General
1. How will the SST be different from secondary schools offering Applied Subjects and Advanced Elective Modules?
In comparison to existing secondary schools, the SST will be able to adopt a whole-school approach towards applied learning. This will mean the entire educational context and philosophy of the school including vision, mission, teaching, facilities, and student programmes can be designed in alignment to providing an environment for applied learning.
Students will also be able to offer a wider range of Applied Subjects and modules in the SST. Regular O-Level subjects such as Mathematics will also be customised to emphasise real-world applications and be taught using more applied teaching approaches such as investigative learning, problem-based learning or project work. The SST will collaborate with Ngee Ann Polytechnic to set up the school, and partner NTU and leading companies such as Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), Exploit Technologies (ETPL) and DSO National Laboratories to provide additional learning opportunities, attachments, and enrichment programmes in applied areas for its students.
2. How will the SST be different from the NUS High? How do parents or students decide if they should apply to the SST?
The SST and NUS High are both Specialised Independent Schools which cater to students with specialised talents or interests in various fields. NUS High caters to students with a strong interest in research in Science and Mathematics. Students in NUS High are given the opportunity to embark on various independent research projects, one of which is a core requirement for graduation.
The SST will cater to top students who prefer an applied approach to learning, and who have a keen interest in applied areas related to technology, media and design. The teaching methods in SST will emphasise real-world applications and project-based learning to help students better appreciate the real-world relevance of what they learn. The SST will offer a wider range of new elective O-Level subjects and enrichment programmes in applied disciplines, and will provide a strong foundation for its students to progress to either the junior colleges or polytechnics, and subsequently to university.
3. Is Primary Six too early an age to decide if a student has an interest in applied learning?
The establishment of the SST will give such students more choice in their learning pathways.
While the SST will offer students a range of options in applied areas related to technology, media and design, it will continue to provide its students with a strong foundation in the core subjects within the Languages, Mathematics, Sciences and Humanities. This will prepare its students well for post-secondary studies, whether in the JCs or Polytechnics.
4. Applied Learning seems to be a new, untested way of teaching. How can I be sure it will work?
Applied Learning is not a new concept and there is growing demand for it among Singaporean students. Since 2007, over 2300 students have participated in more than 60 Advanced Elective Modules in 70 schools. And since 2008, 8 secondary schools have offered new Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Level Applied Subjects (Creative 3D Animation, Fundamentals of Electronics and Introduction to Enterprise Development) to hundreds of Secondary three students. However, students at these schools are only able to offer 1 Applied Subject at ‘O’ levels.
SST is the first one-stop school where students can choose from 5 Applied Subjects. These are Media Studies (EL) and Fundamentals of Electronics, as well as three new ones (Design Studies, Biotechnology, Environmental Science and Technology). SST students can offer up to 2 Applied Subjects at ‘O’ levels. Like the regular ‘O’ level subjects, the Applied Subjects will be reflected in the Singapore-Cambridge ‘O’ level certificate, and recognized in the computation of the L1R5 and ELR2B2 scores for admission to JCs and polytechnics.
Student Admissions
5. Which is the target group of students? What is the selection process like?
The SST aims to cater to capable students with a strong interest in applied areas related to technology, media and design. The school will, in its selection criteria, take into consideration the ability of students to do well in and benefit from the programme. The SST will select students based on their cognitive ability, aptitude for applied learning and interests and motivation. The selection will be done through interviews, portfolio assessment and selection camps.
6. What are the entry points for the new school?
The new school will start with an annual intake of up to 200 Secondary 1 students from 2010. In addition, from 2012, the school will also have a second insertion point at Secondary 3, and will admit up to 50 more Secondary 3 students each year. This will allow late developers or students who discover their interests at an older age to transfer to the school.
7. Will the SST admit Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) students ?
The SST offers a 4-year O-Level programme, so it will admit students whom it assesses to be able to complete such a course. The school will have discretion to select suitable students through the Direct School Admission exercise. Should any student selected via DSA have a PSLE aggregate score below the cut-off for Express course, the school will look at their other achievements and make an assessment whether they would be able to benefit from and cope with the programme offered by the school.
N(A) and N(T) students in the mainstream schools will continue to have opportunities to be exposed to applied learning through Applied Subjects, Advanced Elective Modules, and Elective Modules.
Curriculum
8. What are the new Applied Subjects offered? How many Applied Subjects will students offer vis-à-vis the existing regular subjects?
The new school will be offering a range of new O-Level Applied Subjects such as Media Studies, Design Studies, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science and Technology. At the upper secondary level, it is expected that most students will choose to offer 1 to 2 O-Level Applied Subjects, besides the regular O-Level subjects in EL, Maths, MTL, Humanities, and Science. The students’ choice of subject combinations will depend on their preferred post-secondary articulation pathway to either JC or poly. In total, students would offer 8 or 9 O-Level subjects.
9. Will Applied Learning approach cause my child to spend too much time on hands-on project work and not enough time on studying core ‘O’ level subjects?
