Hwa Chong Institution Integrated Programme (IP) Curriculum — Maths & Physics Deep-Dive
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)08 Jul 2025, 00:00 Z
TL;DR Hwa Chong's IP compresses mainstream maths & physics into three lower-sec years while sprinkling H2 (A-Level) concepts two years early.
Expect binomial theorem in Sec 3, Newton II data-logging practicals by Term 2, and assessment rubrics that reward multi-topic transfer over drill.
1 HCI IP at a Glance
| Phase | School label | Credentials awarded | Maths focus | Physics focus |
| Y1-Y4 | High School Section | None (O-Levels skipped) | Express + H2 taster topics | Express + H2 experimental skills |
| Y5-Y6 | College Section | GCE A-Level (4H2/1H1) | Full H2 Maths (+ H3 Further Math by invite) | Full H2 Physics (+ H3 Research) |
Admissions recap: PSLE AL ≤8 or DSA-STEM entry; boarding programme compulsory one term in Y3.
2 Mathematics — Year-by-Year Spine
2.1 Topic Timeline
| Year | New vs mainstream | Key assessment windows |
| Y1 | Standard form, financial math, inequalities | WA 1 (T1 Wk 8), WA 2 (T2 Wk 8) |
| Y2 | Quadratic sketch, obtuse-angle trigo, basic probability | Mid-Year Practical Task, End-Year Exam |
| Y3 | Binomial \((a+b)^n, n \le 10\), surds, \(\Sigma\) notation, \(d/dx\) from first principles | 2 WAs + 2 h Paper 1, 2 h 30 Paper 2 |
| Y4 | Recurrence, chain rule, kinematics functions, hypothesis test 1 | Block Test, Prelim, Mock |
Example of Y3 Worked Assessment:
\[ \text{Expand} \space (3 - 2x)^5 \space \text{up to the} \space x^2 \space \text{term.} \]
2.2 Promotion Criteria
- GPA ≥ 2.5 and Math ≥ B4.
- Top 10 % invited to H3 Seminar (complex numbers, proof by induction).
3 Physics — Concept Ladder
| Year | First-time topics | Practical skills focus |
| Y1 | Vector forces, work-energy-power | Vernier calliper & micrometer \(\pm\pu{0.01 mm}\) |
| Y2 | Kinematics graph calculus, pressure in fluids | Motion sensor, uncertainty tables |
| Y3 | Newton's Laws with free-body diagrams, SUVAT proof | Logger Pro linear fit, \(R^2\) commentary |
| Y4 | Electricity (potential divider), electromagnetism preview | Internal-resistance design task |
Example of Y3 Worked Assessment:
Given inital velocity, final velocity, acceleration, find the distance travelled
\[ v^2 = u^2 + 2as \quad\Rightarrow\quad s = \frac{v^2 - u^2}{2a} \]
4 Signature Assessments
4.1 Weighted Assessments (WAs)
- One per term per subject; 10 - 15 % each.
- Common Maths WA: Investigative task on exponential modelling — write-up + viva.
- Physics WA: Pendulum \(g\) determination — spreadsheet gradient, \(\pm\) uncertainty via LINEST.
4.2 End-Year Examinations
- Maths: Paper 1 (1 h 30, no calculator), Paper 2 (2 h, graphing calculator).
- Physics: Structured ≈ 60 marks, data-handling ≈ 20 marks, planning ≈ 20 marks.
5 Sample Question Bank
- Maths Y3
Show that the sequence \(u_{n+1}=3u_n-2\) has closed-form \(u_n=A(3^n)-2\). - Physics Y2
A cart of mass \(0.85 \space \pu{kg}\) accelerates at \(0.75 \space \pu{m.s-2}\). Find pulling force and label a free-body diagram. - Physics Y4
Design an experiment to measure internal resistance \(r\) of a dry cell. Include a \(\ce{V-I}\) graph and uncertainty treatment.
6 How Eclat Tuition Bridges the Gaps
- IP-only micro-classes ≤ 8 ensure school-specific pacing.
- Binomial → recurrence drill loops shave algebra time by 30 %.
- 24/7 WA lifeline: photo upload ⇢ annotated video reply within hours.
- Practical coaching: tailored theory lessons; bespoke lab sessions; Excel master-class.
7 Further Reading
- Eclat guide IP Math Year-by-Year Roadmap
- Eclat post Forces, Dynamics & FBDs
Quick-Start Action Box
- Download the official 2026 H2 spec.
- Map each Y1-4 topic to its H2 parent.
- Book a free diagnostic with our IP specialist — we'll pinpoint one misconception in \(F = ma\) or \(\frac{d}{dx}\).
