The End-of-Year Examinations in Secondary One really left me demoralised because even though I acknowledged that the test was "easier than other years", I was only able to obtain an A2 instead of an A1. Despite this, I started anew for Secondary Two, ready to absorb knowledge from the various topics. In the beginning, I had quite some difficulties coping with the elements as I had no exposure to the Periodic Table and Elements prior to the Secondary Two Science Lessons. As a result, I could hardly understand the lessons being thought and planned to study the notes myself, yet when I was at home, I could not propell myself to undergo self-study as I had almost zero interest in Chemistry. It was also a waste that because of this, I rarely enjoyed the Chemistry lab lessons that most people would have much fun in. However, in the middle of the term, it was fortunate that my friend helped explain the various terms of the Periodic Table and about the various bondings of atoms, from there I gained a deeper understand of the elements and the various terminologies such as "Group" and "Period". This also enabled me to gain some interest for Chemistry, which encouraged me to stop procrastinating and start learning. I was already lagging quite far behind most of my friends in terms of understanding, so I had to rush out my own studies instead of taking a more relaxed learning approach. I barely scrapped A1 for this test. To begin with, my original marks were 30/40, had it not been the question's error, I would be in a very dangerous position. This shows that I have not fully understood the basics of Chemistry, as well as being extremely careless, whereby an example would be answering many of the questions wrongly, such as drawing the chemical formula instead of illustrating the ions in a hydride ion. Furthermore, I was also very careless, rushing through most of the questions, whereby an example would be writing the formula of Calcium hydride as (H2Ca) instead of (CaH2). I attribute this to my poor time planning and initial shallow understanding of the topics related to Chemistry, as well as the slight detrimental impact last year's results had on me. I have to manage my free time more efficiently as well as clarify all doubts as early as possible to gain a better understanding. Enough with the talk, now I have to put in more effort and dedication for next term! *Extra Note: I am also elated to know that I am chosen for Science Olympiad. Hope that it will be an interesting experience that will serve my days in Hwa Chong for 2011 well!
Term 2
Term Test Score: 39/40
Remember that I mentioned about how I have not really mastered the Chemistry topics yet? Well, last term wasn't the end of my difficulties. This term, we had to learn about Acids and Bases, what's worse, we had to perfect our chemical equation writing skills! Remembering the other elements (besides the default 1 to 20) was pretty easy, but forming mixtures and compounds with them for equation balancing was a pain. Unfortunately, because my Science Teacher had to go overseas for a long period of time (or at least frequently), I could not clear my queries and was left stuck there for half a term. This hindered my ability to do Science practicals or enjoy Science lessons. I remember myself scrambling with a pen and dragging myself towards my friend's worksheet, copying down the correct equations hastily before I got left behind. Fortunately, that very friend gave me some practices on balancing equations and helped increase my exposure to such questions, thus I was able to form compounds and mixtures more easily while balancing out these equations.
The next half of the term was focused much more on Physics, reflection and refraction. I have to say that these topics, though seemingly difficult in the beginning, are actually pretty easy to master. Drawing the light rays took some time to master, but it paid off. The tedious part came mostly under refraction, whereby my Science teacher talked fruitfully about formulas that I could hardly understand. In any case, the test only consisted of reflection for its Physics segment and that part was relatively easier to master as compared to memorising the formulas and applying them in drawing of refracted rays.
I almost scored full marks. Yes, of course I am extremely satisfied, but at the same time, slightly ticked off by the fact that I could have gotten that meagre one mark through many of the questions if it were not for careless mistakes. The test was pretty easy, mostly based on what we have already completed in the practicals as well as what we have been taught vocally in class. The main reason why I scored higher than usual is probably because of the change in the type of bonus questions asked. Unlike other papers, the bonus questions contain a somewhat unrelated passage and the answers required are decontextualised, so as long as your answers displayed effort of critical thinking, you get the marks. Such questions allow space for general knowledge to combine with our Science skills, thus through metacognition, enable us to form sensible answers not just through memorising, but critically thinking. Anyway, it is not as hard as it seems, so I managed to gain quite a lot of marks from there (considering it's "extra" weightage). However, I cannot grow complacent and slacken because of this achievement. Oh well, on to next term with a brighter outlook!
