20 January 2016 Dear Parent/Guardian of Secondary 3-5 students 2015 GCE O-Level Examination Results We would like to give thanks to God for blessing us with excellent results at the 2015 GCE O-Level Examinations. A third of the Sec 4 Express students scored at least 5 distinctions, and a third also scored an L1R5 of 10 points and below. Well over 80% of them are eligible for entry to junior college. We are thankful to God for seeing the students through and heartened that their achievements will open many doors for them as they are able to qualify for courses of their choice at the junior colleges and polytechnics. Credit goes to the 2015 cohort who worked very hard to achieve what they got—their discipline, diligence and determination yielded many a distinction. Credit also goes to the teachers who laboured alongside them every step of the way—they guided them, encouraged them and basically provided the necessary academic support they needed. Credit also must go to our team of dedicated PIE parents who cheered the students on with lovely gestures like the baked muffins and all the delectable snacks they had prepared unconditionally during the lead up to the exams. They played no small part in the success of our students and their children. And above all, all glory must be given to God for making all these possible! I would like to make special mention of a few students who have achieved all-round excellence and contributed greatly to the school in their co-curricular activities and leadership. Sim Yan Ling (4C, 2015) joined us in 2012 through the Direct School Admission. Having entered with only a modest PSLE T-score, Yan Ling made it a point to keep to a strict schedule of keeping on top of her homework, class projects and the intensive volleyball training. While it was tough both physically and mentally, Yan Ling persevered and not only led her volleyball team to victory in the South Zone ‘B’ Division championships in 2015, but she also scored 6 distinctions in the O-Level examinations. Krison Sum (4B, 2015) scored 6 A1s which made both his parents and the school proud. A second generation Fairsian, Krison had spent 10 years in Fairfield and captained the history-making ‘B’ Division Basketball team to achieve the 2nd runner-up position at the National Schools ‘B’ Division Basketball Championships after emerging as South Zone champions! There are many more such stories to tell but I will highlight just one more. Ong Wei Jun (4H, 2015) took his N-Level exams last year and topped the cohort with 3 distinctions and a very commendable 6 points for EMB2. Our teachers know how much Wei Jun had gone through in his four years here, and the dramatic turnaround he underwent from a restless teenager to a disciplined NCC Sergeant and a respected class chairman everyone could look up to. We are privileged to have played a role in moulding this young man and we are confident that God will help us to continue the work with your children both in and outside the classroom. We give thanks to God for these young people and it is always a pleasure to see them bloom and grow, “gaining strength for all the future”!

Healthy Meals in School Programme Our school has always been supportive of the Health Promotion Board’s initiatives to have our canteen offer only healthy food and drinks to our students. We serve skinless meat, brown rice, drinks with less sugar and we even limit the amount of gravy to be dished onto the rice. This year, in compliance with HPB’s guidelines, fruit is sold together with most meals to encourage students to incorporate fruit into their diet. We have taken the feedback that some of you have provided to improve the portion size and variety of fruit available. We will continue to nurture and sustain good eating habits in the face of rising obesity levels in the nation and we seek your support and understanding in building a leaner and healthier Singapore. Dialogue with the Principal and Form Teachers

The school has set aside Friday, 29 January 2016 for parents/guardians of Upper Secondary students to meet with the school leadership. This session will provide parents with the opportunity to dialogue with the school leaders and be updated on the various issues faced by parents and students on the O-Level and N-Level academic journey. The programme will commence at 6.30pm in the classrooms with the Form Teachers of your children introducing themselves and their plans for the year. This will be followed by the Principal’s talk at the Chen Su Lan Hall, as well as a panel discussion with the Heads of Department. An information sheet with tips on how to help your child in the different subjects is attached for your perusal. The session is expected to end by 8.30pm. Thank you for your partnership with the school. We look forward to meeting you at the dialogue session. Yours sincerely,

Ms Audrey Chen Principal

FAIRFIELD METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) INFORMATION SHEET FOR SEC 3 PARENTS 2016

Strategies for different subjects

SUBJECT STRATEGIES

English 1. Reading Straits Times (hard copy or app) at home or on the bus/car to and from school/home to expand real world/current affairs knowledge so as to build content knowledge for essay writing and oral.

2. Using online dictionary websites (www.dictionary.com, www.ldoceonline.com, www.thesaurus.com, www.dictionary.cambridge.org) to find out the meaning of certain difficult words used in news articles and books to widen range of vocabulary needed in essay writing, comprehension and oral.

3. Talk to your child at home about an interesting news at home, and discuss it so that your child gets used to giving and explaining an opinion/ personal response about things around them.

4. Tell your child about a book/ novel you have read and why you love it, so as to inspire your child to love reading

5. Watch Channel 5 news from 9pm to 930pm everyday together with your children to get them into the habit of watching it. Get your child to read the subtitles beneath after listening to the accurate pronunciation of the newscasters, so as to train their listening and reading aloud skills, and broaden their knowledge of real world issues needed as examples in spoken interaction and essays.

