2019 Principal’s Dialogue with

Sec 2 Parents

22 Feb 2019

Sec 2 Year HeadMs Brenda Nio

Other Key PersonnelMr Ang Yuan Peng, HOD ScienceMr Keith Liew, HOD ICTMr Vincent Chia, HOD DisciplineMr Joseph Guo, LH English

Support Team

Ms Noreffaliza Bte AmerAED Learning & Behaviour Support

Mr Mark LeongSchool Counsellor

Ms Tan Xin RuSchool Counsellor

Support Team

Ms Charlene KohChristian MinistryStaff

Mr Ingo HoffmanChristian MinistryStaff

6

Guiding Principles for School-Home Partnership

1. Students succeed when schools and parents work hand in hand to support students in learning self-management skills, taking responsibility and building resilience.

2. Mutual respect and trust forms the strong foundation for positive engagement between schools and parents.

What we hope to achieve

• Developing good habits

– We want to nurture your child to be a self-directed learner with good habits and who takes responsibility for his/her own learning.

• Managing self

– We want your child to be able to manage challenges and make ethical responsible decisions to thrive in the VUCA future.

• Relating to others

– We want your child to be confident, respectful and have integrity when interacting with others.

• Working with the school to know and support your child

– We want to develop and strengthen mutual understanding, respect and trust between the school and parents for the benefit of your child.

o Work with the teachers to help your child respect differences and resolve disagreements amicably.

o Let the school verify the facts in any incident before taking action to ensure a fair, objective outcome for all parties.

What we hope to achieve

Communication with Parents1. School website – Info for

parents, including school calendar

2. Student diary

3. Smartphone app SNAC or sms(Parents Gateway – to be rolled out later)

4. Email

5. Hard copy letter

6. Phone calls

Contact teachers Mon-Fri 7:30am-6:00pm

Feedback to Form Teacher or Subject Teacher Year Head/ HOD P or VP

School Website – Parents Page

Our VisionA Vibrant Community of Active Life-Long

Learners & Influential Leaders

4 Fairsian Outcomes

2018 – Stronger Together

Wisdom

• I am curious and enjoy learning new things.

• I ask questions to gain deeper understanding.

• I make sound judgements.

• I persevere in learning.

Able to operate in and interpret the world and its influences, thereby making sound decisions for self and the team

2019 Focus

Walking in Wisdom’s WaysEphesians 5:15-17

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

2019 Focus

Walking in Wisdom’s Ways1. How can we learn to see more clearly?

2. How can we make best use of our time?

3. How can we understand more deeply what the will of God is for our lives?

How would we answer these 3 questions as parents and teachers?

2018 MOE Work Plan SeminarLearn for Lifehttps://youtu.be/r6cbrw-V41c

Encourage Joy of Learning!

Encourage Joy of Learning by

• not over-emphasising academic

performance

• focus on your child’s learning journey,

rather than compare them to others

Give our children the time and space to deepen learning

Learn for Life in Fairfield

• Reduction in school-based assessment

– No mid-year exams for Sec 1 and 3

– Only 1 weighted assessment per subject per term

• Focus on the learning every day, not assessments once a term

Creating a Culture of ThinkingJoy of Teaching – Joy of Learning

Learning Dispositions for Active Lifelong Learners

• I am generally curious and eager to learn new things.

• I regularly spend time (beyond timetabled lessons) to pursue my intellectual interests (e.g. read up on topics I am interested in, attend enrichment programmes).

• I like to ask questions about the things I am learning.

• I often try to make connections between new things that I am learning and things that I already know.

• If I get stuck with a learning task, I will try to think of how to get round the problem.

How to Raise an Adult• Give them unstructured

time

• Teach Life Skills

• Teach them how to think

• Prepare them for hard

work

• Let them chart their path

• Normalise struggle

• Have a wider mindset

about colleges

• Listen to them

How to build self-efficacy

Self-efficacy:

The belief in one’s capabilities to organise and execute the courses of action to manage prospective situations (Albert Bandura, psychologist)

“I think I can” mindset

The belief that one’s own efforts lead to outcomes

• 1st we do it for you

• Then we do it with you

• Then we watch you do it

• Then you do it completely independently

Managing SelfDos Don’ts

• Encourage your child to take personal responsibility (e.g. doing homework, taking initiative to seek help, managing time, practising responsible online behaviour, helping out in household chores etc).

• Encourage your child to be resilient and learn from the consequences when he/she is unable to complete his/her homework or forgot to bring items to school. Guide your child in managing disappointments.

• When your child expresses concerns about school, find out more from the school and help your child consider ways to solve his/her problems.

• Don’t deliver your child’s forgotten items to school, unless it is a medical emergency.

• Don’t contact the teacher to check on the things that your child needs to do.

