Singapore Education Glossary

The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a national examination in Singapore taken by students at the end of Primary 6 (age 12). It assesses students in English, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue Language, determining secondary school placement. The PSLE uses an Achievement Level (AL) scoring system from AL1 to AL8, with lower scores being better.

The Singapore-Cambridge GCE Ordinary Level (O-Level) examination is taken by Secondary 4 students (age 16) in Singapore. It covers subjects including English, Mathematics (E-Maths and A-Maths), Sciences, and Humanities. O-Level results determine eligibility for Junior College, Polytechnic, or ITE pathways. Grades range from A1 (best) to F9. Under Full Subject-Based Banding, the SEC examination is being introduced, while O-Level remains relevant for current cohorts during the transition.

The Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) examination is taken by Junior College students (JC1-JC2, ages 17-18). Students take H1 and H2 subjects, with H2 being more rigorous. A-Level results are the primary criteria for local university admission. Grades range from A to U (ungraded).

Achievement Level (AL) is the PSLE scoring system introduced in 2021, replacing the previous T-score. Each subject is graded from AL1 (best) to AL8, and the four subject scores are added together for a total PSLE score ranging from 4 to 32 (lower is better). AL1 requires a raw score of 90% or above, while AL8 is below 20%. The AL system reduces fine differentiation and focuses on broad bands of achievement.

The Singapore-Cambridge GCE Normal Level (N-Level) examination is taken by Secondary 4 Normal Academic (NA) or Normal Technical (NT) students in the final cohorts before Full SBB. NA students who perform well can proceed to Secondary 5 to take O-Levels. Under Full Subject-Based Banding, the SEC examination is being introduced, and N-Level and O-Level terms may still be used for current cohorts during the transition. Grades range from 1 (best) to 5, with U (ungraded) for failing marks.

The Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) is the newer national examination framework under Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB). Under SEC, students take subjects at G1, G2, or G3 levels (mapped from NT, NA, and Express standards) and receive a single certificate reflecting their subject levels. During the transition, O-Level and N-Level terms may still be used for some cohorts.

Rank Points (RP) are how A-Level grades are converted into a score for university admission in Singapore. Until 2025, the maximum is 90 RP based on 3 H2 + 1 H1 subjects, GP, and Project Work. From 2026, the maximum changes to 70 RP based on best 3 H2 subjects + GP only. Universities publish Indicative Grade Profiles (IGP) showing the RP ranges for each course. Competitive courses like Medicine and Law typically require 87.5+ RP.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an internationally recognised education programme offered in Singapore schools. It includes the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3-12, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16, and Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-19. The IB emphasises critical thinking, international-mindedness, and holistic development.

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for students aged 3-12. It focuses on inquiry-based learning across six transdisciplinary themes, developing students who are inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring. PYP students learn through Units of Inquiry that connect subjects meaningfully.

The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is for students aged 11-16. It provides a framework of academic challenge encouraging students to understand connections between subjects and the real world. MYP includes eight subject groups and culminates in a Personal Project.

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous two-year pre-university programme for ages 16-19. Students study six subjects (three at Higher Level, three at Standard Level), complete an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge course, and Creativity, Activity, Service requirements. Maximum score is 45 points.

The Express stream was the standard 4-year secondary school pathway in Singapore for students with strong PSLE results (typically AL4-AL20). Express students took the O-Level examination at the end of Secondary 4. Streaming has been replaced by Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB), where students are placed in Posting Groups 1-3 and take subjects at G1, G2, or G3 levels. SEC is the newer exam framework under Full SBB, while O-Level and N-Level terms may still be used for current cohorts during the transition.

The Normal Academic (NA) stream was a 5-year secondary school pathway in Singapore. NA students took the N-Level examination in Secondary 4, and those who performed well could proceed to Secondary 5 to take O-Levels. Streaming has been replaced by Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) with Posting Groups, where students take subjects at G1, G2, or G3 levels. SEC is the newer exam framework under Full SBB, while O-Level and N-Level terms may still be used for current cohorts during the transition.

The Normal Technical (NT) stream was a 4-year secondary school pathway in Singapore focusing on practical, hands-on learning. NT students took the N-Level (Technical) examination and typically proceeded to ITE. Streaming has been replaced by Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB), where students take subjects at G1, G2, or G3 levels based on their strengths. SEC is the newer exam framework under Full SBB, while O-Level and N-Level terms may still be used for current cohorts during the transition.

The Integrated Programme (IP) is a 6-year secondary-to-JC pathway in Singapore that allows high-performing students to skip the O-Level examination. IP students receive a more enriched curriculum with greater depth and breadth, proceeding directly from Secondary 4 to JC1. IP schools include top institutions like Raffles, Hwa Chong, and NUS High.

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an international qualification for students aged 14-16, offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education. In Singapore, IGCSE is offered at international schools as an alternative to O-Levels. It provides globally recognised credentials and is accepted by schools and universities worldwide.

Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) is Singapore's new secondary education system implemented from 2024, replacing the Express/NA/NT streaming system. Under Full SBB, students take subjects at G1, G2, or G3 levels based on their strengths, rather than being locked into a single stream. Students are placed in mixed form classes and can adjust subject levels throughout secondary school. Full SBB culminates in the SEC examination.

