Serangoon Garden Secondary School
Briefing for
2019 Sec 3E
Subject Combination
(For Parents)
24 May 2018
Ms Tay Hui Yih
(Year Head, Upper Sec)
Vision: Compassionate Leaders. Critical Thinkers
Post Secondary Educational Pathways
Sec 3 Subject Combination Allocation
- Assessment and Promotion Criteria at Sec 2E
- Guiding Principles and criteria
- Proposed combinations for 2019 (Subjected to
changes)
- Online Interest Survey by students
Question & Answer Session
Meeting with Form Teachers (classrooms)
Agenda
Post-Secondary Education
What are the various Post-
Secondary School tracks available?4 MAIN TYPES OF TRACKS
1. Junior Colleges (JCs) or Millennia Institute
3. Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
2. Polytechnics
Prepares students for the GCE ‘A’ level
examination
Trains students with relevant skills for the
workplace in a knowledge-based economy.
Equips students with technical knowledge and skills relevant to
the industry.
4. Private Schools & Institutions (LaSalle/NAFA etc)
Curriculum is determined by the school and
alternative options are provided for students
MOULDING THE FUTURE OF OUR NATIONCopyright © Ministry of Education, Singapore.
Junior Colleges / Centralised Institute
5
More Breadth,
More Options
More Focus on
Thinking and
Communication
Skills
A Holistic
Education
How can I get into a JC/ MI? (Method 1)
JAE
• Joint Admissions Exercise
• Conducted annually to allow GCE ‘O’ Level students to apply for admission to courses offered by JC, MI, Poly and ITE
Junior Colleges (JCs) & Millennia Institute
Prepares students for the GCE ‘A’ Level
Examination
Length of study:
JCs – 2 years
MI – 3 years
Cut-off Points:
To enter a JC:L1R5 must be ≤ 20To enter MI:L1R4 must be ≤ 20
JC Admission
Eng/Higher MT + 5 Relevant Subjects
Relevant Subjects
Subject 1 Humanities
Subject 2 Maths or Science
Subject 3 Humanities/Maths/Science
Subject 4 Any Other O level subject
Subject 5 Any Other O level subject
JC admission aggregate must be less than or equal to 20 points.
Min requirement = Eng C6, Maths D7, MT D7 / Pass in MT (B)
Bonus points (must first meet minimum requirement by JC admission)
‘Excellent’ grade in CCA -- 2 Bonus points.
‘Good’ grade in CCA -- 1 Bonus point
For example
Eng B4
SS+Geog B3
Maths A2
Add Maths A2
Mother Tongue A2
Chemistry A2
Aggregate
(L1R5) = 15
How can I get into a JC? (Method 2)
DSA-JC
• Direct School Admission (for admission to JCs only)
• Allow JCs to select some Secondary 4/5 students for admission to JC1 based on their achievements and talents before the GCE ‘O’ Level examination results are released
Direct School Admission – Junior Colleges
Main Selection Considerations:
• Academically able
• Outstanding in at least 1 CCA
• Achievements and talents• Sports, Performing Arts
• Special subjects differ across JCs
• Interviews, portfolios, trials
• Each JC sets its own criteria for selection
More Information: MOE DSA-JC
Post- Secondary Education
More information about polytechnic courses
can be obtained from various polytechnic
websites.
MOULDING THE FUTURE OF OUR NATIONCopyright © Ministry of Education, Singapore.
Polytechnics
Polytechnics seek to train students with relevant and specific skills for the workplace to give Singapore a competitive edge as we move into a knowledge-based economy.
Real World
SkillsAcademic
knowledge
MOULDING THE FUTURE OF OUR NATIONCopyright © Ministry of Education, Singapore.
Polytechnics
A polytechnic education gives you hands-on experience within a dynamic and progressive learning environment
More than 35 different courses per poly
Over 70,000 students
MOULDING THE FUTURE OF OUR NATIONCopyright © Ministry of Education, Singapore.
Polytechnics
14
Today, polytechnic graduates are valued as practice-oriented and knowledgeable professionals, much sought after by industry.
Business, Management &
Humanities
Applied & Health Sciences Media & Design Build
Environment, Engineering &
Maritime Studies
Information & Digital
Technologies
Entry into Poly (Method 1)1. Through the Joint Admissions Exercise
(JAE)
Students must also qualify for the minimum entry requirements for the course they want to pursue.