6. Be aware of how language is used well on webpages, in print/newspaper advertisements and flyers, and ask them what the purpose of the advertisement is, the effect the headline has on the reader, and why the reader uses certain words (persuasive language) to convey its purpose, so as to help your child to more effectively answer the visual text comprehension.

7. Log into schoology account to access notes, interesting articles, videos, and engage in meaningful discussions on various topics in discussion forums to broaden their knowledge and perspectives of real world issues.

Chinese B 1. Free Writing: Practise picture essay and email writing. Practise typing in Chinese, by typing out paragraphs in the textbooks.

2. Spelling: Familiarize key vocabulary that are topic related by having parent to read out a list of words, and writing/typing them out.

3. Listening & Speaking: Watch more Chinese short videos online, and practise simple conversation with parents or people in the community.

4. Tune in to YES933 or Jia883, to cultivate the habit of listening to Mandarin

Chinese(Exp/NA) 1. Essay Writing (Argumentative): Brainstorm to come up with essay

outlines for a range of essay questions. Using 引论——本论——结

论 to draft the essay outline, and 论点——论据——论证 to draft the paragraph.

2. Remember the formats for the different types of Formal Email Writing. Brainstorm ideas for the different types of questions.

Practise elaborating using examples by thinking of who-when-what.

3. Revise the different types of comprehension questions and the techniques for each type. Review Comprehension practices assigned throughout the Semester. Practice comprehension exercises regularly.

4. Practice reading and listening to to Chinese, by listening to the Audio recordings in textbooks, posted on MC Online.

5. Revise the additional vocabulary lists provided during each Unit, to ensure he or she can read and express those real-life ideas

6. Focus on mastering the text book and vocabulary. Spend more time on dictation and make sentences.

7. Tune in to YES933 or Jia883, to cultivate the habit of listening to Mandarin

Chinese (NT) 1. Revise the passages and vocabulary in the textbook to enable the students to increase their vocabulary bank and be able to recognise words.

2. For the last section of paper 1, students need to write sms or email to a friend regarding an event. Students will need to remember the format as teachers practise the exercises with them in class.

3. Speak more Mandarin and watch Chinese programmes at home as the paper 2(Oral) makes up 50% of the total marks in N level. Tune in to YES933 or Jia883, to cultivate the habit of listening to Mandarin

4. Be ready and co-operative in class and hand in assignments/homework on time.

Higher Chinese 1. HCL students will be taking their CL ‘O’ Level examination in November 2015 and HCL ‘O’ Level in 2016. Emphasis will be put in essay writing.

2. Practice on different type of essay questions that teachers have already gone through in class.

3. Students will be doing ‘O’ Level practices during week 10 Chinese lesson to better prepare them for their CL ‘O’ Level examination.

4. To better prepare them for the newly implemented HCL Oral examination component in 2016, students are encouraged to watch Channel 8 news from 6.30pm to 7pm or 10pm to 10.30pm to train their verbal reporting skills and broaden their knowledge on current issues. Tune in to YES933 or Jia883, to cultivate the habit of listening to Mandarin

Literature General Guidelines ● Writing an exam type essay 1. Read the questions carefully. "How does Golding make it so easy

to feel sympathy for Piggy? Support your answer by close reference to two moments in the story. " Write a five-paragraph essay discussing the above question.

2. Analyze the question. • Circle, highlight and define key words • Write synonyms • Brainstorm

3. Plan - Outline • Create full thesis [Introduction + 3 topic sentences/PEEL + Conclusion] • Add details under topic sentences

4. The PEEL structure - to help you craft your response in paragraphs [https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/susaiewoo75/using-peel-rb1].

POINT Is there a point of view that needs sharing? Is there an important piece of information that you can share in response to the question? Do you need to define a term?

EVIDENCE What information do you have to support your point? Are there quotes that you can use to illustrate the point that you are making? Are there examples that you can include that show what you mean?

EXPLANATION What effect does this evidence have? How important is the information that you have shared?

LINK What does this point and evidence have to do with the question? NOTE: The link should not be a rehash of the point. An attempt must be made to reword / reexpress the point to show the connection at least.

-One of the reasons why… -To begin with… -Moving on to the next point..

-For example.. -This is shown in.. -Such as.. -We can see this in..

-As a result of.. -This means that.. -This caused..

-In conclusion.. -This tells me that.. -This helps to answer the question because..

5. Check the Facebook group page and Schoology for essays, notes,

ppts and links that are/will be posted regularly 6. Practise exam techniques. Look at questions, highlight key words,

ensure understanding of the questions and how to tackle them. Lord of the Flies

1. Lord of the Flies- re-read novel, Make notes on events, characters, setting, plot, Ideas and themes that are shown. Visit online revision sites like:

● http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/proselordflies/

● http://www.shmoop.com/lord-of-the-flies/ ● http://www.litcharts.com/lit/lord-of-the-flies

Unseen 1. A brief summary and online course on poetic devices to refresh

memory [http://study.com/academy/lesson/poetic-devices-definition-types-examples.html]

2. Revise and test understanding of poetic devices [https://quizlet.com/9916695/poetic-device-terms-and-examples-flash-cards/]

3. Glossary of terms for poetic devices [http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0072405228/student_view0/poetic_glossary.html]

4. Use “Mining for Meaning”. Revise unseen techniques, practice unseen exercises from the book and submit to teacher for feedback.

