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2017 Principal’s Dialogue with

Sec 2 Parents

17 Feb 2017

Whole School Approach to Pastoral Care

School LeadersSpending time with individual classes

Year Heads & other key personnel

Oversee pastoral care of the level

Form TeachersGet to know individual pupils through 1 to 1 conferencing

Discipline Teachers,

Counsellors

Provide support to students with greater needs

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Sec 2 Year HeadMr Joel LiOther Key PersonnelMr Francis Ng, HOD PE & CCAMs Tan Sor Tin, SH LiteratureMs Brenda Nio, SH DisciplineMr Wilson Ho, LH MathsN(A): Mr James Quek, LH MathsN(T): Mr Lee Yew Ming, Lead AED (T&L)

Support Team

Ms Amenda CheongAED Learning & Behaviour Support

Mr Mark LeongAED Counselling

Mrs Selene HengIntern Counsellor

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Christian Ministry Staff

Mr Ingo Hoffman & Mr Mark Chan

Discipline Team

Mr Vincent ChiaHOD Discipline

Ms Brenda NioSH Discipline

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Goal

• To grow in wisdom and maturity, not merely comply with rules

• Every student possesses the self-discipline to live out the values & bless the community

• Every student to lead & influence his/her peers

Approach to Discipline

• Rules are aligned with values and part of character education

• Rules teach students the discipline of living within a community and submitting to authority

• Balance between justice and restoration

• “Detention first” as “character first”

• Demerit points to signal consequences

• Students with conduct grade of “Fair” and below will not qualify for MOE or major school awards

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Communication with Parents1. School website

2. Student diary

3. Smartphone app SNAC or sms

4. Email

5. Hard copy letter

6. Phone calls

Feedback to Form Teacher or Subject Teacher Year Head/HOD P or VP

Contact teachers Mon-Fri 7:30am-6:00pm

School Website – Parents Page

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Our VisionA Vibrant Community of Active Life-Long

Learners & Influential Leaders

4 Fairsian Outcomes

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Personhood

• I have a positive attitude toward my holistic development.

• I do not give up when I face challenges.

• I pursue excellence in my own learning and development.

• I conduct myself with good character in all situations.

Demonstrates strong self-mastery and good moral and performance character

2017 Focus

Growing in Personhood

Becoming God’s best version of me

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of

God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ESV)

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Ephesians 2:10 For we are

God’s handiwork, created in

Christ Jesus to do good

works, which God prepared

in advance for us to do.

Developmental Framework

Level Characteristic Character/Leadership Journey

Academic Journey

Sec 1 Transition from P6 to Sec 1

Self-Leadership Increase in number of subjects, new subjects

Sec 2 Physical and emotional growth

Peer Leadership Streaming examinations [placement]

Sec 3 Transition from junior to senior student

OrganisationalLeadership

Building foundations of two-year course leading to GCE exams

Sec 4/5 Preparing for the next challenge

People Developer GCE examinations [placement]

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Four-Year FLEX ProgrammeFairfield Learning Experience

Year Focus

Sec 1 NE, Culture & Aesthetics

Sec 2 Outdoor Adventure Camp

Sec 3 Be a Blessing Project

Sec 4 / 5 Career Counselling

Towards a Student-Led School

• Student Council

• Community Student Leaders

• Class Committee

– Chairman & Deputy Chairman

– Class Captains

– ICT Leaders

• CCA Leaders

• Hospitality Ambassadors

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To develop a strong

PersonalVoice

in all students

Ability to form sound opinions through

thorough analysis & deep reflection

Voice of a Fairsian Programme

Sec 1 Explore through storytelling

(Imagining Personhood)

Group 6 min Oral Presentationof Unsung Hero with qualities that are worth

emulating after research

Sec 2 Express through debate & drama

(Investigating Personhood)

Paired 2 min ‘The Great Face-Off’ Oral Presentation:

Mini-Debate on topics e.g. Apple Vs Samsung

Sec 3Enthuse through persuasive speech

(Expanding Personhood)

Individual 3 min Speech Presentationto recommend a place that their peers should

visit.

