FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, lab sessions are compulsory for all the 3 sciences.

The sessions are scheduled into student’s timetable at 2 hours/week/subject

The programme conducts both formative and summative based assessments. Formative assessments give the teacher and student important feedback on progress.

Summative assessments are evaluations of learning achievement.

The summative assessments include class test, semester and trial examinations.

The formative assessments will include quizzes, assignments, learning tasks, learning logs, presentations, research projects and surveys based on the requirement of specific subjects.

There are 4 levels of support provided within the programme which is currently under the purview of our Student Success Unit. The descriptions are as stated:

• Academic consultation which is offered to every student as a platform to clarify immediate concerns. A Student Success teacher helps monitor and support struggling students.
• Enrichment Classes designed for students who are weak in the subject matter and to accommodate all the essential learning objectives within the syllabus with a different pace compared to a normal classroom.
• Revision modules as an approach to various answering techniques that will boost student’s chances to obtain good grades in the examination.
• Peer to Peer Tutoring for students who seek guidance from trained fellow peers facilitated

Cambridge A Levels @ Taylor’s is a 1.5 year programme consisting of 3 semesters (6 months each).

• Special provisions have been made for the MOE Bursary group to conduct a 2 year programme. This programme will include lifelong skills enhancement, university placement preparations etc. apart from the traditional exam preparation modules. The two year programme will allow many opportunities for students to round out their profile and build a strong personal statement rich with relevant experiences that make them stand out in the crowd of top achievers vying for spots in the top universities. The two year programme is the preferred programme for scholars.
• There are in total 19 – 20 contact weeks/semester for lecturers to complete the prescribed syllabus and this will vary in the 2nd & 3rd semester as more time is dedicated to the preparation for final examinations.

The current CAIE syllabus requires students to understand the depth of the curriculum and apply the knowledge gained in real time scenarios. As such, students are expected to equip themselves with the necessary skills to collaborate and learn independently.

Although the syllabus does not specifically prescribe industrial visits as the outcomes the knowledge to be gained can be obtained via various activities which may include a whole range of problem based learning, onsite experiential learning and collaborative learning activities. These channels are provided for in the scheme of work that is prepared for each intake by the relevant departments.

The Cambridge A Levels has been recognised as the gold standard University preparatory programme which allows students entry into any top universities in the world. The rigor of the curriculum prepares a student to face the challenges of any intended course and is a benchmark for Universities.

The programme will initiate a diagnostic test to ascertain the proficiency level for students and as a follow through, IELTS workshops will be offered by the General Studies Department for students who need to upgrade their English proficiency level at students own cost.

Students are encouraged to meet their lecturers regularly and in cases where specific attention is required, advance appointments for personal consultation can be made via the Student Success Unit.

• Taylor’s has moved into the new concept of Learning Spaces where we believe that learning can take place anywhere & anytime. Students are exposed to the 3 learning spaces of formal, informal and virtual where engagement & meaningful learning can now take place. Students are required to take charge of their own learning where collaborative discussions are seen as a key learning initiative with lecturers as their facilitators.
• Taylor’s is also the leader in setting new trends for Teaching & Learning where the need to educate students in meeting University expectations has become one of our major priorities. There is now a collaborative effort for both lecturers and students to explore the use of technology tools like i-pad and other devices in enhancing their learning environment.
• Taylor’s has also embarked on the Blended Learning initiative which educates the students to be independent learners and empowers them to take ownership of their learning. The teacher’s role is now morph into the role of a facilitator.

A class test as part of the summative assessment mode provides evidence of your current capabilities and is a yardstick to your potential in the final examinations. Students should treat it as a preparation platform to meet the actual needs of the examination and expectation of universities.

At this level, students are streamed based on their subject choices and not their academic results.

Our A Level students will find the diversity in their subject groupings an advantage in terms of the learning process.

We truly believe that the cohesiveness and competitiveness in a classroom is key to the growth of any student and the diversity of the classroom environment provides the opportunity for the growth mentioned. As autonomous leaders, students are encouraged to grasp the opportunity to engage, participate in collaborative learning and become peer leaders.

Entry into any university would require a minimum of 3 subjects at A Levels.

The choice of subjects would depend on the type of career or an area of interest that a student intends to pursue later at University. It is wise to decide on a particular stream to ensure a successful start.

Students are also required to take note that entry into top universities would require additional criteria as stated below:

• Excellent academic achievements.
• A strong personal statement rich with unique and relevant experiences that demonstrate advocacy, social justice, involvement, or leadership.
• Good interview skills (for courses like Medicine).

Students are required to complete and pass the modules for graduation purposes.

The college offers a wide range of CCA & ECA activities which are optional.

Students are encouraged to participate to develop their soft skill capabilities and leadership skills which are key to their university application processes.

Other facilities would include:

• A gym for all students.
• Dance studio

The Taylor’s Placement Centre plays a vital role in placing students in universities of their choice. The centre is further supported by the Cambridge A Level (CAL) Placement Unit which works with students on:

• Excellent academic track record since 1991
• Providing university application timelines.
• Providing an opportunity for students to engage with top universities within the Taylor’s environment.
• Consultation on the expectations and entry requirements of various courses and universities which includes personalized counseling.

The transport service for students who have opted for accommodation with Taylor’s is currently provided for.

There are currently 69 clubs & societies available for students to choose from based on their interest and capabilities

The Student Development Centre currently conducts student recruitment drives for clubs and societies during the Orientation week to expose new students to the various opportunities that are present.

The Cambridge A Level (CAL) programme is currently 100% examination based and requires students to perform well in the written examinations to achieve good grades. All internal assessments are utilised as a measurement tool for both the student and the teacher so that adjustments can be made. The internal assessments are not part of the final examination but certainly do inform the important forecasts which form the basis for university offers. One cannot underestimate the power of the internal assessments (formative assessments).