Subject Option Package 2012

Teck Whye Secondary School

TWSS 2011 – 2012: Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve

Subject Option Package 26 May 2012



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Content Page

Item Page 1. Timeline of Subject Option Exercise 2

2. Historical Subject Combinations 3

3. Subject Specifications

a. Pure Science 5

b. Combined Science 7

c. Science Syllabus T 8

d. Additional Mathematics (Express) 9

e. Combined Humanities 11

f. Principles of Accounts 13

g. Coursework subjects 15

h. Elements of Business Studies (NT) 17



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Timeline of Subject Option Exercise

Item Time frame

Subject Option Talk

Term 2 week 10

Subject Option Exercise

Term 4 week 6

Results of Subject Option Exercise

Term 4 week 9



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Historical Subject Combinations

Express

E1 E2 E3 E4

English Language

Mother Tongue

Mathematics

Combined Humanities (Social Studies/Elective Geography)

Combined Humanities (Social Studies/Elective History)



Additional Mathematics Additional Mathematics Science (Physics/Chemistry)

Science (Physics/Chemistry) OR Science (Biology/Chemistry)

Physics Science (Physics/Chemistry)

Principles of Accounts

Art OR Design & Technology OR Food & Nutrition

Chemistry Design & Technology OR

Food & Nutrition Biology



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Normal Academic

Normal Technical

Note: The actual subject combinations for 2013 will depend on students’ performance and availability of subject teachers and facilities

NA1 NA2

English Language

Mother Tongue

Mathematics



Science (Physics/Chemistry) Science (Biology/Chemistry)

Principal of Accounts

Design & Technology OR Food & Nutrition OR Art

NT1

English Language

Mother Tongue

Mathematics

Computer Applications

EBS OR Science Syllabus T

Design & Technology OR Food Studies OR Art



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Pure Science

Subject CHEMISTRY

(with School-Based Practical Assessment) [Express]

BIOLOGY


PHYSICS


Description Chemistry is the science that studies matter at the atomic to macromolecular scale. The reactions, transformations and aggregations of matter; as well as the energy released or absorbed during these processes would be investigated. The subject studies about molecues, crystals and metals and is concerned with the composition and statistical properties of such structures. The syllabus is designed to place less emphasis on factual material and greater emphasis on the understanding and application of scientific concepts and principles. Pupils would develop skills that will be of long-term value in an increasingly technological world Topics o Experimental Chemistry o Atomic Structure and Stoichiometry o Chemistry of reactions o Periodicity o Atmosphere o Organic Chemistry

Biology is the study of life. It is concerned with classifying the various forms of organisms, how species come into existence, and the interactions they have with each other and with the environment. The syllabus is designed to place less emphasis on factual material and greater emphasis on the understanding and application of scientific concepts and principles. Pupils would develop skills that will be of long-term value in an increasingly technological world Topics o Principles of Biology o Maintenance and regulation of Life Processes o Continuity of Life o Man and His Environment

Physics is the science concerned with the fundamentals laws of the elementary constituents of the universe – matter, energy, space and time, and their interactions. The precise formulation in Physics is built in a mathematical framework. Physical definitions, models and theories are usually expressed using mathematical relations.

The syllabus is designed to place less emphasis on factual material and greater emphasis on the understanding and application of scientific concepts and principles. Pupils would develop skills that will be of long-term value in an increasingly technological world. Topics o Measurement o Newtonian Mechanics o Thermal Physics o Waves o Electricity and Magnetism



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Benefits The study of Chemistry develops the pupils to be confident, articulate and objective. It is essential if the pupils intend to pursue a career in the medical or biotechnology field. Chemistry provides a good foundation for pupils who wish to study Chemistry at Higher 2 (H2) level in junior college, but is not necessary to be offered. Pupils who score at least an A2 in Combined Science (Physics & Chemistry) may be offered H2 Chemistry in some Junior Colleges.

The study of Biology develops the pupils to be confident, articulate and objective. It is essential if the pupil intends to pursue a career in the medical or bio-related field. Biology provides a good foundation for pupils who wish to study Biology at Higher 2 (H2) level in junior college. However pupils who did not offer Biology at secondary level could still apply to offer Biology in junior college if they have good overall results.

