Serangoon Garden Secondary School

The Diary

of a‘O’ Level Challenger

Name of challenger: _____________________________________

Class: _____________

1

PROLOGUE

Vice Principal, Mr Tyebally Aziz

It is our hope that this booklet will

not only serve as a guide for our

students to pace their learning, but

for parents to also be able to monitor

and help support their child’s

learning, together with the school.

2

CONTENTS

1. Where to go after ‘O’ Levels? a. Education Pathways b. Career Guidance

Page 3

2. Goal Setting a. Long Term Goal – Courses I want to aim

for

Page 17

3. Study Tips

Page 18

4. Calendar of Events a. ‘O’ Level exam dates b. School exam dates c. Other important school academic activities

Page 27

5. Self-Management a. Monthly Planners b. Monthly Mini Goals & Reflections

Page 32

6. Words of Encouragement & Well Wishes

Page 44

3

PART I: ‘WHERE TO’ AFTER ‘O’ LEVELS?

What are the various post-secondary school tracks?

3 MAIN TRACKS

1. Junior Colleges (JCs) or Millennia Institute (MI)

Prepares students for GCE ‘A’ Level examinations Education in the JCs and MI focuses on self-development, critical thinking, intellectual analysis and communication and interpersonal skills that prepare you for higher learning at the universities and life beyond. Classrooms are venues of lively discussions and debates, encouraging you to think both critically and creatively. While education in the JCs and MI is academically challenging, holistic development is also

emphasized through various elective programmes and CCAs. For more information, refer to: www.moe.edu.sg/education/pre-u/

2. Polytechnics A polytechnic education gives you hands-on experience in a dynamic and progressive learning environment. The courses offered are market-driven and career-oriented, leading students to fulfilling and rewarding careers and preparing them for further education. For more information on the unique strengths of each poly, refer to: Nanyang Polytechnic – www.nyp.edu.sg Ngee Ann Polytechnic – www.np.wdu.sg Republic Polytechnic – www.rp.edu.sg Singapore Polytechnic – www.sp.edu.sg Temasek Polytechnic – www.tp.edu.sg

3. The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Aims to equip its students with technical skills and knowledge to meet the workforce needs of various industry sectors. Suitable for students who prefers hands-on learning. For more information, refer to: https://www.ite.edu.sg/wps/portal/definitely/

4

EDUCATIONAL & CAREER GUIDANCE

Important Post-Secondary Academic Qualifying Criteria to Note:

Post Secondary Institutions

Criteria

1. JC (Annex 1) L1R5 less than or equal to 20

Note L1 = EL / HMTL Must include Combined Humanities as one of the

relevant 5 subjects (R5) Must include a Math / Sc as one of the R5 If you include HMTL, cannot include your MTL

grade

2. Pre-U / Centralised Institute (Millenia Institute)

L1R4 less than or equal to 20 (based on GCE O level results)

Note L1 = EL / HMTL If you include HMTL, cannot include your MTL

grade

3. Polytechnics (Annex 2) Note: JAE 2013 (based on GCE O level results, lowest cut-off point CoP = 28)

EL + R2 + B2 (dependent on individual poly’s cut-off

points for each course; based on GCE O level

results.)

4. Higher Nitec for GCE O level students (Annex 3)

3 GCE O subjects of which EL must be included (at least an E8) and Math for all but 3 out of 34 Higher Nitec courses.

5. NITEC

Minimum criteria: 3 GCE ‘N’ Passes (Grade A-D or Grade 1-5) in Mathematics, Science and one other subject Or 2 GCE ‘O’ Grades (Grade 1-8) in Mathematics and Science

However, note ITE cut-off point for courses is based on best 4 N Level subjects

Grading System for ‘O’ Level

A1: ≥ 75 , A2: 70 – 74, B3: 65 – 69 , B4: 60- 64, C5:55 – 59 , C6:50 – 54, D7:45 – 49, E8:40 – 44, F9: < 40

5

Annex 1 JC CUT OFF POINTS (Info is current as of 12 Jan 2014) Minimum Requirement: L1R5 is less than or equal to 20. (Approximately, total of best 6 subjects, including EL/HMTL, Combined Hum and a Math/Sc, is less than or equal to 20)

Cut Off Point Criteria: L1R5 Aggregate Scores (with Bonus Points*) of the last student admitted to the JC in the Joint Admission Exercise (JAE) for the year.

2012 2013

NO JC Arts Science Arts Science

1 Raffles Institution 3 3 3 3

2 Hwa Chong Institution 3 3 3 3

3 National Junior College 5 5 5 5

4 Victoria Junior College 3 4 6 5

5 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

- 5 - 5

6 Anglo-Chinese Junior College

7 7 7 6

7 Temasek Junior College 7 6 7 7

8 Anderson JC 10 8 9 8

9 Saint Andrew's Junior College

9 9 9 9

10 Catholic Junior College 11 10 10 10

11 Meridian Junior College 10 9 9 9

12 Nanyang Junior College 10 9 8 8

13 Tampines Junior College 13 13 13 13

14 Jurong Junior College 14 15 12 15

15 Pioneer Junior College 16 16 14 15

16 Serangoon Junior College 15 14 12 12

17 Innova Junior College 20 20 20 20

18 Yishun Junior College 20 20 19 19 * Bonus Points are given for the Categories listed below. Only a maximum of 4 bonus points from 2 categories can be awarded.

