Compassvale Secondary School

Information Booklet for 2022 Secondary 3 Subject Combinations

This information booklet aims to help Sec 2 students make informed decisions in their subject choices for upper
secondary and work towards the subjects they wish to study. It contains the following information:

1. Upper Secondary Subject Combinations

a) Possible Subject Combinations
b) Subject Demands
c) Subject Synopses
2. Post-Secondary Education
a) The GCE ‘A’ Level Curriculum
b) Entry Criteria for Junior Colleges, Millennia Institute, Polytechnics and Institutes of Technical Education
c) Direct School Admission – Junior College (DSA-JC)
d) Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE)
e) Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)
f) Direct-Entry-Scheme to Polytechnic Programme (DPP)
g) ITE Early Admissions Exercise (ITE EAE)
h) Additional information on post-secondary pathways and prospectus

Offer of Subject Combinations

1. In offering the various subject combinations, the school aims to:
● enable students to progress to next higher level of learning (e.g. JC, CI, polytechnics, ITE);
● optimise choices and flexibility as far as possible for all students;
● cater to students with different interests and abilities;
2. The subject combinations listed on page 2 are tentative. The actual subject combinations or subjects
offered will depend on demand as each cohort of students is different (ie. number of students who choose
the subject combination/subjects) and feasibility in offering it (e.g. availability of teaching resources, viable
class sizes, timetable constraints) changes from year to year. Where possible, an update is provided before
students’ selection of subject combinations at year end.

Choosing Subject Combinations

1. Students can and should choose up to 12 (for Express students), 6 (for N(A) students, 2 (for N(T) students)
options, in order of preference. While the school will try to allocate students their preferred options,
students should be mentally prepared that some may not be given their first few choices. Students should
exercise all their options and choose carefully based on:
● Relevance for preferred post-secondary educational pathways
● Interests and abilities in the various subjects
● Demands of the various subjects (difficulty level, coursework etc)
● Demands of the subject combinations (ability to cope among other commitments such as CCA etc)
2. After reviewing their Personal Education Career (PEC) plan with their form teachers, students will participate
in a mid-year student interest survey after receiving their first semestral results. Their choices in the survey
bear no consequences on their final choices at the end of the year.
3. Students are strongly encouraged to seek advice from teachers and discuss options with their parents.
4. Students will be asked to exercise their options at the Subject Combination Options Exercise at the end of
Term 4 after the overall year-end results are known.

Allocation of Subject Combinations

1. Allocation of subject combinations will be based on:
● Academic merit (overall year-end results in Sec 2, weighted based on subjects in chosen combination)
● Student’s choice of subject combinations
● Take-up rate and vacancies in that subject combination or subject
2. Students who fail to submit their options by the given deadline or fail to secure any of their options will be
allocated a subject combination at the discretion of the school.

Schedule of Activities
S/No Activity Date/Time
1 Briefing for students on subject information and Education & Career Guidance 24 May 2021
(ECG) sharing
2 PEC plan review & mid-year student interest survey 24 May 2021
3 ECG & Subject Information for Parents via PG 28 May 2021
4 Briefing for students (option exercise) Term 4 Week 6
5 Closing date for online submission of subject combinations option 1 November 2021, 12 noon
6 Release of outcome of subject combination allocation 10 November 2021, 12 noon
7 Closing date for appeals for change of subject combination 17 November 2021, 12 noon
8 Release of outcome for appeals 24 November 2021, 12 noon
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1. UPPER SECONDARY SUBJECT COMBINATIONS

1a) Possible Subject Combinations
The subject combinations listed here are tentative. Students can use the list during the mid-year survey to
consider the subjects they wish to pursue at Upper Secondary.

Students should note that the list does NOT represent the final subject combinations available for 2022.
The actual subject combinations or subjects offered will depend on demand as each cohort of students
is different (ie. number of students who choose the subject combination/subjects) and feasibility in offering it
(e.g. availability of teaching resources, viable class sizes, timetable constraints) changes from year to year.
Where possible, an update is provided before students’ selection of subject combinations at year end.

Express Course

Normal Academic Course Normal Technical Course

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Higher Level Out-of-Stream (OOS) Subjects (‘O’ level ) for Normal (Academic) Students

Progression Opportunities for N(A) Students

Eligible Sec 4 N(A) students may go on to Sec 5 N(A), Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP), Direct-Entry-
Scheme to Polytechnic Programme (DPP) or ITE Nitec Courses at the end of Sec 4. A strong foundation in
literacy, numeracy and reasoning would provide students with higher chances of qualifying for the more
demanding programmes. Therefore, eligible students are encouraged to take up these subjects at higher level.

MOE Policies on OOS Subjects for N(A) Students

1. Sec 2 N(A) students can offer higher level OOS (i.e. ‘O’ level) subjects at Sec 3 if they have done well in Sec
2 school exams and met the following eligibility criteria.

‘O’ Level Eligibility Criteria

Subjects SBB (Subject-Based Banding) Students Non-SBB Students
(Students who have taken the higher (Students who have not taken the higher level
level subject since Sec 1 or 2) subject in Sec 1 or 2)
EL • Met promotion criteria • Met promotion criteria
MTL • Pass the specific subject at EXP • ≥ 75% in the specific subject at N(A) Level
Science Level
Mathematics • ≥ 60% in the overall average
• ≥ 60% in the overall average
Design & There is no Design & Technology SBB • Met promotion criteria at Sec 3
Technology* in Sec 1 or 2. • ≥ 70% in the specific subject at N(A) Level
• ≥ 60% in the overall average
Note: The ‘O’ Level subject will replace the corresponding ‘N’ Level subject. If students are not coping well for
the ‘O’ Level subject by end of Sec 3, they may be asked to switch back to the subject at ‘N(A)’ level.
* For D&T, students are offered higher level at Sec 4 based on their Sec 3 year-end results.

2. Graduating N(A) students are strongly encouraged to register for the ‘O’ level subjects only instead of
duplicating subjects at ‘NA’ level as well (i.e. to sit for the ‘O’ level subject at ‘N(A)’ level as well). Only one of
the duplicate subjects (i.e. either ‘O’ or ‘N(A)’ level subject) can be used to compute aggregate points for
admission to post-secondary education institutions. Students who are unsure are encouraged to discuss
assessment demands vis a vis their performance with their subject teachers.

3. As a norm, students can only register for up to a maximum of 8 subjects for the GCE ‘N(A)’ and ‘O’ Level
exams combined, including duplicate subjects which will count as two separate subjects. Students who wish
to register for more than 8 subjects will need MOE’s approval. Based on our student profile, eligible students
are advised to keep to at most two ‘O’ level subjects in order to cope well with the greater challenges. Subject
teachers’ recommendation will also be taken into consideration.

Grade Conversion

Students may combine their GCE ‘O’ and ‘N(A)’ Level results to compute their ELMAB3 aggregate score, for
merit-based admission into PFP and DPP:

GCE ‘O’ Level Grade GCE ‘N(A)’ Level Grade

A1 – B3 1
B4 – C6 2
D7
3
E8 (for DPP only)

Note: For PFP: Grades E8 & F9 will not be considered. For DPP: Grade F9 will not be considered.
 4

Higher Level Out-of-Stream (OOS) Subjects (‘N(A)’ level ) for Normal (Technical) Students

Progression Opportunities for N(T) Students

Eligible Sec 4 N(T) may go on to ITE Nitec courses or laterally transfer to Sec 4(NA) at the end of Sec 4. Posting
of applicants to Nitec courses is based on aggregate of best 4 GCE ‘N’ Level subjects (including pre-requisite
subjects and bonus points where applicable) and course-specific entry requirements, and subject to vacancies in
open competition. Many Nitec courses require a pass in subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science –
good foundation in these subjects will help students perform well in the Nitec courses. Therefore, eligible students
are encouraged to take up these subjects at higher level.

