Hwa Chong Institution (High School)

[SG_KP1]

dazednconfused\" post_id=\"2079294\" time=\"1661138724\" user_id=\"199180:

Is SMTP a totally different syllabus from IP maths and science? Or do they do the same content and sit for same exams, but have extra classes on top of it? Appreciate any advice and info from ex-pupils or parents ...

My understanding is that the SMTP curriculum is enriched beyond the normal IP curriculum, probably to the tune of 20%-30% more. I believe the boys will also have to take Advanced Math/Chem/Physics exams and these will go on the results slip but they are not used in the MSG calculation (they will take the normal exams too and these will be used). I am not sure about additional class time but I'd guess more is required, both for classes, extra activities, and research.

I think the school talked to the boys last week about this stuff. Maybe check with your child again?

[doodbug]

in my son’s batch, there were 3 SMTP classes, 1 HP, 1 BSP and 1 CLEP class. There was also 1 SIP class.

[SG_KP1]

There is also the CTP (Computing Talent Programme). I assume this is one class but not entirely sure, as computing can also be taken as a class (outside of talent programme).


My impression is that Bio is still more popular than Computing (as a class). Was somewhat surprised but I guess many kids still want to be doctors.

[doodbug]

Previously, Computing was under SMTP and it was one of the SMTP classes.

[kshroom]

hdbmummy\" post_id=\"2079127\" time=\"1660963625\" user_id=\"53192:

Hi,

Are there any parents here whose child got in to HCI via DSA with lower PSLE scores than the S1 Intake cut off? Do you mind sharing the learning journey your child had in HCI?

My concerns are around catching up academically as well as the opportunities to partake in special programs/immersion trips/events/student councils/etc...

Thank you!

Hi,

Once DSA boys enter HCI, they are treated the same way as any other students and given the same opportunities for talent programmes, immersion, leadership. But if the PSLE score doesn't quite make the mark, be prepared to work harder than others. When others are playing online games, my boy is having tuition. When others are hanging out with friends, my boy is revising early for tests. Internal motivation is important and it is definitely possible to catch up and even excel.

[doodbug]

hdbmummy\" post_id=\"2079127\" time=\"1660963625\" user_id=\"53192:

Hi,

Are there any parents here whose child got in to HCI via DSA with lower PSLE scores than the S1 Intake cut off? Do you mind sharing the learning journey your child had in HCI?

My concerns are around catching up academically as well as the opportunities to partake in special programs/immersion trips/events/student councils/etc...

Thank you!

Hi hdbmummy

I am not sure whether you had read my previous accounts. My DS got into HCI via DSA with far lower PSLE T-scores than the S1 posting. Perhaps he was the lowest score in his batch - I am not sure as I did not ask. But you get the picture - he was very, very far from the COP and his Maths was a B which was disastrous by top school PSLE standards.

Initially, we wanted to move DS to international school rightaway to give him an opportunity to start afresh. But HCI was very kind, and the Deputy Principal encouraged us to try. I was very moved during the DSA talk, when the Deputy Principal said that DSA selection was not made solely on how the boy can contribute to HCI, but how much and how far they assess HCI can contribute to the child's growth and development.

My DS is not done with his HCI journey yet. But from Year 1 to Year 4, he was never denied any opportunity in school. He was Class Chairperson in Year 1, Consortium Councillor in Sec 2, Consortium Councillor Exco in Sec 3, and High School Councillor in Sec 4. This is on top of other opportunities to do and participate in a whole of of stuff. Academically, my son got a very good set of high school teachers all throughout - none were poor or so-so and he got his 1st so-so teacher I think only in Sec 4 (she wasn't bad or negligent or what). Tuition was more to keep him disciplined, than for teaching / learning, and he recognized that. Academically, he was never anywhere near top, but average if not above average. The enriching and fulfilling journey my son had in High School is something my family is deeply grateful for. He had the option and grades to apply for Special Programmes, but he chose not to. And ironically, I feel that by not being in iSpark (which is the special programmes minus BSP consortium), he was in a class that is far more suited to his pace and the peer influence was very strong. I don't think he would have thrived in a more competitive (some would say perhaps more self-centered) environment as he is a gentle soul, but I could be wrong.