While SST will offer students a range of options in applied areas related to technology, media and design, it will continue to provide its students with a strong foundation in the core subjects within the languages, Math, Humanities and Science. Taught using Applied Learning methodologies, students will be able to grasp the concepts better and see how these are relevant and applicable in the real world context. SST believes applied learning will enhance students’ appreciation and hence application of theories and concepts.
10. Does my child have to give up any ‘O’ level subjects to take Applied Subjects?
Applied Subjects are also ‘O’ level examinable subjects. More Applied Subjects have been introduced and SST offers the widest range of Applied Subjects at secondary level. Students taking Applied Subjects will then take fewer of the other ‘O’ level subjects such as art, design & technology, foreign language, accounts or food & nutrition, or a second humanities or pure science subject. SST students will still be offered E and A Maths, and pure science subjects at ‘O’ levels.
11. What are the key features of the curriculum?
The SST will offer a four-year programme leading to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Levels. It will teach regular academic subjects and offer students a range of options in applied areas related to technology, media and design. The school will also adopt the use of applied teaching pedagogies, which will help students build a strong foundation in key academic concepts, as well as strong competence in real-world problem solving.
At the lower secondary level, there will be a greater focus on the regular academic subjects, although the curriculum will be customised to emphasise real-world applications, and will be taught using an integrated approach allowing the students to view issues from multiple perspectives.
At the upper secondary level, students will be able to choose from a range of new O-Level Applied Subjects in applied areas related to technology, media and design, in addition to the existing regular O-Level subjects such as Mathematics, MTL, Physics, and the Humanities. Similarly, the teaching methods will emphasise real-world applications, project-based learning, and hands-on learning.
12. How will NTU and industry partners be involved?
The school will partner NTU and industry players such as Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN)
Exploit Technologies (ETPL) and DSO National Laboratories in providing additional learning opportunities to students, such as attachments, internships, and special enrichment programmes.
13. What are the CCAs offered in SST? (NEW)
SST will offer a range of Co-Curricular Programmes (CCPs) that includes sports and games, performing arts, clubs and societies. We are considering the following CCPs namely Sea Sports (Canoeing), Floorball, Softball (Boys and Girls), Choir, Dance, Guitar Ensemble, Drama Club, Infocomm Club and Media Club.
For students whose sports interests falls outside those CCPs that are offered by the school but are already training regularly with NSAs or their affiliated clubs, SST will consider such cases on an individual basis and decide whether to accept these activities as their official CCPs.
We may also consider connecting students whose interests are outside those offered by SST with Ngee Ann Polytechnic, which has a wide range of activities.
As more teachers join SST in future, we will definitely expand our range of CCPs to better cater to the interests of our students.
Progression Pathways
14. Will students be able to transfer to mainstream schools midway through the course if they find the SST unsuitable?
Students selected for the SST will have demonstrated a strong interest and talent in applied learning, and a passion to have more exposure to applied learning approaches. As such, we expect that most would enjoy their learning experience in the school.
Should there be students who wish to transfer to mainstream schools, this will be possible, as with existing transfers between schools. The SST will help to facilitate their transfer.
15. Is the SST a school just for students who want to go to a Poly?
No, the SST will prepare its students well for post-secondary education, whether in the JCs or polytechnics. Students will have the flexibility to choose an appropriate combination of regular O-Level subjects and Applied Subjects, depending on their preferred post-secondary options. In addition, the applied teaching pedagogies adopted by the school will allow students to build a strong foundation in key academic concepts as well as strong competence in real-world problem solving, which will serve the students well in their post-secondary education, whether in a JC or in a Poly.
16. Can the Applied Subjects be recognised for JC admission?
Yes, similar to the regular O-Level subjects, the Applied Subjects will be reflected in the Singapore-Cambridge O Level Certificate, and recognised in the computation of the L1R5 and ELR2B2 scores for admission to JCs and polytechnics.
17. Will the Applied Subjects also be offered at the A Levels? If not, what is the benefit of offering Applied Subjects at the O Levels for students who wish to progress to JC?
Currently, there are no A-Level Applied Subjects. For the JCs/CI, many have already been working with universities to offer additional programmes, subjects and modules for their students, such as the H3 A-Level subjects. Going forward, MOE is exploring how the JCs/CI can partner the universities and polytechnics to similarly offer courses and modules which are of a more applied nature.
Upper secondary students who are keen to stretch their interest and aptitude in applied learning can choose to offer O-Level Applied Subjects, regardless of whether they intend to proceed to the polytechnics. Students who intend to progress to the JCs will also benefit from taking the Applied Subjects as these will expose them to an applied approach to learning, and help expand their interests and learning experience. In addition, the Applied Subjects will deepen students’ understanding of core academic concepts, which will serve them well as they progress to post-secondary education. For instance, the subject “Fundamentals of Electronics” builds upon and reinforces the theories and concepts taught in Physics.
18. Will the SST students’ exposure in applied learning be considered when they apply to the polytechnics? Will students who offer Applied Subjects be awarded credit exemption by the polytechnics?
