

RAFFLES INSTITUTION

THE RAFFLES PROGRAMME

2011 YEAR 3 COURSE OPTIONS

INFORMATION BOOKLET
INTRODUCTION

1 The Year 2 course of study covers a spread of subjects aimed at nurturing well-balanced
holistic students. Students offer English Language Arts (English Language and Literature), Mother
Tongue Language, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Philosophy, Research Education,
Music, Art, Computer Studies, Character & Leadership Education (CLE), and Physical Education
(PE). Some students offer an additional Third Language (French, German, Japanese, Chinese
Special Programme, Malay Special Programme), Music Elective Programme (MEP), or Art Elective
Programme (AEP).

2 When students move on to Year 3, the scope in each subject expands both in breadth and
depth, with the subject content and skills becoming more rigorous and demanding. There is also an
increased number of subjects offered at Year 3. For example, the Mathematics curriculum comprises
2 subjects: Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2; Science may be offered as 3 subjects: Physics,
Chemistry and Biology; and Humanities as 3 subjects: Literature, Geography and History.

3 Students will be required to choose their Year 3 course of study in November this year. The
school strongly encourages students to choose a course that offers them a broad-based education.
The course should include a good balance of Humanities and Science subjects.

4 It is very important that students opt for a course that allows them time to participate actively
in co-curricular activities and engage at a high level in their areas of passion and aptitude.

5 As such students need to decide on the number of subjects and the subject combination
wisely. This will help to ensure that their study in the Year 3-4 school years is meaningful,
stimulating and fulfilling.

YEAR 3 COURSE OF STUDY

6 The general course of study for Year 3 students is as follows:

Core Compulsory Subjects

• English Language
• Mother Tongue Language
• Mathematics 1
• Mathematics 2
• Social Studies

Core Elective Subjects

• Humanities - Literature/History/Geography
• Science - Physics/Chemistry/Biology

Other Subjects
• Music Elective Programme (MEP)
• Art Elective Programme (AEP)
• Computer Elective Programme (CEP)
• Third Language (L3) - French/German/Japanese/Chinese Special Programme
(CSP)/Malay Special Programme (MSP)

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7 Research Education (RE) and Philosophy are compulsory subjects although they do not count
towards the students’ GPA. The rigour of the subject and the demand on time and effort are
equivalent to, and in some instances, more than that of the other subjects. A pass in the two subjects
is necessary for promotion to the next higher level of study.

SUBJECT COMBINATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

8 A total of 47 subject combinations are offered to students. Annexes A1-3 provide details of
the course options.

9 Students will need to meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for the 9 or 10 subject
options:

• 9 subjects - minimum GPA of 3.20

• 10 subjects - minimum GPA of 3.60 and meet the subject requirement of the 10th
subject choice, i.e. MEP, AEP, CEP, or L3.

10 Approval for a course of study will be subject to a minimum number of 15 students and
availability of resources.

11 Students who offer HMTL in Year 2 are eligible to continue with HMTL in Year 3. They will
sit the GCE O-Level HMTL Examination in Year 4. Those who fail HMTL in Year 2 may consider
offering MTL in Year 3.

12 Students who offer MTL in Year 2 will continue with MTL in Year 3. All students offering
MTL will sit the GCE O-Level MTL Examination in Year 4.

13 Students already offering MEP, AEP or L3 in Year 2 and who wish to continue to offer the
subject in Year 3, will have to include the subject as one of their subject options. Those who wish to
discontinue the subject in Year 3 will have to submit a subject withdrawal request form to Dr Hoh
Chung Shih (HOD/Aesthetics), and Mdm Jamaliah (Admin Office) for L3 by 1 Nov 2010.

14 Students who choose to do MEP, AEP or CEP in Year 3 are required to sit a Selection Test in
the subject. Annexes B1-3 provide more information on AEP, MEP and CEP.

RAFFLES ACADEMY

15 The Raffles Programme offers a robust and highly enriched curriculum for all our students
who are deemed highly talented and gifted. However, in Raffles Institution there are some students
with exceptional talents in science, mathematics, the humanities or music, who can go beyond the
enrichment provided and benefit from even more advanced and fast-paced learning experiences. The
Raffles Academy takes these students’ exceptional subject domain talents to the highest levels.

