PROGRAMMES

Economics

The Economics Unit in Hwa Chong comprises a team of dynamic professionals dedicated to the teaching of Economics as a life subject. Economics is not just a collection of facts but a unified approach to thinking about the world. The theory of Economics is an apparatus of the mind or a technique of thinking which helps us make rational decisions. With these requirements in mind, the Economics Unit provides a rigorous course to equip students with the skills necessary for economics awareness and competence. This course imparts both intellectual as well as citizenship training through a well-planned syllabus to promote understanding of the very processes and issues that affect their lives as citizens and students. In addition, Economics Exco was set up to expose students to a range of enriching experiences such as participation in nation-wide competitions, publication of newsletters and trips to overseas to EU and Universities for Summer Programmes. The greatest reward of this course is a better understanding of how the world works.

Visit the website for more information.

Geography

The approach to Geography teaching and learning in Hwa Chong, whether in the Mainstream or under the Humanities Scheme, has all along been actively field-oriented. This is in line with the syllabus and examination requirements as well as to bring home the practical relevance of the discipline to students. Local field studies and overseas field trips are conducted each year in connection with topics covered during the course. Currently, the Geography students and staff are embarking on intense application of the College multimedia facilities, both for classroom teaching and interactive learning, as well as project work, newsletter publication and web page maintenance.

Visit their website for more information.

History

In an era where national boundaries are fast disappearing in an increasingly globalised world, the need to understand the world around us has become more imperative. Towards this end, one key objective of the History Unit is to foster a keen interest among students in past and current affairs and understanding them with critical depth. Besides nurturing a passion for the subject, the Unit is also committed to developing critical thinking and analytical skills in our students. Students are encouraged to read widely and do independent research.

Under the Hwa Chong Integrated Humanities Framework, Years 1-2 constitute the Exploration phase where students offer both History and Geography. Upon Entering the Development Phase in Years 3-4, students may further develop their passion by offering History either as one of the Integrated Humanities Electives or HP History under the Humanities Programme @ High School. During the Consolidation phase of Years 5-6, students are expected to be independent learners within and outside the classroom. They are exposed to the rigours of the GCE 'A' Level curriculum which demands more in-depth and considered written responses.

In order to pursue our objectives, the Unit provides a myriad of opportunities for our students. Lectures are building blocks for knowledge acquisition while tutorials provide the platform for them to consolidate their knowledge and discuss issues. Students are also given opportunities to hone their examination techniques through term assignments, essay tests and examinations.

Of course, the subject is not just about tomes and the dreaded examinations. A wide spectrum of co-curricular activities is available to students to pursue their passion in the subject. These include the annual model UN Conferences and various competitions organised by local varsities such as the NUS Arts Quiz and NTU Current Affairs Quiz. Attending seminars on various topics of interest also help students stay in touch with the subject in the real world context. Volunteer opportunities in local museums are also open to our students.

In recent years, the Unit has taken students on overseas field trips to places of historical interest and significance. In 2005, students caught a glimpse of life after the fall of the Berlin Wall and end of the Cold War in a trip to Germany and Czech Republic. Last year, students visited the Cold War behemoth, the ex-Soviet Union in a whirlwind tour which took them to Moscow and St. Petersburg. More recently, History students visited the United States on an Integrated Humanities trip and caught a glimpse of what makes the world's remaining superpower tick. This year, we made our way to Vietnam and were marvelled at the strides this communist country has made since the introduction of reforms in the late 1980s and the resilience that Vietnamese people displayed during the Vietnam War.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in here for an exciting journey through time and space.

Visit their website for more information.

English Language/General

The goal of the English Language Programme at HCI is to develop independent thinkers who can see the connection between language study and its application to life. A holistic educational approach ensures that students are given the freedom to intellectually grasp these relationships and apply them to authentic tasks. The core modules cover all the key components of language and literary skills that students must master to function effectively in the social dimension spelled out in the school mission. In addition, there are special non-compulsory electives to challenge the more able students. Where the core elements embody the rigour and breadth of the skills, knowledge and concepts that students need to know, the electives are intended to offer students the opportunity to go in-depth into specific areas of the English Language and Literature curricula.

Adopting a multi-pronged approach, the Hwa Chong General Paper curriculum comprises a broad variety of stimulating modules designed to develop all-round individuals.  A theme-based reading and writing programme offered at the College level, the topics covered include the mass media, environment, science and technology, culture and tradition, religion, crime and punishment and citizenship in Singapore.

Knowledge & Inquiry (KI) is a multi-disciplinary H2 A-Level subject that explores the different fields of knowledge and applies various modes of inquiry to a range of issues and ideas.  The subject aims to develop students' ability to critically evaluate arguments and engage in independent research.  Students can offer KI as a contrasting subject.  As the 4th H2 subject, KI will be offered by students who are academically able to cope with 4 H2 subjects on top of other H1 subjects.  KI is also taken in lieu of General Paper.  In Hwa Chong, we are looking for bright students who are linguistically competent and have an inquiring mind.  KI students are expected to read widely and they must be highly proficient in written English as well as independent learners.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

English Department Wiki (High School)
English Department Wiki (College)

Chinese Language

Please view the following websites for more information:

Chinese Faculty Homepage (High School)
Chinese Faculty Homepage (College)

Humanities Programme

As the first institution chosen by the Ministry of Education for the Humanities Scholarship Programme Hwa Chong has established and maintained its position as a leading centre for successful applications to top universities around the world.

