Secondary School Education Shaping the Next Phase of Your Child’S Learning Journey

Secondary School Education Shaping the Next Phase of Your Child’s Learning Journey

01 Singapore’s Education System : An Overview

03 Learning Tailored to Different Abilities

04 Expanding your Child’s Development

05 Maximising your Child’s Potential

08 Catering to Interests and All-Roundedness

18 SCHOLARSHIPS, EDUSAVE AWARDS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEMES

20 Choosing a Secondary School

21 Secondary 1 Posting

23 What to Look for in a School : Principal’s Perspective

The Ministry of Education (MOE) directs the formulation and implementation of education policies. It has control of the development and administration of the Government and Government-aided primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges, and a centralised institute. It also registers private schools. 01 Singapore’s Education System : An Overview SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION 02

Our system offers many choices for the next phase of learning for your Primary 6 Singapore’s Education System : An Overview child. Its diverse education pathways aim to develop each child to his full potential. 03 Learning Tailored Three core courses are offered at the secondary school level. Depending on your child’s Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) results, he will be placed in the Express Course (including to Different the Integrated Programme in some schools), the Normal Abilities (Academic) Course or the Normal (Technical) Course. While your child may initially be placed in a particular course, based on his ability to cope with the learning pace and style, there are opportunities for him to make a lateral transfer mid- stream to a more appropriate course – one that is better able to bring out the best in him.

Careers

University Degree Polytechnic Diploma

GCE A-Level Examination/ International Baccalaureate Diploma/ National University of Singapore High School Diploma

Junior College

Integrated Programme Polytechnic Institute of Technical Education GCE O-Level Examination (Year 5 and 6) Foundation Programme Higher Nitec/ Nitec

Enhanced Secondary 5N(A) ITE Direct NITEC Foundation Entry Scheme Programme

GCE N-Level Examination GCE N-Level Examination

Secondary 4 Express Secondary 4N(A) Secondary 4N(T)

Secondary 3 Express Secondary 3N(A) Secondary 3N(T)

Secondary 2 Express Secondary 2N(A) Secondary 2N(T)

Secondary 1 Express Secondary 1N(A) Secondary 1N(T)

Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE)

*Refer to the overview of Singapore’s Education System on the previous pages to see the diverse education pathways offered beyond secondary schools. SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION 04 Expanding Your Child’s Development Your child will develop a good sense of self-awareness, a sound moral compass, and the necessary skills and knowledge to take on challenges of the future. He will become responsible to his family, community and nation. He will also appreciate the beauty of the world around him, possess a healthy mind and body, and have a zest for life.

Your child will be nurtured through our secondary school education to become:

A Confident A Self-directed Person who has Learner who a strong sense of takes responsibility right and wrong, is for his own learning, adaptable and resilient, questions, reflects knows himself, is and perseveres discerning in judgment, in the pursuit of

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A Concerned An Active

Citizen who is Contributor

rooted to Singapore, C who is able to work ritic ing has a strong sense of al ink effectively in teams, and Inventive Th civic consciousness, is exercises initiative, informed, and takes takes calculated an active role in risks, is innovative bettering the lives of and strives for others around him. excellence.

Co-Curricular Activities Participation in CCAs fosters social Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) are integration and deepens your child’s sense an integral part of your child’s holistic of belonging, commitment and sense of education. Through CCAs, your child will responsibility to school, community and discover his interests and talents while nation. developing values and competencies that will prepare him to meet the challenges Your child can choose from an exciting of a rapidly changing world. CCAs also range of CCAs from uniformed groups promote friendships among students from to sports and the arts. diverse backgrounds as they learn, play and grow together. 05 Maximising Your Child’s Potential

There are many different secondary schools to choose from. While some have unique programmes and others may offer different educational paths, they all seek to maximise the potential of every child.

Varied courses to develop the abilities of the students are offered in schools. We believe in providing a range of options so that each child has the opportunity to realise his talent and develop a core and holistic set of skills.

All schools will take into account your concerns and those of your child. Our schools aim to offer a conducive environment for progressive development and challenging education programmes for more advanced students.

When choosing a school, we encourage you to consider the strengths of each school and place your child in an environment that can best motivate him and broaden his horizons.

