serangoon garden secondary school · 2019 subject combination for sec 3 express (subjected to...

Serangoon Garden Secondary School

Briefing for

2019 Sec 3E

Subject Combination

(For Parents)

24 May 2018

Ms Tay Hui Yih

(Year Head, Upper Sec)

Vision: Compassionate Leaders. Critical Thinkers

Post Secondary Educational Pathways

Sec 3 Subject Combination Allocation

- Assessment and Promotion Criteria at Sec 2E

- Guiding Principles and criteria

- Proposed combinations for 2019 (Subjected to

changes)

- Online Interest Survey by students

Question & Answer Session

Meeting with Form Teachers (classrooms)

Agenda

Post-Secondary Education

What are the various Post-

Secondary School tracks available?4 MAIN TYPES OF TRACKS

1. Junior Colleges (JCs) or Millennia Institute

3. Institute of Technical Education (ITE)

2. Polytechnics

Prepares students for the GCE ‘A’ level

examination

Trains students with relevant skills for the

workplace in a knowledge-based economy.

Equips students with technical knowledge and skills relevant to

the industry.

4. Private Schools & Institutions (LaSalle/NAFA etc)

Curriculum is determined by the school and

alternative options are provided for students

MOULDING THE FUTURE OF OUR NATIONCopyright © Ministry of Education, Singapore.

Junior Colleges / Centralised Institute

5

More Breadth,

More Options

More Focus on

Thinking and

Communication

Skills

A Holistic

Education

How can I get into a JC/ MI? (Method 1)

JAE

• Joint Admissions Exercise

• Conducted annually to allow GCE ‘O’ Level students to apply for admission to courses offered by JC, MI, Poly and ITE

Junior Colleges (JCs) & Millennia Institute

Prepares students for the GCE ‘A’ Level

Examination

Length of study:

JCs – 2 years

MI – 3 years

Cut-off Points:

To enter a JC:L1R5 must be ≤ 20To enter MI:L1R4 must be ≤ 20

JC Admission

Eng/Higher MT + 5 Relevant Subjects

Relevant Subjects

Subject 1 Humanities

Subject 2 Maths or Science

Subject 3 Humanities/Maths/Science

Subject 4 Any Other O level subject

Subject 5 Any Other O level subject

JC admission aggregate must be less than or equal to 20 points.

Min requirement = Eng C6, Maths D7, MT D7 / Pass in MT (B)

Bonus points (must first meet minimum requirement by JC admission)

‘Excellent’ grade in CCA -- 2 Bonus points.

‘Good’ grade in CCA -- 1 Bonus point

For example

Eng B4

SS+Geog B3

Maths A2

Add Maths A2

Mother Tongue A2

Chemistry A2

Aggregate

(L1R5) = 15

How can I get into a JC? (Method 2)

DSA-JC

• Direct School Admission (for admission to JCs only)

• Allow JCs to select some Secondary 4/5 students for admission to JC1 based on their achievements and talents before the GCE ‘O’ Level examination results are released

Direct School Admission – Junior Colleges

Main Selection Considerations:

• Academically able

• Outstanding in at least 1 CCA

• Achievements and talents• Sports, Performing Arts

• Special subjects differ across JCs

• Interviews, portfolios, trials

• Each JC sets its own criteria for selection

More Information: MOE DSA-JC

https://www.moe.gov.sg/admissions/direct-admissions/dsa-jc/overview

Post- Secondary Education

More information about polytechnic courses

can be obtained from various polytechnic

websites.


Polytechnics

Polytechnics seek to train students with relevant and specific skills for the workplace to give Singapore a competitive edge as we move into a knowledge-based economy.

Real World

SkillsAcademic

knowledge


Polytechnics

A polytechnic education gives you hands-on experience within a dynamic and progressive learning environment

More than 35 different courses per poly

Over 70,000 students


Polytechnics

14

Today, polytechnic graduates are valued as practice-oriented and knowledgeable professionals, much sought after by industry.

Business, Management &

Humanities

Applied & Health Sciences Media & Design Build

Environment, Engineering &

Maritime Studies

Information & Digital

Technologies

Entry into Poly (Method 1)1. Through the Joint Admissions Exercise

(JAE)

Students must also qualify for the minimum entry requirements for the course they want to pursue.

