CK's blog

Another attempt to reblog

2009-11-19T21:31:00.000+08:00

trying to start this blog thing again. See how far it goes.

2007-05-16T08:16:00.001+08:00

I am back

2007-04-02T22:08:00.000+08:00

Hi geography students, this blog is back after a long break... its back to geography

pop essays just a few more

2006-11-13T13:12:00.000+08:00

for pop or nothing people especially the one who sms me

Question by Li shi on population projection

2006-11-13T13:08:00.000+08:00

According to UN projection, total world population will exceed 7 billion in 2013.
To want extent do you agree that such a prediction is of little value.

This is not a research paper, so we take the question at its face value (pun intended)!

The value of the data has two aspects:
1. The validity of the data Â is it accurate? For this refer to earlier posting on VJCNJC questions
Discuss validity of the statement in the context of recent pop trends in last 40 years. Can be found in earlier posting on VJC NJC paper, but skip the part on EM and ELDC issues.

2. The applicability of the data.
Population data is use mainly to project allocation of resources. At national level it involve projecting needs for social security and retirement needs for an aging population and the implementation of anti natal policies and education for a young and growing population.

The main issue is that the number is too generic and is of no use because
(a) Distribution
Population growth in the major areas of the world is far fromhomogeneouss. Even at UN level, the actual size of global population is not of importance, it is where the bulk of the growth is occurring, it is whether these places have the means to provide reasonable standard of living for the population. Where should UN/IMF/WB/CCK channel the resources to?

(b) Projection for fertility and mortality
Data on fertility growth reveals specific policy needs where to increase or discourage birth, data on mortality reveal inadequacy in areas especially if IMR is high but population number alone is of no use.

(c) Ratio to resource availability
What is the state of resource availability in 2017? Does 7 million people represent over or under population? This is also closely linked to (a)
Are we below or above carrying capacity? Even using more scientific models like Limits to Growth model (COR), which part of the curve are we at?

Note that the 7 billion figure means nothing to YOU! It cannot tell you about the future that you are going to face. It cannot tell you which part of the world will be best to migrate to? It does not even tell you if whether 7 billion is good or bad!

Note also there are no new materials in the essay outline, I merelysummariese what you know.

June paper relevant questions

2006-11-10T12:07:00.000+08:00

most of the questions in the june paper not relevant but just in case, here are a couple which are.Do go through them because one june paper qn came out in paper 1. Answers provided.

manufacturing DRQ answers - only from the exercise list

2006-11-03T12:16:00.000+08:00

sinking of japan CMI

2006-11-01T13:59:00.000+08:00

If you need an break , try to catch this and see if you can identify all the errors with regard to the theory of plate tectonics. If you finish the movie and cannot identify the misinformation given by the 'experts' on plate tectonics, than better not try the question in paper 1!

If you can, than thank mr osman

urban resources

2006-11-01T13:27:00.000+08:00

Urban DRQ answers
http://www.savefile.com/files/215134

I understand some do not have the urban essay answers, this is the link
http://www.savefile.com/files/215139

almost all pop drq ans

2006-10-30T14:34:00.000+08:00

follow the link to get pop geog drq ans, more coming up

some pointers on the vj and nj with contribution by madeline

2006-10-30T14:29:00.000+08:00

VJC
(DRQ)

4b) After identifying the 2 primate cities (eg. Bogota and Lima), other than
saying that those 2 are primate cities because they are significantly bigger
than the 2nd largest cities in the countries, what else can be said? The
question is worth 4 marks so what could be the 1 or 2 more points needed?

I believe the mark allocation is 2 marks for the 2 cities, 1 mark to identify the basis (the size of the pie) and 1 mark to justify (the pie much bigger than other pie in the country)!

8a) Why do some countries urgently need an increase in birth rates?
increased age-dependency ratio-> higher taxes-> less profitable for foreign
investors
less vibrant workforce
less men to defend the country
more money has to be channelled to building senior citizen-friendly
policies/infrastructure; less government funds for other (age-groups in the society?)

What are other points?
social burden on the working population - need to pay higher taxes
in some case, national / ethnic concerns as well for example, Japanese is a highly homogenous society and if BR continues to fall, and more foreigners comes in, social fabric would be affected, japanese culture threaten
for pural societies like singapore, its not much of an issue, even than questions are asked about foreign talents vs locals

> 8b) World pop to surpass 7bn in 2013. twe: strengthen conservationist views
> or pop-resource relationship? (Can't think of 16 marks worth of things to
> say)
Begin with a clear definition of conservationist views: malthus theory
basis of his theory is the limited ability of men to produce enough food
however, as Boserup observed, agiculture communities have consistantly proven him wrong e.g. GR (explain briefly)
More over, pop projection only reflects one side of the pop:resource equation, what about food production projection? Need both to draw conclusion.

Nonetheless, statement cannot be dismiss because
>food production has increased greatly since the GR but has not increased
>significantly after that in the future, population could greatly exceed food >production as populations in ELDCs are still growing rapidly.
>food surplus in EMDC and some rich ELDC (eg. dumping of agri produce by EMDCs, storing of large amounts of grain in Indian granaries), many people in impoverished countries are still starving
>Food is available but the people cannot afford it or cannot access to it

Increase disparity means some parts of the world will face a food crisis

In addition, LTG model reflects more contemporary views of the constraints of a finite earth (explain briefly)
Pop growth alone may not create a crisis but when multiply effect with other variables, the conservationist prediction can still come true

10d) With ref to a NIC, assess the impacts of economic dvt.
> do we have a case study on that? Is it the South Korean one?
Carr has a rather detailed one on Korea Waugh on Malaysia but ans should be based on lecture notes on why ELDC wants to industrialise
>
> NJC
>
> (DRQ)
>
> 1a) What is the model that pop trends in China follow?
> referring to a stage in the DTM? (can't think of anth else) it is DTM
>
> 7b) how can the dry land agri syst be intensified sustainably?
> aeroponics/hydroponics
> market gardening
> multi-cropping- to give nutrients in soil, time to be replenished and not
> overwork the soil. Also, planting of secondary crops would prevent soil
> erosion
> (above mentioned:secondary sch stuff. Applicable?)
forget about this qn

> (Essays)
8b) Pop > 7bn in 2013. Discuss validity of the statement in the context of
> recent pop trends in last 40 years. EMDCs and ELDCs examples req.

interpretation
its a prediction, will the prediction come true? what is the basis of such a prediction

> -what are the pop trends for the past 40 years?
> globally, pop growth exponentially but growth is very uneven
EMDCs generally slow pop growth, with many falling below replacement levels, ageing population
ELDCs > rapidly growing population, young pop has great fertility potential

how to derive the 7 million
So the 2013 projection is base on the assumption current knowledge about population size and age structure, rates of birth, death, and migration, and assumptions about how these rates will change.
The pyramid which reveals the size of the fertile pop ofen use as basis for projection - the momentum of growth
e.g. . A history of high fertility rates would be consistent with a young age structure, while a history of low fertility would be associated with an older age profile.
in addition, countries go through DT, therefore as more eldc become better off, DR fall, while BR may remain high (stage 2)

However as you pointed out
2 major ELDCs have put into place population policies to reduce pop
> size.
> China- one child policy-> ageing pop
> India- promoting of family planning
> Both countries were successful in reducing pop
even tho'
tho pop gw rate has slowed down, the vast pops still
> result in the pop growing, albeit at a much slower rate.

some emdc are actively encourging higher fertility e.g japan, singapore

in addition great difference occurs among em and eldcs
e.g. fertiliy level in pakistan (eldc) is much higher than malaysia (also eldc)
like wise fertility level in US is much higher than UK

thus gloablly projection is still ok, but clearly growth will be very uneven.

hope it helps

Advise on case studies

2006-10-20T15:22:00.000+08:00

1. Population Geography
China Waugh 380-383, Carr 20-22
To cover topics related to DTM and fertility management / policies in ELDCs
Singapore Waugh 358
To cover fertility management / policies in ELDC
UK Waugh 363-4, Carr 44-45
To cover internal / Inter-regional migration as well as regional disparity in UK (under economic geog)
Turkish migrants Waugh 369-70
Labour migration
Bangladesh and Canada Waugh 377
Short case studies on Over and under population –
Brazil Waugh 347, Carr 33
Population distribution in a country and regional disparity in (under economic geog)

2. Urban Geography
General factors – a good e.g. Cambridge Carr 186-7
Burgess – Chicago Waugh 421
Hoyt – example Calgary Waugh 422
Mann – example Sunderland Waugh 423
H and U – Tokyo Waugh 424
Latin America Model – Brazilian Cities Waugh 442, Nairobi 444-5
Each model is represented by city and should be used when questions ask for examples of cities.

