Choice of Subjects

Frequently asked questions about choices of subjects

Q: If I do not opt for Biology now, can I still read Biology in at College section (A-Levels)?

A: Yes. Our College does not impose a pre-requisite that you have to take Biology in High School in order to do A-Level Biology. However, students who did not offer Biology in High School need to obtain a B3 in Chemistry to be allowed to do A-Level Biology.

Q: Can SMTP students take Literature in English as a subject on its own ? 

A: In upper secondary, the study of the humanities comprises Social Studies (SS) and Humanities Elective (HE).  All SMTP students will be offered either Geography or Literature in Chinese as their Humanities Elective, with some being offered China Studies in Chinese (CSC) under the SMTP-BSP dual programme. Hence it is not possible for SMTP students to take Literature in English (or History, for that matter). 

Q: I am in the school team (of a CCA) and I intend to take up Biology regardless of the Academic Talent Programme option. Will I be able to cope with this workload?

A: The first few months of Secondary 3 life can be very hectic for most students as they adjust to a new class and the demands of additional subjects and greater depth of inquiry and learning. In addition, the first semester is when most CCA competitions take place. With discipline and proper time management, most students will be able to cope with these demands provided he has had a solid grounding in his academic subjects, strong determination and good discipline.

Q: For students in the Humanities Programme (HP), are Physics and Chemistry taught as pure Physics & pure Chemistry (same as SMTP except the SMTP syllabus contents are more in-depth) instead of combined subjects? Will a HP student in High School be disadvantaged if he changes to the Science stream in College instead of continuing with HP?

A: All sciences offered in HCI (High School) are pure sciences. Students in non-SMTP take the same science subjects and mathematics as that offered by all IP students. However, the SMTP Math and Science curricula are enhanced and enriched in depth and breadth. This enables all students to  switch between HP or Arts Faculty and Science talent programmes when they move from High School to College.

Q: Do I need to drop 3rd Language if I wish to apply for an Academic Talent Programme and Biology?

A: Students are advised to consider the total academic load based on the subject combination and if applicable their academic talent programme, as well as their non-academic growth in areas such as CCA, leadership and values in action, before considering if it is necessary to drop their 3rd language. Please refer to the possible subject combinations for more details. 

Q: Do I need to drop 3rd Language before the application period to apply for 10 subjects?

A: No. Sec 2 students should complete the Sec 2 3rd Language course (i.e. sit for the EOY exams) and only drop the 3rd Language at the start of Sec 3, if approval is not given for them to take 10 subjects (e.g. if they wish to take Biology / Computing as the additional 10th subject).