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Information on 2021 Secondary 3 Subject Combinations (Express / Normal Academic)
Information on 2021 Secondary 3
Subject Combinations (Express / Normal Academic)
BEGIN WITH THE END IN MINDPost Secondary School Pathways
G C E ‘O’LEVEL
POLYTECHNICS / NAFA / LASALLE
(3 years) Diploma
JUNIOR COLLEGES / CENTRALISED
INSTITUTE(2 or 3 years) G C E ‘A’ level
INSTITUTE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(2 years) Higher Nitec / Nitec
UNIVERSITY
G C E ‘O’LEVELSec 5
(1 year)
POLYTECHNICS / NAFA / LASALLE(3 years) Diploma
JUNIOR COLLEGES /
CENTRALI SED INSTITUTE(2-3 years)
G C E ‘A’ level
UNIVERSITY
G C E ‘N( A)’ LEVEL
INSTITUTE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(2 years) Higher Nitec /
Nitec
POLYTECHNICFoundation Programme
(1 year)
• For information on post-secondary admission to JC/MI/Poly/ITE (i.e. course requirements and offerings) after the GCE ‘O’ Level, you can refer to “Joint Admissions Exercise Booklet 2020”:o https://www.moe.gov.sg/docs/default-
source/document/education/admissions/jae/files/booklet.pdf
• For information on post-secondary admission to ITE (i.e. course requirements and offerings) after the GCE ‘N(A)’ Level, you can refer to “2020 Intake Exercise – Admission Booklet”:o https://www.ite.edu.sg/docs/default-source/admissions-docs/full-
time/publications/admission-booklet/gce-n-admission-booklet-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=791435c6_4
o Further information on PFP and DPP and in next few slides
• Refer to course requirements and offerings to help in your Secondary 3 subject choice
Education & Career Guidance
PFP Application WindowApplication Processing Appeals Window
Release of Appeal
Outcomes
End of PFP Admissions
Exercise
Appeals Processing
JANUARY 2020
2. Am I Eligible for PFP 2020?
You are eligible for the PFP if you: Sat for GCE N-Level exams as a school candidate in
2019 Have obtained an ELMAB3 aggregate of 12 points or
less (before deduction of CCA bonus points) Met course-specific entry requirements as listed on
the PFP websiteGCE ‘O’ Level
GradeConverted
GradeA1-B3 1B4-C6 2
D7 3
If you had offered GCE O-Levelexamination subjects in 2019, youmay refer to this table for theequivalent grade to compute yourELMAB3 aggregate:
1. What is the PFP?
A foundation year at the polytechnics that: Prepares well-performing Sec 4N(A) students for
progression into respective polytechnic diploma courses Serves as an alternative to Sec 5Conducted over two academic semesters at the polytechnics
3. How do I Apply?
Upon release of the GCE O-Level results, allPFP-eligible students will receive Form Pcontaining a PFP PIN that allows them to applyfor the PFP at: www.polytechnic.edu.sg/PFP.You may select up to five course choices.Remember to provide updated contact detailsin your application to allow the polytechnics tocontact you if necessary.(Note: You should continue to attend Sec 5from 2 Jan 2020 while applying for PFP.)
4. How Will I be Informed of the Outcome?
You should log in to the PFP portal to check your application outcomeson the day of PFP results release.
You will then have to indicate if you wish to accept/reject/appeal theoffer.
If you do not select any option, your offer will become invalid and youwill be required to continue with your classes in Sec 5.(Note: If your appeal is successful, your original offer will be voidregardless of whether you accept the new PFP offer.)
5. What Happens Next?
If you accept your offer,you will receive anenrolment packagefrom the polytechnics inFebruary/March 2020.The PFP year will startin April 2020.
More information can be found at: https://pfp.polytechnic.edu.sg
Release of PFP Posting
Results
Release of GCE O-Level
Results
Students must pass all PFP modules in order to progress totheir respective, pre-selected diploma courses.
If you can check all 3 boxes above, you’re eligible! (Note: Eligibility does not guarantee you a place in a PFP course)
DPP Application
Application Processing
Accept/Reject/ Appeal
DPP Application for newly-
eligible students
End of DPP Admissions
Exercise
Release of GCE O-Level Results
JANUARY 2020
2. Am I Eligible for DPP 2020?
Sec 4N(A) student who has sat for GCE N-Levelexams in 2019
Obtained ELMAB3 aggregate of 19 points or less(before deduction of CCA bonus points)
Meet course-specific entry requirements
If you can check all 3 boxes above, you’re eligible! (Note: Being eligible to apply does not guarantee you a place in a DPP Higher Nitec course.)