Sec 4/5Empower through testimony giving

(Exemplifying Personhood)

Individual 2 min Speech PresentationWhich aspect of Singapore are you most

grateful for? What are the changes you want to see in the

future and how can you contribute to it?

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Voice of a Fairsian Programme

PESA (Plain English Speaking Awards) /

National Speech Competition

Training

Training for Emcees and

student guides at Open House

- external audience

Training for Student Leaders - internal audience

Training for

Competitions

The Straits Times, 31 Jan 2017Tan Chin Hwee, Asia-Pacific CEO of a global company

Perception of employers about Singapore-based applicants: • Academically smart but

not savvy, not street-smart

• Not hungry, lacking fire in the belly, “can do” spirit

• Not as well-prepared for interviews

Recommends• Develop resilience

through chores• Spark curiosity beyond

textbook learning

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How to Raise an Adult

• Give them unstructured time

• Teach Life Skills

• Teach them how to think

• Prepare them for hard work

• Let them chart their path

• Normalise struggle

• Have a wider mindset about colleges

• Listen to them

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How to build self-efficacy

Self-efficacy:

The belief in one’s capabilities to organise and execute the courses of action to manage prospective situations (Albert Bandura, psychologist)

“I think I can” mindset

The belief that one’s own efforts lead to outcomes

• 1st we do it for you

• Then we do it with you

• Then we watch you do it

• Then you do it completely independently

Tips for Building Resilience

• Be present in your kid’s life

– Show your love and take an interest in their interests

• Give them room

– Let them make choices and decide how to do things

– Let them take risks and make mistakes

• Help them grow from experience

• Build their character

– Notice them being good

– Help them develop perspective

• Give specific, authentic feedback

• Model it

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Grit (very high persistence

and high passion for an

objective), rather than IQ or

test scores, is the most

accurate predictor of college

grades.

Developing Grit

Talent × effort = skill.

Skill × effort = achievement

Effort counts twice

• Deep Interest

• Deliberate Practice

• Defining Purpose

• Divine Hope

The words in blue are my own

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Struggle is normal

Struggle is necessary

Deliberate Practice

• A clearly defined stretch goal

• Full concentration and effort

• Immediate and informative feedback

• Repetition with reflection and refinement

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Nurture a Growth Mindset

• Think of challenges not as roadblocks, but opportunities for growth

• Use the language of growth – e.g. “I’m not sure I can do it now, but I think I can learn with time and effort.”

Carol Dweck “Mindset:

The New Psychology of Success”

Undermines Growth Mindset and Grit

Promotes Growth Mindset and Grit

“You’re a natural! I love that.” “You’re a learner! I love that.”

“Well, at least you tried!” “That didn’t work. Let’s talk about how you approached it and what might work better.”

“Great job! You’re so talented!” “Great job! What’s one thing that could have been even better?”

“This is hard. Don’t feel bad if you can’t do it.”

“This is hard. Don’t feel bad if you can’t do it yet.”

“Maybe this just isn’t your strength. Don’t worry – you have other things to contribute.”

“I have high standards. I’m holding you to them because I know we can reach them together.”

Language that cultivates hope

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Creating a Culture of Thinking

Stephen Covey’s 8th Habit: Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs

TalentYour natural gifts and strengths

NeedWhat the world needs

enough to ‘pay’ you

for.

Passion Things that naturally

energize, excite,

motivate and inspire

you

PV

ConscienceThat still, small voice that assures you of what is

right and that prompts you to actually do it.

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Stop Asking… Start Asking…1. What do you want to major in?

1. What problem do you want to solve?

2. What do you want out of life?

2. What is life asking of you?

3. How much money can you make?

3. What do you have to give?

4. How can you achieve something great?

4. How can you add value in a given context?

5. What do you possess inside? 5. What are the needs or opportunities around you?

6. What will make you happy? 6. What are you being summoned to do?

Dr Tim Elmore “The Day I Stopped Asking Students the Wrong Questions”

2016 O-Level ExamsStudents with L1R5 ≤10 pts

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2016 Outstanding All-Round StudentsName Class CCA

