMr Wee Guoyuan, SH Social Studies

Support Team

Ms NoreffalizaAED Learning & Behaviour Support

Ms Tan Xin RuSchool Counsellor

Ms Eirena KhanAED Learning & Behaviour Support

Support Team

Ms Charlene KohChristian MinistryStaff

Mr Ingo HoffmanChristian MinistryStaff

Peer Support Board encouraging mental wellness and friendship-building…

Class Committee Investiture

Continuing to engage Class Chairpersons…

who continue to check-in with

and care for their classmates!

Class bonding during HBL

Sec 2B’s Class Breakfast

Preparing Students for Full HBL

• Whole school briefings prior to 1-day HBL and FHBL

• Checking that every student is FHBL-ready (IT hardware and software support)

• Kept parents in the loop to support their children

• Sticking to DORSCON orange timetable

• Daily folders with templates for each subject

• Students can refer to them in advance to plan their time

Monitoring Students on HBL

• Morning check-in with FTs

• Subject Teachers to check students have done HBL and submitted assignments, provide feedback to students on assignments or through consultations

• On 9, 13 and 14 April, mid-day check on students who have done HBL that morning and gather feedback on issues

• 17 April onwards – weekly HBL survey to find out how students are managing with HBL and gather feedback

• FTs and subject teachers update parents if students are not doing HBL

Assessments in Sec 2

• Focus on the learning every day, not assessments once a term

• No Mid-Year Exam in Term 2 because of full HBL

Level WA1 Mid-Year Exam

WA3 End-of-YearExam

Original 10% 30% 15% 45%

Revised 10% -- 20% 70%

May School Holidays

• 5 May (Tue) to 1 Jun (Mon)

• All students should defer all overseas travel

• Holiday homework

• Semester 1 Holistic Development Profile to be issued in Term 3

• Meet-the-Parents (originally on 29 May) will be postponed – details to be provided later

New Term 3

• From 2 Jun (Tue) to 6 Sep (Sun)

• Mid-term break 20 Jul (Mon) to 26 Jul (Sun)

• First half of Term 3 to focus on catching up and consolidating learning

• WA to be held in 2nd half of Term 3

Creating a Culture of ThinkingJoy of Teaching – Joy of Learning

Learning Dispositions for Active Lifelong Learners

• I am generally curious and eager to learn new things.

• I regularly spend time (beyond timetabled lessons) to pursue my intellectual interests (e.g. read up on topics I am interested in, attend enrichment programmes).

• I like to ask questions about the things I am learning.

• I often try to make connections between new things that I am learning and things that I already know.

• If I get stuck with a learning task, I will try to think of how to get round the problem.

How to Raise an Adult

• Give them unstructured time

• Teach Life Skills

• Teach them how to think

• Prepare them for hard work

• Let them chart their path

• Normalise struggle

• Have a wider mindset about colleges

• Listen to themhttps://www.ted.com/talks/julie_lythcott_haims_how_to_raise_successful_kids_without_over_parenting

How to build self-efficacy

Self-efficacy:

The belief in one’s capabilities to organise and execute the courses of action to manage prospective situations (Albert Bandura, psychologist)

“I think I can” mindset

The belief that one’s own efforts lead to outcomes

• 1st we do it for you

• Then we do it with you

• Then we watch you do it

• Then you do it completely independently

Tips for Building Resilience

• Be present in your kid’s life

– Show your love and take an interest in their interests

• Give them room

– Let them make choices and decide how to do things

– Let them take risks and make mistakes

• Help them grow from experience

• Build their character

– Notice them being good

– Help them develop perspective

• Give specific, authentic feedback

• Model it

Nurture a Growth Mindset

• Think of challenges not as roadblocks, but opportunities for growth

• Use the language of growth – e.g. “I’m not sure I can do it now, but I think I can learn with time and effort.”

Carol Dweck “Mindset:

The New Psychology of Success”

Undermines Growth Mindset and Grit

Promotes Growth Mindset and Grit

“You’re a natural! I love that.” “You’re a learner! I love that.”

“Well, at least you tried!” “That didn’t work. Let’s talk about how you approached it and what might work better.”

“Great job! You’re so talented!” “Great job! What’s one thing that could have been even better?”

“This is hard. Don’t feel bad if you can’t do it.”

“This is hard. Don’t feel bad if you can’t do it yet.”

“Maybe this just isn’t your strength. Don’t worry – you have other things to contribute.”

“I have high standards. I’m holding you to them because I know we can reach them together.”