I can't comment about JC life though, as it is run very differently and is a different environment.

In short, the child and parents' attitudes and perspectives are very important. Teachers are ever willing to help. Nobody will look down on you, but you also musn't carry too much of a chip on your shoulders.

[hdbmummy]

kshroom\" post_id=\"2079394\" time=\"1661216797\" user_id=\"188328:

Hi,

Once DSA boys enter HCI, they are treated the same way as any other students and given the same opportunities for talent programmes, immersion, leadership. But if the PSLE score doesn't quite make the mark, be prepared to work harder than others. When others are playing online games, my boy is having tuition. When others are hanging out with friends, my boy is revising early for tests. Internal motivation is important and it is definitely possible to catch up and even excel.

Thank you for sharing!

Has your son always been self-motivated since primary school or did you see the self-motivation settling in after he joined HCI and felt the need to match up with his peers?

Did he ever voice unhappiness over having to put in more effort than others?

[hdbmummy]

doodbug\" post_id=\"2079399\" time=\"1661218322\" user_id=\"13281:

My DS is not done with his HCI journey yet. But from Year 1 to Year 4, he was never denied any opportunity in school. He was Class Chairperson in Year 1, Consortium Councillor in Sec 2, Consortium Councillor Exco in Sec 3, and High School Councillor in Sec 4. This is on top of other opportunities to do and participate in a whole of of stuff. Academically, my son got a very good set of high school teachers all throughout - none were poor or so-so and he got his 1st so-so teacher I think only in Sec 4 (she wasn't bad or negligent or what). Tuition was more to keep him disciplined, than for teaching / learning, and he recognized that. Academically, he was never anywhere near top, but average if not above average. The enriching and fulfilling journey my son had in High School is something my family is deeply grateful for. He had the option and grades to apply for Special Programmes, but he chose not to. And ironically, I feel that by not being in iSpark (which is the special programmes minus BSP consortium), he was in a class that is far more suited to his pace and the peer influence was very strong. I don't think he would have thrived in a more competitive (some would say perhaps more self-centered) environment as he is a gentle soul, but I could be wrong.

I can't comment about JC life though, as it is run very differently and is a different environment.

In short, the child and parents' attitudes and perspectives are very important. Teachers are ever willing to help. Nobody will look down on you, but you also musn't carry too much of a chip on your shoulders.

Wow, thank you for sharing this! I'm glad that you son is doing so well in HCI!

My son is applying for DSA under Leadership and he would be devastated if he missed out on leadership opportunities because of lacklustre academics. I feel more reassured reading both your post and kshroom's post. We're waiting for the DSA outcome this Friday and hopefully he'll have the opportunity to join HCI too! Keeping fingers crossed!

[doodbug]

I do need to say though, that you will not be considered for council leadership positions in High School if you cannot cope academically (i.e. at risk of SIP etc). Appointed student leaders after all, are to a certain degree, a model and example to other students.

For Student Council in Year 5, it is purely by elections, so grades do not matter. However, if you are retained in Year 5, you are likely to be asked to be advised to drop your Council commitment. My DS is not in JC Council.

[hdbmummy]

doodbug\" post_id=\"2079414\" time=\"1661221257\" user_id=\"13281:

I do need to say though, that you will not be considered for council leadership positions in High School if you cannot cope academically (i.e. at risk of SIP etc). Appointed student leaders after all, are to a certain degree, a model and example to other students.
For Student Council in Year 5, it is purely by elections, so grades do not matter. However, if you are retained in Year 5, you are likely to be asked to be advised to drop your Council commitment. My DS is not in JC Council.

That makes sense...

May I ask what is SIP? Or what kind of grades will get you into SIP?