Laney Fun Zhi Ting 4A1 Community Student Leader, Band

Aloysius Chua Chen Kang 4A2 Football

Ng Sze Jie, Jeremy 4A2 NCC (Land)

Sheryl Tan 4E Student Council, Choir

Tan Yi En Ariel 4E Student Council, Red Cross Youth

Cheng Jia Li, Audrey 4E Media

Fidelia Beatrice Alvina 4F Student Council, Drama

Tham Yu-Xuan Sarah 4F Netball

Viridis Ma Qianyi 4F Girls’ Brigade

Chow Tien Wei 4F Badminton

Chiang Ho Gee, Joshua 4F Boys’ Brigade

Head Community Student Leader

Secretary, Symphonic Band

Led class project to recreate “Dialogue in the Dark” experience in school

Consistent hard work – PSLE 223 to 6 A1s in O-Levels

ACJC Science

Laney Fun (4A1, 2016)

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Sec 1 N(T) -> 2 N(A) -> 3Exp

Vice-President, Media@Fairfield

Community Student Leader

Passionate about IT – designed websites, created apps, programmed flamethrower robot

Won Best Mechanical Design in World Robots Tournament 2014

Singapore Polytechnic, Information Technology

Ng Han Boon (4D, 2016)

Daniel Thng (4G1 2012)Sec 2N(T) Sec 2N(A) DPP to ITE College West Mechanical EngineeringNgee Ann Polytechnic –Product Design & Innovation

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Educational Background• Ngee Ann Polytechnic – Biotechnology• University of Edinburgh, UK – Hons in

Molecular Biology• A*STAR/NUS – PhD in Fetal Stem Cell

Biology

Professional Background• Centre for Regenerative

Medicine@University of Edinburgh• A*STAR• National University of Singapore• Ministry of Education

Dr Piriya SasajalaEducation & Career Guidance (ECG) Counsellor

Counsellors’ Office, Every Thursday from

9am to 5pm

E: piriya_sasajala@moe.gov.sg

Education & Career Guidance for Secondary 1-3

• Individual Consultations with Students and/or Parents

- Identifying career interests, abilities, passions

- Selecting Secondary 2 Subject Combinations

- Exploring Educational Institutions – Choosing JCs/Polys/ITEs

- Exploring JC Subject Combinations/Poly Courses/Degree Choices

- Educational Pathways – DSA-JC, EAE, PFP, DPP, O-Levels, N-Levels

- JIE Admissions Exercise – N-Levels Result Release for NA/NT students

- JAE Admissions Exercise – O Levels Result Release

- Parent Enquiries

- Selecting CCAs

- Scholarship Applications

- Personality Profile Interpretations

• Career Resources for Students – Prospectuses, Articles, Books etc.

• Learning Journeys/ECG Fairs & Events for Parents and Students

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Mr Lee Yew Ming, Lead AED (T&L)

Junior Colleges (JCs) & Millennia InstitutePrepares students for

the GCE A-Level examination

Length of study:

JCs – 2 years

MI – 3 years

Cut-off Points:

To enter a JC:L1R5 must be <= 20To enter MI:L1R4 must be <= 20

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Entry Criteria For Junior College

Core Requirements: At least C6 in English At least D7 in Mother Tongue At least D7 in Mathematics

L1R5 Aggregate: not more than 20 pointsL1 – English Language or Higher Mother TongueR1 – HumanitiesR2 – Math/ScienceR3 – Math/Science/HumanitiesAny other 2 subjects (except CCA)

What does one study at the A-Levels?

H1 H2 H3

Half of H2 in terms of curriculum time

Equivalent to ‘A’ Level subjects prior to 2006.

Subjects with opportunity for in-depth study (e.g. advanced content, research paper, university module).

Select content subjects from three levels of study:

Usual subject combination:three H2s + one H1 content subjects

(one which must be contrasting)+ General Paper* + Project Work*

* Offered at H1 level

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Level of Math offered at O

Levels

Implications forJC/MI Mathematics

Implications for University CourseSelections

Elementary

Mathematics(E-Math)

Math at a H1 level

Students can only apply for Law and Arts and Social Sciences courses

Additional Mathematics

(A-Math)

Math at a H2 level

Enhances your chances for admission into Business, Economics, Engineering & Science courses. (Business Courses require only H1 Math).