Developmental Framework

Level Characteristic Character/Leadership Journey

Academic Journey

Sec 1 Transition from P6 to Sec 1

Self-Leadership Increase in number of subjects, new subjects

Sec 2 Physical and emotional growth

Peer Leadership Streaming examinations [placement]

Sec 3 Transition from junior to senior student

OrganisationalLeadership

Building foundations of two-year course leading to GCE exams

Sec 4/5 Preparing for the next challenge

Cultural Leadership GCE examinations [placement]

Four-Year FLEX ProgrammeFairfield Learning Experience

Year Focus

Sec 1 Empathy & Social Awareness

Sec 2 Outdoor Adventure Camp

Sec 3 Be a Blessing Project

Sec 4 / 5 Career Counselling

Sec 2 FLEX Week

Outdoor Adventure Camp

Sec 2 VIA to St Andrew’s

Cathedral Home for the Aged

Towards a Student-Led School

• Student Council

• Community Student Leaders

• Peer Support Board

• Class Committee

– Chairpersons

– Class Captains

• CCA Leaders

• Sports Leaders

• Hospitality Ambassadors

To develop a strong

PersonalVoice

in all students

Ability to form opinions through

thorough analysis & deep

introspection

Joshlyn Looi (4A 2018)

Secretary, Student Council

Mrs KT Lim Memorial Scholarship 2016

MOE Edusave Character Award 2015, 2017 & 2018

EAGLES Award 2018

South Zone C Division Volleyball Competition 1st

South Zone B Division Volleyball Competition 2nd

Ms June HengEducation & Career Guidance (ECG) CounsellorMondays at Counselling room

Heng_win_june@schools.gov.sg

ECG Key Messages

Navigate Pathways with Confidence

2. Learn more about the world of work,education, and career pathways that you canchoose. Many pathways are worth taking, andthere are opportunities for continuous learningand recognition.

Make Informed Decisions and Own Them

3. Make considered decisions about your educationand career plans, and take positive steps to embarkon them.

Keep Learning. Be Resilient4. Develop 21st century competencies, values, andworkplace readiness skills to be adaptable andresilient.

Online Profiling Tools: MySkillsFuture

ITE

UniversityPolytechnics

Singapore-CambridgeA-Levels (JC or MI)

International Baccalaureate

LASALLE or NAFA

GCE O-Level

Post-Secondary Options

Entry Criteria For Junior College

Core Requirements: At least C6 in English At least D7 in Mother Tongue At least D7 in Mathematics

L1R5 Aggregate: not more than 20 pointsL1 – English Language or Higher Mother TongueR1 – HumanitiesR2 – Math/ScienceR3 – Math/Science/HumanitiesAny other 2 subjects (except CCA)

Bonus Points for Computation of

Net Aggregate Scores

2) Pass in English and Higher Mother

Tongue

3) Pass in Malay/Chinese (Special programme) or Bahasa Indonesia (BI) as

3rd Language

5) Students who apply for and are accepted into

Chinese LEP or Malay LEP

2 points for admission to JC/MI courses, provided

these choices come before any Poly/ITE courses

2 points

For students from feeder

schools if they choose their

affiliated JC course(s) as

a) 1st choice or

b) 1st and 2nd choices

2 points

4) Affiliation to JC

Limited to maximum of 4 bonus points only for sections (1)-(4).

Limited to maximum of 6 bonus points only for sections (1)-(5).

1) CCA gradesExcellent: 2 pointsGood: 1 point(For admission to JC/Poly/ITE)

What does one study at the A-Levels?

H1 H2 H3

Half of H2 in terms of curriculum time

Equivalent to ‘A’ Level subjects prior to 2006.

Subjects with opportunity for in-depth study (e.g. advanced content, research paper, university module).

Select content subjects from three levels of study:

Usual subject combination:three H2s + one H1 content subjects

(one which must be contrasting)+ General Paper* + Project Work* + Mother Tongue*^* Offered at H1 level ^ Except those who have passed HMT at O-Level

Level of Math offered at O

Levels

Implications forJC/MI Mathematics

Implications for University CourseSelections

Elementary

Mathematics(E-Math)

Math at a H1 level

Fewer university course options e.g. Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Environmental Studies

Additional Mathematics

(A-Math)

Math at a H2 level

More university course options including Engineering & Science courses

Things to note:

Mathematics & Course Selections

Level of Science offered at O

Levels

Implications forJC/CI Science

Implications for University Course Selections

Pure Sciencee.g. Pure Biology

Science at a H2 level

Biology at H2 level

Requires a good H2 or GCE A-Level pass in Biology, Chemistry and either Mathematics or Physics. Candidates without H2GCE A-Level passes in Biology orChemistry are required to read and pass the relevant bridging modules as part of the admission requirements.