16 Selection for the Academy programmes will be based on teacher recommendations as well as
the breadth and depth of a student’s knowledge and understanding in specific subject disciplines, as
evidenced by his Year 2 Grade Point Average (GPA), subject Grade Point (GP), results of selection
test, and portfolio submission. Shortlisted students will also undergo an interview to ascertain their
readiness and interest for advanced content and processes in the subject disciplines.

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CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

17 The weekly curriculum schedule currently comprises 26 hours, with two long days ending at
3.15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and a short day on Fridays, ending at 12.35 p.m.

18 Most subjects will be conducted during normal curriculum time except for MEP, AEP, CEP
and L3, which will be conducted on Tuesday and/or Thursday afternoons.

19 The total curriculum time for 8, 9 and 10-subject courses of study vary from 24-30 h.

RAFFLES PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT

20 The Grade Point Average (GPA) computation was revised in 2009. The GPA of Year 3
students in 2011 will be based on the revised GPA computation as described below.

REVISED GPA COMPUTATION: 5 CORE + BEST 3 OF REMAINING SUBJECTS

Five Core (Compulsory and Elective) subjects

1. English Language
2. Mother Tongue Language
3. Mathematics 1 or Mathematics 2
4. Social Studies/Literature/History/Geography
5. Physics/Chemistry/Biology

Three remaining examinable subjects: (Core + Other) subjects

6, 7 & 8
[Best 3 of remaining subjects]
Social Studies/Literature/History/Geography/Physics/Chemistry/Biology/MEP/AEP/CEP/L3
/Mathematics 1 or Mathematics 2

Each examinable subject will count once only in the GPA computation.

RAFFLES PROGRAMME PROMOTION CRITERIA

21 Students will need to achieve a pass (GP of 2.0 or better) in English Language, a minimum of
a C grade for both Research Education and Philosophy, and a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be eligible for
promotion to the next higher level of study.

22 Students’ request to drop a subject in the course of Year 3 will be considered on a case-by-
case basis. At the end of Year 3, those who do not meet the eligibility criteria as given in para 9 may
be advised to drop a subject.

23 Student performance in Year 4 will be used for admission and course placement decisions for
Year 5. The Year 3 performance will be taken into consideration in admission situations that are not
clear-cut.

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ONLINE COURSE OPTIONS

24 Students will apply for their course options online from 8-11 Nov (Mon-Thu). All students
must submit their options by 11 Nov - 12 noon, failing which they will be placed in any available
course of study.
25 The online system will restrict an 8, 9 or 10-subject course option based on the overall Year 2
GPA. Students will be required to select a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 5 course options, in order
of preference.
26 List of 'Other' subjects will only be shown if you choose a course option that contains 'Other'
subject.
27 Any request for course options that are not listed in Annexes A1-3, or request to do more
subjects than you are eligible for, based on requisite minimum criteria (ref para 9 above), will be
considered on a case-by-case basis. Letters of appeal to the school, addressed to Mrs Chia Geok
Boon, Deputy Principal (Curriculum and Faculty) should reach the school by 10 Nov 2010.
28 All students must register their eligible course options online by the stipulated deadline (11
Nov 12nn), including those who are submitting requests for special consideration. Results of appeal
cases will be released on Friday 19 Nov together with the release of the course options of the other
students.
29 Students will use their NRIC/FIN number to access the Online Course Options website at
http://year3courseoptions.ri.edu.sg. The school’s computer laboratories will be available from 8 to 11
Nov, 9 am – 12 nn for students without computer access at home.
30 For queries/assistance on technical issues while accessing the Course Options website or
submitting the Option Form, please contact Mr Bill Tang, Tel. 65141-302 (office hours only).