GCE O-Level Grade
Converted Grade
A1-B3 1B4-C6 2D7-E8 3
If you have offered GCE O-Levelexamination subjects in 2019, youmay refer to this table for theequivalent grade to compute yourELMAB3 aggregate:
1. What is the DPP?
Prepares Sec 4N(A) students for progression into selectedpolytechnic diploma courses via a 2-year Higher Nitecprogramme at ITE, and a 10-week DPP preparatory course Serves as an alternative to Sec 5
About 1,200 places offered across 18 Higher Nitec courses
3. How do I Apply?
Upon release of the GCE N-Level results, allDPP-eligible students may apply for DPPHigher Nitec courses via the ITE website(https://www.ite.edu.sg).You may select up to 12 course choices.Remember to provide updated contact detailsin your application to allow ITE to contact youif necessary.
4. How Will I be Informed of the Outcome?
You should check your DPP posting results online on the morning of therelease of the DPP posting results.
You will then have to indicate if you wish to accept/reject/appeal theoffer.
If you do not accept the offer by the stipulated date, it will become voidand you will be required to continue with your classes in Sec 5 or withyour Nitec course if your application via JIE ‘N’ is successful
5. What Happens Next?
Upon accepting yourDPP offer, you willattend a 10-week DPPpreparatory programmethat will start in Jan2020.
More information can be found at: https://www.ite.edu.sg/admissions/full-time-courses/higher-nitec/dpp/
Release of DPP Posting
Results
Release of GCE N-Level
Results
Students who attain required Higher Nitec GPA scores areguaranteed a place in one of the polytechnic diploma coursesmapped to the Higher Nitec course. (Refer tohttps://www.ite.edu.sg/admissions/full-time-courses/higher-nitec/dpp/ for course mapping.)
Application Processing
Release of DPP Posting
Results
DECEMBER 2019
SUBJECT COMBINATIONSBased on Current Sec 3 (2020)
Possible Subject Combinations (Express)
Core Subjects (4) Other Subjects (3)
English Language
Mother Tongue Language
Mathematics
Humanities(Social Studies, Geography) or (Social Studies, History)
Chemistry Physics; orBiology
Additional Mathematics
Combined Science(Physics, Chemistry) or(Chemistry, Biology)
Choose 2 subjects from 2 of the groups below:
Group AAdditional Mathematics
Group B (Coursework)Art; or Design & Technology
Group C (Pure Humanities)Geography;History; orLiterature in English
Group DPrinciples of Accounts
Possible Subject Combinations (Normal Academic)
Core Subjects (5) Other Subjects (1)
English Language
Mother Tongue Language
Mathematics
Combined Science(Physics, Chemistry)
Humanities(Social Studies, Geography) or (Social Studies, History)
Additional Mathematics
Principles of Accounts
Art
Design & Technology
Subject-Based Banding
Criteria to offer subject at a more demanding level in Secondary 3
Current SBB students Pass SBB subject (both EOY Exam and overall)
Non-SBB students
75% for that subject (EOY Exam);60% for overall average in all subjects
Allocation of Subject Combination
The allocation of subject combination to students will be based on merit (student’s overall percentage in Secondary 2),guided by:• Student’s choice• Specific subject criteria• Availability of school resources
S C I E N C E
Criteria for Pure Sciences (O-Level)
Criteria
• To be offered 2 Pure Science subjects (Express)min. B4 (60%) in Sec 2 EXP Science (Overall)
• Additional requirement to be offered Pure Biology:min. B4 (60%) in Sec 2 EXP English (Overall)
SuitabilityPossess good basic science knowledge.Good at analysing and interpreting data and information. Possess good thinking and inference skills.
Entry Requirements for
Post-Sec Education
PolytechnicNot a prerequisite, but an added advantage for science related courses.JC ‘A Level’Not a prerequisite; especially for H1 Science.Preferred if intending to take H2 Science.• Only Pure Chemistry is required for Medicine and
Dentistry in local universities.
Why do Pure Sciences (O-Level)?
For students with the aptitude and interest, Pure Sciences:• Deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Science; • Hone their critical thinking skills; and • Enable them to recognise the application of Science in a wider
range of real-life experiences.
