Streaming Frequently Asked Questions

[Pages:5]Streaming Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Pure Science and Combined Science?

Overview of Upper Secondary Science in Christ Church Secondary School Pure Sciences and Combined Sciences are offered to Upper Secondary Students in the Express stream while only Combined Sciences are offered to Upper Secondary Students in the Normal (Academic) stream. Upper Secondary Students in the Normal (Technical) Stream will be offered Science as a subject. A list of the Upper Secondary science subjects offered at Christ Church Secondary School is as follows:

Stream

Express Stream

Normal (Academic) Stream

Normal (Technical) Stream

Pure/Combined Science

Pure Sciences

Combined Science

Science Subjects

Physics [Syllabus 6091] Chemistry [Syllabus 6092] Biology [Syllabus 6093]

Science (Physics, Chemistry) [Syllabus 5076]

Combined Science Science (Physics, Chemistry) [Syllabus 5105]

Science

Science [Syllabus 5148]

Differences between Pure Sciences and Combined Science The first difference is that the scientific disciplines (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) are assessed as three separate subjects for Pure Sciences while two of the scientific disciplines (Physics and Chemistry) are assessed together as one subject in Combined Science. Since the Pure Sciences are separate subjects, our school allocates 5 periods per week to each of the Pure Sciences while the Combined Science is allocated 6 periods per week (3 periods of Physics and 3 periods of Chemistry).

A second difference is that the theory paper for Pure Sciences have a higher percentage of Handling Information and Solving Problems (HISP) type of questions and lesser percentage of recall type question when compared to Combined Science. The weighting of the assessment objectives are different between Pure and Combined Sciences, and they are as follows:

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Subject

Physics [Syllabus 6091]

Chemistry [Syllabus 6092]

Biology [Syllabus 6093] Science (Physics,

Chemistry) [Syllabus 5076]

Knowledge with Understanding (KU)

approx. 45% (approx. 15 % allocated to

recall) approx. 45% (approx. 15 % allocated to

recall) approx. 45% (approx. 15 % allocated to

recall)

approx. 50% (approx. 20% allocated to recall)

Handling Information and Solving Problems (HISP) approx. 55 %

approx. 55 %

approx. 55 %

approx. 50%

A brief explanation of the two assessment objectives can be found in the table below.

Assessment Objectives

Brief Explanation

Knowledge with Understanding (KU)

Students are required to recall and explain the factual knowledge defined by the subject content.

Handling Information and Solving Problems (HISP)

Students are required to use principles and concepts that are within the syllabus and apply them in a logical, reasoned or deductive manner to a novel situation.

A third difference is that although Pure Science and Combined Science have theory and practical assessments, their weightings are different. Based on the "O" Level syllabus document by the Singapore Examination and Assessment Board (SEAB), the schemes of assessment together with the weightings are as follows:

Pure Sciences Physics

[Syllabus 6091]

Chemistry [Syllabus 6092]

Biology [Syllabus 6093]

Paper No. / Type of Paper Paper 1

Multiple Choice

Paper 2 Structured and Free Response

Paper 3 Practical

Duration Marks Weighting

1 h

40

30.0%

1 h 45 min 80

50.0%

1 h 50 min 40

20.0%

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Combined Science

Paper No. / Type of Paper

Duration Marks Weighting

Paper 1

Multiple Choice

1 h

40

20.0%

(Physics and Chemistry)

Paper 2

Science (Physics, Chemistry)

[Syllabus 5076]

Structured and Free Response (Physics) Paper 3

Structured and Free Response

1 h 15 min 65 1 h 15 min 65

32.5% 32.5%

(Chemistry)

Paper 5

Practical Test

1 h 30 min 30

15.0%

(Physics and Chemistry)

*Note: Paper 4 is a Biology paper, hence it is not attempted by students taking Science (Physics,

Chemistry) [Syllabus 5076].

Therefore, it is important to consider both attitude and aptitude when deciding to take Pure Science or Combined Science. [You may visit the SEAB website to retrieve more information regarding the examination

syllabus]

2. What is the difference between Elementary and Additional Mathematics?

Mathematics: a compulsory subject for Secondary 1 to 5

Additional Mathematics: offered in Secondary 3 and 4 (Elective Subject)

Differences between Mathematics and Additional Mathematics

? The `O' Level Mathematics syllabus is intended to provide students with the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills

? The `O' Level Additional Mathematics syllables is intended to prepare students adequately for `A' Level H2 and H3 Mathematics, where a strong foundation in algebraic manipulation skills and mathematical reasoning skills is required.

? The `O' Level Mathematics requires more numerical computation, organising and interpreting data and information, algebraic manipulation, formulating mathematical problems and applying appropriate techniques of solution.

? The `O' Level Additional Mathematics requires understanding and analysis of concepts in greater depth so as to apply mathematical results/explanations and making inferences. (concept-based subject which requires much more thinking and analysis of concepts rather than just practising of mathematical problems)

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 You may visit the SEAB website to retrieve more information regarding the examination syllabus.

3. If the subject combination my child wants is not offered by the school, will my child be able to tailor make his/her subject combinations to their interests? (Will my child be able to take Additional Mathematics with POA?)

No. The school will have a prescribed set of subject combinations based on post-secondary requirements and staff resources available. The subject combinations offered to your child will based on his/her academic result.

4. What is the procedure to appeal if my child did not meet the subject requirement or obtain the combination they want?

There will be an appeal window period from 5 Nov 2020, 2pm to 9 Nov 2020, 4pm after the release of the streaming posting. He/she can appeal online through AsknLearn portal, detailed information of the appeal process will be given to your child after End-of-Year examination.

5. Who do I contact to appeal to and when can I appeal for my child's subject combination?

Mr Toh Hong Seng is the HOD in-charge of streaming. You can appeal through AsknLearn online portal during the appeal window period from 5 Nov 2020, 2pm to 9 Nov 2020, 4pm.

6. Can my child amend his / her choice later in the year? No. The Secondary 3 and 4 for Express stream and Secondary 5 for Normal (Academic) stream runs on a full 2-year or 3-year curriculum. Therefore, your child will not be able to amend his / her choice later in the year.

7. What are factors to consider when my child is choosing his / her subject combination? The most important factor is the combination that allows your child to score the best in the `O' or `N' level Examinations based on L1R5, ELR2B2 or EMB3.

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8. Is there anyone I can speak to for clarification regarding streaming if I have further doubts?

If you have any query, you may approach the respective form teachers for clarification.

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