HMTL Distinction – 2 points, Pass – 1 point

CCA Distinction – 2 points, Pass – 1 point

Affiliation Applicable only to secondary schools affiliated to CJC, ACJC, SAJC. 2 points for affiliation but only after student has fulfilled minimum criteria for JC entry – ELR5 is less than or equal to 20

6

Min Req

The ELR2B2 aggregate score (including CCA bonus points) including the subject requirements of various courses. Most polytechnics have a minimum requirement of 26 points for the ELR2B2 total score.

Cut Off Point Criteri

a

The ELR2B2 aggregate score (after deducting CCA bonus points) of the last student posted to the course under the year's Joint Admission Exercise (JAE). (Approximately, it is the aggregate of your 5 best subjects including EL.)

S/NO Course By Group POL

Y Course Code

2011 JAE COP

2012 JAE COP

2013 JAE COP

APPLIED SCIENCE

1 Applied Chemistry with Pharmaceutical Science

SP S64 12 12 12

2 Applied Food Science & Nutrition TP T26 17 17 18

3 Baking & Culinary Science TP T44 16 16 16

4 Biologics & Process Technology NYP

C49 16 16 16

5 Biomedical Science SP S98 8 8 8

6 Biomedical Science TP T27 11 11 10

7 Biomedical Science / Biomedical Laboratory Technology

NP N59 9 9 9

8 Biomedical Sciences RP R14 19 19 16

9 Biotechnology RP R16 23 23 20

10 Biotechnology SP S72 10 10 10

11 Biotechnology TP T31 13 13 12

12 Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering NP N56 13 13 13

13 Chemical & Green Technology NYP

C55 17 17 19

14 Chemical & Pharmaceutical Technology NYP

C73 17 17 19

15 Chemical Engineering SP S70 12 12 13

16 Chemical Engineering TP T33 18 18 17

17 Environmental Science RP R29 26 26 26

18 Food Science & Nutrition

NYP

C69 16 16 17

19 Food Science & Technology SP S47 14 14 14

20 Landscape Design & Horticulture 1 NP N57 18 18 18

Annex 2

POLY CUT OFF POINTS (Info is current as of 12 Jan 2014. For more details, please go to www.poly.edu.sg)