Pure Sciences vs CombinedScience (O-Level)
Pure Sciences Combined Science
ContentChemistry: 24 topics
Physics: 22 topicsBiology: 22 topics
Sci(Chemistry): 20 topicsSci(Physics): 18 topicsSci(Biology): 19 topics
LessonPeriods
6 periods for each pureScience subject
3 periods for eachcomponent of CombinedScience. (Total 6 periods)
Pure Sciences vs CombinedScience (O-Level)
Pure Science Combined Science
Exam
For each pure sciencePaper 1: (1h) MCQPaper 2: (1h 45min) Structured & Essay QnsPaper 3: (1h 50min) Practical
For combined science:Paper 1: (1h) MCQPaper 5: (1h 30 min) Practicaland2 of the following papers, depending on combinationPaper 2: (1h 15 min) – Sci (Phy) Paper 3: (1h 15 min) – Sci (Chem)Paper 4: (1h 15 min) – Sci (Bio)
Assessmentobjectives
45% Knowledge withunderstanding55% Handlinginformation and problem-solving
50% Knowledge withunderstanding50% Handling information andproblem-solving
Structured Questions
CombinedScience (N-Level)
Combined Science
ExamCombined Science (Physics/Chemistry):Paper 1 & 2: (1h 15 min) - MCQ & Structured Qns (Physics)Paper 3 & 4: (1h 15 min) – MCQ & Structured Qns (Chemistry)
Assessmentobjectives
50% Knowledge with understanding50% Handling information and problem-solving
HUMANITIES
Criteria Min. B4 (60%) in Sec 2 EXP History (Overall)
Suitability
Good at making an argument using evidence and analysing conflicting points of view.Enjoy reading.Good grasp of the English Language.
Entry Requirements for Post-Sec Education
Humanities is a relevant subject for anybusiness-related Polytechnic courses or foradmission to JC.
Pure History (O-Level)
Criteria Min. B4 (60%) in Sec 2 EXP Geography (Overall)
Suitability
Good at analysing and interpreting data, and seeing the interconnections between people and the environment.Enjoy field work.
Entry Requirements for Post-Sec Education
Humanities is a relevant subject for anybusiness-related Polytechnic courses or foradmission to JC.
Pure Geography (O-Level)
Why do Pure Humanities? (O-Level)
• Pure History / Pure Geography is a FULL subject• Can be considered as one of the R2/B2 subjects• In-depth analysis in the areas of interest(s) about
the world and global affairs• Other benefits:
o Benefit of knowledgeo Benefit of a disciplined and critical mindo Benefit of operating in a complex world
Pure vs ‘Combined'Humanities
Pure(O-Level)
‘Combined' (O-Level / N-Level)
ContentHistory: 4 themes
Social Studies: 3 themes+
Elective History: 2 themes
Content Geography:6 topics
Social Studies: 3 themes+
Elective Geography: 4 topics
Pure(O-Level)
‘Combined' (O-Level / N-Level)
LessonPeriods
6 periods for eachpure humanities
i.e. Pure History = 6periods OR
Pure Geography =6 periods
3 - 4 periods for eachcomponent of combined
humanities
i.e. Combined Humanities(SS/Geog)
= 4+3 = 7 periods
Pure vs ‘Combined'Humanities
L I TERATUREIN ENGLISH
Literature in English (O-Level)
Criteria Min. B4 (60%) in Sec 2 EXP English (Overall)
SuitabilityEnjoys reading a variety of texts, exploring the English Language, and providing personal responses to texts, issues and themes.
Entry Requirementsfor Post-Sec
Education
PolytechnicNot a prerequisite.JC ‘A Level’Not a prerequisite, but preferred if offering Literature in English for A-Levels.
Why do Literature? (O-Level)
• Pure Literature is a FULL subject• Can be considered as one of the R2/B2 subjects• Hone critical reading and thinking skills• Develop empathy and creativity• Nurture effective communication competencies
Literature Syllabus (O-Level)
Literature in English (O-Level)
Examination Requirements
Exam
Paper 1 (50 marks) – 1h 40mins• Prose – choice of one question based on schools chosen text• Unseen – choice of one question (a poem or a prose passage)
Paper 2 (50 marks) – 1h 30mins• Drama – two questions based on the school’s chosen text
Additional MathematicsPrinciples of Accounts
AdditionalMathematics
Criteria
Min. B3 (65%) in Sec 2 EXP Math (Overall) Min. Grade 2 (70%) in Sec 2 NA Math (Overall)
AND at least 70% in the Algebracomponents in EOY Exam.
SuitabilityComfortable with abstract thinking.Enjoy solving long, complex Math problems.Strong in E Math (especially Algebra).