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31 The schedule for the Year3 Course Options exercise is given below.
Year 3 Course Options Exercise Date
i Briefing of Year 2 students and parents T2W9
Time: 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm Tue 18 May
Venue: RI School Hall (Year 1-4)
ii Student application for Raffles Academy (RA) 1st Window application
T3W8 Wed (18 Aug) - T3W9 Wed (25 Aug)

Selection test:
T4W1 Mon – Thu
(13 – 16 Sep)

Interview:
T4W3 (Mon – Fri)
(27 Sep – 1 Oct)

2nd Window application

T4W 8 Mon – Tue
(1 – 2 Nov)

Selection Test and Interview

T4W8 Wed – Thu
(3 - 4 Nov)

iii Confirmation of RA students T4W9

Mon 8 Nov

iv Online submission of Subject Course Options form T4 W9

Mon 8 Nov to 12.00 noon Thu 11 Nov

v Release of course options results via Course Options Fri 19 Nov

Website
vi Release of class allocation for 2011 Tue 30 Nov

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 ANNEX A1
Year 3 and 4 Course of Study

Core Compulsory Subjects

English Language

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • Linguistic Concepts and Language Focus: The Power of Language and the Language of
Power
• Reading and Writing
- Developing a Reading Portfolio
• An Intermediate study of Text Types
- Expository Texts, Anecdotes
• Text Forms
- Editorials/Commentaries, Autobiography, Formal Letters, Advocacy Proposals
• Listening and Speaking
- Oral Communication (Presentation Skills, Persuasive Speeches, Debating Skills)

4 • Linguistic Concepts and Language Focus: The Strength and Subtlety of Language
• Reading and Writing
- Reading and Evaluating News/Articles on Social Issues (Fact and Opinion)
- Book Club Discussions
• An Intermediate study of Text Types
- Expository Texts (The Discursive Essay, The Argumentative Essay)
• Text Forms
- Editorials/Commentaries, Showcase Portfolio, Critical Essays
• Listening and Speaking
- Oral Communication (Presentation Skills, Persuasive Speeches, Discussions, Interviews
(Formal) , Oral Defense/Viva)

Mother Tongue Language - Chinese Language/ Higher Chinese Language

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3&4 • Intermediate to advanced level of Chinese Language

- Listening and reading for understanding
- Conversational skills for formal and informal contexts
- Functional, descriptive and narrative writing
- Understanding on the importance of Chinese Language in the region
• Understanding of Chinese Culture
- Customs and tradition of Chinese community in Singapore

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Mother Tongue Language – Malay Language/ Higher Malay Language

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • Karangan • Kefahaman
- Surat Kiriman Rasmi • Tatabahasa
- Dialog • Peringkasan
- Laporan
• Budaya, Sastera, Kenegaraan
- Ucapan
- Naratif • Program Kepelbagaian Modul
- Deskriptif ( lanjutan /pengayaan )
- Ekspositori: Huraian
- Perbincangan dua sudut
- Karangan Jenis Peribahasa
- Ulasan

4 • Karangan • Kefahaman
- Surat Kiriman Rasmi • Tatabahasa
- Dialog • Peringkasan
- Ucapan
• Budaya, Sastera, Kenegaraan
- Naratif
- Deskriptif
- Ekspositori : Huraian
- Perbincangan dua sudut
- Perbahasan
- Ulasan

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Mother Tongue Language – Tamil

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • தாள ஒன்�க்க கட்�ைரப்பா • தாள 2க்கா

க்கா ெமாழி�ம க�த்தறித�
• க�தம • ெசாற்�ணர்ச
• உைரயாடல • அ�ஞ்ெசாற்க வாக்கிய அைமத்த
• கட்�ைரக • �ன்�ணர க�த்தறித
• நிகழ்�க்கட்
• க�த்தறித 1
• வ�ளக்க கட்�ை
• ெபா�ள எ��தல
• க�த்தறித 2
• ��க்க வைரதல (க�த்தறித 2 ஒட்�
ப�தி)

4 • தாள ஒன்�க்க கட்�ைரப்பா • தாள 2க்கா

க்கா ெமாழி�ம க�த்தறித�
• க�தம • ெசாற்�ணர்ச
• உைரயாடல • அ�ஞ்ெசாற்க வாக்கிய அைமத்த
• கட்�ைரக • �ன்�ணர க�த்தறித
• நிகழ்�க்கட்
• க�த்தறித 1
• வ�ணைனக கட்�ை
• ெபா�ள எ��தல
• வ�ளக்க கட்�ை
• வ�வாதக கட்�ை • க�த்தறித 2
• ��க்க வைரதல (க�த்தறித 2 ஒட்�
ப�தி)