The study of Physics develops the pupils to be confident, articulate and objective. It is a compulsory subject for all engineering or bio-engineering courses and is essential if the pupils intend to pursue a career in the medical field. Physics provides a good foundation for pupils who wish to study Physics at Higher 2 (H2) level in junior college, but is not necessary to be offered. Pupils who score at least an A2 in Combined Science (Physics & Chemistry) may be offered H2 Physics in some Junior Colleges.

Criteria Pupils must attain the following results during the end-of-year examinations : o minimum of 75% in Overall

Science, Pupils must possess strong analytical thinking and have a passion for Chemistry. A good foundation in science practical skills would be preferred.

Pupils must attain the following results during the end-of-year examinations : o minimum of 75% in Overall

Science, Pupils must possess strong analytical thinking and have a good flair in the English language. Pupils must be prepared to read additional materials and able to retain facts well.

Pupils must attain the following results during the end-of-year examinations : o minimum of 75% in Overall

Science, Pupils must possess strong analytical thinking and have good mathematical foundation.

Contact Mr Alwin Njoo, HOD Science [email protected] Tel : 67691386 ext 832



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Combined Science Elective Subject SCIENCE (PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY)

SCIENCE (BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY) [Express]

SCIENCE (PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY) SCIENCE (BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY) [Normal (Academic)]

Description Science covers most of the syllabus of Physics, Biology and Chemistry, with the exception of a few topics.

Science (NA) covers most of the syllabus of Science (Express), with the exception of a few topics.

Benefits: This combination is suitable for pupils who intend to pursue courses related to engineering, bio-technology and life science courses in the polytechnics. Science provides a basic foundation for pupils who wish to study Physics and Chemistry at Higher 1 or 2 level in junior college.

This combination is suitable for pupils who intend to pursue courses related to engineering, bio-technology, life science and nursing courses in the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). Science (5155/5157) provides a basic foundation for pupils who wish to pursue their GCE O Levels in Secondary 5.


PURE SCIENCE vs COMBINED SCIENCE (express) o breadth of coverage similar but differ in depth of study o practical assessment

pure Science School-based Practical Assessments (SPA) Combined Science One-off practical assessment during GCE O Level period

o Post-Secondary Implication for Pure Sciences

Not requirement for any Polytechnic courses Not requirement for any JC course (Recommended for JC science course)

** if students performance < 60% for mid-year or end-of-year in Sec 3, students will be strongly advised to switch to a less demanding subject

o Science (Phy/Chem), or, o Science (Bio/Chem)



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Elective Subject SCIENCE Syllabus T

[Normal (Technical)]

Description Science Syllabus T aims to give students the experience of doing hands-on science and, at the same time, provide a broad educational basis for further training in a technical context. As such, the syllabus provides a wide coverage of basic science knowledge that is relevant to technical courses. Hence, there is a strong bias towards the physical sciences in the syllabus. Throughout the syllabus, the emphasis is on the applications of science and technology in everyday life. Topics (Physical Science):

- Measurement - Mechanics - Thermal Physics - Electricity and Magnetism - Matter - Health and Diseases - Petrochemical Industry and its impact

Benefits This combination is suitable for pupils who intend to pursue courses related to engineering, bio-technology, life science and nursing courses in the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

Criteria Pupils should preferably attain the following results during the end-of-year examinations : o Minimum of 65% in Overall Science, o Minimum of 65% in Overall Mathematics.




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Subject ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS (EXPRESS)

Description The syllabus consolidates and extends Elementary Mathematics knowledge and understanding for use in more advanced mathematical applications. Additional Mathematics enables students to

Acquire the necessary mathematical concepts and skills for continuous learning in mathematics and related disciplines, and for applications to the real world.

Develop the necessary process skills for the acquisition and application of mathematical concepts and skills.

Develop the mathematical thinking and problem solving skills and apply these skills to formulate and solve problems.

Recognize and use connections among mathematical ideas, and between mathematics and other disciplines.

Develop positive attitude towards mathematics.

Make effective use of a variety of mathematical tools in the learning and application of mathematics.

Produce imaginative and creative work arising from mathematical ideas.

Develop the abilities to reason logically, to communicate mathematically and to learn cooperatively and independently.

Benefits Prepare students adequately for A-level H2 Mathematics and H3 Mathematics, where a strong foundation in algebraic manipulation skills and mathematical reasoning skills are required. (Needed for admission into H2 and H3 Mathematics in JC)

Provide a strong mathematical foundation for many courses in Polytechnics, especially engineering courses. (Not a requirement for JC Non-Science course and Polytechnic course)



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Criteria Must attain a minimum of 75% for overall mathematics results in Sec 2 Express and 75% in the Algebra component in SA2 paper.

