Singapore : Internal school organisation
Last updated: 24-Nov-2008
4.3 Third phase: Lower secondary, age 12 - 16/174.3.1 Organisation of teaching groups4.3.2 Student progression through the phase4.3.3 Class size4.3.4 Teacher specialisation
4.3 Third phase: Lower secondary, age 12 - 16/17 [see 3.2.3]
4.3.1 Organisation of teaching groups
At the end of Primary 6, students take the national Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). Their results in this examination determine their placement on differentiated courses of lower secondary (known as 'secondary') education (special, express and normal technical or normal academic) according to their learning pace, ability and inclinations. The courses of study taken by students depend on their academic performance and aptitude, the school recommendation and parents' choice.25
- Special - The top 10 per cent of PSLE students take the Singapore Cambridge (UCLES) GCE 'O' Level examination after four years, including study of both English and the mother tongue ([Mandarin] Chinese, Malay or Tamil) at first language (higher) level.
- Express - The next 50-55 per cent of PSLE students take the Singapore Cambridge (UCLES) GCE 'O' Level examination after four years, including study of the mother tongue ([Mandarin] Chinese, Malay or Tamil) at second language level. They may study their mother tongue to 'higher' level if their PSLE aggregate score places them in the top 11-20 per cent and they obtain a grade A* or distinction in the mother tongue language, and at least a grade A in English.
- Normal - The normal course is divided into Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) courses which are taken by the remaining 35-40 per cent of PSLE students. They take the Singapore Cambridge (UCLES) General Certificate of Education 'Normal' Level (GCE 'N' Level) examination after four years. Those who do sufficiently well (some 75 per cent) go on to take the GCE 'O' Level in a fifth year. Students in 'normal' courses study their mother tongue ([Mandarin] Chinese, Malay or Tamil) at second language level.20,35
4.3.2 Student progression through the phase
This phase is not divided into cycles. Continual and semestral assessments form the basis on which students progress through the different courses of study. Placement depends on academic performance. There is provision for 'special', 'express' and 'normal' secondary sector students (see 4.3.1) to move laterally from one course to another, according to their capabilities and performance.25
4.3.3 Class size
The average number of students per teacher in secondary education in Singapore in 1991 was 21. In 2001, this figure was 20. http://www.singstat.gov.sg/
The average class size in the secondary sector is 35.11 In express/normal stream classes, the average number of students is 44 per class; it is less in technical classes, usually between 30 and 35.4
4.3.4 Teacher specialisation
Classes are taught by teachers qualified in a range of subjects.22 Secondary school teachers are trained to teach two subjects.18 Further information on initial teacher training for teachers at this level is available in section 7.3.