ELR2B2 is used for admissions into the polytechnics. English Language2 RELEVANT subjects for the course applied for2 other best subjects

Approximate Cut-off Points for Polytechnic Courses in 2016:

6≤ ELR2B2 ≤ 26

Eng + 2 Relevant Subjects + Best 2

Subjects

Relevant Subjects: (L1+R2B2)

Subject 1 Mathematics or Add Maths

Subject 2 :

Business ------

SSGeog/SSHist/Lit/POA/MTL

Technology ----

Physics/Chemistry/Science

Science-Based ---

Physics/Chemistry/Science

Architectural ----- Physics/Art/Science

* For example

Eng B4

Elem Maths A2

Science A2

SS/Geog A2

Mother Tongue A2

L1R2B2

Aggregate = 12

Polytechnic Admission

Polytechnic Admission

Bonus points (must first meet minimum requirement by polytechnic admission)

‘A1’ and ‘A2’ grade in CCA -- 2 Bonus points.

‘B3’ to ‘C6’ grade in CCA -- 1 Bonus points

• The Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) is an aptitude-based admissions exercise that allows students to apply and receive conditional offers for admission to the polytechnics based on their aptitudes and interests, prior to receiving their final grades.

• The EAE is conducted separately by each polytechnic.

• Applications commence in June/July every year, for admission into polytechnics in the following year.

• Students interested to participate in EAE should visit the individual polytechnics’ websites or contact the relevant polytechnics directly.

2. Through the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)

Entry into Poly (Method 2)

More Information: Early Admissions Exercises

https://eae.polytechnic.edu.sg/eaeStudIns/menu.jsp

Allocation of Sec 3 Subjects

Grading System

(‘O’ Levels)GRADES MARKS

A 1

A 2

≥ 75

70 - 74

B 3

B 4

65 – 69

60 - 64

C 5

C 6

55 – 59

50 - 54

D 7

D 8

45 – 49

40 - 44

F 9 ≤ 39

2E

Lateral

Transfer to

3NA

Promoted

to 3E

Not met pass

criteria

Pass EL and

average for all

subjects

Promotion Criteria for

Sec 2 to 3 Express

Based on the overall combined results

Assessment Weightage for

Secondary 2

Semester One

Continual

Assessment (CA1)

15%

Semestral

Assessment (SA1)

or Mid-Year Exam

25%

Semester Two

Continual

Assessment (CA2)

15%

Semestral

Assessment (SA2)

or Year-End Exam

45%

Guiding Principles for

Sec 3 Subject Allocation

o To enable all students to be given subjects

that will allow and prepare them to progress

to the next higher level, that is, JC, CI,

Polytechnic and ITE (Higher Nitec)

o Based on students’ ability (appropriate level

of challenge), aptitude, interest and

aspirations for post-secondary education

o Based on school resources and students’

take-up rate (viable size).

Criteria for allocation

of Sec 3 subjects

Ability - Overall Performance (Combined results)

Performance in Specific Subjects

(eg. History, Geography, D&T, F&N,

Art)

Student’s Choice

Vacancy of electives

Proposed Subject Combination for

Sec 3 Express (2019)

• All Sec 3E pupils must take at least 6 subjects and up

to 7 subjects

• Must offer the following subjects

(a) English Language

(b) Mother Tongue [CL, CL(B), TL, TL (B), ML, ML(B)]

(c) Mathematics

(d) A Science subject

(e) Combined Humanities

• Please note that not all the electives listed may be

offered in 2019. The offering of the electives is

dependent on the school’s resources and students’

take-up rate.

2019 Subject Combination for Sec 3 Express

(Subjected to changes)

GROUP: 7 SUBJECTS (Top 30% of cohort)

Subject E1A

1 English

2 Mother Tongue

3 Mathematics

4 Combined Humanities

(SS/Geo) or

(SS/Hist) or

(SS/Lit)

5 Additional Mathematics

6 * Pure Chemistry

7 * Pure Physics

*Should students not pass either Pure Chemistry or Pure Physics at the end of

Sec 3, upon review by the school, they would be required to take Combined

Science (Chem/Phy) for ‘O’ Levels, which is deemed more suitable for them.