7

21 Materials Science RP R17 26 26 26

22 Materials Science SP S37 15 15 14

23 Medicinal Chemistry NYP

C45 14 14 14

24 Molecular Biotechnology NP N49 10 10 10

25 Molecular Biotechnology NYP

C74 13 13 12

26 Nutrition, Health & Wellness SP S44 12 12 13

27 Perfumery and Cosmetics Science SP S38 13 13 12

28 Pharmaceutical Science TP T25 13 13 13

29 Pharmaceutical Sciences RP R22 25 25 22

30 Pharmaceutical Sciences NYP

C65 14 14 14

31 Pharmacy Science NP N73 10 10 10

32 Veterinary Bioscience NP N90 9 9 9

33 Veterinary Technology TP T45 11 11 10

34 Consumer Behaviour and Research (NEW)

RP R48 - - 9

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

1 Architecture SP S66 14 14 13

2 Civil Engineering with Business SP S68 17 17 17

3 Environmental & Water Technology NP N74 15 15 -

4 Environmental Management & Water Technology

SP S52 14 14 15

5 Green Building & Sustainability TP T29 20 20 23

6 Hotel & Leisure Facilities Management 2 NP N40 13 13 13

7 Hotel & Leisure Facilities Management SP S95 14 14 14

8 Integrated Events & Project Management SP S50 13 13 14

9 Integrated Facility Management TP T28 16 16 18

10 Landscape Architecture SP S94 17 17 17

11 Real Estate Business NP N48 15 15 15

12 Sustainable Urban Design & Engineering NP N89 15 15 14

BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT

1 Accountancy NP N51 11 11 11

2 Accountancy SP S75 11 11 12

3 Accountancy & Finance NYP C98 13 13 14

4 Accounting & Finance TP T02 11 11 12

5 Arts Business Management NP N91 11 11 9

8

6 Aviation Management & Services TP T04 11 11 12

7 Banking & Financial Services NYP C96 14 14 15

8 Banking & Financial Services NP N53 9 9 10

9 Banking & Financial Services SP S76 11 11 11

10 Business & Social Enterprise NP N79 12 12 12

11 Business Administration SP S71 12 12 12

12 Business Information Technology NP N61 14 14 13

13 Business Information Technology SP S82 15 15 -

14 Business Information Technology TP T36 16 16 17

15 Business Management NYP C94 16 16 16

16 Business Process & Systems Engineering

TP T43 18 20

17 Business Studies NP N45 11 11 11

18 Business/Logistics & Operations Management/Marketing

TP T01 14 14 15

19 Communications & Media Management TP T40 12 12 13

20 Culinary & Catering Management TP T18 15 15 16

21 Customer Relationship and Service Management

RP R34 25 25 26

22 Financial Business Informatics TP T17 14 14 15

23 Financial Informatics SP S46 12 12 12

24 Food & Beverage Business NYP C46 16 16 17

25 Fund Management & Administration NYP C56 16 16 17

26 Hospitality & Tourism Management TP T08 14 14 15

27 Hospitality & Tourism Management NYP C67 16 16 17

28 Hotel and Hospitality Management RP R37 18 18 18

29 Human Resource Management with Psychology

SP S48 12 12 12

30 Integrated Events Management RP R28 20 20 21

31 International Business NP N85 6 6 8

32 International Business SP S36 8 8 7

33 International Supply Chain Management NP N80 16 16 16

34 Law & Management TP T09 13 13 13

35 Leisure & Resort Management TP T19 15 15 17

36 Logistics Management NP N58 16 -

37 Marketing NYP C99 17 17 17

38 Mass Media Management 3 NYP C93 15 15 15

39 Restaurant and Culinary Operations NEW!

RP R46 20 20 23

9

40 Retail Management TP T39 17 17 18

41 Sport & Wellness Management NYP C81 17 17 18

42 Sports & Leisure Management RP R27 26 26 26

43 Tourism & Resort Management NP N72 10 10 10

44 Tourism and Resort Management SP S55 12 12 12

45 Wellness, Lifestyle and Spa Management RP R44 21 21 24

46 Business Innovation and Design (NEW) SP S34 - - 10

ENGINEERING

1 3D Interactive Media Technology 4 TP T49 21 21 22

2 Aeronautical & Aerospace Technology NYP C51 15 15 15

3 Aeronautical Engineering SP S88 12 12 12

4 Aerospace Avionics RP R20 23 23 21

5 Aerospace Electronics NP N75 13 13 15

6 Aerospace Electronics SP S90 14 14 14

7 Aerospace Electronics TP T50 15 15 16

8 Aerospace Engineering TP T51 13 13 14

9 Aerospace Engineering (Quality Systems)

RP R40 21 21 19

10 Aerospace Systems & Management NYP C52 16 16 17

11 Aerospace Technology NP N65 12 12 13

12 Audio-visual Technology NP N76 14 14 14

13 Automation & Mechatronic Systems 5 NP N50 21 21 22

14 Bioengineering SP S58 14 14 14

15 Biomedical Electronics RP R15 26 26 -

16 Biomedical Engineering NP N60 15 15 15

17 Biomedical Engineering NYP C71 18 18 18

18 Biomedical Informatics & Engineering TP T38 19 19 -

19 Civil Aviation RP R39 21 21 -

20 Clean Energy SP S45 16 16 19

21 Clean Energy TP T52 19 19 21

22 Clean Energy Management NP N84 15 15 18

23 Common Engineering Programme RP R42 26 26 26

24 Common Engineering Programme SP S40 16 16 16

25 Common Engineering Programme NEW!

TP T56 20 20 20

26 Computer Engineering SP S53 19 19 21

27 Computer Engineering TP T13 20 20 23

28 Digital & Precision Engineering NYP C62 17 17 18

10

29 Digital Entertainment Electronics RP R38 26 26 -

30 Electrical & Electronic Engineering SP S99 19 19 22

31 Electrical Engineering NP N43 22 22 25

32 Electrical Engineering with Eco-Design 6 NYP C48 20 20 23

33 Electronic & Computer Engineering NP N44 23 23 26

34 Electronics, Computer & Communications Engineering

NYP C89 26 26 26

35 Electronics / Media & Communication Technology / Computer Engineering / Microelectronics/Aerospace Electronics