Types of Secondary Schools

Autonomous Schools Schools with Distinctive Programmes

• These schools provide a wider range • By 2017, all schools including those currently offering at least of innovative courses and enrichment one distinctive programme will offer two such programmes – programmes that enhance your child’s Applied Learning and Learning for Life. learning experience and develop his talents. • These distinctive programmes develop students’ specific skills and build character. Those with relevant talents and interests • They may charge an additional fee of will be offered opportunities to deepen their learning. Every between $3 and $18 a month to cover student will be provided with authentic contexts to apply the costs of enhanced educational their learning, develop 21st century competencies and programmes (as compared to other connect with the community. Government or Government-aided Schools). • There will be a geographical spread of schools with varied distinctive programmes.

Independent Schools • Where relevant, the schools may offer direct admission for students with outstanding talents related to their distinctive • These schools enjoy greater programmes. autonomy in curricular innovations, implementation of school programmes, administration, Special Assistance Plan (SAP) Schools student admissions and the setting of fee structures. • SAP Schools offer enriched programmes and a learning environment that nurtures students to be biliterate and • Scholarships, both from the MOE bicultural in English and Chinese. and the schools, are available to students who have done well and • These schools offer flagship programmes to help students wish to join the Independent Schools. develop stronger understanding of Chinese values and culture. SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION 06

Specialised Independent Schools Specialised Schools

If your child has an aptitude for Specialised Schools such as NorthLight School and Assumption mathematics and scientific inquiry, an Pathway School offer customised programmes for students who inclination for applied learning and are inclined towards hands-on and practical learning. creativity, excels in sports or has a creative flair for the arts, you may wish Two Specialised Schools catering to Normal (Technical) course to enrol him in one of the Specialised students are Crest Secondary School and Spectra Secondary Independent Schools. These schools School. Crest began admitting students from January 2013 and offer courses that are specially designed Spectra began in January 2014. to help your child reach his potential in these areas. Both adopt a whole-school approach in providing a customised learning environment to develop its students. They also work The Specialised Independent Schools are: closely with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and industry partners to develop vocational programmes and provide a. national University of Singapore High attachment opportunities for its students. School of Mathematics and Science b. School of Science and Technology All these schools work within national educational policies and c. School of the Arts guidelines set by the MOE. d. Singapore Sports School

Please visit the schools' website for more information. 07

Direct School Admission- educational needs. Some secondary Secondary (DSA-Sec) schools are resourced with Allied This programme enables students to be Educators (Learning and Behavioural admitted to secondary schools based Support), who work with teachers to on a diverse range of achievements integrate these students into the school’s and talents. learning environment and support their learning. The DSA-Sec Exercise allows participating schools to select some Primary 6 students For students with physical disabilities, based on their achievements and talents they can enrol in secondary schools that for admission to Secondary 1 before the are equipped with full facilities for the PSLE results are released. handicapped. Some secondary schools have dedicated resources to support students who are hearing and/or visually Students with Mild Special impaired. These schools with special Educational Needs provisions can be found in different parts Additional provisions have been made of Singapore. in schools to support students with mild special educational needs, such as mild For a list of the secondary schools Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit resourced to support students with mild Hyperactivity Disorder and Dyslexia, as special educational needs and physical well as students with physical and sensory disabilities, please refer to the MOE impairment. website at www.moe.gov.sg/education/ programmes/support-for-children-special- All our secondary schools have a core needs/. group of teachers who are trained to support students with mild special SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION 08

Our schools recognise that every child is Catering to Interests unique, with different aptitudes, capabilities and talents. Students with a passion for language, the arts and music can select and All-Roundedness from a range of elective programmes that focus on specific areas of interest. As a parent, you can draw on your knowledge of your child’s talents and engage him in his interests.