MOE Policies on OOS Subjects for N(T) Students

1. Sec 2 N(T) students can offer higher level OOS (‘N(A)’ level) subjects at Sec 3 if they have done well in Sec
2 school exams and met the following eligibility criteria.

‘N(A)’ Level Eligibility Criteria

Subjects SBB Students Non-SBB Students
(Students who have taken the higher
level subject since Sec 1 or 2)
EL • Meeting promotion criteria • Meeting promotion criteria
MTL • Pass the specific subject at N(A) • ≥ 75% in the specific subject at N(T)
Mathematics Level
Level
Science • ≥ 60% in the overall average
• ≥ 60% in the overall average
Note: The ‘N(A)’ Level subject will replace the corresponding ‘N(T)’ Level subject. If students are not coping
well for the higher level subject by end of Sec 3, they may be asked to switch to the subject at ‘N(T)’ level.

2. Graduating N(T) students are strongly encouraged to register for the ’N(A)’ level subjects only instead of
duplicating subjects at N(T) level as well (ie. to sit for the ‘N(A)’ level subject at ‘N(T)’ level as well). Only one
of the duplicate subjects (i.e. either ’N(A)’ or ‘N(T)’ level subject) can be used to compute aggregate points for
admission to ITE. Students who are unsure are encouraged to discuss assessment demands vis a vis their
performance with their subject teachers.

3. As a norm, students can only register for up to a maximum of 7 subjects for the GCE ‘N’ Level exams
combined, including duplicate subjects which will count as two separate subjects. MOE’s approval will be
required for students who wish to register for more than 7 subjects or 2 sets of duplicate subjects. Based on
our student profile, eligible students are advised to keep to at most two ’N(A)’ level subjects in order to cope
well with the greater challenges. Subject teachers’ recommendation will also be taken into consideration.

Grade Conversion
GCE ‘N(A)’ Level GCE ‘N(T)’ Level
ITE Aggregate Point
Grade Grade
1, 2 A 1
3 B 2
4 C 3
5 D 4
U U 5

Bonus points are awarded for eligible applicants in the posting process:
Types of Bonus Points Number of Bonus Points Awarded
N(A) Passing Grades:
Grades 1–5 for pre-requisite subjects for 2 points for each pre-requisite subject,
the course applied for up to a max of 4 points
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1b) Subject Demands

When choosing subjects, students should be mindful of their post-secondary educational aspirations, interests
and abilities, demands of each subject, and the total academic load of each combination. For each of their
choices, they should select with care.

Subjects combinations are allocated based on merit (i.e. Sec 2 overall results, weighted based on subjects in
selected combination), student’s choice and availability of school’s resources.

Students should refer to the table below to gain a better understanding of each subject’s demand at Upper
Secondary and corresponding recommended grade (last column) to guide their choices and efforts. The
recommended grade indicates the proficiency level students should have in the subject at end of Sec 2 in
order to cope reasonably well with the elective subject at upper secondary. The recommended grade does not
act as a cut-off and has no bearing on the allocation of subject combinations to students.

Subject Courses Subject Demands Recommended

applicable Grade
See notes above.
1. Additional O & N(A) Additional Mathematics provides an extended For N(A)
Mathematics platform to develop students’ problem solving At least B3 in
ability. Students will develop their logical and Mathematics
analytical thinking skills. Solving abstract
mathematical problems in real world context helps For Express
students to think creatively and strategically. At least a C6 in
Mathematics
2. Art O & N(A) Students should have an interest in the visual arts At least a C6 in Art
as a means of expression and its significance in the
*coursework-
based subject
context of culture and society. Students will learn to
express their thoughts, experiences and feelings in
visual and tactile forms through media such as
drawing, painting, and illustration. They will enhance
their visual literacy through coursework which
covers ideation, creative exploration, and
organisation of visual information for presentation.
3. Design & O & N(A) Students should be keen in analytical thinking and At least a C6 in
Technology hands-on learning. They should be interested in the D&T
study of product design to enhance quality of life.
*coursework-
based subject
The subject’s focus is on engaging students in
ideation, designing and prototyping of innovative
products with the application of technology.
4. Nutrition and O & N(A) Students should have an interest in the nutrition and At least a C6 in
Food diet, culinary science and sustainable food FCE.
Science consumption. A key focus of the subject is in
cultivating a scientific understanding of cooking,
*coursework-
based subject
food preparation methods and the knowledge of
food ingredients and their nutrition, as needed in the
creation of healthy and nutritious meals.
5. Humanities O & N(A) Students should have an interest in Geography and -
(Social Geographical fieldwork. They will study the physical
Studies, and human aspects of Geography, specifically
Geography) Living with Tectonic Hazards, Variable Weather and
Climate, Global Tourism and Food Resources (not
for N(A)). They will then apply the concepts learnt,
interpret and evaluate, making judgement on the
geographical data given.
6. Humanities O & N(A) Students should have an interest in History. They -
(Social will learn historical concepts and knowledge about
Studies, the developments in Europe from World War I to the
History) end of World War II in Europe and the Asia-Pacific
as well as the Cold War rivalry between the
superpowers. They will also learn to interact with
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historical sources and develop skills to evaluate the

validity of sources based on a given context.

7. Science O & N(A) Students who have an interest in Chemistry and -

(Physics, Physics but wish to study the subjects with a less
Chemistry) demanding curriculum.
8. Science O & N(A) Students who have an interest in Chemistry and -
(Chemistry, Biology but wish to study the subjects with a less
Biology) demanding curriculum.
9. Biology O Students should have an interest in the scientific At least B3 in
study of the correlation of cell structure to function, Science and good
regulation of life processes, continuity of life and our overall results
environment.
10. Chemistry O Students should have an interest in the study of At least B3 in
basic characteristics of substances such as their Science and good
structure, composition, properties, as well as their overall results
reactive characteristics and the different ways in
which they react or combine with other substances.
11. Electronics O Students should enjoy hands-on learning and be At least B4 in
*applied subject keen in applying the knowledge in electronics Mathematics and
components and circuit theories to develop Science and good
solutions to problems found in their everyday lives. overall results.
12. Geography O Students should have a strong interest in Geography At least B4 in
and desire to pursue their interest in the Humanities Geography
in the future. In addition to studying the topics
covered in Humanities (Geography), they will study
additional topics such as Coasts and Health and
Diseases and develop relevant fieldwork techniques
to interpret and evaluate given geographical data.
13. History O Students should have a strong interest in History At least B4 in
and desire to pursue their interest in the Humanities History
in the future. In addition to studying the topics
covered in Humanities (History), they will learn
historical concepts and knowledge about European
colonisation of Southeast Asia and the
decolonisation of Southeast Asian states after
World War II. They will also learn to understand,
analyse and evaluate a range of source materials
as part of historical inquiry.
14. Humanities O Students should have a keen interest in the reading At least B4 in both
(Social and study of literary texts, specifically poetry and English Language
Studies, prose. A key focus of the subject is the critical and Literature.
Literature) analysis of how language is purposefully and
creatively used in texts to create meaning, and to
explore issues or themes, such as identity, family
relationships, prejudice and war.
15. Music O Students should have an interest in Listening, -
Creating and Performing. Students can expect to
draw connections and links to the music that they
listen to, perform and create. They will have the
opportunity to explore a wide range of genres and
styles and make music, both individually and in
ensembles.