TP T05 20 20 -

36 Engineering Science NEW! NP N93 9 9 9

37 Engineering with Business SP S42 15 15 14

38 Engineering with Business Management Programme

NP N71 17 17 16

39 Industrial & Operations Management RP R11 26 26 -

40 Info-Communication Engineering & Design

7

SP S85 20 20 -

41 Manufacturing Engineering NYP C88 26 26 26

42 Mechanical Engineering NP N41 20 20 21

43 Mechanical Engineering SP S91 18 18 18

44 Mechatronics/Aerospace Engineering TP T06 20 20 22

45 Mechatronics and Robotics SP S73 20 20 22

46 Mechatronics Engineering NYP C87 26 26 26

47 Micro & Nanotechnology RP R30 26 26 -

48 Multimedia & Infocomm Technology NYP C75 25 25 26

49 Nanotechnology & Materials Science NYP C50 19 19 18

50 Renewable Energy Engineering RP R41 26 26 26

51 Supply Chain Management RP R21 24 24 21

52 Telematics & Media Technology NYP C53 21 21 26

HEALTH SCIENCES

1 Dental Hygiene and Therapy NYP C72 12 12 15

2 Health Management and Promotion RP R43 26 26 26

3 Health Sciences (Nursing) NP N69 28 28 28

4 Healthcare Administration NEW! RP R45 25 25 26

5 Nursing NYP C97 28 28 28

6 Optometry NP N83 12 12 13

7 Optometry SP S67 12 12 26

8 Outdoor & Adventure Learning RP R33 25 25 -

11

9 Sports & Exercise Sciences RP R26 25 25 23

10 Sports Coaching (new) RP R26 - - 19

HUMANITIES

1 Applied Drama and Psychology SP S43 13 13 13

2 Child Psychology & Early Education NP N86 11 11 12

3 Chinese Studies ^ NP N70 13 13 13

4 Creative Writing for Television and New Media

SP S41 12 12 12

5 Early Childhood Education NP N66 14 14 14

6 Early Childhood Studies TP T54 13 13 13

7 Gerontological Management Studies TP T53 16 16 16

8 Psychology & Community Services NP N77 10 10 9

9 Psychology Studies TP T48 9 9 9

10 Social Sciences( Social Work) NYP C47 13 13 15

INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

1 Business Applications RP R18 25 25 24

2 Business Enterprise IT NYP C68 18 18 19

3 Business Informatics NYP C78 18 18 -

4 Business Information Systems RP R13 26 26 25

5 Cyber & Digital Security TP T15 16 16 18

6 Digital Entertainment Technology (Games)

NYP C70 20 20 22

7 Digital Forensics NEW! TP T55 12 12 13

8 Digital Media SP S57 17 17 -

9 Digital Visual Effects NYP C57 19 19 21

10 Engineering Informatics NYP C80 23 23 26

11 Financial Informatics NYP C58 15 15 -

12 Financial Informatics NP N81 14 14 15

13 Game & Entertainment Technology TP T16 19 19 21

14 Infocomm & Network Engineering 8 TP T37 22 22 -

15 Infocomm Security Management SP S54 15 15 13

16 Information Security NYP C54 17 17 20

17 Information Technology NYP C85 20 20 21

18 Information Technology NP N54 18 18 18

19 Information Technology RP R12 26 26 26

20 Information Technology SP S69 17 17 18

12

21 Information Technology TP T30 19 19 21

22 Interactive and Digital Media RP R31 26 26 26

23 Interactive Media Informatics TP T34 22 22 -

24 IT Service Management RP R23 26 26 26

25 Mobile & Network Services TP T42 21 21 26

26 Multimedia & Animation NP N55 14 14 14

27 Music & Audio Technology SP S97 12 12 12

28 Network Systems & Security NP N64 17 17 18

29 Business Intelligence & Analytics (New) NYP C43 - - 19

30 Mobile Sotware Development (NEW) RP R47 - - 26

MARITIME STUDIES

1 Marine & Offshore Technology NP N42 17 17 17

2 Marine Engineering SP S63 16 16 18

3 Maritime Business SP S74 16 16 16

4

MEDIA AND DESIGN

1 Advertising & Public Relations NP N87 12 12 12

2 Animation & 3D Arts NEW! NP N92 12 12 11

3 Apparel Design & Merchandising TP T20 15 15 15

4 Chinese Media & Communication NP N88 13 13 13

5 Communication and Information Design RP R32 21 21 19

6 Design for Interactivity RP R36 22 22 23

7 Digital Animation SP S35 15 15 15

8 Digital Media Design (Animation) NYP C61 18 18 18

9 Digital Media Design (Games) NYP C60 20 20 20

10 Digital Media Design (Interaction Design) NYP C59 22 22 21

11 Digital Visual Effects NP N78 15 15 18

12 Environment Design TP T46 19 19 20

13 Experience and Product Design SP S51 16 16 17

14 Film, Sound & Video NP N82 11 11 12

15 Game Design RP R35 22 22 23

16 Games Design & Development SP S56 16 16 16

17 Industrial Design NYP C83 20 20 21

18 Interactive Media Design TP T21 18 18 20

19 Interior Architecture & Design TP T22 15 15 15

20 Interior Design SP S89 16 16 17

13

21 Mass Communication NP N67 10 10 10

22 Media and Communication SP S86 12 12 13

23 Motion Graphics & Broadcast Design NYP C66 18 18 19

24 Moving Images TP T23 19 19 -

25 New Media RP R19 22 22 22

26 Product & Industrial Design TP T35 19 19 20

27 Product Design & Innovation NP N68 17 17 16

28 Retail & Hospitality Design TP T47 17 17 19

29 Sonic Arts RP R24 19 19 19

30 Space & Interior Design NYP C64 18 18 18

31 Technology & Arts Management RP R25 21 21 20

32 Visual Communication TP T24 14 14 18

33 Visual Communication NYP C63 17 17 19

34 Visual Communication and Media Design SP S93 14 14 15

35 Visual Effects and Motion Graphics SP S39 16 16 16

14

Annex 3

Cut-off Points Criteria for Higher NITEC courses: Based on an aggregate of best 5 GCE 'O' subjects, including pre-requisites and bonus points where

applicable and is subject to availability of vacancies. Selected courses will require applicants to attend an admission interview, medical examination or drawing test.

