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Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary). Secondary 2 Express DIALOGUE WITH SCHOOL LEADERS CUM SEC TWO STREAMING BRIEFING FOR PARENTS 13 Apr 2011. To be. We provide. We develop. an outstanding and vibrant learning community.
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Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary) Secondary 2 Express DIALOGUE WITH SCHOOL LEADERS CUM SEC TWO STREAMING BRIEFING FOR PARENTS 13 Apr 2011
To be We provide We develop an outstanding and vibrant learning community an excellent and progressive education grounded in Christian values active, lifelong learners and influential leaders who serve the school, local and global community School Vision
Partnership with Parents • Dialogue with Principal /VPs • Meetings with Teachers/VP/P at key junctures to discuss the progress of your children • Provision of Information – Assessment Calendar, Results Slips, Target Slips
Level Committee • Deans and Vice-Deans lead the Form and Co-Form Teachers to oversee all the pupils in the level • Pastoral Care • Discipline Matters • Academic Matters • Administrative Matters • The Discipline Committee and CLE Dept support the Level Committee • P visits the Sec. 2 classes
Sec 2 Level Committee • Mr Francis Ng, HOD/PE & CCA • Miss Goh Hui Ling, HOD/EL • Mr Wilson Ho, SH/CLE Form Teachers & Co-FTs
Academic Journey – Sec 2 • Streaming Exercise at the end of Sec 2 is an important crossroad • Terms 1 – 3: 2 Tests + Other Modes of Assessment • Common Tests in Term 2 to gauge progress of pupils • MTP at the end of Term 2 to update parents about progress
Upper Secondary Curriculum Prepares pupils to continue their studies in an Institute of Higher Learning e.g. JCs or Polytechnics Need to understand the Entry Requirements for the JCs and Polytechnics
Features of the Subject Combinations Only the relevant 6 subjects are required for JC and relevant 5 subjects for Polytechnic entry Majority of pupils take between 7 to 8 subjects. Pupils can take a 9th subject on a case by case basis Subject combinations are broad-based and include English, Mother Tongue, Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences and Aesthetics **(Subject combinations for 2012 Sec 3 can only be confirmed in Semester 2, 2011)
Educational Viewpoint • All subject combinations are broad-based and allow pupils to gain entry into JCs or Polytechnics • Attempt to match the strengths and weaknesses of the pupils to the right subject combination • BUT whatever the FINALsubject combination assigned, the pupil may encounter a mix of strengths and weaknesses
The System • Posting into JCs and Polytechnics is based on L1R5 and L1R2B2 respectively • Limited places and the Principle of Meritocracy: • Better L1R5 and L1R2B2 helps our pupils to get into a JC or Polytechnic course of their choice
Express – Course 1 Characteristics of this Course: • Pupils must have a strong passion for Science • Pupils must be prepared for long hours in the laboratory which is physically very draining To succeed in this combination, Pupils will need: • a high level of competency in Science and Mathematics(above 70 %) • to be very strong in all subjects (target to achieve a overall score of at least 75%) as this is a highly theoretical course. Pupils need to consider their ability to cope with and manage the whole range of subjects
Express – Course 2 Characteristics of this Course: • Pupils have a passion for Science and the Humanities • Pupils must be prepared for long hours in the laboratory which is physically very demanding To succeed in this combination, Pupils will need: • a strong foundation in Maths, Science and the Humanities • to have balanced strengths across subjects (target to achieve a overall score of at least 70%) as this is a course that requires strong theoretical work as well as writing work
Express – Course 3 Characteristics of this Course: • Pupils must be confident in • Pupils enjoy creative and hands-on work • Assessment by Courseworkand by a Theory Paper To succeed in this combination, Pupils will need: • a strong foundation in Mathematics • to enjoy the coursework assessment process which is spread throughout the year
Express – Course 4 Characteristics of this Course: • Pupils must enjoy the Humanities subjects • Pupils enjoy creative and hands-on work • Assessment by Courseworkas well as by a Theory Paper To succeed in this combination, Pupils will need: • to be willing to improve their language and writing skills • to enjoy the coursework assessment process which is spread throughout the year
Subjects considered during Sec. 2 Streaming • English • Mother Tongue • Mathematics • Science • Humanities: History, Geography, Literature • Aesthetics: Art (Sec 1), Home Economics (Sec 1), D&T (Sec 2)
Aesthetics Exam Coursework Timelines Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep 'O' Level Art 'N' Level Art 'O' Level D&T 'O' Level F&N
Selection Criteria • Food & Nutrition • Good Distinction for Sec 1 Home Economics • Able to write an extended research essay for Coursework • Art • Pass school's internal Sec 2 Art Selection Test (Oct 2011) Art and Music are subjects which do not lead directly from Lower Secondary subjects of the same name.
