Secondary 2 Streaming

[sharonkhoo]

Blissedsher\" post_id=\"2109591\" time=\"1685056841\" user_id=\"23814:

Thanks for your quick replies. I think our main problem is math results also affect her chance in getting pure science . So what I meant is A math is together with pure science . If we don't get Amaths we cant take pure science. It's detrimental for a child wanting to go JC .and i feel it's too early for a child to face such an important checkpoint that will change their pathways.

At 14yo, you and your child should already have a fair inkling whether she is likely to want to pursue a very \"science\" course or career. If she does, then she really needs to work on her maths if she wants to go the JC route. There is also the alternative of going through the poly route which may not require such good grades.

Chances are, if she is weak in maths, she may not really be that interested in the sciences? Try to get beneath the \"smart kids do science\" or \"science is more prestigious\" or \"there is no future in arts\" sort of thinking, and ask her what really excites and interests her. There are many worthwhile careers that do not need much science or maths.

[sharonkhoo]

Blissedsher\" post_id=\"2109595\" time=\"1685060214\" user_id=\"23814:

I maybe wrong but seems art stream also needs Amath for H1 or H2math ?

That may depend on the JC. As far as I know, there is no need to have done A Maths to take H1 maths.

[phtthp]

Blissedsher\" post_id=\"2109591\" time=\"1685056841\" user_id=\"23814:

Thanks for your quick replies.

I think our main problem is math results also affect her chance in getting pure science . So what I meant is A math is together with pure science .

If we don't get Amaths we cant take pure science. It's detrimental for a child wanting to go JC .and i feel it's too early for a child to face such an important checkpoint that will change their pathways.

For JC, Yes, if you are an Arts stream students, still need to take either H1 or H2 Maths.

But, if you are a Science stream JC student, often, u will take H2 Maths.

What happen,
if say, a Sec 4 students only take E Maths, never do A-Maths (O-level), but want to do H2 A-level Maths, in JC ?

In some JCs,
if u score well in E-Maths (O-level), they let u take an entrance admission test first, in Maths.
If u can pass this entrance test, they will let u take H2 Maths. But, even then, can be a struggle along the way, because of your lack of A-Maths (O level ) foundation / background.

So, what happen,
if say, your kid really want to study A-Maths, but your school Maths HOD is very strict, don't allow ?

Alternatives
==========

1) consider, seeking Transfer into another Secondary school at end of Sec 2, that can help u overcome this problem.

Or

2) stay, remain inside back the same school. But, take private tuition on your own, for A-Maths.


Then,
during the interim regular Term time check point exams
eg,

say,
during Term 1 or Term 2 or Term 3 or Term 4 WA tests, (Weighted Assessments),
take your own school's Sec 3 A-Maths exam papers. If your child can pass well in these papers, your school will let your kid continue to take A-Maths subject, all the way to Sec 4, provided u pass their tests. This way, you have become an overcomer.

However,
between above options (1) and (2),
I would much prefer option (1).
Just try to seek Transfer into another Secondary school, that permit u to do A-Maths and start afresh your final last lap, your final last 2 years for O level steady preparation.

What u can do is ,
perhaps,
check into each Sevondary school's website or better still, call up the school directly, ask to speak to the VP (Academic) or the Maths HOD -

see which school allow end of Sec 2 students to take up A-Maths subject, with say,
a B3 or a B4 grade acquired, at end of their Sec 2 Maths grade.

Because

Without a SOLID foundation
in A-Maths (O-level),
even if
your kid managed to pass the admission entrance tests in JC (1), because your kid happen to do well in Elementary Maths (O-level),

he (she), the pupil, may still struggle with A-level Maths in JCs. In the end, may affect her (his) rank points score into universities choice of faculties, chosen.

From year 2026 onwards, the maximum Rank points is upon 70, no more upon 90.

===========================

Edited :-

above,
apply to students,
who do Not face learning difficulty in Maths.

