briefing for sec 1 academic...

BRIEFING FOR SEC 1 ACADEMIC MATTERS

METHODIST GIRLS’ SCHOOL

Broad-based, content and skills leading up to the rigour and demands of the O-

levels, A-levels & IB Diploma and beyond.

Transition from Primary curriculum

SEC O-LEVEL & IP CURRICULUM

SEC 1 & YEAR 1 CURRICULUM EXAMINABLE SUBJECTS

O-track enriched Sec 1I, 1M, 1O, 1T

O-track SBC Sec 1D, 1E, 1H

Integrated Programme Year 1G, 1S

Language Arts Language Arts Language Arts

Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue

Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics

Biological Sciences Biological Sciences Biological Sciences

Physical Sciences Physical Sciences Physical Sciences

Geography Geography Geography

History History History

Third Lang# Third Lang# Third Lang#

# Third Language lessons in MOE LC. Transport arrangements can be made.

SEC 1 & YEAR 1 CURRICULUM NON-EXAMINABLE SUBJECTS

O-track enriched Sec 1I, 1M, 1O, 1T

O-track SBC Sec 1D, 1E, 1H

Integrated Programme Year 1G, 1S

Home Econs/MEP# Home Econs/MEP# Home Econs/MEP#

IPW IPW IS

General Music General Music General Music

Art Art Art

Computer Studies Computer Studies Computer Studies

Philosophy module* PTK

Global Studies

PE PE PE

CCE CCE CCE

Mother Tongue is mandatory under Singapore’s bilingual policy.

Exemptions from MT must be approved by MOE.

Fresh applications for exemptions need to be made for GCE ‘O’ levels.

For those who those been exempted from MT, kindly submit a copy of the exemption letter

to the FTs by Monday 12 Jan. 2015

SECONDARY 1 CURRICULUM MOTHER TONGUE

Students take the GCE O-level Mother Tongue paper at the end of Sec 3/Year 3 IP. If student scores B3 or better, she’ll take the Higher Mother Tongue paper at end of Sec 4/Year 4 IP. For O-track students to note: - Bonus points at JC admissions: 2 points if student passes both English and HMT. - Students with good HMT scores can take up Chinese Studies as a H2 subject or join JCs offering the Chinese LEP.

SECONDARY 1 CURRICULUM HIGHER MOTHER TONGUE

Offering Higher Mother Tongue to Pupils

Target Groups

Students eligible to do HCL Remarks

Pri 6 to Sec 1

Criteria: (1)  PSLE top 10% (~250 T-score)

& took CL, ML, TL (2)  PSLE in 11%-30% & A* in

CL, ML, TL &/or merit in HCL, HML, HTL

Letter offered by MOE to do HMT.

Sec 1 to Sec 2

Sec 2 to Sec 3

Must meet requirements (1) CL = min 75% Overall = min 75% OR (2) CL = min 80% Overall = min 70%

Letter will be issued from School to pupils who have met the requirements to take up HMT.

THIRD LANGUAGE

3rd Language classes take priority over all other afternoon activities except when there are

compulsory school events or participation in approved competitions

Note on L3: 1. Be committed for the whole year. Marks will captured from semester 1 and are included in overall percentage for the year 2. Withdrawal process is via the language centre 3. If transport arrangement is needed to centre, please see Mdm Junita.

MUSIC ELECTIVE PROGRAMME

MEP Music classes take priority over all other afternoon activities except when there are compulsory

school events or participation in approved competitions

Note on MEP: 1. Girls receiving MEP fee subsidy need to be committed for the 4 years. 2. Classes are held on Tuesday afternoon 3 – 4.30pm. 3. Girls take MEP in place of Home Econs subject. 4. Marks will be included in overall percentage for the year

CURRICULUM STRUCTURE FOR 2015

•  Lessons are in 60 min or 90 min blocks •  2 half-hourly break times every day. •  The timetable will be structured in a 2-week (or a 10-

day) cycle.

•  Lower Sec Science classes are conducted in Semestral modules. Semester 1: 2 Jan – 24 Apr & Semester 2: 27 Apr –

end of year.

Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays

Day 1 (odd) Day 6 (even)

Day 2 (o) Day 7 (e)

Day 3 (o) Day 8 (e)

Day 4 (o) Day 9 (e)

Day 5 (o) Day 10 (e)

CURRICULUM STRUCTURE IN 2015

Day 1st period

Last period Afternoon classes Scheduled remedial Other activities

Mon 0730h 1400h CCA starts 1500h

Tue 0730h 1430h 1500-1630: S1MEP

1430- 1530: Languages 1530 – 1630: Maths

CCA starts 1630h

Wed 0830h 1400h CCA starts 1500h

Thu 0730h 1400h 1430- 1530: Sciences 1530 – 1630: Humanities

CCA starts 1630h

Fri 0730h 1430h CCA starts 1500h

2015 CALENDAR

Swap in timetable/ curriculum days in 2015 M (-2 Days) T (-3 Days) W (-3 Days) T (-4 Days) F (-3 Days)

Term 1 (o)Feb 18 CNY cel

(o)Feb 19 CNY

(o)Feb 20 CNY

Term 2 (e) FRI tt Mar 31

(e)Apr 2 X-ctry

(e)Apr 3 Gd Fri

(e)May 1 Labour Day

Term 3 (e)Jul 6 Youth Day

(o)FRI tt Jul 14

(o)Jul 17 HR Puasa

(e)FRI tt Jul 22

(e)Jul 23 FD FDR

(e)Jul 24 128 FD

(o)Aug 10 Day aft ND

(e)FRI tt Aug 4

(e)Aug 7 ND cel

(e)Sep 3 Tr Dy cel

(e)Sep 4 Tr Day

Term 4 (e)THUR tt 23 Sep

(e)Sep 24 HR Haji

CONVERSATIONAL MALAY PROGRAMME

Another Language Learning Opportunity for all levels ~ Conversational Language competency and cultural awareness ~ Curriculum focus on listening, speaking and recognising

simple words/characters ~ Elementary module on Thursdays 3 – 5 pm

(5 weeks: 5 February to 12 March) ~ Registration forms are available at the General Office or from

any of the Mother Tongue Language teachers.

Each subject will set approx. 1 – 1.5 hr of homework per week

Average time spent on homework in a

week = 6 - 10 hours

Students need to exercise good time management, discipline

HOMEWORK POLICY

Valid Reasons for absence 1. Unwell and covered with Medical Certificate valid for test day (copies of mc to be given to FT & to respective subject teachers) 2. Test falls on the same day of an approved competition (interschool, international). The teacher i/c of competition will inform the staff BUT students should also take responsibility to alert their respective teachers.

ABSENCE FROM TESTS & EXAMS

SECONDARY 1 ASSESSMENTS

O-track

Mid-Year Progress Report

Coursework Progress Report

Year-end Summative Report

Assessment type

Mid-Year Block Tests

Assignments & class tests for Term 1 – 3

End-of-Year Examination

Weighting for LA, MT, Maths 20% 20% 60%

Weighting for Geog, Hist 25% 40% 35% Weighting for Sciences 40% 20% 40%

Promotion to Secondary 2 is based on Overall performance at CAs and Year-End Examinations. § Attain 50% overall marks § Attain 50% Language Arts marks

Placement into Secondary 2 classes is based on q  Subject combinations q  Overall percentage q SBC criteria (the overall percentage, the marks of common subjects (i.e. English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities), the consideration that girls who are from Sec 1 SBC classes have taken a heavier academic loading this year.

SECONDARY 1 PROMOTIONS

O-track

Letters Emails and phone calls

Announcements through MGS website http://www.mgs.sch.edu.sg

Newsletters School sms

Progress reports after CAs & Exams

Parents Level Briefing

Parent-Teacher Meeting with class, subject & CCA teachers

(18 April 2015, Saturday)

ParentLink

COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS WITH PARENTS/GUARDIANS

MGS-INTEGRATED PROGRAMME

Year 3 intake in 2017 for additional 20 students

For who? •  Sec 2 MGS students

•  Sec 2 Non-MGS students

Application process will open end of May. Forms and Information will be on the school website. Information session: mid May 2015 & 2016 (Yr 3 IP

Briefing)

MGS-INTEGRATED PROGRAMME

Criteria for selection

1. Selection tests results 2. School results for Sec 1 & Sec 2 3. Other achievements 4. Performance at interview 5. Viewpoint essay Results of application will be released after the End-of-Year Examination.