Urban development Corporations UK, esp. Docklands Waugh 439-441
Cover inner city issues EMDCs, urban renewal and gentrification, new industrial locations in cities (Docklands)
Los Angeles Waugh 455-457
Other urban problems including sprawl –
Milton Keynes Carr 222-3
New Towns, one of the way to manage sprawl
Calcutta and Rio Waugh 443, Carr 191, Harare Carr 183 Cairo Waugh 447
Housing problems and other problems of a ELDC city.
Singapore Waugh 450-1, Others 448-9
Solutions to housing problems

3. Economic change and development
(a) Industrial change since 1960
MNCs in EMDC – Samsung Carr 238
MNCs in ELDC – Nokia in China (notes)
Rationalisation – UK iron and steel Waugh 563-4
New industrial locations in EMDC – M1 and M4 , Waugh 566-7
Just in Time – Toyota Carr 260-2

(b) Agricultural change
The Green Revolution in Asia – India Waugh 504-5
CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) – Waugh 493-4

(c) Regional development processes and policies
Italy and China Lecture notes

4. Tourism
Bali
To cover topics like impacts of tourism, coastal/island/beach tourism, Butler’s Cycle
St Lucia
To cover topics like impacts of tourism, coastal/island/beach tourism, All Inclusive Resorts, Ecotourism
Belize Carr 472-3 + Ms Leong’s notes, Peak District Waugh 592-3
To cover topics like impacts of tourism, Ecotourism
Yosemite National Park
To cover topics like impacts of tourism, National park management, sustainable tourism

Whats happening from 17 Oct to 19 Oct

2006-10-16T13:52:00.000+08:00

Classes will be seeing me twice between wednesday and friday.
For tutorial 1
I will go through the VJC paper. Please BYO (can print from library) or borrow from me to photocopy

For tutorial 2
I will go through the NJC paper. same instruction.

For week 23-26, there will be no classes. so this wed to fri is the last time i am seeing you. hooray!

2006-10-16T13:49:00.000+08:00

Data Response – some guide lines
ØAlways read the axis of the graph or the legend or any information that is needed to interpret the data
Ø Make use of highlighters to help you focus
Ø Note the norm and exceptions
Ø Take note of the ‘big picture’ the general trend
Ø Do not take more than 2 minute to understand the data, anything more means you may never understood it!
Ø Take note of the title of the data, it is usually part of the answer.
ØFinally, always consider what is in the data for your answers

Don't follow sure die!

Laws on essay questions

2006-10-11T17:42:00.000+08:00

6 laws of essay writing

Interpretation of question
1. Every word counts -

With reference to either one developed country or one developing country, discuss the social and economic effects of large movement of population. (9)

2. Fail to plan, plan to fail
Identify key points to decide number of paragraphs to write. Decide what is important and focus of the question. This is an extremely general question and some you will conveniently overlook the (9) and give a 9 page essay instead. Just imagine, there is internal migration, international migration, source area, receiving area, social effects, economic effects… wow so happy!

Anything that seems too good to be true is TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!

The focus of the essay is that ‘effects’, not the country. Given that it is worth only 9 marks, it’s not worth writing in details about the country, just brief references.

The first thing I need to do is to decide on the structure of the essay. The lecture notes have three main areas, demographic, social and economic effects. While demographic issues like population structure is not relevant, the resultant social effect is. For example, the unequal gender ratio is NOT relevant, but the resulting fertility issue and the social effects of incomplete families are.

I would focus on 3 – 4 issues that is easier to illustrate
Social integration and burden in receiving area
Income and reduction in regional disparity
Employment changes in source and receiving areas
Economic benefits and losses to the two areas

3. Identify resources from your mental database
For EMDC, I will chose UK because I learn about depressed and growing regions in the lesson on consequences of change in economic structure, for ELDC perhaps Brazil.

4. Technical Structure
· One paragraph, one main point
Each paragraph must be able to stand alone yet part of the theme of the entire essay
o Para 3 – Social conflicts in UK due to presence of international migrants (recall the London bombing?) and the
· Always start with the topic sentence, in this case the effects to be discussed.
· One sentence, one point, especially if your English is only as good as mine!
· End the paragraph with reference back to the question, clearly stating the effects again.
5. Answer in the context of the question
migration -> effects -> country
Focus on the key out-come of the question, which is the effects, not the cause of migration!

6. And if you can….
The best answer is able to evaluate if the issues are the result of migration or merely aggravated by migration
However, this should be done after
You covered all the basic materials
You still have time

CCK is back and more on exams

2006-09-27T09:23:00.000+08:00

no update recently because I was having overblog fatigue! Anyway, hope to get back to using jeojeo more as we approach the self study period.

So far marking the prelim paper has been ..................... because it feels just like marking the mid year. same old mistakes, same old people making those mistakes, same standard, same people failing to reach the standard.
Anyway over the next few weeks I will be using this platform to post answers to questions, answers to other JC prelims (2006), june paper (2006) etc.
I am thinking of not doing remedial but have revision lessons base on specific topics. Perhaps you folks want to give your views on this. Please comment on the topics you will like to revise, keep it specific, e.g. EMDC urban models instead of Urban Geography

I would like you people to use the comments so that we all all see what are the topics of concern. Perhaps if student A needs help on a topic, and student B reading this on the comment may offer help.
From now until when the first paper kick in, do help one another.

God Bless you!

Hope you have a fruitful time revising.

Reflections on the mid year exam

2006-07-15T10:11:00.000+08:00

As far as my observations are concerned, two main issues have emerged

1. Poor time management
It is usually easy to get the first 25-50% of the marks. After than thing become increasing difficult. That is the reason why 70% is enough to get an A. Which means that even if you spend 1 hour on a DRQ, you are likely to secure at most 70+ %. Even if you have 10/10... that is 20 marks forgone because 1 hour is meant to cover 3 DRQs not one! Every question that you did not attempt is 100% of the marks for that question forgone.

2. Using the data
Question 1 was a classic case. Part (a) and (c) was entirely from the data. Yet as far as I can recall. only 2-3 students made full use of the data to secure marks. At the end its marks thrown away for poor exam skills, all the effort in the preparation gone to waste!

I am still thinking through what happened in the essay section. The questions typical of A levels though I mustr admit, slightly on the tougher side. Nonetheless, marking was set such that basic content is adequte for a pass. Perhaps you people would like to give you views on the essay, like what were the difficulties you were facing etc.

Anyway, lets move on and aim for better grades for the prelims. If in anyway you are discouraged or confused, please do make a point to see me to have a chat.

Stay healthy, take some time to relax and lets start our war on POOR GRADES.

Day 2 of marking

2006-07-06T16:42:00.000+08:00

day two of marking and its gloomy again. Only 1 potential A. Some old issues crop up again. The favourite 'because' and 'due to' appeared in some of the weakest responeses. Many also fail to interpret the question thoroughly.... die lah......... the signs are no good. Many are probably going to end up like England; full of talents, but no strategy and tactics!

So the Italians will do a french kiss

2006-07-06T07:57:00.000+08:00

Such a disappointment that two of the teams I least like are now in the finals! The Italians I dislike because the case study on regional differences have so many names of places to remember. Yucks. The French... because Paris is such a good case study for city structure but nobody has written any textbook stuff on it. Sounds totally silly? Its because my second favourite team, the Spaniards are already out. So who cares about world cup! BTW, my favourite team is Singapore!

Anyway, done with the first evening of marking. DRQ really bad. Students in general fail to pay adequate attention to the data.

2006-06-19T10:32:00.000+08:00

spend a week in Malaysia and realise that RTM and TV7 actually telecast all the world cup matches for free!!!!!!!!!!!!! really money face mediacorp and starhub! I have cancelled my starhub internet account as a protest. I will have nothing to do with starhub hence forth!
In case students have the impression that I wasted my june holdiay just relaxing..... no I did not. I attended 3 days of lessons on gobalisation and 2 days on a new version of GIS. I also finish a book on urban geography (will be posting some insights soon) and did an thorough analysis of the 2005 paper while on vacation!
Anyway just have to give my take on the world cup. Consider the impact of hosting the world cup in Germany. 4.2 million tourists, hundreds of WAGS (especially the english type) , consider the multiplier effect on the economy..... For my students, this is a good example of the economic benefits of tourism.
Rather than just follow what is no the field, consider what is off it as well. Why are the Tago players arguing over payment for playing in the world cup? arh.. where and what is Tago by the way?What about the country that no longer exist (Serbia and Montenegro)? What climatic zone does Germany belongs to?
There is so much geography in the world cup that I think Mediacorp should telecast all the matches for free because it is educational!