5. Look at past year questions and complete. Submit to teacher for feedback.

Combined Humanities (Social Studies, Geography & History Elective)

1. Comprehend the content ; build up on global and international issues; be ready to listen to different perspectives and form your own views.

2. Understand the requirements of national examinations. 3. Practice the skills taught to familiarise yourself with the different

components presented[ especially for source-based questions] so as to strengthen the answering skills

4. Maximise the revision booklet (ROX). Review the skills for source based questions(SBQ) by referring to the Toolkit in ROX. Refer to the suggested answer schemes to know the expectations of typical ‘O” and “NA” level questions and understand how to present your answers to meet the demands of the different questions

5. Arrange for consultation sessions with the teachers to clarify doubts. Come prepared to discuss your work for maximum benefit.

Additional/Elementary Mathematics

1. Remember the formulae. 2. Do the topical TYS as a timed practice.Do numerous practices on

different topics. 3. A guide for time practice is as follows:

EMath Paper 1: Complete 8 questions in 30 minutes Paper 2 : Complete 5 questions in 1 hour. AMath Paper 1: Complete 3 questions in 30 minutes Paper 2 : Complete 5 questions in 1 hour.

4. Log on to Mathematics portal (www.heymath.com) for Sec 3Exp/NA) to revise on various topics. Practise questions under Check Your Understanding (CYU) as well as PRASSO.

5. Log on to Mathematics portal (www.ace-learning.com) for Sec 3NT) to revise on various topics. Practise questions under Self-Assessment (Drill and Practise) as well as Progressive Mastery Programme (PMP)

6. Arrange for consultation session with teacher to clarify doubts in the topic(s). Come prepared with questions which you do not know how to do.

Physics (Pure) 1. Emphasis on the understanding and applications of abstract concepts rather then the recall of facts, procedures or theory. Concepts are interconnected by themes (eg. Waves- Sound, Light). Thus, listen during lessons to understand explanations of concepts. Digest the information and take down summarised notes based on understanding.

2. Complete assignments on time so that the teacher is able to mark

it/go through it in class and provide feedback. 3. Prior reading of the chapter before actual lessons is encouraged. 4. How to revise on your own more effectively:

a. First, refer to the Physics syllabus (5059).

b. Next, go through the notes made to recall what was learnt and use the textbook to clarify doubts.

c. Practise topical TYS questions using notes and textbook as a reference tool if needed.

d. Review and verify your answers. Note any queries or doubts arising from this.

e. Arrange for time to consult the teacher about any doubt or ambiguity. Prioritise Thurs afternoon (2.35-3.30pm) as this is the allocated time for Science consultations or remedials.

5. Strategies for assessment:

a. Refer to past test papers to know your areas of weakness. Revise on those topics (see above).

b. Practise past tests or examinations and be familiar with the assessment format.

c. Improve on your time management by timing your practices.

d. For SPA, refer to past practices and your SPA Handbook. e. Clarify any doubts with your teachers.

Chemistry (Pure) 1. Listen during lessons to understand explanations of concepts. Digest the information and take down summarised notes based on understanding. Do not blindly copy notes while the teacher is explaining. Time will be given for note-taking.

2. Complete assignments on time so that the teacher is able to go

through it in class and provide feedback.

3. How to revise on your own more effectively: a. First, refer to the Chemistry syllabus (5073). b. Go through the notes that were made to recall what was

learnt and use the textbook to clarify any uncertainty or a. c. Practise topical TYS questions using notes and textbook as

a reference tool if needed. d. Review and verify your answers. Note any queries or

doubts arising from this. e. Arrange for time to consult the teacher about any doubt

or ambiguity. Prioritise Thurs afternoon (2.35-3.30pm) as this is the allocated time for Science consultations or remedials.

4. Strategies for assessment:

a. Refer to past test papers to know your areas of weakness. Revise on those topics (see above).

b. Practise past tests or examinations and be familiar with the assessment format.

c. Improve on your time management by timing your practices.

d. For SPA, refer to past practices and your SPA Handbook. e. Clarify any doubts with your teachers.

Biology (Pure) 1. Both concepts and content are important in Biology. Listen during lessons to understand the explanations. Digest the information and take down summarised notes based on understanding. Do not blindly copy notes while the teacher is explaining.

2. Complete assignments on time so that the teacher is able to mark

it/go through it in class and provide feedback.

3. How to revise more effectively: a. First, refer to the Biology syllabus (5158). b. Go through the notes to recall what was learnt and use the

textbook to clarify doubts. Pay extra effort to relate the concepts or content to the diagrams illustrated in the textbook. Diagrams of key structures and experiments are very important.

c. Next, do up one summary sheet/ mindmap for each chapter after revising from notes and textbook.

d. Practise topical TYS questions using notes and textbook as a reference tool if needed.

e. Review and verify your answers. Note any queries or doubts arising from this.

f. Arrange for time to consult the teacher about any doubt or ambiguity. Prioritise Thurs afternoon (2.35-3.30pm) as this is the allocated time for Science consultations or remedials.