Mathematics

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • Surds • Linear Law

• Coordinate Geometry
• Graphical Solutions of Equations
• Statistics II
• Quadratic Functions
• Exponential & Logarithmic Equations
and Functions
• Remainder & Factor Theorems
• Partial Fractions
• Geometrical Properties of Circles
• Trigonometry I

4 • Probability • Integration
• Circular Measure • Applications of Integration
• Trigonometry II • Vectors I
• Differentiation • Matrices
• Applications of Differentiation

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Social Studies

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • Living in multidimensional society

- Concepts of self, culture and identity
• Government and Governance
- Political ideologies
- Parliamentary democracy, Singapore’s sociopolitical context
- Principles of good governance
- Case studies
• Managing a multicultural society
- The concept of multiculturalism
- Contrasting case studies of multicultural societies
• Active Citizenry
- The role of Civil Society
- The importance of active citizenship and advocacy in meeting the needs of society

4 • Diplomacy
- The concept of diplomacy
- Role of international organizations in global affairs
- Singapore in regional and international organizations
• Citizenship in a globalised world
- The concept of globalization?
- Challenges of globalisation
- Case studies

Core Elective Subjects

Humanities – Literature

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • Tracing the Evolution of Tragedy: A Comparative study of texts from different Periods
- Close Textual Analysis
- Developing Individual Response
- Developing Critical Analysis/ Interpretation

4 • Exploring the Scale of Comedy (From Farce to Satire): A Comparative Exploration of texts
according to Form/Genre
- Close Textual Analysis
- Developing Individual Response
- Developing a Critical Analysis/ Interpretation

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Humanities – History

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • The Development and Impact of Science and Medicine: Scientific Ideas Which Have
Changed the World
- Science and Ethics
- Development of Medical Science
• The Rise of Industrial Societies
- Britain and Europe, USA and Soviet Union, Japan and the 'Tiger' Economies

4 • Political Ideas Which Have Changed the World:

- Liberalism and Democracy - French Revolution
- Communism - Russian Revolution, China
- Fascism - Nazis/Hitler
• War and Conflict in the Twentieth Century: Causes and Consequences
- First World War, Second World War

Humanities – Geography

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • Methods of Geographical Inquiry III

• Hazards and Management
• Geomorphology II: Weathering and Coastal Studies
• Settlement Studies (Settlement Geography)
• Global Issues II: Environment Degradation

4 • Methods of Geographical Inquiry IV

• Geomorphology III – Hydrological Studies
• Economic Geography II: Resources, Industry, Tourism and Development
• Global Issues III: Environmental Management

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Science – Physics

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • Physical Quantities, Units and • Kinematics

Measurement Techniques • Scalars & Vectors
• Lenses • Dynamics & Forces I; Gravitational Fields
• Waves • Dynamics & Forces II
• Electromagnetic Spectrum • Work, Energy & Power
• Sound & C.R.O.

4 • Pressure • Practical Electricity

• Kinetic Model of Matter
• Temperature
• Thermal Properties of Matter
• Electric Fields
• Current Electricity
• D.C Circuits
• Magnetic Fields
• Electromagnetism
• Electromagnetic Induction
• Alternating Currents & C.R.O.

Science – Chemistry

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • Atomic Structure • Particulate Nature of Matter

• Chemical Bonding • Stoichiometry and the Mole Concept
• Acids, Bases and Salts • Volumetric Analysis
• Redox Reactions

4 • Periodic Table • Nitrogen and Sulphur

• Qualitative Analysis • Introduction to Organic Chemistry
• Metal Reactivity Series • Alkanes and Alkenes
• Metal Extraction • Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids
• Electrolysis • Polymerization
• Chemical Energetics
• Reaction kinetics
• Equilibria

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Science – Biology

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • Relationships in Living Systems • Patterns and Production of Change