Note: The subject is taken outside curriculum time at a

Music Centre (one session 3 hours per week).

All applicants have to submit video-recordings as

audition submission (Component 1) and sit for
Listening Test (Component 2) with Music Centre.
16. Physics O Students should have an interest in the scientific At least B3 in
study of matter and energy, and the effect that they Science and good
overall results
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have on each other in the fields of electricity, heat,

light, mechanics, and sound.

17. Design & N(T) Students should have an interest in pursuing a career
Technology in the product design and/or engineering sector.
They will be engaged in designing and prototyping
*coursework-based
subject
ideas through applying technology. Students will
demonstrate their knowledge and skills acquired in
the creation of a prototype that will enhance the
quality of life.
18. Food N(T) Students should have an interest in pursuing a career
Studies related to the food industry. They will be equipped
with the knowledge of food commodities, the basic
concepts of nutrition and meal planning and the
understanding of their impact on health. Students will
demonstrate their theoretical knowledge,
investigative and culinary skills through their
coursework.

1c) Subject Synopses

1. Additional Mathematics
Course Content
❖ Algebra
❖ Geometry and Trigonometry
❖ Calculus

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
1 Structured questions 2 h 15 min 50%
O
2 Structured questions 2 h 15 min 50%
1 Structured questions 1 h 45 min 50%
N(A)
2 Structured questions 1 h 45 min 50%

2. Art
Course Content
❖ Studio Practice
❖ Study of Visual Arts

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
1 Coursework ~ 60%
O
2 Drawing & Painting 3h 40%
1 Coursework ~ 60%
N(A)
2 Drawing & Painting 3h 40%

3. Design & Technology

Course Content
❖ Design
❖ Technological Areas
❖ Materials and Practical processes

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
O 1 Written Examination 2h 40%
2 Design Project 22 weeks 60%
N(A) 1 Written Examination 1 h 30 min 40%
2 Design Project 20 weeks 60%
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4. Nutrition and Food Science

Course Content
❖ Nutrition and diet
❖ Food Literacy
❖ Food Science
❖ Sustainable Food Consumption

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
1 Written Paper 2h 40%
O
2 Coursework ~ 60%
1 Written Paper 1 h 30 min 40%
N(A)
2 Coursework ~ 60%

5. Humanities (Social Studies, Geography)

Course Content Course Content

(Social Studies) (Geography)
❖ Exploring Citizenship and Governance ❖ Our Dynamic Planet (Physical
❖ Living in a Diverse Society Geography)
❖ Being Part of a Globalised World ❖ Our Changing World (Human
Geography)
❖ Geographical Investigations

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
Source-Based Case Study and Structured-
1 1h 45min 50%
O Response Question (Social Studies)
2 Structured Questions (Geography) 1h 40min 50%
Source-Based Case Study and Structured-
1 1h 45min 50%
N(A) Response Question (Social Studies)
2 Structured Questions (Geography) 1h 40min 50%

6. Humanities (Social Studies, History)

Course Content Course Content

(Social Studies) (History)
❖ Exploring Citizenship and Governance ❖ The World in Crisis
❖ Living in a Diverse Society ❖ Bi-Polarity and the Cold War
❖ Being Part of a Globalised World

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
Source-Based Case Study and Structured-
1 1h 45min 50%
Response Question (Social Studies)
O
Source-Based Case Study and Structured
2 1h 40min 50%
Essay Questions (History)
Source-Based Case Study and Structured-
1 1h 45min 50%
Response Question (Social Studies)
N(A)
Source-Based Case Study and Structured-
2 1h 40min 50%
Essay Questions (History)
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7. Science (Chemistry, Physics / Biology)

Course Content (Chemistry) Course Content (Physics) Course Content (Biology)

❖ Experimental Chemistry ❖ Measurement ❖ Principles of Biology
❖ Atomic Structure and ❖ Newtonian Mechanics ❖ Maintenance and Regulation of
Stoichiometry ❖ Thermal Physics Life Processes
❖ Chemistry of Reactions ❖ Waves ❖ Continuity of Life
❖ Periodicity ❖ Electricity and Magnetism ❖ Man and his Environment (for
❖ Atmosphere O levels only)
❖ Organic Chemistry

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
1 Multiple Choice 1h 20%
2 Structured and Free Response (Physics) 1 h 15 min 32.5%
O 3 Structured and Free Response (Chemistry) 1 h 15 min 32.5%
4 Structured and Free Response (Biology) 1 h 15 min 32.5%
5 Practical Test 1 h 30 min 15%
1 Multiple Choice (Physics) 20%
1 h 15 min
2 Structured (Physics) 30%
3 Multiple Choice (Chemistry) 20%
N(A) 1 h 15 min
4 Structured (Chemistry) 30%
5 Multiple Choice (Biology) 20%
1 h 15 min
6 Structured (Biology) 30%

8. Biology
Course Content
❖ Principles of Biology
❖ Maintenance and Regulation of Life Processes
❖ Continuity of Life
❖ Man and his Environment

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
1 Multiple Choice 1h 30%
O 2 Structured and Free Response 1 h 45 min 50%
3 Practical 1 h 50 min 20%

9. Chemistry
Course Content
❖ Experimental Chemistry
❖ Atomic Structure and Stoichiometry
❖ Chemistry of Reactions
❖ Periodicity
❖ Atmosphere
❖ Organic Chemistry

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
1 Multiple Choice 1h 30%
O 2 Structured and Free Response 1 h 45 min 50%
3 Practical 1 h 50 min 20%
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10. Applied Subject – Electronics

Course Content
❖ Systems
❖ Fundamentals of Electricity
❖ Analogue Electronics
❖ Digital Electronics
❖ Engineering Design Process

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
Section A: Short Answer Questions
1 2h 70%
O Section B: Long questions
2 Application-Specific Electronic Project 32 h 30%

11. Geography

Course Content Course Content

Paper 1 Paper 2
❖ Coasts ❖ Living with Tectonic Hazards
❖ Global Tourism ❖ Variable Weather and Changing
Climate
❖ Food Resources
❖ Health and Diseases

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
1 Geographical Investigations and Structured Question 1h 40min 50%
O
2 Structured Questions 1h 30min 50%

12. History

Course Content Course Content

Paper 1: European Dominance and Paper 2: The Bi-Polar World Order
Challenges (1870s–1945) (1945–1991)
❖ European Dominance and Expansion in ❖ Bi-Polarity and the Cold War
the late 19th Century ❖ Decolonisation and Emergence of
❖ The World in Crisis Nation-States

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
Source-Based Case Study and Structured-Essay
1 1h 40min 50%
Question
O
Source-Based Case Study and Structured-Essay
2 1h 40min 50%
Question
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13. Humanities (Social Studies, Literature)

Course Content Course Content

(Social Studies) (Literature)
❖ Exploring Citizenship and Governance ❖ Prose (Set Text)
❖ Living in a Diverse Society ❖ Poetry (Unseen Texts)
❖ Being Part of a Globalised World

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
Source-Based Case Study and Structured-
1 1h 45min 50%
Response Question (Social Studies)
O Passage-Based Question and Essay - Prose
2 and Unseen Texts (Prose and Poetry) 1h 40min 50%
(Literature Elective)

14. Music

Course Content
❖ Western Classical Tradition
❖ Asian Music
❖ Jazz
❖ Popular Music
❖ Music in Multimedia Music Studies

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Title Details Duration Weighting
1 Music Studies Written Examination 1 hour 30 min 40%
(i) Coursework 9 weeks, 5 hours of
O 2 Creating 30%
(ii) Reflection Notes supervision time
(i) Recital 5-10 min
3 Performing 30%
(ii) Reflection Notes -

15. Physics

Course Content
❖ Measurement
❖ Newtonian Mechanics
❖ Thermal Physics
❖ Waves
❖ Electricity and Magnetism

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
1 Multiple Choice 1h 30%
O 2 Structured and Free Response 1 h 45 min 50%
3 Practical 1 h 50 min 20%
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16. NT Design & Technology

Course Content
❖ Design
❖ Technological Areas
❖ Materials and Practical processes
Students will learn to apply knowledge and skills in a simulated retail workplace setting.