And guess which team I support? Clue: Liverpool

In PJC Portal

2006-05-27T15:02:00.000+08:00

You can download this stuff from PJC portal

Answers to March Common test
2006 JC 2 Mid Year paper 2 answers
Tourism reading list
Tourism essays
Short notes on Tourist destinations
Factors affecting tourism growth
Regional development China - Economic Geog

location http://www.pioneerjc.moe.edu.sg/
Those who do not have pass word please email me at gmail - cck.stephen@gmail.com

A scene in PJC

2006-05-23T16:09:00.000+08:00

....Some of us were teaching last week when we noticed a group of students eating from across the next block. Not only were they eating and drinking, they were also doing it right in front of an elderly cleaner who was erasing the white board. It was a sad case of blatant nonchalance and inconsideration. She had a black bag of accumulated litter with her and had just finished sweeping the floor. A colleague and i went over and decided to speak to the class concerned. To our horror, we managed to catch one of them, behind the class, casually leaving a piece of food wrapper on the desk, right in front of a bin and just when the poor attendant had finished her cleaning duties. The following dialogue with the boy went like this.
The tone was gentle, mildly colloquial and objective:
Teacher1: Hi, what did you just do?
Student(looks surprised): Oh, sorry.
Teacher2: Ok, pls pick it up...(pause)... By the way, do you know who this lady is?
Student1: Huh...errr... errr, school worker.
Teacher1: What is she doing?
Student: Errr, cleaning.Teacher1: ok...mmm... what did you just do?
Student:(silent...pauses for a long time, probably too embarrassed to reply..even gave sheepish smile, as he recognised..too late perhaps... the sad state of irony in the matter raised)Teachers(we were not smiling): ......Rest of students (one was quiet, 2 continue to giggle at student):........School Attendant; looking detached and continued with her work.

Tourism readings from Carr Waugh and Nagle

2006-05-19T14:44:00.000+08:00

Available in portal
For case studies, I have a different approach. I would prefer we focus on a few case studies that can be used for a number of concepts.
For example Bali (ELDC) and Costa (EMDC) can be used for Bulter's Cycle, enviromental impact and culture impact of tourism.
Oxford can be used for Urban Tourism, Heritage Tourism as well as comparing internal and international tourism
Yosemite can be for ecotourism and managment of national park.

It may mean that you may have to read up on new materials.

Someone in class ask what is love?

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Nokia-connecting people

2006-04-20T09:54:00.000+08:00

With respect to our recent tutorial on TNCs
check out the Nokia in the world presentaion on the global distribution of production for one TNC.
check out the coporate governence link as eg centralise decision making
check out quality / quality management as e.g. of effective management

just surf through the site in general, interesting info

more complains from Mr Chia

2006-04-20T09:22:00.001+08:00

I know fieldtrip is a great opportunity to bond and have fun while learning about geography. All I can say is that is just too bad but you cannot blame MOE for wanting to play safe. If something were to happen to teh students while overseas, do you think parents would not put the blame on the school? Would they not say that the school ought to know better than to let the students go for the trip? Would any parent come out to say "its ok, we let our kids go, we abstain the school from any responsibilities."?

The other issue that has really been irking me is the tutorial assignments. I started the term hoping that studnets will do their work on time, so that the whole cohort can have a simialr tutorial programme. Unfortunately, as things are, people only submit work when reminded. These group of students make up nearly 50% of the whole cohort!

Oh, and concerning the expenses for the candies... is any class or individual going to contribute?

Field trip is off

2006-04-03T13:42:00.000+08:00

Bird caught a flu so we cannot fly to Thailand. Trip is offf

marking - the final day

2006-03-29T07:28:00.000+08:00

Essay 1 is the biggest killer and if you have done this qn there is a 75% chance you fail the essay. the most obvous problem is that
(a) involve very precise definition, but a general description
(b) indicators, not reasons
(c) question is not about policies to reduce birth rate, its about whether reducing birth rate helps to alleviate overpopulation!

Anyway, for homework this weekend, please complete the two DRQ and 1 essay that you did not do.

common test marking epsiode II

2006-03-28T09:22:00.000+08:00

Day 2 of marking and I ma finally getting some urban questions. Howver, main problem still with the pop questions. In this round, if you did not write up till the required length for the 4 marks and above type of qns, you will not get 100% no matter how many points you include. Minimum length standard will be imposed strictly. So do not be surprise if you have all the points i mentioned in the answer scheme but still did not get full marks for the part.

common test marking epsiode I

2006-03-27T08:08:00.000+08:00

While reading yesterday's Sunday Times, I realise everybody is doing it... i mean the population questions, what were you thinking? (I read while taking a break frm the marking)
Anyway, it occurs to me that the 3 pop question may just be a little too easy. However, so far most are getting 6-8 marks for the DRQ. The essay.. sigh.. its a 'national disaster'. In particular, essay 1(c).
Oh... another disaster is that practically everyone threw all that I said about paragraphs, topic sentence, establishing relationships etc out of the ...... brains! Old habits can be hard to go away but THEY HAVE TO GO.
to be continued...

JC 2 Term 2 programme

2006-03-13T07:52:00.000+08:00

Week 1 Common Test
Week 2 Test Answers
Week 3 - 10 Economic Geog

June Holiday programme
Week 1 Tourism Revision
Week 2 Thailand Fieldtrip
Week 3 Urban Revision
Week 4 Population Revision

The End

2006-03-02T09:11:00.000+08:00

The results is out. We were not fantastic, or perhaps that is an under statement! We were really down in the dumps. I feel really sorry for the students who did poorly. Some of them seem to have taken it well (Mr Chia I got a C are you happy for me? ha ha ha :) , some did not (Mr Chia, I am sorry! sob sob sob) To those who are satisfied with what you have, good for you. Been contented is next best thing to godliness. To those of you who I say, lets get on with life. None you should be sorry for anything.

It does not mean there is no need for reflection. Myself, together with Mr Osman will definitely look thoroughly at things and see if there are things that went right and things that went wrong.

Personally for me, it was a shocking experience. Perhaps I am one of those who are used to things just going ok in life all the time, no storm, no bright sunny day, just clear skies with occasional showers! So this storm is good for me too.

To the 0405ers, if there is any way at all you think I can help, please feel free to approach me, whether you have an F or a A, it does not matter!

PJC portal

2006-02-20T09:56:00.000+08:00

From now onwards, files for download will be thro the PJC portal. Your CTs would have given you the password by now. We had to use it because of copyright issues . SOme of the stuff I have given you thro this platform could get be sued.
Anyway, the link is http://www.pioneerjc.moe.edu.sg/PJC2005/index.HTM.
If you do not have the password, please email me at cck.stephen@gmail.com

ans to drq6

2006-02-10T11:27:00.000+08:00

Case Study Singapore CBD

2006-02-06T15:29:00.000+08:00

IETL 2006 Geography -earthquake project

2006-02-06T14:44:00.000+08:00

IETL 2006 Geography -weather study project

2006-02-06T14:27:00.000+08:00

Some members of weather study project

Answer to CBD test

2006-02-06T14:01:00.000+08:00

Disappointed

2006-02-06T09:12:00.000+08:00

Its Monday, > 1 week after the dateline for DRQ 6, and I have a grand total of 28 submissions, that is 38% of the students have done their work and submitted. What happen to the rest? Fogot? Don't care? don't know? Don't want to do?
It is of grave concern to me because its only Jan/ Feb. If you are not able to follow the assignments, how are you to deal with your work for the rest of the term?

DRQ 6 Assignment two urban models

2006-02-06T09:10:00.000+08:00

(a) Differentiation of functional zones from the centre
Mann: Age of house decreases with distance from the centre
ELDC: Newer development can be found close to the centre
Residential differentiation
Mann: Divided into distinct sectors base on social economic status
ELDC: Also differentiated by SES but a ring of high class housing found all around the CBD
Commercial Core
Mann: Single CBD with a transition zone
ELDC: Secondary CBD found in the high class suburban area
High status housing
Mann: Located away from industrial sector
ELDC: Can locate next to industrial sector
Low status housing
Mann: Semi-permanent housing found all around urban periphery
ELDC: Low class housing found in the industrial sector

(b)
Differentiation of functional zones from the centre
Mann: Closely tied to by historical factors.
Urban growth started from the centre, some effort to rejuvenate the core.
Accessibility level high around the entire city
ELDC model
Development dictate by accessibility (i.e. the route to the port). City core undergoing changes.
Residential differentiation
Mann: Largely determined by compatibility of land use and social economic status.
ELDC model: Limited resources means only the most central locations have the amenities which attract high status housing development. Poor transport infrastructure means growth occurs only along certain directions
Commercial Core
Mann: Traditional urban landscape governed by traditional approach to urban planning.
ELDC model: More haphazard development, the secondary core reflects strong dualism in the economy.
High status housing
Mann: Influenced by accessibility.
ELDC model: Influence by the prevailing wind
Low status housing (council housing)
Mann: Lower class located next to industrial area so as to be near workplace.
ELDC model: Spontaneous and semi-permanent housing result of recent wave of rural migrants and the urban poor.

DRQ 5 Land use and movement in a South American city

2006-02-06T08:52:00.000+08:00

(a) The model seems to be a combination of the wedge and ring model. The ring like structure can be seen developing from the CBD, followed by a ring of mixed zones (transition zone?) Beyond that however, the rings are not concentric but rather are divided into sectors and have similar characteristics to the wedge zones that have developed. It fact it is more likely that the wedges were developed from the rings, extending to a particular direction depending on local factors. This is especially evident from the development of the CBD towards the residential sector occupied by the upper class. The development of the industrial sector is also identical to the Sector model, probably related to some form of transport route that lead to the growth of industries. The model has elements of the Multi-nuclei model if we consider the development of municipal housing zones and favelas as growth poles which may expand into residential zones.