4. Strategies for assessment: a. Refer to past test papers to know your areas of weakness.

Revise on those topics (see above). b. Practise past tests or examinations and be familiar with

the assessment format. c. Improve on your time management by timing your

practices. d. For SPA, refer to past practices and your SPA Handbook. e. Clarify any doubts with your teachers.

Combined Science (Physics/ Chemistry) and Science

1. Read and makes notes to help understand content. 2. Be familiar with the syllabus (5076 for Exp, 5105 for NA, 5148 for

NT). 3. Do numerous practices on topics to familiarise yourself with the

questions and also to strengthen answering skills. Practise topical TYS as well as past year papers.

4. Meet teachers for consultation to clarify doubts. Can do some questions for teachers to mark as well to provide feedback.

5. Keep Thurs afternoon (2.35-3.30pm) free as this is the allocated time for Science consultations or remedials.

6. Small group discussion on discuss possible answers for questions. 7. Familiarise yourself with the procedures for practical. Take extra

effort to read and process the instructions and diagrams before performing the experiment.

8. Strategies for assessment: a. Refer to past test papers to know your areas of weakness.

Revise on those topics (see above).

b. Practise past tests or examinations and be familiar with the assessment format.

c. Improve on your time management by timing your practices.

d. Clarify any doubts with your teachers.

Food and Nutrition 1. Sec 3 syllabus aims to prepare the students for the O and N level coursework during their Sec 4 years, so students must work on their Sec 3 project work modules diligently as each module will equip the students with the required core skills and knowledge for the Sec 4 coursework.

2. Be aware that the deadline for Submission of National Coursework will be strictly adhere to. Late submission will not be entertained. Thus they must start cultivating the habit of submitting all their work on time.

3. Students are expected to spend at least 3 - 4 additional hours per week for their coursework.

4. Familiarize yourself with the expectation of the O and N level paper 1.

Design and Technology

1. Sec 3 syllabus aims to prepare the students for the O and N level coursework during their Sec 4 years, so students must work on their Sec 3 project work modules diligently as each module will equip the students with the required core skills and knowledge for the Sec 4 coursework.

2. Be aware that the deadline for Submission of National Coursework will be strictly adhere to. Late submission will not be entertained. Thus they must start cultivating the habit of submitting all their work on time.

3. Students are expected to spend at least 3 - 4 additional hours per week for their coursework.

4. Make use of the practise booklet as well as past year papers as a revision guide.

Computer Applications (NT only)

1. Familiarize yourself with the skills required for CorelDraw, Scratch, word processing, spreadsheet and multimedia presentation. Practise the skills using the softwares.

2. Read the textbook for the theory component.

Available resources for revision

SUBJECT RESOURCES

English 1. Sample essays 2. English Language notes (given in class)

Chinese B 1. Workbook 2. MC online Portal

Chinese 1. Workbook 2. MC online Portal 3. Chinese Vocabulary handbook

Literature 1. Literature texts: Lord of the Flies, Mining for Meaning, Everything but the brain

2. Sample essays 3. Published essays (posted on Facebook/Schoology)

Combined Humanities 1. Revision booklet (ROX) 2. Past year school examination papers

Additional Mathematics / Elementary Mathematics

1. Ten Year Series Assessment Book (Topical) 2. Mathematics portal (www.heymath.com or www.ace-

learning.com.sg) 3. Past year papers given by teacher

Physics (Pure) 1. Physics Textbook with worked examples for reference and practice questions at the end of each chapter

2. Physics Workbook 3. 5059 Syllabus (already given and also available at

www.seab.gov.sg) 4. Ten Year Series assessment book (Topical) 5. Past year papers given by teacher 6. Online resources like

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Minds-on-Physics, simulations on https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/index and teachers’ website.

Chemistry (Pure) 1. Chemistry Textbook with worked examples for reference and practice questions at the end of each chapter, and Chemistry notes.

2. Chemistry Workbook 3. 5073 Syllabus (already given and also available at

www.seab.gov.sg) 4. Ten Year Series assessment book (Topical) 5. Past year papers given by teacher 6. Selected online resources like MConline and BBC Bitesize at

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zs6hvcw

Biology (Pure) 1. Biology Textbook and Workbook. 2. Biology notes in notebook and in print (filed) 3. 5158 Syllabus (already given and also available at

www.seab.gov.sg) 4. Ten Year Series assessment book (Topical) 5. Past year papers given by teacher 6. Selected online resources like MConline and simulations on

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/index

Combined Science (Physics/Chemistry) and Science

1. Science (Physics) and Science (Chemistry) or Science (NT) Textbooks (with practice questions at end of each chapter) and Workbooks.

2. 5076 (for Exp)/ 5105 (for NA)/ 5148 (NT) Syllabus (already given and also available at www.seab.gov.sg).

3. Ten Year Series Assessment Book (Topical) 4. Papers form past years and other schools given by teacher 5. Online resources as given above for Chemistry and Physics

for Combined Science. NT Science digital resources are as used by their Science teachers.

