1st June 2023

In the 2022 and 2023 Joint Admissions Exercise, Nanyang Junior College’s cut-off score was six for arts and five for science, putting it in almost the same league as top schools like Raffles Institution (RI) and Hwa Chong Institution (HCI), which both have a cut-off point of five for arts and four for science. NYJC, whose cut-off scores have been improving in the last decade, is now the top JC that does not offer the integrated programme (IP).

NYJC’s A-level results have also seen a corresponding improvement in the last 10 years. In 2013, two in 10 students scored 85 rank points or better, and 15 per cent scored distinctions in at least three H2 subjects. In 2022, six in 10 scored at least 85 rank points, and half the students obtained distinctions in at least three H2 subjects.

In 2023, NYJC will launch a science research programme, a collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and three secondary schools, where students will get to work with scientists on projects. Under the DSA scheme, students seek admission to schools based on their talent in sports, co-curricular activities or specific academic areas.

8th May 2023

The Singapore Ministry of Education is training teachers to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT to augment the learning experience. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing has mentioned that professional educator discussion groups are exploring the use of these AI tools as well.

Mr Chan compares ChatGPT to a math calculator, stating that it can only be beneficial for learning if students have a strong grasp of basic concepts and thinking abilities. Consequently, the Ministry of Education aims to teach students how to responsibly use AI tools.

The Education Minister emphasized that students will continue to learn fundamental concepts without becoming overly dependent on such tools, similar to how calculators haven’t eliminated the need to comprehend basic math operations. Additionally, students will learn how AI tools function and develop the ability to critically evaluate the responses from these tools, which may be inaccurate or biased, for precision and impartiality.

Mr Chan also pointed out that certain skills, like self-directed and collaborative learning and inventive thinking, cannot be easily replaced by technology. Instead, these skills are developed through leadership positions, interdisciplinary projects, and hands-on learning experiences.

8th May 2023

New undergraduates at Singapore Management University will be required to attain an intermediate mastery of sustainability before graduation by completing at least one course in the field. This is part of an effort to prepare students for jobs that do not yet exist but could enter the growing field.

Since the green economy is set to grow very significantly over the coming years, both in Singapore and the rest of the world, there will be many new job opportunities for students as well as new skills that they need to develop in order to be able to take advantage of them. A report released by SkillsFuture Singapore in 2022 found that demand for workers with skills in the digital, green and caregiving spheres has surged over the past four years.

Another 2022 report by consultancy Bain Company and investment firm Temasek found that green investment has picked up regionally, with South-east Asia getting US$15 billion (S$20 billion) in cumulative investments since 2020, with the majority going to renewables and the built environment. The report also found that entrepreneurial efforts are focusing on building and scaling sustainable solutions, especially in the energy and agri-food sectors.

6th March 2023

Secondary schools in Singapore are rapidly gearing up for full subject-based banding. With full SBB in secondary schools, students will have greater flexibility to study more subjects at different levels that suit their interests, aptitudes and learning needs. Students can better leverage their strengths and enjoy learning at a pace suited to their needs.

Starting with the 2024 Secondary 1 cohort, the Ministry of Education will post Primary 6 pupils to secondary schools in three posting groups – 1, 2 and 3 – mapped to the Primary School Leaving Examination score ranges for Normal (Technical), Normal (Academic) and Express courses, respectively. This is meant to ensure that schools admit students with diverse strengths, and students continue to have access to a wide range of schools.

Under full SBB, eligible students will have the flexibility to take certain subjects at a more demanding level. At the end of secondary school, students will receive a common certificate, the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC), which reflects their different subject combinations and levels. From 2027, the SEC will replace the separate Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education, for O and N levels.