FAQs

We firmly subscribe to the philosophy of ‘Discipline with Care’.  We believe that this process serves as an educative process for students to learn and correct themselves when they make mistakes.  Consequences for offences committed may be found in the Student Organiser which your child will be receiving within the first two weeks of school. 

Our school rules on the use of mobile phones serve to teach our students to be responsible users of the devices, in addition to providing a sense of peace and security for all members of the school community.

Students are allowed to bring their mobile phones to school.  However, there are conditions which they need to adhere to so that the phones do not become a distraction in or outside class when learning is taking place.

We have put in place a set of school rules to regulate mobile phone usage and consequences for breaching them.  While students may use their mobile phone during recess, before and after school, usage of the mobile phones is restricted to non-learning venues at the ground level only. Details of the mobile phone rules will be shared during the Sec 1 Orientation Programme. They can also be found in the Student Organizer which your child will receive within the first two weeks of school.

The Ministry of Education has a policy that mandates all students in secondary schools to participate in at least one CCA. CCA participation is made compulsory at this level as students are more independent as compared to primary school students. 

In OPSS, we strive to create a safe environment in CCAs for our young ladies and gentlemen, where they are challenged and empowered to explore their passions, exercise initiative, take risks, make mistakes and more importantly grow and learn from them. Through CCAs, we seek to provide authentic learning platforms for our students to learn and develop School Values, 21st Century Competencies Skills and Social Emotional Competencies. 

To help your child/ward select their CCAs, there will be CCA exposure sessions on 22/1, 24/1, 5/2 and 7/2 in the afternoons (timings will be confirmed at a later date) during our school’s regular CCA practice sessions. Your child/ward will be given opportunities to try out all CCAs available in our school. In addition, there will also be a briefing on CCAs during the Secondary 1 Parents Engagement and CCA Open House on 18 January 2025. Through these sessions, parents and students will have the opportunity to find out more about the CCAs before they make their selections. 

CCAs offered by Orchid Park Secondary School

Physical Sports & Games

Basketball (Boys & Girls), Floorball (Boys & Girls), Football (Boys), Netball (Girls), Volleyball (Boys)

Uniformed Groups

Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, National Cadet Corps (Sea), National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC), National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) 

Visual and Performing Arts

Art Club, Modern Dance, English Drama, Guitar Ensemble, Concert Band

Clubs & Societies

  Info-comm Technology (Media Production), Student Council

Common FAQs on CCA

1) Can my child/ward choose not to join a CCA from the school?

CCA provides an important platform for social interaction amongst students of diverse background. It also offers excellent platforms for students to learn core values, social and emotional competencies and the emerging 21st Century Competencies as your child/ward enters a period of pliable character and identity formation.

They can choose from any of the 4 groups; Physical Sports & Game, Uniformed Groups, Visual & Performing Arts and Clubs & Societies.

As your child/ward is more independent as compared to primary school students, the Ministry mandates that all secondary school students must have a CCA.

Your child/ward will be liable for a ‘FAIR’ conduct grade if his/her attendance for CCA is below 50% at the end of a semester. A ‘FAIR’ conduct grade can have an adverse effect on awards, bursary/financial aid and other forms of school-related applications.

2) What are mandatory CCAs?

The National Cadet Corps (NCC). National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC) and   National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) are mandatory CCAs for all secondary schools. Students in these CCAs are not permitted to change their CCA throughout the secondary school years except for medical reasons, or once at the end of Secondary 1 or 2.

3) What must my child/ward do to join a CCA?

Your child/ward will be exposed to all CCAs during week 3 to 5 of school term 1.

He/she will have to rank the CCAs (1 to 6) according to his/her interests/choices on a online platform (Link will be provided at a later time). The options will need to be submitted by the given stipulated deadline.

Students who did not submit their CCA options will be allocated a CCA at the school’s discretion.

4) How is the posting or allocation of CCA determined?

As much as we would like to allocate your child’s/ward’s first choice, he/she would not benefit fully if the enrolment of a CCA is too big or considered not suitable for the CCA.

Your child/ward will be assessed by the teachers in charge and instructors of the CCA. Together with the information (previous CCA, NAPFA test result (if any), medical history) given, your child/ward will be allocated his/her 1st choice if it is matched with the teachers’ recommendation. Once all places available are filled up, there will be no more allocation of students into that CCA. 