ELR2B2 is used for admissions into the polytechnics. English Language2 RELEVANT subjects for the course applied for2 other best subjects
Approximate Cut-off Points for Polytechnic Courses in 2016:
6≤ ELR2B2 ≤ 26
Eng + 2 Relevant Subjects + Best 2
Subjects
Relevant Subjects: (L1+R2B2)
Subject 1 Mathematics or Add Maths
Subject 2 :
Business ------
SSGeog/SSHist/Lit/POA/MTL
Technology ----
Physics/Chemistry/Science
Science-Based ---
Physics/Chemistry/Science
Architectural ----- Physics/Art/Science
* For example
Eng B4
Elem Maths A2
Science A2
SS/Geog A2
Mother Tongue A2
L1R2B2
Aggregate = 12
Polytechnic Admission
Polytechnic Admission
Bonus points (must first meet minimum requirement by polytechnic admission)
‘A1’ and ‘A2’ grade in CCA -- 2 Bonus points.
‘B3’ to ‘C6’ grade in CCA -- 1 Bonus points
• The Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) is an aptitude-based admissions exercise that allows students to apply and receive conditional offers for admission to the polytechnics based on their aptitudes and interests, prior to receiving their final grades.
• The EAE is conducted separately by each polytechnic.
• Applications commence in June/July every year, for admission into polytechnics in the following year.
• Students interested to participate in EAE should visit the individual polytechnics’ websites or contact the relevant polytechnics directly.
2. Through the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)
Entry into Poly (Method 2)
More Information: Early Admissions Exercises
Allocation of Sec 3 Subjects
Grading System
(‘O’ Levels)GRADES MARKS
A 1
A 2
≥ 75
70 - 74
B 3
B 4
65 – 69
60 - 64
C 5
C 6
55 – 59
50 - 54
D 7
D 8
45 – 49
40 - 44
F 9 ≤ 39
2E
Lateral
Transfer to
3NA
Promoted
to 3E
Not met pass
criteria
Pass EL and
average for all
subjects
Promotion Criteria for
Sec 2 to 3 Express
Based on the overall combined results
Assessment Weightage for
Secondary 2
Semester One
Continual
Assessment (CA1)
15%
Semestral
Assessment (SA1)
or Mid-Year Exam
25%
Semester Two
Continual
Assessment (CA2)
15%
Semestral
Assessment (SA2)
or Year-End Exam
45%
Guiding Principles for
Sec 3 Subject Allocation
o To enable all students to be given subjects
that will allow and prepare them to progress
to the next higher level, that is, JC, CI,
Polytechnic and ITE (Higher Nitec)
o Based on students’ ability (appropriate level
of challenge), aptitude, interest and
aspirations for post-secondary education
o Based on school resources and students’
take-up rate (viable size).
Criteria for allocation
of Sec 3 subjects
Ability - Overall Performance (Combined results)
Performance in Specific Subjects
(eg. History, Geography, D&T, F&N,
Art)
Student’s Choice
Vacancy of electives
Proposed Subject Combination for
Sec 3 Express (2019)
• All Sec 3E pupils must take at least 6 subjects and up
to 7 subjects
• Must offer the following subjects
(a) English Language
(b) Mother Tongue [CL, CL(B), TL, TL (B), ML, ML(B)]
(c) Mathematics
(d) A Science subject
(e) Combined Humanities
• Please note that not all the electives listed may be
offered in 2019. The offering of the electives is
dependent on the school’s resources and students’
take-up rate.
2019 Subject Combination for Sec 3 Express
(Subjected to changes)
GROUP: 7 SUBJECTS (Top 30% of cohort)
Subject E1A
1 English
2 Mother Tongue
3 Mathematics
4 Combined Humanities
(SS/Geo) or
(SS/Hist) or
(SS/Lit)
5 Additional Mathematics
6 * Pure Chemistry
7 * Pure Physics
*Should students not pass either Pure Chemistry or Pure Physics at the end of
Sec 3, upon review by the school, they would be required to take Combined
Science (Chem/Phy) for ‘O’ Levels, which is deemed more suitable for them.
