1. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Subject Option Package
26 May 2012

2. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Content Page
Item Page
1. Timeline of Subject Option Exercise 2
2. Historical Subject Combinations 3
3. Subject Specifications
a. Pure Science 5
b. Combined Science 7
c. Science Syllabus T 8
d. Additional Mathematics (Express) 9
e. Combined Humanities 11
f. Principles of Accounts 13
g. Coursework subjects 15
h. Elements of Business Studies (NT) 17
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3. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Timeline of Subject Option Exercise
Item Time frame
Subject Option Talk Term 2 week 10
Subject Option Exercise Term 4 week 6
Results of Subject Option Exercise Term 4 week 9
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4. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Historical Subject Combinations
Express
E1 E2 E3 E4
English Language
Mother Tongue
Mathematics
Combined Humanities Combined Humanities Combined Humanities Combined Humanities
(Social Studies/Elective Geography) (Social Studies/Elective History) (Social Studies/Elective Geography) (Social Studies/Elective Geography)
Science (Physics/Chemistry)
OR
Additional Mathematics Additional Mathematics Science (Physics/Chemistry) Science (Biology/Chemistry)
Art
Physics Science (Physics/Chemistry) OR
Principles of Accounts Design & Technology
Chemistry Design & Technology OR
OR Food & Nutrition
Biology Food & Nutrition
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5. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Normal Academic
NA1 NA2
English Language
Mother Tongue
Mathematics
Combined Humanities Combined Humanities
(Social Studies/Elective Geography) (Social Studies/Elective Geography)
Science (Physics/Chemistry) Science (Biology/Chemistry)
Design & Technology
OR
Principal of Accounts Food & Nutrition
OR
Art
Normal Technical
NT1
English Language
Mother Tongue
Mathematics
Computer Applications
EBS OR Science Syllabus T
Design & Technology
OR
Food Studies
OR
Art
Note: The actual subject combinations for 2013 will depend on students’ performance and
availability of subject teachers and facilities
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6. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Pure Science
Subject CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY PHYSICS
(with School-Based Practical (with School-Based Practical (with School-Based Practical
Assessment) Assessment) Assessment)
[Express] [Express] [Express]
Description Chemistry is the science that studies Biology is the study of life. It is concerned Physics is the science concerned with the
matter at the atomic to macromolecular with classifying the various forms of fundamentals laws of the elementary
scale. The reactions, transformations and organisms, how species come into constituents of the universe – matter,
aggregations of matter; as well as the existence, and the interactions they have energy, space and time, and their
energy released or absorbed during these with each other and with the environment. interactions. The precise formulation in
processes would be investigated. The Physics is built in a mathematical
subject studies about molecues, crystals The syllabus is designed to place less framework. Physical definitions, models and
and metals and is concerned with the emphasis on factual material and greater theories are usually expressed using
composition and statistical properties of emphasis on the understanding and mathematical relations.
such structures. application of scientific concepts and
principles. Pupils would develop skills that The syllabus is designed to place less
The syllabus is designed to place less will be of long-term value in an increasingly emphasis on factual material and greater
emphasis on factual material and greater technological world emphasis on the understanding and
emphasis on the understanding and application of scientific concepts and
application of scientific concepts and Topics principles. Pupils would develop skills that
principles. Pupils would develop skills o Principles of Biology will be of long-term value in an increasingly
that will be of long-term value in an o Maintenance and regulation of Life Processes technological world.
o Continuity of Life
increasingly technological world o Man and His Environment
Topics
Topics o Measurement
o Experimental Chemistry o Newtonian Mechanics
o Atomic Structure and Stoichiometry o Thermal Physics
o Chemistry of reactions o Waves
o Periodicity o Electricity and Magnetism
o Atmosphere
o Organic Chemistry
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7. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Benefits The study of Chemistry develops the The study of Biology develops the pupils to The study of Physics develops the pupils to
pupils to be confident, articulate and be confident, articulate and objective. It is be confident, articulate and objective. It is a
objective. It is essential if the pupils essential if the pupil intends to pursue a compulsory subject for all engineering or
intend to pursue a career in the medical career in the medical or bio-related field. bio-engineering courses and is essential if
or biotechnology field. the pupils intend to pursue a career in the
Biology provides a good foundation for medical field.
Chemistry provides a good foundation for pupils who wish to study Biology at Higher
pupils who wish to study Chemistry at 2 (H2) level in junior college. Physics provides a good foundation for
Higher 2 (H2) level in junior college, but is pupils who wish to study Physics at Higher 2
not necessary to be offered. However pupils who did not offer Biology at (H2) level in junior college, but is not
secondary level could still apply to offer necessary to be offered.