LEVEL PROGRAMMES

METHODIST GIRLS’ SCHOOL

MGS ROCs: Road to Discovery The objectives:

①  To provide authentic contexts and experiences for applied learning

②  To develop the whole child in the four domains - cognitive, affective, physical and spiritual across disciplines

③  To develop the 21st Century Competencies of global awareness and cross-cultural skills and sensitivities

Dates: 25 to 29 May 2015 Applied Learning:

Geographical Investigation (GI) @ Singapore Botanic Gardens Historical Investigation (HI) @ National Museum of Singapore & Fort

Canning

3 days - LJs, 1 day - preparation of learning tasks and

1 day - celebration of learning!

REALITY OUTSIDE CLASSROOMS

Understanding Yourself

LEVEL THEME

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

Co-­‐‑Curricular  Programme

A  Holistic  Education  for  Secondary  School  Students

Ø  the  purpose  of  Co-­‐‑Curricular  Programmes

Ø  the  intent  &  domains  of  LEAPS  2.0

Ø  how  parents  can  support  the  holistic  development  of  your  child

Ø  MGS  Co-­‐‑Curricular  Activities

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

4  structured  programmes  that  complement  the  academic  

curriculum:    

Co-­‐‑curricular  Activities  (CCA)  Student  Leadership  Development  

Values  In  Action  (VIA)  Enrichment  &  Lifeskills  Programme

• Co-­‐‑Curricular  Programmes  support  the  holistic  development  of  the  child   – Provides  multiple  avenues  to  nurture  students  to  prepare  them  for  their  future  work  and  life

– Character  and  Values – Social  Emotional  Competencies –  21st  Century  Competencies –  Interests  and  Talents

• Role  of  Parents  in  the  holistic  development  of  your  child  

– Reinforcement  of  values,  life  skills,  interests  and  strengths  at  home

Recognition  System  for  Co-­‐‑Curricular  ARainment

Leaps  2.0

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

LEAPS  2.0  DOMAINS    -­‐  to  recognise    students’  holistic  

development  

Leadership Enrichment Achievement Participation Service

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

Four  domains  has    levels  of  aRainment:  1  –  5  

 Participation  Achievement  Leadership  Service

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

Enrichment  domain  complements  the  other  domains  for  students’  holistic  development    Will  be  recognised  in  School  Graduation  Certificate    Will  not  have  levels  of  attainment  

INTENT  OF  LEAPS  2.0 Motivate  students  towards  holistic  and  balanced  participation  through  the  co-­‐‑curricular  programmes

Facilitate  the  learning  of  values,  skills  and  competencies  for  life   Recognise  diverse  interests  of  students;  developing  students  to  be  self-­‐‑directed  learners Recognise  the  “home-­‐‑school-­‐‑community”  approach  to  holistic  development  of  every  child

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

PARTICIPATION    

Affirms  students’  sustained  development  in  school-­‐‑based  CCA  

throughout  secondary  school    

Student  can  choose  from  Sports,  Arts,  Uniformed  Groups,  Clubs  and  

Societies  

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

PARTICIPATION At  least  75%  aDendance  each  year   Levels  1  -­‐‑  4:   Participation  in  a  CCA  for  2  to  5  years

Levels  4  –  5:   Continuous  involvement  in  the  same  CCA  for  4  or  5  years

Levels  3  –  5:   Exemplary  conduct  and  active  contribution  in  CCA  with  at  least  3  years  of  participation  in  any  CCA

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

ACHIEVEMENT    

Affirms  students’  character  development  and  efforts  in  

representing  the  school/external  organisations  in  events  

 Students’  diverse  interests  and  talents  are  recognised  as  events  can  go  beyond  

CCA  and  beyond  school  

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

ACHIEVEMENT Representation

Level  1:   Represent  class  /  house  /  CCA  (Intra-­‐‑school)

Representation/Accomplishment Levels  2  –  4:  

Represent  school  or  external  organisation  in  an  event Accomplishment  in  an  event  represented Levels  increase  with  number  of  years  of  representation/accomplishment

Level  5:   Represent/accomplish  Singapore  /  MOE  /  Singapore  Schools  /  National  Project  of  Excellence  (NPOE)  /  UG  HQ  in    international  UG  competitions