Combined Science

e.g. Combined Phy/Chem

Some JCs allow only

Science at a H1 level

Phy and/or Chem at H1 level

Things to note:Science & Course Selections

A-Levels Polytechnic

• Academic/Structured Learning

• Holistic, broad-basededucation

• 2-year programme• More direct route to

university• University admissions based

on A-Level grades• Final Exam

• Vocational/Applied Learning• Specific area of expertise• 3-year programme• Workforce ready• University admissions based

on poly GPA – Consistent Performance

A Levels vs Polytechnic Diploma

Entry Criteria For PolytechnicsGenerally the following applies: At least a C6 in English Language for Non-

Technology Courses

At least a D7 in English Language & C6 in

Mathematics for Technology Courses D7 in Mathematics – only limited courses E8 in Mathematics – not eligible for poly courses

L1 - ELR2 – Relevant 2 subjectsB2 – Best 2 other subjects L1 + R2 + B2 of about 26 points (vary from year to year)

ELR2B2 Aggregate Type refers to the subject combinationrequired for admission to a polytechnic course. Different courseshave different subject requirements.

Implications:

1. Know the subject requirements for the courses you have interest in.

2. Check the cut-off points in the latest JAE

3. Max L1R2B2 of about 26 points for entry to polytechnic couses (vary from year to year)

What is ‘Aggregate Type’?

EL refers to English which is compulsory for all courses. R2 refers to 2 relevant subjects of which you must include a relevant subject from the 1st group and another relevant subject belonging to the 2nd group.

B2 refers to any 2 best subjects which you have to include to make up the aggregate for ELR2B2.

If you want to take a polytechnic course from Group A,

For more information, please download the JAE 2019 booklethttps://www.moe.gov.sg/docs/default-source/document/education/admissions/jae/files/booklet.pdf

Or check the institutions’ websites

SEC 2 EXPRESS STREAMING

OPTIONS

Major Considerations

Setting the students up for success:

• Choosing the right combination based on both interest and ability

• Being able to perform and attain a good aggregate (L1R5, L1R2B2) to progress to next level of education and course of choice

Streaming Considerations

• All subject combinations allow students to gain entry into JCs or Polytechnics

• The only way to determine the right match of subject combination is by your results. You need to be realistic.

• Know the criteria for each subject combination and work towards your preferred one.

• Understand JC and Poly requirements and work towards them. Clarify with your teachers if in doubt.

Criteria for SubjectsTo qualify for You need to have

Pure Science (Triple/ Double)

Science results must be strong

Double Humanities Humanities results must be strong

Biology Strong in EL and strong in Science (Sec 1 and 2)

Additional Mathematics Must pass Mathematics

Additional subjects beyond the standard number

Overall results must be strong

Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4

Eng Lang Eng Lang Eng Lang Eng Lang

Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue

Maths Maths Maths Maths

A Maths A Maths A Maths A Maths/Lit/Geog

Humanities

(Social Studies + History/

Geography)

Humanities

SS + H/G

Humanities

SS + H/G

Humanities

SS + H/G

Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Science (Phy/Chem)

Biology Physics Biology Biology/ D&T/F&N/

Art*/Music*

Physics Lit/ Geog Lit/ Geog

Lit* / Art* / Music*

D&T* / Art* / Music*

Art*/Music*

Proposed Express Course Options

* Special criteria apply. Subjects taught outside normal curriculum time

Selection Criteria for Coursework

Subjects

Food & Nutrition

Able to write an extended research essay for Coursework

Art

Pass school's internal Sec 2 Art Selection Test

Music

Lessons conducted at Music Centres

Not linked to Sec 1-2 General Music

Minimum Grade 6 Practical & Theory by Sec 4

Minimum Grade 4 at the end of Sec 2

Able to handle Performing, Composing and Listening Tests

Selection Criteria for Coursework

Subjects

Streaming Process

Application by Students and Parents

– represents preference and assessment of strengths and weaknesses by students and parents

Placement by School– professional assessment of the strengths and

weakness of students, based on their results and the teachers’ knowledge of the students,

– applies meritocratic principle when places are limited, by using the overall score & strengths in relevant subjects

• New overall percentage will be taken into consideration for placement in Sec 3.

• Recalculation of Overall Percentage based on o ELo Mother Tongueo Mathso Scienceo Humanities Subjects (Geography, History,

Literature)o Aesthetics Subjects (Art, FCE, D&T)

Streaming Process

ApplicationStudents can select up to 3 options (Express)If your overall percentage is less than 60%, you must declare at least one Course 4 Subject Combination.

Timeline• Students given option form – October (after End-

of-Year Exam)• Submission of forms • Release of Streaming Results – 1st week of Nov• Appeal – within 3 days of release of streaming

results• Results of appeal – by 3rd week of Nov

Things to Note

Any Queries

Ask….

• Form Teacher

• Ms Lee Chee Peng and Mr Ang Yuan Peng, HODs i/c of Sec 2 Streaming

• Ms Brenda Nio, YH Sec 2

• Mr Lim Sin Heng, Vice-Principal

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.