Ortus

In line with the school’s values and mission, Ortus aims to provide a holistic education to our students, with much emphasis on the areas of Academic, Character and Leadership development.
We are committed to help our students develop their Intelligence Quotient, Moral Quotient, Emotional Quotient, Cultural Quotient and Adversity Quotient. Central to the concept of Intelligence Quotient, the focus is on developing and harnessing our students’ cognitive skills, problem solving skills and other abilities.
All Ortus students shall be guided by the moral values and the spirit of Yin Shui Si Yuan 饮水思源. These values can be attained through our equally rigorous and enriching affective education -- Pastoral Care Moral Education Programme, Experiential Learning and Community Involvement Programme.
Ortus provides many leadership opportunities for our students to engage in a wide range of leadership roles, and in the process learn to contribute meaningfully to society as a leader. Ortus Council and Class Management Committee are actively involved in the running of many consortium and school based activities

HCIBS

Hwa Chong Institution Boarding School (HCIBS), consist of 7 six-storey Halls of Residence (Halls A-G), providing accommodation for 1,000 boarders and 56 cluster mentors.
Each level of every hall consists of two clusters, where a cluster mentor acts as parent to a group of 18-24 boarders. Each cluster has 3 four-bedded rooms and 3 two-bedded rooms. The creation of the clusters provides various levels of "community", starting from communication between individual boarders, to cluster of boarders and their hall mates, and to the entire boarding population of the Hall. Communal facilities within each cluster include lift access on every level, air-conditioned study room, shower and rest rooms as well as a pantry.
The circular block located next to the curved block offers a multi-purpose and a dining hall. The V-shape courtyard between the curved block and the straight block enclosed a recreation centre and a festive garden with a koi pond for boarders to gather and to have social functions. A small amphitheatre and BBQ pits are included in the garden, offering an open area for the boarders to organise activities.
The boarders share a variety of facilities like a music room, a computer room, a fitness centre, laundry facilities and a convenience store. All boarders may also make use of the recreational facilities within Hwa CHong Institution. These include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, gymnasium, running track, tennis, basketball, squash and badminton courts.
Access to the residential blocks and rooms is managed by a smart card system. A team of full-time security professionals maintain round-the-clock security of the boarding complex.

Sabbaticals

A unique feature of the Hwa Chong Integrated Programme, Hwa Chong Sabbatical Programme allows students from Sec. 1 to Sec. 4 to go on sabbatical courses for one week, from Term 1 to Term 3. The school organizes Sabbaticals with the aim of creating space for students to develop passion for what they do. During Sabbaticals, formal lessons are replaced by enrichment programmes.
There are six areas of programmes for students to select from each term: Aesthetics Programme, China Programme, Entrepreneurship Programme, Leadership Programme, Research Programme, Technology Programme. All students are engaged in activities outside the classroom during term time to further broaden their educational experience. This allows them to explore their diverse interests and have fun all at once.

Geography

The approach to Geography teaching and learning in Hwa Chong, whether in the Mainstream or under the Humanities Scheme, has all along been actively field-oriented. This is in line with the syllabus and examination requirements as well as to bring home the practical relevance of the discipline to students. Local field studies and overseas field trips are conducted each year in connection with topics covered during the course. Currently, the Geography students and staff are embarking on intense application of the College multimedia facilities, both for classroom teaching and interactive learning, as well as project work, newsletter publication and web page maintenance.

Economics

The Economics Unit in Hwa Chong comprises a team of dynamic professionals dedicated to the teaching of Economics as a life subject. Economics is not just a collection of facts but a unified approach to thinking about the world. The theory of Economics is an apparatus of the mind or a technique of thinking which helps us make rational decisions. With these requirements in mind, the Economics Unit provides a rigorous course to equip students with the skills necessary for economics awareness and competence. This course imparts both intellectual as well as citizenship training through a well-planned syllabus to promote understanding of the very processes and issues that affect their lives as citizens and students. In addition, Net2Work Society was set up to expose students to a range of enriching experiences such as participation in nation-wide competitions, publication of newsletters and trips to overseas universities for summer programmes. The greatest reward of this course is a better understanding of how the world works.