MOE Language, Art and Music Programmes

Category Programme Criteria Where it is Held

Language Higher Mother Tongue Top 10% of the PSLE Selected schools (schools decide on a Programmes Languages (HMTL) yearly basis whether to offer any one, OR two or all HMTL)

Top 11% to 30% band Note: Higher Malay and Higher Tamil who meets the language are also offered at MOE Language criteria of A* grade in the Centre (Bishan) and the Umar Pulavar MTL or at least a Merit in Tamil Language Centre respectively the HMTL

Elective Programme in Students who qualify Anderson Secondary School Malay Languages for for Higher Malay Bukit Panjang Government Secondary Schools High School (EMAS) Tanjong Katong Secondary School

Third Languages CSP and MSP CSP and MSP: • Chinese (Special • Express and Normal At respective CSP and MSP centres Programme) [CSP] (Academic) course Schools offering CSP and MSP • Malay (Special • Have not taken Programme) [MSP] higher Chinese/ • Bahasa Indonesia chinese (for CSP) • Arabic and Higher Malay/ • French Malay (for MSP) • German at PSLE • Japanese • Spanish Bahasa Indonesia Bahasa Indonesia and Arabic: and Arabic MOE Language Centre (Bishan) • Express and Normal (Academic) Course • Have not taken higher Malay/ Malay (for Bahasa indonesia) at the PSLE • Student/ Parent is a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident 09

Category Programme Criteria Where it is Held

Foreign Language Programme Foreign Language Programme: (French, German, Japanese, MOE Language Centre (Bishan) offers Spanish) French, German, and Japanese • Top 10% of the PSLE • Student/ Parent is a MOE Language Centre (Newton) also Singapore Citizen or offers Spanish, French and Japanese Singapore Permanent Resident • Passed Higher Chinese/ Chinese at the PSLE (for Japanese)

Bicultural Studies Students who qualify Hwa Chong Institution Programme (Chinese) for Higher Chinese Dunman High School [BSP(C)] Nanyang Girls’ High School River Valley High School

Regional Studies • Must offer MSP or Bahasa Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) Programme (RSP) Indonesia (BI) as L3 Raffles Institution • Must be a student in Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) one of the RSP centres Victoria School Cedar Girls’ Secondary School

Mother Tongue Obtains Grade C or below Schools offering MTLB course Language ‘B’ (MTLB) in MTL at the PSLE MTLB Centres

Art and Music Art Elective Qualify for Express course and Bukit Panjang Government Elective Programme (AEP) pass an internal AEP Selection High School Programmes Test set by the school CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) Hwa Chong Institution Nanyang Girls’ High School National Junior College Victoria School Zhonghua Secondary School

Music Elective Qualify for the Express course Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) Programme (MEP) Catholic High School AND CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School Crescent Girls’ School Pass in Grade Three Practical Dunman High School and Theory or Practical Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) Musicianship of the Associated Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary) Board of Royal Schools of Music Raffles Institution (ABRSM) or equivalent Tanjong Katong Girls’ School Temasek Junior College OR, in the absence of the qualifications, a pass in both the written selection test and practical audition on an instrument required by the selecting school SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION 10

Language Programmes Schools also have the flexibility to allow Bilingualism is a key feature of Singapore’s students who do not meet the above education. Our secondary schools equip criteria to take up HMTL on a case-by- students with language and cultural case basis, if they are assessed to have competencies from young to help them exceptional ability in MTL and are able develop a broader outlook and enable to take on HMTL without affecting their them to tap into opportunities in the global performance in the other subjects. environment. If your child is eligible for HMTL, we will Each student will learn English and his invite him to apply for these programmes Mother Tongue Language under the immediately after the PSLE results are bilingual policy. Beyond that, our schools released. He will attend classes in the also offer the following language secondary school, if the course is offered by programmes: the school. If not, your child will attend HMTL lessons at secondary schools designated Higher Mother Tongue as HML and HTL centres outside school Languages (HMTL) curriculum time. Your child could opt to study HMTL if he takes Chinese/ Malay/ Tamil or Higher Higher Malay (HML) and Higher Tamil Chinese/ Higher Malay/ Higher Tamil at the (HTL) classes are also offered at the PSLE and MOE Language Centre (Bishan) and the Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre, • Is ranked among the top respectively. 10% of the PSLE; or • Is in the top 11% to 30% band For more details on HMTL, please and meets the language criteria refer to the MOE website at (i.e. an A* grade in the MTL or at least www.moe.gov.sg/education/secondary/ a Merit in the HMTL) language-programmes/. 11

Chinese (Special Programme)/ Malay (Special Programme)

Chinese (Special Programme) [CSP] is offered to all Secondary 1 students from the Express and Normal (Academic) courses as long as they have the interest and inclination, and did not offer Higher Chinese/ Chinese as their MTL at the PSLE.

