post secondary pathways 4 n(a)

Post Secondary Pathways 4 N(A)

The 3 Important ECG Questions

Post-Secondary Pathways

Polytechnics

Secondary 5

Arts Institution

Institute of Technical Education

Private Institution

Post-Sec Pathways for N(A)-Level StudentsITE Nitec courses DPP courses PFP courses

ITE EAEConducted

before N(A)-

Level

examinations,

students submit

up to 3 course

choices

N(A)-Level

Joint Intake

ExerciseConducted after

N(A)-Level results

are released,

students submit

up to 12 course

choices

PFP

Admissions


N(A)-Level

examinations,

students submit

up to 5 course

choices

DPP

Admissions


N(A)-Level results

are released,

students submit

up to 12 course

choices

Pathways for N(A) Students

ITE NITEC

• 2-Year Course

ITE Higher NITEC

• Via the Direct-Entry Scheme to Polytechnic Programme (DPP)

NAFA

• Via the NAFA Foundation Programme (NFP)

Continuing to Sec 5

Poly

• Via the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

Source:

Admissions Exercises Application Timeline

Details of Admission Exercises (1)

Details of Admission Exercises (2)

ELMAB3 Pathways Eligibility for N(A) Students

ELMAB3 ≤ 12(all 5 subjects must be grade 3 or better)

*PFP DPP** –Higher Nitec

Traineeship Promotion to Sec 5N(A)

ELMAB3 ≤ 19 DPP** –Higher Nitec

Traineeship Promotion to Sec 5N(A)

ELMAB3 ≥ 20 ITE Nitec Traineeship

* Also obtained Grade 3 or better for all subjects used in the computation of ELMAB3. Certain PFP courses require an EL grade of 2.

** Also met course-specific entry requirements.

Progression Pathways for N(A) Students

Year PFP DPP Sec 5 N(A)

2022FoundationProgramme

Higher Nitec Year 1

5N(A) O Level

5N(A) O Level

5N(A) O Level

2023 Poly Year 1Higher

Nitec Year 2JC Year 1 Poly Year 1

Higher Nitec Year 1

2024 Poly Year 2

Poly Year 2 (ITE Net

GPA > 3.5 and course dependent)

JC Year 2 Poly Year 2Higher

Nitec Year 2

2025 Poly Year 3 Poly Year 3University

Poly Year 3 Poly Year 1

2026 onwards

University University University University

Poly Year 2

Different pathways to Polytechnic and University

Polytechnics

Polytechnics

Nanyang Polytechnic

Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Republic Polytechnic

Singapore Polytechnic

Temasek Polytechnic

Courses are hands-on and focus on preparing students for work

Students graduate with

a Diploma in

specific area of study.

https://www.nyp.edu.sg/

https://www.np.edu.sg/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.sp.edu.sg/

https://www.tp.edu.sg/

https://www.rp.edu.sg/

Polytechnics via the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)• The PFP is a one-year programme that offers a practice-orientated

curriculum to better prepare N(A) students for entry into the relevant Polytechnic Diploma courses.

• PFP students are given provisional places in diploma programmes, subject to them passing all modules in the PFP.

• Eligibility does not guarantee placement in a PFP course.

• Students interested in applying for the PFP should first start their Secondary 5 year, while awaiting notification of elgibility and confirmation of a place in the PFF.

• From 2019, the number of students accepted into the programme has increased from to 1500.

Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

• ELMAB3 < 12pts or less (excluding CCA bonus pts)

• Meet subject-specific entry requirements

• One-year, practice-oriented programme at a poly

PFP Courses featured in Group 1 Minimum Required Grades

English Language 3

Mathematics / A. Mathematics 3

D&T, F&N, Science 3

Any other two subjects excluding CCA 3

PFP Courses featured in Group 2 Minimum Required Grades

English Language 2

Mathematics / A. Mathematics 3

Art, Lit. in EL, History, Combined Hum., Geography, POA 3

Any other two subjects excluding CCA 3

Progression Pathways for N(A) Students –Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

• Sec 4N(A) students who sat for O level subjects

• If student takes the same subject at both N and O levels, only the better grade will be computed

• Eligibility does not guarantee placement in a PFP course.

• Subject to vacancies and in open competition with other eligible participants based on merit.