Things to note:

Mathematics & Course Selections

Level of Science offered at O

Levels

Implications forJC/CI Science

Implications for University Course Selections

Pure Sciencee.g. Pure Biology

Science at a H2 level

Biology at H2 level

Requires a good H2 or GCE A-Level pass in Biology, Chemistry and either Mathematics or Physics. For candidates without H2, GCE A-Level passes in Biology or Chemistry, they are required to read and pass the relevant bridging modules as part of the admissionrequirements.

Combined Science

e.g. Combined Phy/Chem

Some JCs allow only

Science at a H1 level

Phy and/or Chem at H1 level

Things to note:Science & Course Selections

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Junior College Arts Science

Anglo-Chinese JC 7 7

Anglo-Chinese School (Ind) - 5

Catholic JC 10 10

Hwa Chong Institution 4 4

Innova JC 20 20

Jurong JC 15 15

National JC 6 5

Pioneer JC 13 12

Raffles Institution 4 3

St. Andrew’s JC 9 9

Yishun JC 17 16

L1R5 Cut-Off Points for 2016 JAE

Polytechnic Courses –

Entry Requirements

Diploma studies are categorised into either technology ornon-technology courses. In general, the pre-requisitesubjects for courses in these categories are as follows:

Technology Diploma CoursesMinimum grade of D7 for Englishand C6 for Mathematics and arelevant Science subject (Youneed a minimum of D7 for Mathto qualify for Group D PolyCourses).

Non-Technology Diploma CoursesMinimum grade of C6 for English,Mathematics and 3 other subjects

In addition, interviews, written tests,folios of design work or sponsorshipmay be required for some courses.

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ELR2B2 Aggregate Type refers to the subject combinationrequired for admission to a polytechnic course. Different courseshave different subject requirements.

Implications:

1. Know the subject requirements for the courses you have interest in.

2. Check the cut-off points in the latest JAE

3. Max L1R2B2 of about 26 points for entry to polytechnic couses (vary from year to year)

What is ‘Aggregate Type’?

AGGREGATE COMPUTATION & SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS

Poly courses are grouped into

Grps A, B, C & D.

Different poly courses have

different course requirements

based on ELR2B2

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EL refers to English which is compulsory for all courses. R2 refers to 2 relevant subjects of which you must include a relevant subject from the 1st group and another relevant subject belonging to the 2nd group.

B2 refers to any 2 best subjects which you have to include to make up the aggregate for ELR2B2.

If you want to take a polytechnic course from Group A,

Diploma in Biomedical Science 7

Diploma in Banking & Finance 11

Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering 12

Diploma in Human Resource Management with Psychology

12

Diploma in Media & Communication 13

Diploma in Engineering with Business 13

Diploma in Business Information Technology 14

Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering 19

Diploma in Engineering Systems 22

L1R2B2 Cut-Off Points for 2016 JAESingapore Polytechnic

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Diploma in International Business 6

Diploma in Biomedical Science 8

Diploma in Psychology Studies 8

Diploma in Banking & Financial Services 10

Diploma in Mass Communication 10

Diploma in Accountancy 11

Diploma in Aerospace Technology 13

Diploma in Information Technology 15

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering 19

Diploma in Electronic & Computer Engineering 21

Diploma in Health Sciences (Nursing) 28

L1R2B2 Cut-Off Points for 2016 JAENgee Ann Polytechnic

For more information, please download the JAE 2017 booklethttps://www.moe.gov.sg/docs/default-source/document/education/admissions/jae/files/2017-jae-information-booklet.pdf

Or check the polytechnics’ websites

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What can you as a Parent do?

Get Involved!

