As a parent, you have a significant role to play in assisting your kid in selecting secondary schools in Singapore. You are advised to have a comprehensive discussion with your child about schools before selecting the one that best meets his requirements.
Here are some things to think about to assist you and your child make better secondary school decisions.
Useful Links: AEIS Exam Paper for Secondary 1 | AEIS Exam Paper for Secondary 2 | AEIS Exam Paper for Secondary 3
Factors when Selecting Secondary Schools
- Child’s interests, strenghts and aspirations
- Courses and subject offered
- School culture
- Co-curricular activities vs child’s interests
- Distance from home to school
In addition, for a detailed description of each secondary school, you can use SchoolFinder offered by MOE to set criteria and filter. It is made easier for selecting secondary schools in Singapore.
Courses and Subjects for Secondary Schools
A student’s experience through secondary school is shaped by the courses he or she takes. Each course includes a variety of topics relating to the abilities and interests of the students. Subject-based banding allows eligible students to move between courses or pursue particular topics at a higher level.
Based on PSLE results, different children have different strengths and interests. Below are some courses they could enrol in:
Express Course for Secondary School
It has two programmes: O-Level and Integrated.
The GCO O-Level Programme will take 4 years while the Integrated Programme will take 6 years. Students in the Integrated Programme do not need to take the GCE O-Level exam in secondary 4.
Eligibility for O-Level Programme: PSLE Score of 4 – 20
Normal (Academic) Course for Secondary School
It is a 4-year or 5-year course for GCE N-Level exam in secondary 4. It is optional to continue to secondary 5 to take the GCE O-Level exam.
Course Eligibility: PSLE Score of 21-25
Normal (Technical) Course for Secondary School
For a PSLE Score of 25-30, students can consider this course. It takes 4 years leading to the N(T)-Level exam in secondary 4.
Conclusion
No matter which secondary school you select in Singapore, it is always important to consider your child’s interests before you decide which school to send him/her to. For more information or update, please refer to MOE Secondary Courses.