Entry Requirements for
Post-Sec Education
PolytechnicNot a prerequisite, but an added advantage for Engineering courses.JC ‘A Level’Not a prerequisite, esp for H1 Math.Preferred if intending to take H2 Math and H2 Sciences.
Criteria
Min. C5 (55%) in Sec 2 EXP Math (Overall)Min. Grade 5 (50%) in Sec 2 NA Math (Overall)Final allocation based on overall percentage ofALLsubjects, by merit.
Suitability
Systematic and analytical thinking skills.
A desire to learn how businesses use their money and be ran in an ethical and sustainable manner.
Entry Requirements for
Post-Sec Education
Not a prerequisite for any Polytechnic or ‘A’ Level course, but an added advantage for business and accounting courses.
Principles of Accounts
Additional Mathematics Principles of Accounts
Content
Further AlgebraFurther GeometryCalculus - Differentiation & Integration
Roles of AccountingAccounting Information SystemFinancial Statements (and Analysis)Business Entities
AdditionalMathematics and POA
• Additional Mathematics syllabus aims to enable students who have anaptitude and interest in mathematics to:
• Acquire mathematical concepts and skills for higher studies inmathematics and to support learning in the other subjects, inparticular, the sciences and engineering
• Develop thinking, reasoning and metacognitive skills through amathematical approach to problem-solving
• Connect ideas within mathematics and between mathematics and thesciences through applications of mathematics
• Appreciate the abstract nature and power of mathematics.
• Additional Mathematics is not a prerequisite for any Polytechnic course,but an added advantage for Engineering courses. It is also not aprerequisite for JC A-Level subjects, especially H1 Math, but is preferred ifintending to take H2 Math and H2 Sciences.
Why do AdditionalMathematics?
Principles of Accounts is a subject which teaches how businesses use theirmoney and shows how businesses should be run in an ethical and sustainablemanner.
POA aims to develop students’ abilities to prepare, communicate and useaccounting information.
By learning to become users of information, students understand:• what business decisions are• how decisions are made using accounting information• the limitations of relying only on accounting information; and• the consideration of non-accounting business-related information.
Principles of Accounts is not a prerequisite for any Polytechnic course or A-Level subject, but an added advantage for business and accounting courses.
Why do Principles of Accounts?
ART
Criteria Preferably a min. 65% for Sec 2 Art (Overall)
Suitability
• Appreciate the visual arts and has a keen eye for the aesthetics.
• Good in realistic drawing.• Good time management and organisational skills for
coursework.
Entry Requirements for Post- Sec
Education
• Not a prerequisite for any ITE, Polytechnic, A-Level courses or entry to Lasalle College of Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA).
• Note: ITE & Poly Design Courses (for Early Admission Exercise) / Lasalle / NAFA will require drawing diagnostic test & portfolio presentation
Art (O-/N-Level)
The upper secondary Art syllabus aims to:• nurture an informed awareness and appreciation of the visual arts• enhance ability to identify and solve problems creatively in visual and
tactile forms• develop competency in the use of art elements and design principles,
materials and processes• foster self-confidence and a sense of achievement through the practice of
the visual arts• cultivate an inquiring mind, a spirit of experimentation and a passion for
the visual arts.
Why do Art?
Examination Requirements
Exam
Paper 1: Coursework Duration: N.A. 60% Compulsory
Paper 2:Drawing and Painting
Or
Paper 3 Study of Visual arts
Duration:
3 hours
2 Hours
40%Choose one out
of the two papers
Art (O-Level)
Examination Requirements
Exam
Paper 1: Coursework Duration: N.A. 60% Compulsory
Paper 2:Drawing and Painting
Duration:
3 hours40% Compulsory
Art (N-Level)
• The Study of Visual Arts emphasises the development of critical thinkingskills such as description, analysis, interpretation and evaluation.
• It provides students with the opportunities to respond to and discoverinsights from artists/artworks.
• These learning experiences inculcate in students greater appreciation forthe visual arts and their role in society.
What is the study of visual arts?
Art Discussion & Writing
DESCRPTION“What do I see?”
ANALYSIS“How is this artwork made?”
INTERPRETATION“What do you think the artist is trying to convey?”
JUDGEMENT“Is this a successful work of art?” / “How can the work be more effective?”
Artist: Rene Magritte, 2010
What is the study of visual arts?
& TechnologyDesign
Criteria Min B4 in Sec 2 D&T (Overall)
Suitability
• Interest in solving real world problems through design and make projects
• Good sketching skills• Able to handle and use workshop tools well
Entry Requirements
for Post-Sec Education
• No prerequisite• Can be used as a Science subject for certain poly
courses
Design & Technology (O-/N-Level)
It provide hands-on experiential learning so that students can acquire skills in practical design thinking to solve real-world problems.