Pupils who score at least an A2 in Biology in junior college if they have good Pupils who score at least an A2 in
Combined Science (Physics & Chemistry) overall results. Combined Science (Physics & Chemistry)
may be offered H2 Chemistry in some may be offered H2 Physics in some Junior
Junior Colleges. Colleges.
Criteria Pupils must attain the following results Pupils must attain the following results Pupils must attain the following results
during the end-of-year examinations : during the end-of-year examinations : during the end-of-year examinations :
o minimum of 75% in Overall o minimum of 75% in Overall o minimum of 75% in Overall
Science, Science, Science,
Pupils must possess strong analytical Pupils must possess strong analytical Pupils must possess strong analytical
thinking and have a passion for thinking and have a good flair in the English thinking and have good mathematical
Chemistry. A good foundation in science language. Pupils must be prepared to read foundation.
practical skills would be preferred. additional materials and able to retain facts
well.
Contact Mr Alwin Njoo, HOD Science
njoo_kiat_guan_alwin@moe.edu.sg
Tel : 67691386 ext 832
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8. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Combined Science
Elective Subject SCIENCE (PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY) SCIENCE (PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY)
SCIENCE (BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY) SCIENCE (BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY)
[Express] [Normal (Academic)]
Description Science covers most of the syllabus of Physics, Biology Science (NA) covers most of the syllabus of Science
and Chemistry, with the exception of a few topics. (Express), with the exception of a few topics.
Benefits: This combination is suitable for pupils who intend to This combination is suitable for pupils who intend to
pursue courses related to engineering, bio-technology pursue courses related to engineering, bio-technology,
and life science courses in the polytechnics. life science and nursing courses in the Institute of
Technical Education (ITE).
Science provides a basic foundation for pupils who wish
to study Physics and Chemistry at Higher 1 or 2 level in Science (5155/5157) provides a basic foundation for
junior college. pupils who wish to pursue their GCE O Levels in
Secondary 5.
Contact Mr Alwin Njoo, HOD Science
njoo_kiat_guan_alwin@moe.edu.sg
Tel : 67691386 ext 832
PURE SCIENCE vs COMBINED SCIENCE (express)
o breadth of coverage similar but differ in depth of study
o practical assessment
 pure Science  School-based Practical Assessments (SPA)
 Combined Science  One-off practical assessment during GCE O Level period
o Post-Secondary Implication for Pure Sciences
 Not requirement for any Polytechnic courses
 Not requirement for any JC course (Recommended for JC science course)
** if students performance < 60% for mid-year or end-of-year in Sec 3, students will be strongly advised to switch to a less demanding subject
o Science (Phy/Chem), or,
o Science (Bio/Chem)
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9. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Elective Subject SCIENCE Syllabus T
[Normal (Technical)]
Description Science Syllabus T aims to give students the experience of doing hands-on science and, at the same
time, provide a broad educational basis for further training in a technical context. As such, the syllabus
provides a wide coverage of basic science knowledge that is relevant to technical courses. Hence, there
is a strong bias towards the physical sciences in the syllabus. Throughout the syllabus, the emphasis is
on the applications of science and technology in everyday life.
Topics (Physical Science):
- Measurement
- Mechanics
- Thermal Physics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Matter
- Health and Diseases
- Petrochemical Industry and its impact
Benefits This combination is suitable for pupils who intend to pursue courses related to engineering, bio-
technology, life science and nursing courses in the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).
Criteria Pupils should preferably attain the following results during the end-of-year examinations :
o Minimum of 65% in Overall Science,
o Minimum of 65% in Overall Mathematics.
Contact Mr Alwin Njoo, HOD Science
njoo_kiat_guan_alwin@moe.edu.sg
Tel : 67691386 ext 832
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10. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Subject ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS
(EXPRESS)
Description The syllabus consolidates and extends Elementary Mathematics knowledge and understanding for use in
more advanced mathematical applications.
Additional Mathematics enables students to
 Acquire the necessary mathematical concepts and skills for continuous learning in mathematics and
related disciplines, and for applications to the real world.
 Develop the necessary process skills for the acquisition and application of mathematical concepts
and skills.
 Develop the mathematical thinking and problem solving skills and apply these skills to formulate and
solve problems.
 Recognize and use connections among mathematical ideas, and between mathematics and other
disciplines.
 Develop positive attitude towards mathematics.
 Make effective use of a variety of mathematical tools in the learning and application of mathematics.
 Produce imaginative and creative work arising from mathematical ideas.
 Develop the abilities to reason logically, to communicate mathematically and to learn cooperatively
and independently.
Benefits  Prepare students adequately for A-level H2 Mathematics and H3 Mathematics, where a strong
foundation in algebraic manipulation skills and mathematical reasoning skills are required. (Needed
for admission into H2 and H3 Mathematics in JC)
 Provide a strong mathematical foundation for many courses in Polytechnics, especially engineering
courses.