GROUP: 7 SUBJECTS (Top 30% of cohort)Subject E2A E2B E2C E2D

1 English English English English

2 Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue

3 Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics

4 Combined

Humanities

(SS/Geo) or

(SS/Hist) or

(SS/Lit)

Combined

Humanities

(SS/Geo) or

(SS/Hist) or

(SS/Lit)

Combined

Humanities

(SS/Geo) or

(SS/Hist) or

(SS/Lit)

Combined

Humanities

(SS/Geo) or

(SS/Hist) or

(SS/Lit)

5 Combined

Science

(Chem/Phy)

(Chem/Bio)

Combined

Science

(Chem/Phy)

(Chem/Bio)

Combined

Science

(Chem/Phy)

(Chem/Bio)

Combined

Science

(Chem/Phy)

(Chem/Bio)

6 Principles of

Accounts

Principles of

Accounts

Principles of

AccountsPrinciples of

Accounts

7 Additional Maths Art Design &

TechnologyFood & Nutrition



GROUP: 6 SUBJECTS Subject E3A E3B E3C E3D

1 English English English English

2 Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue

3 Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics

4 Combined

Humanities

(SS/Geo) or

(SS/Hist) or

(SS/Lit)

Combined

Humanities

(SS/Geo) or

(SS/Hist) or

(SS/Lit)

Combined

Humanities

(SS/Geo) or

(SS/Hist) or

(SS/Lit)

Combined

Humanities

(SS/Geo) or

(SS/Hist) or

(SS/Lit)

5 Combined

Science

(Chem/Phy)

(Chem/Bio)

Combined

Science

(Chem/Phy)

(Chem/Bio)

Combined

Science

(Chem/Phy)

(Chem/Bio)

Combined Science

(Chem/Phy)

(Chem/Bio)

6 Art Design &

Technology

Food &

NutritionPrinciples of

Accounts



Upper Sec Combined Science

(Compulsory)

Assessment Format

(Combined Science)

Type of Paper Duration Marks Science

discipline(s)

assessed

Multiple Choice 1 hour40

(20 for each)

Both components

together

Structured and

Free Response

1 hour 15

minutes65 Component 1

Structured and

Free Response

1 hour 15

minutes65 Component 2

Practical

Examination

1 hour 30

minutes

30

(15 for each)

Both components

together

Weighting of each Science discipline: 50%

Upper Sec

Combined Science

Qualifying Criteria:

Students choosing to do Science(Physics) or

Science(Biology) should

have obtained ≥ 65% (B3) for the particular

Lower Secondary Science module for Sec 2.

**Final decision lies with the school**

Elective Subject:

Pure Physics or

Pure Chemistry

Elective: Pure Science

Type of

Paper

Duration Marks Weighting Remarks

Multiple

Choice

1 hour 40 30% ---

Structured

and Free

Response

1 hour 45

minutes

80 50% Includes a 8 – 12

marks data-based

question requiring

candidates to

interpret, evaluate or

solve problems using

a stem of information.

End-of-

course

(EOC)

Practical

Assessment

1 hour 50

minutes

40 20% NEW!

1st year of

examination in

Sec 4, 2018!

Pure Science versus

Combined Science

Breadth of syllabus

Depth of syllabus

Demand of assessment questions

Format of Theoretical Assessment

Format of Practical Assessment

Elective:

Pure Science

Qualifying Criteria:

Students choosing to do any Pure Science

elective should have obtained ≥ 75% (A1) for

Sec 2 Science

*Final decision lies with the school*

**Minimum class size: 15**

Pure Science is NOT a compulsory subject to enter Junior College

It will provide stronger foundations for Science based courses in Junior College

Choose wisely

Choose an elective subject that will help your child/ward is interested in / will be helpful in the post-secondary course or career

Elective: Pure Science

Upper Sec

Combined Humanities

(Compulsory)

And / Or

B. Optional

Pure Humanities

Minimum Criteria

to CHOOSE

*Pure History* Students will take SS/Geo or

SS/Lit

≥ 70m in History

A. Compulsory

Comb Humanities

with Elective Minimum Criteria

to CHOOSE

Social Studies

(SS)

Literature ≥ 70m and above for

Literature

End-of-Year

Examination Written

Paper

Geography ≥ 60m in Geography

History ≥ 65m in History

Combined Humanities

Minimum class size for all electives above is 15 students.