Similarly, Malay (Special Programme) [MSP] is offered to all Secondary 1 students from the Express and Normal (Academic) courses as long as they have the interest and inclination, and did not offer Higher Malay/ Malay at the PSLE.

Students would be offered CSP/ MSP as a third language in addition to English and Elective Programme in Malay Language their MTL. for Secondary Schools (EMAS) If your child has an aptitude for the Malay Students being offered these language, EMAS can help him reach a programmes will attend higher level of proficiency. This will deepen lessons twice a week, two his understanding and appreciation of the hours per session outside the language, history and culture. school curriculum time, either in their own secondary school The four-year programme is offered at Anderson if the school offers it, or at the Secondary School, Bukit Panjang Government nearest CSP/ MSP centre. High School, and Tanjong Katong Secondary School as a niche programme. Your child may apply for these programmes online National Elective Tamil Language once he gets his PSLE results. Programme (NETP) If the number of applicants The programme is offered to all Secondary exceeds the number of HTL students who have an aptitude for Tamil vacancies available at language and culture. The NETP can help your the CSP/ MSP centres, the child reach a higher level of proficiency in, and applicants will be selected deepen his understanding and appreciation of, based on their PSLE results. the Tamil language, literature and culture.

Third Languages Your child can also choose to take a third language from the eight languages offered, namely, Chinese (Special Programme), Malay (Special Programme), Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, French, German, Japanese and Spanish. SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION 12

Bahasa Indonesia and Arabic

Your child may be offered one of these languages if he is from the Express and Normal (Academic) courses.

For Bahasa Indonesia, he must not have been offered Higher Malay/ Malay as his MTL at the PSLE. The student or one of his parents must also be a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident.

Bahasa Indonesia and Arabic is a four-year course leading to the GCE O-Level Examination. Lessons are conducted outside the school curriculum time at the MOE Language Centre at Bishan.

Foreign Language Programmes

Your child may be offered a Foreign Language (French/ German/ Japanese/ Spanish) if his PSLE result is among the top 10%.

Either your child, you or your spouse must be a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident.

The Foreign Language Programme is a four- year course leading to the GCE O-Level Examination. Lessons are conducted outside school curriculum time at the MOE Language Centre at Bishan or Newton.

To qualify for application to study Japanese, your child is required to have passed Higher Chinese/ Chinese at the PSLE as the standard written form of Japanese uses Kanji (Chinese characters).

If the number of applications exceeds the number of vacancies available, applicants will be selected based on their PSLE results. 13

Bicultural Studies Programme (Chinese) Your child could take up the Bicultural Studies Programme (Chinese) [BSP(C)] if he has an interest in contemporary China and its culture.

The four-year programme is offered at four schools starting from Secondary 3, namely, Hwa Chong Institution, Dunman High School, Nanyang Girls’ High School and River Valley High School.

Your child can look forward to an immersion experience in China for up to six months and in a Western country for up to two weeks.

Students who are successfully enrolled in the programme will be considered for the Special Assistance Plan (SAP) Scholarships for BSP(C).

Regional Studies Programme The Regional Studies Programme (RSP) focuses on the culture and contemporary society of the Southeast Asian region.

The secondary schools offering the programme are Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Raffles Institution, Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary), Victoria School and Cedar Girls’ Secondary School.

Students who are successfully enrolled in the RSP will be considered for the RSP Scholarships.

Mother Tongue Language ‘B’ Your child could take up the Mother Tongue Language ‘B’ (MTL ‘B’) if he obtains Grade C or below in MTL at the PSLE; or fails MTL Learn more about the criteria for each at Secondary 3 (49% or below), or obtains programme and obtain the application E8 or below in the Secondary 4 Mid-Year forms from the respective secondary O-Level Examination; or fails MTL at the schools upon the release of your child’s N-Level Examination (i.e. ‘ungraded’). PSLE results.

