secondary one

The transition from primary to secondary school is a significant milestone in your child’s education journey. This move represents not just a change in academic level, but also an introduction to an entirely new environment filled with fresh experiences and challenges. It’s a time of growth and adaptation as students step into a more complex and dynamic phase of their schooling.

In Secondary 1, your child will encounter a new school environment, new friends, new teachers, and new subjects. These changes bring excitement but can also feel overwhelming as they adjust to different routines and expectations. Understanding what lies ahead can help you and your child navigate this transition smoothly.

Read on to discover what Secondary 1 looks like. With the right preparation, you and your child can face this new chapter with confidence and a clear sense of what to expect.

Adjusting to a New Social Environment

The transition from primary to secondary school is the sense of uncertainty it brings. Your child will be stepping into a new and unfamiliar environment, filled with unknowns. This shift can feel both exciting and daunting as they leave behind the familiar routines of primary school and adapt to a more complex setting.

For many children, the social landscape changes dramatically. They may find that their primary school friends are in different classes or even at other schools altogether. This separation can feel isolating, especially as they try to navigate this new environment and build connections with peers they haven’t met before. They are in the process of making new friends and learning to adapt to different personalities and social dynamics.

Adding to these changes is the way they interact with teachers. In primary school, children are generally used to having one or two main teachers for most subjects. In secondary school, however, they may have up to 10 different teachers, each with their own teaching style and expectations. Adjusting to these varying approaches can take time, and your child may find that they prefer some teaching styles over others.

A Wider Range of Subjects

Your child will face increased complexity in the subjects they study. The curriculum expands to cover a wider range of topics and deeper content. Core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue will continue to be central to their education, but they will also be introduced to a variety of new subjects that enrich their learning experience.

In addition to the core subjects, your child will encounter new subjects such as History, Design & Technology, Food & Nutrition, Geography, and Literature. Each subject introduces different concepts and skills and encourages them to explore new ways of learning in the classroom. 

Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs)

While academics remain a central focus in Secondary 1, CCAs will also become a significant part of your child’s school life. Through CCAs, students develop new skills, explore their interests, and form lasting memories. Check out: All about Co-Curricular Activities: How to Choose the Right CCA for Your Kids.

CCAs also offer an opportunity for your child to bond with peers outside of their class. Participating in activities such as sports, performing arts, clubs, societies, or uniformed groups allows them to connect with others who share similar passions. These interactions help build teamwork and foster friendships that can enrich their secondary school experience.

To make the most of this opportunity, encourage your child to read up on the CCAs available at their school. Having a clear idea of what’s offered and what appeals to them will help them make an informed choice when it’s time to select their activities. 

Developing Independent Learning Skills

Secondary 1 is the perfect time for your child to begin developing skills for independent learning. In certain programmes such as the IP or IB, a strong emphasis is placed on self-directed study. 

As a parent, your role shifts from closely guiding your child to fostering their ability to manage their studies on their own. Focus on helping them establish good learning habits that they can execute independently. These habits will not only enhance their academic performance but also prepare them for future challenges. While it’s important to give them room to grow, keeping a light hand on monitoring their progress ensures they stay on track.

Introducing your child to different study methods can be a great way to help them find what works best for them. Techniques such as the Pomodoro method for time management, mnemonics for memorisation, “eat the frog” for tackling challenging tasks first, or the PQ4R method for better comprehension are all effective tools. Encourage them to try different approaches and see which ones suit their learning style.

To explore more study methods, check out Curio’s Instagram and TikTok. You’ll find a variety of tips and strategies designed to make learning more engaging and effective.

Building Effective Time-Management Skills

Transitioning to Secondary 1 brings an increase in academic pressure as your child takes on more subjects and a heavier workload. Unlike primary school, where the timetable is simpler, secondary school introduces a more complex schedule with additional subjects and responsibilities. This often means longer hours at school and more time spent studying and completing homework at home, making effective time-management skills essential.

Secondary school schedules can also include dedicated days for co-curricular activities (CCAs), extra classes, tests, and exams, which add to the challenge of balancing schoolwork and other commitments. If your child is not used to managing their time effectively, this can feel overwhelming. Open conversations about time management and prioritising tasks can help them develop the skills needed to juggle their responsibilities. Encouraging them to plan ahead, break tasks into smaller steps, and set realistic goals will support them throughout their secondary school years.

Preparing for the Secondary School Routine

The school day is often longer in secondary school, which can be challenging for students who aren’t used to it.

Secondary school days tend to be more demanding, with a full schedule of lessons, co-curricular activities, and sometimes extra classes or responsibilities. This added workload and longer hours can make your child feel more tired as they get used to the new routine. Even school holidays, which may include activities, new subject preparation, or bridging programmes, can feel more like an extension of the school term than a break.

If your child has homework or assignments to complete, it’s important to help them plan their time from the start. Encouraging them to organise their schedule can ensure they have a short rest after school before starting their homework. This balance can help them recharge and stay energetic while keeping up with their studies. Supporting your child in creating a sustainable routine will make it easier for them to handle the demands of the school day.

For more information about secondary schools, check out our other articles:  6 Tips for Choosing a Secondary School for Your Kids and What Parents Need to Know About Secondary School Curriculum

At Curio, we aim to support students in their academic growth by offering specialised programmes tailored to their needs. Our English Literature ‘O’ Level Programme and English Language ‘O’ Level Programme are designed to deepen their understanding of language and literature. These courses cover essential components such as Situational Writing, Continuous Writing, Unseen Poetry, and Prose. To further enhance their skills, we provide additional topics including critical analysis of responses (both written and oral), building a comprehensive Vocabulary Bank, Article/Media Response, and more. These supplementary topics are aimed at equipping your child with the tools needed to excel in both their academic work and beyond. Check out our website on curio.sg or drop us a call/WhatsApp on 8892 2948 for an obligation-free consultation!

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.