MARIS STELLA HIGH SCHOOL

Sec 2 Parents’ Briefing on

Sec 3 Subject Combinations 2009

28 March 2008

AGENDA
1. 2007 GCE ‘O’ Level Results
2. Admission Criteria for local
universities, JCs & Polytechnics
3 .Subject Combination Matching
Exercise
4. Sec 3 Subject Combinations 2009
5. Departmental Presentations
6. Q & A Session 2
2007 GCE ‘O’ LEVEL
EXAM RESULTS

Overall Performance (2007)

• Our pupils performed significantly

better than expected.

• 10 subjects show value-added

results, according to MOE analysis.

4
Better than expected performance

2007 GCE ‘O’ Level Results 5

2007 GCE ‘O’ Level Results

6
 2007 GCE ‘O’ Level Results

Post Secondary Education

• Junior Colleges
• Polytechnics
• Institutes of Technical Education

8
 Maris Stella High School
Post Secondary Education

Poly ITE
JC

L1 + R5 = 6 to 20 points
L1 = English or Higher Chinese
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
TO JUNIOR COLLEGE

R5 = 5 Relevant Subjects
• R1 – Humanities
• R2 – Math / Science
• R3 – Math / Science / Humanities
• R4 – any other subject*
• R5 – any other subject*
* except CCA
10
 CCA can contribute up to 2
bonus points depending on
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
TO JUNIOR COLLEGE
grade, but admission criteria
must be met first.

CCA Points
A1 & A2: 2 pts
B3 – C6: 1 pt

11

Cut Off Points for Entrance into JC 2008

JC Science Arts
1 Hwa Chong Institution 3* 3*
2 Raffles JC 3* 4*
3 Victoria JC 4* 6
4 National JC 5* 6
5 Anglo-Chinese JC 6 7
6 Temasek JC 6 7
7 Anderson JC 8 9
8 St Andrew’s JC 9 9
* with Bonus points
12
Cut Off Points for Entrance into JC 2008
JC Science Arts
9 Meridian JC 10 10
10 Nanyang JC 10 10
11 Catholic JC 10 11
12 Tampines JC 13 13
13 Jurong JC 13 13
14 Pioneer JC 16 16
15 Serangoon JC 18 20
16 Innova JC 20 19
17 Yishun JC 20 20
13

Framework for 2006 ‘A’ Level Curriculum

H1 H2 H3

Equivalent to half Equivalent to the Subjects with a

content load of H2 standard of ‘A’ variety of learning
subjects but pitched Level subjects prior opportunities (e.g.
at the same to 2006 advanced content,
academic standard research paper,
as H2 subjects university module)

14
Framework for 2006 ‘A’ Level Curriculum
Besides GP, PW and MTL at H1 level,
students are required to offer three H2 and
one H1 content-based subjects, at least one of
which is from a contrasting discipline.
• GP -H1
• PW -H1
• MTL -H1
• H2
• H2 At least 1 from
• H2 contrasting discipline
• H1
15

Framework for 2006 ‘A’ Level Curriculum

Examples of Subject Combinations
Example A Example B
H2 Physics H2 History
H2 Mathematics H2 Literature
H2 Economics H2 Economics
(contrasting subject) H1 Mathematics
H1 Chemistry (contrasting subject)
GP - H1 GP - H1
PW - H1 PW - H1
MTL - H1 MTL - H1

16
Entry Into Local Universities

NUS, NTU and SMU have adopted a more

qualitative approach in considering CCAs
in university admission.
The School Graduation Certificate was
implemented from 2008 to give a
complete record of a student’s progress
in all domains of education.

17

Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local

Universities
Engineering Courses in NUS: H2 Math,
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering H2 Phy and
• Bioengineering H2 Chem
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering H2 Math and
• Electrical Engineering
H2 Phy or
• Engineering (Common) Chem
• Industrial & Systems Engineering
• Material Sc & Engineering
•Mechanical Engineering 18
Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local
Universities
JC Requirements: To be eligible for
Mathematics at H2 level:
! Pupils are expected to have obtained a
grade of C6 or better in ‘O’ level Additional
Mathematics.
All our pupils offer Additional
Mathematics. Pupils who are not
able to meet passing criteria will be
asked to drop the subject by the end
of Sec 3.
19

Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local

Universities
JC Requirements: To be eligible for
One Science Subject at H2 level:
Pupils are expected to have completed
the relevant course of study at GCE ‘O’
Level, either as a Pure Science or as
part of a Combined Science course.

20
Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local
Universities
JC Requirements: To be eligible for
One Science Subject at H2 level:
!For example, pupils offering H2
Chemistry are expected to have taken
Chemistry OR
Science (Chem/Phy) or
Science (Chem/Bio) at GCE ‘O’ Level.

