Built at the cost of S$28 million, the National University of Singapore High School of Mathematics and Science (NUS High School) officially opened its 4.7-ha (47,000 sq m) Clementi campus on 1 January 2005.[1] Affiliated to the National University of Singapore (NUS) and funded in part by the Ministry of Education, the high school is an independent institution that specialises in the teaching of math and science,[2] as well as aims to nurture well-rounded students with high aptitudes and passion in both subjects.[3] The idea of a high school for math and science was first conceived by the NUS and subsequently endorsed by the Ministry of Education in October 2002.[4]
Associate Professor Lai Yee Hing was appointed as the school’s principal-designate on 1 May 2003.[5]
The NUS High School offers six years of education following which graduates are awarded the NUS High School Diploma, which is recognised by both local and international institutes of higher learning.[6] The diploma programme consists of an integrated modular system that places emphasis on mathematics and science, along with the humanities, fine arts, physical education, civics education, leadership building and co-curricular activities.[7] Students are taught by the school’s own teaching faculty, as well as mentored and supervised in research projects by academic staff from the NUS.[8]
Students enrolled in the high school skip the ‘O’ Level examinations. Those who demonstrate calibre and capacity for advanced learning are encouraged to take university-level modules in their specialisation years (Years 5 and 6) and may be allowed to skip their first year of study upon enrolment at the NUS.[9] In addition to their core modules and subject majors, students are also required to complete an Advanced Research Project that will contribute towards their university admissions.[10]
The high school’s stringent admission criteria include a good Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) score of at least 250 points with A* in both math and science,[11] an interview, aptitude tests, testimonials from teachers, as well as strong standings in math and science competitions.[12]
To publicise its diploma programme, the high school placed advertisements in The Straits Times and Streats newspapers in May 2004, and also organised meet-the-parents sessions.[13] Prior to its opening, the school received more than 400 applications for its 250 places (125 for each level) that were offered to its first intake of students at Levels 1 and 3 (equivalent to Secondary 1 and 3 respectively).[14]
Two-day selection camps requiring participants to solve math and science problems were organised for prospective students in June and October 2004. A total of 160 students from 50 secondary schools attended the June camp,[15] while 360 Primary 6 students attended the October camp.[16]
Altogether, 225 Secondary 1 and 3 students were eventually selected as the pioneer batch to enrol in the school in January 2005.[17]
References
1. Davie, S. (2003, December 19). They'll skip the Os and As...and get a diploma from NUS. The Straits Times, p. 1. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
2. Tay, G. (2003, May 7). NUS high school names its principal-designate. Today, p. 6. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
3. NUS High School of Mathematics and Science. (2007, May 18). Passing on the baton of success at NUS High School: Appointment of new principal-designate, Mr Hang Kim Hoo [Press release]. Retrieved June 24, 2014, from NUS High School of Math & Science website:
http://www.nushigh.edu.sg/qql/slot/u90/Documents/Press%20Release/Passing_on_the_baton_of_success_at_NUS_High_School.pdf
4. Davie, S. (2002, October 24). NUS plans to set up its own secondary school. The Straits Times, p. 3. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
5. NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, 18 May 2007.
6. NUS High School of Mathematics and Science. (2014). NUS High School Information Guide. Retrieved June 24, 2014, from NUS High School of Math & Science website:
http://www.nushigh.edu.sg/qql/slot/u90/file/Info%20Guide%20Booklet.pdf
7. NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, 2014.
8. NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, 2014.
9. NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, 2014.
10. NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, 2014.
11. Lee, L. (2004, November 23). Many places are filled even before results out. The Straits Times, p. 3. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
12. NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, 2014, p.
13. Lee, L. (2004, July 12). Integrated scheme: 3 schools go big on ad campaigns. The Straits Times, p. 9. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
14. Today, 7 May 2003, p. 6.
15. Davie, S. (2004, June 15). NUS High picks 60 ahead of selection camp. The Straits Times, p. 3. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
16. 360 kids vie for places in NUS High. (2004, October 15). The Straits Times, p. 5. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
17. Ng, J. (2005, October 11). NUS High’s link to university a big draw. The Straits Times, p. 1. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
The information in this article is valid as at 2014 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.