Briefing for Parents Subject Choices at Sec 3 level 29 June
2007
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Introduction Subject Briefing Q & A Programme
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JC Education/ CI Polytechnic Education Possible Routes
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Admission Criteria for JCs & Polytechnics Junior Colleges
L1R5 20
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Admission Criteria to JCs L1R5 L1 First LanguageEL / Higher MT
Relevant Sub 1Humanities Relevant Sub 2Math/ Science R5 Relevant
Sub 3Humanities/ Math/ Science Relevant Sub 4 & 5 Humanities/
Math/ Science/ Other GCE O Level Subjects (excluding Religious
Knowledge & CCA)
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Bonus Points 2 bonus points for students who obtain grades of
A1 to C6 for both their first languages (i.e. EL & Higher
Mother Tongue) 2 bonus points for students who obtain an A grade in
CCA 1 bonus point for students who obtain a grade B or C in CCA
Students can enjoy up to a maximum of 4 bonus points
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JC Curriculum Revised - Knowledge Skills PW and either GP or KI
- Languages MTL - Humanities and the Arts - Mathematics and
Sciences
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JC Curriculum
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Key changes Students may select subjects at 3 different levels
of study: Higher 1 (H1), Higher 2 (H2) and Higher 3 (H3) H1
Equivalent to half of H2 in breadth but similar to H2 in depth. H2
Equivalent to rigour of old 'A' Level subjects. H3 Subjects with a
variety of learning opportunities (e.g. advanced content, research
paper, university module). Besides GP, PW, and MTL at H1 level,
students are required to offer 3 H2 and 1 H1 content-based
subjects, at least one of which is a subject from a contrasting
discipline.
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JC Subject Combinations Maths and Science Enthusiasts H2 Phy H2
Chem H2 Maths H1 Econs ( contrasting subject ) H1 MTL GP PW
Humanities and the Arts Enthusiasts H2 Econs H2 Geo H2 Maths (
contrasting subject ) H1 Art H1 MTL GP PW
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JC Subject Combinations Take KI H2 KI ( contrasting subject )
H2 Maths H2 Bio H2 Chem H1 MTL PW MT Language and Lit H2 MT
language and Lit H2 Lit in English H2 History H1 Maths (
contrasting subject ) GP PW
L1R5 Aggregate 2006 JAE JCArtsScience/ IB Victoria 6 5
Yishun20
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Admission Criteria for JCs & Polytechnics Millennia
Institute L1R4 20
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Admission Criteria to MI L1R4 L1 First LanguageEL / Higher MT
Relevant Sub 1Humanities/ Math/ Science Relevant Sub 2Humanities/
Math/ Science R4 Relevant Sub 3 & 4 Humanities/ Math/ Science/
Other GCE O Level Subjects (excluding Religious Knowledge;
conditions apply to CCA subject
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Admission Criteria for JCs & Polytechnics Polytechnics
L1R2B2
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Admission criteria to Polytechnics: ELR2B2 EL English Relevant
Subject 1 E Maths/A Maths Relevant Subject 2 Relevant subjects
depend on the type of courses applied Best Subject 3 & 4 Best 2
other subjects excluding CCA
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Bonus Points 2 bonus points for students who obtain an A grade
in CCA 1 bonus point for students who obtain a grade B or C in
CCA
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Guiding Principles Ability of Student and Interest Are Equally
Important for Academic Success Work with the end in mind Every
subject has its merit
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Allocation First by Merit, then Interest -End of Year Exam
Results -Options
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Secondary 3 Subject Combinations 2008
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Sec 3 Normal Academic Combinations from EL MTL E Math Combined
Sc (Phy/Chem) Combined Hum = Social Studies + (Lit E or Hist E or
Geog E) ++++++++++++ Choice of 2 subjects from: A Math or POA or
D&T/F&N/Art
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7 subjects 21 choices 1 class
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Subject Briefing (those involving choices) Elective in
combination with Social Studies (Geog, Hist, Lit) Add Math
Principles of Accounts Design & Technology Food & Nutrition
Art
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COMBINED HUMANITIES (GEOGRAPHY ELECTIVE)
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AIMS OF SYLLABUS To develop students in areas of Knowledge,
Skills and Values AIMS: Acquire KNOWLEDGE of characteristics and
distribution of physical and human phenomena Develop an
understanding of processes affecting the physical and human
relationships Provide a holistic understanding of physical-human
relationship Develop SKILLS in acquiring, communicating and
applying geographical knowledge VALUES: Develop an informed concern