21

Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local

Universities
JC Requirements: To be eligible for
One Science Subject at H2 level:
! Pupils who have taken ‘O’ Level
Combined Science without any Pure
Sciences are eligible for only ONE H2
Science subject.

22
Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local
Universities
JC Requirements: To be eligible for
One Science Subject at H1 level:
!Eligible pupils may opt to take the
2nd Science subject at H1 if they have
grades of A1 in all the Three subjects
Math, Additional Math and Combined
Science.

23

Entry Into Engineering Courses in Local

Universities

Regardless of their Sec 3 subject

combinations, pupils are not hindered
in any way to pursue at least 80% of
the Engineering courses and other
courses in the local universities.

24
• Built Environment
• Business, Finance & Law
• Chemical & Life Sciences
• Electrical & Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Information Technology
• Maritime Studies
• Media & Design

25

ENTRY INTO
POLYTECHNICS
EL R2 B2
= EL + 2 Relevant + 2 Best subjects
Aggregate of:
• EL (1 - 6)
• R1 - Maths (Elem/Add)
• R2 - 1 relevant subject
• B1 & B2 - any 2 best subjects*
* excluding CCA

26
Course 2nd Relevant Subject

• Architectural Physics, Chemistry, Science,

• Science Based Biology
• Technology

• Business Related Combined Humanities,

Geography, History, Lit in
English, Lit in Chinese

27

More information regarding courses and

admission requirements to junior colleges
and polytechnics can be obtained from:
http://www.moe.gov.sg/

28
SUBJECT COMBINATION
MATCHING EXERCISE
1. Subject combinations have been
tested, fine-tuned and updated.
2. Subject combination to match
pupil’s ability.

29

SUBJECT COMBINATION
MATCHING EXERCISE
3. Pupils have varying abilities;
T-scores: 191 – 267
4. The exercise seeks to provide
different subject combinations to
cater to pupils’ varying abilities.

30
• Bring out the best in our pupils
• Nurture all-round development
• Enable all pupils to proceed to JCs
and polytechnics

31

All Sec 3 pupils will offer the

following 5 compulsory subjects:
1. English Language
2. Chinese Lang/Higher Chinese
3. E Math
4. A Math
5. Combined Humanities
(Social Studies + Electives*)
* Geo / Hist / Lit (E) / Lit (C) 32
Other subjects:

• Pure Sciences - Biology, Chemistry,

Physics
• Combined Sciences - Phy/Chem, Phy/Bio,
Chem/Bio

33

Other subjects:
• Pure Humanities - History, Geography,
Literature in English,
Literature in Chinese
• Art (offered to pupils who show great
aptitude and commitment to the subject)

34
There are altogether 10 different
Science Combinations.

Students are first matched to a

suitable Science Combination before
being allocated the Humanities.

35

History and Geography are allocated

based on pupil’s choice.

For E.Lit and C.Lit, good command in

the respective languages is a
pre-requisite for offering the subject.

36
A subject will not be offered if there are
fewer than 15 pupils in the same class
opting for it.
The criteria for the options are realistic.
It reflects the ability a pupil needs to
cope with the subjects and the number
of subjects he offers.
37

The criteria used is the pupil’s Sec Two

Overall Combined Average of all subjects
with a Double Weighting in Math and
Science.
This calculation gives an advantage to
pupils who are strong in these subjects.

38
 Without Double Wt With Double Wt
Subject in Ma & Sc in Ma & Sc
1. English 60 60
2. Chinese/ Higher Chinese 60 60
3. Mathematics 75 75 X 2
4. Science 80 80 X 2
5. Geography 60 60
6. History 60 60
7. Literature 60 60
8. D&T 60 60
9. Homec 60 60
10. Art 60 60

Overall 635 ÷ 10 790 ÷ 12

Average =63.5% =65.8%

39

Each term, the school will provide updates

to parents on the subject combination
options each pupil is eligible for based on
his results.
The purpose of this exercise is to provide
timely feedback for parents to monitor
their sons’ academic progress.

40
 At Secondary 3 level, most
pupils offer 7 subjects.
If a pupil is not able to cope
with 7 subjects, he will be
required to do 6 subjects.