Higher Nitec Course College 2013 JAE

1 Higher Nitec in Biotechnology ITE College East 28

2 Higher Nitec in Chemical Technology

ITE College East 29

3 Higher Nitec in Games Design & Development

ITE College Central

32

4 Higher Nitec in Hospitality Operations

ITE College West 29

5 Higher Nitec in Business Information System

ITE College East 30

6 Higher Nitec in Leisure & Travel Operations

ITE College West 32

7 Higher Nitec in Visual

Merchandising ITE College Central

26

8 Higher Nitec in Marine Offshore Technology

ITE College Central

31

9

Higher Nitec in Business Studies (Administration)

ITE College East 28

Higher Nitec in Business Studies (Administration)

ITE College West 30

Higher Nitec in Business Studies (Administration)

ITE College Central

29

10 Higher Nitec in Information Technology

ITE College East 36

11 Higher Nitec in Business Studies (Event Management)

ITE College Central

27

12

Higher Nitec in Facility Systems Design/ Process Plant Design/ Offshore & Marine Engineering Design

ITE College Central

31

Higher Nitec Courses

15

13 Higher Nitec in Business Studies (Sports Management)

ITE College West 30

14 Higher Nitec in Civil & Structural Engineering Design

ITE College Central

29

15 Higher Nitec in Electronics Engineering

ITE College Central

37

16 Higher Nitec in Wireless

Technology ITE College East 34

17 Higher Nitec in Accounting ITE College Central

28

18

Higher Nitec in Network Security Technology

ITE College East

35 Higher Nitec in Network Security Technology

ITE College West

19 Higher Nitec in Mobile Unified Communications

ITE College Central

33

20

Higher Nitec in Mechanical Engineering

ITE College Central

29 Higher Nitec in Mechanical Engineering

ITE College East

21 Higher Nitec in Mechatronics Engineering

ITE College West 35

22

Higher Nitec in Information Technology

ITE College West 36

Higher Nitec in Information Technology

ITE College East 32

Higher Nitec in Information Technology

ITE College Central

32

23 Higher Nitec in Business Studies (Service Management)

ITE College West 35

24 Higher Nitec in Accounting ITE College East 32

25 Higher Nitec in Electronics Engineering

ITE College East 35

26 Higher Nitec in Security Systems

Integration ITE College West 36

27 Higher Nitec in Mechanical

Engineering ITE College West 35

28 Higher Nitec in Mechatronics Engineering

ITE College Central

37

16

30

Higher Nitec in Electrical Engineering

ITE College East 34

Higher Nitec in Electrical

Engineering ITE College West 37

31 Higher Nitec in Banking Services ITE College Central

29

32 Higher Nitec in Business Studies (Administration)

ITE College Central

29

33 Higher Nitec in Early Childhood ITE College Central

26

34 Higher Nitec in Beauty and Spa Management

ITE College East 26

35 Higher Nitec in e-business programming

ITE College East 30

36 Higher Nitec in Facility Systems Design

ITE College Central

37

37 Higher Nitec in Passengers

Services ITE College West 34

38 Higher Nitec in Process Plant Design

ITE College Central

35

17

PART II: GOAL SETTING

My preferred course of study after ‘O’ Levels Choice Number

Post- Secondary Institution

Course Cut-Off Point for L1R2B2

(Polytechnic)

Cut-Off Point for

L1R5 (JC)

For eg: 1st

choice

Temasek Poly

Pharmaceutical Science

13 -

1st choice

2nd choice

3rd choice

18

PART III: STUDY TIPS

(A) The Challenger’s 10 Tips to Success!!!

Now, your ‘O’ Level examinations are just months away! Don’t panic

and pretend that they will go away – THEY WON’T!

But, if you are organized and have healthy study habits, you will

achieve success in your examinations!

Have a Positive Attitude

Always believe in yourself, learn to overcome the challenges you face

and have the power to believe that you can succeed.

Set Goals that provide you with DIRECTION AND LEAD

TO SUCCESS.

Each goal you set should state WHAT you will do and WHEN you will

accomplish it. Implied in each goal you set is your WILL (determination)

to do it. For example, “I will (your determination) finish revising for my

History, Chapter 1 (what you will do) by March 20 (when you will

accomplish it).

Develop Interest

Develop an interest in what you are studying. Try to relate what you are

studying to you own life to make it as meaningful as possible. This can

motivate you to study better and concentrate.