about the quality of the environment and the future of the human
habitat, and thereby, enhance students sense of responsibility for
the care of the Earth and its people Develop awareness of
contrasting opportunities and constraints which people face in
local, regional and global environment
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GEOGRAPHY SYLLABUS FRAMEWORK Combined Humanities (Geography E)
Section A: Students study 2 Physical Geography Topics Section B:
Students study 2 Human Geography Topics Duration of Exam: 1hr 30
min
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Syllabus Framework Paper 1: Physical Geography [Section A: Geog
E : Only Topics 3 & 4 ] Topic 4 Rivers & Coast River
processes & related landforms Coastal processes & related
landforms River & coastal management Topic 3 Natural
Vegetation* Types of natural vegetation Adaptation of natural
vegetation to the environment Uses of forest Case study of
deforestation *at O levels Topics 1 & 2 Plate Tectonics &
Resulting Landforms Weather & Climate
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Syllabus Framework Paper 2: Human Geography Section B: Geog E :
Only Topics 1 & 4 Topic 1 Geography of Food Trends in food
production & distribution Factors affecting intensity of food
prodn Development in food production Topic 4 Development Variations
in Development in the World Reasons for Variations in Development
Strategies to Alleviate Uneven Developmt Topics 2 & 3 The
Industrial World Tourism
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Assessment: GCE O Levels Exam Format for Geography Elective
PaperNo. of QnsWeighting by Section Section A: Physical Geography 2
Qns set Attempt 1 only 25% Section B: Human Geography 2 Qns set
Attempt 1 only 25 % Total Marks for Combined Humanities: Social
Studies (50%) + Geography Elective (50%)= 100%
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Assessment Objectives: Objective 1: Knowledge Demonstrate
relevant factual knowledge geographical facts, concepts, processes,
interactions and trends. Objective 2: Construct Explanation Select,
organise and apply concepts, terms and facts learnt Make judgments,
recommendations and decisions Objective 3: Interpret and Evaluate
Geographical data Comprehend and extract relevant information from
geographical data (numerical, diagrammatic, pictorial and graphical
forms) Use and apply geographical knowledge and understanding to
interpret geographical data o Recognize patterns & deduce
relationships o Compare & contrast different views o Draw
conclusions on a reasoned consideration of evidence
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SKILLS TAUGHT TO INTERPRET: Geographical Data MapsBase maps,
sketch maps, topographical maps, road maps, Atlases etc
SymbolsProportional circles PhotographsAerial photos, landscape
photos, satellite images GraphsLine graphs, Bar graphs, Others
OthersTexts, Diagrams, Tables, Cartoons Statistical calculations
Percentages, Ratios, Mean, Mode, Median
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Assessment modes used by department Common Test Short Quizzes
Comic / cartoons Songs Video clips Role-play and Skits Debates
Projects Fieldtrips
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Who will do well for this subject? Students who possess the
following: Analytical thinking Eye for details Read widely Ability
to write Good memory skills Conscientious
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Summary of Content Differentiation: Topics GE O GE N Plate
Tectonics & Resulting Landforms Weather & Climate Natural
Vegetation Rivers & Coast Geography of Food The Industrial
World Tourism Development * Pure Geog not offered for NA Geography
Elective
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Comparison Between O & N Level: DifferencesO LevelN Level
No. of Parts in Assessment Maximum 5 partsMaximum 6 parts No. of
marks capped for the level descriptor Capped at 8 marksCapped at 6
marks Curriculum Time24 periods / Topic32 periods / Topic Nature
& Type of Question Different SAME: Syllabus Aims, Assessment
Objectives, Assessment Format
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COMBINED HUMANITIES (HISTORY ELECTIVE)
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AIMS OF SYLLABUS To develop students in areas of Content,
Skills and Values CONTENT Grasp broad fundamental concepts common
to all historical explanations Understand international affairs and
the forces that shaped 20 th Century World history SKILLS
Understand History in its setting Understand points of view in
History Process historical information Develop critical and
creative thinking
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VALUES Develop an interest in the past and an appreciation for
history, and of human achievements and aspirations Understand the
significance of the past to their own lives, community and society
Develop an empathy for and sensitivity towards different political
experiences Appreciate that different societies hold different
beliefs, values and attitudes at different times Instill a sense of
respect for evidence and tolerance of a range of opinions.