1. Explore options and their implications

2. Motivate your child through Goal Setting

SEC 2 EXPRESS STREAMING

OPTIONS

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Major Considerations

Setting the students up for success:

• Choosing the right combination based on both interest and ability

• Being able to perform and attain a good aggregate (L1R5, L1R2B2) to progress to next level of education and course of choice

Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4

Eng Lang Eng Lang Eng Lang Eng Lang

M Tongue M Tongue M Tongue M Tongue

Math Maths Maths Maths

A Math A Maths A Maths A Maths/Lit/Geog

Combined Humanities

SS + H/G

Combined Humanities

SS + H/G

Combined Humanities

SS + H/G

Combined Humanities

SS + H/G

Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Science (Phy/Chem)

Biology Physics Biology D&T/F&N/

Art*

Physics Lit/ Geog Lit/ Geog

Lit* / Art* D&T* / Art* Art*

Proposed Express Course Options 2018

* Special criteria apply. Subjects taught outside normal curriculum time

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Express – Course 1 (Triple Science)

Characteristics of this Course:• Students must have a strong passion for Science• Students must be prepared for long hours in the

laboratory which are physically very draining

To succeed in this combination, students will need:a high level of competency in Science and Mathematics (above 70 %)

Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4

Eng Lang Eng Lang Eng Lang Eng Lang

M Tongue M Tongue M Tongue M Tongue

Math Maths Maths Maths

A Math A Maths A Maths A Maths/Lit/Geog

Combined Humanities

SS + H/G

Combined Humanities

SS + H/G

Combined Humanities

SS + H/G

Combined Humanities

SS + H/G

Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Science (Phy/Chem)

Biology Physics Biology D&T/F&N/

Art*

Physics Lit/ Geog Lit/ Geog

Lit* / Art* D&T* / Art* Art*

Proposed Express Course Options 2018

* Special criteria apply. Subjects taught outside normal curriculum time

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Characteristics of this Course:• Students have a passion for Science and the

Humanities• Students must be prepared for long hours in the

laboratory which are physically very demanding

To succeed in this combination, students will need:a strong foundation in Maths, Science and the Humanities

Express – Courses 2 & 3 (Double Science)

Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4

Eng Lang Eng Lang Eng Lang Eng Lang

M Tongue M Tongue M Tongue M Tongue

Math Maths Maths Maths

A Math A Maths A Maths A Maths/Lit/Geog

Combined Humanities

SS + H/G

Combined Humanities

SS + H/G

Combined Humanities

SS + H/G

Combined Humanities

SS + H/G

Chemistry Chemistry Chemistry Science (Phy/Chem)

Biology Physics Biology D&T/F&N/

Art*

Physics Lit/ Geog Lit/ Geog

Lit* / Art* D&T* / Art* Art*

Proposed Express Course Options 2018

* Special criteria apply. Subjects taught outside normal curriculum time

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Characteristics of this Course:• Students enjoy creative and hands-on work• Assessment by Coursework and a Theory Paper• Students have a choice between Additional

Mathematics or another Humanities subject

To succeed in this combination, students will need:• to be willing to improve their language and

writing skills• to enjoy the coursework assessment process

which is spread throughout the year• to be confident in Mathematics or Humanities

Express – Course 4 (Coursework)

Selection Criteria for

Coursework Subjects

Food & Nutrition

Able to write an extended research essay for Coursework

Art

Pass school's internal Sec 2 Art Selection Test

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Music

Lessons conducted at Music Centres

Not linked to Sec 1-2 General Music

Minimum Grade 6 Practical & Theory by Sec 4

Minimum Grade 4 at the end of Sec 2

Able to handle Performing, Composing and Listening Tests

Selection Criteria for

Coursework Subjects

Streaming Process

Application by Students and Parents

– represents preference and assessment of strengths and weaknesses by students and parents

Placement by School

– professional assessment of the strengths and weakness of students, based on their results and the teachers’ knowledge of the students,

– applies meritocratic principle when places are limited, by using the overall score & strengths in relevant subjects

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• English

• Mother Tongue

• Mathematics

• Science

• Humanities: History, Geography, Literature

• Aesthetics: Art, FCE, D&T

Subjects considered during

Sec 2 Streaming

ApplicationStudents can apply up to 3 options (Express)

Timeline• Students given option form – October (after End-of-Year Exam)

• Submission of forms • Release of Streaming Results – 1st week of Nov• Appeal – by 2nd week of Nov• Results of appeal – by 3rd week of Nov

Things to Note

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Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.