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Primary and Secondary Schools in Singapore

Damai Secondary School

Singapore, Singapore
DSS came into existence in 1994 as a co-ed government school residing in Singapore near the Bedok Reservoir. The school campus entails a multi-purpose hall, 50 classrooms, multimedia theatre, AV library, 4 Computer labs, Physics, Biology & Chemistry labs, conference room, Technology lab etc. DSS is working on a “wireless learning environment”, which allows students to communicate with teachers via laptop. DSS promotes society development through community development programs as flag days, beach & park cleaning and other volunteer work. DSS also has links with DEMS (Dongpo... See full description.

Insworld Institute

Singapore, Singapore
Insworld Institute is based in Singapore, and aims to provide high-quality British education in this area of the world. The institution is made up of a Junior College, Junior Secondary, High School, and a department of English for Academic Studies. Students follow the British curriculum, including IGCSE and A level programs, most of whom go on to continue their education in prestigious universities in the UK, Singapore, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Insworld Institute puts an emphasis on developing the critical thinking skills of its students, and in order to achieve this aim... See full description.

Primary and Secondary Schools in Singapore by City:

Singapore

About Primary and Secondary Schools in Singapore

Education is a prime focus area for Singapore government and is, thus, regulated by the Ministry of Education. The ministry is directly involved in publicly funded schools and plays an advisor to the private schools. In 2000, the government has made primary education in Singapore compulsory through the Compulsory Education Act. Primary and secondary education in Singapore is free, barring a nominal charge for administrative costs.
 
Primary Education in Singapore:
 
Primary education in Singapore spans six years and is a two stage process, beginning at the age of seven. The two phases are:
  • Foundation Stage, which spans four years from Primary 1 to 4. This stage lays the foundation of formal education for students. Students are taught a core curriculum comprising English, Maths and Mother Tongue (Chinese, Malay, Tamil or a Non-Tamil Indian Language) supplemented by subjects like Music, Art & Craft, Physical Education and Social Studies. Science is introduced in year three of the primary education in Singapore.
  • Orientation Stage, which spans two years from Primary 5 to 6. After successfully completing Primary 4 level, students are grouped according to their learning ability. Primary schools in Singapore are given the flexibility to have their own internal examination system for gauging students’ abilities. Based on their performance, primary schools in Singapore give students an option to study their mother tongue at a higher, standard or foundation level, and Science & Maths at standard or foundation level. Upon completion of Primary 6, students sit for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE)
 
Primary Education in Singapore – Curriculum:
The curriculum of primary education in Singapore is designed to ensure an all round development of the students. The curriculum is divided into 3 circles:
  • Inner Circle focuses on ensuring that the students acquire values and skills, aiding them to become responsible citizens and good human beings
  • Middle Circle is aimed at developing students’ analytical and communicational abilities by laying focus on their thinking, processing and communication skills
  • Outermost Circle has Humanities & Arts, Maths & Sciences and language based subjects, exposing students to a vast area of content
 
Primary education in Singapore encourages Co-Curricular Activities and Programs, involving the community, to achieve an all round development of the students.
 
Secondary Education in Singapore
The PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) forms the basis for a student’s progress to secondary education in Singapore. Grades in this Examination determine the allocation of seats for secondary schools in Singapore. Secondary education in Singapore can be four or five years long depending on the course being attended by a student.
 
 Secondary schools in Singapore offer their students three kinds of courses:
  • Normal Course is five years long and prepares students for the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education 'Normal' (GCE 'N') Level examination in the first four years. Upon satisfactory completion, students are prepared for the GCE 'O' Level examination in the fifth year. Students in Normal Course can opt for either the Academic or Technical stream.
  • Special and Express Courses are both four years long and prepares students for the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education 'Ordinary' (GCE 'O') Level examination.
 
Secondary schools in Singapore teach English, the Mother Tongue, Mathematics, Science and Humanities.  At Secondary level 3, electives are opened up to students, depending on whether they are in the Arts, Science, Commerce or Technical stream.
 
Co-curricular Activities (CCA) are mandatory at the secondary schools in Singapore. Students are required to participate in at least one core activity, wherein their abilities are gauged using the ‘LEAPS’ (Leadership, Enrichment, Achievement, Participation, Service) system. CCA activities are usually grouped under Uniformed (for military drill and essential skills such as team-bonding and first-aid), Performing Arts, Clubs & Societies and Sports & Games.