(b) The South American city is expanding since more people are moving to it than are moving away. Movements to the city are largely of poor rural labours, who locate in shanties (favelas) or illegal inner city slums. These poorer areas are therefore expanding within the city, taking over pockets of previously higher-class residence.
The former occupants of these sectors are moving out to better sites in the upper class housing zone of greatest affluence as it expands outwards. Municipal developments are being located on the outer edge of the city to siphon off some of the poorer immigrants and to absorb some of the longer standing poor inhabitants of the city as they look to improve themselves.
However the fastest growing zone must be the Favelas which are absorbing both the new migrants from the rural regions as well as the poor from the city centre. Even some inhabitants of the municipal housing are relocated in favelas.
Distinct zone of newer lower/ middle class housing can be seen developing along with the growth of the industrial zone. Such newer housing zones growth both from the older lower/ middle class zone as well as from newer migrants from the rural areas.
The upper class sector is expanding westward, pulling along the CBD with it. The immigration of the rich from other regions further enhances the segregation between the rich and the lower class.

DRQ4 Khartourm-Omdurman

2006-02-06T08:50:00.000+08:00

(a) CBD is located in the centre of the city at the confluence of the White and Blue Nile.
The commercial zone is surrounded by high and low status residential zones. The slum is separated from the commercial zone by low and high status housing. While a mix of housing status can be found around the CBD, most of the slums are located some distance away.
(b) (i) The wedge pattern of low and middle status housing along the river is very similar to the model and so does the development of ‘sectors ‘ of mid-status housing with no direct boundary with the CBD. However, unlike the model, the lowest housing status (slums) are not found around the CBD, in fact they are located some distance away.

(ii)The explanation provided by the model is also unlikely to be valid given the absence of the manufacturing zone. The city is therefore more likely to depend on trade rather than production. The poor need not locate near the CBD (with the classical notion about lower transport cost) since jobs are not necessary found there! The low status housing are probably part of the old city and thus unsuited for modern living, hence the low cost. As such historical factor plays a critical role in the form of this city. Been located along the river also means the physical barrier act as a control on the expansion of the city

2006-01-23T08:44:00.000+08:00

The framework of the idealized city is a composite of sectors and rings. The heart of the city is the CBD dominated by reliance on public transportation and nearby concentrations of affluent, elite residents that guarantees a thriving central city. The CBD increasing reflects skyscraper offices and condominium towers.A commercial—industrial spine extends the CBD in one direction with offices, shops, high-quality housing, restaurants, theaters, parks, golf courses, etc. that eventually give way to wealthy suburbs and elite residential sector.

Three zones reflect home of majority of residents—(1) the zone of maturity, attractive to middle classes with filtered-down colonial housing and improved self-built dwellings, (2) the zone of in situ accretion, modest housing interspersed with deterioration, and (3) zone of peripheral squatter settlements, housing for the impoverished. The final structural element is the disamenity sector with slums, open sewers, no sanitation, and people living in cardboard boxes.

Field trip to Changmai

2006-01-16T09:26:00.000+08:00

Tutorial answers to 1,2,3

2006-01-16T09:09:00.000+08:00

Answers Tut 1
Tutorial 1(b) Reflects (i) supply vs demand of housing, i.e. high ppp suggest inadequate supply of housing
(ii) cost of housing, i.e. high ppp suggest high cost of housing, forcing families to take smaller housing units.
Both (i) and (ii) reflects the amount of personal space each individual has and whether housing units have beyond just the basic dinning and sleeping space.
Correlating ppp with QOL clearly reflects lower ppp is associated with high QOL.
1(c) Medical and health care using indicators like doctor: patient ratio.
Environmental aspects like air pollution using PSI
Security and personal safety aspects using crime indicators of less serious (than murder) crimes like break-ins, car thefts etc

Answers tut 2b
Given the difference in the details provided, only some general comparison can be made.
Both cities were developed around a lake, though there was no evidence that the water body acted as boundary of land use zones. Instead residential / commercial and recreational land use has been developed around the lake region with industrial land use located some distance away from the settlement core.
However, the data does reveal a clearer and planned layout for Brasilia while there was more conscious effort to protect the lake environment in Canberra (with park and recreation space surrounding the lake).
Brasilia shows a more core form while Canberra seem to have developed in a radial form.

Answers tut 3
A- Commercial, e.g. banking
B - High threshold retail e.g. branded boutique
C- Manufacturing
D - Residential

(ii) Commercial activities require prestigious central location, which often are areas that have the longest history of development. The central locations are limited in supply but high in demand. As such potential users must be willing to pay a premium to be able to obtain ownership. Bid Rent Theory essentially looks at the willingness of users to pay beyond basic rent, i.e. the economic rent.

Central business district at focus point of ring road system
Economic activities found at other major road intersections and along rail way track near he central area.
Sub centers scattered around.
Bid Rent model suggest a single center with greatest accessibility but in reality a city often have several points of greatest accessibility which are translated into peak land value intersection points.
Bid Rent Theory divides major land use into concentric zones because its assumed that accessibility decline uniformly and in proportion to distance from the city. In reality, accessibility is determined by transport grid. In the bottom diagram, major road interaction and the railway line represent areas of greatest accessibility.

Stuff on some major cities in Asia Pacific

2006-01-12T09:36:00.000+08:00

Why was options given and new school rules

2006-01-06T15:56:00.000+08:00

I did consider whether I should give students options. However, what is the point of having a fieldtrip when only a small number of students will benefit? I would rather have more on board to have a chance to experience geography field trips.
Anyway, it is my intention to make the Thailand trip as beneficial and fun as possible. I do hope a large number will sign up, which means lower cost as well.

Since today is very much about school rules, allow me to give you my stake on it. You will be a PJC graduate, whether you like it or not. People are going to associate PJC with certain groups of people, whether you like it or not. I do not know about you, but I will protect the image of my own school, because people will see me in the light of where I was form.

Chiang Mai is the top choice

2006-01-04T17:47:00.000+08:00

Looks like we will have tom yam for the june break

Whats happening in 2006

2005-12-28T13:48:00.000+08:00

For teaching staff, myself, Mr CCK will be teaching Paper 2, Mr Osman will take Paper 1.
Our system is that each week, we will have at least 1 lecture and 1 tutorial per paper.
In term 1, on odd weeks, i.e. week 1, 3, 5 etc, Mr Osman will have one additional tutorial, while on even weeks I will have one additional tutorial. In short, for each student, you will have for each week, 2 lectures and 3 tutorials.
For e.g. in week 1
1 X Paper 1 lecture, 1 X Paper 2 lecture
2X Paper 1 tutorials, 1X Paper 2 tutorial

The tutors will update you on the test dates, reference books etc.

Overseas field trip in 2006

2005-12-12T14:26:00.000+08:00

I hope we can visit some place in june to bring geography to life. However it is going to cost money and time. As it stands, I propose the following 3 options for your consideration/

1. 7 days ++ to KL and Kuantan covering urban changes, beaches (real one, not the fake type in singapore), economic changes etc of Malaysia. Cost about $400
2. 7 days ++ to a international school in Chiangmai, Thailand, covering areas like agriculture, urban changes, limestone areas, and if possible we will throw in some fieldwork techniques. Cost about $900
3. 14 days to Central Australia, covering river features, weathering and inselbergs etc. Cost about $2500

I will do a survey with the class in the first week of term and decide by the end of first week.

no updates

2005-11-28T11:21:00.000+08:00

I will ease off on the updates as the blog currently has no real purpose. Once the new JC 2 starts the academic year, it will be alive again.

What i think

2005-11-14T13:59:00.000+08:00

This is what I think may be tested for paper 2
Population: Fertility Changes in ELDC and EMDC
Ageing population in EMDC
Rural Urban Migration in ELDC

Urban
Rural-urban migration case study China
Urbanisation and counter-urbanisation
Bid-Rent Theory - probably DRQ
Industrial location in urban area - case study Docklands

Economic
Core-periphery model , spread and backwash effect
Location of TNC in EMDC (HP in Europe) and ELDC (Nokia in Shenzhen) -reasons

Tourism
Growth of tourism
Practice of sustainable tourism
Impact of tourism

Disclaimer: I am not a fortune teller, I am not god, I cannot know what will actually come out, and I am not responsible if my instincts are wrong!

June 2005 question and answer

2005-11-10T16:40:00.000+08:00

already arranged by topic. Please go through hor!

I am a liverpool fan

2005-11-07T17:12:00.000+08:00

I am a Liverpool fan since the days of Ian Rush but the only EPL game I have ever been is Chelsea - Spurs game in Stamford Bridge in 1997! Anyway, I hope the EPL will help us to remember a few things about human geog
Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Manchester etc are old industrial city suffering under the impact of deindustralisation. These are also cities facing the greates urban depopulation as people mover out to get jobs.

