Vice Principal Meets Parent For Secondary 2

Area

Question

KP

Answer

S3 Subject Combination

Does the school offer triple science for the Express course?

School Leaders

Mr Chow PB

The school offers 7-subject combinations to our Secondary 3 Express students. Triple science (i.e. Pure Physics, Pure Chemistry and Pure Biology) is not one of the options offered as it is not a prerequisite for courses at Institutions of Higher Learning.

For e.g., to do Medicine in NUS (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine) / NTU (Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine), a student is only required to have a good H2 pass in Chemistry and a good H2 pass in either Biology or Physics at A-level. This means that students need to do well in Chemistry and either Biology or Physics at O-Level to continue to pursue these subjects at A-level. Do refer to the Junior College and University websites for more information on the subject prerequisites.

Can the online parents briefing on Sec 3 Subject Combination Selection Exercise currently scheduled at 5pm on 15 May briefing start at a later time, as most of us end our work at 5.30pm?

Mr Chow PB

We note the feedback from parents. The online parents briefing on Secondary 3 Subject Combination Selection Exercise will be held on 15 May 2024 at 6pm instead. All parents/guardians will be informed via Parents Gateway.

HBL

Will there be any Home-based Learning (HBL) this year?

School Leaders/Mr Javen Gwee/Mr Charles Wong

Yes, Home-Based Learning (HBL) continues to be relevant and important to our students. The information has been shared with parents via the Term 1 Parents Connect. It can also be found on the school website. Parents can access the link : https://www.hougangsec.moe.edu.sg/quick-links/HBL-SIL/hbl-sil/ for the details.

Why is there still a need for HBL in 2024? Most students are unable to focus well at home.

School Leaders/Mr Javen Gwee/Mr Charles Wong

Home-Based Learning (HBL) serves to strengthen our students’ ability to be self-directed learners who are capable of taking greater ownership of their learning. In continuing with HBL, we equip our students with the necessary skills, dispositions and habits for independent and lifelong learning.

SIL

For SIL, how should we advise our children on what to focus on for their SIL? Should we just advise them to pursue their passion and interest?

Mdm Lim CL

Students are encouraged to select an area that they are interested in because we believe they are more motivated to do their SIL project if it is something that they are keen on. Parents can support your children by discussing their areas of interest and passion with them.

My boy is interested in Body Building. Can 1 hour of SIL be used for exercise or gym work?

Mdm Lim CL

Students are free to explore and select any area that they are keen to do their SIL project. However, the safety aspects of their SIL plan must be cleared by their Character Coaches and their parents’ approval must be sought before they can proceed to work on their plans. For this case, as part of the safety measures, the student can approach his PE teachers for advice on his intended workout. Other than the workout in the gym, the student is expected to write out his plan in the beginning and his reflection at the end of his SIL journey.

Assessment

For the Weighted Assessments, can we know what the topics tested for each subject are?  Where can we find the information?

Ms Carmen Cheng / Mdm Chitra

The information has been published on the school website under announcements. The WA schedule and format have also been sent to parents via Parents Gateway.

The WA schedule and formats can be accessed via this link:

https://www.hougangsec.moe.edu.sg/quick-links/for-parents/wa/

Promotion

My son is in the Normal (Academic) course. What grades should he achieve to be promoted to Express course in Secondary 3?

Mr Javen Gwee/

Mr Charles Wong

For lateral transfer (e.g., from Normal Academic to Express), a student needs to first meet the promotion criteria, and obtain 70% or higher in the average of all subjects. Thereafter, the school will work with the parents in making an informed decision in the best interest of the student. This includes assessing the student’s learning dispositions and motivation in consultation with the teachers.

For more details, please refer to the Student Handbook (pages 38 and 39).

Link for the Student Handbook: https://file.go.gov.sg/hsshb2024.pdf

Homework

It seems like my child does not have much homework. How can I monitor her progress?

Mr Elango/Ms Serina Tan

Parents are encouraged to check with their child’s subject teacher via email (please refer to the school website) or they could also call the school’s General Office at 63851990 and request to speak to their child’s/ward’s subject teacher to find out more about their child’s/ward’s progress.

PLD

Is there any Mobile Device Management system that is installed on the Personal Learning Devices (PLD)?

Mr Javen Gwee/

Mr Charles Wong

Yes, all PLDs are installed with Mobile Guardian (Device Management Application). Parents may opt for different DMA options based on the readiness of their child.

For more info, please refer to the information at https://www.hougangsec.moe.edu.sg/quick-links/PLD-Initiative/dma-parents-portal/