Posting Groups (PG1, PG2, PG3) are used for secondary school admission under Full Subject-Based Banding, replacing the old streaming system. PG3 maps to former Express (PSLE AL 4-20), PG2 to former Normal Academic (AL 21-24, with AL 21-22 eligible for PG2 or PG3), and PG1 to former Normal Technical (AL 26-30, requires AL 7 or better in English and Mathematics; AL 25 is eligible for PG1 or PG2). Posting Groups only determine initial subject levels in Secondary 1; students can adjust levels based on performance and are not defined by their Posting Group throughout secondary school.

G1 is a subject level under Singapore's Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB), broadly mapped from the former Normal Technical (NT) standard. It is not a stream: a student can take some subjects at G1 and other subjects at G2 or G3. Under the SEC examination, grades are reported by each subject's G-level (G1/G2/G3).

G2 is a subject level under Singapore's Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB), broadly mapped from the former Normal Academic (NA) standard. It is not a stream: a student can take different subjects at different G-levels. Under the SEC examination, grades are reported by each subject's G-level (G1/G2/G3).

G3 is the most academically demanding subject level under Singapore's Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB), broadly mapped from the former Express standard. It is not a stream: students can take different subjects at different G-levels. G3 subjects align most closely with the former Express/O-Level standard. Under the SEC examination, grades are reported by G-level (G1/G2/G3).

Elementary Mathematics (E-Maths) is a compulsory upper secondary mathematics subject in Singapore covering algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and probability. It focuses on practical mathematical applications for everyday life and provides essential quantitative skills. E-Maths is a prerequisite for most post-secondary courses and polytechnic programmes. Under Full SBB, E-Maths can be taken at G3 or G2 levels, assessed via national examinations (GCE O-Level for current cohorts; SEC under Full SBB).

Additional Mathematics (A-Maths) is an elective upper secondary mathematics subject in Singapore covering advanced topics including calculus, differentiation, integration, trigonometric identities, logarithms, and coordinate geometry. A-Maths develops abstract reasoning skills and is typically required for students pursuing Science, Engineering, or Mathematics streams in Junior College and university. Under Full SBB, A-Maths is available at G3 or G2 levels, assessed via national examinations (GCE O-Level for current cohorts; SEC under Full SBB).

H1 (Higher 1) subjects in Singapore Junior Colleges represent a foundational level of study, requiring half the curriculum time of H2 subjects. Students typically take one or two H1 subjects alongside their H2 subjects. H1 subjects contribute to the A-Level aggregate score.

H2 (Higher 2) subjects in Singapore Junior Colleges represent an in-depth level of study, forming the core of A-Level preparation. Students take three or four H2 subjects. H2 subjects are prerequisites for related university courses (e.g., H2 Chemistry for Medicine).

General Paper (GP) is a compulsory H1 subject for all Junior College students in Singapore. It develops critical thinking, argumentation, and essay writing skills through analysis of current affairs, social issues, and global topics. GP is assessed through essay writing and comprehension, and contributes to university admission rank points. Strong GP performance demonstrates analytical and communication abilities valued by universities.

Higher Chinese Language (HCL) is an advanced Mother Tongue subject in Singapore covering the same topics as standard Chinese but at greater depth, with more complex texts and higher writing expectations. Higher Chinese students take their O-Level examination in Secondary 3 (one year earlier than standard Chinese). Achieving a D7 or better in Higher Chinese O-Level qualifies students for Mother Tongue exemption at A-Level.

MTL B Syllabus is a less demanding Mother Tongue option for students who struggle significantly with the standard curriculum. Students may be offered MTL B if they scored AL7-8 in PSLE MTL, or D7-F9 at O-Level. Important: MTL B is not counted in the L1R5 aggregate for post-secondary admission, and students must still pass MTL B for local university admission. MTL exemption should only be considered as a last resort for exceptional circumstances.

Direct School Admission (DSA) is an admissions pathway in Singapore allowing students to gain entry to secondary schools or Junior Colleges based on talents and achievements beyond academics. DSA categories include sports, arts, leadership, and academic domains. Successful DSA applicants are committed to the school before PSLE or O-Level results.

The ESB Methodology is Ancourage Academy's proprietary teaching framework combining three evidence-based approaches: Ebbinghaus Memory Theory for optimal retention through spaced repetition, Socratic Approach for critical thinking through guided questioning, and Bruner's Scaffolding Technique for progressive skill building. This methodology ensures students learn efficiently and retain concepts with confidence.

Ebbinghaus Memory Theory, developed by Hermann Ebbinghaus, describes how memory retention declines over time without reinforcement. At Ancourage Academy, we apply this through spaced repetition and strategic review sessions, ensuring concepts move from short-term to long-term memory for lasting understanding.

The Socratic Approach is a teaching method using guided questioning to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. Rather than providing direct answers, tutors ask probing questions that lead students to discover solutions themselves, building deeper understanding and independent problem-solving skills.

Bruner's Scaffolding Technique, developed by cognitive psychologist Jerome Bruner, involves providing temporary support structures that are gradually removed as students gain competence. At Ancourage Academy, tutors break complex concepts into manageable steps, offering guidance and prompts that fade progressively as students develop mastery, independence, and lasting confidence in their abilities.