Literature as a Discipline involves:

• critical analysis of purposeful and creative use of language

• active construction of meaning

• making connections

• reflection on current and timeless issues

• socio-cultural sensitivity and awareness

• global outlook

• critical thinking skills

SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT OF LIT

• Candidates are expected to answer a total of 2questions.

• Prose and Unseen Texts: 1 hour 40 minutes

• Note: All questions are to be answered in long essay form, marks will constitute 50% of the Combined Humanities score.

Texts for 2018 and 2019 (text for 2020 to be confirmed)

Qualifying Criteria for Literature

• 70% and above for Literature End-of-Year Examination Written Paper

• Participation in Advanced Literature would be an advantage

• Good English Grades (B3 and above)

• Keen readers (must not be afraid of heavy reading)

• Ability to think and write critically

What are some careers Literature students find themselves in?

• Teaching• Liberal Arts (drama, performance arts)• Arts and Theatre Management• Law• Marketing and Advertising• Journalism• Film and Media Industries (Movie and Television, and Print)• Creative Industries (App development, web-based writing,

and game design)

And any future careers that includes reading, writing and creativity.

Geography

Elective Geography

Physical Geography

Living with Tectonic Hazards

Variable Weather and Changing Climate

Human Geography

Global Tourism

Food Resources

History

Elective History

Modern World History

(Europe and Asia-Pacific)

* Singapore History is not included in the syllabus

What kind of jobs can you expect

as a Humanities student?

Most public sector (civil service) jobs require:

Good writing

Critical thinking skills and analytical abilities

In-depth understanding of current affairs

Ability to manage and appreciate differing perspectives

Companies with global operations (e.g. Shell,

Mitsubishi, Ernst & Young) require:

Critical thinking skills and analytical abilities

In-depth understanding of current affairs

Capability to appreciate differing contexts across

countries and cultures

What kind of jobs can you expect

as a Humanities student?

Employment opportunities will be available in

Ministries such as: Security: Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Defence

Social: Education, Social & Family Development,

Culture, Community & Youth

Economic: Transport, National Development, Finance

Government Statutory Boards People’s Association, National Heritage Board & the

museums, National Library Board, the polytechnics and

the universities

Embassies in Singapore and overseas

Principles of Accounts

(Elective Subject)

In summary, POA consists of 3 components:1. Format – under which subject do you insert your EL oral

marks information?

2. Mathematics – how do you calculate your overall EL marks?

3. English – explain reasons why you possibly did badly and explain methods how can you improve your overall EL marks?

Elective Subject:

Principles of Accounts (POA)

Elective Subject Minimum Criteria

to CHOOSE

Principles of Accounts≥ 65m in English

≥ 65m in Mathematics

Additional Mathematics

(Elective Subject)

Elective Subject:

Additional MathematicsDifference between

Elementary Mathematics Additional Mathematics

Compulsory for all pupils Only for pupils with aptitude

(ability) and interest in

advanced mathematics

Syllabus covers basic

mathematics

Syllabus includes abstract

(more challenging content)

mathematics

Covers wide range of topics:

Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry,

Statistics, Trigonometry etc.

Specialized topics, focusing

more on Algebra

Working for questions is much

shorter

Working for questions is much

longer

1. Add Maths is not a required subject to enter Polytechnics or

Junior Colleges

2. However, Add Maths will provide good grounding for

engineering courses in Polytechnics.

3. Taking Add Maths will also be advantageous for gaining entry

into JC.

Eligibility

1. 75 marks and above (A1 and above) in overall marks

Sec 2 Maths

2. Minimum mark may be altered and at the school’s

discretion depending on the number of students choosing

and vacancies available

Elective Subject:

Additional Mathematics

Food and Nutrition

(Elective Subject)

2 years course of study: Upper Sec

- Culinary Skills

- Food Chemistry

- Nutrition and Diseases

- Food Technologies

- Coursework Skills (Research, Analysis

and Evaluation)

Elective Subject:

Food and Nutrition [6087]

Assessment

Exam Component Nutrition & Food Science

‘O’ levels

Written Paper 40% [100 marks]

(2 hour paper)

Coursework 60%

(50 pages)

Elective Subject:


Popular Courses in Polytechnic

(Nutrition & Food Science)