Schools also have the flexibility to offer For more information on the highlighted students MTL ‘B’ at any point in the year programmes, please refer to the MOE even if they do not meet the eligibility website at www.moe.gov.sg/education/ criteria above. secondary/languageprogrammes/.

Students offered MTL‘B’ will attend classes in their secondary schools if MTL‘B’ is offered in the schools. If not, the students will have to study MTL ‘B’ at a centre of their choice outside the school curriculum time. SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION 14

Students in the AEP will take Art in place of Design Art and Music & Technology and Home Economics at the lower Elective Programmes secondary level. They are expected to complete the The MOE also offers elective programmes four-year course, following which, they will offer Higher in Art and Music. Art as a subject for examination at the GCE O-Level.

Art Elective Programme (AEP) AEP students in these Integrated Programme (IP) A child who is artistically inclined could consider schools – Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang Girls’ High the Art Elective Programme (AEP), a four-year and National Junior College – will take a school-based course leading to the GCE O-Level Higher Art Higher Art examination in the fourth year and have Examination. The enriched art curriculum in the the option to continue the two-year AEP at Year 5 AEP covers historical and theoretical studies in and 6. Upon successful completion of the six-year AEP, Art, places emphasis on creative processes and they will offer H2 and H3 Art as examination subjects exposes students to a wide range of media and at the GCE A-Level. art forms. 15

The AEP is offered at these schools: • Bukit Panjang Government high School • CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) • Hwa Chong Institution • Nanyang Girls’ High School • National Junior College • Victoria School • Zhonghua Secondary School

Primary 6 students who are admitted to Independent Schools offering the AEP are eligible for the AEP fee subsidy. They will be offered the subsidy if they are successfully admitted to and enrolled in the AEP of the Independent School offering the programme at Secondary 1, and not receiving any other fee subsidy.

For more information on the AEP, please refer to the MOE website at www.moe.gov.sg/ education/secondary/other/art-elective- programme/.

Music Elective Programme (MEP) A child who is musically-inclined could consider the Music Elective Programme (MEP), which is a four-year course leading to the GCE O-Level Higher Music Examination.

The course allows students to develop their conceptual and creative skills through the A-Level or the International Baccalaureate (IB) practical and theoretical study of Music. Diploma Programme Music at Higher Level.

Those in the MEP will take Music in place of The MEP is offered at these schools: Design & Technology and Home Economics at • Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) the lower secondary level. They are expected • Catholic High School to complete the four-year course, following • CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School which they will offer Higher Music as a subject for • Crescent Girls’ School examination at the GCE O-Level. • Dunman High School • Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) MEP students in these IP schools – Temasek • Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary) Junior College, Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary) • Raffles Institution and Raffles Institution – will take a school-based • Tanjong Katong Girls’ School Higher Music Examination in the fourth year and • Temasek Junior College have the option to continue the two-year MEP at Year 5 and 6. Primary 6 students who are admitted to Independent Schools offering the MEP are eligible Students in Dunman High School will have the for the MEP fee subsidy. They will be granted the option to take the GCE O-Level Higher Music subsidy if they are successfully admitted to and Examination in the fourth year or continue to enrolled in the MEP of an Independent School offer the two-year MEP at Year 5 and 6. offering the programme at Secondary 1, and not receiving any other fee subsidy. Students in Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) would For more information on the MEP, please refer to be required to sit for the GCE O-Level Higher the MOE website at www.moe.gov.sg/education/ Music Examination. secondary/other/music-elective-programme/.

Upon successful completion of the six-year MEP, students in the IP schools will either offer H2 and H3 Music as examination subjects at the GCE SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION 16

Integrated Programme (IP) The IP leads to the A-Level examination The Integrated Programme (IP) provides or other diplomas. The six-year IP is offered an integrated secondary and junior at certain schools. They admit students for college education for students who are the IP at Secondary 1. academically strong and prefer a more independent and less structured learning However, students can also apply to a style. Given the strong academic school offering the IP so as to embark on aptitude of its students, the IP aims to the programme from Secondary 3. stretch their potential in non-academic aspects by engaging them in broader More details on the respective schools’ IP learning experiences beyond the and application procedures are available academic curriculum. on their websites.