(Not a requirement for JC Non-Science course and Polytechnic course)
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11. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Criteria  Must attain a minimum of 75% for overall mathematics results in Sec 2 Express and 75% in the
Algebra component in SA2 paper.
 Willingness to put in effort and time in the subject as the subject demands a lot of practice in order to
do well.
Contact Mdm Tong Wee Heng, HOD Mathematics
tong_wee_heng@moe.edu.sg
Tel. 6769 1386 ext 834
** if students performance < 50% for mid-year or end-of-year in Sec 3, students
will be strongly advised to discontinue A Maths and focus on E Maths instead.
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12. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Combined Humanities
Compulsory subject as from 2001 for Express & Normal Academic
o (Social Studies / Elective Geography)
o (Social Studies / Elective History)
Compulsory Component: Social Studies
o to provide students with a broad-based foundation in the learning of the Humanities
o to instill in students a sense of national identity as well as global awareness
o focuses on historical, economic and social developments in Singapore after 1965
o discusses regional and international issues
Elective Elective History Elective Geography
Component
Description Elective History covers 20th Century World History, 1910s – 1991. Elective History covers the interaction between human and physical
Topics include: environment
 Impact of World War 1 Physical Geography.
 Hope for a Better World?  Natural Vegetation
 The Breakdown of World Order  Rivers and Coasts
 A World United and Divided Human Geography
 Geography of Food
Students will be tested on:  Development
 Knowledge of the prescribed topics and kinds of
sources available and their uses Students will be tested on:
 Ability to interpret, analyse, evaluate sources or given  Geographical facts, concepts, processes, interactions and
information, distinguish fact, opinion and judgement, trends
detect bias, compare and contrast different views and  Ability to construct explanations that are clear and well -
draw conclusions based on reasoned consideration of organized and to make judgements, recommendations and
evidence and arguments. decisions
 Ability to construct explanations that are clear and  Ability to interpret and evaluate geographical data, recognize
well-organised and make judgements, patterns in geographical data and deduce relationships,
recommendations and decisions. compare and contrast different views and draw conclusions
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13. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
based on reasoned consideration of evidence.
Benefits: Combined Humanities offers students:
 Choices in doing Humanities related subjects in the Junior College and the University.
 Choices in doing business – related courses [ eg. accountancy, banking and financial services, business studies, tourism and resort
management], Film and Media studies [eg. Mass Communication, Digital Video Effects, Film, Sound and Video] and Humanities related
courses [eg. Psychology and Community Services, Early Childhood Education] in the polytechnics.
Criteria As Combined Humanities is an analytical subject, students must:
 Achieve a good pass in the Humanities.
Elective History (minimum of 75% in Sec 2 Overall History)
 Develop a range of critical thinking skills and are expected to participate actively in class discussions.
 Be prepared to read widely - read various kinds of texts such as speeches, current affairs, political cartoons, historical documents, reviews
etc. so that they will be able to critique, reason, argue, put forward different points of view and arrive at their own conclusion.
 Be able to write clear, well-organised essays. As such, students must have a reasonably good foundation in the English Language.
Contact Mrs Vena Foo, HOD Humanties
chan_gek_chu_vena@moe.edu.sg
Tel. 6769 1386 ext 623
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14. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Subject PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS (POA)
Description The POA syllabus emphasizes on student’s acquisition of an understanding of content through
application of accounting concepts in a variety of business and personal settings.
POA enables students to
 Acquire knowledge and understanding of fundamental accounting concepts, principles and
procedures in the context of business aims and activities
 Develop skills in preparing, analyzing and interpreting accounting information and understanding
their implication
 Develop skills of numeracy, information technology literacy, communication, inquiry, presentation
and interpretation.
 Develop attitudes of accuracy, orderliness and logical thought and an appreciation of professional
ethics
Topics
o recording business’ transactions
o calculating business’ expenses, revenues, profits, losses, assets, liabilities and capital
o maintaining and recording of business’ cash and stock
o preparing, analyzing and interpreting financial statements and information
Benefits  To be prepared for future career development eg. As an accountant or auditor
 Acquire knowledge and understanding of basic accounting concepts, principles and procedure in
the context of the business
 Easier to find a job as all organizations need workers to have some knowledge of accounting.
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15. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Criteria  Good with English language. English is required to understand and apply the concepts in order to
respond accurately to questions.
(Minimum of 55% for overall English)
 Willingness to learn and work hard– this is a new subject which is only introduced at Secondary 3.
 Able to think critically as some of the questions require problem-solving and analytical thinking
skills.