GROUP: 7 SUBJECTS (Top 30% of cohort)Subject E2A E2B E2C E2D
1 English English English English
2 Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue
3 Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics
4 Combined
Humanities
(SS/Geo) or
(SS/Hist) or
(SS/Lit)
Combined
Humanities
(SS/Geo) or
(SS/Hist) or
(SS/Lit)
Combined
Humanities
(SS/Geo) or
(SS/Hist) or
(SS/Lit)
Combined
Humanities
(SS/Geo) or
(SS/Hist) or
(SS/Lit)
5 Combined
Science
(Chem/Phy)
(Chem/Bio)
Combined
Science
(Chem/Phy)
(Chem/Bio)
Combined
Science
(Chem/Phy)
(Chem/Bio)
Combined
Science
(Chem/Phy)
(Chem/Bio)
6 Principles of
Accounts
Principles of
Accounts
Principles of
AccountsPrinciples of
Accounts
7 Additional Maths Art Design &
TechnologyFood & Nutrition
2019 Subject Combination for Sec 3 Express
(Subjected to changes)
GROUP: 6 SUBJECTS Subject E3A E3B E3C E3D
1 English English English English
2 Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue Mother Tongue
3 Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics
4 Combined
Humanities
(SS/Geo) or
(SS/Hist) or
(SS/Lit)
Combined
Humanities
(SS/Geo) or
(SS/Hist) or
(SS/Lit)
Combined
Humanities
(SS/Geo) or
(SS/Hist) or
(SS/Lit)
Combined
Humanities
(SS/Geo) or
(SS/Hist) or
(SS/Lit)
5 Combined
Science
(Chem/Phy)
(Chem/Bio)
Combined
Science
(Chem/Phy)
(Chem/Bio)
Combined
Science
(Chem/Phy)
(Chem/Bio)
Combined Science
(Chem/Phy)
(Chem/Bio)
6 Art Design &
Technology
Food &
NutritionPrinciples of
Accounts
2019 Subject Combination for Sec 3 Express
(Subjected to changes)
Upper Sec Combined Science
(Compulsory)
Assessment Format
(Combined Science)
Type of Paper Duration Marks Science
discipline(s)
assessed
Multiple Choice 1 hour40
(20 for each)
Both components
together
Structured and
Free Response
1 hour 15
minutes65 Component 1
Structured and
Free Response
1 hour 15
minutes65 Component 2
Practical
Examination
1 hour 30
minutes
30
(15 for each)
Both components
together
Weighting of each Science discipline: 50%
Upper Sec
Combined Science
Qualifying Criteria:
Students choosing to do Science(Physics) or
Science(Biology) should
have obtained ≥ 65% (B3) for the particular
Lower Secondary Science module for Sec 2.
**Final decision lies with the school**
Elective Subject:
Pure Physics or
Pure Chemistry
Elective: Pure Science
Type of
Paper
Duration Marks Weighting Remarks
Multiple
Choice
1 hour 40 30% ---
Structured
and Free
Response
1 hour 45
minutes
80 50% Includes a 8 – 12
marks data-based
question requiring
candidates to
interpret, evaluate or
solve problems using
a stem of information.
End-of-
course
(EOC)
Practical
Assessment
1 hour 50
minutes
40 20% NEW!
1st year of
examination in
Sec 4, 2018!
Pure Science versus
Combined Science
Breadth of syllabus
Depth of syllabus
Demand of assessment questions
Format of Theoretical Assessment
Format of Practical Assessment
Elective:
Pure Science
Qualifying Criteria:
Students choosing to do any Pure Science
elective should have obtained ≥ 75% (A1) for
Sec 2 Science
*Final decision lies with the school*
**Minimum class size: 15**
Pure Science is NOT a compulsory subject to enter Junior College
It will provide stronger foundations for Science based courses in Junior College
Choose wisely
Choose an elective subject that will help your child/ward is interested in / will be helpful in the post-secondary course or career
Elective: Pure Science
Upper Sec
Combined Humanities
(Compulsory)
And / Or
B. Optional
Pure Humanities
Minimum Criteria
to CHOOSE
*Pure History* Students will take SS/Geo or
SS/Lit
≥ 70m in History
A. Compulsory
Comb Humanities
with Elective Minimum Criteria
to CHOOSE
Social Studies
(SS)
Literature ≥ 70m and above for
Literature
End-of-Year
Examination Written
Paper
Geography ≥ 60m in Geography
History ≥ 65m in History
Combined Humanities
Minimum class size for all electives above is 15 students.
