Streaming, which was a key feature of the Singapore education system, was designed to allow students to progress
at their own pace from primary 5 onwards. However, in 2008, streaming was replaced with subject-based banding.
At the end of primary 6, all students sit for the Primary School Leaving Examination in English, mathematics, mother-
tongue language and science. Based on the results of this examination, students are admitted to an express (60% of
students), normal academic (25%) or normal technical (15%) course in secondary school.
Students in the express course follow a four-year programme culminating in the general certificate of education
(GCE) O-level exam. Students in the normal academic course follow a four-year course to GCE N-level and may
sit for O-levels in year five (Figure 7.2). The normal technical programme prepares students for technical higher
education, jobs or the postsecondary ITE after a four-year programme leading to the GCE-N level. In recent years,
more choice has been offered to students in secondary school, with a wider range of subjects at O-level and elective
modules. Students who are clearly of university calibre may study in Integrated Programme Schools where they can
skip O-levels; this arrangement allows them to engage in broader learning experiences that develop their leadership
potential and capacity for creative thinking. There is now more horizontal mobility between courses, and students
who do well are allowed to transfer between streams. The ratio among streams is further enhanced with students
being able to follow subjects from a different stream. Schools specialising in sports, art and mathematics and science
are also available, as well as a small number of independent schools.
After 10 years of general education, students go to post-secondary education, either junior colleges (31% of
students), polytechnics (43%) or ITE (22%). Academically inclined students can take A-levels during this period and
then proceed to university. Students may also take diploma courses in technical or business subjects at polytechnics.
Many polytechnic graduates who have done well also go on to university. Students with GCE O- or N-levels can
take skill-based certificates in technical or vocational subjects at ITE. Outstanding ITE graduates can also go on to
polytechnics or universities. About 25% of a cohort goes on to university in Singapore (the number of places will
rise to 30% in 2015). Many students also go abroad to university.