INFORMATION ON SEC 3 SUBJECT COMBINATION 2022

Sec 2 Express
Information Sheet for Parents / Guardians dated Feb 2022

1. How the school chooses which Subject Combinations to offer

● Where students can pursue areas of interest and strength; and better find
the joy of learning.
● The combinations are broad-based to:
o help students make connections across different domains of knowledge and
o prepare students for post-secondary education such as JCs / MI / Polytechnics / ITE,
Multiple pathways (PFP, DPP)
● All combinations will build a strong foundation for post-sec education.

2. Selection criteria

● Merit: academic performance in SA2 results. Note: this gives students the whole of Terms
1-3 to learn the subject deeply and perform at the SA2 examinations.
● Choice: which subject combinations you choose
● Vacancy: whether the subject combination you choose has vacancies to accept you

3. Possible Sec 3 Subject Combinations for 2022

● We will finalise the list of subject combinations that we offer to 2022’s Sec 3s only in Term
4. Nonetheless, to give students more time to consider, the table below shows possible
subject combinations.
● In June, we will conduct a trial where we invite students to choose their preferred
combinations, based on their SA1 results. This will give them a ‘reality check’ as to what
they will get based on the amount of effort they put in. The trial will also help us narrow
down what the majority of students may be interested in.
8 Subject 7 Subject 7 Subject 7 Subject
E2
E1 E3 E4
(JC Sci/Arts 3/4
(JC Sci 3/4 H2) (JC Sci 3H2) (JC Arts 3H2 or Poly)
H2)
EL EL EL EL
MT / HMT MT / HMT MT / HMT MT/HMT
E. MATH E. MATH E. MATH E. MATH
A MATH A MATH A MATH SS/HI or SS/GE
Sci (Chem/Bio) / Sci Sci (Chem/Phy) / Sci
CHEM CHEM
(Chem/Phy) (Chem/Bio)
BIO/PHY BIO / PHY PHY / BIO AM / GEO / LIT
THIRD SCI / GEO/
SS/HI or SS/GE SS/HI or SS/GEO DT / ART / ESS
LIT
SS/HI or SS/GE

Bowen Secondary School

2 Lorong Napiri Singapore 547529 tel 65 6385 9466 fax 65 6385 6559 www.bowensec.moe.edu.sg
 INFORMATION ON SEC 3 SUBJECT COMBINATION 2022
Sec 2 Express
Information Sheet for Parents / Guardians dated Feb 2022

● Notes:
o Students aspiring to the 8 subject-combination, please note:
- There are benefits taking more Pure Science subjects as this will better prepare
you for JCs. Students who are capable and driven can aspire towards taking 8
subjects.
- At the same time, note that you will still be able to take H2 Science in JC even if
you offer Combined Science as long as you meet the JCs’ criteria. You will have
to work very hard as your time will be spread across 8 subjs, CCAs, enrichment,
family time, sleep etc.
- So, choose wisely.

o If the demand for a certain subject combination is low, that combination may not be
offered. Reason: this is meant to direct teacher resources in a sustainable manner.

4. Advice to students:

● We will support you to make decisions on your Sec 3 subject combination through a “5-part
series”:

• Part 1 – subject teachers share about the subjects at Upper Sec in the course of
their teaching (on-going)
• Part 2 – General briefing for parents and students in March 2021
• Part 3 – Virtual Gallery Walk (after mid-year exams)
• Part 4 – Subject Combination Trial Exercise (June) – (1) for the students to get a
sense of where they are (2) for the school to understand students’ preferences
• Part 5 - Subject Combination Actual Exercise (Oct) – students will indicate their
preferences (4 choices). Students will be informed of the allocated subject combination
by early Nov.

● Students should spend time thinking about your post-sec education and your career
options. Discuss with your parents to seek their advice.
● Opt for your preferred combinations according to your interests and future education /
career directions.
● Students should aspire towards their desired combination. However if you are allocated a
combination which may not be your ideal choice, please be assured that all the subject
combinations we offer will equip you for future learning in post-secondary institutes.

Bowen Secondary School

2 Lorong Napiri Singapore 547529 tel 65 6385 9466 fax 65 6385 6559 www.bowensec.moe.edu.sg
 INFORMATION ON SEC 3 SUBJECT COMBINATION 2022
Sec 2 Express
Information Sheet for Parents / Guardians dated Feb 2022

5. Entry Requirement to Post-Secondary Education Institutions

Admission Requirement to Junior College / Centralised Institute /

Polytechnic / Institute of Technical Education
(For GCE ‘O’ Level Students)
Post-Secondary 1st Language ^No. of Relevant Further Requirements
Institution (L1) Subjects
Required
Junior College English / 5 Aggregate score of 6 - 20
Higher MT (R5)

Millenia Institute English / 4 Aggregate score of 5 - 20

Higher MT (R4)

Polytechnic English 2 2 Best Subjects

(R2)
ITE English 1 1 Best Subject
(Higher NITEC (R1)
Course)
^Relevant subjects – Math, Science, Humanities

6. Useful Resources

We encourage parents/guardians and Bowenians to refer to the Joint-Admissions Exercise (JAE)

2020 booklet and take into consideration the O-Level subjects required for entry into the different
preferred post-secondary courses in the process of making choices for the Sec 3 Subject
combinations.

The JAE 2020 booklet can be downloaded at this URL:

https://www.moe.gov.sg/-/media/files/post-secondary/2021-jae-information-
booklet.pdf?la=en&hash=618222AE94B48DF3C7D6CB258839371B273CC785

Other useful resources on Education and Career Guidance for parents and students can be
downloaded at these URLs:

Post-Secondary Education booklet:

https://www.moe.gov.sg/-/media/files/post-secondary/post-secondary-brochure-
2020.pdf?la=en&hash=174B2DEE1A6C215E15278DB7D0521425656AF017

MOE Education and Career Guidance Resources-

https://www.moe.gov.sg/programmes/education-and-career-guidance/overview

~ All the best! ~

Bowen Secondary School

2 Lorong Napiri Singapore 547529 tel 65 6385 9466 fax 65 6385 6559 www.bowensec.moe.edu.sg