An Overview of K-12 Education in Singapore Local Schools

Introduction

This report provides an overview of the local K-12 education system in Singapore. All local schools are government-aided schools. It should be noted that local schools mainly cater to Singaporeans. Non-citizens are given a lower priority during admission to local schools in Singapore.

Singapore also has many private international schools that provide K-12 education. Almost all of the student population at international schools in Singapore consists of children of expatriates living in Singapore as well as international students studying in Singapore.

One of the key advantage of local school education in Singapore is that it's very affordable. In contrast, sending a child to an international school can cost anywhere between S$1000-2000 per month.

Education tops Singapore Government’s priority agenda and a variety of new programs and policies have been rolled out to accomplish its vision of becoming a regional education hub. The goal of the educational system in Singapore has been set to bring out the best in every individual student, offering a wide array of choice and flexibility to suit the personal interest and ability of the student. Often in the past, Singapore education system has been criticized for lack of nurturing a creative mind and focusing too much on fact memorizing and the examination as a motivator for learning. Recent changes in the broad based educational system aim to nurture a holistic individual with a passion for learning and a diversity of talent to compete in the fast evolving knowledge-intensive society. In order to bring innovative teaching techniques while sustaining the quality of the education system, measures are being put in place to develop the teachers as well.

Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) is the regulatory body of the Education Services. As people are the only and most valued resource of the country, the government has taken this sector under its own purview. MOE spearheads the formulation and implementation of education policies. It controls development and administration of the Government and Government-aided primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges, and also registers private schools. With the passing of the Compulsory Education Act in 2000, education in Singapore has been made compulsory for children of primary school going age. Exemptions are allowed in special cases, and must be obtained from the MOE.

Pre-School / Kindergarten Education (Age 3-6)

Although not mandatory, pre-school education has become a norm in the modern age of highly competitive admissions into schools. Pre-school education comprises of three years of education – Nursery, Kindergarten 1 (K1) and Kindergarten 2 (K2). It is more of a preparatory period when the children are warmed up to the idea of a classroom, friends and teachers. Activities include learning of language, shapes, colors and numbers, development of personal and social skills, games, music, and outdoor play. The pre-schools in Singapore are run by private sector - community and religious bodies, educational enterprises, churches, child care centers etc - but registered with the MOE. Many international schools also run their own pre-schools in Singapore. Depending on the facilities and the nature of establishment, the pre-school fees range between S$250 – S$1000 a month. A more in-depth discussion on pre-schools in Singapore is discussed in a separate report on this website.

Primary School Education (K-5 Grades as known internationally)

Primary School education in Singapore local schools is a six year compulsory and free education that starts at age 6. In the first four years in the primary education (called P1-P4), known as the foundation stage, the primary focus is on developing the language and numeric skills, while science is taught from Primary 3. At the end of P4, students are assessed based on their performance and streamed according to their ability when they graduate to the next stage.

During Primary 5 and Primary 6 years of education in Singapore, known as the Orientation stage, children are streamed into EM1& EM2 (now merged), or EM3 (now replaced by Subject Based Banding System). Students in EM1 & 2 streams learn English, mother tongue i.e. Malay, Chinese or Tamil at higher level, while the EM3 students learn Foundation English Language and Mother Tongue at the basic proficiency level and foundation mathematics. Commencing from January 2008, under Subject Based Banding System (which replaces EM3), students are able to take up a mix of Standard or Foundation subjects depending on their aptitude in each subject. Civics and Moral Education, Health Education, Physical Education, Arts & Crafts, Music and Social Studies are other subjects that are part of the curriculum at primary level education in Singapore.

From Primary School to Secondary School

At the end of Primary 6, all students must sit for the Primary School Leaving Exam (called PSLE), that is held at a national level. The score at PSLE will determine the child’s competence for secondary education, suitable course at the secondary level, and the selection of the secondary school education in Singapore.

Admission through PSLE Score System

Parents have to indicate up to six secondary schools as the preferred choice for their child. The posting of students to secondary school is computerized and is based on their score, preferred choice, and availability of seats. If a student fails to get a place in any of his/her schools of choice, he/she will be posted to a school near the student's home that still has vacancies assuming the student meets the minimum PSLE cut off score for that school.

