Last Updated: 06 Mar 2023
Express course for secondary school
Express has two programmes: O-Level and Integrated. The GCE O-Level Programme is a 4-year course leading to the GCE O-Level examination. The Integrated Programme is a 6-year course leading to the GCE A-Level examination or International Baccalaureate Diploma or NUS High School Diploma. Students in the Integrated Programme do not need to take the GCE O-Level examination in Secondary 4. The 2023 Secondary 1 cohort will be the final cohort being placed in courses, including the Express course.
Express course (GCE O-Level Programme) at a glance
- Course length
-
4 years
- Course eligibility
-
PSLE Score of 4 - 20*
* PSLE Scores of 21 - 22 are in the Express/Normal (Academic) Option Band
- Subjects at lower secondary
-
Students are exposed to a wide range of subjects at the lower secondary level to:
- Help them make informed choices on their subjects at upper secondary level and beyond.
- Prepare them to cope with these subjects at upper secondary level.
The subjects offered are:
- English Language
- Mother Tongue Languages
- Mathematics
- Science
- Character and Citizenship Education
- Humanities, such as Geography, History and Literature in English
- Design and Technology
- Food and Consumer Education
- Physical Education
- Art
- Music
- Project Work
- Compulsory subjects at upper secondary
-
English Language, Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (with Social Studies)
- Options and electives
-
- Elective subjects available at upper secondary
- Elective programmes available
- Certifications offered
-
- GCE O-Level (Secondary 4)
- Next educational level
-
Junior college, Millennia Institute, polytechnic or Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
GCE O-Level Examination
At the end of Secondary 4, your child will sit for the GCE O-Level examination. They will need to take at least 5 and up to 9 examinable subjects.
After Secondary 4
After completing the GCE O-Level examination, depending on your child’s interests, strengths and learning goals, they can:
- Attend a junior college or Millennia Institute and take the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or the GCE A-Level examination.
- Attend a polytechnic for a 3-year diploma course.
- Attend ITE for a 2-3 year National ITE Certificate course (Nitec) or Higher Nitec course.
Explore the different types of post-secondary education institutions.