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
1 Written Examination 1h 30%
N(T)
2 Design Project 20 weeks 70%

17. NT Computer Applications

Course Content
❖ Computer Fundamentals
❖ Media Elements
❖ Document Processing
❖ Spreadsheets
❖ Multimedia Communication
❖ Media Computing

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
1 Written Paper 1 h 15 min 30%
2 Lab-Based – Media Elements, Document 1 h 30 min 35%
N(T)
Processing and Multimedia Communication
Lab-based – Spreadsheets and Media
3 1 h 30 min 35%
Computing

18. NT Food Studies

Course Content
 Properties and uses of food commodities
 Principles of methods of preparation and cooking
 Basic concepts of nutrition and meal planning
 Coursework and culinary skills
Students will learn to apply knowledge and skills to plan and prepare healthy meals using a varieties of food
commodities and methods of cooking.

Examination Requirements
Level Paper Details Duration Weighting
Written Paper – Short Answer Questions, Data Response
N(T) 1 1 h 30 min 40%
Questions and Structured Questions.
2 Coursework – Report Writing and Practical Exam. 35 h 60%
 13

POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION

2a) GCE ‘A’ Level Curriculum

https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/a-level-curriculum-and-subject-syllabuses

The curriculum comprises:

Life Skills
The inner circle centring on life skills ensures that students acquire sound values and skills to take them
through life as responsible adults and active citizens. It comprises the non-academic curriculum

Knowledge Skills
The middle circle on knowledge skills seeks to develop students’ thinking, process and communication skills.
This will enable students to analyse information and express their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively. It
comprises skills-based subjects.

Subject disciplines
The outermost circle covers the subject disciplines i.e. Languages, Humanities & the Arts, and Mathematics &
Sciences. It ensures that students have a good grounding across different areas of study.

General Information

There is flexibility and diversity in your choice of subject combinations with subjects offered at three levels of
study – Higher 1 (H1), Higher 2 (H2) and Higher 3 (H3). These levels of study are structured to cater to your
interests and abilities. You will need to offer a contrasting subject – a subject outside your main area of
specialisation – to broaden your educational experience.

Mother Tongue B is not an AO, A, H1 or H2-Level subject. Performance in the Chinese B / Malay B / Tamil B is
indicated as Merit, Pass or Ungraded. Candidates who pass the Mother Tongue B will be deemed to have met
the Mother Tongue requirement for admission to University. However, no consideration will be given in the
computation of university admission score.
 14

2b(i) Entry Criteria for Junior Colleges and Millennia Institute

Junior Colleges

The criteria for JC entry are 20 points for L1R5 i.e. English Language / Higher Mother Tongue and 5 relevant
subjects. The 5 relevant subjects must be taken from the list as given below.
L1 First Language English / Higher Mother Tongue
Relevant Subject 1 Humanities/ Higher Art/ Higher Music/ Malay (Special Programme)/ Chinese
(Special Programme)/ Bahasa Indonesia
Relevant Subject 2 Mathematics/ Science
Relevant Subject 3 Humanities/ Higher Art/ Higher Music/ Mathematics/ Science/
Malay (Special Programme)/ Chinese (Special Programme)/
R5
Bahasa Indonesia
Relevant Subject 4 Any other GCE ‘O’ Level subjects
(except Religious Knowledge)
Relevant Subject 5 Any other GCE ‘O’ Level subjects
(except Religious Knowledge)

CCA Bonus Points

Students can have 2 bonus points deduction with an ‘Excellent’ attainment in CCA and 1 bonus point with a
‘Good’ attainment in CCA. However, it should noted that the bonus points are used for ranking of students during
the posting procedure. They are not taken into consideration in determining whether a student is eligible for a
specific course.

Millennia Institute

The criteria for Centralised Institutes are 20 points for L1R4 i.e. English Language / Higher Mother Tongue and
4 relevant subjects. The 4 relevant subjects must be taken from the list as given below.
L1 First Language English / Higher Mother Tongue
Relevant Subject 1 Humanities/ Higher Art/ Higher Music/ Mathematics/ Science/
Malay (Special Programme)/ Chinese (Special Programme)/
Bahasa Indonesia
Relevant Subject 2 Humanities/ Higher Art/ Higher Music/ Mathematics/ Science/
Malay (Special Programme)/ Chinese (Special Programme)/
R4
Bahasa Indonesia
Relevant Subject 3 Any other GCE ‘O’ Level subjects
(except Religious Knowledge)
Relevant Subject 4 Any other GCE ‘O’ Level subjects
(except Religious Knowledge)

PREVIOUS YEAR CUT-OFF POINTS FOR JUNIOR COLLEGES

2021 Cut-Off Point
S/No Junior College
Arts Science/IB
1 Anderson Serangoon JC 11 11
2 Anglo-Chinese JC 9 8
3 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), ACSI N.A 5
4 Catholic JC 13 13
5 Dunman High School 9 8
6 Eunoia JC 8 7
7 Hwa Chong Institution 5 4
8 Jurong Pioneer JC 16 15
9 Nanyang JC 6 6
10 National JC 8 7
11 Raffles Institution 5 4
12 River Valley High School 9 8
13 St. Andrew’s JC 11 10
14 St. Joseph’s Institution, SJI N.A 8
15 Tampines Meridian JC 13 13
16 Temasek JC 9 9
17 Victoria JC 8 7
18 Yishun Innova JC 19 20
 15

2b(ii) Entry Criteria for Polytechnics

https://www.polytechnic.edu.sg/

The criteria for entry to the Polytechnics are based on ELR2B2, i.e. English Language, 2 relevant subjects and
2 other best subjects. Successful posting to a course of choice would depend on the competition for available
places. (See below for previous year cut-off points)

ELR2B2 : For Polytechnic Courses

Humanities/ Media and Design – Business-Related Science & Technology
Course Design Courses
Related Courses Courses Courses
Group (ELR2B2-D)
(ELR2B2-A) (ELR2B2-B) (ELR2B2-C)
EL English
Art/Art & Design
Business Studies
Combined Humanities Elementary Mathematics
Commerce Additional Mathematics
Commercial Studies
Economics
Geography
Higher Art
Higher Music
History
Humanities (Social Studies,
Literature in English)
Humanities (Social Studies,
1st Group of