Willingness to put in effort and time in the subject as the subject demands a lot of practice in order to do well.

Contact Mdm Tong Wee Heng, HOD Mathematics [email protected] Tel. 6769 1386 ext 834

** if students performance < 50% for mid-year or end-of-year in Sec 3, students will be strongly advised to discontinue A Maths and focus on E Maths instead.



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Combined Humanities Compulsory subject as from 2001 for Express & Normal Academic

o (Social Studies / Elective Geography) o (Social Studies / Elective History)

Compulsory Component: Social Studies

o to provide students with a broad-based foundation in the learning of the Humanities o to instill in students a sense of national identity as well as global awareness o focuses on historical, economic and social developments in Singapore after 1965 o discusses regional and international issues

Elective Component

Elective History

Elective Geography

Description Elective History covers 20th Century World History, 1910s – 1991. Topics include:

Impact of World War 1 Hope for a Better World? The Breakdown of World Order A World United and Divided

Students will be tested on:

Knowledge of the prescribed topics and kinds of sources available and their uses

Ability to interpret, analyse, evaluate sources or given information, distinguish fact, opinion and judgement, detect bias, compare and contrast different views and draw conclusions based on reasoned consideration of evidence and arguments.

Ability to construct explanations that are clear and well-organised and make judgements, recommendations and decisions.

Elective History covers the interaction between human and physical environment Physical Geography.

Natural Vegetation Rivers and Coasts

Human Geography Geography of Food Development

Students will be tested on:

Geographical facts, concepts, processes, interactions and trends

Ability to construct explanations that are clear and well - organized and to make judgements, recommendations and decisions

Ability to interpret and evaluate geographical data, recognize patterns in geographical data and deduce relationships, compare and contrast different views and draw conclusions



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based on reasoned consideration of evidence.

Benefits: Combined Humanities offers students:

Choices in doing Humanities related subjects in the Junior College and the University.

Choices in doing business – related courses [ eg. accountancy, banking and financial services, business studies, tourism and resort management], Film and Media studies [eg. Mass Communication, Digital Video Effects, Film, Sound and Video] and Humanities related courses [eg. Psychology and Community Services, Early Childhood Education] in the polytechnics.

Criteria As Combined Humanities is an analytical subject, students must:

Achieve a good pass in the Humanities. Elective History (minimum of 75% in Sec 2 Overall History)

Develop a range of critical thinking skills and are expected to participate actively in class discussions.

Be prepared to read widely - read various kinds of texts such as speeches, current affairs, political cartoons, historical documents, reviews etc. so that they will be able to critique, reason, argue, put forward different points of view and arrive at their own conclusion.

Be able to write clear, well-organised essays. As such, students must have a reasonably good foundation in the English Language.

Contact Mrs Vena Foo, HOD Humanties [email protected] Tel. 6769 1386 ext 623



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Subject PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS (POA)

Description The POA syllabus emphasizes on student’s acquisition of an understanding of content through application of accounting concepts in a variety of business and personal settings. POA enables students to

Acquire knowledge and understanding of fundamental accounting concepts, principles and procedures in the context of business aims and activities

Develop skills in preparing, analyzing and interpreting accounting information and understanding their implication

Develop skills of numeracy, information technology literacy, communication, inquiry, presentation and interpretation.

Develop attitudes of accuracy, orderliness and logical thought and an appreciation of professional ethics

Topics o recording business’ transactions o calculating business’ expenses, revenues, profits, losses, assets, liabilities and capital o maintaining and recording of business’ cash and stock o preparing, analyzing and interpreting financial statements and information

Benefits To be prepared for future career development eg. As an accountant or auditor

Acquire knowledge and understanding of basic accounting concepts, principles and procedure in the context of the business

Easier to find a job as all organizations need workers to have some knowledge of accounting.



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Criteria Good with English language. English is required to understand and apply the concepts in order to respond accurately to questions.

(Minimum of 55% for overall English)

Willingness to learn and work hard– this is a new subject which is only introduced at Secondary 3.