Direct-Entry Scheme to Polytechnic Programme (DPP)

Applied Sciences, Engineering and Info-Communications Technology Higher Nitec DPP Courses

Required Grades

English Language 1 – 4

Mathematics 1 – 4

Any three other subjects 1 – 5

Business & Services Higher Nitec DPP Courses Minimum Required Grades

English Language 1 – 3

Mathematics 1 – 4

Any three other subjects excluding CCA points 1 – 5

• ELMAB3 < 19pts or less (excluding CCA bonus pts)

• Meet subject-specific entry requirements

• 2-Year Higher Nitec course at ITE

• 10 weeks preparation programme

Direct Entry Scheme to Polytechnic Programme (DPP)

Courses Progress to 1st year in relevant polytechnic Diploma course

Applied Sciences Higher Nitec Courses

ITE raw GPA > 2.5pts(excluding CCA bonus pts)

Engineering or Info-Communications Technology Higher Nitec Courses

ITE raw GPA > 2.5pts(excluding CCA bonus pts)

Business & Services Higher Nitec Courses ITE raw GPA > 3.0pts(excluding CCA bonus pts)

Guaranteed a place in a polytechnic diploma course mapped to their Higher Nitec Course upon completion and attain the required qualifying GPA

FAQs

Can I use my school-based O-level preliminary results to apply for DPP?

Yes. Students can combine their GCE N-Level examination results and school-based O-Level preliminary examination results to apply for the DPP.

Upon the release of the GCE O-Level examination results, ITE will verify if DPP applicants who had previously used school-based preliminary examination results for admission have fulfilled the necessary criteria to continue in the DPP.

FAQs

What if I am interested in applying for the PFP?

You should first progress to Sec 5N(A). You may then apply for the PFP upon release of the GCE O-Level results in January. All PFP-bound students are required to attend Sec 5N(A) classes in their secondary schools.

FAQs

Can I apply for both the PFP and DPP?

Yes. However, if you are offered a place in both the PFP and DPP, you may only accept one course offer. Students who accept both offers will have their offers voided.

FAQs

What should I do, given that the DPP application is in December and the PFP application is in January?

Option 1: Progress to Secondary 5N(A) in January and then apply for both the PFP and DPP upon release of the GCE O-Level examination results.

Option 2: Start DPP in January first. Upon notification of eligibility for PFP, apply and accept PFP offer. Then, apply for withdrawal from the DPP course as well for a refund of your DPP enrolment fees, subject to ITE’s approval.

Progression Pathways for N(A) Students –Nitec & Traineeship (ITE)

Nitec Traineeship

2 or 3 years 1 – 3 years

Full-time Off-the-job and on-the-job training

Nitec Certificate Nitec Certificate + Certificate of Traineeship

Secondary 5

Criteria for moving on to Secondary 5

• ELMAB3 is 19 points or less

• At least a grade 5 for all subjects used in the computation of ELMAB3

Some factors for consideration...

1. Your learning preferences – hands-on vs academic

2. ‘Topping up’ to meet the demands of the O level syllabus

3. Different, and higher O level assessment requirements

4. Your likelihood of success at ’O’ levels . . .

Important to make your choices wisely.

Moving on to Sec 5 and taking the GCE ‘O’ Level exam

N vs O Levels (Science) - Syllabus

Subject N level Sci(Physics) O level Sci(Physics)

Content1. Physical Quantities, Units and Measurement2. Kinematics3. Dynamics4. Mass, Weight and Density5. Turning Effect of Forces6. Pressure7. Energy, Work and Power8. Kinetic Model of Matter9. Transfer of Thermal Energy10. Thermal Properties of Matter11. General Wave Properties12. Electromagnetic Spectrum13. Sound14. Current of Electricity15. D.C. Circuits16. Practical Electricity

1. Physical Quantities, Units and Measurement**

2. Light3. Static Electricity4. Current of Electricity**5. Magnetism and Electromagnetism

** There are new contents to be covered in these topics taught at NA level.

N vs O Levels (Science) - Syllabus

Subject N level Sci(Chemistry) O level Sci(Chemistry)

Content1. Kinetic Particle Theory2. Measurement in Chemistry3. Separation and Purification4. Elements, Compounds and Mixture5. Atomic Structure6. Chemical Bonding7. Chemical Calculations8. Acids and Bases9. Salt Preparation10.Periodic Table11.Metals12.The Atmosphere and Environment13.Fuels14.Alkanes and Alkene

1. Chemical Calculations**2. Chemical Analysis3. Oxidation and Reduction4. Periodic Table**5. Metals**6. Energy Changes7. Speed of Reaction8. Alkanes and Alkene**9 . Alcohols and Carboxylic acids