School JC Partner Qualification Attained

Catholic High School* New Government JC CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School* set up in 2017 Singapore Chinese Girls’ School*

Hwa Chong Institution (Secondary) Hwa Chong Institution Nanyang Girls’ High School

Raffles Girls School (Secondary) Raffles Institution Raffles Institution (Secondary) GCE A-Level Cedar Girls’ Secondary School* Victoria Junior College Victoria School*

Dunman High School -

National Junior College -

River Valley High School -

Temasek Junior College -

Methodist Girls’ School* Anglo Chinese School Anglo Chinese School (Independent)* (Independent) International Baccalaureate St Joseph’s Institution* -

National University of Singapore (NUS) - NUS High School Diploma High School

* Dual track schools offering both the GCE O-Level Programme and the IP. 17

Gifted Education Primary 6 GEP students who prefer to enrol in Programme (GEP) schools offering the GCE O-Level programme Students who are intellectually gifted may join the dual-track IP schools so that they are placed in centrally-run Gifted Education can participate in school-based enrichment Programme (GEP) classes at the primary level. programmes in these schools.

At the secondary level, they attend IP schools The schools offering both the IP and GCE with School-Based Gifted Education (SBGE) O-Level programmes are: programmes. • Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) The IP schools that offer SBGE programmes for • Catholic High School GEP students are: • Cedar Girls’ Secondary School • Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) • CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School • Dunman High School • Methodist Girls’ School • Hwa Chong Institution (Secondary) • Nanyang Girls’ High School • Singapore Chinese Girls’ School • NUS High School of Mathematics • St Joseph’s Institution and Science • Victoria School • Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary) • Raffles Institution For more information on the GEP, please refer to the MOE website at www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/ gifted-education-programme/gep-schools/. SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION 18 Scholarships, Edusave Awards and Financial Assistance Schemes

Singaporean students who have achieved More information is available at www.moe. good academic results and demonstrated gov.sg/education/scholarships/. talents may be eligible for scholarships and awards. Getting Financial Help The MOE offers three types of scholarships Financial assistance schemes are made under the Edusave Scheme. available to ensure that no child is denied an education because of his financial The scholarships are: background. • Edusave Entrance Scholarships for Independent Schools Regardless of the type of schools, there • Edusave Scholarships for are schemes available to provide financial integrated Programme Schools support to the child. Depending on • Edusave (Independent Schools) your family’s monthly gross household Yearly Awards income (GHI) or per capita income (PCI), the assistance available includes free The MOE gives out the following Edusave textbooks, free school attire, subsidy of awards to recognise students’ academic school and standard miscellaneous fees and non-academic achievements: and subsidy of national examination fees.

• Edusave Scholarships for Financial assistance application forms are Secondary Schools available from the schools. Application can • Edusave Character Award be submitted through your child’s school. • Edusave Awards for Achievement, Eligibility criteria include monthly gross Good Leadership & Service household income/ per capita income and • Edusave Merit Bursary the number of members in the household. • Edusave Good Progress Award 19

MOE Financial Assistance Scheme The income criteria comprise: a. the family’s gross household income (GHI) does not exceed $2,500 per month; or b. the family’s per capita income (PCI)* does not exceed $625 per month.

MOE Financial Assistance Scheme: Government/ Government-aided Secondary Schools

School Standard Text- School Examination Fees Fees Miscellaneous bookS Attire Fees

Financial 100% 100% subsidy Free Free school 75% subsidy of national examination Assistance subsidy of of standard textbooks attire fees [100% subsidy for pupils under to Pupils at school miscellaneous the Ministry of Social and Family Secondary fees fees Development (MSF) Public Assistance Level Scheme]

* PCI is gross monthly household income divided by the number of members in the household.

MOE Independent Schools Bursary (ISB) To help students from lower and middle income families cope with higher fees charged by Independent Schools, the MOE provides additional support through the ISB.