London, which host clubs like Arsenal, Crystal Palace etc is reaping from the benefits of a post industrial economy. Because it is service base at the first place, impact of deindustrailisation is not significant.

Chelsea was originally a village at the urban-rural finge of London. It has since be absorb into London metrolpolitan as a result of urban sprawl. It is a rich community with mainl high status housing! Remember Burgees' model the high status housing is found at the outer ring of a EMDC city!

As you can see, EPL is a great way to learn geography!

Urban Geog DRQ

2005-10-31T11:45:00.000+08:00

Answers to selected Urban DRQ in the portal. Those who emailed me for pop drq, I have already send to you via email.

Spatial inequality and urban slum in china

2005-10-25T11:12:00.000+08:00

Pub Date: 10/10/2005 Pub: ST Page: 10
Headline: Poverty belt may leave Beijing choking
By: Chua Chin Hon, China Bureau Chief In Hebei

Poor villages in region surrounding the capital a cause for concern

A THREE-HOUR drive north of Beijing, the dusty village of Guojiayao seems
frozen in time, untouched by the changes rippling through China in the past two
decades. Its century-old mud-brick houses still use paper instead of glass for their
windows.
The 30-odd families of Guojiayao in northern Hebei province survive largely
on farming, with an average household income of about 1,500 to 2,000 yuan
(S$310 to S$420) in a good year with no droughts. In contrast, farmers on the
outskirts of Beijing earn more than three times that amount.
Villagers both young and old cannot remember when Guojiayao was first built,
nor do they expect any real changes in the years to come.
'This place has been dirt poor since I first moved here when I was 30,' said
Madam Zhang Yuhua, 77, whose family bought its first television set only last
year.
Together with about 1.8 million other peasants across 3,798 poor villages in
the region, she is part of a 'poverty belt' that now surrounds Beijing and
Tianjin, two of China's biggest and most bustling cities, according to a recent
study commissioned by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Hebei
government.

Rural poverty is nothing new in China, where uneven economic growth and a
growing wealth gap have created huge disparities in living standards between
the urban and rural areas.
But the proximity of the poverty belt to Beijing and the potential problems
it could cause in China's political nerve centre have now roused policymakers.
Experts who conducted the study on the poverty belt warn that its existence
at the doorstep of the Chinese capital could jeopardise the region's ecological
health and future growth, as well as hurt Beijing's preparations for the 2008
Olympic Games.

'The large number of poor villagers on the outskirts of Beijing will
inevitably result in a low-quality labour force streaming into the city,
forming slums and a new group of urban poor,' according to the study.
'This would not only affect the capital's image as an international city,
but would make it hard to ensure social safety and stability.'
There is no quick fix in sight. The obvious solution would be investment and
job creation. But these are difficult to carry out due to the region's tough
restrictions on heavy industries, which could drain or pollute the water
resources vital to Beijing and Tianjin.

chinhon@sph.com.sg

popluation movement

2005-10-24T10:08:00.000+08:00

I just uploaded 3 case studies on pop movement emdc - european union, singapore, eldc -china in the portal. thoses who have the cd should find it in there already. for copyright reasons,they cannot be placed on public domain.
even without, those, waugh is quite enough. p361-371 touches on both international and internal migration in em and el, case studies are all ok for exams. i also find them easy to digest.

Pop data response solution

2005-10-21T16:06:00.000+08:00

I have work out answers to the pop drq i gave out. They are in the portal file name is pop data response.

I cannot put them on public domain because of copyright reasons. In event you really do not want to use the portal, just email me at cck.stephen@gmail.com

To the 2003/4 geography students

2005-10-14T13:33:00.000+08:00

It was a very meaningful and moving graduation ceremony. Eddie Koh's 'tong hua' (fairy tale) as good as that superstar guy!
Anyway, JC2s, I hope the ceremony marks a closing for your time in PJC. However, I do hope you will continue to come back to us as you prepare for the A levels. Make sure you develop a proper working time and sleeping time. Avoid late nights if possible, you must not disturb your natural biological clock. The papers are in the day, not at 12 midnight!

As far as paper 2 is concern, please keep doing questions. Reading is NOT studying, its just reading. You read to get some idea like case studies etc, not for core content.
I am trying to get inspired by taking a second look at the june paper and past year paper. Hope to give you my insight soon.
Mean time, take care and stay healthy.

June paper

2005-10-10T13:25:00.000+08:00

In the past, the june paper has always been used as a guide to the Nov paper but this year the june paper we receive is not at all helpful. The topics are very different.

Bali bombing again

2005-10-05T10:39:00.000+08:00

The last time bali was bomb it was between prelim and As. Students was wondering whether to add the incident to their Kuta case study. This time... it happen again. However, you need not consider it for he case study.
Instead I thought you may want to consider how tourism has internationalise a location, making Bali a focus point world wide rather than in Indonesia. This is one of the social impact of tourism, positive when it creates a pural society and allow the country to share with teh rest of the world their culture heritage. Bali also became the gateway for visitors to explore the rest of indonesia.
Negative when such attention means that any incidents became international news. Why do you think the terrorists attack Bali? Because it will attract global attention because Bali is so internationalised.
On a personal note:
Pray that all those injured will recover, and pray for the family of the alleged bombers, that they will be able look carry on with their lives.

What to do next for the JC 2

2005-10-03T08:26:00.000+08:00

For those who have very low scores for the prelim, i.e 40 and below, you should see either myself or mr osman for go through the details of the prelim paper.

For the majority of you, now is time to focus on doing past year questions, even if you think your content is not so strong.

Even for case studies (from Henry), you should refer to them as you prepare your answer outline. Both the fundamentals will get you a E, D kind of pass but you need the case studies to do well. Yet with case studies but weak fundamentals, you may not even get an E!

SO my suggestion is every day, spend 2 hours to do pass year questions. For each question, do not attempt to get the entire answer or do a detail outline. The procedure should roughly be:

1. After reading the question, write down the key points without referring to amy notes.
2. Refer to at most two sources e.g. lecture notes and Carr, Carr and Waugh etc
3. Fill in the points you think you have miss out.
4. Take down points that you do not understand, collate and see teacher later.
5. Go on to next question.

Steps 1-5 should not exceed 15 minutes for a DRQ and 30 minutes for an essay.

Try it out.

answers to rocks exercises

2005-09-28T11:23:00.000+08:00

for JC 1

Marking update III

2005-09-26T08:46:00.000+08:00

90% done and the signs are no good. Big problem with DRQ especially the one on fertility rate and essay section B. Unless some major miracle happen, I do not think we will do well for our A levels.
A06 is going to come up top as far as class performance is concern. Less than 10 have Bs , no As. Not sure if same for paper 1.

Formal lessons after result is released will focus on going through prelim paper. However, students will be asked to attempt the June paper for practice.

I will also be investigating on what is happening in other JCs. I just hope EVERYBODY will keep track of whats happening through the blog. If you have been a visitor, please enourage your friends to do likewise, unless you want to pass on the message for them.

Prelim paper 2 answers

2005-09-23T10:27:00.000+08:00

or log into pjc portal

Marking update II

2005-09-22T10:04:00.000+08:00

Nobody seems to look at the data! Changes in fertility rate becomes fertility rate! Changes in farm size becomes farm size! What is the problem with graphs and tables? What so difficult about looking at the axis? Reading tables and graphs is really secondary school stuff, I cannot possibily be teaching it at A levels!

All the talk about creating well focused paragraphs also did not seem to get into the mind of people! Still just a collection of ideas.

Tag board

2005-09-22T09:56:00.000+08:00

didn't know tag board has a limited time . Now must renew !

Marking update I

2005-09-19T07:30:00.000+08:00

Completed the first day of marking and signs are that the DRQ seems to be poorly done. Everyone seem to have forgotten about the concept of doubling time! And I realise that geog students make poor accountants. As 3% growth per year, there is such thing as compound interest! So at the end of 30 years, its not 90% growth! Anyway, please find out how to calculate doubling time.
However, my greatest concern so far is the lack of planning in he essays. Despite all the reminders, I fail to see more than a handful who did some planning. I believe this is going to cause some of you to do badly.
Anyway, once your last paper is over, hope you will take a break by catching some geog related movies like Core, Dante's Peak etc. I have one good movie - Falling down which provides a interesting view on urban problems in LA. Anyone interested please contact me. Also the 'racist' movie about south asians in UK - East meets East is also a good movie to consider. Relax for a while but stay in touch with the subject.

Counting down

2005-09-15T11:05:00.000+08:00

its less than 24 hours to the paper.. what am I suppose to do?
Make sure you go through the 'things to mermorise' list and MEMORISE !
Focus on fundamentals, not that specific example, case study, place etc.
Read a book e.g. Waugh or Carr to recall content. DO not look at questions now... its too late and it canaffect your confidence. Please get atleast 7 hours of sleep.
For the paper, remember to make full use of the data in the DRQ. I assure you the clues are all in there!
For essays, make sure you can do 75% of the question before you make the decision. Look through them carefully. Even you cannot maximise score, you should minimise damage!

