Subject Combinations: The New Trio - Introducing Further Maths (FM), Computing (CP) and Translation
Introducing Further Mathematics (FM):
Further Mathematics is one of the two new subjects which have been recently introduced by the school. It is a subject which focuses on higher-level mathematics concepts.
Special thanks to Lin Zechen and Amelia Tjia for providing us with their valuable insights.
1. What are the skills involved in understanding the subject?
You would need to be good at calculation. Moreover, you must be able to visualise questions, formulas, equations and concepts well enough to apply them with ease.
Good foundation in mathematics.
2. What are the challenges in learning the subject?
The calculations may be very complicated as the formula can be extremely abstract. You need to have an extremely strong foundation in H2 Mathematics so that you can first understand the basic principles behind the formula before applying them.
The pace of the lessons is quite fast. Considering that FM has an extremely small cohort (there are only 4 students this year), there are only tutorials. This means that you must be able to juggle your H2 Maths and H2 FM tutorials simultaneously.
3. How steep is the learning curve?
The learning curve is really steep as the level of understanding required increases greatly.
4. What are the benefits of taking up the subject?
The only subject combination provided by the school involving FM is MA/FM/PH/X. If you take this combination, your subjects (excluding humanities) would be interlinked as they involve mathematics and calculations, so this enables you to save a lot time in trying to understand wildly different concepts.
If you really appreciate the beauty of mathematics, this subject is for you.
If you plan on taking engineering and subjects involving mathematics in university, this would be great for you as you would be learning a lot of useful concepts in advance.
The small cohort would also enable you to have a more fulfilling learning experience considering that the teacher to student ratio is extremely small.
5. Do you have any advice on how you can improve in this subject?
Practice makes perfect. Do your tutorial questions and additional practices. If you have any questions, approach your tutor.
However, the time you have to learn H2 Maths greatly decreases considering that you have to learn multiple concepts at once. Only choose FM when you’re sure that you can cope with both subjects.
To sum up briefly:
More information regarding the H2 FM syllabus can be found here.
Introducing Computing (CP):
A subject exclusive to Year 5 and 6 students, Computing is a subject revolving around coding knowledge.
Special thanks to Chan Kah Leong (5M) for sharing his valuable insights with RVSEC.
1. What are the skills involved in understanding the subject?
Contrary to popular belief, there aren’t many skills that you will need beforehand – at least not the ones that aren’t already second nature to us. Most of the time, you will simply need to pay attention to the details and think through the many outcomes that can occur from a problem. There will be sufficient practice given by the teachers, Mr Chan and Mr Zhou, that will help hone your analytical thinking.
2. What are the challenges in learning the subject?
Sometimes, your codes may not function. Looking at a long string of words and numbers, you may take very long to pinpoint the reason for the failure to realise which little part of the code is incorrect, and it can be very frustrating.
On the other hand, your friend might take one look at your code and spot the error instantly, leading to a moment of epiphany and you start questioning yourself whyyou didn’t get something that simple to begin with.
3. Is there a steep learning curve?
Some might have their doubts about tackling a completely new subject. However, the learning curve of Computing is not as steep as one might imagine it to be. Like all other subjects, of course, Computing will require its fair share of practice to master.
4. What are the benefits of taking up this subject?
After taking computing, you might come to realise that software and websites are really just the hard work of the people who code them, cultivating a real appreciation for this kind of technology and its value in this world. It also makes you think in a more systematic way, since you will be more careful to consider all cases in any given problem, which may be helpful in certain topics in sciences and math - yes, computing can lend itself to other subjects as well!
Plus, you can brag about knowing how to code, a really valuable skill to possess today.
5. How do you improve in this subject?
Understand the logic behind the algorithms, then practise to be able to reproduce it faster and remember it better. While practice is one thing, a more important aspect to mastering Computing is that you must be able to think logically.
Introducing Translation (TS):
Translation (TS) is an H2 subject offered by the school. Students taking TS are required to translate from English to Chinese and vice versa, as well as write commentaries. If you are currently in the Bicultural Studies Programme (BSP), you have probably taken translation classes before and may be contemplating taking the subject. However, students who are not in the BSP programme can also sign up. Take note that there are prerequisites for this subject:
End of year HCL grade: B4
End of year English grade: B3
O-level HCL grade: B3
Pass the Translation entry test (look out for this! It’s conducted at the end of the year)
What does the TS entry test entail?
You are supposed to translate a passage from Chinese to English and vice versa. For each passage, you will have to write a commentary on the methods used in translating the passages (you should use linguistic terms and translation theory taught in classes). Though the BSP students may have an advantage since they have learned some basic Translation theory in class, the commentary does not take up a huge percentage of this test.
How do the entry test results affect your ability to get into Translation?
In the event where there are too many applicants (the class can accommodate about 20 students), you will be admitted based on your score.
Special thanks to Zhang Yue for providing us her valuable insights.
1. What are the skills involved in understanding the subject?
Have a knack for language and being intuitive with it
Sensitivity to semantics and stylistic differences between the two languages (grammar and sentence structure)
Conciseness in explanation and logical analysis
2. What are the challenges in learning the subject?
It can be very difficult to come up with a good translation, given the different parameters or requirements and the limited time frame. You will really need to have a good grasp of the two languages.
Linking theories and applying them to the passages given
Time limit (it can seriously drive you crazy - I'm not kidding)
3. Is there a steep learning curve?
I personally find that it can be quite steep, as it can be challenging to integrate different theories and knowledge into your essays.
4. What are the benefits of taking up this subject?
Practical in the future because you can get a job as a translator
Translation scholarship is available
Basic and useful skill in daily life
Being effectively bilingual
5. How do you improve in this subject?
Focus on your problem and what you lack in; practise more if you lack speed, read more if your foundation in the language is weak. Observe and learn from translations that you find in your everyday life, such as movie subtitles, or look for teachers for tips and help.
To sum up briefly:
Side note: Good news! You can use a dictionary for the TS papers!
However, the downside is that it takes a long time to flip through the dictionary. It’s time to improve your flipping skills and vocabulary. Do also note that not all translations can be found in the dictionary, especially for certain slang words.
The dictionary is quite a pricy investment at around $70. However, you can use it outside of lessons as a 2-in-1 dictionary and it’ll be useful if you become a translator in the future. You can even use it for weightlifting.
I’m guessing it’s around 2kg
Places to get it: Online stores (ship from China), Kinokuniya
Stay tuned for the other subjects!