By Raphael Niu (23A01A)

Choosing a subject combination is a stressful time for many, especially for those who are not sure of their aspirations or passionate about all the subjects they study. If you’re still torn between Biology and Physics or stuck in a dilemma over whether to take GP or KI, Raffles Press is here to help.

Here is a consolidated list of our Subject Previews, covering every subject currently offered in RI. Most Previews discuss the subject at H2 level, even though an H1 version of the subject may be available as well.

By Loh Zhao Hong (23S03A)

If you are reading this article, you are probably looking for a compelling reason why you should take French at the H2 level, or more likely, you have exhausted the other subjects and needed to pass time. In any case, bienvenue!  

While there are no prerequisites on paper, all prospective students are required to sit for a diagnostic test at the beginning of J1. The format is closer to that of H2 French assessments and it helps you gauge your proficiency to decide accordingly which level to continue at or even at all. 

By Jolene Yee (23S03A)

“I heard you have to write a 4000 character essay. Is H2 Japanese hard? Are the lessons intense? Is it a big jump from Japanese in Secondary 4?” 

These were just some of the burning questions foremost in my mind at this time last year. Not only did I approach my Senpais and Senseis for advice, I also attempted to seek answers from Google…only to be directed to the SEAB H2 Japanese Syllabus page, which induced no small amount of panic in me.   

And so, to all prospective H2 Japanese learners out there sharing similar concerns with my eager-but-apprehensive-and-hence-torn-between-H2-Econs-and-Japanese self a year ago, わかるよ、その気持ち! Hopefully, this article can be of some help in addressing your queries and relieving your anxieties, and ultimately in making an informed decision about your subject combination. 

By Aiko Yeo (23A01B)

“History is written by the victors.” 

As understood by most, this age-old adage questions the construction of narratives that define regional and international histories. The quintessential history student, however, refuses the superficial readings of such a sweeping claim.

Is history written solely by the victors? Is the victors’ prevailing account permanently set in stone? Is there even a universal standard that qualifies “victors” of the past, present and future?