Students who are not posted to the CCA of their first choice will then be considered for his/her next choice and so on, subject to availability of places.

The allocation of CCA to your child/ward is not based on a ‘first-come-first-served’ submission of the CCA options through the online platform.

5) Can my child/ward appeal to join another CCA instead of the one allocated?

There is a 1 week of appeal period. However, we would encourage your child/ward to try the CCA allocated to him/her to broaden his/her experience and learn a wider range of skills for at least a year.

6) Can my child/ward change CCA if he/she wants to experience a different CCA?

Students are allowed to change CCA at the end of the academic year, subjected to school’s approval and availability of places in the CCA. However, the changing of CCA is not encouraged as continuous involvement and commitment to the same CCA will be rewarded through the level of attainment in LEAPS 2.0. In addition, regular participation and sustained engagement over four to five years in the same CCA allows for the progressive development of skills and knowledge, as well as the development of character.

7) Can my child/ward join more than one CCA?

Your child/ward may opt to participate in more than one CCA to broaden his/her experience, gain more exposure and learn a wider range of skills. However, such involvement will be passion-driven and approval will take into consideration, his/her academic results and his/her ability to sustain attendance in his/her core CCA. Your child/ward will not be awarded higher level of attainment for participation in an additional CCA.  

8) Can CCA level of attainment be awarded for my child/ward’s participation in activities organised by external organisations?

A student may participate in a non-school-based CCA or community-based activity to pursue his/her interests which are not offered in the school, but not in lieu of a CCA in school. These external activities will mainly be interest-driven and the additional participation will not contribute to a higher attainment level.

The only exceptions are as follows:

a) Participation in National Projects of Excellence (NPOE) mainly:

        - The Singapore National Youth Orchestra

        - Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra

Their involvement with the NPOE can be considered as their CCA and their level of attainment will be calculated according to a school-based CCA.

b)    Training with National Sports Associations (NSAs)

Students selected to undergo a sustained programme with a NSA may seek the school principal’s permission to be exempted from the school’s CCA training sessions. Such programme will need to be endorsed by the principal and monitored by the NSAs through progress reports. Once the training stint with the NSAs ends, students will have to resume training with the school’s CCA.

 c) Representation in a competition endorsed by school

Self-representation or personal participation will not be recognized.        

   d)   Service hours that impacts the community

Q1: My child missed the eligibility criteria for SBB (Sec) subjects but has a strong passion for the subject. May I appeal for my child to take the subject at a more demanding level?

Students are eligible for Subject-Based Banding (Secondary) [SBB (Sec)] subjects at multiple points throughout their secondary school education. The first point they may be eligible is at the start of Sec 1 based on their individual subject scores at the PSLE.

• Subsequently, they have opportunities to be identified for SBB (Sec) subjects in the middle of Sec 1, start of Sec 2, and so on, based on their performance in school. The school will work with them to ensure that they take the subject at the appropriate level.

Q2: Will there be additional school-based support for a child who takes a subject at a more demanding level under SBB (Sec)?

Schools employ a variety of approaches to help students taking subjects at a more demanding level under Subject-Based Banding (Secondary) [SBB(Sec)] adjust both academically and emotionally. Support measures may include:

• Bridging and remedial lessons where necessary;

• Regular dialogue sessions with students to motivate them as well as to allow them to surface their learning concerns; and

• Monitoring of student well-being and academic progress, both for the subject(s) at the more demanding level as well as the remaining subjects.

Q3: When will students be offered to take subjects at a more demanding level? How will the schools inform parents of eligible students to take up subjects at a more demanding level?

Eligible students will be offered to take subjects at a more demanding level at four different junctures:

• Start of Secondary 1

• Mid-point of Secondary 1

• End of Secondary 1

• End of Secondary 2

Similar to current practice, upon meeting the eligibility criteria, schools will issue a letter of offer for the respective subjects to parents of eligible students. Parents can then decide whether to accept the offer for the child to take up subjects at a more demanding level. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s school should they have any queries regarding the child’s eligibility, and to also consult the school before deciding if they would accept the offer.