Term 3
Term Test Score: 33/40
The first few topics we completed this term were those belonging to Physics, specifically a more in-depth study on refraction. It was pretty difficult to draw the refracted rays accurately in the beginning because I was mixed up with the various formulas, but Dr Tan's Science remedial (or revision) classes actually helped quite a lot. From there, I finally found out how to find the refractive index (sin i/sin r) and much others which I will be covering in the Topic Consolidation page. I think that such revision sessions should carry on as it really helped to clarify even the slightest doubts about what we have learnt, which can make a big difference in our knowledge and application. Furthermore, it also serves as a pre-test for us to apply what we have learnt, in other words a smaller version of the official term test.
After Physics, we immediately moved on to Biology, covering ecology first. There was a big problem: since there were many school holidays that fell on the same day as these science lessons, we missed out on quite a lot of curriculum time. I can say that I have a strong interest in biology and a somewhat strong foundation in ecology, thus I was able to overcome this problem quite easily. With the introduction of ecology, we also had a few outdoor activities pertaining it, one particularly interesting one would be the MacRitchie Prunus and Petai trails (ironically, it is my project for Project's Day). Instead of the usual paperwork and boredom, we got exposure to the vast diversity of ecology itself, which was much more refreshing and interesting.
As for the test, I have to say I am quite disappointed with with my own results. 33 is actually a pretty decent score, but what I am really disappointed of is the fact that I was not able to combine my mathematical skills to solve the questions pertaining refraction.
The question required the use of trigonometry, which I had never considered in the test. Because of this nerve-wrecking question and the time constraint, I also refrained from doing the bonus questions, from which I could have garnered more marks in. Now I understand why people say that Math and Science go well with each other...well, there are always other chances to redeem myself. Another problem which I have in this test is my carelessness in few questions, which cost me 1 - 2 marks. It is small, but even the smallest digits can make a large difference in the end result.
Looking back, I am quite satisfied with my overall score. I have an average test score of 34.3, which is quite decent considering last year's score. I have also managed to garner A1s for all three terms, an achievement that I hope will help me achieve exemption. I have not only gained knowledge in the vast fields of Science, but also some practical knowledge, exam skills such as time management and finally, fun! It's not the end yet, so I better buckle up my seat belt and hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Term 1
Term Test Score: 31/40The End-of-Year Examinations in Secondary One really left me demoralised because even though I acknowledged that the test was "easier than other years", I was only able to obtain an A2 instead of an A1. Despite this, I started anew for Secondary Two, ready to absorb knowledge from the various topics. In the beginning, I had quite some difficulties coping with the elements as I had no exposure to the Periodic Table and Elements prior to the Secondary Two Science Lessons. As a result, I could hardly understand the lessons being thought and planned to study the notes myself, yet when I was at home, I could not propell myself to undergo self-study as I had almost zero interest in Chemistry. It was also a waste that because of this, I rarely enjoyed the Chemistry lab lessons that most people would have much fun in.
However, in the middle of the term, it was fortunate that my friend helped explain the various terms of the Periodic Table and about the various bondings of atoms, from there I gained a deeper understand of the elements and the various terminologies such as "Group" and "Period". This also enabled me to gain some interest for Chemistry, which encouraged me to stop procrastinating and start learning. I was already lagging quite far behind most of my friends in terms of understanding, so I had to rush out my own studies instead of taking a more relaxed learning approach.
I barely scrapped A1 for this test. To begin with, my original marks were 30/40, had it not been the question's error, I would be in a very dangerous position. This shows that I have not fully understood the basics of Chemistry, as well as being extremely careless, whereby an example would be answering many of the questions wrongly, such as drawing the chemical formula instead of illustrating the ions in a hydride ion. Furthermore, I was also very careless, rushing through most of the questions, whereby an example would be writing the formula of Calcium hydride as (H2Ca) instead of (CaH2). I attribute this to my poor time planning and initial shallow understanding of the topics related to Chemistry, as well as the slight detrimental impact last year's results had on me. I have to manage my free time more efficiently as well as clarify all doubts as early as possible to gain a better understanding. Enough with the talk, now I have to put in more effort and dedication for next term!
*Extra Note: I am also elated to know that I am chosen for Science Olympiad. Hope that it will be an interesting experience that will serve my days in Hwa Chong for 2011 well!
