Subject Allocation Exercise - Process Related Questions
1. The school offers 6 subject combinations for students predominantly offering G2 subjects. Can my child still offer 7 subjects?
Music will be offered to students as the 7th subject if the student indicates interest, passes the audition and theory test, and is deemed to be suitable to offer this subject by the Music Unit.
2. Can we appeal if the allocated subject(s) is not what my child desired and are there any conditions?
There will be an appeal phase [28th October to 30th October] after the release of the results on 27th October 2025.
Students will need to meet the criteria for the subjects that the are appealing to.
Do note that all appeals are considered on a case-by-case basis, based on merit, choices submitted and availability of school resources.
3. How are students allocated to their subject combinations?
Students are allocated to a subject combination based on the following:
Merit which is according to students’ academic results
Choices submitted for the Subject Allocation Exercise (SAE)
Stipulated criteria
School’s holistic considerations (e.g. availability and demand of school resources)
4. If a particular subject combination is oversubscribed, will the school open more classes or will students be asked to choose other subjects?
If the student meets the criteria set for the chosen combination, the student will be offered the chosen combination.
For more information on the criteria, please refer to the hardcopy of the subject combinations which will be given on the day of the briefing for students and for parents.
5. Can students offer a subject at a less demanding level?
In general, students will have the flexibility to adjust their subject levels at appropriate junctures, based on their strengths, interests and learning needs.
Where suitable, students may offer subjects at a less demanding level, based on their performance and schools’ holistic assessment, to calibrate their academic load. This will be done on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with the school.
6. Does the order of the subject combination choices matter?
Yes. Students are advised to order their options according to their strengths and preferences.
Subject-related Questions
1. My child is currently taking predominantly G2 subjects but is also taking selected subjects at a more demanding level (e.g. Science and Math).
If he/she wishes to continue with the subjects at MDL in Upper Secondary, can he/she take Pure Science or Additional Mathematics in this case?
Students offering MDL for Science in Secondary 2 will be offered combined Science(P/C) at G3 level in Secondary 3.
Students offering MDL for Mathematics in Secondary 2 will be offered only Mathematics at G3 level in Secondary 3. If the student wishes to pursue the study of Additional Mathematics (At G2 level), he/she may like to consider Option 1 in the subject combinations information sheet for students offering predominantly G2 subjects.
2. What are the criteria required for the various subjects?
Please visit our SAE 2025 Microsite for the full list of criteria for the various subjects (under 'Info on Sec 3 Subject Combinations').
3. Do students have an option to withdraw from taking a subject if they find it difficult to cope subsequently?
Students and parents can request to continue or drop a subject, in consultation with the school Nevertheless, students are encouraged to give themselves time to adjust to the greater demands of the curriculum in Secondary Three. The school will endeavor to provide the necessary support for them to cope better with their subjects.
Before a decision is made to drop the subject, advice from subject teachers and form teachers should be sought on the students’ academic progress. The school will also advise on the possible impact on admission to post-secondary courses. The decision to withdraw from a subject will be made on a case-by-case basis in discussion with the school.
4. Where can I find more information on the syllabus information for the Secondary 3 subjects?
ECGC and Other School Support
1. How can I register my child/ward for ECGC Counselling?
Yes, you may register by clicking on the link within the SAE 2025 Microsite. The link is https://go.gov.sg/ecgcamkss
Questions Involving Post-Secondary Pathways
1. What is the criteria for Junior College admission and what are some subject combinations that are recommended for students?
From the 2028 Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE), the number of subjects required for JC admission will be reduced from 6 to 5. To be eligible for admission to a JC, students need to meet the following 2 criteria:
1. L1R4 gross aggregate score must not exceed 16
2. Meet the grade requirements for specific subjects
The bonus points cap for JC admission will be lowered from a maximum of four points to three points to account for the reduction in the number of subjects included in the L1R4 aggregate computation.
2. What impact will there be on future post-secondary studies be if students choose different subject combinations?
Parents may refer to the microsite for more information on the post-secondary pathways.
3. What are the criteria for the Direct-Entry Scheme to ITE Year 2 or the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)?
Parents may refer to microsite for more information on the post-secondary pathways and criteria.