- Homeostasis - Evolution
- Transport processes • Life Sciences
• Energy Matter and Organisation - DNA Profiling
- Biomolecules • Molecular Genetics and Heredity
- Enzymes - Sickle-cell anaemia
• Energy Transfer in Organisms
- Autotrophic Nutrition
- Heterotrophic Nutrition
- Respiration

4 • Reproduction and Inheritance in Living Systems

- Reproduction in Flowering Plants
- DNA and Genomics
- Genetic basis for variation and development
- Understanding Mutations
- Applications of Molecular and Cell Biology
- Genetically Modified Organisms
- Model Organisms in Genetics

Other Subjects

Aesthetics – Art

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • Study of Visual Arts (Theory) • Studio Practice (Practical)

- Self/ Identity - Design and its elements
- Social/ Cultural - Sculptural Ceramics
- Space/ Structure

4 • Study of Visual Arts (Theory) • Studio Practice (Practical)

- Ideas/Imagination - Coursework
- Exhibition

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Music Elective Programme

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • Romantic Period • Late Classical piano sonata and

• 20th Century Jazz and Musicals Romantic Art songs set work analysis
• 19th century Song Writing • Romantic & 20th century Performance
Practices (Solo & Ensemble)

4 • Late Romantic and Modern Period • 21st century Composition

Music • Romantic & 20th century performance
• Asian Music studies (China, Indonesia, practices
India)
• World Music (African)
• Nationalism (19th and 20th Century)

Computer Elective Programme

YEAR CONTENT/TOPIC

3 • Object-Oriented Programming • Cinematography

- Class / Objects - Modelling / Material / Scene Setup
- Message Passing - Animation Rendering
- Inheritance and Polymorphism - Softbody, Forces and Particles
- Lighting and Illumination

4 • Artificial Intelligence in Machine Vision • Mobile Technologies

- Embedding Programming in VB.net - Model View Controller Framework
- Introduction to AI - User Interface Controls
- Sensor Technology - Location-Based Services / GPS / MapView
- Shape Recognition

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 Annex A2

Art Elective Programme@RI (RIAEP)

The programme aims to provide a comprehensive and exciting Art education to develop well-
rounded students in the areas of visual arts. It aims to nurture students’ creativity, imagination and art
critique abilities. Through the exposures provided, students will have the confidence, maturity and
skills necessary to function as young artists. At the end of four years, students may consider taking
Art as a subject which will eventually lead to the GCE ‘A’ Levels Art Paper at Year 6, under the
Raffles Programme.

Areas of Study

1. Coursework
This component focuses on the process of inquiry and application of art skills and knowledge
to students’ personal art development.
2. Studio Practice
In this component, students will learn the essential skills of art practice followed by a more
in-depth exploration and discovery of the processes and practical skills involved in art
making.
3. Study of Visual Arts
This component emphasises the development of visual literacy and critical thinking skills
such as description, analysis, interpretation and evaluation, through the study of
artists/artworks in the context in which the artworks were made.

Pre-requisites

Students must take a selection test which gauges their abilities in terms of:
a) Drawing from observation skills
b) Imagination and creativity

If you have questions, please contact Ms Juliana Tay at 65141587 or email:

juliana.tay@ri.edu.sg

For more information on RIAEP, please visit: http://www.ri.edu.sg/yr1to4/departments/aesthetics

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 Annex A3

Music Elective Programme@RI (RIMEP)

This programme aims to provide opportunities for academically able students with an aptitude for
music to take up the serious study of music through music writing, music making and music
listening. Immersed in a musically enriched and vibrant learning environment, MEP students will
also benefit from the rich interactions with other like-minded peers in the Programme. At the end of
four years, students may continue with the GCE ‘A’ Level Music programme at Year 5-6 under the
Raffles Programme.

Areas of Study

1. Music Writing
For this option, students develop their musical creativity as they explore compositional
techniques and new sounds in free compositions and harmony exercises.
2. Music Making
Students will showcase their ability on a solo instrument, in an ensemble and as an
accompanist.
3. Music Studies
This option aims to provide a solid grounding in musicology, perception, and analysis. It aims
to build on students’ listening and writing skills through structured modules over the 4 years.