MOE Independent Schools Bursary (ISB)

Income Limits# (Meet one of the following criteria) Financial Assistance to Pupils + Monthly Gross Per Capita Income (PCI) at Secondary Level Household Income (GHI) 100% subsidy of fees○ Free textbooks and school attire Not exceeding $2,500 Not exceeding $625 75% subsidy of national examination fees (100% subsidy for pupils under MSF Public Assistance Scheme) $2,501 - $4,000 $626 - $1,000 90% subsidy of fees○ $4,001 - $5,000 $1,001 - $1,250 70% subsidy of fees○ $5,001 - $6,000 $1,251 - $1,500 50% subsidy of fees○ $6,001 to $7,200 $1,501 - $1,800 33% subsidy of fees○

# Singapore Sports School, School of the Arts, NorthLight School, Assumption Pathway School, crest Secondary School and Spectra Secondary School have their own schemes to provide financial assistance to pupils. Please refer to the schools’ websites for information on their financial assistance schemes.

+ For ISB recipients who are eligible for partial subsidy of school fees and also recipients of MOE scholarships, special awards or bursaries which provide partial payment of school fees, the total subsidy received by them will be capped at the annual school fees charged by each independent school less the annual amount of school and standard miscellaneous fees paid by pupils in government/ government-aided schools.

○ Fees include school and miscellaneous fees. SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION 20

Choosing a Secondary School As a parent, you play an important role in helping your child choose a secondary school. You should discuss with your child and consider schools holistically, choosing one that can cater to his needs. Here are some factors you may wish to consider when choosing a school for your child.

• What are my child’s personality, learning style, strengths and interests? • What are the programmes and schemes available in the school? • What are the school’s strengths? • Do the co-curricular activities offered by the school match my child’s interest? • Will the secondary school provide an appropriate environment for my child to learn among other children with similar PSLE scores? • How far is the school from my home? • Is the secondary school affiliated to any schools? 21 Secondary 1 Posting

Secondary 1 (S1) Option Phase

1. once you have received your child’s PSLE results, you should discuss with your child to choose six schools in order of preference and submit them to MOE.

2. Bear in mind the programmes and schemes offered by the various schools. You may want to choose the schools which offer programmes that your child will benefit from and which he would be interested in.

3. Your child’s PSLE results will also guide your choice.

the PSLE aggregate ranges for schools are not pre-determined before posting as the aggregate ranges depend on students’ PSLE results and their school choices during the annual S1 Posting Exercise.

Each secondary school publishes the aggregate ranges of the previous year’s PSLE intake in the ‘Choosing your Secondary Schools for Admission to Secondary One in 2015’ information booklet. These indicate the highest and lowest scores of the students who were admitted to the school. The previous year’s aggregate ranges serve as an appropriate guide, and the eventual ranges may vary depending on demand patterns and cohort size for that year.

Submission of Options

In the S1 Option Form, you should indicate the six secondary schools that you wish your child to be posted to. The S1 Option Form can be submitted either through the S1 Internet System, accessible via the MOE website, or in person at his primary school.

Parents encountering any difficulties can seek help from their child’s primary school when filling out the S1 Option Form. SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION 22

Don’t miss the submission dates!

Key Event Date (Tentative) Release of PSLE Results Between 21 and 24 November 2014

Submission of Options Seven calendar days starting from the release of PSLE results (e.g. if the PSLE a. Via S1 Internet System results are released on 21 November, options can be submitted from 21 to 27 (S1-IS) November). S1-IS is accessible 24 hours starting from 11am on the first day until 3pm on the last day of S1 Option Phase.

b. Via Primary School Five working days starting from the release of the PSLE results (e.g. if PSLE results are released on 21 November, options can be submitted from 21 to 27 November). Primary schools will not be open on weekends. Submission starts from 11am to 3pm on the first day; and 9am to 3pm on the last day of S1 Option Phase. For students who missed the one week period for submission of options, they can approach the primary schools for assistance the day after the submission closes, from 9am to 12noon. This half day submission is only for new submission of S1 school choices and not for amendments to submitted options.

Release of S1 Posting Results 19 December 2014 (tentative)

Students to report to Secondary 22 December 2014 at 8.30am (tentative) Schools for registration

Posting Results Release Phase • Applicants admitted to a school through DSA-Sec Exercise will not be allowed to transfer to another 1. Wait for the posting results. All students will be school after the release of the PSLE results as they posted to their highest choice of school based on are expected to honour their commitment to their PSLE results and availability of vacancies in their posted DSA schools for the duration of the the school. programme that they are admitted to.