Term 2
Term Test Score: 39/40Remember that I mentioned about how I have not really mastered the Chemistry topics yet? Well, last term wasn't the end of my difficulties. This term, we had to learn about Acids and Bases, what's worse, we had to perfect our chemical equation writing skills! Remembering the other elements (besides the default 1 to 20) was pretty easy, but forming mixtures and compounds with them for equation balancing was a pain. Unfortunately, because my Science Teacher had to go overseas for a long period of time (or at least frequently), I could not clear my queries and was left stuck there for half a term. This hindered my ability to do Science practicals or enjoy Science lessons. I remember myself scrambling with a pen and dragging myself towards my friend's worksheet, copying down the correct equations hastily before I got left behind. Fortunately, that very friend gave me some practices on balancing equations and helped increase my exposure to such questions, thus I was able to form compounds and mixtures more easily while balancing out these equations.
The next half of the term was focused much more on Physics, reflection and refraction. I have to say that these topics, though seemingly difficult in the beginning, are actually pretty easy to master. Drawing the light rays took some time to master, but it paid off. The tedious part came mostly under refraction, whereby my Science teacher talked fruitfully about formulas that I could hardly understand. In any case, the test only consisted of reflection for its Physics segment and that part was relatively easier to master as compared to memorising the formulas and applying them in drawing of refracted rays.
I almost scored full marks. Yes, of course I am extremely satisfied, but at the same time, slightly ticked off by the fact that I could have gotten that meagre one mark through many of the questions if it were not for careless mistakes. The test was pretty easy, mostly based on what we have already completed in the practicals as well as what we have been taught vocally in class. The main reason why I scored higher than usual is probably because of the change in the type of bonus questions asked. Unlike other papers, the bonus questions contain a somewhat unrelated passage and the answers required are decontextualised, so as long as your answers displayed effort of critical thinking, you get the marks. Such questions allow space for general knowledge to combine with our Science skills, thus through metacognition, enable us to form sensible answers not just through memorising, but critically thinking. Anyway, it is not as hard as it seems, so I managed to gain quite a lot of marks from there (considering it's "extra" weightage). However, I cannot grow complacent and slacken because of this achievement. Oh well, on to next term with a brighter outlook!
Term 3
Term Test Score: 33/40The first few topics we completed this term were those belonging to Physics, specifically a more in-depth study on refraction. It was pretty difficult to draw the refracted rays accurately in the beginning because I was mixed up with the various formulas, but Dr Tan's Science remedial (or revision) classes actually helped quite a lot. From there, I finally found out how to find the refractive index (sin i/sin r) and much others which I will be covering in the Topic Consolidation page. I think that such revision sessions should carry on as it really helped to clarify even the slightest doubts about what we have learnt, which can make a big difference in our knowledge and application. Furthermore, it also serves as a pre-test for us to apply what we have learnt, in other words a smaller version of the official term test.
After Physics, we immediately moved on to Biology, covering ecology first. There was a big problem: since there were many school holidays that fell on the same day as these science lessons, we missed out on quite a lot of curriculum time. I can say that I have a strong interest in biology and a somewhat strong foundation in ecology, thus I was able to overcome this problem quite easily. With the introduction of ecology, we also had a few outdoor activities pertaining it, one particularly interesting one would be the MacRitchie Prunus and Petai trails (ironically, it is my project for Project's Day). Instead of the usual paperwork and boredom, we got exposure to the vast diversity of ecology itself, which was much more refreshing and interesting.
As for the test, I have to say I am quite disappointed with with my own results. 33 is actually a pretty decent score, but what I am really disappointed of is the fact that I was not able to combine my mathematical skills to solve the questions pertaining refraction.
The question required the use of trigonometry, which I had never considered in the test. Because of this nerve-wrecking question and the time constraint, I also refrained from doing the bonus questions, from which I could have garnered more marks in. Now I understand why people say that Math and Science go well with each other...well, there are always other chances to redeem myself. Another problem which I have in this test is my carelessness in few questions, which cost me 1 - 2 marks. It is small, but even the smallest digits can make a large difference in the end result.
Looking back, I am quite satisfied with my overall score. I have an average test score of 34.3, which is quite decent considering last year's score. I have also managed to garner A1s for all three terms, an achievement that I hope will help me achieve exemption. I have not only gained knowledge in the vast fields of Science, but also some practical knowledge, exam skills such as time management and finally, fun! It's not the end yet, so I better buckle up my seat belt and hope for the best, prepare for the worst.