Academic Talent Programmes

Frequently asked questions about Talent Programmes

Q: To qualify for SMTP, is it really necessary for me to score A1 for both Math and Science? What if my MSG is 1.43 but I had scored A1 for Science but A2 for Math. Will I stand a chance of getting into SMTP? In the event that I am rejected for SMTP, how may I go about with the appeal? What are the documents required?

A: Eligibility requirements are guidelines for both students and the school to gauge the aptitude of students for academic talent programmes. Any student who does not meet the eligibility requirements for any particular academic talent programme can still go ahead to apply if he can demonstrate the passion and commitment to excel in the academic talent programme. The application will be considered as an appeal if vacancies are available.

The applicant may be called up for an interview to determine his suitability for the academic talent programme. At the current moment, there is no need to submit any documents nor ask for subject teachers to write recommendations.

Q: Are students enrolled in HP given priority if they apply for enrollment into HP in JC 1? Does this apply to students who apply for SMTP at JC1 too?

A: No. All academic talent programme students have to re-apply to be enrolled in the desired talent programme at College, with the exception of BSP students offered the 4-year BSP scholarship by MOE.

Q: What if a student fails to cope with an academic talent programme due to unforeseen circumstances? Will he be transferred to the O-level class at the end of Sec 3?

A: That will depend on his performance at the EOY and diagnostic assessment if applicable. He may be transferred to the IP or O-Level class based on the school management's assessment of what is best / most suitable for the student in terms of his academic potential and socio-emotional well being.

Q: For students taking academic talent programmes, do they have to bring their personal laptops during lessons or will they be provided by the school?

A: All students should have a Personal Learning Device for school.

Q: Can students who are allocated HP or BSP be offered Biology as an additional subject? 

A: No, because the workload will be extremely heavy. On the other hand, students enrolled in the SMTP-BSP dual track programme can be offered Biology.

Q: Some students would like to take up Biology if they are not enrolled in an academic talent programme. Should these students opt for Biology during the option exercise? 

A: Yes. 

Q: How will applying for an academic talent programme affect the allocation of my Humanities Elective (HE), especially if the application for academic talent programme was rejected?

A: Generally, it will not be affected. A student not successful in his application for academic talent programmes will have his application for HE processed together with all the other students who are in IP.  Allocation for HE is based on merit (humanities subjects grade in Sec 2), choice and vacancies.

However, if a student is allocated an academic talent programme and subsequently decides to withdraw during the appeal period, he will be placed back into the IP student pool. His HE will then be allocated based on his choice and merit (relative to other students who are also appealing) to the left-over vacancies in each HE (if any).