** These are new contents to be covered in these topics taught at NA level.

N vs O Levels (Science) - Assessment

Subject N Level Science O Level Science

Assessment format

• Paper 1 : Multiple Choice [20m] (Physics)

• Paper 2 : Structured [30m](Physics)

• Paper 3 : Multiple Choice [20m] (Chemistry)

• Paper 4 : Structured [30m](Chemistry)

• Paper 1 : Multiple Choice [40m] (Physics & Chemistry)

• Paper 2 : Structured and Free Response (Physics) [65m]

• Paper 3 : Structured and Free Response (Chemistry) [65m]

• Paper 5 : Practical [30m](Physics & Chemistry)

Note Students will be seating for two papers (for each science) at thesame timing.

There is an additional component of practical exam (taken in October)

N vs O Levels (Science) – Sample Question

N Level Science O Level Science

Sci(Phy) [N level 2020 P2 Q7(b)]

A 2 kg mass is dropped a distance of 0.60 m onto a bench. Air resistance is negligible. i. Calculate the change in

gravitational potential energy of the mass. [1]

ii. How much kinetic energy does the mass have just as it hits the bench? [1]

[O level 2020 P2 Q2(a, b)]

A girl standing on a clifftop of height 30 m drops a pebble. Mass of pebble is 200 g.(a) Calculate the loss in GPE as the

pebble falls from her hand to the shore. [2]

(b) Ignoring any effects of friction, calculate the speed of the falling pebble when it is at a height of 20 m above the shore. [3]

N vs O Levels (Science) – Sample Question

N Level Science O Level Science

Sci(Chem) [N level 2017 P4 Q5(c)]

Bromine, another member of Group VII, is used to test for unsaturation in hydrocarbon molecules.

(i) What is the physical state of bromine used in this test? [1]

(ii) Describe an observation which would prove that the sample being tested is an unsaturated hydrocarbon. [1]

(iii) Name the type of reaction that occurs between bromine and the unsaturated hydrocarbon. [1]

[O level 2020 P3 Q9(c)]

You are to distinguish between two gaseous compounds. One is propane, an alkane, and the other is propene, an alkene.

(i) Describe the method you could use and the observations you would expect to make. [3]

(ii) Write a balanced chemical equation for any reaction that takes place in your method. [1]

N vs O Levels – Humanities

Social Studies N Level O Level

Content• Exploring Citizenship

and Governance • Living in a Diverse

Society• Being part of a

Globalised World (partial)- Driving Forces of Globalisation- Economic Impact on countries, companies and individuals

• Exploring Citizenship and Governance

• Living in a Diverse Society

• Being part of a Globalised World



AssessmentSame as O Level Section A (Sourced-

Based Case Study) – 35 marks (a) to (d) Source-handling skills on specific sources [25m](e) Source-handling skills requiring use of multiple sources [10m]



AssessmentSection B (Structured–Response Question – 15 marks (a) Constructing explanation by giving reasoned argument and/or making recommendation on an issue (only require one explanation/ recommendation) [7m]

Section B (Structured–Response Question – 15 marks (a) Constructing explanation by giving reasoned argument and/or making recommendation on an issue (requires two explanations/ recommendations) [7m]



AssessmentSection B (Structured–Response Question – 15 marks (b) Constructing explanation of two factors / perspectives on an issue [8m]

Section B (Structured–Response Question – 15 marks (b) Constructing explanation of two factors / perspectives on an issue and making judgement on the relative importance of factors or giving balanced conclusion on the issue [8m]


Elective Geography N Level O Level

Content• Geographical

Investigation (GI)• Global Tourism • Variable Weather and

Climate• Living with Tectonics

• Geographical Investigation (GI)

• Global Tourism • Variable Weather and

Climate; • Living with Tectonics• Food Resources



AssessmentSame as O Level Section A – 13 marks

• Two structured questions

• Geographical Investigations

• Global Tourism; Variable Weather and Climate

• Choose one question



AssessmentSection B – 12 marks• Compulsory

structured question• Global Tourism

Section B – 12 marks• Two structured

questions• Global Tourism;

Variable Weather and Climate




AssessmentSection C – 25 marks• Two structured

questions • Living with Tectonics

Hazards; Variable Weather and Climate


Section C – 25 marks• Two structured

questions • Living with Tectonics;

