More N-level passes this year

SINGAPORE - More students passed the N-levels this year as compared to last year.

According to The Straits Times, 74.6 per cent of N(A) students qualified for Secondary 5 as compared to only 72.8 per cent last year. Students have to obtain an aggregate not exceeding 19 points in English Language, Mathematics and best three subjects (ELMAB3), and a Grade 5 or better for both EL and Mathematics.

11,176 students from the Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) Course and 5,120 students from the Secondary 4 Normal (Technical) Course sat for the examinations earlier this year.

Secondary 4 N(A) students who have obtained an ELMAB3 aggregate not exceeding 19 points will have the option of applying for the Direct-Entry-Scheme into Polytechnic Programme (DPP) which prepares them for progression into selected polytechnic diploma courses via a two-year Higher Nitec programme at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

About 1,000 DPP places are offered across all three ITEs a year and applications open today. 

Secondary 4 N(A) students who have obtained an ELMAB3 aggregate not exceeding 11 points can apply for the one-year Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) which prepares students for entry into the relevant diploma courses. However, they must first progress to Secondary 5 on Jan 2 next year in order to qualify for the application.

Results for N(T) students recorded a slight decrease as only 97.5 per cent passed their N-levels as compared to 98 per cent last year.

All Normal (T) students who completed their secondary education in 2014 may apply to further their studies at ITE.

Schools may also laterally transfer Secondary 4 Normal (T) students to Secondary 4 Normal (A) if they obtained grade A for EL and Mathematics and grade B or better for one other subject at the Normal (T) Level.

debwong@sph.com.sg