An establishment that provides a secondary school education beyond primary school is known as a secondary school or high school. Secondary education is necessary for children in almost every country, as it prepares them for the future. Typically, secondary schooling takes at least five years to complete. The typical secondary school student is 13 years old and will complete their secondary education by the time they are 17 or 18 years old before moving on to pre-university studies.
There are various secondary schools, and choosing the best Singapore secondary school is essential. One of the most discussed curricula in Asia and the rest of the world is the Singaporean educational system and the MOE syllabus. Additionally, Singapore is renowned for its Singapore Math, which many nations have attempted to include in their curricula. Let's look into the features of Singapore secondary schools below.
Perfect Age to Start Secondary School in Singapore
All Singaporeans between the ages of 12 and 16 must attend secondary school. The results of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) play a significant role in determining a student's secondary school course.
PSLE is a national examination at the end of Primary 6. A student's performance in the test determines whether they are ready to leave primary school and be admitted to secondary school. The four streams segregating the secondary education system in Singapore are "Integrated Programme," "Express," "Normal (Academic"), and "Normal (Technical)." Singaporeans can only enroll in an international school on the island with the Ministry of Education's approval.
Subjects Taught
It takes four to five years to complete secondary education in Singapore. Students enroll in Secondary 1 to 5, and subjects get allotted according to the level.
Secondary 1-3 subjects: English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics, Science, Character and Citizenship Education, Humanities (Geography, History, and Literature in English), Design and Technology, Food and Consumer Education, Physical Education, Art, Music, and Project Work.
Secondary 4- 5 subjects: GCE-O-Level subjects
Types of Secondary Schools
Singapore has a variety of educational institutions. Government schools provide excellent education at reasonable costs. Government-aided schools are primarily supported by the government and adhere to the national curriculum. Independent institutions have more latitude in deciding on their tuition and course offerings. Specialized independent schools offer courses for children who excel in the arts, sciences, math, and sports, among other subjects. Last but not least, there are specialized schools that promote experiential, hands-on learning.
How to Apply
Parents in Singapore have access to the Direct School Admission procedure, which allows them to enroll their kids in specific secondary schools before they take the PSLEs. Factors on which kids get evaluated include athletic prowess, extracurricular involvement, and academic excellence in particular fields. Students in Primary 6 may apply through the Direct School Admission method.
Parents who want to send their kids to an international school should contact the institution immediately to start the application process. The registration fee and evaluation test are mandatory for overseas school applications. In addition, parents would have to pay an admission fee and a deposit for the child's successful enrollment if they satisfied all the prerequisites.
Secondary School Fees, Singapore
The cost of attending secondary schools varies significantly depending on whether they are public or private international institutions. As a result, parents must choose a primary school that meets their financial situation. However, for all Singaporeans, education is free, and the Ministry of Education determines the small "miscellaneous" fees that parents must pay. In addition, there are charges for uniforms, transportation, and textbooks.
In a nutshell, Singapore's secondary education is unique and based on the motto that education is the key to a prosperous nation. Singapore's education system also believes in equal education opportunities for all children. These elements will help you to decide on the best school in Singapore.