All About A Levels

[Reenie]

Hi!

Not sure if this is the right place to post, is there any good recommendation for GP tutor? My kid is failing this subject in J1. Even after attending school consult sessions, it didn’t seems useful. Thanks!

[hnghng]

Besides taken H2 (Physics & Chem), which other A-level subjects did your son also take ?
H2 (Maths and History ) ? Was it heavy ?

H2 Math and Econ.

[chenlaoshi]

Error in A-level chemistry exam paper: SEAB to take incident into account to ensure fair assessment

An error in the A-level chemistry exam on Wednesday morning was dealt with differently across schools, resulting in students finishing the exam at different times.

In response, the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) will work with Cambridge University - which assesses the A levels - to ensure that students are fairly assessed following the incident, it said.

It will also review how errata, or corrections, are managed to avoid such incidents in future, it said in response to queries by The Straits Times.

A question in the third paper of the H2 Chemistry exam showed a bond between two elements drawn incorrectly in one of the diagrams.

The error involved two sub-parts of an optional question. They were worth one mark each.

SEAB issued a note which clarified the structural representation of organic molecules in prose together with the question paper to every student at the start of the examination, it said.

SEAB added that a few schools sought further clarifications on the error note in the midst of the exam.

SEAB issued these by sharing a diagram. Schools were asked to announce the clarifications on the error note to their students where they deemed necessary, SEAB said.

They were were also advised to give make-up time to account for the duration of the announcement, it said.

Three students who spoke to ST but asked not to be identified said candidates at some schools were given extra time to make up for the time spent by invigilators explaining the error, while at other schools, they were not.

ST understands that at Nanyang Junior College, an errata slip was circulated to students before the paper began. The slip pointed out that atomic bonds had been drawn wrongly in three chemical structures.

The exam, which was scheduled for two hours between 8am and 10am, ended at 10.06am as the students were given an extra five minutes to check their papers.

However, at Hwa Chong Institution, students were not given extra time. An errata paper was given to them with their papers before the exam started for them to read, and the exam took place as planned, from 8am to 10am.

The error and the differences in how schools dealt with it was discussed on the website Reddit.

Some posters said it was unfair to students who did not get extra time. Some said the disruption caused by the error affected their focus.

The error was in Question 5, an optional question, so students could have chosen to do another one instead.

[starlight1968sg]

Didnt the teachers check thru the papers beforehand?

[Mama_ambitious]

Hi,

I would like to ask if it is necessary to have a H3 subject for getting a government scholarships for A levels?
And if someone is a straight 4A's for A level, what is the role of a good portfolio in getting a scholarship?

Thanks for this information - apologies if this was stated earlier and I missed it.

[slmkhoo]

Hi,

I would like to ask if it is necessary to have a H3 subject for getting a government scholarships for A levels?
And if someone is a straight 4A's for A level, what is the role of a good portfolio in getting a scholarship?

Thanks for this information - apologies if this was stated earlier and I missed it.

Not too sure, but I don't think an H3 is mandatory, just a nice to have. However, do note that there are many types and flavours of government scholarships, and some are more competitive than others. For the more competitive ones, having an H3 may be an advantage as evidence of ability, interest in the subject etc.

Similarly for portfolio, it gives an interview panel more info about the candidate. With the no. of students getting 4 A's now, and the move away from looking at only grades, a student should try to give the scholarship body good reasons to think they are worthy candidates.

[iRabbit]

Hi,

Not sure if this was asked before. How does one get his predicted preliminary GCE A level result? Thanks

[slmkhoo]

Hi,

Not sure if this was asked before. How does one get his predicted preliminary GCE A level result? Thanks

If you're asking for the formal prediction that is sent with university applications, I'm not sure the student is informed. I don't think my daughter ever knew, and I can't imagine that policy has changed over time. The recommendation from the JC/teacher is sent separately from the student's application, I believe. I suppose some teachers may tell their students informally.

[iRabbit]

If you're asking for the formal prediction that is sent with university applications, I'm not sure the student is informed. I don't think my daughter ever knew, and I can't imagine that policy has changed over time. The recommendation from the JC/teacher is sent separately from the student's application, I believe. I suppose some teachers may tell their students informally.

Hi slmkhoo,

You’re rite that it’s for uni apln. I supposed it’s okay not be to entirely accurate since it’s based on predictions. DS tot he has time to decide what courses to apply for after A level results are out in late Feb, but recently found out that he was given opportunities for ‘DSA’. Didn’t know such things exist for uni apln.

Will see how it goes then. Thanks for the sharing, slmkhoo.

[coast]

If you're asking for the formal prediction that is sent with university applications, I'm not sure the student is informed. I don't think my daughter ever knew, and I can't imagine that policy has changed over time. The recommendation from the JC/teacher is sent separately from the student's application, I believe. I suppose some teachers may tell their students informally.

The school will send the predicted grades directly to the University. The students are not informed. Not sure if any student tried to ask and get their predicted grades informally.