2. if your child cannot get into any of the six schools, What if I am not in the Country during he will be posted to a school, which has vacancies, the S1 Posting Exercise? near your home. It will be more convenient for your child to travel to and from school if he lives nearby. As a parent, you may authorise a representative to collect the PSLE results and S1 Option Form from the Direct School Admission (DSA-Sec) primary school and/ or to submit the options.

You will need to know During collection, the authorised person will be required • Primary 6 students have a choice of whether or to produce the following documents for verification: not to participate in the DSA-Sec Exercise. If they • A completed standard proxy form from the choose not to participate in it, they will continue parent; the form can be found in the ‘Choosing to participate in the Secondary One Posting Your Secondary Schools for Admission to Exercise after the release of the PSLE results. Secondary One in 2015’ booklet • Students who have opted for a school under • A photocopy of both sides of the parents’ NRIC dSA-Sec Exercise must meet the PSLE eligibility • A photocopy of the student’s Birth Certificate criteria of that school to be admitted. • A photocopy of both sides of the NRIC of the • Applicants admitted to a school through DSA- person you have appointed to act on your Sec Exercise will not be allowed to participate behalf. This person is required to produce his/ her in the annual Secondary One Posting Exercise as original NRIC at the school when requested. places have already been reserved for them in the DSA schools. For more information on S1 Posting Exercise, please refer to the booklet titled ‘Choosing Your Secondary Schools for Admission to Secondary One in 2015’ which will be given to all Primary 6 students in October 2014. 23

What to Look for in a School : Principal’s Perspective

“So you are standing at the crossroad deciding which secondary school is best for your child?

Each child is special. They have their own personality, strengths, needs and aspirations. It is important to choose a school that best serves them in the next phase of their growth and development.

Your child will benefit from character nurturing and quality experience when he goes to a school that has a similar belief system as you and it celebrates his uniqueness.

Most importantly, have conversation with your child. Listen to their perspective. After all, it is your child that will be spending the next phase of their life in the school.”

Mdm Janice Heng Principal, Yio Chu Kang Secondary School

“Parents should talk to their children to understand their interests, and what more they would like to do when they go on to secondary school. From knowing this, you can identify the secondary schools, find out their vision, mission and programmes, and do a profile- match.

Selecting a suitable secondary school for your children is certainly about looking for a nurturing learning environment that could continue to excite and inspire them in their learning and growth.

Look out for the Open House of your shortlisted schools, and visit them with your children. Nothing like being there physically to see the environment and get a sense of the culture. Getting an overview of what the school can offer students will help parents understand what kind of holistic development their children can have.”

Mrs Jenny Leong Principal, Red Swastika School

“Choose a secondary school that will provide your children with the opportunity to pursue their interest to the best of their ability. We all do well when we are working on something we are passionate about.

All schools are good schools, but different schools create different experiences for students. Some schools focus on care, empowerment and going beyond self to contribute, so their programmes are designed with these in mind. Talk to staff of the school, or parents that have had first-hand encounters with these programmes.

The key is to align what your child needs with what the school offers.”

Mr Benny Lee Principal, Jurongville Secondary School SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION

SUPPORT AND CONTACT

Visit the MOE website at www.ecareers.sg using For the latest updates please visit www.moe.gov.sg or call your child’s account. and details, please refer parents-in-education. the MOE Customer Service You can explore the to www.moe.gov.sg/ moe.gov.sg and Centre at 6872 2220 if you various educational and education/secondary/ www.schoolbag.sg. need further information career interests open to or connect with us A free mobile on secondary school your child. on facebook at application can be education. www.facebook.com/ downloaded from the MOE also organises moesingapore. parents-in-education. You may also visit education seminars moe.gov.sg website MOE’s Education for parents on primary For the latest news on for easier access and Career Guidance and secondary school education and features to information. portal for students at education. on schools and teachers, 1 North Buona Vista Drive Singapore 138675 Tel: 6872 2220 Email: [email protected]

www.moe.gov.sg

The information contained in this booklet is correct as of October 2014 Produced by the MOE Communications and Engagement Group