Mathematics and Science

The Hwa Chong Integrated Programme for Science is implemented across 6 years. Our integrated framework provides a dynamic learning environment for students with an aptitude and interest in Mathematics and Science. Special emphasis is placed on the mastery of fundamental knowledge and experimental skills. Our plan is to further integrate the Mathematics and Science disciplines to foster an appreciation of how they work together and form a whole.
In a tripartite collaboration with A*STAR and NTU, Hwa Chong also offers research electives based on the H3 module to encourage new and independent modes of learning and exploration. Each JC student is matched with a mentor depending on interest, and engages in collaborative research with leading scientists and researchers working on real-world scientific problems. The aim of our Science programme is to broaden students' interests in Science by providing a stimulating environment that will enrich their basic Science training. Besides exposure to major advances in the life sciences and new technologies, students will be trained to think critically and independently.
Please view the following websites for more information:
Science Faculty Website (High School)

Literature in English

With our seamless 6-year Integrated Programme, the Literature course in Hwa Chong covers 3 major phases: the Sec 1 & 2 Exploration phase; Sec 3 & 4 Development phase, and the JC1 & 2 Consolidation phase. In each phase, students are exposed to a wide variety of texts, genre exposition, and diverse methodologies. Adopting a differentiated approach to learning that goes beyond the classroom, the course provides students with opportunities to experience Literature through activities like symposiums, debates, mock conferences, field studies, project work, independent study and drama. Such activities not only expand students?horizons, but also help them look at issues from a broader perspective, apply knowledge, and contest the arbitrary divisions that separate subjects.
View their website for more information:
Literature Homepage (High School)

English Language/General Paper/Knowledge & Inquiry

The High School English Language (EL) programme encompasses elements modelled on the domains of 'Myself', 'My Society' and 'My World'. The core modules cover all the key components of language and literary skills that students must master to function effectively in the social dimension spelled out in the school mission. In addition, there are special non-compulsory electives to challenge the more able students. Where the core elements embody the rigour and breadth of the skills, knowledge and concepts that students need to know, the electives are intended to offer students the opportunity to go in-depth into specific areas of the English Language and Literature curricula. An important feature of the EL curriculum is its emphasis on the development of cognitive processes. Students acquire thinking skills through processes like comprehension, application analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Adopting a multi-pronged approach, the Hwa Chong General Paper curriculum comprises a broad variety of stimulating modules designed to develop all-round individuals. A theme-based reading and writing programme offered at the College level, the topics covered include the mass media, environment, science and technology, culture and tradition, religion, crime and punishment and citizenship in Singapore. Knowledge & Inquiry (KI) is a multi-disciplinary H2 A-Level subject that explores the different fields of knowledge and applies various modes of inquiry to a range of issues and ideas. The subject aims to develop students' ability to critically evaluate arguments and engage in independent research. Students can offer KI as a contrasting subject. As the 4th H2 subject, KI will be offered by students who are academically able to cope with 4 H2 subjects on top of other H1 subjects. KI is also taken in lieu of General Paper. In Hwa Chong, we are looking for bright students who are linguistically competent and have an inquiring mind. KI students are expected to read widely and they must be highly proficient in written English as well as independent learners.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
English Faculty Homepage (High School) English Faculty Homepage (College)

The HCI IP

The strength of the Hwa Chong Integrated Programme (IP) is in our ability to combine academic excellence with an outstanding range of opportunities beyond the classroom. Our innovative and customized curriculum caters to students' passions and interest. The seamless and broad-based 6-year IP is organized into 3 stages:
At Stage 1, students are exposed to a general curriculum that allows them to explore various fields of studies.
At Stage 2, students embark on a sustained and in-depth study of their chosen area of specialization.
At Stage 3, students consolidate their knowledge and sit for the Cambridge GCE Advanced Level Examinations.
The Hwa Chong IP is designed by our own teachers who have years of experience teaching high ability students. Preliminary consultative work on our IP was done with help from a 34-member International Advisory Panel comprising 2 Nobel Laureates,distinguished professors from Harvard, Princeton and Cambridge as well as eminent industry captains.