Literature as a Discipline involves:
• critical analysis of purposeful and creative use of language
• active construction of meaning
• making connections
• reflection on current and timeless issues
• socio-cultural sensitivity and awareness
• global outlook
• critical thinking skills
SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT OF LIT
• Candidates are expected to answer a total of 2questions.
• Prose and Unseen Texts: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Note: All questions are to be answered in long essay form, marks will constitute 50% of the Combined Humanities score.
Texts for 2018 and 2019 (text for 2020 to be confirmed)
Qualifying Criteria for Literature
• 70% and above for Literature End-of-Year Examination Written Paper
• Participation in Advanced Literature would be an advantage
• Good English Grades (B3 and above)
• Keen readers (must not be afraid of heavy reading)
• Ability to think and write critically
What are some careers Literature students find themselves in?
• Teaching• Liberal Arts (drama, performance arts)• Arts and Theatre Management• Law• Marketing and Advertising• Journalism• Film and Media Industries (Movie and Television, and Print)• Creative Industries (App development, web-based writing,
and game design)
And any future careers that includes reading, writing and creativity.
Geography
Elective Geography
Physical Geography
Living with Tectonic Hazards
Variable Weather and Changing Climate
Human Geography
Global Tourism
Food Resources
History
Elective History
Modern World History
(Europe and Asia-Pacific)
* Singapore History is not included in the syllabus
What kind of jobs can you expect
as a Humanities student?
Most public sector (civil service) jobs require:
Good writing
Critical thinking skills and analytical abilities
In-depth understanding of current affairs
Ability to manage and appreciate differing perspectives
Companies with global operations (e.g. Shell,
Mitsubishi, Ernst & Young) require:
Critical thinking skills and analytical abilities
In-depth understanding of current affairs
Capability to appreciate differing contexts across
countries and cultures
What kind of jobs can you expect
as a Humanities student?
Employment opportunities will be available in
Ministries such as: Security: Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Defence
Social: Education, Social & Family Development,
Culture, Community & Youth
Economic: Transport, National Development, Finance
Government Statutory Boards People’s Association, National Heritage Board & the
museums, National Library Board, the polytechnics and
the universities
Embassies in Singapore and overseas
Principles of Accounts
(Elective Subject)
In summary, POA consists of 3 components:1. Format – under which subject do you insert your EL oral
marks information?
2. Mathematics – how do you calculate your overall EL marks?
3. English – explain reasons why you possibly did badly and explain methods how can you improve your overall EL marks?
Elective Subject:
Principles of Accounts (POA)
Elective Subject Minimum Criteria
to CHOOSE
Principles of Accounts≥ 65m in English
≥ 65m in Mathematics
Additional Mathematics
(Elective Subject)
Elective Subject:
Additional MathematicsDifference between
Elementary Mathematics Additional Mathematics
Compulsory for all pupils Only for pupils with aptitude
(ability) and interest in
advanced mathematics
Syllabus covers basic
mathematics
Syllabus includes abstract
(more challenging content)
mathematics
Covers wide range of topics:
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry,
Statistics, Trigonometry etc.
Specialized topics, focusing
more on Algebra
Working for questions is much
shorter
Working for questions is much
longer
1. Add Maths is not a required subject to enter Polytechnics or
Junior Colleges
2. However, Add Maths will provide good grounding for
engineering courses in Polytechnics.
3. Taking Add Maths will also be advantageous for gaining entry
into JC.