Food Resources • Choose one question


Elective History N Level O Level

Content• Impact of World War I• Rise of authoritarian

regimes and its impact in the interwar years

• World War II in Europe and Asia-Pacific

• Reasons for Cold War• Impact of Cold War

(partial)- Korean War

• Impact of World War I• Rise of authoritarian

regimes and its impact in the interwar years

• World War II in Europe and Asia-Pacific

• Reasons for Cold War• Impact of Cold War• Reasons for end of

Cold War



AssessmentSame as O Level Section A (Sourced-

Based Case Study) [30 marks]• (a) to (d) Source-

handling skills on specific sources

• (e) Source-handling skills requiring use of multiple sources and contextual knowledge



AssessmentSection B (Structured-Essay Questions) – 20 marks• Describe events

and/or issues [8 marks]

• Explain events and/or issues [12 marks]

• Choose 1 question

Section B (Structured-Essay Questions) [20 marks]• Explanation of events

and/or issues [8 marks]

• Evaluate and make judgment for on events and/or issues [12 marks]

• Choose 1 question

N vs O Levels – POA Subject:

Principles of Accounts (POA)N Level O Level

Content• The Roles of Accounting• The Accounting Information System• Elements of the Financial Statements• The Financial Statements• Business Entities

• The Roles of Accounting• The Accounting Information System• Elements of the Financial Statements• The Financial Statements• Business Entities• Financial Statements Analysis

Assessment

O level assessment involves more thinkingand writing skills.

Skills %

Knowledge and understanding 25%

Application 30%

Analysis and synthesis 30%

Evaluation 15%

Skills %

Knowledge and understanding 30%

Application 45%

Analysis and synthesis 25%

Arts Institutions

NAFA Foundation Programme

• The new Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Foundation Programme (NFP) is a one-year practice-based programme at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) that prepares students to pursue a diploma in the creative arts at NAFA.

• Starting in March 2019, the NFP will cover a range of subject areas to nurture students’ technical, artistic and literacy skills in preparation for a creative arts diploma at NAFA.

• NFP students will be given a provisional offer of admission to the diploma courses, and will be offered a place in their course of choice upon successful completion of the NFP.

46

Find out more:go.gov.sg/applynafafp

Institute of Technical Education

ITE Early Admissions Exercise (ITE EAE)

• ITE EAE is an aptitude-based admissions exercise that allows you to apply and receive a conditional offer for admission to ITE courses based on your child’s aptitude and interest before taking the national exams.

• Student’s relevant work experience and his/her achievements in sports, arts, leadership, entrepreneurship and community service will be considered in the application.

It’s for those who have aptitudes and interests in specific fields of study

49

• Focus on course-specific aptitudes and interests

• But, non-course-specific achievements, e.g. sports, performing arts, leadership, are also considered

1

You’ll be assessed through different modes• E.g. interviews, aptitude tests, showcasing your

portfolio, depending on the course you apply for

2

All this will take place before your N Level exams

• If your application is successful, ITE will give you a conditional offer before you take the national exams

3

You’ll still have to meet the minimum entry requirements

• Most Nitec or Higher Nitec courses have subject-specific minimum entry requirements

4

But you won’t have to compete for admission to ITE strictly on the basis of how well you do academically compared to everyone else

5

51

Things You Could Do Before You Apply

Explore your interests and develop your strengths

52

• Elective Modules, Advanced Elective Modules; Applied Subjects; Applied Learning Programme

• Work attachments; community / volunteer work

• Course-related school / personal activities, course-related achievements and projects, CCAs

Step 1

53

Research on the ITE courses you are interested in and related careers in the sector

• Conduct online research, e.g ITE website www.ite.edu.sg

• Visit the ITE ECG Centres that are open for walk-ins

• Talk to your teachers, ECG Counsellors, family/relatives

Step 2

http://www.ite.edu.sg/

54

Prepare for your application

Prepare your write-ups

• Short-write-up on why you want to enter the course

• Clear and concise descriptions of your interests, passion and relevant skills, experiences and activities participated in

Prepare relevant documents

• Portfolios (where relevant), e.g. samples of creative work done for design courses

• Other examples include evidence of experiences / involvement in course-related activities, CCA records, course-related certificates / awards, latest school-based examination results

• Upload the supporting documents onto the online portal

Prepare for interviews

Step 3

Institute of Technical Education (ITE)

For students with an aptitude for

hands-on learning

National

ITE Certification

(Nitec)

Higher National

ITE Certification

(Higher Nitec)

ITE Higher Nitec Courses• The Direct-Entry Scheme Polytechnic Programme (DPP) is a

programme that prepares N(A) students for progression into selected polytechnic diploma courses after a two-year Higher Nitec courses at ITE.