God bless and I will be praying for all of you!

weclome JC 1s

2005-09-12T13:19:00.000+08:00

As I have started teaching the JC1s, they will also be starting to use this blog.. so welcome.
I am also putting up info on the weather study projects with some JC 1s here.

Exam format

2005-09-12T07:51:00.000+08:00

cant't believe people are still asking about exam format.
core topic: population, urban, economic geog
optional: tourism

Section A data Response 10 marks each, spend no more than 90 min
7 questions, two from each core topic, one from anywhere

Section B core topic essay 25 marks 45 min
1 pop, 1 urban, 1 econ
do any one

Section C optional topic 25 marks 45 min
2 tourism
do any one.

Analysis

2005-09-09T10:08:00.000+08:00

There is a difference between a critical analysis of an essay topic and a analytical conclusion. For example if a question were to ask for a discussion of the effectiveness of regional policy, than you materials on the successes and failures are already a critical analysis. On the other hand, if you conclude by suggesting that the failure was not because of poor policies but poor implementation; this is an analytical conclusion

Should I write an introduction

2005-09-05T14:58:00.000+08:00

Introduction is needed if the question is NOT a straight 'what are the reasons' type. The introduction serve to explain your approach to the questions that require analysis or for you to state your position clearly before embarking on the argument.

For example:
If the question ask if tourism has a +ve or -ve impact on the society of the destination
The intro will allow you to state that both impacts can coexist and that you will in your essay explain why it is so difficult to determine the outcome.
You will also need a conclusion to remind the examiner that the impacts depends on managemnt of the sight as well whether options are available to the destination owners at the first place.

However, I do not want intoduction n the traditional essay writing style where you merely summarise what you will be writing
For example:
In this essay I will discuss the following factors XYZ which influence fertility of a country.

Reflection on Teachers' Day

2005-08-31T12:58:00.000+08:00

This would be my 10th teachers day..... Since it is my 10th teachers day, I thought I would want to just reflect on what the last 10 years was like.

Most memorable teachers day
arh....... the one when I refused to attend my CT's celebration in CJC in 1996. Reason: the fun loving class refuse to settle down even though prelim was already around the corner. I was so annoyed I really wanted to bring a mesage across.
However the story has a good ending as we reconciled and I attended a BBQ with them after the prelims

However, I also have fond memories last teachers' day celebration in CJC because the students really took my words seriously. I hinted that I need this and that and indeed, I got a pencil case, laser pointer, white board markers, coloured transparencies (that was before I went full force on MS Powerpoint), sweet container (with sweets off course), mechanical pencils... but not a single card or board etc. Very practical people!

Most memorable teachers day gift
From an ex student of the second batch... who wrote a long letter telling me how the life skills I shared with her and her class has benefited her now that she is in NUS. She did not do well for her A level geog, and is not the 'star student' But when she came back and pass the letter to me, I was really touched.

Most forgettable teachers day
I think I have forgotten about the rest them all.

opps, look like teacher day does not mean much to me after all. Maybe because 8 of the 10 years was spend preparing teachers day for the rest of the teachers (as a SC teacher advisor) and the next 2... hmmm

However I really like this year's concert. No fanciful dance and meaningless skit. Some good performances, pity there was so little teachers' involvement.

To all my students......... I want to wish all of you all the best in the coming prelims and I that have (really) been praying for each one of you that you will be in good health and good mind to deal with the challenges in the coming months.

A big thanks to Sky from A01

2005-08-31T12:54:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Sky's suggestion I have found a new way to deliever files to you people. I have found a free on line storage space. Hence forth, I will link you up to the site. I will start with http://savefile.com/files.php?fid=1533288 which is the suggested answer to the manufacturing drq.

NEW PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO SUPPORT PARENTHOOD

2005-08-30T11:44:00.000+08:00

The Chairman of the Steering Group on Population and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Lim Hng Kiang, announced today a comprehensive new package of measures to support parenthood. Going well beyond financial incentives, the new package takes a holistic and coherent approach to help couples have and raise children.
The Steering Group on Population, comprising Mr Lim, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment & Water Resources, and then-Minister for Community Development & Sports; Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Manpower; Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister of State for Finance and Transport; and Dr Amy Khor, Mayor, South-West CDC, had been tasked to recommend specific proposals to address the problem of declining birth rates in Singapore.
Overview of the Package
Mr Lim highlighted three key features of the new package. First, the new measures address not only cost issues but a broader set of concerns preventing Singaporeans from having larger families. The measures seek to give parents the opportunity to spend more time with their children, pursue a range of childcare options, and strike a better balance between work and family life. Second, the new measures have fewer conditions than previous measures, making them more accessible to Singaporeans. Mr Lim cited as an example the removal of mother’s age and educational qualifications as qualifying criteria for the revised tax measures. Third, the new measures provide greater flexibility in supporting the variety of choices that parents make because of their differing circumstances. For example, there will now be support for a wider range of childcare arrangements.
“We have taken the approach of asking what we can do to help Singaporeans at each stage or aspect of their journey as parents”, said Mr Lim. The new package of measures can be grouped under five broad categories, each addressing a specific aspect of parenthood.
Promoting MarriageHDB Top-up Grant for Singles who Marry. Currently, qualifying singles may receive a CPF housing grant of $11,000 to buy a resale flat. Singles who have obtained this grant, and who marry on or after 1 Aug 2004, will now receive a Top-Up Grant to the prevailing CPF family housing grant. Based on the prevailing family grant quantum, a couple can receive a top-up of up to $29,000[1]. The top-up can be used to offset the mortgage loan of the existing resale flat or for the purchase of another resale flat.
Making Child Birth More AffordableUse of Medisave for 4th and Higher Order Births and Pre-Delivery Expenses. Currently, Singaporeans can use their Medisave to pay for the delivery expenses for their first three children. They will now be able to use Medisave to pay for pre-delivery medical expenses (e.g. ultrasound scans) in addition to delivery expenses, for all their children[2]. These measures will apply to parents of babies born on or after 1 Aug 2004.
Use of Medisave for Assisted Conception Procedures. Couples who face difficulty conceiving will be able to use more from their Medisave accounts to pay for Assisted Conception Procedures (ACP), such as In-Vitro Fertilisation. Couples who start their ACP treatment cycles on or after 1 Aug 2004 will benefit from this change.
Providing Financial Support for Raising ChildrenEnhanced Baby Bonus. Currently, the Baby Bonus is given only for the second and third child, with the cash paid out over 6 years. The Baby Bonus will now be extended to the first and fourth child, and the cash paid out over 2 years. Parents of Singapore Citizen babies born on or after 1 Aug 2004 will enjoy a Baby Bonus of $3,000 cash if the baby is their first child, up to $9,000 cash and matching contributions if the baby is their second child, and up to $18,000 cash and matching contributions if the baby is a third or fourth child. The accelerated disbursement of the cash component over 2 years will give parents more immediate support, as costs are generally higher when the child is younger. The matching contributions can be used readily to defray expenses such as infant care, childcare and kindergarten expenses for all children in the family.
Parenthood Tax Rebate and Working Mothers’ Child Relief. Parents of Singaporean children will also benefit from enhanced income tax benefits. The new Parenthood Tax Rebate – without age requirements or qualifying claim periods - will provide tax rebates of $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the birth order of the child. The new Working Mothers’ Child Relief - without qualifying educational criteria - will provide working mothers a tax relief of 5% to 25% of their earned income, depending on the number of children they have. These tax measures will apply to parents of Singapore Citizen babies born on or after 1 Jan 2004 (for Year of Assessment 2005).
Enhancing Child Care OptionsLonger Maternity Leave. Working mothers of Singapore Citizen babies will now have a total of 12 weeks paid Maternity Leave, compared to the previous 8 weeks. The additional 4 weeks’ leave may be taken any time within 6 months from birth. Employers will continue to pay for 8 weeks of maternity leave taken for the first and second child, while the Government will pay for the additional 4 weeks for the first and second child, and the entire 12 weeks for the third and fourth child, subject to a cap of $10,000 per 4 weeks. The extension in maternity leave will be legislated on 1 Oct 2004. For mothers of Singaporean babies born during the period 1 Aug 2004 to 30 Sep 2004, the Government will also pay the extended maternity leave if it is given by their employers, subject to a cap of $10,000 per 4 weeks.
New Childcare Leave. Working parents with any child below 7 years of age, will be eligible for 2 days of employer-paid Childcare Leave per year, from 1 Oct 2004.
Infant Care Subsidy. Parents of Singapore Citizen infants, aged 2 to 18 months and attending licensed infant or child care centres, will receive an infant-care subsidy of up to $400 per month, from 1 Aug 2004. MCYS will look into ways to increase the availability of infant care places if there is good demand.
Foreign Domestic Worker Levy Concession. Families employing foreign domestic workers will now pay a lower Foreign Domestic Worker Levy of $250 (compared to the current $345) if they have a Singapore Citizen child aged below 12 years staying in the same household. The lower levy will also be available to families which have a Singaporean parent, parent-in-law, grandparent or grandparent-in-law aged 65 years and above staying in the same household, or if the employer or spouse is a Singaporean aged 65 years and above. These concessions will take effect from 1 Aug 2004.
Grandparent Caregiver Tax Relief. Working mothers whose child is being cared for by his or her grandparents will get a Grandparent Caregiver tax relief of $3,000. This applies to working mothers of Singapore Citizen children aged 12 years and below as at 1 Jan 2004 (Year of Assessment 2005).
Encouraging Better Work-Life BalanceWoW! (Work-life Works!) Fund. Many Singaporeans have said that their decisions to have another child depend heavily on whether they can have a healthy balance between work and family life. To help create a workplace environment that helps Singaporeans harmonise family and work commitments, the Government will introduce a new $10 million WoW! Fund. This fund will provide financial support to companies to develop and implement family-friendly work practices, such as flexible work arrangements for staff. Organisations may apply to MOM for the fund from 22 Oct 2004.
A Sizeable Package Benefiting a Large Number of Singaporeans”Our declining birth rate is an issue of long-term national significance. Efforts to promote parenthood therefore warrant a substantial investment by the Government”, said Mr Lim. The new measures will cost the Government an estimated $300 million each year, bringing Government’s total annual expenditure on pro-family measures to about $800 million per year. Most of this money will not go towards financial incentives, but will go instead to the child’s educational development, paid leave for parents, and provision of more child care options.
Mr Lim said that the measures will benefit a large number of Singaporeans. For example, some 35,000 Singaporean couples each year are expected to benefit from the measures related to childbirth, such as the use of Medisave for pre-delivery expenses, the enhanced Baby Bonus, and extended paid maternity leave. About one in four households have children aged below 7 years, and therefore stand to benefit from the new childcare leave, while about one in two families employing a foreign domestic worker will benefit from the foreign domestic worker levy concession.
Public and Tripartite ConsultationMr Lim said that the new package of parenthood measures was the result of extensive public consultation and feedback from Singaporeans. He elaborated that the Steering Group took into account feedback gathered from some 1,600 public emails, 380 telephone calls and 650 media stories and forum letters. The Steering Group also organised 11 focus group sessions involving about 150 people and invited a tripartite panel comprising employer and union representatives to submit its recommendations to the Government. Thanking those who had contributed their views, Mr Lim said the feedback has enabled the Steering Group to develop a package of measures that is “coherent, practical and helpful for Singaporean families”.
A Long Term Effort by Everyone“This package is not only about helping to increase our birth rate. Ultimately, it is about making Singapore a great place for families,” said Mr. Lim. He cautioned, however, that it was not realistic to expect improvements overnight. “This is a long-term effort that will require mindset changes in our homes, workplaces, and society at large, on the value of family life and parenthood. But I am confident that we will get there, through the combined and sustained effort of parents, employers, the media, the Government, and all Singaporeans,” said Mr. Lim.