Since the Programme’s inception in 1981 more than 300 alumni have graduated from Oxford and Cambridge alone, and in recent years an impressive record of admissions has been built up with the Ivy League institutions of the USA as well.

Undoubtedly, the source of this success lies with the Programme’s tutors who are not only unrivalled in their specialist subject skills but also in the university placement and scholarship advice that they have to offer.

Visit their website for more information:

Humanities Programme (High School)

Mathematics

Please view the following wikis for more information:

Mathematics Department Wiki (High School)

Mathematics Department Wiki (College)

Science

The Hwa Chong Integrated Programme for Science is implemented across 6 years.  Our integrated framework provides a dynamic learning environment for students with an aptitude and interest in Mathematics and Science.  Special emphasis is placed on the mastery of fundamental knowledge and experimental skills.  Our plan is to further integrate the Mathematics and Science disciplines to foster an appreciation of how they work together and form a whole.

In a tripartite collaboration with A*STAR and NTU, Hwa Chong also offers research electives based on the H3 module to encourage new and independent modes of learning and exploration.  Each JC student is matched with a mentor depending on interest, and engages in collaborative research with leading scientists and researchers working on real-world scientific problems.

The aim of our Science programme is to broaden students' interests in Science by providing a stimulating environment that will enrich their basic Science training.  Besides exposure to major advances in the life sciences and new technologies, students will be trained to think critically and independently.

Please view the following websites for more information:

Science Department Wiki (High School)
Science Department Wiki (College)

Infocomm Studies

Visit their wikis for more information:

Infocomm Studies Unit (High School)

Infocomm Studies Department (College)

Physical Education

The PE & CCA Department aims to prepare our young adults for the challenges ahead by cultivating lifelong recreational involvement, aesthetic appreciation, civics mindedness and leadership qualities in our students through the PE and CCA programs.

Our programs serve to:

1. Enhance students' learning process and performance;
2. Strive for excellent performances at the National Inter-Schools Sports Championships, Singapore Youth Festival Competitions, as well as other CCA awards and competitions;
3. Promote healthy life styles among students;
4. Inculcate the Olympic values of Friendship, Respect, and Excellence in all students.

Literature in English

With our seamless 6-year Integrated Programme, the Literature course in Hwa Chong covers 3 major phases: the Sec 1 & 2 Exploration phase; Sec 3 & 4 Development phase, and the JC1 & 2 Consolidation phase.  In each phase, students are exposed to a wide variety of texts, genre exposition, and diverse methodologies.

Adopting a differentiated approach to learning that goes beyond the classroom, the course provides students with opportunities to experience Literature through activities like symposiums, debates, mock conferences, field studies, project work, independent study and drama.  Such activities not only expand students' horizons, but also help them look at issues from a broader perspective, apply knowledge, and contest the arbitrary divisions that separate subjects.

View their website for more information:

Literature Department Wiki (High School)
Literature Department Wiki (College)

The revised JC curriculum introduces a set of subjects at H3 level to target for the top 10 - 15% of the 'A' level cohort who has the exceptional interest and ability in a particular subject. The intention is to further stretch these students to achieve peaks of excellence within the context of a broad-based education. It also allows students to engage in different forms of learning and research work.

Thus, H3 should be offered by students who are academically able to cope with additional subject(s) on top of their minimum subject requirement. The approach of H3 is one in which it is an extension of what is covered in H2 subject but in a more specialised area.

Students can apply for H3 subjects offered by

a.  University undergraduate module (NUS, NTU and SMU)
b.  Extended, in-depth research (SRP, NRP, NTU-A*STAR-HCI & HSSRP)
c.  MOE developed examinable syllabus (H3 UCLES)

Assessment Structures

The table below shows the weighting and period of assessment:

Assessment weighting of JC1 

Assessment weighting of JC2 

Grading scheme
Grade Scheme for H1 and H2 content- based subjects

Grade Scheme for H3 subjects

Reporting

There are 2 main methods of reporting student progress to parents:

1. Through progress report in end March, mid year (both JC 1 and 2) and at the end of the school year (for JC1). A formal transcript for JC2 students will be issued after the school's Preliminary examination in October.

2. Through Parent' teacher meeting.

Reporting Timetable is as follows:

April, July and Nov student reports are forwarded to parents/guardians by post but the Prelim Exam Report for JC2 will be handed to the student on the last day of school.

Exemption from Block Tests/ Examinations

The following reasons may be considered valid for exemption.

Students who are absent from Block tests with valid reasons are required to attempt the paper as an exercise and submit to teachers for grading. The marks will not be counted towards the final grade.

Students who absent without a valid reason will be given zero mark for that paper followed by disciplinary actions.

Promotional Criteria for JC1

Students will be promoted to JC 2 if they meet the following minimum criteria based on the Overall JC1 results:-

Criteria to continue taking the expanded curriculum 
(i.e. more than 3 H2 and 1 H1 subjects [10 academic units])

Students are allowed to offer the expanded curriculum in JC 2 provided the following minimum criteria, based on the overall JC1 results, are met. Otherwise, they will have to abide by the corresponding actions recommended.