41

Subject Combination Options 2009

Only exceptionally good students will offer
9 subjects (Criteria: at least 75%):-

5 compulsory subjects
+ Option S1
3 Pure Sc & 1 Pure Hum Subj

42
Subject Combination Options 2009
Option S1
No. of subjects 9
Science Chemistry
Physics
Biology
Pure One subject
Humanities
Criterion 1 !75%
Criterion for Lit Eng & Lit
in Eng
(pure/ elective)
!70%
43

Subject Combination Options 2009

Deserving students will offer 8 subjects
(Criteria: at least 70%):-

5 compulsory subjects
Options
+
3 Pure Sc OR S2 - S5

2 Sc Subj & 1 Pure Hum Subj

44
Subject Combination Options 2009
Option S2
No. of subjects 8
Science Chemistry
Physics
Biology
Pure -
Humanities
Criterion 1 !70%

Criterion for Eng & Lit

Lit in Eng !70%
(elective)
45

Subject Combination Options 2009

S3 S4 S5
No. of subjects 8 8 8
Science Chemistry Chemistry Physics
Physics Sc (Phy/Bio) Sc (Chem/Bio)
Pure One One One
Humanities subject subject subject
Criterion 1 !70% !70% !70%
Criterion for Eng & Lit Eng & Lit Eng & Lit
Lit in Eng !70% !70% !70%
(pure/ elective)

46
Subject Combination Options 2009

Able students will offer the following

7 subjects (Criteria: at least 67%):-

5 compulsory subjects
+ Option S6
2 Pure Sc

47

Subject Combination Options 2009

Option S6
No. of subjects 7
Science Chemistry
Physics
Pure Humanities -
Criterion 1 !67%

Criterion for Lit Eng & Lit

in Eng !67%
(elective)
48
 Subject Combination Options 2009

Able students may also offer the following

7 subjects (Criteria: at least 64%):-

5 compulsory subjects Options

+ S7 - S9
1 Pure Sc & 1 Comb Sc

49

Subject Combination Options 2009

Options S7 S8 S9
No. of 7 7 7
subjects
Science Chemistry Physics Biology
Sc (Phy/Bio) Sc (Chem/Bio) Sc (Chem/Phy)
Pure - - -
Humanities
Criterion 1 !64% !64% !64%
Criterion for Eng & Lit Eng & Lit Eng & Lit
Lit in Eng !64% !64% !64%
(elective)

50
Subject Combination Options 2009

Students who are coping will offer the following

7 subjects:-

5 compulsory subjects
Option S10
+
1 Comb Sc & 1 Pure Hum Subj

51

Subject Combination Options 2009

Option S10
No. of subjects 7
Science Science (Chem/Phy)
Pure One
Humanities* subject
Criterion 1 -

Criterion to take Eng & Lit

Lit in Eng !60%
(pure/ elective)

52
Tip:

Work Hard CONSISTENTLY !

53

Presentation by
HOD EL & E Lit
Miss Koh Siang Cheng

54
English Language

Compulsory
A pass - minimum of C6 - is necessary for all
pupils
Formal Assessment (school-based):
- CA1: 15%
SA1: 25%
CA2: 15%
SA2: 45%

55

EL Exam Components:
1. Paper One 40%
Part 1: Free Writing
Part 2: Situational Writing
2. Paper Two 40%
Part 1: Comprehension
Part 2: Summary
3. Paper Three 20%
Part 1: Reading Aloud
Part 2: Picture Discussion
Part 3: Conversation
Total 100% 56
 Literature in English
Paper One
• Section A : Prose - Set Text
• Section B : Unseen Poetry & Prose
Paper Two
• Drama: Set Text
*Pupils who opt for Elective
Literature will offer Lit. Paper One &
Social Studies.
57

Presentation by
HOD Chinese
Mr Kay Ren Tat

58
 !"#$%&'(
)*+,-.
EF /0123 +,CD
12
122) /0123
;B!=
! 12445446A
>? 89:445446A
122) /0123
;<+=
! 124454467
>?@ 89:4454467
59

!"#$%&'(
EFGHEIJ
EF NOPJ M
122) L K
;B!=
>?
122) K K
;<+=
>?@ 60
 !"#$%&'(
+,QR
EF
QR B!S>?T <+S>?@T
ZU4122)[\
444!
`U4ab2)XY<,
444!
?U4VW2)XY<,
444! !
]U42)XY^_
444! !
61

Presentation by
HOD Math
Mr Ng Chor Yam

62
Assessment % of overall Type of tests Weightings % of Overall
CA 1 20% Common Test 40% of CA 1 8%
Base Tests 20% of CA 1 4%
Homework 20% of CA 1 4%
Journal Writing 20% of CA 1 4%
SA 1 30% 30%
CA 2 20% Common Test 40% of CA 2 8%
Base Tests 20% of CA 2 4%
Homework 20% of CA 2 4%
Journal Writing 20% of CA 2 4%
SA 2 30% 30%

63

Math Subjects in Sec 3

• Additional Math is an essential subject of
study for most post-secondary courses.
• All pupils will offer both GCE ‘O’ Level Math
and Additional Math at Secondary Three.
• Pupils may be advised to drop Additional
Math if they are unable to cope with the rigour
of the subject.

