Hwa Chong Institution (High School)

[myteapot]

Hihi newcomer77


For languages, I feel the only way to master it is to read and read and read. Have you tried getting your son to read more Chinese books and novels? Earlier in the year, the school has asked them to subscribe to some Chinese books and magazines, which I thought will make very suitable reading for Sec Ones. The book comprise of short stories and will be easier reading for our kids. My DD1 started reading Chinese novels after the PSLE, and as she reads more, she developed an interest in the subject and now she only reads Chinese novels. I am trying to get DS2 to do the same, and hopefully he will develop an interest and be confident of the subject.

I agree that teachers are very important to spur the child’s interest in the subject. For this, I am very thankful that DS has a very nurturing Chinese teacher, to the point that it has become his favorite lesson in class now. Perhaps you can speak with your son’s Chinese teacher. I am sure the school will be willing to work with you.

[newcomer77]

doodbug:

Hi newcomer77


My Sec 1 DS also failed the recent HCL common test. There are academic consultations, so I hear, that are pretty useful. My son also did not take HCL and he is from a non-SAP mission primary school. However this is really not an excuse - the top boy in his class for HCL is not even a Chinese, and also from a mission school. Although my son failed, I don't think it is the school's fault - they actually seem to have integrated Chinese in a very tasteful way (in my opinion), with drama and all that. In my son's case, its really lack of exposure to the language, and even though he is studying hard for it, he simply hasn't reached the standard. I did not speak or get in touch with his Chinese teacher, yet. Haha (running away from reality).

How is your son faring for other subjects? If by and large he is scoring As in other subjects, I think perhaps the situation isn't that dire? Also, I find the peer support very good - his study group makes good notes.

I was from a SAP school myself and failed HCL a few times in school. Eventually, we all scored A1s for the national exams. I guess we have to encourage our sons to press on (it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel now, admittedly).

It’s good to hear that your DS is enjoying school and getting the support he needs from teachers and peers. May I know what study group and peer support you were referring to? I don’t think my DS ever mention this. I only know they have project group.

[newcomer77]

myteapot:

Hihi newcomer77


For languages, I feel the only way to master it is to read and read and read. Have you tried getting your son to read more Chinese books and novels? Earlier in the year, the school has asked them to subscribe to some Chinese books and magazines, which I thought will make very suitable reading for Sec Ones. The book comprise of short stories and will be easier reading for our kids. My DD1 started reading Chinese novels after the PSLE, and as she reads more, she developed an interest in the subject and now she only reads Chinese novels. I am trying to get DS2 to do the same, and hopefully he will develop an interest and be confident of the subject.

I agree that teachers are very important to spur the child's interest in the subject. For this, I am very thankful that DS has a very nurturing Chinese teacher, to the point that it has become his favorite lesson in class now. Perhaps you can speak with your son's Chinese teacher. I am sure the school will be willing to work with you.

Thank you for your encouragement
Yes I did encourage him to read he did try but I think it’s not sufficient. Chinese is a language that one must put heart and efforts into it but I think he hasn’t find the interest yet. Your DS is blessed to get a good nurturing HCL teacher I think it makes a lot of difference!

[doodbug]

My DS has a group of friends (classmates); they do up notes and share notes with each other. It’s not a formal arrangement or anything. The kids are IT savvy. From what my son says, it is not uncommon in HCI that boys get together and support each other in studies. My son’s friends are encouraging. Each of them is strong in different areas - and they help each other out. Very few kids ace every single subject.


I don’t know what the quality of my son’s HCL teacher is - he hasn’t complained about her. As far as I can tell, many teachers are very approachable. They respond to kids’ whatsapp or email queries very quickly.

Does anyone here know how to get EOY exemptions?

[Always21]

newcomer77:

Hi hi


Wonder anyone has tips on coping with higher Chinese in Sec 1 (My DS did not study HCL in p6)? He didn’t just do badly he failed the subject. What concerns me is that his Chinese teacher does not seem bothered. Sorry but am I the only one that feels the teachers in HCI doesn’t really care about the students whether they are coping or not... I was shocked when the teacher mentioned if really can’t make it can go SIP. It’s only the first year and such statement doesn’t sound very encouraging :gloomy:

I thought it’s supposed to be an environment that will help spur his interest in Chinese language but sadly I can tell he still has not pick up the interest. With this kind of results, he is even more discouraged now.

I have an elder Son from another IP sch and the Teachers there would make efforts to always keeping in touch with parents. All the subjects Teachers are extremely caring and will meet with us to keep us updated on his progress. But over here they seems to expect students to go find Teachers if they miss classes or don’t understand the topic but they will not go after them...I have not met any of the subject Teachers except one (not form teacher) during the parent student forum.

I was hoping the Teachers here are more supportive having heard so much good stuff during the open house.

Any advices?

:nailbite:

https://s22.postimg.cc/8bq5azqu9/image.jpg\">

This is the magazine the chinese teacher asked them to read.

[newcomer77]

doodbug:

My DS has a group of friends (classmates); they do up notes and share notes with each other. It's not a formal arrangement or anything. The kids are IT savvy. From what my son says, it is not uncommon in HCI that boys get together and support each other in studies. My son's friends are encouraging. Each of them is strong in different areas - and they help each other out. Very few kids ace every single subject.


I don't know what the quality of my son's HCL teacher is - he hasn't complained about her. As far as I can tell, many teachers are very approachable. They respond to kids' whatsapp or email queries very quickly.

Does anyone here know how to get EOY exemptions?

That’s fantastic! Very good initiative I don’t think my DS has such a study group. When I asked him if his classmates could help he always says they themselves are too busy to help :slapshead:
Your Son is blessed!

[newcomer77]

Thank you Always21 I will remind him to read!

[myteapot]

newcomer77:

Thank you for your encouragement
Yes I did encourage him to read he did try but I think it’s not sufficient. Chinese is a language that one must put heart and efforts into it but I think he hasn’t find the interest yet. Your DS is blessed to get a good nurturing HCL teacher I think it makes a lot of difference!

That’s true, interest and support are both crucial factors to success. DS is indeed blessed to have a good nurturing HCL teacher who often encourages him as he has no confidence in his Chinese standard.

Not sure if this will help, but to infuse DS in the language, we try to tune to mandarin radio stations on the way to school. Even for Jap language which DS is taking (and finding it difficult), we started watching Japanese dramas at home to expose him to the language. Because we know DS thoroughly enjoyed his last Japan trip, we often motivate him to learn the language well so he can revisit Japan on his own once he has mastered the language. At the end of the day, we are hoping every little exposure and encouragement will help.

So 加油, and your son will find the spark to the interest in the language.

[doodbug]

Myteapot, good that your son is still going at 3rd language - my son said many of his classmates have dropped it. My son’s languages are poor, so errr…we need to work on his HCL especially.


I’m getting a little worried now. If a child gets mostly As but fails HCL - will he be retained ah? Yikes.

[myteapot]

Hihi doodbug


Yup, DS is still taking his Jap language (abit struggling though). We agreed DS should give himself more time at a new language and see if he still has the interest and aptitude for it after one year.

Wow, you son is doing well, getting mostly As. Take a look at the HCI website, it states passing criteria for languages (English and HCL) is C6, but for placement criteria, MSG of least 6 to continue IP. So not quite sure what this means, but I don't think they retain students in Sec 1, do they? :?