Subjects
Relevant

Literature in Chinese)
Humanities (Social Studies,
R2

Literature in Malay)
Humanities (Social Studies,
Literature in Tamil)
Humanities (Social Studies,
History)
Humanities (Social Studies,
Geography)
Intro to Enterprise Development
Literature in English
Literature in Chinese
Literature in Malay
Literature in Tamil
Media Studies (English)
Media Studies (Chinese)
Music
Additional Mathematics Art/Art & Design Addn Combined Addn Combined
Art/Art & Design Business Studies Science Science Additional
Business Studies Combined Humanities Additional Science Science Art/Art &
Chinese Commerce Biology Design Biology
Combined Humanities Commercial Studies Biotechnology Biotechnology
Commerce Economics Chemistry Chemistry Combined
Commercial Studies Geography Combined Science Science
Creative 3D Animation Higher Art Computing/Computer Computing/Computer
Design & Technology Higher Music Studies Studies Creative 3D
Design Studies History Creative 3D Animation Animation Design &
Economics Humanities (Social Design & Technology Technology Design
Elementary Mathematics Studies, Food & Nutrition Studies Food &
Food & Nutrition Literature in English) Electronics/Fundamen Nutrition
Geography Humanities (Social tals of Electronics/Fundamen
Higher Art Studies, Electronics tals of Electronics
Group of
Relevant

Higher Chinese Literature in Chinese) General Science General Science

Higher Malay Humanities (Social Human & Social Higher Art Human &
2nd

Higher Music Studies, Biology Social Biology

Higher Tamil Literature in Malay) Integrated Science Integrated Science
History Humanities (Social Physics/Engineering Media Studies
Humanities (Social Studies, Studies, Science (English) Media
Literature in English) Literature in Tamil) Science (Chem, Bio) Studies (Chinese)
Humanities (Social Studies, Humanities (Social Science (Phy, Bio) Physics/Engineering
Literature in Chinese) Studies, Science (Phy,Chem)/ Science Science
Humanities (Social Studies, History) Physical Science (Chem, Bio) Science
Literature in Malay) Humanities (Social Science (Phy, Chem, (Phy, Bio) Science
Humanities (Social Studies, Studies, Bio) (Phy, Chem)/Physical
Literature in Tamil) Geography) Science Science (Phy,
Humanities (Social Studies, Intro to Enterprise Chem, Bio)
History) Development
Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in English
Geography) Literature in Chinese
Intro to Enterprise Development Literature in Malay
Literature in English Literature in Tamil
 16

Literature in Chinese Media Studies

Literature in Malay (English)
Literature in Tamil Media Studies
Malay (Chinese)
Media Studies (English) Music
Media Studies (Chinese) Principles of Accounts
Music
Principles of Accounts
Tamil
B2 Best 2 other subjects

CCA Bonus Points

Students who meet the minimum entry requirements for admission to a Polytechnic course and have done well
in CCA will receive bonus points when being considered for admission into their chosen course of study.
Qualification CCA attainment No. of Bonus Points Awarded
Excellent (A1 - A2) 2 points
GCE ‘O’ Level holders
Good (B3 - C6) 1 point

PREVIOUS YEAR CUT-OFF POINTS (COP) FOR POLYTECHNICS

http://www.polytechnic.edu.sg/introduction/available-courses

COURSE_TITLE JAE_COURSE_CLUSTER POLY JAE_ELR2B2

Applied Chemistry APPLIED SCIENCES SP 9
Applied Chemistry APPLIED SCIENCES RP 19
Applied Chemistry (New!) APPLIED SCIENCES NYP 11
Biologics & Process Technology APPLIED SCIENCES NYP 12
Biomedical Engineering APPLIED SCIENCES TP 13
Biomedical Science APPLIED SCIENCES NP 8
Biomedical Science APPLIED SCIENCES RP 12
Biomedical Science APPLIED SCIENCES SP 7
Biotechnology APPLIED SCIENCES RP 17
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering APPLIED SCIENCES NP 11
Chemical & Pharmaceutical Technology APPLIED SCIENCES NYP 15
Chemical Engineering APPLIED SCIENCES SP 13
Chemical Engineering APPLIED SCIENCES TP 15
Common Science Programme (New!) APPLIED SCIENCES RP 18
Environmental & Water Technology APPLIED SCIENCES NP 14
Environmental & Marine Science APPLIED SCIENCES RP 13
Food Science & Nutrition APPLIED SCIENCES NYP 13
Food Science & Technology APPLIED SCIENCES SP 12
Food, Nutrition & Culinary Science APPLIED SCIENCES TP 14
Landscape Design & Horticulture APPLIED SCIENCES NP 16
Medical Biotechnology APPLIED SCIENCES TP 11
Perfumery & Cosmetic Science APPLIED SCIENCES SP 12
Pharmaceutical Science APPLIED SCIENCES NYP 10
Pharmaceutical Science APPLIED SCIENCES NP 9
Pharmaceutical Science APPLIED SCIENCES RP 16
Pharmaceutical Science APPLIED SCIENCES TP 11
Veterinary Technology APPLIED SCIENCES TP 10
Architecture BUILT ENVIRONMENT NYP 15
Architecture BUILT ENVIRONMENT SP 13
Civil Engineering BUILT ENVIRONMENT SP 22
Facilities Management BUILT ENVIRONMENT SP 18
Architectural Technology & Building Services (New!) BUILT ENVIRONMENT TP 18
Hotel & Leisure Facilities Management BUILT ENVIRONMENT NP 17
Integrated Events & Project Management BUILT ENVIRONMENT SP 15
Integrated Facility Management BUILT ENVIRONMENT TP 19
Landscape Architecture BUILT ENVIRONMENT SP 15
Real Estate Business BUILT ENVIRONMENT NP 15
Accountancy BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NP 11
Accountancy BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT SP 12
Accountancy & Finance BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NYP 12
Accountancy & Finance BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT TP 12
Arts Business Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NP 9
 17

Aviation Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT RP 20

Aviation Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT TP 15
Banking & Finance BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NYP 13
Banking & Finance BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NP 11
Banking & Finance BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT SP 12
Business (New!) BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT RP 21
Business BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT TP 14
Business Administration BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT SP 13
Business Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NYP 16
Business Process & Systems Engineering BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT TP 17
Business Studies BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NP 9
Common Business Programme (New!) BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NYP 16
Common Business Programme BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NP 12
Common Business Programme BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT RP 26
Common Business Programme BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT SP 13
Common Business Programme BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT TP 15
Communications & Media Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT TP 13
Consumer Behaviour & Research BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT RP 20
Culinary & Catering Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT TP 18
Customer Experience Management with Business BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT RP 25
Food & Beverage Business BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NYP 16
Hospitality & Tourism Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NYP 17
Hospitality & Tourism Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT TP 17
Hotel & Hospitality Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT RP 26
Human Resource Management with Psychology BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT RP 16
Human Resource Management with Psychology BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT SP 12
Industrial & Operations Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT RP 24
Integrated Events Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT RP 26
International Trade & Business BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NP 12
Law & Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT TP 11
Logistics & Operations Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT TP 17
Marketing BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT TP 15
Mass Media Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NYP 12
Outdoor & Adventure Learning BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT RP 25
Restaurant & Culinary Operations BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT RP 24
Sport & Wellness Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NYP 15
Supply Chain Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT RP 26
Tourism & Resort Management BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT NP 13
Advanced & Digital Manufacturing ENGINEERING NYP 26
Aeronautical & Aerospace Technology ENGINEERING NYP 16
Aeronautical Engineering ENGINEERING SP 15
Aerospace Electronics ENGINEERING SP 15
Aerospace Electronics ENGINEERING TP 26
Aerospace Engineering ENGINEERING NP 16
Aerospace Engineering ENGINEERING RP 25
Aerospace Engineering ENGINEERING TP 18
Aerospace Systems & Management ENGINEERING NYP 19
Automation & Mechatronic Systems ENGINEERING NP 20
Aviation Management ENGINEERING RP 23
Biomedical Engineering ENGINEERING NYP 13
Biomedical Engineering ENGINEERING NP 12
Common Engineering Programme ENGINEERING NYP 26
Common Engineering Programme ENGINEERING NP 19
Common Engineering Programme ENGINEERING RP 26
Common Engineering Programme ENGINEERING SP 16
Common Engineering Programme ENGINEERING TP 24
Computer Engineering ENGINEERING SP 13
Computer Engineering ENGINEERING TP 14
Electrical & Electronic Engineering ENGINEERING RP 26
Electrical & Electronic Engineering ENGINEERING SP 18
Electrical Engineering ENGINEERING NP 20
Electronic & Computer Engineering ENGINEERING NYP 18
Electronic & Computer Engineering ENGINEERING NP 16
 18

