What Parents Need to Know About Secondary School Curriculum

Secondary 1 students will see a major transformation to their academic landscape starting in 2024. Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) is replacing the traditional Normal (Technical), Normal (Academic), and Express streams. Students will be classified into Posting Groups 1, 2, or 3 based on their academic progress. The improved approach empowers students by offering them additional subject selection options. This article aims to provide valuable insights into the secondary school curriculum for parents who may not yet understand the new education system for Secondary 1 in Singapore.

1. Subjects With a Higher Level of Difficulty

Students in Secondary 1 (Sec 1) begin with subjects based on their overall PSLE score or if they perform well in individual PSLE subjects, they can opt to study them at a more demanding level. Students may also be offered the option to pursue specific subjects at a less difficult level in Sec 1. 

At the beginning of Sec 1, eligible students can choose to take English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics, and Science at a more challenging level, determined by their PSLE Achievement Level (AL) in each subject. As students proceed beyond the first stage of Sec 1, they may continue to take these subjects at a more demanding level based on their achievement in secondary school. Starting from Secondary 2 (Sec 2), students also have the opportunity to take Humanities subjects (Geography, History, and Literature in English) at a more challenging level. The decision to undertake Humanities at a higher difficulty level will depend on students’ aptitude and interest in these subjects, as determined in Sec 1.

2. Subjects with a Lower Level of Difficulty

Students who previously opted for Foundation level in English, Mathematics, and/or Science during their PSLE but are otherwise eligible for G3 in most subjects when transitioning to secondary school have the option to take these subjects at a less challenging level (i.e., G2) at the start of Secondary 1 (Sec 1). 

For students who are find their Mother Tongue Languages (MTL), to be challenging, the option of G1 or G2 MTL is provided. During the first phase of Sec 1, students can choose a less rigorous MTL level depending on specific criteria.

As students proceed beyond the first phases of Sec 1, they have the opportunity to offer subjects at a less demanding level, taking into account their performance and the schools’ complete assessment to balance their academic workload. Students choosing subjects at a less demanding level can subsequently opt for a more challenging level as they enhance their competence and confidence in those subjects. This additional flexibility enables students to adapt their learning experience to their particular abilities and passions.

3. Subjects at Lower Secondary

a. Common Curriculum Subjects

Students in mixed-form classes are going to devote approximately one-third of their curriculum time to a set of six common curriculum subjects. These subjects aim to improve students’ collaborative learning experiences by allowing them to connect and learn with classmates who have a wide range of abilities and interests.

Teachers will employ a variety of teaching techniques to properly cater to the student’s particular needs while acknowledging the different learning demands and paces within the same form of class.

b. Subjects Offered at G1, G2 and G3

English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities subjects will be available at G1, G2, and G3 levels. Students will be organized into different classes based on their subject level for each of these subjects.

Starting from the 2024 Secondary 1 (S1) cohort, additional curriculum policy changes will also be introduced to further enhance the learning experience for students:

4. Subjects at Upper Secondary

a. Compulsory Subjects

The subjects that are mandatory in upper secondary include:

• English Language
• Mother Tongue Languages (MTL)
  • Eligible students may offer HMTL instead of MTL
• Humanities
  • G1 Humanities will comprise Social Studies and one Humanities Exposure Module (HEM) in Geography, History or Literature in English. 
  • G2/3 Humanities will comprise Social Studies and choice of one elective in Geography, History or Literature in English or Literature in Mother Tongue Languages (offered at G3 only).
• Mathematics
• Science
  • Students offering mainly G1 subjects at upper secondary must offer at least one of the following subjects – Computing or Science.

b. Elective Subjects

Students get to choose subjects that interest them, such as Additional Mathematics, Art, and Design & Technology. Schools will assist them in determining the appropriate level for each subject based on their interests and strengths, taking into account their academic performance and areas for improvement.

c. Other Programmes – Applied Learning Modules (ApLM)

ApLMs are optional courses in practical subjects offered by Polytechnics, ITE, and private organisations. From 2023 onwards, students from Secondary 2 to Secondary 5 can join these modules, and each student can participate in up to 3 ApLM throughout their secondary education.