FAQ

Q: Will there be a talk or briefing for parents on the Sec 3 combination exercise?

A: A zoom briefing for Sec 2 parents on the Sec 3 subject combination exercise will be organised in Semester 1. However, parents may also find comprehensive information on the subject combination exercise here.

Q: If my child/ward does not take Additional Mathematics at O/NA- level, will he/she be disadvantaged in anyway?

A: If you plan to go a JC, Additional Mathematics is a pre-requisite for H2 Math. H2 Math itself is a pre-requisite for engineering courses in local universities. If you choose not to take A-Maths, you would close the doors to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics related fields. You may wish to refer to specific course requirements for the post-secondary institution your child/ward is interested in for more details.

Q: Can I appeal if my child/ward is not interested in the allocated subject combination?

A: Upon the release of the outcome of the Subject Combination Exercise, your child/ward can appeal by submitting the online Appeal Form within three days. All appeals will be given due consideration. We seek your understanding that appeals will not be considered if your child/ward's assigned a subject combination is within one of his/her choices or if your child/ward does not meet the pre-requisite criteria. 

Q: Does my child/ward need to offer triple Science if he/she is keen to become a doctor in future?

A: Triple science is not a requirement in local universities for a degree in Medicine. A good pass in Chemistry and either Biology or Physics in secondary school is sufficient. 


Q: Under what circumstances will my child/ward not get the subject combination of his/her choice?

A: Other than not meeting the pre-requisite criteria for subject/s within the subject combination of his/her choice, your child/ward may not get the subject combination of his/her choice due to the following reasons: 

(i) Insufficient student interest in a subject to start a class (ie. minimum class size of 8 students) 

(ii) Lack of resources to fully meet the demands of the subject (for example, lack of teachers or venues) 

(iii) The maximum enrolment capacity is met for elective subjects using special facilities i.e. Art, Design & Technology (D&T), Electronics and Nutrition & Food Science (NFS). 

Q: If my child is not doing well in Secondary 3, can he/she change subjects in Secondary 4?

A: The school has in place an ECG curriculum that seeks to help your child choose the right subject combinations. However, if students are not coping well with a particular subject at the end of Sec 3, appropriate ECG advice will be given by the school to help students make the necessary changes to pursue what they want at the post-secondary education institutes (PSEI). 

Q: Can my child take additional GCE level subject as a private candidate?

A: In any given year, a candidate can only sit for GCE level examinations as either a school or private candidate. As such, it is not possible for your child/ward to offer additional subjects as a private candidate. 

Q: Can my child choose not to take an out-of-stream (OOS) subject in upper secondary?

A: Students have a choice not to take an OOS subject. However, in most cases, students who take OOS are deemed to have the potential to pursue the subject at a higher level. Students who take OOS subjects will not be disadvantaged compared to their peers in the cohort.

Q: Are all students in a class taking the same subject combination?

A: No. In any given class, there are usually different sets of subject combinations. This is to cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of our students.

Q: Is there a fixed enrolment size for a subject combination?

A: In any given year, the maximum enrolment size for a subject combination may increase or decrease according to the demand from students who meet the pre-requisite criteria. This is subjected to teacher and resource availability.

Q: Does the order of the subject combination matter?

A: Yes, it matters. Students are advised to order their options according to their strengths and preference. Please refer to the subject allocation process.

Q: Is 3E1 the best class? 

A: No. The class nomenclature is NOT a reflection of academic ability. It simply facilitates our time-tabling process. Every class is precious in our eyes.

Q: Does Electronics subject limit students post-secondary options? 

A: No, the range of post-secondary course options students can apply for is comparable between Electronics and other applied subjects.

Q: Will there be another option with 7 subjects for combinations without pure sciences

A: No. Please be assured that the subject combinations are put together in such a way that maximizes our students’ prospects at their respective institutes of higher learning.