Singapore has always taken high priority in their youth’s education. But even though they have constantly placed high in international education ranking, they still took actions to improve their education system. A Level students can attest to this. With the new developed scheme, students get more choices in taking classes, including chemistry. They can take it at H1, H2, or H3 level (Higher 1, Higher 2, or Higher 3).
The new categories take the place of AO (Alternative Ordinary), A (Advanced), and Special (S) papers respectively to offer more intensity in learning the science subject. They also mean to provide a better foundation in learning chemistry subjects for students and let them receive skills that will support their studies at the university.
For O Level students, their chemistry concentrates more on solving formulas, actual experiments, and learning the periodic table. They will receive a different approach when they enter A Level. Though to get there, they must complete their chemistry subjects first.
H1 Level chemistry students will learn the fundamental principles of chemistry and use them in problem solving. The lessons outline also includes physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry. Among the topics the students will explore are Redox Reactions, Reaction Kinetics, Atomic Structure, Chemical Bond, Chemical Energetics, and Equilibria.
Considered half of H2 regarding time and topics covered, H1 Level undertakes lessons with the same depth. H2 just covers more subjects, therefore it takes more time than H1. It covers all H1 topics along with many others, like Chemical Periodicity, Chemistry of Transition Elements, and Electrochemistry.
Provided that they have their school’s consent, H1 chemistry students can switch to H2 level if they choose to do so. Likewise, H2 students can switch to H1 level chemistry. However, they would have a difficult time switching to H3 level. Because H3 classes aim to build on the knowledge already taught at H2, students must first complete their H2 chemistry subjects.
H3 level chemistry is not compulsory after finishing H1 or H2 levels. But those who are ardent about the subject take the further step and sacrifice time to take it. Only a few are selected by the school to enter H3 programs under elective admission.
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