It helps to create a Makers Mindset where you are encourage to “Just do it” and put your ideas into practise to build a product and test it to see if it works.
It enhances 21st Century competencies such as Creative and Inventive Thinking, Civic Literacy, Global Awareness and Collaborations.
It builds perseverance and persistence, that in order to solve the problem, we have to keep going and come up with possible solutions to solve it.
Students will be guided closely by teachers.
Why do Design & Technology?
O-Level N-Level
Written Paper(40%)
Duration: 2 hrTotal marks: 80
No of Questions: 4
Duration: 1 1/2 hrTotal marks: 60
No. of Questions: 3
Coursework(60%)
Duration: 22 weeks3 components: Design Journal, Presentation
Board and Artefact
Duration: 20 weeks3 components: Design
Journal, Presentation Board and Artefact
Design & Technology
Applicable to students who may have interest in Art OR Design & Technology
Summary (O-Level)
Literature in English Sec 2 Express English (Overall) ≥ B4 (60%)
Summary (N-Level)
How will my child submit their choice of subject combinations?
A briefing will be conducted for all Sec 2 students in September. They will begiven instructions on how to submit their choice of subject combinations viathe school’s online streaming portal in October. Further details will be sharedwith parents through a letter issued in September. We seek the cooperation ofall parents to support their child in making an informed decision and helpensure that their child meets the submission deadline, to facilitate theallocation of the best possible subject combination for their child.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) #1
Is Triple Science a requirement to study medicine or dentistry related courses at tertiary level?
Triple Science is not an option at JC level and students are therefore not disadvantaged in JC admission by not offering Triple Science. Only Pure Chemistry is a prerequisite for admission to Medicine or Dentistry courses in local universities. To support our students’ aspirations, all students offering Pure Sciences will offer Pure Chemistry. They have a choice of either Pure Physics or Pure Biology as their second Pure Science subject, based on their aptitude and interest. It is important that students make an informed decision when choosing their Secondary 3 subject combinations.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) #2
Can I take up Pure Sciences without Additional Mathematics?
Additional mathematics reinforces the analytical and inductive thinking that is required in Pure Sciences. As such, the school supports the offering of Pure Sciences with Additional Mathematics, subject to available resources.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) #3
Is Additional Mathematics a requirement for admission toJunior College or Polytechnic?
Entry into Junior College is based on L1R5 obtained at the O-Levelexamination with either Mathematics or Additional Mathematics countedas one relevant subject.
Entry into Engineering courses in Polytechnic includes Mathematics andScience as relevant subjects, depending on the choice of study.Mathematics could be either Elementary Mathematics or AdditionalMathematics.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) #4
Can my child appeal if he/she does not get his/her choicesubject combination?
Appeals are not encouraged as the subject combination allocated to yourchild is based on academic merit, vacancies available and consideration ofhis/her choices. Nonetheless, the school will consider any appeals on acase-by-case basis.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) #5
How are students allocated to their Secondary 3 classes?
Allocation is based on accommodating students’ various subject optionsand balancing the offering of various subjects with teacher deployment. Itis normal for some classes to have students offering more varied subjectcombinations, so that the school is able to offer as many students aspossible with their preferred subject combinations, subject to availabilityof resources.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) #6
How are lessons conducted when a class has a variety ofsubject combinations?
At Upper Secondary, students will offer some subjects that are taken by allin the class, similar to the Lower Secondary structure. Those takingsubjects not offered by all students in the class will move to another classfor some subjects due to banding of students offering these subjects.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) #7
If students do not meet the criteria to offer a subjectcombination but do well in S3, can they change their subjectcombination?
Students will not be able to change their subject combination even if theyperform well in S3. The upper secondary syllabuses are designed to becompleted over 2 years, leading to the national examinations. Changingsubject combination mid-way will therefore be disruptive to students’learning. Our school is committed to providing the best possible supportfor our students in their allocated subject combinations.
[NEW!] Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) #8
How can I help my child?
1) Talk to your child to discover his/her strengths and interests.2) Respect your child’s decision as he/she may not be inclined towards
certain subjects and have specific strengths and interests.3) Encourage your child to keep an open mind and help him/her discover
other strengths or interests he/she possesses.4) Ensure your child has regular attendance for school.5) Check-in on your child’s learning progress and attitude through his/her
daily assignments, weighted assessments as well as preparations forexaminations.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) #9
Thank You!
