1) The rules that actually shape your choices
- SEC from 2027: You’ll sit papers at G1/G2/G3 (by subject); your SEC reflects the subject + level taken. Ministry of Education
- JC admissions (from 2028 JAE): Moves to L1R4 ≤ 16 (not L1R5). Of the 4 “R” subjects:
- R1 = a Humanities, R2 = a Mathematics/Science, R3 = Humanities/Maths/Science, R4 = any best subject. (So you must include at least one Humanities and one Math/Science among the 4.) Bonus-points cap is 3. Ministry of Education+1
- Poly Year 1 (from AY2028): Compute ELR2B2 ≤ 22 (Nursing ≤ 24). You may include one “[B]” subject at G2 or G3; the other 4 must be G3. If both “[B]” subjects are G3, the lower-graded “[B]” is mapped down to G2 in scoring. (Course MERs still apply.) Ministry of Education
- ITE (AY2028 onward): Entry to 3-year Higher Nitec set at G1; direct 2-year Higher Nitec set at G2 (e.g., mixed G3/G2 students may enter 2-year Higher Nitec with ELMAB3 ≤ 19). Ministry of Education
Translation: For JC, ensure you can form an L1R4 that includes both a Humanities and a Math/Science at G3 (strongly preferred). For Poly, plan for 4×G3 + 1 “[B]” subject (at G2 or G3) within the ELR2B2basket. For ITE, note the G1/G2 entry levels by course.
2) Subject-choice workflow for Sec 2s (do this in order)
Step A — Pick your likely pathway (you can keep two open):
- JC (Science), JC (Arts), Poly (STEM/Eng/IT), Poly (Business/Media/Design), or ITE→Poly. This determines whether you must front-load G3 in certain subjects.
Step B — Lock the compulsory core at a sensibly demanding level:
- English (EL) and Mother Tongue (MTL), Mathematics, Science, Humanities (with Social Studies) are required at upper sec; take them at G3 where you aim for JC/Poly, else at the level you can sustain. Ministry of Education
Step C — Decide on Additional Mathematics (A-Math):
- Strongly recommended if you’re eyeing JC H2 Maths or STEM diplomas; it builds the algebra/calculus base. (MOE frames A-Math as preparation for mathematics-related studies.) Ministry of Education
Step D — Choose your Science route:
- Pure Sciences (G3 Physics/Chemistry/Biology) suit JC Science and many STEM diplomas; Combined Scienceis fine for Poly Business/Design pathways. Match to your interests and stamina.
Step E — Add one or two electives that fit your path & count smartly in scoring:
- Examples: Computing, POA, D&T, Art, Music, F&N—offered at G1/G2/G3 depending on school. (Check your school’s offer list.) Ministry of Education+1
Step F — Check the admissions math:
- JC: Can you form L1 (EL/HMTL) + R1 (Humanities) + R2 (Math/Science) + R3 (Hum/Math/Science) at G3with target grades to hit L1R4 ≤ 16? Ministry of Education
- Poly: Do you have ≥4 G3 subjects in your ELR2B2 basket + 1 “[B]” subject (G2 or G3) to reach ≤22 (≤24 Nursing) and meet MERs? Ministry of Education
- ITE: Are your subject levels aligned to G1/G2 entry for your intended courses? Ministry of Education
3) Sample subject combinations (illustrative, adjust to your school’s offer)
A) JC Science track (keep Poly STEM open)
- EL (G3), MTL/HMTL (G3), Mathematics (G3), Additional Mathematics (G3), Physics (G3), Chemistry (G3), Full Humanities (G3)* (+ optional 8th subject)
- Why it works: Easily forms L1R4 with Humanities in R1 and Math/Science in R2/R3; keeps Poly STEM options strong with ≥4×G3. Ministry of Education+1
B) JC Arts/Humanities track (keep Poly Business/Media open)
- EL (G3), MTL/HMTL (G3), Mathematics (G3), Literature/History/Geography (G3), 2nd Humanities (G3), Science (G2 or G3), Elective (e.g., Art/POA/Media, G2/G3)
- Why it works: Meets L1R4 humanities/maths-science mix; choose one Science at G3 if you might pivot to JC Science later. Ministry of Education
C) Poly Engineering / Computing
- EL (G3), Mathematics (G3), Additional Mathematics (G3), Physics (G3), Computing or D&T (G3), Humanities (G2) as your [B] subject, MTL (G2/G3)
- Why it works: 4×G3 + 1 “[B]” at G2 satisfies ELR2B2 ≤ 22 (target tighter to be competitive). Ministry of Education
D) Poly Business / Media / Design
- EL (G3), Mathematics (G3), Humanities (G3), POA/Art/Media (G3), Science (G2 as “[B]”), MTL (G2/G3)
- Why it works: Still ≥4×G3 in basket; the [B] can be at G2. Check course MERs for specific relevant subjects. Ministry of Education
E) ITE → Higher Nitec (with Poly in view later)
- Prioritise EL, Math, and relevant Applied subjects at levels needed by your target course; ensure you meet G1 (3-year) or G2 (2-year) entry and aim for ELMAB3 ≤ 19 if you want direct 2-year Higher Nitec. Ministry of Education
* “Full Humanities” = taking a full G3 Humanities (e.g., full Geog/Hist/Lit) alongside Social Studies, not just the elective.
4) Common pitfalls to avoid
- For JC hopefuls: Forgetting the mix rule—your L1R4 must include at least one Humanities and one Math/Science among the 4 relevant subjects. Don’t leave Humanities at too low a level. Ministry of Education
- For Poly hopefuls: Ending up with only 3 G3 subjects in your ELR2B2. You need 4×G3, with only one “[B]”allowed at G2. Ministry of Education
- Dropping A-Math too early if you might need H2 Math/STEM diplomas. It’s the best preparation for higher-level math. Ministry of Education
- Misreading “Combined Science”—great for non-STEM pathways, but Pure Science(s) make the JC Scienceand many STEM diplomas smoother.
- Assuming all electives are offered at your school—check the school’s Sec 3 offer list and criteria (some require Sec 2 performance or placements). Ministry of Education
5) Quick checklist (use this with your school’s options form)
- What are my top 2 post-sec targets (e.g., JC Science + Poly Computing)?
- Do I have ≥4 G3 subjects (Poly) and a valid L1R4 mix (JC)? Ministry of Education+1
- If I’m considering JC later, am I keeping at least one full G3 Humanities and Math/Science at G3? Ministry of Education
- If I’m considering STEM, am I taking A-Math and at least one Pure Science at G3? Ministry of Education
- Which subject will be my potential [B] subject at G2 (for Poly scoring), if needed? Ministry of Education
- Do my choices meet any course-specific MERs I care about (e.g., Nursing, Design, IT)? Ministry of Education