• DPP students who complete their Higher Nitec courses with the required minimum qualifying Grade Point Average (GPA) scores will be guaranteed a place in a polytechnic diploma course mapped to their Higher Nitec course.

Find out more:go.gov.sg/dpp

ITE Nitec CoursesN(A) students who apply for admission to the Nitec courses will have a wide range of Nitec courses available providing hands-on training in Engineering, Info-Comm Technology and Business and Services.

Find out more:go.gov.sg/applyforjie

Progression Pathways for N(A) Students –Nitec & Traineeship (ITE)

Nitec Traineeship

2 or 3 years 1 – 3 years

Full-time Off-the-job and on-the-job training

Nitec Certificate Nitec Certificate + Certificate of Traineeship

Some factors for consideration

All Higher Nitec courses have prerequisites, e.g. selected Nitec or relevant ‘O’ Level subjects for direct entry. Please find out more if your child wishes to pursue specific Higher Nitec courses.

Note:1. Do find out as much information about their possible options to make informed decisions.2. Some Nitec courses allow students to choose from a broader array of Higher Nitec courses

as opposed to others. 3. There are always progression options for different industries, via Higher Nitec or WSQ

courses.4. Always find the best-suited courses for your child based on their interests, strengths and

work values.

Private Education

The 3Rs when deciding on Private Education

Reasons Readiness Risks

Why are you furthering your

studies?

How ready are you to further your studies?

Do you know the possible drawbacks?

https://go.gov.sg/pei-studentresources


8 Things You Should Know Before You Enrol in A Private School

Which path should your child take after secondary school?

One student talks about his choice of the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) route.

https://www.schoolbag.sg/story/getting-a-head-start-in-poly

Another student broke the mould by going from Normal stream to NUS medical school

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/he-broke-the-mould-by-going-from-normal-stream-to-nus-medical-school

https://www.schoolbag.sg/story/getting-a-head-start-in-poly

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/he-broke-the-mould-by-going-from-normal-stream-to-nus-medical-school

ResourcesIs your child preparing for their next educational stage after secondary school? Use MOE redesigned beta site (moe.gov.sg/post-sec) to find out more about the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE), and the courses offered by the junior colleges, Millennia Institute, polytechnics and ITE!

http://moe.gov.sg/post-sec?fbclid=IwAR1XdK4xZ-OquOS8msaeUFmRot2Bz1zurT6vUwFaFLy9zBdinFjN3PNGOuM

Additional Information For Students

Information Attachment/LinkDPP Information go.gov.sg/dpp

PFP Information go.gov.sg/pfp

PFP Eligibility Requirements https://pfp.polytechnic.edu.sg/PFP/pfp_eligibility.html

ITE EAE go.gov.sg/applyeae

JIE ‘N’/JIE ‘E’ – Joint Intake Exercise go.gov.sg/applyforjie

ITE Course Booklet 2021 https://www.ite.edu.sg/docs/default-source/full-time-courses-doc/ite-course-booklet-2021.pdf

ITE Traineeship Course Booklet 2021 https://www.ite.edu.sg/docs/default-source/traineeship/ite-traineeship-2021-course-booklet.pdf

NFP – NAFA Foundation Programme go.gov.sg/applynafafp

Resources for Private Education Students


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

https://www.ite.edu.sg/docs/default-source/full-time-courses-doc/ite-course-booklet-2021.pdf

https://www.ite.edu.sg/docs/default-source/traineeship/ite-traineeship-2021-course-booklet.pdf


Information Attachment/Link

MySkillsFuture Student Portal https://go.gov.sg/MySFSec

ECG Resources (What’s Next) https://go.gov.sg/whats-next

ECG Resources (Journeying with our children, supporting their aspirations)

https://go.gov.sg/ecgparentguide

SEL Resources for Parents https://go.gov.sg/selresforparents

Additional Information For Students and Parents

https://go.gov.sg/MySFSec

https://go.gov.sg/whats-next

https://go.gov.sg/ecgparentguide

https://go.gov.sg/selresforparents

Contact Us

Mr Oun YejiuYear Head Sec 4/[email protected]

Mr Anantharaja Assistant Year Head Sec 4/5 (Int)[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

post secondary pathways 4 n(a)

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