Polytechnics offer many diploma courses, usually lasting three years. These courses are designed to give you practical skills and knowledge that are useful in real jobs. These schools are special because they work closely with different industries, which ensures what you learn is always up-to-date and directly helpful for today's jobs.7
The courses cover a wide range of topics but also let you specialize. Polytechnics offer diplomas in many areas like Applied Science, Business, Design & Media, Engineering, Health & Social Sciences, and IT.[19, 20, 6, 8]
A cool thing about many polytechnics is their "Common Programmes" in the first year, like Common Engineering. These programs let you explore different areas within a big group of subjects before you choose your exact diploma. This gives you time to figure out what you really like and make a better choice.15 Also, polytechnics are making it easier for you to choose extra subjects like majors, minors, and electives. This lets you learn more about a specific area or try new interests outside your main course. This flexibility helps you match your studies to what you're good at and what you enjoy.
There are currently 5 polytechnics in Singapore:
Learning in polytechnics is all about "Practice-based & Skills Education".7 This means you'll learn by actively doing things and applying what you learn to real-world situations. Some ways you'll learn include:
Problem-Based Learning (PBL): You'll work on real-life problems, which helps you think critically, solve problems creatively, and work well in teams.7
Self-Directed Learning (SDL): You're encouraged to take charge of your own learning, set goals, and check your progress. This helps you become a lifelong learner.7
Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL): Your courses will mix knowledge from different subjects. This prepares you to work with people from different fields and solve complex problems.7
Technology-Enhanced Learning: You'll use digital tools, like online learning platforms and virtual reality, to make learning flexible and fun.7
This focus on practical, hands-on learning, coupled with flexible programme structures like common entry programmes and cluster-based PFP admissions 10, is particularly beneficial for students who may not have a highly specific career aspiration at Secondary 2. It provides them with a broader foundational year to explore various domains within a chosen cluster, allowing for a more gradual and informed decision-making process regarding their specialization.
Why I chose Poly over JC
A Poly student shares his thoughts on why he loves Poly, and why you might, too.
9 December, 2019
From 2028, one ‘Best’ [B] subject can be fulfilled at G2 or G3 as part of the aggregate score for admission to Polytechnic Year 1
Students who offer both [B] subjects at G3 will have the [B] subject with a lower grade mapped from G3 to G2 based on a grade mapping table.
Correspondingly, the net aggregate cut-off will be adjusted from 26 points to 22 points.