Study Place

Find a comfortable and quiet place to study with good lighting and little

distractions (Avoid your own bed! It is very tempting to just lie down

and take a nap).

Revise Immediately

It is best to review the topics right after school when it's still fresh in

your memory

19

Revision Timetable

Draw up a revision timetable – it should be realistic, cover all

subjects and allow you time to relax as well.

Space out your studying. You will learn more by studying a little

every day instead of waiting to cram at the last minute. By studying

every day, the material will stay in your long-term memory but if you

try to study at the last moment, the material will only reside in your

short-term memory that you will easily forget.

Learn to manage your time well.

Make Notes

Make sure that you understand the material well. Don't just read

through the material and try to memorize everything.

Take notes and write down a summary of the important ideas as

you read through your study material.

Concentrate and Focus

Make sure you are not tired and/or hungry when you study.

Otherwise, you won't have the energy you need to concentrate.

Don't try to do two tasks at the same time. You won't be able to

concentrate on either one very well. Concentration means focusing

on one thing at any one time!

Seek Help

Don’t think you are alone! A problem shared is a problem halved. If

you face problems while studying, get your teachers or friends help

immediately!

Relax

If you panic, you are lost! There is no running away from the exams so

make use of the time you have right now and give yourself the best chance

of doing well by starting to revise early and keeping calm.

20

(B) Other Useful websites

(for additional details and resources)

1) Key Info on your ‘O’ Levels Exams: http://www.seab.gov.sg

a. Exam Timetable

b. Syllabuses for various subjects

c. Approved Dictionary List

d. Approved Calculator List

2) Maths Exam Revision kit: http://www.ace-learning.com

(C) Self-Revision Checklist For

English Language

4E5NA (Syllabus 1128)

Paper 1 (Writing) 1 hour 50 minutes

Section A (Editing)

Read and Follow The Instructions Make sure that you circle the errors and that you write the answer

in the correct line in the spaces given.

Revise your Grammar Rules Revise the rules for use of tenses, Subject-Verb agreement, verb

forms, plural and singular forms of nouns, consistency in use of pronouns, and use of adjectives, adverbs and connectors.

Try out grammar editing exercises. Look for a good assessment book for grammar.

Check your answers and if you did not get the answer correct, check against the grammar rules to find out why your answer was incorrect.

21

Section B (Situational Writing)

Understand The Questions

1. Study all the questions and sample essays as well as your

own. Highlight the key words indicating:

the objectives of the activity/event/ building the facility, etc (purpose of task)

the purpose of writing this (what are you trying to achieve by giving the speech, writing the letter or report?) (intent of the writer)

the audience (who it is written for) the format (speech, formal letter, informal letter, report) the context (situation. Do not copy the words given) the writer’s position (who are you writing as? The Head

Prefect?) the words in bold highlight and number all the required parts in the bulleted

points (because each bullet can have more than 1 point to address)

2. Study the visual stimulus.

Think about how to apply the information for the different options. Do not lift or copy the words given but think about how the information about the options given can help to achieve the purpose of the activity/ event/ task. You should not include the information given in your explanation but you should come up with your own reasons based on the information. There is no merit in repeating what has already been given in the question and the examiner does not need a photocopy of the question!

When writing about how your choice achieves the purpose, as far as possible, use your own words in explaining. For example, if the purpose is to “build stronger bonds with the community”, think of other ways of saying this eg. “enhance communication”, “develop better relationships”, “provide more opportunities for interaction with the residents”, etc.

22

3. Understand the ways different questions are crafted and the

different requirements of the questions. Do not assume that

all the questions are asking for the same things.

Read the complete sentence for each point. Don’t jump to conclusions about what the question wants and end up reading the points only partially.

Read carefully as some words may be missed when they are written in a long sentence. Did they ask you to explain or describe the uses or how to organize or how to design the area? Did they ask you to explain how you will fulfil all the objectives, as you describe your planning of the event/ your ideas for designing the place, etc?)

Practise Writing Out The Formats Without Referring To The Samples for formal letters, informal letters, speech and reports Some students just try to memorise without writing them out.

When they actually try to write during the examination, they tend to leave out some details (eg. date, our Dear Sir, etc) or they put things in the wrong order. Or they mix up the formats.

Practise Planning And Writing A Few Essays Within Time Limit Writing without planning creates a mess in terms of

organization of information. 10 minutes spent in planning makes the writing much easier as

you only need to write out the points in proper sentences.

Remember that it is not enough to just address the points (mention them). You need to develop them (explain, give specific information or elaborate on what you mean).

Make sure you fulfil all the requirements of the question. Tick against each point to ensure that you have answered it.

23

Practise Editing Your Own Work It is very important that you learn to spot your own errors and

correct them. Watch out for common errors in spelling, punctuation (capital letters and small letters, full stops and commas), use of the plural and singular forms (the Sec 4 students’ parents or parent?), tenses, verb forms (has went or has gone? will bought or will buy?) and subject-verb agreement (the students is/ are?).