Language that cultivates hope

Angela Duckworth (2016) “Grit – the Power of Passion and Perseverance” p182

Ms June HengEducation & Career Guidance (ECG) CounsellorMondays at Counselling room

heng_win_june@schools.gov.sg

ECG Key Messages

Navigate Pathways with Confidence

2. Learn more about the world of work,education, and career pathways that you canchoose. Many pathways are worth taking, andthere are opportunities for continuous learningand recognition.

Make Informed Decisions and Own Them

3. Make considered decisions about your educationand career plans, and take positive steps to embarkon them.

Keep Learning. Be Resilient4. Develop 21st century competencies, values, andworkplace readiness skills to be adaptable andresilient.

Online Profiling Tools: MySkillsFuture

ITE

UniversityPolytechnics

Singapore-CambridgeA-Levels (JC or MI)

International Baccalaureate

LASALLE or NAFA

GCE O-Level

Post-Secondary Options

What does one study at the A-Levels?

H1 H2 H3

Half of H2 in terms of curriculum time

Equivalent to ‘A’ Level subjects prior to 2006.

Subjects with opportunity for in-depth study (e.g. advanced content, research paper, university module).

Select content subjects from three levels of study:

Usual subject combination:three H2s + one H1 content subjects

(one which must be contrasting)+ General Paper* + Project Work* + Mother Tongue*^* Offered at H1 level ^ Except those who have passed HMT at O-Level

Level of Math offered at O

Levels

Implications forJC/MI Mathematics

Implications for University CourseSelections

Elementary

Mathematics(E-Math)

Math at a H1 level

Fewer university course options e.g. Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Environmental Studies

Additional Mathematics

(A-Math)

Math at a H2 level

More university course options including Engineering & Science courses

Things to note:

Mathematics & Course Selections

Level of Science offered at O

Levels

Implications forJC/CI Science

Implications for University Course Selections

Pure Sciencee.g. Pure Biology

Science at a H2 level

Biology at H2 level

Requires a good H2 or GCE A-Level pass in Biology, Chemistry and either Mathematics or Physics. Candidates without H2GCE A-Level passes in Biology orChemistry are required to read and pass the relevant bridging modules as part of the admission requirements.

Combined Science

e.g. Combined Phy/Chem

Some JCs allow only

Science at a H1 level

Phy and/or Chem at H1 level

Things to note:Science & Course Selections

Entry Criteria For Junior College

Core Requirements: At least C6 in English At least D7 in Mother Tongue At least D7 in Mathematics

L1R5 Aggregate: not more than 20 pointsL1 – English Language or Higher Mother TongueR1 – HumanitiesR2 – Math/ScienceR3 – Math/Science/HumanitiesAny other 2 subjects (except CCA)

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

Extended Essay :: Theory of Knowledge :: Creativity, Action, Service

3 core requirements of the IBDP– Extended Essay (EE) – 4,000 word essay

which acquaints students with theindependent research and writing skillsexpected at university

– Theory of Knowledge (ToK) – to providecoherence by exploring the nature ofknowledge across disciplines, encouraging anappreciation of other cultural perspectives

– Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) – encouragesstudents to be involved in artistic pursuits,sports and community service work, fosteringstudents’ awareness and appreciation of lifeoutside the academic arena

IBDP – ACS(I): Six Discipline Groups

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

English: Literature; Language & Literature

Group 2: 2nd Language Chinese B/ Malay B/ Tamil B/ Hindi B (SL), Ab initio (Spanish, French, Mandarin & Malay (SL))

Group 3: Individuals & Societies

Business Management (HL/SL); Economics (HL/SL); Geography (HL/SL); History (HL/SL)

Group 4: Experimental Sciences

Biology (HL/SL); Chemistry (HL/SL); Physics (HL/SL); Computer Science (HL)

Group 5: Mathematics Mathematics (HL/SL)

Group 6: The Arts Music (HL); Visual Arts (HL/SL)

Students from ACS(I) will select 1 subject each from Groups 1 to 5. The 6th

subject may be chosen from Group 1-4.

Full IB Diploma Programme

• 3 Higher Level subjects (240hrs)

• 3 Standard Level subjects (150hrs)

A-Levels IBDP

• Like to delve deep into specific subjects

• Prefer working on your own (other than for PW)

• Prefer final exam format

• Ability to keep up with consistent work

• Interest in many disciplines• Strong command of the

English Language• Keen to develop inquiry,

creative & critical thinking skills

• Able to work in groups• Prefer continual assessment

A Levels vs IBDP

A-Levels Polytechnic

• Academic/Structured Learning

• Holistic, broad-basededucation

• 2-year programme• More direct route to

university• University admissions based

on A-Level grades• Final Exam

• Vocational/Applied Learning• Specific area of expertise• 3-year programme• Workforce ready• University admissions based

on poly GPA – Consistent Performance

A Levels vs Polytechnic Diploma

Entry Criteria For PolytechnicsGenerally the following applies: At least a C6 in English Language for Non-

Technology Courses

At least a D7 in English Language & C6 in

Mathematics for Technology Courses D7 in Mathematics – only limited courses E8 in Mathematics – not eligible for poly courses

L1 - ELR2 – Relevant 2 subjectsB2 – Best 2 other subjects L1 + R2 + B2 of about 26 points (vary from year to year)

ELR2B2 Aggregate Type refers to the subject combinationrequired for admission to a polytechnic course. Different courseshave different subject requirements.

