Based on my experience as a secondary school teacher, if you are now in Sec 2, here are the subjects I think you should choose for Sec 3 which will ultimately become your all-important O-Level subjects:
Other than (1) English, (2) Mother Tongue and (3) Mathematics, your other subjects should be:
(4) Additional Mathematics (A. Math is important for all higher level courses in Business and Science, including Engineering, and it will help you tremendously in JC Math (H1 or H2), as well as in math modules in the Polytechnics or ITE. Even a fail in A. Math is given some recognition for the purpose of application to some poly courses. Many university courses which do not require a pass in A-Level Math still require a pass in O-Level Additional Math. And NEVER, EVER drop A. Math even if your school asks you to; schools only care about their overall percentage passes and image, not about you. A school cannot force you to drop A. Math)
(5) Pure Chemistry or Combined Science with Chemistry (Chemistry is the central science. Without any O-level Chemistry, most likely you will not be allowed to do Chemistry in JC which in turn will bar you from taking any unversity courses related to the life sciences, such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy etc.)
(6) Whether you take Geography, History or Literature depends on your inclinations. If you are unsure, take History if you intend to go to a JC for it will train you in argumentative or discursive essay writing skills necessary for the General Paper (I took history last time, got an A1 for it and my GP grades were always B3 and above. If you intend to do Law, getting good grades in History and GP helps)
(7) If you want to be in Engineering or Aviation, you must take Physics. If you intend to work in the life or ecological sciences field, you should do Biology.
(8)(added on 21/10/2016) You may also need to consider your overall workload. By taking “triple science”, you may end up taking 8 or 9 subjects when you only need 6 to go to a JC and only 5 to go to a polytechnic. Bear in mind that you may also be more involved in CCA as Sec 3 students will soon become CCA leaders. For example, even though my daughter can do “triple science”, but because she is in the Art Elective Programme and also actively involved in the school band, she has decided to opt for double science instead and I’m happy for her.
Please be very serious in choosing the above subjects because they may actually determine your career in Singapore.
If you need more info on the above, or about choosing JCs or JC subjects, or simply on how to effectively study Math, Physics or Chemistry, do drop by my centre in Bt Batok for a frank, no-obligations discussion. But do msg me (hp no: 9786 0411) first as I may have classes or meetings. Whether you are a parent or a student, if you are serious about education, I look forward to seeing you.
Rgds,
Ilyas
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