Use a dictionary to check your spelling and memorise all the words that you have spelt wrongly.

Get a peer to help you check. Make sure you make this a habit to check your work for

every piece of work you write.

Section C (Continuous Writing)

Practise Planning Look at the Ten Years’ Series questions/ any EL assessment

book with trial papers. For discursive/ informative/ expository questions, think of 4 Big

Ideas for each content paragraphs. Then jot down in point form what you will write for each paragraph using the PEER structure (Point-Example- Evidence/ Elaboration –Reiteration)

For the narrative topics, think of some creative plots with interesting endings (you can use a mindmap for this)

Prepare Some Good Introductions for the topics you have planned. Keep an EL notebook of your own original introductions which

you can use when needed. You can also jot down a few good introductions from books you

have read.

Remember: Do not memorise “purple prose” (“prescribed”

descriptive phrases found in essay books that many

students will be regurgitating), or introductions and

stories from “model essay” books.

24

Practise Writing Write a few essays of the required length within the time limit

given for the examination. Who knows? One of them may be usable for your examination.

Practise Editing Your Own Work Again, check for errors just like for Section B.

Paper 2 (Comprehension) 1 hour 50 minutes

Study the Visual Text Look at advertisements, websites, posters or visual texts from

other sources (e.g. newspaper, magazines) to practise identifying the message.

Based on the visual text, identify the message by looking at the picture, logo, headings, sub-headings, bulleted points, etc.

Think about questions like: Who is the intended audience? What kind of people would be

attracted to this advertisement, website, poster, etc? What is the intention of the “writer” in including this picture?

Does it promote something? Does it send any message? Eg. a beauty centre advertisement might put in a picture to send the message that if you have pimples, you are not attractive and so you should go to their centre for skin treatment.

What is the intention of the “writer” in including these bulleted points or the information? Eg. are these points intended to “sell” the product in some way? Are these points included to tell you the type of people they want to attract?

Look at the words and the picture. By using the words or picture, what is the intended effect on the reader? Are they trying to make you curious, instil fear, attract your attention, make your feel pity for the person(s)/ animals, make you feel guilty, unattractive, etc?

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Read and Understand the Different Types of Comprehension Questions. Learn to understand the different types of comprehension

questions (literal, inferential, quotation, vocabulary, own words, evaluative, how the language is used to create impact and the global question). This enables you to know how to tackle the questions and to answer in the way that the examiners want. Your teacher will teach you more about how to do this in class.

Revise the different literary terms (personification, simile, etc). When you read books, newspaper, or any articles, practise

identifying the literary features and explaining the effects of using them.

Practise Some Comprehension Papers Within Time Limit Give about 20 minutes to the summary which constitutes 15

marks of the 50 marks in this paper (30%). Practise identifying the points – know what to leave out and

what is relevant. Practise shortening the sentences to keep to 80 words.

Paper 3 (Listening) 45 minutes

Spend Time Listening to Radio Broadcasts and Podcasts Some podcasts can be downloaded into your MP3 or

handphones and you can listen to them when on the bus etc. Watching English programmes and news will help too.

Learn to take down notes when your teachers are teaching. Try using graphic organisers or taking notes in point form.

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Paper 4 (Oral Communication) About 20 minutes

Practise Reading Aloud Practise reading with clear pronunciation and articulation, fluency

and pace, and expressiveness. Read with a sense of your audience, the purpose (objective of this speech, etc), and pretend that you are really placed in that situation (context).

Record your reading and play it back so that you can check if you are reading too fast, mumbling or slurring.

Study the Visual Stimulus for Spoken Interaction Identify the activity that the people are engaged in. Think of the

purpose of the activity and the age group/ profile (type) of people participating eg. the elderly or families or students, etc.

Develop a personal response to what you see. One way is to think of 3 Big Ideas that you want to comment on. For example, if there are 3 possible advantages for the activity eg. promotes a healthy lifestyle, to build family bonding and allows for social interaction between residents, you can talk about these 3 when asked to talk about your opinion of the activity.

The reading passage and the spoken interaction topics are related thematically. You can also use the passage to give you some

ideas so as to respond to the visual stimulus. Extend beyond what you see in the picture to talk about other ideas related to the theme for the next 2 questions. Eg. how you would encourage more people to take part; why it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of their own health; and the effects on the country etc.

Prepare And Practise For The Spoken Interaction Read the newspaper to keep up with current affairs. Think of ideas for different conversation topics and list down

the points you have for each topic in your EL notebook. You can then take these out to revise before your examination. Practise speaking in Standard English regularly. Otherwise,

you will not be able to express your ideas properly under stressful examination conditions.

All the best!