Implications:

1. Know the subject requirements for the courses you have interest in.

2. Check the cut-off points in the latest JAE

3. Max L1R2B2 of about 26 points for entry to polytechnic couses (vary from year to year)

What is ‘Aggregate Type’?

EL refers to English which is compulsory for all courses. R2 refers to 2 relevant subjects of which you must include a relevant subject from the 1st group and another relevant subject belonging to the 2nd group.

B2 refers to any 2 best subjects which you have to include to make up the aggregate for ELR2B2.

If you want to take a polytechnic course from Group A,

For more information, please download the JAE 2020booklethttps://www.moe.gov.sg/docs/default-source/document/education/admissions/jae/files/booklet.pdf

Or check the institutions’ websites

SEC 2 EXPRESS STREAMING

OPTIONS

Major Considerations

Setting the students up for success:

• Choosing the right combination based on both interest and ability

• Being able to perform and attain a good aggregate (L1R5, L1R2B2) to progress to next level of education and course of choice

Streaming Considerations

• All subject combinations allow students to gain entry into JCs or Polytechnics

• The only way to determine the right match of subject combination is by your results. You need to be realistic.

• Know the criteria for each subject combination and work towards your preferred one.

• Understand JC and Poly requirements and work towards them. Clarify with your teachers if in doubt.

Criteria for SubjectsTo qualify for You need to have

Pure Science (Triple/ Double)

Science results must be strong

Double Humanities Humanities results must be strong

Biology Strong in EL and strong in Science (Sec 1 and 2)

Additional Mathematics Must pass Mathematics

Additional subjects beyond the standard number

Overall results must be strong

Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4

Eng Lang Eng Lang Eng Lang Eng Lang

Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue

Maths Maths Maths Maths

A Maths A Maths A Maths A Maths/Lit/Geog

Humanities

(Social Studies + History/

Geography)

Humanities

SS + H/G

Humanities

SS + H/G

Humanities

SS + H/G

Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Science (Phy/Chem)

Biology Physics Biology Biology/ D&T/F&N/

Art*/Music*

Physics Lit/ Geog Lit/ Geog

Lit* / Art* / Music*

D&T* / Art* / Music*

Art*/Music*

Proposed Express Course Options

* Special criteria apply. Subjects taught outside normal curriculum time

Selection Criteria for Coursework

Subjects

Food & Nutrition

Able to write an extended research essay for Coursework

Art

Pass school's internal Sec 2 Art Selection Test

Lessons conducted at Music Centres

Not linked to Sec 1-2 General Music

No need for music qualifications but must have experience performing on an instrument or singing

All applicants are required to submit both components of the Selection Exercise – (i) a recorded performance, and (ii) video response to aural imitation & creating tasks – as part of the course application, regardless of their attainment of certifications by external examination boards.

O-Level Music

Streaming Process

Application by Students and Parents

– represents preference and assessment of strengths and weaknesses by students and parents

Placement by School– professional assessment of the strengths and

weakness of students, based on their results and the teachers’ knowledge of the students,

– applies meritocratic principle when places are limited, by using the overall score & strengths in relevant subjects

• New overall percentage will be taken into consideration for placement in Sec 3.

• Recalculation of Overall Percentage based on o ELo Mother Tongueo Mathso Scienceo Humanities Subjects (Geography, History,

Literature)o Aesthetics Subjects (Art, FCE, D&T)

Streaming Process

ApplicationStudents can select up to 3 options (Express)If your overall percentage is less than 60%, you must declare at least one Course 4 Subject Combination.

Timeline• Students given option form – October (after End-

of-Year Exam)• Submission of forms • Release of Streaming Results – 1st week of Nov• Appeal – within 3 days of release of streaming

results• Results of appeal – by 3rd week of Nov

Things to Note

Any Queries

Ask….

• Form Teacher

• Ms Lee Chee Peng and Mr Ang Yuan Peng, HODs i/c of Sec 2 Streaming

• Mr Eric Loh, Sec 2 YH

• Mr Lim Sin Heng, Vice-Principal