Polytechnic Course / Diplomas DPP

Nanyang

Polytechnic

Food Science and Nutrition DPP: 11 points

EL:3, Maths:3

F&N:3 and two

other

Temasek

Polytechnic

Food and Sciences/ Applied Science and Nutrition

Baking & Culinary Sciences

Consumer Science and Technology

Hospitality & Tourism Management

Republic Poly Biotechnology

Sports, Health and Leisure

Restaurants and Culinary Operations

Hotel and Hospitality Management

Healthcare Administration

Singapore

Polytechnic

Food Science and Technology

Nutrition, Health and Wellness

ITE/ Other Options Organization Courses

ITE Higher Nitec

• Hospitality Operations

• Sports Management

Nitec

• Applied Food Science

• Nitec in Asian Culinary Arts

• Nitec in Food & Beverage Operations

• Nitec in Fitness Training

• Nitec in Pastry & Baking

Shatec Culinary

Sunrice Culinary

Elective Subject:


A gist of students’ work (Nutrition & Food Science)

Who should apply?

≥ 65m for Food and Consumer Education

(Sec 2)

A pass in English

REGULAR ATTENDANCE

GOOD ATTITUDE TOWARDS LEARNING

Art

(Elective Subject)

21st century prospects

Visual Literacy & Skills

Critical and Inventive Thinking

Confident Person

Visual Communication & Design

Ultimately ‘N’ & ‘O’ level art is designed to build the fundamentals of one’s ARTISTIC SKILLS & PORTFOLIO

for tertiary studies

Not merely to be an artist, one is trained to

have multi-artistic skills for the future

Elective Subject:

Art

ARTIST

ANIMATOR

FASHION

DESIGNER

PHOTO-

GRAPHER

INTERIOR

DESIGNER

ARCHITECT

CURATOR

ART

TEACHER

FUTURE PROSPECTSLocal Art Related

Occupations

OUR REQUIREMENTS ?The following are the criteria we are looking for

in a potential ART STUDENT…

≥ 65m for Art

Required AttitudeInterest

Commitment (Time & Effort)

Skillfulness (Can be trained)

Curiosity and boldness (Open-minded)

Elective Subject:

Art

Paper Weightage Requirement

Paper 1: Coursework 60% Compulsory

Paper 2: Drawing and

Painting

40% Choose one out

of the two papers

Paper 3: Study of

Visual Arts

‘O’ LEVEL ART EXAMINATION

Elective Subject:

Art

Design & Technology

(Elective Subject)

D&T

The subject content is organised into three sections,

namely:

Section 1: Design

Section 2: Technological Areas

Section 3: Materials and Practical Processes

Paper Description Duration Marks Weighting

1 Written Paper 2 hours 80 40 %

2 Coursework

7 months

(January to

July)

60 60 %

Design Project

The design project comprises four components

- Design Journal (DJ)

- Presentation Board (PB)

- Mock-up

- Prototype

Design Project

Eligibility of D&T

As this subject is primarily project-based over a duration of

7 months,

- Students must possess the perseverance and diligence

to engage in recurring problem-solving design activities.

- Students must be competent in drawing techniques for

design communication.

- Students must be confident and competent in the use of

tools and machines in the workshop.

Also

- Students should have obtained ≥ 65% (B3)

for D&T at Sec 2

Career Prospects of D&T

Possible career opportunities in the following industries:

Art & Design (e.g. Graphic designer, Product

designer)

IT (e.g Web designer, Network engineer)

Construction (e.g Architect, Civil engineer)

Manufacturing (e.g. Product designer, Manufacturing

Engineer)

Online Interest Survey

Online

Student Interest Survey

The purpose of this survey is to gauge the interest of

Sec 2 students in taking the different subjects in Sec 3 in 2019.

This is not the final selection for subject combination. At the end of

this academic year, students will be asked to choose their final

preferred subject combinations for 2019.

All Sec 2 students are required to register his/her interest online via

the website https://sgs.schoolhub.sg from 25 May (Fri), 12 pm to

30 May (Wed), 12 pm.

Each student is required to indicate his/her preferred 6 choices, in

order of preference, with the endorsement of his/her parent.

Students are provided with a username and password, to be kept

confidential and not to lose the username as well as password.

https://sgs.schoolhub.sg/

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