Able to think critically as some of the questions require problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

Contact Mdm Sharifah Beevi, HOD ICT

[email protected] Tel. 6769 1386 Ext 826



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Coursework Subjects (D&T/F&N/ART) Theory and coursework components

o coursework requires students to work on long-term project work during curriculum time start in beginning of Sec 4 3-6 months to complete Allows students to clear significant portion before written examinations

Coursework Subject

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (D&T)

FOOD & NUTRITION (F&N)

ART & DESIGN

Description The D&T curriculum emphasizes in developing 3 key traits in our students

Creative Imagination

Logical Analysis

Aesthetically inclined D&T Coursework consists of

Coursework (70%) The students will be required to design a product and detail out their journey and thoughts using their design journal. It will culminate in the creation of their design into a product and 3 concept boards about their design.

Theory paper (30%) The students will be required to sit for a theory paper where they will be tested on design & engineering theories.

F&N Coursework consists of

Coursework (60%)) The students will be required to create a culinary meal and detail out their journey and thoughts using their report. It will culminate in the cooking of their meal which is nutritionally supported by the report.

Theory paper (40%) The students will be required to sit for a 2hr theory paper where they will be tested on food science & nutrition principles.

Paper 1 Coursework (60%) Each student is to select a topic and submit preliminary/ supporting studies together with their examination work in the month of August of the examination year. They are required to research, gather information and select their own materials for the completion of their exam work. Students will be graded base on the aesthetic qualities of their submission as well as their maturity level in displaying the concept behind their artworks. Paper 2 Drawing & Painting (40%) Students will sit for a 3 hours examination paper. The topics will be issued 3 weeks in advance. They are to submit at least 5 preparatory boards of studies and to produce during the 3 hours, a final piece of artwork in a representational or non-representational matter.



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Benefits D&T enables students to

Create original paradigms by breaking free from established norms and practices

Construct cogent hypothesis by gathering, dissecting and analyzing data and patterns

Appreciate beauty, acknowledge form and make artistic judgments. especially relevant for students with interest in design and engineering

The F&N syllabus emphasizes on developing the students’ F&N enables students to

To turn scientific research into innovative solutions for the food industry and supporting the health and well-being of consumers.

To develop students’ understanding of the concepts of nutrition and meal planning.

To develop students’ understanding of the link between diet and health.

To develop students’ understanding of the principles of food science.

ART enables students to

develops creativity – imaginative, divergent thinking

have visual communication & Self-expression

have the emphasis on process and not just the final product

Criteria Minimum of 60% for Overall D&T for the Secondary 2 final examinations

Have a desire to change the world around you

Have a passion for creating

Be able to persevere and sustain interest

Minimum of 60% in Overall Home Economics in the Secondary 2 final examinations

Have a passion for food science & nutrition

Have an ability to think logically, analytically and critically based on research

Have a palate that is sensitive to taste

Minimum of 60% in Overall Art for the Secondary 2 final exams.

Know basic drawing techniques and have completed the Elements of Art modules in Sec1 and Sec2

Able to think critically as they are required to conduct researches, gather information and select their own materials for their coursework.

Willingness to work hard and independently with a discipline to finish their coursework.

Contact Mr Alvin Tay, HOD Art & Design [email protected] Tel. 67691386 Ext 837

Mr Alvin Tay, HOD Art & Design [email protected]

Tel. 67691386 Ext 837

Mr Alvin Tay, HOD Art & Design [email protected] Tel. 67691386 Ext 837



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Elective Subject ELEMENTS OF BUSINESS SKILLS (EBS) NT

Description The EBS syllabus aims to equip students with the basic knowledge, skills and values relevant for the new developments in the services sector. The focus is on the development of a range of knowledge and core skills in business and enterprise with particular emphasis on retail, travel and tourism, and hospitality industries. The syllabuses also focus on the basic concepts and practices in areas of marketing and customer relations. The syllabus provides students with the foundation for further studies at institutes of higher learning. Assessment at N Level consists of a written paper (60%) and school based coursework (40%).

Benefits The syllabus provides opportunities to infuse economic and financial literacy in the general understanding of the business environment and for personal effectiveness. The syllabus will also provide opportunities for the students to develop social emotional competencies in social awareness, relationship management and decision-making.

Criteria Pass in English. (Minimum of 60% for overall English)

Good learning attitude

Contact Mdm Sharifah Beevi, HOD ICT

[email protected] Tel. 6769 1386 Ext 826

Subject Option Package 2012

Education

Transcript of Subject Option Package 2012