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HISTORY SYLLABUS FRAMEWORK Combined Humanities (History
Elective) Paper 2: 20 th Century World History, 1910s-1991 Theme 1:
Impact of WW1 The world at war and the Immediate Aftermath Theme 2:
Hope for Better world Establishing peace Rise of Authoritarian
Regimes Theme 3: Breakdown of World Order War in Europe
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Syllabus Framework Paper 2: 20 th Century World History,
1910s-1991 Theme 1 Impact of World War 1 Did the World War 1 change
the world? Theme 2 Hope for a Better World? In what ways were the
years between WWI & WW2 a time of both new hopes and great
troubles? Theme 3 The Breakdown of the World Order Why had
international peace collapse by 1939?
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Assessment GCE NLevels Exam Format for Elective History Paper
Source- Based Qn Structured Essay Qn Weighting by Paper 20 th
Century World History 1910s-1991 1 qn set (5 sources) (compulsory)
3 qns set (Attempt 1 only) 50% Weighting25 % 50 % Total Marks for
Combined Humanities: Social Studies (50%) + Elective History (50%)=
100%
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Assessment Objectives: Objective 1: Testing Knowledge Objective
2: Constructing Explanations Select, organise and apply concepts,
terms and facts learnt Make judgments, recommendations and
decisions Objective 3: Interpret and Evaluate Sources / Given
Information Comprehend and extract relevant information Draw
references from given information Analyze and evaluate evidence
Compare and contrast different views Distinguish between fact,
opinion and judgments Recognize values and detect bias Draw
conclusions based on reasoned consideration of evidence and
argument
Assessment modes used by department Common Test [ Structured
Essay Questions & Source Based Questions] Short Quizzes Comic /
cartoons Songs Video clips Role-play and Skits Debates Projects
Fieldtrips
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Who will do well for this subject? Students who possess the
following: Analytical thinking Eye for details Read widely Ability
to write Good memory skills Conscientious
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COMBINED HUMANITIES (LITERATURE IN ENGLISH ELECTIVE)
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N Level candidates should be able to: Demonstrate knowledge
Demonstrate understanding of the ways in which writers choices of
form, structure and language shape meanings; Sensitive and informed
personal response Express responses clearly and coherently The
Assessment Objectives are inter-related and it will not normally be
either possible or desirable to assess them in isolation.
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AIMS Enjoyment Explore the elements of different genres
Perceptive & logical thinking Evidence to support their case
Understanding information of text Personal engagement
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AREAS OF STUDY Areas of Study Viewpoint Setting/ Atmosphere
Character -isation Plot & Structure Style
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SPECTRUM OF SKILLS Spectrum of Skills Remembering skills
Organising skills Focusing skills Integrating skills Information
-gathering skills Analysing skills Generating skills Evaluating
skills
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What we are looking for: Relevant comment Understanding
Personal response to the texts Exploration of language Own
ideas
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SyllabusLevelLiterature Elective N Level Sec 3 Sec 4 Sec 5
Candidates offer only 1 paper (N Level Paper 1) Assessment is in
the form of passage-based & essay questions Over 2-3 years,
they study one set prose text and the Unseen GCE N Level
Examination
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Examination Format PaperDuration & Weighting Details of
Paper and Sections Prose and Unseen Texts 1 h 40 min [50%] There
will be two sections in this paper Candidates will select one
question from each of the two sections In total, candidates will
answer two questions Each question is 25% of the total
weighting
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Current Prescribed Texts Sec 4 Normal Academic (2007) Kiss the
Dust by Elizabeth Laird Sec 3 Normal Academic (2008-2010) The Whale
Rider by Witi Ihimaera
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Drama presentations Exposure to range of unseen materials Group
work Projects Quizzes Creative writing Practical criticisms
ALTERNATIVE MODES OF ASSESSMENT
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GCE NA Level Additional Mathematics New Syllabus First Year of
Examination 2008
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Mathematics Framework Beliefs Interest Appreciation Confidence
Perseverance Monitoring of ones own thinking Self-regulation of
learning Numerical calculation Algebraic manipulation Spatial
visualisation Data analysis Use of mathematical tools Estimation
Skills Processes Metacognition Attitudes Mathematical Problem
Solving Concepts Numerical Algebraic Geometrical Statistical
Probabilistic Analytical Reasoning, communication and connections
Thinking skills and heuristics Applications and modelling
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Features of Additional Mathematics To prepare students for
further study by providing a strong foundation in mathematics
Emphasise depth rather than breadth Extend learning of Algebra and
Geometry Emphasise algebraic manipulation and mathematics reasoning
skills Introduction to Calculus Assume knowledge of GCE Mathematics
Ordinary Level Coherence and completeness
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The 3 Strands of the New Syllabus Algebra Geometry and
Trigonometry Calculus
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Assessment Objectives: Objective 1: Understand and use
mathematical concepts and skills in a variety of contexts.