Electronics ENGINEERING TP 18
Engineering Design with Business ENGINEERING RP 26
Engineering Science ENGINEERING NP 12
Engineering Systems & Management ENGINEERING RP 25
Engineering With Business ENGINEERING NYP 14
Engineering with Business ENGINEERING SP 12
Infocomm & Media Engineering ENGINEERING NYP 22
Industrial & Operations Management (New!) ENGINEERING RP 26
Mechanical Engineering ENGINEERING NP 22
Mechanical Engineering ENGINEERING SP 19
Mechatronics ENGINEERING TP 18
Mechatronics & Robotics ENGINEERING SP 15
Nanotechnology & Materials Science ENGINEERING NYP 14
Robotics & Mechatronics ENGINEERING NYP 23
Supply Chain Management (New!) ENGINEERING RP 25
Sustainable Built Environment ENGINEERING RP 26
Health Management & Promotion HEALTH SCIENCES RP 26
Health Services Management HEALTH SCIENCES RP 25
Nursing HEALTH SCIENCES NYP 28
Nursing HEALTH SCIENCES NP 26
Optometry HEALTH SCIENCES NP 13
Optometry HEALTH SCIENCES SP 13
Oral Health Therapy HEALTH SCIENCES NYP 11
Social Work HEALTH SCIENCES NYP 9
Sport & Exercise Science HEALTH SCIENCES RP 15
Sport Coaching HEALTH SCIENCES RP 16
Chinese Studies HUMANITIES NP 13
Community Development (New!) HUMANITIES NP 10
Early Childhood Development & Education HUMANITIES NP 18
Early Childhood Development & Education HUMANITIES TP 15
Psychology Studies HUMANITIES TP 10
Social Sciences in Gerontology HUMANITIES TP 14
Tamil Studies with Early Education HUMANITIES NP 21
Applied AI & Analytics (New!) INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES SP 9
Applied Artificial Intelligence (New!) INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TP 11
Big Data & Analytics INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TP 13
Business Information Systems INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES RP 26
Business & Financial Technology INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES NYP 15
Business Intelligence & Analytics INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES NYP 11
Common ICT Programme INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES NYP 15
Common ICT Programme INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES NP 13
Common ICT Programme INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES RP 26
Common ICT Programme INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES SP 12
Common ICT Programme INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TP 16
Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES NYP 9
Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES NP 8
Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TP 13
Data Science (Revamped) INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES NP 11
Digital Design & Development INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES RP 26
Financial Business Informatics INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TP 13
Financial Technology INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES RP 26
Game Design & Development INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TP 13
Game Development & Technology INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES NYP 13
Immersive Media INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES NP 16
Infocomm & Security INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES NYP 16
Infocomm Security Management INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES RP 24
Infocomm Security Management INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES SP 11
Information Technology INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES NYP 14
Information Technology INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES NP 15
Information Technology INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES RP 26
Information Technology INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES SP 14
Information Technology INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TP 16
Maritime Business MARITIME STUDIES SP 17
 19

Marine & Offshore Technology MARITIME STUDIES NP 18

Marine Engineering MARITIME STUDIES SP 21
Animation & Visual Effects (New!) MEDIA & DESIGN NYP 12
Apparel Design & Merchandising MEDIA & DESIGN TP 12
Arts & Theatre Management MEDIA & DESIGN RP 19
Chinese Media & Communication MEDIA & DESIGN NP 11
Communication Design MEDIA & DESIGN TP 16
Design (New!) MEDIA & DESIGN NP 14
Design for Games & Gamification MEDIA & DESIGN RP 18
Design for User Experience MEDIA & DESIGN RP 20
Digital Film & Television MEDIA & DESIGN TP 15
Digital Game Art & Design MEDIA & DESIGN NYP 12
Experiential Product & Interior Design (New!) MEDIA & DESIGN NYP 17
Film, Sound & Video MEDIA & DESIGN NP 12
Interaction Design MEDIA & DESIGN NYP 17
Interior Architecture & Design MEDIA & DESIGN TP 15
Interior Design MEDIA & DESIGN SP 15
Mass Communication MEDIA & DESIGN NP 10
Mass Communication MEDIA & DESIGN RP 16
Media, Arts & Design (New!) MEDIA & DESIGN SP 11
Media Post-Production (New!) MEDIA & DESIGN NP 13
Media Production & Design MEDIA & DESIGN RP 19
Motion Graphics Design MEDIA & DESIGN NYP 14
Product & Industrial Design MEDIA & DESIGN TP 17
Sonic Arts MEDIA & DESIGN RP 19
Visual Communication MEDIA & DESIGN NYP 15

COP indicates the ELR2B2 aggregate score (after deducting CCA bonus points) of the last student posted to
the course(s) under the 2021 JAE. The 2021 JAE COP is to be used as a guide only.
 20

2b(iii) Entry Criteria for Institutes of Technical Education (ITE)

The criteria for entry to the ITEs are based on ELB4, ELR1B3 or ELR2B2, i.e. English Language, best 4
subjects or 2 relevant subjects and 2 other best subjects. Successful posting to a course of choice would
depend on the competition for available places. (See below for previous year cut-off points)

ELB4, ELR1B3 & ELR2B2 : For ITE Higher Nitec Courses

Aggregate
ELB4-A ELR1B3-B ELR2B2-C
Type
EL English EL English EL
Elementary Mathematics 1st Group of
Elementary Mathematics Relevant
R1 Additional Mathematics
Additional Mathematics Subjects
Principles of Accounts
Biology 2nd Group of
Biotechnology Relevant
Chemistry Subjects
Combined Science
Computing/Computer Studies
Design & Technology
Best 4 other Electronics/Fundamental of
B4 Electronics
subjects
Human & Social Biology
B3 Best 3 other subjects
Integrated Science
Physics/Engineering Science
Science (Chem, Bio)
Science (Phy, Bio)
Science (Phy, Chem)/Physical
Science
Science (Phy, Chem, Bio)
Best 2 other subjects excluding B2
CCA

PREVIOUS YEAR CUT-OFF POINTS FOR INSTITUTES OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

https://www.ite.edu.sg/admissions/full-time-courses/nitec/entry-requirements

2021 Joint Intake Exercise (JIE 'N')

The “2021 JIE ‘N’ ITE Aggregate Point” in the table below shows the ITE aggregate score of the lowest ranked
students who were admitted to these courses through the 2021 Joint Intake Exercise (JIE) ‘N’, based on best 4
GCE ‘N’ subjects including pre-requisites and bonus points. For the January 2021 intake, ITE offers a total of 44
full-time 2-year Nitec courses and 19 Traineeship courses. These aggregate scores are meant as a reference for
applicants applying to these courses and do not constitute the admission points for subsequent admission
exercises.