The different industrialisation

2005-08-25T09:00:00.000+08:00

wad's da diff btw reindustralisation n deindustralisation..??

The most matured economy like UK has gone through three key stages in terms of industrialisation
1. The industrial revolution in 1800s that was brought about by the invention of steam engine. It also marked the beginning of rapid urbanisation as industries are a urban based form of production.

2. Deindustrialisation started in the 1970s-80s when the economy slowed down after the post WWII revival. Industrial especially heavy industry declined and sometime the entire industrial region was affected. The shift in employment and emphasis from manufacturing to services created the post-industrial economy. In the 1990s, everybody thought that is it, manufacturing is over!

3. By 2000, mature economies like UK are receiving FDI again and many older industrial estates are given a new life with modern high tech manufacturing. New technological corridors were also created as production moved from labour based to technology based. In addition those MNCs who set up factories in ELDCs returned for various reasons.

Most important things to memorise

2005-08-24T13:47:00.000+08:00

If you try to memorise everything, you are likely to remmeber nothing. If you try to spot some topics to memorise, you may end with with the wrong topics. Its a loose -loose situation. However there are some fundamental areas to that can have very wide applications:

1. Population Geog
Definition of and Factors affecting fertility and mortality
Factors affecting migration

2. Urban Geography
Factors affecting urban structure
Definition of urban processes e.g suburbanisation

3. Economic Geography
Factors affecting the location of industries
Factors affecting production of agriculture

4. Tourism
Factors affecting development of tourism destination and tourism industry

Do a A4 size summary of each and happy memorising.

The decoupling of manufacturing employment and manufacturing output

2005-08-11T13:23:00.000+08:00

These means there is no direct relationship between changes in manufacturing employment and manufacturing output. This can occur because
1. Increase in the productivity of labour.
Labour productivity can increase because of training and education which improves the skill. Meanwhile, a change in factor combination, ie by increasing the capital per worker through mechanization and automation can also increase the prodtcivity of each worker. Either way, it means output can increase without an increase in labour input. In many instances there could even be a decrease in labour input because of rationalization.

2. Reclassification of jobs and outsourcing.
Certain jobs traditionally classified as manufacturing like design and research are been reclassified as service. As such they contribute to service employment while leading to a fall in the employment in manufacturing. A more direct impact occurs when manufacturing firms close down research and design departments and subcontract or outsource these services to specialized firms. Thus there will be a fall in manufacturing employment while more jobs are created in the service sector.

Why no haze

2005-08-11T13:04:00.000+08:00

Singapore is spared from the haze and smoke from extensive fire in Sumatra because winds are mostly westerlies (blow from east to west) thus the smoke is blow westward to KL. However if winds were to start blowing southwest, then we will get it!

International Division of Labour and the New International Division of Labour

2005-08-11T12:57:00.000+08:00

The original concept of international division of labour actually emerges of the economics of international trade. The idea is the different nations have comparative advantage in the production of certain goods or services base on Ricardo’s Theory of Comparative advantage. Thus Malaysia may specialize in the production of rubber tires because it has the raw materials. Japan may specialize in the production of cars because it has the technology. Thus USA will import tires from Malaysia and assembly the cars in USA. This is the classical approach to the international division of labour.

The New International Division of Labour only emerge with the internationalization of production. As MNCs set up branch plants in ELDCs, manufacturing activities like car assembly, hi-tech goods etc which used to be only located in EMDCs also moved to ELDCs. As such Malaysia and Japan both produce cars. In NIDL, higher order activities like research and development continues to remain in the core (EMDCs) while lower end mass production is done in the periphery (ELDCs) As such while Malaysia produces their own cars, design and research is still done in Japan. These information is either given or sold to Malaysia car producers.

Analysis

2005-07-28T10:36:00.000+08:00

Isrin asked a very good question, one which I only hope more of you have been asking. As a guide, if a question's focus is not on analysis, e.g. Discuss the factors that led to the growth of shanty towns? then you should keep about 10-20% for critical views.

For example, you may want comment on if Shanty towns are necessary bad? Are shanty towns not an innovative way by the very poor to solve the housing problem? Perhaps having the shnaty towns there may discourage potential migrants?

Or are the factors indication of deeper issues. For example, if you were to say the government did not have the resources to provide proper housing. Perhaps the real issue is economic stagnation so should solve the economic problems first rather than 'dump' resources into consumption.

The idea here is that you may want suggest questions or issues that need further discussion. You do not need to provide the answers. You deal with the core content first. After that you can either provide comments or even pose questions to the examiner.

The only way you can provide analysis is when you read about alternative views and ideas beyond the lecture notes.

WorldCom and Enron

2005-07-28T10:30:00.000+08:00

Interesting that your ask about these two!:(
I mean theya re examples of large TNCs (went wrong!) and really, I do not think they are of much help to us. As TNCs. theyare not model case studies. However, geography aside, Durai and the government may want to consider the lesson learned about corporate governance or rather the lack of it. Before anyone decides to sue me, I am not saying what is happening in NKF is liken to Enron and WorldCom, its more like people were careless and something went wrong! If you plan to go into BusAd in NUS or NTU, I am sure they will make good case studies. Check out the web site.

Haitang

2005-07-20T13:13:00.000+08:00

Source: earthobservatory.nasa.gov
Typhoons are tropical low pressure systems, meaning air is rapidly rising and therefore very unstable. Thus typhoon bring stormy conditions.
Look at your atmospheric notes, there is one DRQ on tropical storms.

Taiwan suffered a direct hit from Typhoon Haitang on the afternoon of Monday July 18, 2005 local time with sustained winds reported at 184 kph

Such storms area a major factor that lead to slope failure and accelecrated rate of coastal erosion.