Contact Mdm Sharifah Beevi, HOD ICT
sharifah_beevi_abd_salam@moe.edu.sg
Tel. 6769 1386 Ext 826
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16. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Coursework Subjects (D&T/F&N/ART)
Theory and coursework components
o coursework requires students to work on long-term project work during curriculum time
 start in beginning of Sec 4
 3-6 months to complete
 Allows students to clear significant portion before written examinations
Coursework DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (D&T) FOOD & NUTRITION (F&N) ART & DESIGN
Subject
Description The D&T curriculum emphasizes in F&N Coursework consists of Paper 1 Coursework (60%)
developing 3 key traits in our students  Coursework (60%)) Each student is to select a topic and submit
The students will be required to create a preliminary/ supporting studies together with
 Creative Imagination culinary meal and detail out their journey their examination work in the month of
 Logical Analysis and thoughts using their report. It will August of the examination year. They are
 Aesthetically inclined culminate in the cooking of their meal required to research, gather information and
which is nutritionally supported by the select their own materials for the completion
D&T Coursework consists of report. of their exam work. Students will be graded
 Coursework (70%)  Theory paper (40%) base on the aesthetic qualities of their
The students will be required to design The students will be required to sit for a submission as well as their maturity level in
a product and detail out their journey 2hr theory paper where they will be displaying the concept behind their
and thoughts using their design journal. tested on food science & nutrition artworks.
It will culminate in the creation of their principles.
design into a product and 3 concept Paper 2 Drawing & Painting (40%)
boards about their design. Students will sit for a 3 hours examination
 Theory paper (30%) paper. The topics will be issued 3 weeks in
The students will be required to sit for a advance. They are to submit at least 5
theory paper where they will be tested preparatory boards of studies and to
on design & engineering theories. produce during the 3 hours, a final piece of
artwork in a representational or non-
representational matter.
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17. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Benefits D&T enables students to The F&N syllabus emphasizes on developing ART enables students to
 Create original paradigms by the students’  develops creativity – imaginative,
breaking free from established F&N enables students to divergent thinking
norms and practices  To turn scientific research into innovative  have visual communication & Self-
 Construct cogent hypothesis by solutions for the food industry and expression
gathering, dissecting and supporting the health and well-being of  have the emphasis on process and not
analyzing data and patterns consumers. just the final product
 Appreciate beauty, acknowledge  To develop students’ understanding of
form and make artistic the concepts of nutrition and meal
judgments. especially relevant planning.
for students with interest in  To develop students’ understanding of
design and engineering the link between diet and health.
 To develop students’ understanding of
the principles of food science.
Criteria Minimum of 60% for Overall D&T for the Minimum of 60% in Overall Home Minimum of 60% in Overall Art for the
Secondary 2 final examinations Economics in the Secondary 2 final Secondary 2 final exams.
 Have a desire to change the world examinations  Know basic drawing techniques and
around you  Have a passion for food science & have completed the Elements of Art
 Have a passion for creating nutrition modules in Sec1 and Sec2
 Be able to persevere and sustain  Have an ability to think logically,  Able to think critically as they are
interest analytically and critically based on required to conduct researches, gather
research information and select their own
 Have a palate that is sensitive to taste materials for their coursework.
 Willingness to work hard and
independently with a discipline to finish
their coursework.
Contact Mr Alvin Tay, HOD Art & Design Mr Alvin Tay, HOD Art & Design Mr Alvin Tay, HOD Art & Design
tay_hwee_kwang_alvin@moe.edu.sg tay_hwee_kwang_alvin@moe.edu.sg tay_hwee_kwang_alvin@moe.edu.sg
Tel. 67691386 Ext 837 Tel. 67691386 Ext 837 Tel. 67691386 Ext 837
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18. Teck Whye Secondary School
TWSS 2011 – 2012:
Connecting to Learn, Collaborating to Achieve
Elective Subject ELEMENTS OF BUSINESS SKILLS (EBS) NT
Description The EBS syllabus aims to equip students with the basic knowledge, skills and values relevant for the
new developments in the services sector. The focus is on the development of a range of knowledge
and core skills in business and enterprise with particular emphasis on retail, travel and tourism, and
hospitality industries. The syllabuses also focus on the basic concepts and practices in areas of
marketing and customer relations.
The syllabus provides students with the foundation for further studies at institutes of higher learning.
Assessment at N Level consists of a written paper (60%) and school based coursework (40%).
Benefits The syllabus provides opportunities to infuse economic and financial literacy in the general
understanding of the business environment and for personal effectiveness. The syllabus will also
provide opportunities for the students to develop social emotional competencies in social awareness,
relationship management and decision-making.
Criteria  Pass in English.
(Minimum of 60% for overall English)
 Good learning attitude
Contact Mdm Sharifah Beevi, HOD ICT
sharifah_beevi_abd_salam@moe.edu.sg
Tel. 6769 1386 Ext 826
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