MARIS STELLA HIGH SCHOOL

SUBJECT COMBINATION ALLOCATION FOR 2013

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
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What are the considerations the school take when allocating subject
combinations to students?
To be fair to all, we allocate based on results of students. Students must meet the
criteria of the combination they opt for before they are allocated that combination.
Which Sec2 subjects marks are counted as students overall scores?
English Language
Chinese Language
Mathematics
Science
History
Geography
English Literature
What should be my main considerations when choosing my subject
combination?
Interest and Aptitude
ALL combinations give students good prospects for JC/Poly courses.
More is not necessarily better take a manageable number of subjects so you can
handle the rigor of Upper Secondary syllabus
Choose a combination that can secure you a low L1R5 for O level this will
increase your chances of going to your desired JC/Poly
What is L1R5? What has my subject combination to do with L1R5?
L1: English Language or Higher Chinese Language
R5 (Relevant 5 Subjects)
R1: Humanities
R2: Math/ Science
R3: Math/ Science/ Humanities
R4: Any other Subject (except CCA)
R5: Any other Subject (except CCA)
Your subject combination can affect your L1R5. If you take a combination that you are
not able to cope in, your academic performance will be compromised and thus affect
your L1R5. Your L1R5 will in turn determine the JC or Poly course you qualify to go to.
What is the best subject combination?
The best combination is one that best suits the student a combination that allows him
to be able to cope and at the end of the day get a low L1R5 for the O level. Hence S1 is
not necessarily the best combination for all students.
What combination is suitable for me?
S1 and S2.1 Suitable for students who perform well in Sciences and can cope with 9
subjects
S2.2 to S2.5 Suitable for students who perform well in Sciences AND Humanities
S3 Suitable for students who perform relatively better in Sciences than in Humanities
S4 Suitable for students who perform relatively better in Humanities than in Sciences
Is S4 considered the lightest combination?
Not necessarily. It is a combination suited for students who tend to be weaker in
Sciences but excel in Humanities and/or have an aptitude for Computer Studies or
Physical Education.
The Combined Science curriculum offered in Maris Stella is rigorous. Therefore
Combined Science students here are at an advantage compared to Combined
Science students from some other schools. With the strong foundation, Marists are
prepared to do H2 Physics or H2 Chemistry if they wish to in JC.
Moreover Marists have performed well in O Level Combined Science examinations
(MSHS 66% distinctions compared to 30.9% at national level). This will help in their
L1R5 score and place them in a better position to get to a good college.

S4 students who do 2 Humanities subjects have an advantage over those without a

2nd Humanities when they do H2 Humanities subjects in JC
What subjects must I take to do H2 Math in JC?
Students who have scored at least C6 for O Level Additional Mathematics. Note: All
students are given a chance to take A Math in Sec3.
What subjects must I take to do H2 Sciences in JC?
Students who have taken the subject either as a Pure Science / Combined Science
subject e.g. To do H2 Physics, the student must have taken Pure Physics or Combined
Science (Physics).
Students who meet Science grades criteria set by the JC. For Combined Science
students, they should preferably get a distinction for Combined Science if they want to
offer H2 Sciences though some JCs do not require distinctions before students are
allowed to do H2 Sciences.
Can I do Physics, Chemistry, or Biology at H2 level when I do not take Pure
Physics or Pure Chemistry or Pure Biology?
Yes. You are allowed to do Physics or Chemistry or Biology at H2 level if you get a
distinction (A1 / A2) for Combined Science in the O Level Examinations. You may also
need to meet the requirement(s) set by the JC.
Do I need Triple Pure Sciences to do Medicine?
No
Is Biology a pre-requisite for Medicine in NUS?
No
Do I need to do Triple Sciences to do Engineering courses in university?
Not necessarily the following courses require only H2 Math + H2 Physics OR
Chemistry: Bio-engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Certain engineering courses require H2 Math + H2 Physics + H2 Chemistry:
Chemical Engineering.
What are the prospects for taking Computer Studies?
Computer Studies can be counted as part of the L1R5 or L1R4 requirement to go into
JC or Poly. It prepares students who are interested in taking H2 Computing in JC and
Engineering and IT-related courses in Polytechnic
What are the prospects for taking PE as an O Level subject/
O Level PE can be counted as part of the L1R5 or L1R4 requirement to go into JC or
Poly. Students who want to do Sports Sciences in Poly will also find this course very
helpful
Can I do H2 Humanities if I do not offer a 2nd Humanities at O Level?
You may still qualify but it will be tougher to catch up because those with O Level 2nd
Humanities in the subject will definitely know more and be at an advantage
Can I appeal to change my subject combination after it is allocated?
There is no appeal. But the school is willing to discuss your concerns about your
allocation if you have any.
When do I choose my subject combination?
From 15 October 2012 to 17 October 2012
How do I register my subject combination?
Subject combination is registered via Admin-Breeze. A copy of your combination
options is to be printed and signed by parents/guardians and handed in to the Form
Teacher(s).
When and how will I know the result of my subject combination and class
allocation?
Students will be informed about their Subject combination allocation via Admin-Breeze
on 8 November 2012. Class allocation will be announced by 21 November 2012 via
Admin-Breeze

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