SST students who wish to continue their post-secondary education in the polytechnics can apply for direct admission to the Polytechnics through the Direct Polytechnic Admission (DPA) exercise. The Polytechnics will take into account the students’ exposure in applied learning areas when assessing their suitability for the Polytechnic diploma courses. Students who have taken Applied Subjects may also be exempted from certain relevant polytechnic courses or modules. Details will be available at a later stage.
19. How does a student in the SST determine what post-secondary path is the most suitable for him?
The SST will provide career guidance and counselling to students based on their interests and strengths, to allow students to better understand the various post-secondary options available to them. The SST will also offer a range of different subject combinations which students can choose from, depending on whether they intend to progress to the JCs or to the polytechnics.
SST as a FutureSchool
20. What special facilities/ programmes will SST have as a FutureSchool? How different will it be from the other schools that have been actively leveraging on ICT for learning and teaching?
FutureSchools will be the forerunners of Singapore schools in terms of how ICT is used to support innovative educational programmes for engaged learning at all levels and in all subjects. Each FutureSchool will have its own focus area in terms of how ICT use supports teaching and learning. Like Beacon Primary School, the SST will start as a FutureSchool from Day One.
21. What support will the SST receive as a FutureSchool?
The SST will receive additional funding to put in the necessary infrastructure. MOE will carefully select the key personnel and teachers with the relevant knowledge and skills to be posted to SST. They will work with dedicated officers from MOE’s Curriculum Planning and Development Division and Educational Technology Division to develop the curriculum and pedagogy that best harness the affordances of ICT. In addition, IDA will facilitate the development of strategic partnerships between SST and established and committed industry partners to push the frontier of ICT use to enhance learning. The SST will also tap on the strengths of its partnerships, notably NP and NTU.
22. Will there be 1:1 computing in the SST?
1:1 computing will be adopted by the SST. The school will explore the possible computer ownership models and discuss their intended approach with key stakeholders including parents.
23. What financial aid will be given to students from low-income families in the SST?
MOE has in place financial assistance schemes (eg the Opportunity Fund) to help needy students, and will specifically take into account the needs of students in the SST. With support from MOE, IDA’s NEU PC Plus Programme also helps students from low-income families to acquire PCs for home computer use. In addition, the SST will also offer its own financial assistance schemes.
24. Will children from low-income families be disadvantaged when they enrol in the SST, in view of its FutureSchools status and 1:1 computing?
Children from low income families will not be disadvantaged from enrolling in the SST in any way. MOE has in place financial assistance schemes to help needy students, and will specifically take into account the needs of students in the SST. The SST will also offer additional financial assistance schemes.
Personnel
25. Has MOE identified any potential management personnel? Who are they and why were they chosen?
MOE has identified Mr Chua Chor Huat to be appointed as the principal of the SST from June 2008. Mr Chua was the principal of Ngee Ann Secondary School from 2003 through 2008. Mr Chua taught at Raffles Junior College and was Vice-Principal at Yishun Junior College, before his current appointment at Ngee Ann Secondary. He was originally an MOE undergraduate scholar, and was subsequently awarded an MOE post-graduate scholarship to do his Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at the Lynch School of Education, Boston College, Massachusetts.
The Vice-Principal is Mr Soh Hong Joon, a senior lecturer and the Manager of the Automation & Integrated Systems Centre at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Mr Soh is a Mechanical Engineer by training and he holds a Master of Science in Precision Engineering. Mr Soh has 15 years of teaching experience in Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
26. Will the teachers in SST be equipped to teach the new applied subjects and adopt the new teaching approaches?
The SST will work with MOE, NP and its partners such as NTU and leading companies to put in place professional development programmes to enhance teachers’ content knowledge and build their capacity to adopt innovative applied-oriented teaching approaches. In addition, NP will second some polytechnic lecturers to the school to teach the applied subjects. The seconded lecturers would also be able to share their expertise with the other teachers in the school.
Fees and Financial Assistance
27. How much will the fees be? (REVISED)
SST will charge $250 for monthly school fees. This is comparable to other Independent Schools offering a 4 year "O" level programme which is in the range of $200 to $300.
Similar to the other Independent Schools, the Government will provide heavy subsidies and financial assistance to ensure that the fees payable by students are affordable. For instance, eligible students will be awarded the Edusave Entrance Scholarships for Independent Schools(EESIS). The cut-off aggregate score for the EESIS varies from year to year, depending on the PSLE results of the cohort in that year.
In addition, there will also be school-based scholarships and financial assistance schemes offered by SST to help all deserving students.Details of such schemes will be provided at a later date.
Physical Facilities
28. Where will the SST be located?
The holding site is at 5 Clementi Ave 6, the former Clementi North Primary School while the permanent campus sits at the junction of Commonwealth Ave West and Clementi Road.
29. Will the school have specialised facilities, given the special emphasis on applied learning?
In line with the applied learning focus of the school, the SST will have special facilities and laboratories, for instance media labs, to better support the learning experience of the students. The SST may also utilise the specialised facilities in Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Nanyang Technological University to help students deepen their understanding and mastery of the subjects.
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