Unveiling Singapore’s Education System: A Closer Look at Primary and Secondary Education (Part 1)✨

Published on January 22, 2024

Last updated 9 months ago

Singapore’s education system is renowned globally for its high standards and innovative approaches. In this two-part series, we delve into the structure and recent transformations in the system, starting with Primary and Secondary education. Let's embark on this enlightening journey!

✏️ Primary School: Laying the Foundations (6 Years)

Building the Basics (Primary 1-4): The first four years in Primary School are all about establishing a strong foundation. Students are introduced to essential subjects, setting the stage for more complex learning.

Going Deeper (Primary 5-6): In these years, students delve deeper into their studies, preparing for the significant milestone ahead.

PSLE - The Big Leap: The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) after Primary 6 is a crucial stepping stone. This exam determines the pathway students will take in their Secondary education.

✏️ Secondary School: Exploring and Specializing

Broadening Horizons (Lower Secondary 1-2): The first two years of Secondary School offer a broad education, exposing students to a variety of subjects. This phase is crucial for building a diverse knowledge base.

Specialization (Upper Secondary 3-4): Students get the opportunity to tailor their education by choosing subjects they are passionate about, such as English, Math, Chemistry, and their Mother Tongue language.

Transformative Changes from 2024 Onwards:

End of Traditional Streaming: The familiar Express/N(A)/N(T) streams will no longer exist from 2024, marking a significant shift in the educational landscape.

Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB):

Breaking Down Streams: Instead of fixed streams, students can now choose subjects at different levels - G1 (basic), G2, and G3 (advanced).
Reclassification of Levels: Express, N(A), and N(T) are redefined as G3, G2, G1 respectively.

Mixed-Form Classes: In Lower Secondary, students will be grouped into mixed-form classes, regardless of the G-level of subjects they choose.

2027 - A New Era: The Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) examinations will be introduced in 2027, replacing the traditional GCE N- and O- Level exams.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series where we will explore the realms of Junior College (JC), Polytechnic, and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). This segment promises to provide insights into the higher education landscape in Singapore. 🎓🌏