Food and Nutrition 1. F&N Practise papers 2. Past year papers given by teacher

Design and Technology 1. CMN D&T Practise booklet

Computer Applications (NT only)

1. MOE CPA website (for lower sec topics) https://sites.google.com/a/moe.edu.sg/cpa7018/

2. CPA ebook (for lower sec topics) (https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=bW

9lLmVkdS5zZ3xjcGE3MDE4fGd4OjExMTg1NDJjNTNkOWI2NjY)

3. Scratch Software (Freeware) https://scratch.mit.edu/scratch_1.4/

Suggested Template for Planning Revision Tips:

1. Avoid doing heavy content subjects on the same day. Mix and match the different subjects for revision

2. For more difficult topics, plan a longer time for revision 3. Factor in different programmes and activities, Example: Tuition and Extended Curriculum

Planning of time

DATE TIME SUBJECT/TOPIC THINGS TO DO DONE

1 June 4:00 to 6:00 PM

English – 1 Comprehension and 1 Planning for Free Writing

Do 1 Comprehension Paper

6:00 to 7:00 PM

DINNER

7:00 to 9:00 PM

Combined Humanities ( Social Studies) Principles of Governance – SEQ and SBQ

Read and make notes for content Do 1 SEQ question on governance Do 1 SBQ on governance

9:00 to 11:00 PM

Mathematics – Trigonometry

Do practices in TYS

Checklist for Revision

1. List down all the topics you need to cover for all the subjects. 2. Put a tick and the date you completed revision on a topic.

Subject Topic/Chapter Done Date Completed

Mathematics Trigonometry

FAIRFIELD METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) INFORMATION SHEET FOR SEC 4 & 5 PARENTS 2016

Strategies for different subjects

SUBJECT STRATEGIES

English 1. Reading Straits Times (hard copy or app) at home or on the bus/car to and from school/home to expand real world/current affairs knowledge so as to build content knowledge for argumentative/expository essay writing and oral (spoken interaction).

2. Using online dictionary websites (www.dictionary.com, www.ldoceonline.com, www.thesaurus.com, www.dictionary.cambridge.org) to find out the meaning of certain difficult words used in news articles and books to widen range of vocabulary needed in essay writing, summary, comprehension and oral.

3. Talk to your child at home about an interesting news at home, and discuss it so that your child gets used to giving and explaining an opinion/ personal response about things around them.

4. Tell your child about a book/ novel you have read and why you love it, so as to inspire your child to love reading

5. Watch Channel 5 news from 9pm to 930pm everyday together with your children to get them into the habit of watching it. Get your child to read the subtitles beneath after listening to the accurate pronunciation of the newscasters, so as to train their listening and reading aloud skills, and broaden their knowledge of real world issues needed as examples in spoken interaction and essays.

6. Be aware of how language is used well on webpages, in print/newspaper advertisements and flyers, and ask them what the purpose of the advertisement is, the effect the headline has on the reader, and why the reader uses certain words (persuasive language) to convey its purpose, so as to help your child to more effectively answer the visual text comprehension.

7. Log into schoology account to access notes and interesting articles to broaden their knowledge of real world issues.

Chinese B 1. Free Writing: Practise picture essay and email writing. Practise typing in Chinese, by typing out paragraphs in the textbooks.

2. Spelling: Familiarize key vocabulary that are topic related by having parent to read out a list of words, and writing/typing them out.

3. Listening & Speaking: Watch more Chinese short videos online, and practise simple conversation with parents or people in the community.

4. Tune in to YES933 or Jia883, to cultivate the habit of listening to Mandarin

Chinese (4E5N and 4N)

1. Essay Writing (Expository/Argumentative): Brainstorm to come up with essay outlines for a range of current affairs topics, using the 2 essay booklets in the booklist.

2. Email Writing: Remember the formats for the different types. Important to look out for what the question requires the student to write. It is normally straightforward in the question. (common mistake of not writing to the point)

3. Comprehension: Revise the different types of comprehension questions and the demands for each type. Practice comprehension exercises regularly as the same type of questions are being asked every year.)

4. Oral: Listen to recording of past year ‘O’ Level passages, as well as audio files of Sec 1-4 textbook passages, while reading the text itself, at least twice before ‘O’ Levels. These online resources are shared through MC Online.

5. Tune in to YES933 or Jia883, to cultivate the habit of listening to Mandarin

Higher Chinese 1. Essay writing: Research on current affair topic and collect evidence and real life examples to support their stand

2. Use of a variation of argumentative strategies. (Compare and Contrast; real life examples; using quotes)

3. Be familiar with all the idioms and its meanings before using it in essays.

4. Comprehension: Be familiar with the stylistic tools used in comprehension passages.

5. Practice more for summary writing. 6. Time management for Paper 2. 7. Tune in to YES933 or Jia883, to cultivate the habit of listening to

Mandarin

Chinese (NT) 1. Revise the passages and vocabulary in the textbook to enable the students to increase their vocabulary bank and be able to recognise words.

2. For the last section of paper 1, students need to write sms or email to a friend regarding an event. Students will need to remember the format as teachers practise the exercises with them in class.