64
 Presentation by
HOD Science
Miss Goh Teck Koon

65

Lower Secondary Science

Biology module = 33%
Physics module = 34%
Chemistry module = 33%
For each module
SA = 23 or 24 %
Common Test = 7 %
CA Class Tests = 3 %
66
Lower Secondary Science
CA1 = Bio 10% + Phy 5% = 15%
SA1 = Bio 23% + Phy 12% = 35%
CA2 = Chem 10% + Phy 5% = 15%
SA2 = Chem 23% + Phy 12% = 35%
For each module
SA = 23 or 24 %
Common Test = 7 %
CA Class Tests =3%

67

Science Department

Since July 2002, admission to

NUS medical course does not
require Biology
at ‘A’ level.

68
Science Department

What subject combination must I have?

To be eligible for Medicine, candidates must
have Chemistry at 'A' level and either
Biology or Physics in addition to Chemistry.
The 'triple science' combination is no
longer required for Medicine, and
candidates who present the 'triple science'
have no advantage in the admissions
process.
http://www.med.nus.edu.sg/corporate/admissionsFAQ.shtml

69

Science Department

JC Requirements: To be eligible for

Science Subjects at H2 level:
! Pupils are expected to have completed the
relevant course of study at GCE ‘O’ Level, either
as a Pure Science or as part of a Combined
Science course.
! For example, pupils offering H2 Chemistry are
expected to have taken Chemistry OR Science
(Chem/Phy) or Science (Chem/Bio) at GCE ‘O’
Level

70
 Science Department

JC Requirements: To be eligible for

Science Subjects at H2 level:
! Pupils who have taken ‘O’ Level Combined
Science without any Pure Sciences are eligible
for only ONE H2 Science subject.
! Eligible pupils may opt to take the 2nd Science
subject at H1 if they have grades of A1 in all the
Three subjects Mathematics, Additional
Mathematics and Combined Science.

71

Science Department
Subjects Performing Above National Average (% Distinction)

!!!!!!"#$#!!%&'()*&+
,-./(0/ 12345 !!46375
8-9:(/';. 7<3=5 !!443>5
?()+)@. 1<315 !!4<325

#0(9*09!A,-.B8-9:C!!7D3E5 6=3E5
#0(9*09!A8-9:B?()C!!!7>325 E4375
#0(9*09!A,-.B?()C!!!!!!>==5 E43=5

72
 Subject Combination Options 2009
Options S7 S8 S9
No. of 7 7 7
subjects
Science Chemistry Physics Biology
Sc (Phy/Bio) Sc (Chem/Bio) Sc (Chem/Phy)
Pure - - -
Humanities
Criterion 1 !64% !64% !64%
Criterion for Eng & Lit Eng & Lit Eng & Lit
Lit in Eng !64% !64% !64%
(elective)

73

Presentation by
Subject Head -
Geography/ I & E
Mr Edmund Goy

74
 History
CA = F=%
SA = G=%

Geography
CA = 60%
SA = 40%

75

Humanities Department

For students offering only ONE Humanities subject, it is

compulsory for them to offer the Combined Humanities which
consists of 2 components:

50% Social Studies (compulsory)

50% An Elective
choice of Geography/ History/ Lit E/ Lit C

76
 Humanities Department

For pupils opting for TWO Humanities subjects:

1st: Combined Humanities (SS & Elective)
2nd: Either Pure Geography
OR Pure History
OR Literature in English
OR Literature in Chinese

Note: Pupils cannot opt for the Elective and Pure of the
same subject, e.g. Geography Elective with Pure Geography.

77

Humanities Department

Choice of Elective* (Geography or History) is based on interest

and ability.
Pupils who have no clear preference towards any Elective should
opt for Elective Geography.

*Criteria apply to Lit in English and Lit in Chinese

Elective.

78
Elective (Geography vs History)

Geography: History: 20th C World

Physical Geography
Natural Vegetation
Rivers and Coasts
Human Geography
Geography of Food
Development
Hope for a Better World?
Establishing Peace
Rise of authoritarian regimes
Breakdown of World Order
War in Europe
War in Asia Pacific
A World Divided and United?
Cold War
End of Cold War

79

Pure Geography

Physical Geography (50%):

Plate Tectonics and resulting landforms
Weather and climate
Natural Vegetation
Rivers and Coasts
AND
Human Geography (50%)
Geography of Food
The Industrial World
Tourism
Development

80
Pure History

Southeast Asian History (50%)

Colonial Rule and Impact (1870-1900)
Rise of Nationalism (1900-1945)
Struggles for independence in post-war Southeast War (1945-
1967)
Egs. derived from Indonesia, Malaya and Vietnam
AND
20th C World History (50%)
See History Elective
Hope for a Better World? (1918-1930s)
Breakdown of World Order (1930s-1945)
A World Divided and United? (1945-1990s)

81

Humanities Department

Pupils who qualify for 8-9 subjects are encouraged to

opt for double Humanities.
This is especially so if they are performing well in
History and Geography.

82
 83

Q&A
Panel of HODs

84