Pre-requisites

Applicants are required to pass Grade 6 Practical Examinations (ABRSM, Trinity, Guildhall or
equivalent) and Theory Examination. Applicants who play an ethnic instrument (e.g. erhu/tabla)
and/or are without prior music examination qualifications will sit for an audition administered by the
music teachers.

If you have questions, please contact Dr Hoh Chung Shih at 65141587 or email:
chungshih.hoh@ri.edu.sg

For more information on RIMEP, please visit: http://www.ri.edu.sg/yr1to4/departments/aesthetics

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 ANNEX A4

COMPUTER ELECTIVE PROGRAMME

The RI Computer Elective Programme (CEP) is a two-year
programme geared towards students who have demonstrated
strong talent or interest in digital media and computing. The
programme aims to drive students towards understanding,
integrating and utilising new technologies through hands-on
experience in a variety of computing disciplines.

The programme focuses on a variety of introductory

computing topics, namely programming, application
development as well as 3D modelling and animation.

At the end of the programme, students will be able to:

• demonstrate the ability to solve problems in object-
oriented programming
• design and develop 3D models and animations
• understand and appreciate the design of computer-
based information systems

Areas of Study

1. Programming
Students will be taught programming abstractions, object-oriented programming, data
structures and algorithms using C++.
2. 3D Modelling and Animation
Students will develop and design their own 3D models and animation using Cinema4D while
deriving an understanding of storyboarding and computer graphics pipelining.
3. Database and Web Application Development
Students will be guided to design, develop and deploy information systems using modern
web technologies such as PHP and MySQL or the .NET framework.
4. An Appreciation to Artificial Intelligence Through Robotics
Students will be guided to design, develop and deploy artificial intelligent on a smart digital
pet. In the process, they will understand the fundamentals of embedded programming using
VB.net.

Pre-requisites

No programming background is required. However, applicants should have a keen interest in

computing. A strong aptitude in Mathematics would be greatly beneficial. Students will be required
to sit for a selection test.

If you have questions, please contact Ms Lorraine Wang at 65140137 or email:

lorraine.wang@ri.edu.sg

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 ANNEXES B1-3

2011 YEAR 3 COURSE OPTIONS

LEGEND

OTHER SUBJECTS
CORE COMPULSORY SUBJECTS CORE ELECTIVE SUBJECTS Only for students who meet entry requirements. Classes
are conducted on Tuesday afternoons.
EL English Language PHY Physics MEP Music Elective Programme

Mother Tongue: Chinese,

MTL CHEM Chemistry AEP Art Elective Programme
Malay, Tamil, NTIL
or
HMTL Higher Mother Tongue:
BIO Biology CEP Computer Elective Programme
Chinese, Malay, Tamil
MA 1 and Mathematics 1 Literature in
MA 2 ELIT
English 3rd Languages: French , Japanese, German ,
Mathematics 2
FL, JL, GL, Malay Special Programme,
GEO Geography MSP, CSP Chinese Special Programme
SS Social Studies
HIS History

1 In addition to the above, students will be offering Philosophy, Research Education, Character & Leadership Education and Physical Education as part of the
Raffles Programme.
2 Research Education and Philosophy are cornerstones of the Raffles Programme and as such a Pass in the 2 subjects are required for promotion to the next higher
level of study.
3 Students will be allowed to choose 1 subject only from the ‘Other Subject’ category as the 2-4 h for each subject is held on Tue and/or Thu afternoons.
4 Total curriculum time for 8 and 10-subject courses of study vary from 24-30 h.
 ANNEX B1

2011 YEAR 3 COURSE OPTIONS 8-Subject Options

COURSE 5 COMPULSORY SUBJECTS 3 (ELECTIVE/1 OTHER) SUBJECTS

CODE
EL MTL/ MA SS PHY CHEM BIO LIT GEO HIS OTHER
HMTL (x2) SUBJ*
A1 X X X X X X X
A2 X X X X 2 Sciences (Phy/Chem) X X X
&
A3 X X X X 1 Humanities/Other subj X X X
A4 X X X X X X X
A5 X X X X X X X
A6 X X X X 2 Sciences (Chem/Bio) X X X
&
A7 X X X X 1 Humanities/Other subj X X X
A8 X X X X X X X
A9 X X X X X X X
A10 X X X X 2 Sciences (Phy/Bio) X X X
&
A11 X X X X 1 Humanities/Other subj X X X
A12 X X X X X X X
A13 X X X X 3 Sciences X X X

* Only for students who meet entry requirements. Students will be allowed to choose 1 subject only from the ‘Other Subject’ category as the 2-4 h for
each subject is held on Tue and/or Thu afternoons.