Objective 2: Organise and analyse data and information; formulate
problems into mathematical terms and select and apply appropriate
techniques of solution, including manipulation of algebraic
expressions. Objective 3: Solve higher order thinking problems;
interpret mathematical results and make inferences; reason and
communicate mathematically through writing mathematical
explanation, arguments and proofs.
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GCE Additional Mathematics N Level Scheme of Assessment
PaperDurationDescription Max Mark Weighting 1 1 h 45 min 13-15
questions testing more on the fundamental skills and concepts
Answer all questions Calculator allowed 7050 % 2 1 h 45 min 8-10
questions Answer all questions Calculator allowed 7050 %
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Various Assessment Modes used by Mathematics Department Common
Test / Examinations Quizzes Assignments Classroom Participation
Groupwork / Discussion Presentation
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Who will do well for this subject? Students who possess the
following: Acute Procedural Skills Acute Analytical Thinking Acute
Reasoning Skills Interest in Mathematics Perseverance
Self-discipline to practice, practice and practice Mathematical
problems
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Guideline As a guideline, students who obtain less than 60%
overall for Mathematics in Secondary 2 are strongly discouraged
from choosing Additional Mathematics. Based on our professional
experience and judgment, these students will face difficulties
coping with the rigour of the subjects.
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Textbook: Panpac Additional Mathematics, Ho Soo Thong, Khor
Nyak Hiong / Panpac Website: http://www.moe.gov.sg/cpdd/doc/2007%2
0Sec%20Math%20Syllabuses.pdf
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PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS
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OBJECTIVES OF PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS : 1.The main thrust of the
syllabus is on developing basic fundamentals of accounting with a
good understanding of the rationale and underlying principles for
preparing accounting information. 2.Students will acquire a sound
knowledge of the basic double-entry book-keeping method, from which
they develop the ability to prepare, present and analyse financial
statements
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Assessment: GCE N Levels Exam Format PAPER 1: Duration: 1 hour
3 to 4 Compulsory Structured Questions [40m] PAPER 2: Duration:
1hour 30minutes SECTION A: 1 Compulsory Question [30m] SECTION B:
Choose 1 out of 2 Structured Question [30m]
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Assessment Objectives: Objective 1: Knowledge with
understanding Knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts,
conventions, principles, procedures and techniques appropriate to
the syllabus Understanding of knowledge through numeracy, literacy,
presentation and interpretation Objective 2: Knowledge with
application Apply knowledge and information to various accounting
situations and problems Objective 3: Analysis Select, analyse and
order information in written, numerical and tabular form Present
appropriate information in an accepted accounting form
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TOPICS TAUGHT: GCE N Levels Double Entry System The Double
Entry System of bookkeeping Source Documents Books of Prime Entry
The Ledger The Trial Balance Accounting Procedures Correction of
Errors Balance Day Adjustments Accounting for Fixed Assets
Accounting Procedures Sole Trader Partnership
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Assessment modes used by department Common Tests [ Structured
& Problem Solving Questions] Short Quizzes Role-play and Skits
Newspaper Review Poster Making Debates Projects
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Who will do well for this subject? Students who possess the
following: Basic Mathematical Skills Analytical thinking Organised
and systematic Positive attitude Eye for details Conscientious
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DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
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OBJECTIVES OF DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY Foster positive values
and develop dispositions for enterprise, creativity and innovation;
Harness curiosity and ability to create through design-and-make
activities; Exercise judgments of an aesthetic, technical and
economic nature; Develop awareness of design in areas of social,
culture and environment; and Acquire knowledge and skills beyond
textbooks through the contexts of design-and- make activities.