Selection Criteria • Music • 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 Art and Music are subjects which do not lead directly from Lower Secondary subjects of the same name.
GCE Higher Music • Pupils are assessed during their Sec 3 year for suitability to sit Higher Music • At least A2 for Music in Sec 3 End-of-year Examination • Aptitude in individual project options: • Essay – Term-time assignments • Performing – Term 3 Project • Composing – Term 3 Project
Streaming Process Application by Pupils and Parents - represents preference and assessment of strengths and weaknesses by pupils and parents Posting by School considers application professional assessment of the strengths and weakness of pupils, based on their results and the teachers’ knowledge of the pupils, applies meritocratic principle when places are limited, by using the overall score
MAJOR CONSIDERATIONS • Setting the pupils up for success: - Choosing the right combination and being able to perform, achieve and attain a good aggregate (L1R5, L1R4, L1R2B2) • Competency level and performance trends
Things to Note: • Application • Pupils can apply up to 3 options (Express) Timeline • Pupils given option form – October (after End-of-Year Exam) • Submission of forms • Release of Streaming Results – 1st week of Nov • Appeal – by 2nd week of Nov • Results of appeal – by 3rd week of Nov
ENTRY CRITERIA FOR JUNIOR COLLEGE • Core Requirements: • At least C6 in English • At least D7 in Mother Tongue • At least D7 in Mathematics • L1 R5 Aggregate: • English Language and 5 Relevant subjects not more than 20 points
E.g. 1 What is the L1 R5 ? L1 R5 = 10 points
THE NEW ‘A’ LEVEL CURRICULUM • Life Skills • Knowledge Skills • General Paper/Knowledge & Inquiry, Project Work, • Contrasting Disciplines Subjects: • Languages • Humanities and Arts • Mathematics and Sciences
A Level Course 1 of these 4 subjects must be from a contrasting discipline • Three subjects at H2 level • OneSubject at H1 level • General paper • Project Work • Mother Tongue A Mathematics and Science student will be required to take ONE contrasting subject from the Humanities and Arts discipline. Hence at Secondary 4/5 it is important to have a good balance of subjects that one is competent in.
CRITERIA FOR 3-Year Pre-U course L1 R4 not more 20 points
CRITERIA FOR POLYTECHNIC • Generally the following applies: • At least a C6 in English Language for Non-Technology Courses or • At least a D7 in English Language for Technology Courses L1 - EL R2 – Relevant 2 subjects B2 – Best 2 other subjects L1 + R2 + B2 of about 26 points (vary from year to year)
School Values Parents, teachers, pupils, coaches …speaking the same language Fairfield Vision – Attitudes and Behaviors
Active Lifelong Learners: Attitudes & Behaviors School Values • I have a positive attitude towards learning • I will take concrete steps to improve in my studies • I will not give up when I face challenges • I will be polite and respectful towards my teachers • I respect authority and follow the school rules • I am honest for all assessment • I will participate actively in class discussions • I will ask questions when in doubt • I will listen when others are speaking • I will take ownership of tasks assigned • I will submit my work on time • I will submit work of high quality • I will be punctual for every lesson • I will be prepared for every lesson and will have the relevant materials ready • I will keep the school clean and green
Influential Leaders: Attitudes & Behaviors School Values • I will lead by example • I will have a positive attitude towards my holistic development • I will work hard to improve myself during training and courses • I will not give up when I face challenges • I will be punctual for all training and programmes • I will be polite and respectful towards my parents, my coaches and other leaders • I will respect authority and follow rules • I will conduct myself with good character and integrity • I will be loyal to my team • I will encourage other team members • I will care for the well-being and safety of my teammates • I will be kind and gracious to others • I will alert my teachers when I see injustice being done to others • I will respect those from different backgrounds, cultures and races • I will seek to serve others and not to be served • I will cherish the trust placed in me by my school and will always do my best to bring glory to my school
Fairfield has blessed you • Caring teachers • Holistic Education • Academic • Character & Leadership • Physical Education, CCA • National Education/Internationalization • Aesthetics • Good environment – discipline, safety, facilities etc.
We seek your generous support and donations through the Methodist Walk 2011 fund raising