3. Speak more Mandarin and watch Chinese programmes at home as the paper 2(Oral) makes up 50% of the total marks in N level.

4. Be ready and co-operative in class and hand in assignments/homework on time.

5. Tune in to YES933 or Jia883, to cultivate the habit of listening to Mandarin

Literature General Guidelines ● Writing an exam type essay 1. Read the questions carefully. "How does Golding make it so easy to

feel sympathy for Piggy? Support your answer by close reference to two moments in the story. " Write a five-paragraph essay discussing the above question.

2. Analyze the question. • Circle, highlight and define key words • Write synonyms • Brainstorm

3. Plan - Outline • Create full thesis [Introduction + 3 topic sentences/PEEL + Conclusion] • Add details under topic sentences

4. The PEEL structure - to help you craft your response in paragraphs [https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/susaiewoo75/using-peel-rb1].

POINT Is there a point of view that needs sharing? Is there an important piece of information that you can share in response to the question? Do you need to define a term?

EVIDENCE What information do you have to support your point? Are there quotes that you can use to illustrate the point that you are making? Are there examples that you can include that show what you mean?

EXPLANATION What effect does this evidence have? How important is the information that you have shared?

LINK What does this point and evidence have to do with the question? NOTE: The link should not be a rehash of the point. An attempt must be made to reword / reexpress the point to show the connection at least.

-One of the reasons why… -To begin with… -Moving on to the next point..

-For example.. -This is shown in.. -Such as.. -We can see this in..

-As a result of.. -This means that.. -This caused..

-In conclusion.. -This tells me that.. -This helps to answer the question because..

5. Check the Facebook group page and Schoology for essays, notes,

ppts and links that are/will be posted regularly 6. Practise exam techniques. Look at questions, highlight key words,

ensure understanding of the questions and how to tackle them. Lord of the Flies

1. Lord of the Flies- re-read novel, Make notes on events, characters, setting, plot, Ideas and themes that are shown. Visit online revision sites like:

● http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/proselordflies/

● http://www.shmoop.com/lord-of-the-flies/ ● http://www.litcharts.com/lit/lord-of-the-flies

Unseen 1. A brief summary and online course on poetic devices to refresh

memory [http://study.com/academy/lesson/poetic-devices-definition-types-examples.html]

2. Revise and test understanding of poetic devices [https://quizlet.com/9916695/poetic-device-terms-and-examples-flash-cards/]

3. Glossary of terms for poetic devices [http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0072405228/student_view0/poetic_glossary.html]

4. Use “Mining for Meaning”. Revise unseen techniques, practice unseen exercises from the book and submit to teacher for feedback.

5. Look at past year questions and complete. Submit to teacher for feedback.

Everything But The Brain 2. Re-read the play. Make notes on character, plot, ideas and themes.

Look at passages and work out what emotions are evoked through the scene, and how you are made to feel that way.

3. Think about what Tay is trying to show about humanity through the events and characters.

Combined Humanities (Social Studies, Geography & History Elective)

1. Comprehend the content; build up on global and international issues; be ready to listen to different perspectives and form your own views.

2. Understand the requirements of national examinations. 3. Practice the skills taught to familiarise yourself with the different

components presented[ especially for source-based questions] so as to strengthen the answering skills

4. Maximise the revision booklet (ROX) and refer to the TOOLKIT in ROX for Source Based Questions(SBQ) skills set. Refer to the suggested answer schemes to know the expectations of typical ‘O” and “NA” level questions and understand how to present your answers to meet the demands of the different questions

5. Arrange for consultation sessions with the teachers to clarify doubts. Come prepared to discuss your work for maximum benefit.

Additional Mathematics/ Elementary Mathematics

1. Remember the formulae. 2. Do the Yearly TYS as a timed practice. If student finds that he/she

can’t do majority of the paper, perhaps he/she has to go back and start from doing Topical TYS. However, if student is able to do majority of the paper, mark the paper (using solution booklet) and see which topics he/she is weaker in, then proceed to focus on that topic in topical TYS / Revision Booklet.

3. Do numerous practices on different topics. 4. Log on to Mathematics portal (www.heymath.com) for Sec

4Exp/NA) to revise on various topics. Practise questions under Check Your Understanding (CYU) as well as PRASSO. Access GCE Exam Prep Module to do revision for various topics.

5. Log on to Mathematics portal (www.ace-learning.com) for Sec 4NT) to revise on various topics. Practise questions under Self-Assessment (Drill and Practise) as well as Progressive Mastery Programme (PMP). Access Math Revision Exam Kit to do revision on various topics.

6. Arrange for consultation session with teachers to clarify doubts in the topic(s)/concept(s). Come prepared with questions which you do not know how to do.

Physics (Pure) 1. Emphasis on the understanding and applications of abstract concepts rather then the recall of facts, procedures or theory. Concepts are interconnected by themes (eg. Waves- Sound, Light). Thus, listen during lessons to understand the explanations of the concepts. Digest the information and take down summarised notes based on understanding.