S/N Nitec Course College/ Campus Indicative

Cut-Off
Points
1 Applied Food Science ITE College East 8
2 Chemical Process Technology ITE College East 9
3 Community Care & Social Services ITE College East 14
4 Opticianry ITE College East 14
5 Nursing ITE College East 15
6 Business Administration (New!) ITE College Central 4
ITE College East 8
ITE College West 6
7 Business Services ITE College Central 7
ITE College East 10
ITE College West 9
8 Fitness Training ITE College Central 9
ITE College East 14
ITE College West 17
9 Floristry ITE College Central 14
10 Travel & Tourism Services ITE College West 16
11 Beauty & Wellness ITE College East 19
12 Hair Fashion & Design ITE College East 16
 21

S/N Nitec Course College/ Campus Indicative

Cut-Off
Points
13 Logistics Services ITE College East 10
14 Retail Services ITE College Central 10
ITE College East 12
ITE College West 11
15 Architectural Technology ITE College Central 14
16 Interior & Exhibition Design ITE College Central 13
17 Fashion Apparel Production & Design ITE College Central 10
18 Video Production ITE College Central 8
19 Visual Communication ITE College Central 13
20 Digital Animation ITE College Central 9
21 Product Design ITE College Central 15
22 Electronics, Computer Networking & ITE College Central 9
Communication ITE College East 15
ITE College West 14
23 Electronics & Internet of Things (New!) ITE College East 17
24 Infocomm Technology ITE College Central 7
ITE College East 17
ITE College West 15
25 Microelectronics ITE College Central 16
26 Web Applications ITE College Central 8
ITE College East 15
ITE College West 16
27 Security Technology ITE College West 12
28 Aerospace Avionics ITE College Central 9
29 Aerospace Technology ITE College Central 12
30 Electrical Technology (Lighting & Sound) ITE College East 16
ITE College West 15
31 Electrical Technology (Power & Control) ITE College East 16
ITE College West 15
32 Aerospace Machining Technology ITE College Central 15
33 Digital & Precision Engineering ITE College Central 17
34 Mechatronics & Robotics ITE College Central 15
ITE College West 15
35 Rapid Transit Technology ITE College West 15
36 Automotive Technology (New!) ITE College West 12
37 Built Environment (Mechanical & Electrical Services) ITE College East 20
ITE College West 16
38 Built Environment (Vertical Transportation) ITE College East 17
39 Mechanical Technology ITE College Central 13
ITE College East 20
ITE College West 14
40 Urban Greenery & Landscape ITE College East 15
41 Hospitality Operations ITE College West 7
42 Pastry & Baking ITE College West 13
43 Western Culinary Arts ITE College West 15
44 Asian Culinary Arts ITE College West 16
 22

https://www.ite.edu.sg/admissions/full-time-courses/higher-nitec-dpp/entry-requirements

2021 Joint Intake Exercise for Higher Nitec Courses

The “2021 JIE ‘H’ ELMAB3” in the table below shows the net ELMAB3 aggregate score of the lowest ranked students who
were admitted to these courses through the 2021 Joint Intake Exercises JIE ‘H’ based on net ELMAB3 including CCA bonus
points. These aggregate scores are meant as a reference for applicants applying to these courses and do not constitute the
admission scores for subsequent admission exercises.

Higher Nitec Course

Indicative
Duration: 2¼ Years (10 weeks of Entry Requirements
No College/ Campus Cut-Off
preparatory course followed by 2
Points
years Higher Nitec training)
APPLIED SCIENCES
1 Chemical Technology ITE College East 8
ENGINEERING
2 Civil & Structural Engineering Design
ITE College Central 9
3 Electrical Engineering ITE College East 14
ITE College West 14
A total of 19 points or less for
4 Electronics Engineering ITE College Central 13
English Language, Mathematics
ITE College East 15
and 3 other subjects (ELMAB3)
ITE College West 15
in the GCE ‘N(A)’ examinations
5 Mechanical Engineering ITE College Central 12 For the ELMAB3 aggregate
ITE College East 14 score, you must get:
ITE College West 14 • Grade 1-4 in English
6 Mechatronics Engineering ITE College Central 12 Language
ITE College West 14 • Grade 1-4 in Mathematics
INFO-COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY • Grade 1-5 in the 3 other
7 Business Information Systems ITE College East 10 subjects
8 Cyber & Network Security ITE College East 10
ITE College West 10
9 Games Art & Design ITE College Central 9
10 IT Applications Development ITE College Central 10
ITE College East 11
ITE College West 11
11 IT Systems & Networks ITE College Central 10
ITE College East 11
ITE College West 12
BUSINESS & SERVICES A total of 19 points or less for
12 Accounting ITE College Central 10 English Language, Mathematics
ITE College East 11 and 3 other subjects (ELMAB3)
ITE College West 10 in the GCE ‘N(A)’ examinations
13 Event Management ITE College Central 10 For the ELMAB3 aggregate
score, you must get:
ITE College East 11
• Grade 1-3 in English
14 Financial Services ITE College Central 9
Language
15 Hospitality Operations ITE College West 11
• Grade 1-4 in Mathematics
16 International Logistics ITE College East 11 • Grade 1-5
17 Leisure & Travel Operations ITE College West 11
18 Service Management ITE College West 11
 23

Enhanced Three-Year Curricular Structure for ITE Students from AY2002

https://www.ite.edu.sg/admissions/full-time-courses/nitec-and-3-year-higher-nitec
Starting with selected courses from Academic Year (AY) 2022, the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) will introduce a new
enhanced three-year curricular structure leading directly to a Higher Nitec certification.

The enhanced curricular structure seeks to equip our ITE graduates with deeper industry-relevant skills for employment, as
well as provide a stronger foundation for further education and skills upgrading over the course of their careers.

Under the enhanced curricular structure, the Nitec and Higher Nitec curricula will be streamlined into a three-year programme
by removing overlapping competencies between related Nitec and Higher Nitec courses. In Year 1, students will undertake
broad-based foundation courses exposing them to fundamental skills needed for the relevant industry sector. In Years 2 and
3, they will then take more specialised modules, leading to a Higher Nitec certification.

Below is the list of 3-year Higher Nitec courses under the first phase implementation of the enhanced curricular structure and
their Minimum Entry Requirements (MERs).
 24

2c) Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE)

https://eae.polytechnic.edu.sg/

Poly EAE is an aptitude-based admissions exercise that allows students to apply for and receive conditional offers
for admission to polytechnics prior to receiving their final grades. It allows the polytechnics greater flexibility to
select and admit students based on their aptitudes and interests, apart from academic grades, thus allowing a
wider range of talents to be recognised.

Poly EAE is open to graduating O-Level students and final-year Nitec and Higher Nitec students from the Institute
of Technical Education.

All five polytechnics participate in Poly EAE:

 Nanyang Polytechnic
 Ngee Ann Polytechnic
 Republic Polytechnic
 Singapore Polytechnic
 Temasek Polytechnic

Selection criteria for Poly EAE

Each polytechnic course has its own selection criteria. In considering your application, the polytechnics will take
into account your aptitudes for and interests in the specific courses that you are applying for. As part of the
selection process, applicants may need to submit portfolios and undergo interviews and aptitude tests. Students
with exceptional talents in areas such as leadership, community service, sports and arts may also be considered
through Poly EAE.

2d) Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

https://pfp.polytechnic.edu.sg/PFP/index.html

The Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) is a one-year practice-orientated programme to prepare

polytechnic-bound N(A) students for entry into relevant Polytechnic diploma courses. PFP students are given
provisional places in diploma programmes, subject to them passing all modules in the one-year PFP.

Eligibility

PFP caters to students who are amongst the top 15% (about 1500 places) of the Secondary 4 Normal (Academic)
cohort and who wish to enter Polytechnic. Eligible N(A) students will be invited to apply for the Polytechnic
Diploma courses of their choice.

