Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit http://www.hci.edu.sg/admissions/college/academic-programmes-college#information-for-jc1-students for more information.
Summary of Contents:
Admissions
With the Integrated Programme (IP), what are my chances of entering HCI during the 2015 JAE exercise?
In 2014, top students from non-IP Schools have an excellent chance of entering Hwa Chong if they list Hwa Chong as their First Choice. This is because some of our traditional feeder schools have gone IP, and so more places are available. In fact, in 2014, we welcomed students from close to 50 secondary schools across Singapore into our JC1 cohort.
How do I apply for admission to Hwa Chong?
Indicate Hwa Chong as your first choice college when you apply through the Joint Admission Exercise (JAE) in Jan 2014 after the release of the O-Level Exams results. Admission is based on merit.
What is the cut-off point for admission to Hwa Chong?
The cut-off point can vary from year to year based on the results of students who apply. For the 2014 JAE, the cut-off point was 3 for Science and 4 for Arts (after bonus deductions). With a single intake in 2014, the 2 loyalty bonus points (from first three months) are no longer awarded. THUS YOU STAND AN EQUAL AND EXCELLENT CHANCE IF YOU PUT HWA CHONG AS FIRST CHOICE.
2015 JC 1 Curriculum
May I have more information on the 2015 JC Curriculum?
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Students must offer at least 4 content-based subjects, 3 of which have to be at H2 level. The norm is for students to offer 3 H2 and 1 H1 content-based subjects.
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At least one of the content-based subjects must be of a contrasting discipline, either at H1 or H2 level. Students who offer KI would be considered to have taken a contrasting subject.
You must also offer GP, PW and MTL at H1 level. Students taking MTL at H2 level would be deemed to have fulfilled the MTL requirement. Students taking Knowledge and Inquiry (KI) at H2 level would be deemed to have fulfilled the GP requirement.
College Culture
What are the cultural opportunities offered at Hwa Chong?
Hwa Chong counts as one of its strengths its strong ties to the Chinese community. But ours is also a cosmopolitan environment.
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We have students from a range of racial and socio-economic backgrounds. In fact, we are a popular choice amongst top scholars from China and the ASEAN countries.
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Many of our 190-strong College staff either come from different parts of the world or have spent years studying or working abroad. Because our staff and students bring varied experience into the classroom and beyond, ours is a vibrant culture that responds to different needs and interests.
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Our list of co-curricular activities - from Wushu to String Ensemble to Softball, just to name 3 - is further proof that we embrace different cultures, and that we offer students a rich learning experience.
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Our renowned Chinese Language Elective Programme, Bicultural Programme and the Humanities Programme are good examples of “East meeting West”, contributing to the cosmopolitan culture at Hwa Chong.
Will IP students be assigned to the same class?
No. There will be no differentiation between IP and non-IP students. A bridging course may however be conducted early in the year for non-IP students to cover areas that they have not been taught in their secondary school.
Course of Study
If I have not studied a subject at O-Level, can I study it at A-Level?
This varies from subject to subject. You will need to check with the College once you are successfully admitted and have to choose a subject combination.
I am not sure what subjects to opt for. Do you have any advice?
Our Orientation programme includes academic talks by all departments as well as the special programmes available in HCI. Students will be briefed on their course of study based on interest and career options, before they choose a subject combination.
What are the subjects available at Hwa Chong?
Please refer to http://www.hci.edu.sg/admissions/college/academic-programmes-college#information-for-jc1-students for a full list of subject combinations and special programmes in 2015.
English Language & Linguistics (ELL)
What is the subject about?
ELL is a H2 subject that MOE introduced in 2009. It is informed by linguistics, and involves an investigation of the nature of the English Language and contemporary language issues. It gives students the opportunity to analyse the English language, understand the contexts in which it operates, and think about the issues surrounding its usage.
Who are the target students?
- Students who are interested in language(s), especially the English Language, and the study of language, how it works and how it is used
- Students who are proficient in English and have excellent overall results.
Knowledge & Inquiry (KI)
What is the subject about?
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KI is a multi-disciplinary H2 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.
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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.
What are the selection criteria for KI?
We are looking for bright students who are linguistically competent and have an inquiring mind. Students are expected to read widely and they must be highly proficient in written English as well as independent learners.
Finances
As an Independent school, what are the school fees for next year?
The 2015 JC1 cohort will have to pay $300 per month for local students and $550 for PRs. ASEAN students pay $1200 and international students, $1600. The fees are not significantly different from those charged by other independent schools. Please refer to: http://www.hci.edu.sg/admissions/college/financial-information-college#fee-structure for more details (including school fees for International students).
Is there financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available to needy students. Apart from the Edusave Scholarships, there are other scholarships, bursary awards and financial assistance schemes in place to help students (who are Singapore citizens) with financial difficulties. No deserving student who is a Singapore citizen will be deprived of a place in Hwa Chong due to financial reasons.
I am a recipient of Edusave Entrance Scholarships for Independent Schools (EESIS). Will EESIS cover my 2 years in JC? How much do I have to pay in terms of school fees?
The EESIS award quantum is $2,400, or the annual school fees charged by the independent school less the annual amount of school and standard miscellaneous fees paid by pupils in government/ government-aided schools, whichever is lower.
In other words, the Edusave Scholarships will cover $200 school fees and an EESIS award holder will only need to pay the balance $100 per month to HCI.
An EESIS award holder who is also a recipient of MOE Independent School Bursary (ISB) will not need to pay school fees if he is eligible for 100% fee subsidy. EESIS award holders who are receiving other quantum of ISB subsidy will need to pay $19.50 school fees per month.
I am not a recipient of EESIS, are there similar scholarships available to me?
Yes. All IP JC1 Singaporean students, who are not awarded EESIS, may apply for the Edusave Scholarships for Integrated Programme Schools (ESIP), if the student has not sat for the Integrated Programme Scholarship Test (IPST) at Secondary 3. The terms and value of the scholarship are similar to EESIS.
What are the eligibility criteria for the ESIP scholarships?
Students must first gain admission to Hwa Chong before they are eligible to apply. The scholarships are for Singapore Citizens who are not EESIS award holders. Application forms are to be submitted to Kong Chian Administration Office by 15 Jan 2015 and applicants must sit for a test to be conducted on 14 Feb 2014. Non IP students need not apply for the ESIP scholarship, as they will be automatically eligible if they have attained a minimum score in the GCE O Level Examinations.