Q4: What if my child struggles with the higher-level subject?

• Students are encouraged to continue with the higher-level subjects until the end of Sec 2, as students do need time to adjust to the higher academic demands.

• Our school will monitor students’ progress in the higher-level subjects as well as overall progress in all subjects, and will endeavour to provide the necessary support to students to help them cope.

Q5: Can I change a SBB subject I am doing to a lower level at any time if I cannot cope?

• It takes time to adjust to the demands of a higher-level subject, so students should allow themselves a full two years before deciding if they wish to continue offering the subject at a higher level in the upper secondary years. Interest in the subject is more important than the marks obtained, so students should not use marks as an indicator of their ability to cope with the subject.

• The school would involve the student’s parents and teachers when such a request is made. The student and his/her parents can make the final decision to continue or drop the subject, as long as they are aware of the impact on the student’s post-secondary progression.

Q6: How did MOE come up with the Subject-Based Banding (Secondary) eligibility criteria?

The Subject-Based Banding (Secondary) eligibility criteria aims to identify students who are stronger in specific subjects, and who are likely to benefit from taking these subjects at a more demanding level so that they can further build on their strengths.

The AL 5 or better eligibility criterion for students to take a subject at the Express level is consistent with the course placement criteria under the new scoring system, and hence indicates that a student is likely to be able to cope with the subject at a more demanding level. A student who achieves a PSLE Score of 20 (i.e. an average of AL 5 for each subject) would qualify for the Express course, where the student would take all subjects at the Express level by default. Therefore, AL 5 is used as the qualifying AL to assess if students from other courses are ready to take the subject at the Express level.

Q7: What are the possible benefits of taking higher-level subjects?

• Some students (and parents) have shared that SBB allows the students to challenge themselves, and to have more options for Sec 3 subject combinations and post-secondary courses.

• A strong foundation in literacy, numeracy and reasoning, would ensure students are better prepared for various post-secondary progression pathways (e.g. to ITE and Polytechnic).

Q8: Will my child continue with the higher-level subjects all the way to Sec 4? 

Your child may continue with the corresponding higher-level subject at upper secondary if he/she meets our school’s criteria at the end of Sec 2.

Q1: How do we know whether to buy Mother Tongue books at standard level or higher level? 

• Students have to purchase their Mother Tongue book according to the stream they have been offered, unless they are being offered an SBB MT or wish to take up Higher Mother Tongue offered by MOE or are applying for Higher Mother Tongue offered our school.

Q2: What time does the Higher Mother Tongue lesson starts?

• Higher Mother Tongue lessons are made up of 7 periods. These lessons will generally be held during curriculum hours. There will be one period that will be held outside curriculum lessons. Depending on the timetable, that lesson may end between 3.10 to 3.40 p.m.  

Q3: If child is offered HCL/HML, and cannot manage after semester 1 or the whole year, can they drop in Sec 2? 

• HMT subject teachers will monitor students’ progress regularly and will provide necessary advice on the matter. Students are encouraged to complete at least the first 2 years of the subject so that they will be able to have a better picture of their performance in the subject.

Collection of Devices

Your child/ward will be collecting his/her device in school from end of Term 1 2025.

If you would like to personally/have another adult to verify the condition of the device during collection with your child/ward:

• You may arrange to collect the device at the vendor's service/collection centre* or appoint an adult proxy to do so.

• Your child/ward would need to bring the device to school and arrange for the school’s IT department to install the DMA.

Please approach the school for further advice or clarification if you would like to make this arrangement.

*Parents/Guardians (or adult proxy) will not be able to collect the PLD from the school.

• Please click on the following link for the Sec 1 booklist:

https://www.orchidparksec.moe.edu.sg/links/Student/books/

• Calculators

It is not necessary to purchase a new calculator as long as the model is approved by SEAB.

Students may approach their respective Math teachers to check before purchasing. 

You can also check at this link for Approved calculators.

https://www.seab.gov.sg/home/examinations/approved-calculators

• Music

It is compulsory for students to buy a ukulele for their music lessons. The ukulele will be used over 2 years (Sec 1 and Sec 2). 

You do not need to buy a ukulele if you already have one at home. However, please show your music teacher your ukulele so that he/she can check that it is in a good and working condition for use during the music lessons.