2. Complete assignments on time so that the teacher is able to mark it/go through it in class and provide feedback.

3. Prior reading of the chapter before actual lessons is encouraged. 4. How to revise on your own more effectively:

a. First, refer to the Physics syllabus (5059). Know it well. b. Next, go through the notes made to recall what was learnt

and use the textbook to clarify doubts. c. Practise topical TYS questions using notes and textbook as

references if needed. d. Review and verify your answers. Note any queries or

doubts arising from this. e. Arrange for time to consult the teacher about any doubt or

ambiguity. Prioritise Thurs afternoon (2.35-3.30pm) as this is the allocated time for Science consultations or remedials.

5. Strategies for assessment: a. Refer to past test papers to know your areas of weakness.

Revise on those topics (see above). b. Practise past year test papers or examinations and be

familiar with the assessment format. c. Improve on your time management by timing your

practices. d. For SPA, refer to past practices and your SPA Handbook. e. Clarify any doubts with your teachers. f. Pace yourself during examinations during the examination

period and do not neglect practising for the last paper, the Paper 1- MCQ.

Chemistry (Pure) 1. Listen during lessons to understand explanations of concepts. Digest the information and take down summarised notes based on understanding. Do not blindly copy notes while the teacher is explaining. Time will be given for note-taking.

2. Complete assignments on time so that the teacher is able to mark it/go through it in class and provide feedback.

3. How to revise on your own more effectively: a. First, refer to the Chemistry syllabus (5073). Know it well. b. Go through the notes that were made to recall what was

learnt and use the textbook to clarify any uncertainty. c. Practise topical TYS questions using notes and textbook as

a reference tool if needed. d. Review and verify your answers. Note any queries or

doubts arising from this. e. Arrange for time to consult the teacher about any doubt or

ambiguity. Prioritise Thurs afternoon (2.35-3.30pm) as this is the allocated time for Science consultations or remedials.

4. Strategies for assessment: a. Refer to past test papers to know your areas of weakness.

Revise on those topics (see above). b. Practise past tests or examinations and be familiar with the

assessment format. c. Improve on your time management by timing your

practices. d. For SPA, refer to past practices and your SPA Handbook. e. Clarify any doubts with your teachers.

Biology (Pure) 1. Both concepts and content are important in Biology. Listen during lessons to understand the explanations. Digest the information and take down summarised notes based on understanding. Do not blindly copy notes while the teacher is explaining.

2. Complete assignments on time so that the teacher is able to mark it/go through it in class and provide feedback.

3. How to revise more effectively: a. First, refer to the Biology syllabus (5158). Know it well. b. Go through the notes to recall what was learnt and use the

textbook to clarify doubts. Pay extra effort to relate the concepts or content to the diagrams illustrated in the textbook. Diagrams of key structures and experiments are very important.

c. Next, do up one summary sheet/ mindmap for each chapter after revising from notes and textbook.

d. Practise topical TYS questions using notes and textbook as references if needed.

e. Review and verify your answers. Note any queries or doubts arising from this.

f. Arrange for time to consult the teacher about any doubt or ambiguity. Prioritise Thurs afternoon (2.35-3.30pm) as this is the allocated time for Science consultations or remedials.

4. Strategies for assessment: a. Refer to past test papers to know your areas of weakness.

Revise on those topics (see above). b. Practise past year test papers or examinations and be

familiar with the assessment format. c. Improve on your time management by timing your

practices. d. For SPA, refer to past practices and your SPA Handbook. e. Clarify any doubts with your teachers. f. Pace yourself during examinations during the examination

period and do not neglect practising for the last paper, Paper 1- MCQ.

Combined Science (Physics/Chemistry)

1. Be attentive during lessons and ask your teachers for clarification. 2. Read and makes notes to help understand content. 3. Know your syllabus (5076 for Exp, 5105 for NA, 5148 for NT) well. 4. Do numerous practices on topics to know your own weaknesses, be

familiar with past question types and trends, and also to strengthen answering skills.

5. Meet teachers again for consultation to clarify doubts. Can do some questions for teachers to mark as well to provide feedback.

6. Keep Thurs afternoon (2.35-3.30pm) free as this is the allocated time for Science consultations or remedials.

7. Small group discussion on discuss possible answers for questions. 8. Familiarise yourself with the procedures for practical and visualise

what you have to do for practical. 9. Strategies for assessment:

a. Refer to past test papers to know your areas of weakness. Revise on those topics (see above).

b. Practise past year test papers or examinations and be familiar with the assessment format.

c. Improve on your time management by timing your practices.

d. Do not neglect practising for your MCQ papers as well as revising past practices and notes for the practical examination.

e. Clarify any doubts with your teachers.

Food and Nutrition 1. Adhere strictly to the internal project deadline for the O and N level Coursework

2. Deadline for Submission of National Coursework will be strictly adhere to. Late submission will not be entertained.

3. Make appointment for consultation slots with teachers regularly to review their coursework and make changes based on teacher’s feedback.

4. Students are expected to spend at least 3 - 4 additional hours per week for their coursework.

5. Familiarize yourself with the expectation of the O and N level paper 1.

6. Tuesdays afternoons are reserved for Aesthetics remedial, so the students must not plan any activities during the afternoons.