Starting from the Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) cohort taking the 2019 GCE N-Level examinations, Secondary
4 Normal (Academic) students who obtain an ELMAB3 (English Math, Best 3 Subjects) raw aggregate score
of 12 points or better (excluding CCA bonus points) at the GCE N-Level examination will be eligible to apply,
provided they have also obtained the following:

For Courses in Group 1 Minimum Required Grades PFP Course Clusters in

Group 1
English Language Syllabus A 3  Applied sciences
 Built Environment
Mathematics (Syllabus A) / Additional 3
 Business & Management
Mathematics
 Engineering
One of the following relevant subjects: 3  Health Sciences
 Design and Technology  Information & Digital
 Food and Nutrition Technologies
 Science (Chemistry, Biology)  Maritime Studies
 Science (Physics, Biology)  Media and Design
 Science (Physics, Chemistry)

Any two other subjects excluding CCA 3

 25

For Courses in Group 2 Minimum Required Grades PFP Course Clusters in

Group 2
English Language Syllabus A 2  Business & Management
 Health Sciences
Mathematics (Syllabus A) / Additional 3
 Humanities
Mathematics
 Media and Design
One of the following relevant subjects: 3
 Art
 Literature in English
 History
 Combined Humanities
 Geography
 Principles of Accounts
Any two other subjects excluding CCA 3

2e) Direct-Entry-Scheme to Polytechnic Programme (DPP)

https://www.ite.edu.sg/admissions/full-time-courses/higher-nitec/direct-entry-scheme-to-polytechnic-programme

The DPP prepares Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) students for progression into selected polytechnic diploma
courses via a two-year Higher Nitec course at ITE. DPP students who successfully complete their Higher Nitec
courses and attain the required minimum qualifying Higher Nitec Grade Point Average (GPA) scores are
guaranteed a place in one of the Polytechnic diploma courses that are mapped to their Higher Nitec courses.

Eligibility
Students must obtain an ELMAB3 (English Math, Best 3 Subjects) raw aggregate score of 19 points or
better (excluding CCA bonus points) at the GCE N-Level examination to be eligible for the DPP. They must also
obtain the following:

For Higher Nitec courses in: Applied Science, Engineering Minimum

and Info-Communications Technology Required Grades
English Language 4
Mathematics 4
Any three other subjects excluding CCA 5
For Higher Nitec courses in: Business & Services Minimum
Required Grades
English Language 3
Mathematics 4
Any three other subjects excluding CCA 5

2f) Direct School Admission – Junior College (DSA–JC)

https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/dsa

The DSA-JC allows students to seek admission to a junior college (JC) on the basis of talents and achievements
that may not be demonstrated at the GCE ‘O’ Level Examination. The DSA-JC enables students to enter suitable
academic and non-academic programmes in junior colleges that can develop the students in these areas.

Before applying for DSA-JC, students should consider their strengths and interests, and discuss with their
parents/guardian. Students should shortlist junior colleges with DSA areas that match their strengths and/or
interests. Students then apply to individual schools.

The selection process differs across schools, and for different DSA categories. Depending on the DSA area
applied to, students may be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing their talents and achievements, secondary
school results, CCA records, a personal statement and/or a character reference. Schools may also administer
interviews, tests, or trials.
 26

2g) ITE Early Admissions Exercise (ITE EAE)

https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/ite-eae

ITE EAE is an aptitude-based admissions exercise that allows students to apply and receive conditional offers
for admission to ITE based on their aptitudes and interests, prior to receiving their final grades. It allows ITE
greater flexibility to select and admit students based on criteria beyond academic grades, thus allowing a wider
range of talents to be recognised.

As part of ITE EAE, graduating N-Level, O-Level and Nitec students are eligible to apply for admission to Nitec
and Higher Nitec courses based on their sustained interests and demonstrated aptitudes relevant to the course.

ITE will utilise various modes of assessment to identify course-specific aptitude and interest of applicants, such
as portfolios, interviews and aptitude tests, where relevant and appropriate to the specific courses.

In considering students’ applications, ITE will take into account their aptitudes for and interests in the specific
courses that they are applying for. For example, ITE may consider a student’s passion and talents in drawing and
art when the student applies through ITE EAE for a Nitec or Higher Nitec course in Design. Students with other
outstanding talents and achievements, such as in sports, arts, leadership, entrepreneurship and community
service, may also be considered under ITE EAE.
 27

Singapore’s Education System: An Overview

 28

Sec 4(NA) - PSEI Education Pathways

ITE
Higher Nitec (3 years)

Course Prospectus: Information on Course Overview, Entry Requirements, Education Progression, Career
Prospects etc.
ITE Course Prospectus for Nitec and Higher Nitec courses Joint Portal for the Polytechnics in Singapore
Look under ‘Progression Opportunities’ for each Nitec course for Search for courses offered by all the polytechnics
progression to Higher Nitec and/or Polytechnic, subject to requirements categorized into nine clusters.

School Admission: Information on how to gain entry – How to Apply, Entry Requirements and FAQs
Admission ITE Early Admission Joint Intake Exercise Joint Intake Exercise Poly Foundation
Exercise Exercise [ITE-I] JIE ‘N’ JIE ‘H’/DPP* Programme [PFP]
Admission End May – Middle Upon release of N level results Upon release of N level Upon release of O level
Period June [Dec] results results [Jan]
[Dec & Jan]
Information Conditional offer 2021 JIE N Booklet 2021 JIE N Booklet JIE Refer to website for
based on aptitude and Pg 10 – 14: Entry Pg 75: Higher Nitec Courses Overview, Eligibility,
interests prior to Requirements Offered Application Procedure,
receiving GCE N Pg 17: Computation of ITE Pg 68 - 74: Mapping of Courses, FAQs etc
level examination Aggregate Points for NA Higher Nitec courses to Poly
results. Subjects Course
QR code to
Access
Website

EAE-I Website 2021 JIE N Booklet DPP Website PFP Website

 29

Joint Polytechnic Admission Exercise [ITE to Polytechnic]

https://jpae.polytechnic.edu.sg

*DPP prepares students for progression into selected poly courses via a 2-year Higher Nitec course at
ITE. Students who successfully complete their Higher Nitec course and attain the required minimum JPAE Website
qualifying GPA are guaranteed a place in a polytechnic diploma course mapped to their Higher Nitec
course.

Requirements for Admission Programmes

Polytechnic Foundation Programme
Group 1 Group 2
Subject Minimum Required Grade Subject Minimum Required
English Language 3 Grade
[Syll A] English Language 2
Math 3 [Syll A]
[Syll A/Additional] Math 3
One of the following 3 [Syll A/Additional]
subjects: One of the following 3
 Design & subjects:
Technology  Art
 Food & Nutrition  Literature in
 Science English
(Chem/Bio)  History
 Science (Phy/Bio)  Combined
 Science (Phy/ Humanities
Chem)  Geography
Any two other subjects 3  Principles of
excluding CCA Accounts
Any two other subjects 3
excluding CCA

Direct-entry-scheme to Polytechnic Programme [DPP]

For Applied Science, Engineering and Info- For Business and Services Courses:
Communications Technology Courses:
GCE N-Level Subjects Minimum Required Grade GCE N-Level Subjects Minimum Required
English Language 4 Grade
[Syll A] English Language 3
Math 4 [Syll A]
[Syll A/Additional] Math 4
Any other 3 subjects 5 [Syll A/Additional]
Excluding CCA Any other 3 subjects 5
Excluding CCA