Slums and housing in Singapore

2005-07-15T08:40:00.000+08:00

Go check out what housing was like in the 1960s at the Straits Time Photo exhibition. It will give you a better idea of how housing has developed in Singapore over the last century. And since we are on the issue of slums (and squatters) .... just to say that such form of informal housing is not always bad. In many instances, even in the falvas and bustees, they reflect a strong sense of resilience and independence. The housing provide the extreme poor some form of protection and community help. As such in helping to improve on the living conditions of the shanty dwellers is not only cheaper but often more welcomed by those who actually need help. Off course, given the option and resources, these people do want to move to proper housing, but often, cities do not have the resources to do so.

The housing development in Singapore is a example where resources and political will was put in to deal with poor housing conditions. However, like many other cases, Singapore can be used as a case study only if you place it in the right context, especially time frame. In this case, Singapore can be used as a example of a developing country which successfully dealt with housing problems (in general, and not inner city). Read Waugh 450-1.

As for new towns, note that though the Singapore housing estates were modelled after the UK New Towns, they do have different objectives in mind. In the case of UK, it was a programme to deal with urban expansion but in Singapore it was more to do with management of low class housing.

On a personal note, do continue to support NKF and other charities.

immoral ang mos and the decline of moral standards

2005-07-12T22:06:00.000+08:00

Are the immoral ang mo tourists responsible for the thriving sex trade and promiscuous behaviour of 'conservative' asians? Did not the readings mentioned all these? The question is, are the readings correct? The way to approach it is to suggest the possibilities of a coorealtion without sounding overwhelmingly conclusive. The fact is , it is not so easy to prove the link! While the link between sex trade and tourism can be supported to some extent, the issue of behaviour changes is a much weaker case. You GP lessons would have covered the impact of mass media. You would have known that the mass media was also blamed for promiscuous behaviour. So its important that your answers demonstrate a greater level of awareness and take a balance approach. This is just an example. Remember, do not make sweeping statements!

More woes in London

2005-07-08T08:27:00.000+08:00

By now all of us should known that London was under attack on Thursday. If you do not know, woe to you because despite all my pleas, you are not bothered with current affairs!
Anyway, for our study of urban problems, we can consider the impact of such act or terrorism on urban structure and problems. The concentration of large population together with concentration of facilities make the city and CBD an idea place for acts of terrorism. So besides congestion, high rent etc, your typical EMDC urban problems, NY911 and London0707 demostrates a new set of problems that EMDC cities have to deal with.

More marking woes

2005-07-08T08:12:00.000+08:00

As the marking progress, my heart sank. there were too many instances of lacking in maturity in the students' writing. Facts presented were fragmented and words used were those more suited for a secondary 2 composition! In fact many essays were like secondary 2 compositions!

Discussion with other teachers including those from other JCs lead us to one conlcusion, students never read. They are not familar with the ways geographers present facts and ideas. As such all they have are naive ideas and very layman way of presenting. Too many are just going for the quick fix... memorise a few key points and hope for the best.

DRQ 2 and the essays clearly revealsed that many have only very superficial knowledge of the subject matter. Two months to the prelim and I think many still have problems passing the promos! Is there HOPE?

Gays and gals, if you are reading this... this is the worst mid year exam I have ever encountered, and i mean it. I have taught all graduating students in PJC (expect for the 2004 batch) and 5 batches in CJC and this is the worst! We are really not even at promos standard.

In a sense I am very fed-up. You are more concern with been entertained in class, sms, talk to your friend etc, everything except studying. When I ask you to read an article, half chat with their friends, 1/4 on the phone and the rest falling asleep. You are the only group with air-con tutorial room but you don't seem to treasure.

I am to be blamed because I have been too nice to you, trying to be tolerant and accept that all of you have your own sets of problems and priorities in life. However, all that the problems will not go away if you fail your As, just add another problem! .. aiyah.. sigh!

Marking woes

2005-07-06T12:41:00.000+08:00

The first five days of marking exam scripts are the worst. I need to get samples from all classes to ahve a feel of what are the major problems and the average performance. Its fustrating sometimes when what are considered as general knowledge ended up as not so general after all. There is little I can do to improve the geographical literacy since its assume all JC students have a certain level of geographical literacy. Perhaps the secondary schools should be blame for not getting the foundation right. Perhaps students should be blamed when they know the birthdays of their pop or sports idol but nothing about the city these celeberities grew up in. Why are students not keeping their eyes and ears open, to observe things beyond their immediate environment and look at the world?

Reminded me of the big news about a group of school band leaders who chose Hilter as their role model for leadership -- a case of pure ignorance or plain silly! Likewise a geography student who does not know where the major continents are and the country which major cities belong to is also a course for concern.

The famous story about the littel girl who saved many lives because she studied about Tsunami is pleasing to the ears of a geography teacher, but can my students do the same? What knowledge have they absorb from the months of lesson when till today, many are still unable to look at things through the eye of a geogapher!

These two days, the media is filled with IOC and Olympics 2012. I wonder how many of my students read about what has been done in those cities, the development and budget etc rather than which celebrities are in town. Are they more familar with Beckham than London? Woe to the geography teacher who fail to intill in his / her students a sense of the geography.

Mid year answers

2005-06-28T17:11:00.000+08:00

If you cannot wait, check out the mid year paper answers in the learning portal. If not I will go through in class! By the way, since the exact url of the learning portal is always changing, just use the link on the right of this page. I will keep it updated.

Coming soon

2005-06-28T15:16:00.000+08:00

Spend the last couple of days doing up the economic geography notes and tutorial exercises. The readings are giving me a headache! Just a warning to you students, the topic is very demanding as far as readings are concern. This is not a topic where you can depend on the lecture notes and David Waugh even if all you want is a pass! The content can be very current and lossely structured. If you are not the sort who reads Newsweek and The Economist, you better do it now! Week in week out, its going to be about global economic changes, multinational corporations, new management philososphy, government economic and development policies etc. Nothing that you would have came across before and all in 2 months!

exam format

2005-06-27T22:32:00.000+08:00

Paper 2 format
Section A Date Response Essays-each 25 marks, base on data
Section B Long Essays 3 chose 2 - each 25 marks
Do not spend more than 45 minutes per question.
Target to write about 2-3 sides per question.

Geog mid year

2005-06-27T11:26:00.000+08:00

For paper 1, I though the DRQ was rather challenging but the essay was ok. Anyway hope you people were able to handle the paper. For paper 2, just remember to stick to the instructions. If ask to describe, just describe, not anything else. When answering questions, do not confine to a particular topic. For example, questions on tourism can make use of urban geography concepts. There will be a question that integrates urban with population, so make sure you keep an open mind.

Critical analysis

2005-06-23T21:39:00.000+08:00

Remember, when answering esssay question, always consider whether there are alternative views. Answers need not just be statements. Sometimes, putting in a few appropriate questions as evidence that more considerations are needed can also score points.
But first of all, please make sure you look at past year questions
Josephine, only your password cannot work lah but when I try to email you the materials, it bounce back!

hope all are well

2005-06-22T15:21:00.000+08:00

I only have a few sms questions these two days. I hope its because everyone are ready for the mid-year exam.
Best wishes to the choir. For Shi Hui and Faisal, the script seems ok but I have not mark them yet.
I will upload the answers in the portal. Take a look!

Learning portal again

2005-06-21T11:36:00.001+08:00

The learning portal is on again. Login at http://www.pioneerjc.moe.edu.sg/index.htm
I have put some past year paper with answers on it.
To download, right click, save target as

Upgrading to the learning portal

2005-06-20T15:45:00.000+08:00

Hi, upgrading exercise going on to the learning portal. Wait till this wednesday to access

Using the library

2005-06-20T11:38:00.000+08:00

just checked with the librarian and the loan rate of geog books even hot ones like M Carr is really low. People, you really need to read beyond the lecture notes.. at least the recommended text books, if not I cannot help you!
Anyway, I am putting up a display on the 'War'. If anyone have any artefacts e.g. toy soldiers, tanks, ships, posters or movies, would you like to load them to the library.

From taiwan

2005-06-14T12:53:00.000+08:00

I am trying to update this in a chinese OS and browser. Thank God I was a good CL student!
Anyway, weather in Taipei is super hot but the Adidas clothings also quite cheap!

Just to remind everybody that for the mid year exam, population section is going to focus on migration. the lecture notes you recevied last year is more useful for effects of migration at a more global level. You must make an effort to read Carr's chapter on Urbanisatiojn and Migration.

Trip to KL feedback

2005-06-13T14:46:00.000+08:00

Hi guys , for the special few who wen to KL with the teachers, please give us your feedback as Ms Leong will be doing a similar one for JC1s at the end of the year.

Off to Taiwan

2005-06-13T14:24:00.000+08:00

Hi folks, I will be on holiday with Mrs Chia in Taiwan till the 16th. Mean time if there are questions please email me at cck_stephen@hotmail.com.
Remember to try out pass year questions. for those who need consultation, please see me between Monday to Wednesday next week.
Take care and happy studying.