ECONOMICS and computer studies were two new O level subjects last year but judging from results released on Thursday, they were not stumbling blocks for students.

Of the 124 who took economics, 98 per cent passed the subject and 37 per cent scored distinctions. Of the 147 who took computer studies, 84 per cent passed and 25 scored distinctions.

The subjects were introduced in 12 schools in 2006 as part of a move to create greater diversity in mainstream secondary schools.

One of the students, Divya Georgie, 16, who scored an A1 in the subject, said she took it because she was interested in business management.

'I found it an interesting subject, a mixture of science and the arts. I'm studying it in junior college now and it's like revision to me so I'm at an advantage compared to my classmates,' said the first-year student at Temasek Junior College.

In O level economics, students get an understanding of basic issues and problems, and learn topics like demand and supply, profit and loss.

At Bedok South Secondary where 12 students took the computer science paper, 33 per cent scored distinctions.

Mr Khor Hoi Hong, who teaches the subject in Bedok South Secondary, said students learn programming, common computer applications like database systems as well as the social impact of computers.

Boon Lay Secondary, which also offers the subject, saw 26 per cent of its students score distinctions. Vice-principal Charles Chan said the subject gave pupils a chance to take a course they were interested in.

'We didn't limit the students who wanted to take the subject, so we had students ranging across the ability groups,' he said.