Eligibility
1. 75 marks and above (A1 and above) in overall marks
Sec 2 Maths
2. Minimum mark may be altered and at the school’s
discretion depending on the number of students choosing
and vacancies available
Elective Subject:
Additional Mathematics
Food and Nutrition
(Elective Subject)
2 years course of study: Upper Sec
- Culinary Skills
- Food Chemistry
- Nutrition and Diseases
- Food Technologies
- Coursework Skills (Research, Analysis
and Evaluation)
Elective Subject:
Food and Nutrition [6087]
Assessment
Exam Component Nutrition & Food Science
‘O’ levels
Written Paper 40% [100 marks]
(2 hour paper)
Coursework 60%
(50 pages)
Elective Subject:
Food and Nutrition [6087]
Popular Courses in Polytechnic
(Nutrition & Food Science)
Polytechnic Course / Diplomas DPP
Nanyang
Polytechnic
Food Science and Nutrition DPP: 11 points
EL:3, Maths:3
F&N:3 and two
other
Temasek
Polytechnic
Food and Sciences/ Applied Science and Nutrition
Baking & Culinary Sciences
Consumer Science and Technology
Hospitality & Tourism Management
Republic Poly Biotechnology
Sports, Health and Leisure
Restaurants and Culinary Operations
Hotel and Hospitality Management
Healthcare Administration
Singapore
Polytechnic
Food Science and Technology
Nutrition, Health and Wellness
ITE/ Other Options Organization Courses
ITE Higher Nitec
• Hospitality Operations
• Sports Management
Nitec
• Applied Food Science
• Nitec in Asian Culinary Arts
• Nitec in Food & Beverage Operations
• Nitec in Fitness Training
• Nitec in Pastry & Baking
Shatec Culinary
Sunrice Culinary
Elective Subject:
Food and Nutrition [6087]
A gist of students’ work (Nutrition & Food Science)
Who should apply?
≥ 65m for Food and Consumer Education
(Sec 2)
A pass in English
REGULAR ATTENDANCE
GOOD ATTITUDE TOWARDS LEARNING
Art
(Elective Subject)
21st century prospects
Visual Literacy & Skills
Critical and Inventive Thinking
Confident Person
Visual Communication & Design
Ultimately ‘N’ & ‘O’ level art is designed to build the fundamentals of one’s ARTISTIC SKILLS & PORTFOLIO
for tertiary studies
Not merely to be an artist, one is trained to
have multi-artistic skills for the future
Elective Subject:
Art
ARTIST
ANIMATOR
FASHION
DESIGNER
PHOTO-
GRAPHER
INTERIOR
DESIGNER
ARCHITECT
CURATOR
ART
TEACHER
FUTURE PROSPECTSLocal Art Related
Occupations
OUR REQUIREMENTS ?The following are the criteria we are looking for
in a potential ART STUDENT…
≥ 65m for Art
Required AttitudeInterest
Commitment (Time & Effort)
Skillfulness (Can be trained)
Curiosity and boldness (Open-minded)
Elective Subject:
Art
Paper Weightage Requirement
Paper 1: Coursework 60% Compulsory
Paper 2: Drawing and
Painting
40% Choose one out
of the two papers
Paper 3: Study of
Visual Arts
‘O’ LEVEL ART EXAMINATION
Elective Subject:
Art
Design & Technology
(Elective Subject)
D&T
The subject content is organised into three sections,
namely:
Section 1: Design
Section 2: Technological Areas
Section 3: Materials and Practical Processes
Paper Description Duration Marks Weighting
1 Written Paper 2 hours 80 40 %
2 Coursework
7 months
(January to
July)
60 60 %
Design Project
The design project comprises four components
- Design Journal (DJ)
- Presentation Board (PB)
- Mock-up
- Prototype
Design Project
Design Project
Eligibility of D&T
As this subject is primarily project-based over a duration of
7 months,
- Students must possess the perseverance and diligence
to engage in recurring problem-solving design activities.
- Students must be competent in drawing techniques for
design communication.
- Students must be confident and competent in the use of
tools and machines in the workshop.
Also
- Students should have obtained ≥ 65% (B3)
for D&T at Sec 2
Career Prospects of D&T
Possible career opportunities in the following industries:
Art & Design (e.g. Graphic designer, Product
designer)
IT (e.g Web designer, Network engineer)
Construction (e.g Architect, Civil engineer)
Manufacturing (e.g. Product designer, Manufacturing
Engineer)
Online Interest Survey
Online
Student Interest Survey
The purpose of this survey is to gauge the interest of
Sec 2 students in taking the different subjects in Sec 3 in 2019.
This is not the final selection for subject combination. At the end of
this academic year, students will be asked to choose their final
preferred subject combinations for 2019.
All Sec 2 students are required to register his/her interest online via
the website https://sgs.schoolhub.sg from 25 May (Fri), 12 pm to
30 May (Wed), 12 pm.
Each student is required to indicate his/her preferred 6 choices, in
order of preference, with the endorsement of his/her parent.
Students are provided with a username and password, to be kept
confidential and not to lose the username as well as password.