FAQ - O Level ESS

Frequently Asked Question - O Level ESS

A. Pre-requisites and Selection Criteria

1. Are there any prerequisites for studying the subject?

The pre-requisites are as follows

• Pass in NAPFA (Gold or Silver)

• Preferably be in a sports CCA or have been in a sports CCA in primary school.

• Have a keen interest in sports and participate in sports regularly.

2. Are Normal (Academic) students allowed to take this subject?

This subject is designed as a two-year course. Normal (Academic) students can take this subject over a period of 2 years from Sec 3N(A) to Sec 4N(A) if they can demonstrate their ability to cope with the rigor of an O Level Subject.

B. Curriculum

1. What is the curriculum time for this subject?

2 periods are allocated for theory and another 3 periods are allocated for coursework.

2. What are the key areas covered in this subject?

The key areas covered in the theory component are in the various areas of Sports Science such as Exercise Physiology, Exercise Psychology. Biomechanics, Motor Learning and Development and Sports Sociology

For the coursework component, the key areas covered are rules and regulations of the various recognised practical components, games skills, tactics and strategies, planning, analyzing and evaluation skills. The practical activities offered are Athletics, Track and Field, Cross Country, Weight Training for fitness, association football, Badminton, Basketball, Hockey and Netball.

C. Post-Secondary Options

1. Should I take GCE O-Level Exercise and Sports Science if I wish to go to a Junior College?

If you wish to opt for the science stream in JC, it is highly recommended that you take a pure science combination. This means that if you qualify for the pure science combination, you will not be able to take GCE O-Level ESS subject.

Do consider the GCE O-Level ESS as a subject if you are certain that you intend to take an arts stream in JC. However, you should be strong in your English language and humanities subjects if you opt for the arts stream in JC.

2. If I wish to go to a polytechnic, will taking GCE O-level ESS as a subject affect my chances?

Entry to polytechnic is based on ELR2B2 which means English and 2 other relevant subjects such as Elementary/Additional Maths., Combined Humanities, and Sciences are considered. GCE O-Level ESS can be one of the 2 other best subjects (B2) when computing the ELR2B2.

Students may use GCE O-Level ESS as one of their R4 subjects to qualify for any course in a Polytechnic.

Therefore, if your child has a keen interest in sports and excel in it, we will recommend them to consider taking ESS as an O level subject.

9. How will taking GCE O-Level ESS affect my chances of taking a course in Poly?

My dream is to be an engineer and to take an engineering course in Poly so I should take D & T. However I also have a keen interest in GCE O-level ESS. What should I do?

There is no added advantage of taking D&T to qualify for an engineering course. However, you need to do well for Maths and Science.

10. What are my options for Post-Secondary Options?

Students who take up GCE O-Level ESS may also wish to pursue further sports-related studies at the following Institutes of Higher Learning:

Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

BSC (Sports Science / Sports Management)

Republic Polytechnic

Diploma in Health Management & Promotion

Diploma in Healthcare Administration

Diploma in Sports & Exercise Sciences

Diploma in Sports & Leisure Management

Diploma in Sports Coaching

Diploma in Outdoor & Adventure Learning

National Institute of Education (NIE)

Bachelor of Science (Education) (Physical Education & Sports Science)

Diploma in Physical Education

Institute of Technical Education (ITE)

Higher Nitec in Business Studies (Sports Management)

Nitec in Fitness Training

11. What are my career options in a sports related industry?

Students who take up GCE O-Level ESS may wish to consider pursuing growing opportunities in a sports-related career. Some examples are:

Sports coaches

Fitness instructors

Sports events companies/organisers

Physical Education teachers

Sports Administrators and Executives

12. How recognised is the GCE O-Level Exercise and Sports Science (ESS)?

GCE O-level Exercise and Sports Science are comparable in rigour and scope to the GCE ‘O’ Level subjects, they will be recognised for admission to the JCs/ CI and polytechnics under the elective subjects of the L1R5/ L1R4 and ELR2B2 scoring formula.

Specifically, students may use their grades in GCE O-level ESS as R4 and/ or R5, and R3 and/ or R4 in the computation of L1R5 and L1R4 respectively. For admission into polytechnics, GCE O-Level ESS grades may be used in lieu of one/ both of the best subjects, or as an R2 subject for some polytechnic courses.