Overview

Transforming Gifts into Talents

Catholic High School offers a spread of Talent Development Programmes (TDP) to help our students transform their gifts into talents. Under these TDP, selected students are nurtured to take on challenging assignments that stretch them beyond their current competency and potential. These TDP are classified into two broad categories:

1. Subject-Based Talent Development Programmes
2. MOE Special Programmes, e.g. Bicultural Studies Programme 双文化课程

Our students in TDP have won numerous achievements in their area of specialisation, for example, achieving top awards in:

• Singapore Secondary Schools Debate Championships
• 全国中学编采比赛
• NUS Geography Challenge
• Singapore Mathematics Project Festival
• National Software Competition
• A*STAR Science Scholarship Award
• National Science Challenge
• Young Defence Scientists Programme
• Singapore Junior Chemistry Olympiad
• International Biomedical Olympiad
• … and more.

How Are Students Developed (via Subject-based TDPs / MOE Special Programmes)?

DSA and high-performing students in talent areas are developed via:

• Unique specialised programmes and workshop conducted by university and industry experts/trainers
• Seminars and lecture conducted with university and industry experts
• Internal and external competitions such as Olympiads
• Class allocation by talent areas where relevant, e.g. for DSA students and students in TDP
• Research projects and mentorship with professors and staff from Institutes of High Learning
• Workshops, camps, seminars and research programmes with MOE, e.g. Gifted Education
• Overseas immersion trips (sometimes with conference, camp or school immersion)
• Job shadowing or work attachment, e.g. with research institute
• … and more.

Subject-Based Talent Development Programmes

CHS offers the following Subject-Based Talent Development Programmes:

1. CΩERGY Programme (science talent development)** provides opportunities for high-performing students to further engage their interest and deepen their knowledge of science, technology and engineering, beyond striving for academic excellence. Students are trained for the Chemistry and Physics Olympiads, and they also participate in the Science Mentoring Programme (SMP) where they are mentored by researchers from A*STAR, NUS and NTU.

1. English Talent Development Programme provides opportunities for high-performing students to develop their ability in English Language and Literature. Students attend seminars, workshops and theatre productions to learn from professional writers and performers, and to equip them with the skills to engage in speaking, creative writing, journalistic writing, and theatre appreciation. Students also participate in writing and debate training and competitions.
   
2. Humanities Talent Development Programme provides opportunities for high-performing students to broaden and deepen their understanding of the disciplines of Economics, Geography, History and Literature. Students attend seminars conducted by teachers, academics and leaders from the public and private sectors in order to develop their critical thinking and research skills. Students also participate in independent social science research projects and competitions such as the Model United Nations and NUS Geography Challenge.
   
3. Maths Talent Development Programme provides opportunities for high-performing students to delve into mathematical research guided by teachers and external mentors. Students will attend lectures conducted by professors from local universities, participate in competitions such as Math Olympiad, and engage in problem-solving workshops where they will be challenged intellectually with advanced mathematical concepts and equipped with advanced problem-solving skills.

MOE Special Programmes

CHS offers the following MOE Special Programmes:

(1) Bicultural Studies Programme  is a MOE Special Programme that aims to nurture a core group of students who can understand and engage China, as well as relate to the West with a focus on contemporary developments, for example China’s The Belt and Road I__nitiative (“一带一路”).

• BSP(C) students will be exposed to experiential learning and other approaches that cultivate their interests and deepen their learning in topics related to China and how the development of China affects them, Singapore and the world.
• Students will have opportunities to carry out research studies, attend camps and symposiums organised by MOE and the school, as well as go for overseas immersion programmes in both China and Western countries.
• The BSP(C) is only offered to qualifying IP students who apply to join in Year 3.
• 双文化课程旨在深化学生对中国历史、社会变迁、经济发展和国际外交的认识。学生将通过体验式学习和其他方式促进学习，培养他们了解东西方社会的兴趣。除了和中国有关的课题，双文化课程学生也将学习到中国的发展如何影响他们、新加坡和世界。学生也将有机会进行研究，参加由教育部和学校主办的一系列活动如学习营和研讨会，以及到中国和西方国家浸濡学习。

(2) Music Elective Programme (MEP) is a 4-year MOE Special Programme that offers a comprehensive music programme for students with the aptitude and passion for music.

• The MEP aims to nurture graduands who would be Scholars and Practitioners in the Arts and Advocates and Leaders for the Arts.  Building upon the components of Music Studies, Performing and Composing, MEP students study music of different cultures, including selected genres from Western Music and World Music.
• Students will also develop critical thinking skills through the analysis of music, and gain informed perspectives through the different musical contexts of the various historical and cultural periods.
• Interested students can apply to MEP through Direct School Admission or upon admission to CHS via the Secondary 1 posting.
• Outstanding CHS Level 1 MEP student enrolled in 2019 may be awarded CHS’ Joseph Wallace Family Music Scholarship. This is a non-renewable 1-year scholarship, i.e. the outstanding MEP student from each level will stand a chance of being awarded this scholarship.

Achievements by Students in Talent Areas