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PART IV: CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Timeline for O Level Academic Activities 2014 – 4E / 5N Classes *Note: Dates of school academic activities may be subjected to changes

JUNE HOLIDAYS

Term 3

Wk Dates O Level Exams & School Exams School’s Activities

1 2 – 6 JUNE 2ND

JUNE GCE ‘O’ LEVEL MID-YEAR MOTHER TONGUE WRITTEN EXAM (1132, 1142, 1162)

3RD

JUNE GCE ‘O’ LEVEL MID-YEAR MOTHER TONGUE WRITTEN EXAM (1151, 1152, 1153) (SYLLABUS B)

3 – 12 JUNE: SUPPLEMENTARY LESSONS

2 9 – 13 JUNE

3 16 – 20 JUNE

4 23 – 27 JUNE

Wk Dates O Level Exams / School Exams & Common Tests

School’s Activities

1 30 JUN – 4 JUL

4TH JULY TO 18TH JULY GCE ‘O’ LEVEL MOTHER TONGUE ORAL EXAM (1132, 1142, 1162)

2 7 – 11 JUL

3 14 – 18 JUL

4 21 – 25 JUL 22ND JULY GCE ‘O’ LEVEL MOTHER TONGUE LISTENING COMPREHENSION (1132, 1142, 1162)

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TERM 4

5 28 JUL – 1 AUG

SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR ART COURSEWORK: 31 JULY

6 4 – 8 AUG

7 11 – 15 AUG 12TH AUGUST TO 21ST AUGUST GCE ‘O’ LEVEL ENGLISH LANGUAGE ORAL EXAM (1127, 1128) 22ND AUGUST TO 3RD SEPT SCHOOL PRELIMINARY EXAM (I)

8 18 – 22 AUG

9 25 – 29 AUG

10 1 – 5 SEPT SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR D&T COURSEWORK: 1 SEPT

Wk Dates O Level Exams / School Exams & Common Tests

School’s Activities

1 15 – 19 SEPT

2 22 – 26 SEPT

3 29 SEPT - 3 OCT

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4 6 – 10 OCT SCHOOL PRELIMINARY EXAM (II) – ONLY FOR SELECTED STUDENTS WHO DIDN’T PERFORM WELL FOR PRELIM (1)

5 13 – 17 OCT GCE ‘O’ LEVEL EXAM

13 OCT

14 OCT

15 OCT GCE ‘O’ LEVEL SCIENCE PRACTICAL EXAM PREPARATION

16 OCT

GCE ‘O’ LEVEL SCIENCE PRACTICAL EXAM

17 OCT MATHEMATICS PAPER 1 (4016/1)

6 20 – 24 OCT GCE ‘O’ LEVEL WRITTEN EXAM

20 OCT ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 1& 2 (1127, 1128)

21 OCT

22 OCT

23 OCT

24 OCT

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7 27 – 31 OCT GCE ‘O’ LEVEL WRITTEN EXAM

27 OCT MATHEMATICS PAPER 2 (4016/2) ENGLISH LANGUAGE LISTENING COMPREHENSION (NEW SYLLABUS 1128/3)

28 OCT ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS PAPER 1 (4038/1, 4047/1) COMBINED SCIENCE PAPER 3 (CHEMISTY) (5076/3, 5078/3, 5116/3, 5118/3) CHEMISTRY (SPA) PAPER 2 (5073/2)

29 OCT ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS PAPER 2 (4038/2, 4047/2) COMBINED HUMANITIES (GEOGRAPHY) (2192/2, 2204/2)

30 OCT COMBINED HUMANITIES (HISTORY) (2192/3, 2204/3) COMBINED SCIENCE PAPER 2 (PHYSICS) (5076/2, 5077/2, 5116/2) PHYSICS (SPA) PAPER 2 (5059/2)

31 OCT COMBINED HUMANITIES (LITERATURE) (2204/4) COMBINED SCIENCE PAPER 4 (BIOLOGY) (5077/4, 5078/4, 5118/4)

8 3 – 7 NOV GCE ‘O’ LEVEL WRITTEN EXAM

3 NOV COMBINED HUMANITIES (SOCIAL STUDIES) (2192/1, 2204/1)

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‘O’ Level 2014 ends!

4 NOV MOTHER TONGUE & HIGHER MOTHER TONGUE WRITTEN PAPER (END-YEAR) (1111, 1131,1132, 1142, 1162, 3194) DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (7051/1)

5 NOV

6 NOV PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS PAPER 1&2 (7092)

7 NOV ART PAPER 2 (6123/2) PHYSICS (SPA) PAPER 1 (5059/1)

9 10 – 14 NOV GCE ‘O’ LEVEL WRITTEN EXAM

10 NOV COMBINED SCIENCE PAPER 1 (5076/1, 5077/1, 5078/1, 5116/1, 5118/1)

11 NOV CHEMISTRY (SPA) PAPER 1 (5073/1)

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PART V:

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENTS

& WELL WISHES

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WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENTS

& WELL WISHES

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WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENTS

& WELL WISHES

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S E R A N G O O N G A R D E N S E C O N D A R Y S C H O O L

DESIGNED BY 4E5N/4NA ACE COUNCIL 2014