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OVERVIEW OF TOPICS The subject content is organised into 3
sections. DESIGN Project Management, Research, Need Definition,
Idea Generation, Realisation Plan, Evaluation, Design &
Technology in Society, Design Communication, Ergonomics &
Anthropometry TECHNOLOGICAL AREAS Structures, Mechanisms &
Electronics MATERIALS AND PRACTICAL PROCESSES Resistant Materials,
Smart Materials, Marking Out, Shaping, Joining & Assembly,
Finishing
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ASSESSMENT GCE N & O Level Exams Format Paper
No.DescriptionN LevelO Level Paper 1 Written Paper Weighting30%
Total Marks70100 Duration1 hr 30 min2 hr Part A40% of total marks
Answer all 5 questions based mainly on DESIGN Part B60% of total
marks Answer all 3 questions (2 for N) based mainly on
TECHNOLOGICAL AREAS Paper 2 Coursework Weighting70% Part ADesign
Journal 40/140 marks (29%)60/140 marks (43%) Part BFinal
Presentation (Presentation Boards & Artefact) 100/140 marks
(71%)80/140 marks (57%)
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ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES KNOWLEDGE WITH UNDERSTANDING -
demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate knowledge in
materials, processes and technological areas DESIGN PROBLEM SOLVING
- plan and manage a design project; produce design solution;
research; generate and develop ideas; testing and evaluation; apply
appropriate communication methods REALISATION - organise work
procedures and realise a design solution in appropriate materials
using suitable techniques
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SUBJECT RELEVANCE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Can be used as one of
the subjects in L1R5 for entrance to JCs and L1R2B2 for entrance to
Polytechnics Added advantage and/or serves as foundation for most
Engineering & Design Courses in Polytechnics
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REQUIREMENT FROM CANDIDATES Have an inquisitive mind
Independent and hardworking Loves hands-on activities Positive
attitude Have passion for the subject
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FOOD & NUTRITION
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OBJECTIVES OF FOOD & NUTRITION Understand the concepts of
nutrition and meal planning Understand the link between diet and
health Understand the principles of food science Equip pupils with
knowledge and skills to make informed decisions concerning food and
nutrition
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OVERVIEW OF TOPICS Nutrition and Health Nutrients, Diet &
Health, Energy Balance, Digestion, Meal Planning & Meal
Analysis Food Choices Main Food Commodities, Food Labels Food
Science The Science of Food Preparation and Cooking, Reactions in
Food During Preparation and Cooking, Evaluation of Food, The
Science of Processing
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ASSESSMENT GCE N & O Level Exams Format Paper
No.DescriptionN LevelO Level Paper 1 Written Paper Weighting40%
Total Marks40100 Duration1 hr 30 min2 hr Section A10 marks25 marks
Section B16 marks30 marks Section C14 marks45 marks Paper 2
Coursework Folio Weighting60% Part ANo separate parts70/100 marks
(42%) Part BNo separate parts30/100 marks (18%)
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ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES Subject Content Knowledge Demonstration
of knowledge and understanding principles of nutrition, underlying
food preparation, processing and safety; relationship between
nutrition and health Process Skills Ability to plan and carry out
coursework define and analyse task question; gather and investigate
information; make informed decisions; apply food preparation
techniques; evaluate and draw conclusions; communicate ideas
effectively
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SUBJECT RELEVANCE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Can be used as one of
the subjects in L1R5 for entrance to JCs Added advantage for
entrance to selected Applied Science courses in the Polytechnics
and culinary skills courses in SHATEC Can be used as one of the
subjects in L1R2B2 for entrance to Polytechnics
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REQUIREMENT FROM CANDIDATES Scored B for Homec in Mid Year exam
(in Sec 2) Independent and hardworking Highly motivated to do well.
Aim for distinction Positive attitude Have a strong interest in the
subject
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Assessment: GCE NA Levels Exam Format Paper 1 (60%) -
Coursework Project: comprising the finished artwork and not more
than five A2 sheets of preliminary/supporting studies. Candidates
are to include explorations of artists/artworks relevant to the
chosen theme/media in their preparatory/supporting studies. Paper 2
(40%) - 3 h Examination Drawing & Painting: Paper to be given 3
weeks before the commencement of the NA level Examination. Six
themes will be issued and candidates are to make response to one of
the themes on paper of size A3 or A2. Preliminary/supporting
studies of five A3 sheets of paper must be submitted.
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Who will do well for this subject? Students who choose art must
be : Independent and focused during art lessons as exam topics are
varied. committed to regular and consistent work during lessons,
holidays and after school. passionate enough about art to eat,
breathe and think of the issue/topic/task taken up for Art
expression.
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***The End*** Students must think very carefully about their
choice. If your child believes he/she has what it takes to take up
art as a passion in life, he/she will be well-rewarded.. Thank
You!