Admission through Direct School Admission (DSA) System

This Scheme aims to promote holistic education by giving participating schools greater flexibility in selecting students while committed to principles of transparency and meritocracy. Under this scheme, students’ talents and achievements in both academic and non-academic areas determine their admission directly into their school of choice without participating in the computerized admission process. Each participating school has its own merit-based academic and non-academic criteria for selection. These are based on the qualities, such as talent in science, music or sports etc as per the particular schools’ specialty. To assess these qualities in applicants, schools may conduct tests, interviews or trials as necessary. It is a more guaranteed way of securing a place in the school of choice and is offered irrespective of the PSLE score. If however the admission through DSA system is unsuccessful, the student will have to opt for the admission through PSLE Score system.

Secondary School Education (6-10 Grades as known internationally)

Based on the PSLE score, students are placed in either Normal or Special/Express Course leading to 'N' level or 'O' level education respectively in four years. The different curricular emphases are designed to match the learning abilities and interests of different students.

Though the students are streamed right from the first year of secondary, the entire Singapore educational system commands thorough flexibility and recognizes that, an individual’s capability is variable and adaptable hence, flexibility is ensured throughout the secondary courses. Students can move from one course to another based on their performance and the assessment of their Principal and teachers.

Secondary school education curriculum includes English, the Mother Tongue, Mathematics, Science and the Humanities. At Secondary 3, depending on whether they are in the Arts, Science, Commerce or Technical stream students can opt for electives of their choice, while English, Mother Tongue or Higher Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics, one Science and one Humanities Elective are compulsory.

Special/Express Course

Special/Express course leads to completion of advanced secondary school education (called 'O' level) in four years.

Normal Course

Normal course leads to completion of normal secondary school education (called 'N' level) in four years. The students under this option do have the option of obtaining 'O' level education by spending fifth year.

There are two course options within the Normal course - Normal (Technical) and the Normal (Academic) course. The Normal (Technical) course prepares students towards a technical-vocational education at the Institute of Technical Education.

Post Secondary School Education Options

Junior College (11-12 Grades as known Internationally)

Students may apply for entry to a junior college (JC) for a two-year course leading to 'A' (advanced) level exams upon completion of the secondary school education in Singapore. Admission into junior college depends on the scoring in the 'O' Level exams . The JCs prepare students for tertiary level of education at a university.

Students are enrolled into Arts or Science Course. Subject options in the Arts Course include English Literature, Music, Economics, History, Geography, Art and Design and Mathematics. While Science Course offers Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics and Computers.

New Integrated Programme

In 2004, Singapore government introduced a new system under which students can bypass their 'O' Level examinations, and take the 'A' level examinations or equivalent directly after 6 years of study. This programme is available only in selected top caliber secondary schools and JCs in Singapore. This system allows more flexibility and ample time for the students to enrich their knowledge in their chosen subjects and is more in line with modern international high school education programs. Each participating school offers a different variety of Integrated Programme either leading to a 'A' Level or a International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam.

Polytechnics Diploma Programs

Through Singapore polytechnics, students have an alternative to JC education. Students are admitted into Polytechnics based on 'O' level and 'A' level scores. The five polytechnics - Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic - provide more than enough courses to meet the needs and demands of students. Polytechnics offers three year diploma courses in a variety of disciplines such as engineering, business studies, accountancy, tourism and hospitality management, mass communications, digital media and biotechnology. All the five polytechnics have arrangements with selected universities both in Singapore and abroad to admit their graduates.

Polytechnics of Singapore have a network of industrial tie ups that ensure a practical and workplace targeted technical training to its graduates. Apart from secondary students, many middle level professionals also enroll for poly programs to update themselves.

Vocational Training - Institute of Technical Education (ITE)

Students that are unable to get admission into junior college or polytechnic institute can opt for vocational training through Institute of Technical Education in Singapore. ITE offers 1 to 2 year certificate courses in various technical disciplines. Students who do well in this program will be able to proceed to the polytechnics for diploma programmes. Qualified candidates may also subsequently progress to the universities.

Higher Education - Universities

Students can compete for admissions into the Universities even before the results of 'A' level exams are declared. However their final 'A' level scores have to be in line with the respective university’s admission criteria. Poly students who have excelled in their chosen program may also seek admission into the universities. There are three world class national universities in Singapore namely National university of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, and Singapore Management University. These universities offer a wide spectrum of programmes ranging from degree to doctoral in a variety of disciplines. The universities are autonomous in nature hence they have indigenous assessment policy and chart their own syllabi.

Additionally, there are many world renowned private institutions such as INSEAD, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, Essec Business School, etc., offering specialized programs that are highly in demand among the local and international academic cream.

Summary

In conclusion, the local education system in Singapore is very flexible and focused on the individual’s interest and capability. Through extensive co-curricular activities and a practical approach to education, the system aims to foster innovation, inquisitiveness and entrepreneurship - the most demanded traits in the new economy.

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