[sharonkhoo]

phtthp\" post_id=\"2109599\" time=\"1685063410\" user_id=\"35251:

Without a SOLID foundation
in A-Maths (O-level),
even if
your kid managed to pass the admission entrance tests in JC (1), because your kid happen to do well in Elementary Maths (O-level),

he (she), the pupil, may still struggle with A-level Maths in JCs.

Just to add that some kids may take A maths and still struggle with H2 maths. So before deciding to try so hard to have your daughter take A maths, with the possibility of struggling with H2 maths at JC, do check if she really has interest, aptitude and ability in both maths and sciences.

[phtthp]

slmkhoo\" post_id=\"2109600\" time=\"1685063799\" user_id=\"28674:

Just to add that some kids may take A maths and still struggle with H2 maths. So before deciding to try so hard to have your daughter take A maths, with the possibility of struggling with H2 maths at JC, do check if she really has interest, aptitude and ability in both maths and sciences.

Yes, of course. A word of caution.

Parents should exercise discernment, wisdom,
whether
a child ought to pursue A-Maths (O level), or not.

If a child has learning difficulty, please do Not push the pupil into learning something, beyond what the child can cope.

Parents, you know your own kid, best (well).

Thank you, for the important reminder, which I have over looked. Sorry, about it. Thank you, that you raised this up, in time. Much appreciated. Thank you.

[zac's mum]

To hit A2, need 70 marks.


B3 ranges from 65-69.

To get from B3 to A2, need to close a gap of 1-5 marks.

If this issue is super important to you, get the best Math tuition you can, between now June hols till EOY exam. Lower sec Math needs a lot of regular consistent practice. It is very possible to hit A2 by EOY. Child already scoring B3 means no major learning difficulties.

That is my opinion. These things are within your control right now. Dun need to worry about things that havent happened yet which u can’t control. Wishing u all the best.

[Blissedsher]

Thanks for the advice I will let my child know . Hopefully she can get her A2 by year end.

[Daddy with one son]

My son is in Sec 1 in HCI. Can you tell me about his options when it comes to Sec 2 streaming?


Where can I find this information online? There does not seem to have this information on the HCI official webpage.

[zac's mum]

I know different schools set different criteria for sec 2 streaming (it’s not regulated by MOE). But someone please tell me it’s not uncommon to have this in Express track:


Students will be ranked on their total score of all 12 subjects:
1. English
2. Mother tongue
3. Math
4. Science
5. History
6. Geography
7. Literature
8. Art
9. Music
10. PE (including Napfa results)
11. FCE
12. D&T

Furthermore, math & science are doubly-weighted aka doubly-counted in the overall total.

Meaning:
13. Math
14. Science

[phtthp]

Not true.


At end of Sec 2, Secondary schools only take in consideration or factor in those subjects that formulate your L1R5 (O level). In other words, those non core Sec 2 subjects like PE, Art, Music, FCE, D&T, usually, these are out ! Not factored in.

So, what then are your "CORE" Sec 2 subjects identified, being taken into consideration, for end of Sec 2 streaming, into choosing (selecting) your Sec 3 subject combination ?

Of course, will definitely include your

1) two basic languages:
English + Mother tongue.


2) your (Maths & Science), obviously, without any doubt.


3) your Humanities.
That is your Sec 2 (Literature + History + Geography)

At this point in time, now that u have already reached the end of Sec 2, u got to decide for yourself :-

Amongst these 3 subjects (History, Geography and Literature), which one

- do I have more interest, in ?

- do I tend to do better, or analyse & understand, better in ?

- do I have a natural flair (strength) in or towards ?


========================

Next question, then arises -

Over & above those essential core subjects named & factored in above,
then,

under what unusual situation(s) or circumstances, will they consider your end of Sec 2 grades in
(Art / Music / PE / Design & Technology ) ?

They will come in handy & useful, if you (an end of Sec 2 student) decide to take up certain specialized O level subjects domain, that are related to Art, PE, Music or Design & Technology. Yes, indeed, there are such specialized O level subjects available, at the National O level exam. If you were to look under the umbrella of all the O level subjects to be sat for each year (batch), these unusual subjects are all there.
And Yes, there are minority students taking such specialized subjects, though not many.