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

LEADERSHIP  Affirms  students’  

development  as  a  leader  Students  are  developed  

through  leadership  modules,  National  Youth  Achievement  

Award  and  leadership  positions

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

LEADERSHIP Level  1: Completed  2  modules  on  leadership

Levels  2  –  3: National  Youth  Achievement  Award:

Level  2:  Bronze Level  3:  Silver  and  above

Levels  2  –  5: Recognition  of  progressive  student  leadership  development  through  leadership  positions

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

SERVICE  Affirms  students’  contributions  

to  the  community  and  development  as  responsible  

and  active  citizens  Students  serve  the  community  through  schools’  Values-­‐‑In-­‐‑

Action  programmes

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

SERVICE Level  1-­‐‑4: Highest  level  aDained  in  either: Number  of  hours  of  service Number  of  VIA  projects A  combination  of  both

Level  5:   VIA  project: Student-­‐‑initiated Impacts  the  community  beyond  the  school

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

Recognition  of    co-­‐‑curricular  aJainment

Co-­‐‑Curricular  Experience

Basic  Requirement  for  Level  of  ARainment  in  

Domains

Bonus   Points

Excellent 4,3,3,3 2 Good 4,1,1,1

3,2,1,1 2,2,2,1

1

Fair did  not  meet  above  criteria

0

How  to  support  my  child’s  holistic  development  ?

Is  my  child  able  to  cope?  

How  can  I  help  to  support  her  in  the  learning  pursuits?

Supporting  the  Holistic  Development  of  my  Child  

How  does  my  child  want  to   pursue  this  development?  

What  are  the  possible  opportunities  that  can  help  

support  this  development?

What  is  my  child  interested  in?  

What  is  my  child  good  at?

What  kind  of  person  does  my  child  want  to  be?  

How  can  I  reinforce  my  child'ʹs  learning  of  values  and  life  skills  in  her  Co-­‐‑Curricular  Programmes?

T O   M ASTER     T O   G ROW     T O   S ERVE

Focus  on  LEARNING  &  ENJOYMENT  in  Co-­‐‑Curricular  Programmes  

Co-­‐‑curricular  Activities  (CCA)  Student  Leadership  Development  

Values-­‐‑In-­‐‑Action  (VIA)  Enrichment  &  Lifeskills  Programme

MGS  Co-­‐‑Curricular  Activities  

1.  Badminton

2.  Cross-country/Track

3.  Football

4.  Golf (Sch team)

5.  Gymnastics

6.  Netball (Sch team & Club)

7.  Softball (Sch team)

8.  Squash (Sch team & Club)

9.  Swimming

10. Synchronised Swimming (Sch team)

11. Tennis (Sch team & Club)

12. Tenpin Bowling (Sch team & Club)

SPORTS

MGS  Co-­‐‑Curricular  Activities  

1. Girls’ Brigade

2. Girl Guides

UNIFORMED GROUPS

MGS  Co-­‐‑Curricular  Activities  

1.  Choir

2.  Dance (International & Indian)

3.  Drama (English & Chinese)

4.  Guitar Ensemble

5.  Handbells Choir

6.  String Ensemble

PERFORMING ARTS

MGS  Co-­‐‑Curricular  Activities  

1.  Chess Club

2.  Debate Society

3.  InfoComm / PA / Photography Club

4.  Library Club

5.  S.A.L.T. Club (Service At the Lord’s Task)

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

MGS  Co-­‐‑Curricular  Activities  

Tuesday, 6 Jan 2015  

CCA Briefing & Registration for Sec 1s  

7 - 16 Jan 2015 (Wed – Fri)

Selection Trials / Auditions/Try-outs  

Monday, 19 Jan 2015  

Commencement of CCA for Sec 1s  

MGS  Co-­‐‑Curricular  Activities  Audition  /  Selection  Trials  

CCA   DATE   TIME VENUE International  Dance  

Thu,  8  Jan 3  –  6  PM Sec  Dance  Studio

String  Ensemble Mon,  12  Jan   3.30  –  6.30  PM MEP  Room  1 Drama  (English) Fri,  9  Jan       3  -­‐‑  5  PM Conference  

Room Drama  (English)

Mon,  12  Jan     3  -­‐‑  5  PM

KGC  Auditorium

Handbells   Wed,  7  Jan   3  –  5.45  PM Primary  Music  Room  1

For  any  clarification,  please  email Mr  Ling  Beng  Huat  at:

[ling_beng_huat@moe.edu.sg]