Subject Combination in JC
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Agree with verykiasu2010’s thoughts on the JC Econs teacher’s comments. For whatever reason, the amount of content to cover for H1 Econs is not too different from that of H2 Econs (it’s basically one chapter from J1). So in a sense, H1 Econs is not necessarily easier, although the A level questions tend to be ever so slightly more straightforward for the H1 paper.
It’s a little hard to tell if a student will have a "flair" for Econs. In some ways, there isn’t that much overlap with History and SS because there’s less memorization, no questioning of sources, and more emphasis on application of theory and models rather than knowing facts. I would compare it to writing a variety of science lab reports, including data interpretation.
As for Lit, there are indeed students who take A level Lit without O level Lit. Strength in English language doesn’t necessarily mean strength in Lit, though. It is possible to study for the prepared texts but digesting and writing meaningfully about the unseen poems is tough. -
To me, Econs is less similar to human subject at sec level, but more similar to a Eng+Sci subject, as Logical/analytical/language skills are far more important than memorising for Econ.
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Post for the benefit of those reading this thread…
Comparing H1 econs vs H2 econs is a rather ‘weird’ comparison. The important pt is not about the extend of the syllabus but rather the competition within the cohort. The general level of understanding is totally different.
Hence, it’s easier for an average student to do well at H1 level whereas at H2 , u are facing the best of the cohort. -
Economics is easy to grasp with some effort put into it. It will be good especially if he wish to take up business related courses in university.
If he just want a contrasting subject, can consider history as well. The syllabus is more or less the same as in secondary school. -
Hi,
Thanks everyone for your feedbacks. As I have lost touch with JC syllabus, may I know what is the minimum units to take up for JC in order to meet the required entry for Local U. At this point, my son has not decided on his career path but of course is aiming for local U after JC. My son has not opted for Eng Lit as his score for Eng in School is rather weak. He has somehow scored much better during the O Level.
From the feedback, am I right to say he just need to take up H2 for Phy, Chem and Maths and H1 for Econs, Eng and PW should be sufficient?
He is considering of taking H1 MT because he has not done well for MT in O level. Just thinking of re-taking to get better grade. Does this help in anyway?
Would also appreciate if someone can enlighten me more on JC and Uni requirements. -
I'm thinking of taking:
H2 Lit, Econs, Math
H1 Bio/Art
I'm not sure if I should put H1 Bio or H1 Art in my first choice. I am interested in the visual arts, but I have not had any formal visual arts education other than art lessons in school and art classes when I was young. I've taken a look at the H1 Art syllabus (http://www.seab.gov.sg/aLevel/2013Syllabus/8879_2013.pdf) and I think I could handle it. On the other hand, because it's a new subject to me, I don't think it's very wise to take 2 completely new subjects at A levels (the other being Econs).
On the other hand, I have taken and enjoyed Biology (pure) in Secondary school, but I am not really keen to relive the whole memorising + graphs shebang. I'm not very good at my sciences.
So, in a nutshell, I'd like someone to advise me on whether I should take H1 Bio or Art.
If it helps, here are my results:
English\tA1
Chinese\tB3
E. Maths\tA2
A. Maths\tB3
Chemistry\tC6
Biology\tB3
Combined Humanities\tB4
Literature (English)\tA1
L1R5\t13
Thank you to everyone in advance. -
Take a subject if you will enjoy it, but it is also important to place it in context of what you hope to do in Uni.
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365psych:
Take a subject if you will enjoy it, but it is also important to place it in context of what you hope to do in Uni.
I'm interested in courses like Mass Comm, Journalism, Creative Writing, Literature and Anthropology.
Is it risky, though, to take H1 art especially if I don't have an 'O' level Art background?
I think I'll enjoy it, but I'm really not sure >< Bio is the logical choice, but still...
thank you
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CCCHEEZY:
The minimum number of units would be 10. That would be: 3 H2 subjects (6 units), one H1 subject (1 unit) H1 GP (1 unit), H1 Chinese (1 unit), H1 Project Work (1 unit).Hi,
Thanks everyone for your feedbacks. As I have lost touch with JC syllabus, may I know what is the minimum units to take up for JC in order to meet the required entry for Local U. At this point, my son has not decided on his career path but of course is aiming for local U after JC. My son has not opted for Eng Lit as his score for Eng in School is rather weak. He has somehow scored much better during the O Level.
From the feedback, am I right to say he just need to take up H2 for Phy, Chem and Maths and H1 for Econs, Eng and PW should be sufficient?
He is considering of taking H1 MT because he has not done well for MT in O level. Just thinking of re-taking to get better grade. Does this help in anyway?
Would also appreciate if someone can enlighten me more on JC and Uni requirements.
Your child can choose to replace the H1 Chinese with O Level Higher Chinese which you mentioned he got C5 for. If he's really determined to get a better grade for his Chinese, then by all means go ahead and re-take H1 Chinese at A Level. However, at this stage, I would say it's not necessary because H1 Chinese is not computed in the Rank Points which is used for University Admission. As long as you PASS H1 Chinese / O level Higher Chinese, you're able to go into a local Uni.
On minimum he only needs to take 3 H2 subjects so I would say he should just stick to taking H1 Econs or H1 English Lit. And take H2 Phy, Math, Chem. Depends on whether he's more interested in Econs or English Lit.
For University admission, it is computed on rank points system. Each H2 subject is worth 20 points, each H1 subject is worth 10 points. Hence the 3 H2 subjects, H1 subject, H1 PW and H1 GP would be taken into account. Max rank points is 90. H1 Chinese is not counted in rank points (as mentioned earlier). A pass would do.
How the rank points system work: For a H2 subject, A grade would be 20 points, B grade 17.5 points. With each decreasing grade, it's a decrease of 2.5 points. For a H1 subject, A grade would be 10 points. With each decreasing grade, rank point will reduce by 1.25. i.e. B grade for H1 subject = 8.75 points. -
Your combination for H2 subjects seem perfectly fine and logical. However word of advise: You have to work doubly hard for H2 Maths because you didn’t do exceptionally well for your double Maths in O Level. You need to train up your A Math foundation so start early.
As for your H1 subject, choose a subject which you’re interested in. Because studying for something which you don’t like would really be a torture in the JC system. Since you’re in doubt, talk to one of the Visual Arts teacher in your JC and seek their advice.
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