Discovering Purpose: Who Am I?
Understanding yourself is key to making informed decisions about your future.
To learn more about yourself, consider these questions:
- What are you passionate about?
- What are your values, interests, personality traits, and skills?
- What are your goals and aspirations?
- How do you want to contribute to your home and community?
By reflecting on these questions, you can gain a clearer understanding of your strengths and interests, which will help you make informed choices about your future.
Exploring Opportunities: Finding Your Educational Path
As you transition from primary to secondary school, it's essential to explore the diverse educational paths available to you.
To help you make informed decisions, consider the following questions:
Academic Programs and Curricula
- What subjects and programs align with your interests and strengths? Do you excel in languages, mathematics, sciences, or the arts?
- Are you interested in specialised programs like the Gifted Education Program (GEP) or the Integrated Programme (IP)? These programs offer unique learning experiences and opportunities.
Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs)
- What CCAs excite you? Participating in CCAs can help you discover new passions, develop skills, and make friends.
- Do you have a particular interest in sports, arts, clubs, or community service? Explore the CCA offerings at different schools to find the best fit.
Learning for Life Programs (LLPs)
- Are you interested in gaining practical life skills? LLPs provide opportunities to learn about personal finance, entrepreneurship, citizenship, and other essential skills.
- How can LLPs help you develop your character and become a well-rounded individual?
School Culture and Environment
- What kind of school environment do you prefer? Do you thrive in a small, close-knit community or a large, diverse school?
- Is the school's mission and values aligned with your own? Consider factors like academic rigor, discipline, and extracurricular opportunities.
Location and Accessibility
- Where is the school located? How convenient is it for you to travel to and from school?
- Does the school offer transportation services or is it easily accessible by public transport?
Specialised Needs
- Does the school have the resources and facilities to support your learning needs? If you have special education needs, inquire about the school's support services.
By carefully considering these factors, you can identify the secondary school that best aligns with your goals, interests, and aspirations.
Types of Secondary Schools in Singapore
Singapore offers a diverse range of secondary schools to cater to the unique needs and aspirations of students. Here's a breakdown of the different types of secondary schools:
Government Schools
- Government schools are fully funded by the government and offer a broad range of academic and co-curricular programs.
- Autonomous schools are a subset of government schools that have greater autonomy in their curriculum, operations, and management. They often specialise in specific areas, such as arts, science, or technology.
Government-Aided Schools
- Government-aided schools receive government funding but are managed by private organisations. They offer a range of academic programs and co-curricular activities.
- Autonomous schools within the government-aided sector enjoy similar levels of autonomy as their government school counterparts.
Independent Schools
- Independent schools are privately funded and managed. They set their own curricula, fees, and admission criteria. These schools offer a variety of educational philosophies and approaches.
Specialised Independent Schools
- Specialised independent schools focus on specific areas of study, such as arts, sports, or religious education. They often have unique programs and facilities to support their specialised focus.
Specialised Schools
- Specialised schools are government-funded schools that cater to students with specific needs, such as gifted education, visual or hearing impairment, or autism. These schools provide specialised programs and support services to meet the unique requirements of their students.
Choosing the right secondary school is a crucial decision. It's important to consider factors such as your child's interests, learning style, and future goals. Researching different schools and visiting their campuses can help you make an informed choice that will set your child up for success.
Difference between express and normal course
The main difference between the Express and Normal courses lies in the academic rigor and pace of study. The Express course is designed for academically gifted students and offers a more challenging curriculum, leading to the GCE O-Level and potentially the GCE A-Level examinations. The Normal course, on the other hand, is designed for students with a wider range of abilities and focuses on preparing them for the GCE N-Level examination.
Express Course
The Express Course is a fast-paced 4-year program designed for academically gifted students. It offers two pathways:
- GCE O-Level Program: Students in this program take the GCE O-Level examinations at the end of Secondary 4. Successful candidates can progress to the A-Levels or pursue other tertiary education options.
- Integrated Program (IP): This 6-year program combines Secondary 4 to 6 with Junior College. Students in the IP do not need to take the GCE O-Level examinations and directly progress to the GCE A-Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Some IP schools also offer the NUS High School Diploma.
For more information about the Express Course, please visit: https://go.gov.sg/secondary-exp
Normal Course
The Normal Course is a 4-year program suitable for students who may require additional support or have different learning styles. It offers two tracks
- Normal (Academic) (N(A)): This track focuses on academic subjects and prepares students for the GCE N-Level examinations. Eligible N(A) students may be offered a 5th year leading to the GCE O-Level examinations.
- Normal (Technical) (N(T)): This track emphasises vocational and technical skills and prepares students for the GCE N-Level examinations. N(T) students can also pursue technical or vocational training after completing the course.
Students in both N(A) and N(T) tracks may have the opportunity to take specific subjects at a higher academic level, such as Express level subjects, as early as Secondary 1. This can provide them with additional challenges and opportunities for academic growth.
For more information about the Normal Course, please visit:
Normal (Academic) (N(A)) - https://go.gov.sg/secondary-na
Normal (Technical) (N(T)) - https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/courses/normal-technical
Ultimately, the choice between the Express and Normal courses depends on a student's individual abilities, interests, and future goals. It's important to consider factors such as academic potential, learning style, and desired career paths when making this decision.
Full Subject-Based Banding: A New Approach to Secondary Education
Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) is a significant reform introduced by the Ministry of Education in Singapore. This innovative approach aims to nurture the joy of learning and provide multiple pathways to cater to the diverse strengths and interests of students.
Key Features of Full SBB
- No separate streams: Students will not be categorised into different streams based on their overall performance.
- Subject-based learning: Students will learn each subject at the level that best suits their abilities, allowing for more personalised learning.
- Mixed form classes: Students will be in mixed form classes, which can foster collaboration and learning from peers with different strengths and interests.
- Common Curriculum subjects: Subjects such as Art, Design and Technology, Food and Consumer Education, and Music will be offered as Common Curriculum subjects at lower secondary.
Implementation of Full SBB:
Full SBB was first implemented in 28 secondary schools in 2020.
It is being progressively rolled out to more secondary schools each year from 2022 to 2024.
For more information about Full SBB and the schools currently implementing it, please visit: https://go.gov.sg/moe-fsbb/