Design and Technology

1. Adhere strictly to the internal project deadline for the O and N level Coursework

2. Deadline for Submission of National Coursework will be strictly adhere to. Late submission will not be entertained.

3. Make appointment for consultation slots with teachers regularly to review their coursework and make changes based on teacher’s feedback.

4. Students are expected to spend at least 3 - 4 additional hours per week for their coursework.

5. Work on the revision papers as well as past year paper. 6. Tuesdays afternoons are reserved for Aesthetics remedial, so the

students must not plan any activities during the afternoons.

Computer Applications (NT only)

1. Familiarize yourself with the skills required for Corel Draw, scratch, word processing, spreadsheet and multimedia presentation.

2. Read the textbook for the theory component.

Available resources for revision

SUBJECT RESOURCES

English 1. Notes on schoology platform 2. English Language (EL 1128) O- Level past year papers 3. English Language notes and sample essays (given in class)

Chinese B 1. Workbook 2. iMTL online portal

Chinese / Higher Chinese 1. O-Level papers 2. Other schools’ exam papers 3. Current affairs topics

Literature 1. Literature texts: Lord of the Flies, Mining for Meaning, Everything but the brain

2. Sample essays 3. Published essays (posted on Facebook/Schoology)

Combined Humanities 1. Revision booklet (ROX)

2. Past year school examination papers

Additional Mathematics / Elementary Mathematics

1. Ten Year Series Assessment Book (Topical) 2. Ten Year Series Assessment Book (Yearly) 3. School Printed Revision Booklet 4. Mathematics portal (www.heymath.com) 5. Papers from other schools 6. Comprehensive Notes for O Level Mathematics 7. Comprehensive Notes for O Level Additional Mathematics

Physics (Pure) 1. Physics Textbook with worked examples for reference and practice questions at the end of each chapter

2. Physics Workbook 3. 5059 Syllabus (already given and also available at

www.seab.gov.sg) 4. Ten Year Series assessment books (Topical TYS from Sec

Three and Yearly TYS bought at Sec Four) 5. Past year papers given by teacher 6. Online resources like

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Minds-on-Physics, simulations on https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/index and teachers’ website.

Chemistry (Pure) 1. Chemistry Textbook with worked examples for reference and practice questions at the end of each chapter, and Chemistry notes.

2. Chemistry Workbook 3. 5073 Syllabus (already given and also available at

www.seab.gov.sg) 4. Ten Year Series assessment books (Topical TYS from Sec

Three and Yearly TYS bought at Sec Four) 5. Past year and other school papers given by teacher 6. Selected online resources like MConline and BBC Bitesize at

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zs6hvcw

Biology (Pure) 1. Biology Textbook and Workbook. 2. Biology notes in notebook and in print (filed) 3. 5158 Syllabus (already given and also available at

www.seab.gov.sg) 4. Ten-Year Series assessment books (Topical TYS from Sec

Three and Yearly TYS bought at Sec Four) 5. Past year papers given by teacher 6. Selected online resources like MConline and simulations on

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/index

Combined Science (Physics/Chemistry) and Science

1. Science (Physics) and Science (Chemistry) or Science (NT) Textbooks (with practice questions at end of each chapter) and Workbooks.

2. 5076 (for Exp)/ 5105 (for NA)/ 5148 (NT) Syllabus (already given and also available at www.seab.gov.sg).

3. Ten-Year Series Assessment Books (Topical from Sec Three and Yearly version from Sec Four)

4. Papers from past years and other schools gievn by teacher 5. Online resources for Combined Science as given above for

Chemistry and Physics. NT Science digital resources are as used by their Science teachers.

Food and Nutrition 1. F&N Practise papers 2. Past year papers given by teacher

Design and Technology 1. CMN D&T Practise booklet

Computer Applications (NT only)

1. MOE CPA website (for lower sec topics) https://sites.google.com/a/moe.edu.sg/cpa7018/

2. CPA ebook (for lower sec topics) (https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=bW9lLmVkdS5zZ3xjcGE3MDE4fGd4OjExMTg1NDJjNTNkOWI2NjY)

3. Scratch Software (Freeware) https://scratch.mit.edu/scratch_1.4/

Suggested Template for Planning Revision Tips:

1. Avoid doing heavy content subjects on the same day. Mix and match the different subjects for revision

2. For more difficult topics, plan a longer time for revision 3. Factor in different programmes and activities, Example: Tuition and Extended Curriculum

Planning of time

DATE TIME SUBJECT/TOPIC THINGS TO DO DONE

1 June 4:00 to 6:00 PM

English – 1 Comprehension and 1 Planning for Free Writing

Do 1 Comprehension Paper

6:00 to 7:00 PM

DINNER

7:00 to 9:00 PM

Combined Humanities ( Social Studies) Principles of Governance – SEQ and SBQ

Read and make notes for content Do 1 SEQ question on governance Do 1 SBQ on governance

9:00 to 11:00 PM

Mathematics – Trigonometry

Do practices in TYS

Checklist for Revision

1. List down all the topics you need to cover for all the subjects. 2. Put a tick and the date you completed revision on a topic.

Subject Topic/Chapter Done Date Completed

Mathematics Trigonometry