• Design & Technology (D&T)

All students (both male and female) will study D&T. Therefore, they will need to purchase the D&T items in the booklist. 

• Art

Art items stated in the booklist must be purchased. However, if you already have the same type of items, please show them to your Art teacher so that she can check if your existing Art items are still in a good and working condition for use during the Art lessons.

• Stationery for other subjects

Students should purchase the stationery items mentioned in the booklist as they will be used for learning. If students wish to purchase them only when teachers ask for them, they are welcome to do so. However, the items may not be available due to limited stocks.  

For items like a headset with microphone and calculator, students are welcome to use what they currently own.

Optional items are also available in the school bookshop during the first week of school. However, these items will be based on stock availability.

School Uniform Matters

Students can purchase their uniform directly from the school or the vendor.

It is recommended that students purchase two sets of uniforms depending on how frequently they change their attire. 

School uniform vendor and number: 

Yangtze Kiang Tailor Retail Outlet

51 Bukit Batok Crescent #05-14 Unity Centre Singapore 658077

Tel: 67691260

Email address: yangtzekiang@singnet.com.sg

School Shoes Matters

School shoes can be canvas or sports shoes as long as they are predominantly, at least 70% white-based.  

More information regarding application for FAS can be found in the Information booklet page 21 to 22 and page 30 (Annex B)

The reporting time for school is 7.40 a.m. and the general dismissal time is 2.10 pm. (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu) and 12.40 pm. (Fri). However, your child may be dismissed earlier or later depending on his/her class timetable and CCA schedule . Do refer to the class timetable that will be on the school website, for the actual dismissal time on different days of the week.

The timetable is projected to be released by Thursday 2 Jan 2025. However, we seek your understanding if the release of the timetable is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. As the students will be attending the Secondary 1 Orientation Programme for the first 4 days of school, lessons will only start on Wednesday 8 Jan 2025 for Sec 1 students.

The timetable may be viewed on the school website (https://www.orchidparksec.moe.edu.sg/links/Student/tt/). A printed copy of the timetable will also be given to each student through the class mentors during the orientation. 

Q1: What should I do on Registration Day?

• Please register your child's attendance by acknowledging message sent on Parents Gateway (PG).

• Download Sec 1 Information booklet for information on Sec 1 matters.

• Attend the Online Engagement Session on 19 December 2024 (9 - 10.30am).

Q2: How do I check my child's class?

• You may check your child's assigned class via the PG message sent.

Q3: Can I walk in for Sec 1 Registration?

• Sec 1 Registration will be conducted online.  You are strongly encouraged to attend the Online Engagement Session on 19 Dec 2024, as all necessary information will be shared with you and your child to ensure that your child is ready and prepared for the first day of school.  Should you face any difficulties or have any concerns, please contact our office staff at 6759 8547 or email us at opss@moe.edu.sg.

Q4: How do I know if my child is offered More Demanding Level (MDL) Subject, Higher Mother Tongue (HMT) or 3rd Languages?

• If your child is eligible for these programmes, you will be notified via Parents Gateway (PG) by 26 December 2024.

• Please indicate your acceptance/rejection/acknowledgement via PG by Thursday 26 December, 5pm.

Q1: What is the Sec 1 Orientation Programme about?

• The Sec 1 Orientation Programme is a 4-day programme, which aims to help your child transit from Primary to Secondary school life.

• You may refer to the Sec 1 Information Booklet (pages) for more details.

Q2: What is the dismissal time?

• The dismissal time will be 3.10 pm on 2nd, 6th and 7th Jan, and 12.40 pm on 3rd Jan.

Q3: What does my child need to wear during the Sec 1 Orientation Programme?

• Wearing the OPSS school uniform helps students feel belonged to and a part of the school. This is especially important as our students come from many different primary schools. Therefore students should report to school in their OPSS school uniform. However, if students are not able to purchase their uniforms in time, they are allowed to report in their primary school uniform but they need to purchase their OPSS school uniforms by the end of the first week of school. 

Q4: What does my child need to bring for the Sec 1 Orientation Programme?

• Please ensure that your child brings along his/her PE attire, writing materials, water bottle and an English storybook.