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 ANNEX B2

2011 YEAR 3 COURSE OPTIONS 9-Subject Options

COURSE 5 COMPULSORY SUBJECTS 4 (ELECTIVE/1 OTHER) SUBJECTS

CODE EL MTL/ MA SS PHY CHEM BIO LIT GEO HIS OTHER
HMTL (x2) SUBJ*
B1 X X X X X X X X
B2 X X X X 3 Sciences X X X X
&
B3 X X X X 1 (Humanities/Other Subj) X X X X
B4 X X X X X X X X
B5 X X X X X X X X
B6 X X X X X X X X
B7 X X X X 2 Sciences (Phy/Chem) X X X X
&
B8 X X X X 2 (Humanities/1 Other Subj) X X X X
B9 X X X X X X X X
B10 X X X X X X X X
B11 X X X X X X X X
B12 X X X X X X X X
B13 X X X X 2 Sciences (Chem/Bio) X X X X
&
B14 X X X X 2 (Humanities/1 Other Subj) X X X X
B15 X X X X X X X X
B16 X X X X X X X X
B17 X X X X X X X X
B18 X X X X X X X X
B19 X X X X 2 Sciences (Phy/Bio) X X X X
&
B20 X X X X 2 (Humanities/1 Other Subj) X X X X
B21 X X X X X X X X
B22 X X X X X X X X

* Only for students who meet entry requirements. Students will be allowed to choose 1 subject only from the ‘Other Subject’ category as the 2-4
h for each subject is held on Tue and/or Thu afternoons.

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 ANNEX B3

2011 YEAR 3 COURSE OPTIONS 10-Subject Options

The 10th subject must be from the ‘Other Subject’ category.

COURSE 5 COMPULSORY SUBJECTS 5 (4 ELECTIVES + 1 OTHER) SUBJECTS
CODE EL MTL/ MA SS PHY CHEM BIO LIT GEO HIS OTHER
HMTL (x2) SUBJ*
C1 X X X X 3 Sciences X X X X X
C2 X X X X &
X X X X X
1 Humanities
C3 X X X X & X X X X X
1 Other Subj
C4 X X X X 2 Sciences X X X X X
C5 X X X X (Phy/Chem)
X X X X X
&
C6 X X X X 2 Humanities
& X X X X X
1 Other Subj
C7 X X X X 2 Sciences X X X X X
C8 X X X X (Chem/Bio)
X X X X X
&
C9 X X X X 2 Humanities
& X X X X X
1 Other Subj
C10 X X X X 2 Sciences (Phy/Bio) X X X X X
C11 X X X X &
X X X X X
2 Humanities
C12 X X X X & X X X X X
1 Other Subj

* Only for students who meet entry requirements. Students will be allowed to choose 1 subject only from the ‘Other Subject’ category as the 2-4
h for each subject is held on Tue and/or Thu afternoons

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 ANNEX C

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1 How will Year 3 classes be allocated?

Allocation of students to classes is based on students’ course options.

2 Will all subject courses opted by students be offered by the school?

Approval for a course of study will be subject to a minimum number of 15 students and
availability of resources.

3 What can students do if they wish to take up course options that are not listed in the
Year 3 Course Options Booklet, i.e. not one of the 47 course options listed; or if they
wish to take up more subjects than they are eligible for?
Requests or appeals should be made in writing to the Deputy Principal (Curriculum and
Faculty), stating clearly the course option(s)/additional subject requested for and giving
strong reasons to support the request or appeal. The request/appeal letters should reach the
school by 10 Nov 2010. The results of the requests/appeals will be released at the same
time as the release of course options to all students on 19 Nov 2010.

