FAQs

The SST Applied learning approach takes a more eclectic approach, one that is based on research and best practice in curriculum and instructional design and delivery. It is still based on the simple concept of ‘learning by doing’, but with a difference. The active learning involves the students’ development of higher order thinking and problem solving skills whilst retaining the rigour of subject disciplines that will prepare them well for higher education.

Recognising the effectiveness of applied learning, the Ministry of Education, Singapore (MOE) announced that it will support all secondary schools to each develop an Applied Learning programme and a Learning for Life programme by 2017. MOE has also introduced new Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-level Applied Subjects to a growing number of Secondary three students.

SST is the first one-stop school where students can choose from various Applied Subjects such as Computing, Design Studies, Electronics and Biotechnology. 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 Junior Colleges (JCs) and polytechnics.

The success of SST’s pioneer cohort was reported widely in the media, underscoring the rigour of the school’s programme. SST’s students have since gone on to make an impact in their post-secondary education in junior colleges, international baccalaureate programmes and polytechnics.

For admission into Secondary 3, SST will place particular emphasis on personal leadership, academic strength and consistent performance. The selection process aims to identify strong candidates who would be most suited for the dynamic and fast-paced learning environment in SST.

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.

Following evaluation of DSA applicants who sat for the prescribed Selection Test, shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in a Selection Activity, where they will be assessed based on their aptitudes for applied learning. The session normally consists of various activities which provide opportunities for in-depth evaluation of each candidate’s aptitudes and capabilities.

Applicants are NOT required to pay a DSA application fee to SST. Separate fees are however chargeable for the prescribed GAT tests. Please refer to the following website for more information on the charges: http://www.gat.sg/

There is no additional fee for participation in the Selection Activity.

The General Ability Test (GAT) and the Comprehensive Reasoning Test (CRT) are standardised tests that measure a candidate’s competency in a range of areas such as critical thinking, abstract reasoning, numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and so forth. DSA applicants to SST have to sit for both the prescribed tests in order to be evaluated. For more information on registration for these tests, please refer to the following link: http://www.gat.sg/

Taught using Applied Learning methodologies, students will be able to grasp concepts better and see how these are relevant and applicable in real-world context. SST believes that applied learning will facilitate students’ deep understanding and hence application of theories and concepts.

The school is cognizant of the demands of project work and disciplinary academic work, and is continuously monitoring and keeping the balance between the two. Our belief is that work given to students should be worth doing.

Applied Subjects are O-level examinable subjects. Students taking Applied Subjects will then take fewer of the other O-level subjects such as art, design & technology, foreign language, principle of accounts or food & nutrition, or a second humanities. SST students will still offer E and A Math, and pure science subjects at O-levels.

SST offers a four-year programme leading to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-Levels. Regular O-level subjects are offered students together with a range of applied subjects in the sciences, technology, media and design. The school also adopts the use of applied learning pedagogies, which help students build strong foundations in key academic areas, as well as competencies for real-world problem solving.

At the lower secondary level, there is a greater focus on the regular academic subjects, although the curriculum is customised to emphasise real-world applications, and is taught using an integrated approach, which allows the students to view issues from multiple perspectives across disciplines.

At the upper secondary level, students are 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.

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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.

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 experiences. 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 “Electronics” builds upon and reinforces the theories and concepts taught in Physics.

In fact, many JCs have already been working with universities to offer a wide range of additional programmes, subjects and modules which are applied in nature, for their students. These programmes, offered at H3 level, include NTU Molecular Biology and NUS-MOE Science Research.

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.

At the macro level, all students (not just SST students) who sat for any Applied Subjects at the “O” level will enjoy module exemptions for specific diploma programmes at the five polytechnics. Under each admission exercise, the polytechnic will publicise the module exemptions on their website.

For more information on the admission to the institutions, you can contact them directly at their respective email addresses below:

Ngee Ann Polytechnic – admissions@np.edu.sg
Nanyang Technological University –

1. Local Admissions – adm_local@ntu.edu.sg
2. Foreign Admissions – adm_intnl@ntu.edu.sg

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Two of the the research initiatives, Mobile Learning in Humanities and CN-ECT for Languages, have yielded preliminary findings. On the whole, students responded positively, indicating their appreciation of collaborative work fostered during the learning sessions, as being strong contributors to their learning of key concepts and topics.

SST has also administered surveys to gauge the effectiveness of it’s 1-to-1 ICT enabled programme, in which more than 95% of the students indicated that the use of the learning device has helped them to learn better in terms of understanding concepts and working more independently.

Visiting educators from China, Japan, Korea and the Middle East, just to name a few, have also provided positive feedback from their observations of the school.

1) Educating students

Cyberwellness is integrated into our Character Education (CE) Programme. Teachers refer to the laptop as a “Learning Device” to emphasise the purpose of the laptops. The Digital Citizenship Committee works closely with the Student Development Committee to deliver the programme in several ways. Apart from Character and Citizenship Education, professionals are also invited to engage the students to help them understand current trends and issues.Students are taught to uphold overarching principles of ‘Respect for Self and Others’ and ‘Safe and Responsible Use’ acts as a moral compass in guiding students’ moral character and actions in cyberspace. As independent and self-directed learners, they learn to evaluate the consequences of their online behaviour, so that they make responsible choices and protect themselves. In building an empowered community, students spearhead several initiatives on cyberwellness among parents, peers and students in various primary schools.

Students also learn to care for their Learning Devices and troubleshoot simple problems. They are able to housekeep their Learning Devices and remove programmmes that are irrelevant to their learning.

2) Empowering parents

SST conducts ICT engagement sessions for parents every term. Some of the topics covered are proper safekeeping of the Learning Device and use of parental access controls. Parents are also engaged through a G+ Community where teachers share regular and useful updates on trends and advisory.