Raffles Institution (Year 1-4)

[anonymus]

cancelled

[randomguy]

Kiasu person:

Hi My DS is in sec 2 this yr.. Wants to apply for bio and chem RA any one has any idea what sort of topics tested in the selection test?

My advice might be outdated since I had taken the test 3 years ago...

You should try to master your entire o level textbook before attempting the test. The questions tested are easily o level standard and more. If you have time, move on to the simpler A level topics. For bio, it would be helpful if you could read up on the physiology and genetic chapters in the RA textbook Biology by Neil.A.Campbell . For chem, get Advanced Cheistry by Oxford publishing, and master the 1st 10 physical chem topics. (these books can be borrowed from HML). If your ds is in the science club, do read up on your ESP notes, which are very very helpful. Its not easy to master these material, so be sure to clarify your queries through the internet or by asking your science teacher for help (the latter option may even earn you some brownie points :D).

For the test itself, you will need strong understanding of basic concepts and general good analytical skills (interpretation of graphs, tables etc.). Rote learning will not help.

Don't be demoralized by the test, it is very challenging, especially for Biology which can throw up many obscure terms. As long as your ds has a genuine passion for the subjects, and have been dutifully pursuing his interest, the test, interview and teacher recommendation should pose no problem.

Gotta go! I'm mugging for my J1 RA selection test now...

[randomguy]

anonymus:

kiasuson:

[quote=\"anonymus\"]Thanks parents commenting on Representative selection.Same was the explanation gn by my DS.How was the class representative selection yesterday by the class peers.Any comments on tht? Heard tht the real selection will be next week.

Do you mean CEC (Class Executive Commitee) selection?

sss....U got tht right....Being a senior,any tips to win over the peers??? :roll:
How was it done with yr DS when he was in Sec1??[/quote]
Honestly, I don't think it is possible to \"win them over\", selection is based on the class' perception of the student. Typically, the Sec 1 class will often vote for the person that has taken the most initiative especially during the orientation camp (eg, volunteering to lead cheers, carry out presentations, lead the class in greeting, etc.). Such are natural born skills and instincts.

[kiasuson]

randomguy:

anonymus:

[quote=\"kiasuson\"]
Do you mean CEC (Class Executive Commitee) selection?

sss....U got tht right....Being a senior,any tips to win over the peers??? :roll:
How was it done with yr DS when he was in Sec1??

Honestly, I don't think it is possible to \"win them over\", selection is based on the class' perception of the student. Typically, the Sec 1 class will often vote for the person that has taken the most initiative especially during the orientation camp (eg, volunteering to lead cheers, carry out presentations, lead the class in greeting, etc.). Such are natural born skills and instincts.[/quote]My DS told me that if it is difficult to gain votes and build relationship in such a short time. Most of the classmate will vote for the friends that there know. Most of them will vote for their own primary school friends.

There are a lot of opportunities in RI to get leadership experience. The most prestiges leadership role is to join the RIPB. The process to get elected as a RI Prefect is very challenging and tedious. Tell your DS not to give up, there are a lot of opportunities in RI to gain leadership experiences.

[anonymus]

My DS told me that if it is difficult to gain votes and build relationship in such a short time. Most of the classmate will vote for the friends that there know. Most of them will vote for their own primary school friends.


There are a lot of opportunities in RI to get leadership experience. The most prestiges leadership role is to join the RIPB. The process to get elected as a RI Prefect is very challenging and tedious. Tell your DS not to give up, there are a lot of opportunities in RI to gain leadership experiences.

Can u enlighten me more on RIPB please…and which group of CCA (except sports as my DS has Asthma) to select so tht more oppurtunities will b gn to excel his talent n gain more CCA points.

[kiasuson]

anonymus:

kiasuson:

My DS told me that if it is difficult to gain votes and build relationship in such a short time. Most of the classmate will vote for the friends that there know. Most of them will vote for their own primary school friends.


There are a lot of opportunities in RI to get leadership experience. The most prestiges leadership role is to join the RIPB. The process to get elected as a RI Prefect is very challenging and tedious. Tell your DS not to give up, there are a lot of opportunities in RI to gain leadership experiences.

Can u enlighten me more on RIPB please...and which group of CCA (except sports as my DS has Asthma) to select so tht more oppurtunities will b gn to excel his talent n gain more CCA points.

It all depends on your DS talent. My DS has different objectives and CCA points are not our main concerns. My DS wants to learn a few skills set and also learn different leadership style. The selection of CCA also depends on your DS interests.

RIPB nomination starts in middle of the year. They will then have to go thru interviews, selected for a camp, start campaigning for votes and voting. The process might changes and it depends on the RIPB Exco. If you missed the nomination in Year 1 or 2, you will not be able to get in the broad.

[anonymus]

kiasuson:

anonymus:

[quote=kiasuson]My DS told me that if it is difficult to gain votes and build relationship in such a short time. Most of the classmate will vote for the friends that there know. Most of them will vote for their own primary school friends.


There are a lot of opportunities in RI to get leadership experience. The most prestiges leadership role is to join the RIPB. The process to get elected as a RI Prefect is very challenging and tedious. Tell your DS not to give up, there are a lot of opportunities in RI to gain leadership experiences.

Can u enlighten me more on RIPB please...and which group of CCA (except sports as my DS has Asthma) to select so tht more oppurtunities will b gn to excel his talent n gain more CCA points.

It all depends on your DS talent. My DS has different objectives and CCA points are not our main concerns. My DS wants to learn a few skills set and also learn different leadership style. The selection of CCA also depends on your DS interests.

RIPB nomination starts in middle of the year. They will then have to go thru interviews, selected for a camp, start campaigning for votes and voting. The process might changes and it depends on the RIPB Exco. If you missed the nomination in Year 1 or 2, you will not be able to get in the broad.[/quote] :thankyou:

[naggo-nitemare]

If offered the chance to join either Chinese orchestra or string ensemble, which would u recommend my DS to join? he likes both genres of music and has to learn the double bass or cello from scratch as he only plays the piano.

[verykiasu2010]

naggo-nitemare:

If offered the chance to join either Chinese orchestra or string ensemble, which would u recommend my DS to join? he likes both genres of music and has to learn the double bass or cello from scratch as he only plays the piano.

they said piano is the basic requirement and \"conversion\" from piano to string is easier

however they do expect the student to keep up the music grades outside of school CCA curriculum as the CCA by itself will not have avenue to upgrade your skill per se, that is what the chaps at RISE said

[sautille]

naggo-nitemare:

If offered the chance to join either Chinese orchestra or string ensemble, which would u recommend my DS to join? he likes both genres of music and has to learn the double bass or cello from scratch as he only plays the piano.

Personally, I will recommend the SE. The western music repertoire for string ensemble is voluminous. In addition to orchestral pieces, there are also plenty of chamber music pieces to explore and perform. Your DS can even propose (if it is allowed/encouraged) to play in piano trio or quintet where his piano skills will come in handy

I understand that you need to engage a tutor to coach your DS in the selected instrument (cello/double bass) and bear the cost.