4 Will students offering 8-subjects have equal opportunities, compared to those

offering 9 or 10 subjects, to engage at a deeper level in subject/s they have an
aptitude for?
Regardless of the number of subjects offered, all students will be given equal opportunities
to participate in the wide range of enrichment programmes in the school.

5 What is a good course option to offer?

It is one which offers a broad base for future courses of study e.g. 2 Sciences and 2
Humanities.

6 Which course option is the most popular?

While most students choose to take 9 subjects, the decision should be taken with careful
consideration of the following: demands on time, quality of learning, quality of school life,
and a well-rounded development. The 3-Sciences option remains most popular among
students. While this is so, it is useful to bear in mind that Humanities subjects like History
and Literature inherently prepare students to be analytical and divergent thinkers with the
dispositions and skills to look at things from many different perspectives, uncover
assumptions, draw inferences, and make decisions based on various sources of
information.

7 Can a student take two subjects from this group: L3, MEP, AEP & CEP?
No. These subjects are conducted on Tuesday and/or Thursday afternoons concurrently.

8 Under RP, will students be sitting the GCE ‘O’ Level examinations in some subjects?
Students offering HMTL/MTL will be required to sit the GCE ‘O’ HMTL/MTL
examination in Year 4. In addition, students offering L3 may opt to take the GCE ‘O’
Level examinations in L3 subjects in Year 4.
9 My son wants to take 3 Sciences and 1 Humanities. Which is the best Humanities
subject for him?
The choice will depend on his interest and strengths and what he wishes to do in the
future.

10 Are mentorships programmes for RA students only or for all students?

Mentorship programmes are open to all RP students. Applicants have to meet pre-
requisites of the respective programmes.

11 Students taking RA will have to drop MEP at Year 3?

As out-of-class RA enrichment activities and afternoon RA lessons may clash with other
classes which are held in the afternoons, such as L3, MEP, AEP and CEP, it is advisable
that they approach the RA teachers concerned or Dean, Raffles Academy, to check before
deciding whether to drop their L3/MEP/AEP/CEP. Note that RA Music is only offered to
MEP students.

12 By taking an RA subject, the students would be taking more than 10 subjects?

No. RA is conducted as a pull-out programme during curriculum time, i.e. while RP
students are studying Physics, for example, the RA Physics students will be pulled out to
attend RA Physics classes. In short, students doing RA subjects will not have to attend
the same RP subject classes.

13 What is the procedure for applying for RA subjects?

Students apply for RA subjects via an online application system. They must meet the pre-
requisites set. These include a GPA of 3.60 or better, and 85% percentile rank in the RA
subject applied for. Teacher recommendation as well as the results of a selection test, and
interviews, will also be taken into consideration.

14 Do RA students take the same assessments as RP students?

It is necessary to align assessment with curriculum and instruction. As such, the Continual
Assessments are different from that for RP students. However, RA students sit the same
EOY Exam as RP students. This helps to ensure that RA students have acquired the
requisite skills and knowledge for their next stage of study.

15 What happens to RA students at Year 5 and 6?

The RA programme runs from Year 3 to Year 6. However, there is another selection
process at the end of Year 4.

16 Why is RA not offered to all students?

The RA programme is designed for students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in
a subject discipline. These students are likely to be those who read extensively beyond the
text and what is discussed in class. In other words, only students who have demonstrated
advanced ability, aptitude, and commitment to undertake the demanding RA subjects are
likely to benefit from the fast-paced and cognitively demanding programme. The Raffles
Programme, a highly enriched programme specially designed for talented and gifted
learners, is able to meet the needs of most RI boys.

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17 For RA Selection, is Teacher Recommendation important?
The Teacher Recommendation provides additional evidence on the breadth and depth of a
student’s knowledge, understanding and aptitude in the subject as well as his work
attitude.

18 Why is MTL included in the GPA computation? Many students do not do well in the
subject and this brings down their GPA.
It is an MOE policy that all students study a mother tongue language as it is recognized
that the learning of the language would help to anchor students in their cultural roots.

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